Anyone here show in hand? I’m going to have my first go this July and was hoping for some tips and advice.
I’ve read a few things on line and looked at some photographers’ sites to see pictures from shows. But, what is proper to wear? Is it recommended to have stick? I see references to a “show stick” - is that different from a riding crop?
I’m pretty clueless except for my googling skillz so I’m open to any and all advice - thanks!
Where/what exactly are you showing in? Hunter breeding? Sporthorse in hand? A breed show? Showmanship?
The rules vary a bit and so do the traditions. For hunters and sporthorses, many people wear khakis or chino type pants with a collared shirt and belt and carry a jumping bat or short dressage whip. Wear sneakers or paddock boots that you can run in. A helmet may be mandatory and is always a good idea.
For other types of shows, riding clothes (either English or Western) may be correct.
Thank you! It’s a Connemara Pony breed show.
Khakis, collared shirt, paddock boots - check. I see several mentions that the head should be covered but a helmet does not seem mandatory at this show based on the pictures I’ve seen. If not, would a sturdy straw summer hat do? I’ve seen those in some pictures.
Gloves? Waistcoat?
If you’re talking about doing hunter breeding, Google “Sallie B. Wheeler national hunter breeding championships.” You’ll find lots of pictures.
Thank you! There was a nice turn out video on there. I’m all set with turning out the pony, just not myself! 
Devon horse show has a green conformation model class tomorrow at 8am in the Dixon oval. The livestream is available on the usef network. Also you can re watch the yearling breeder in hand classes from earlier in the week to give you a look at what’s what. Good luck & have fun
I’ve shown Welsh ponies but not Connemaras, but I’d imagine a straw hat is probably fine-- just practice trotting up in it to make sure it will stay on and your pony won’t try to eat it. (And definitely practice in general, both standing up and jogging! With a friend to walk around and “judge” and pony friends to line up with if possible. Gloves and waistcoat are probably fine as well, but I would go with whatever looks to be the norm for your breed (and location if you’re not in the US because I’m sure that fashion is a bit different in Europe!)
as you practice if there is a pattern you are to lead through you might want to add some distractions
my daughter practiced her two year old in what was the pattern except it was just the pattern without added stuff like potted plants
Connemaras are pretty neat guys, we just could not find any when we got Morgans
Great tip, thanks! And, wow, they are beautifully turned out. Gorgeous, the both of them!
Lovely picture, do you know where that bridle came from, I’ve been looking for something raised and delicate like that. Thanks
If it’s a conformation class, remember to give to judge plenty of room to view the horse. Don’t stand too close to horse’s face and if you are lined up on the rail head to tail (usually you’re not in that position close to rail but if it’s a big class you might find yourself in that spot) make sure there is enough room between rail and horse for the judge to walk around the horse and get a view.
Thank you!
I will ask daughter when she returns from Costa Rica this week
Class was at Morgan Nationals, Sport Horse in Hand
OK here’s the answers
basic bridle a cob size that is from Bobby’s English Tack (it is from about 2005 but she looked up their current web site and there are similar ones available… it was not the most expensive)
The Lead is from Tory
The converter on the lead is from Schneider Saddlery, she changed the snaps to buckles
Is it a Connemara SHOW? Or Connemara classes at a hunter show?
If it is at a hunter show, it may be a bit more formal.
You can always wear riding attire, as Clanter’s daughter does.
Or you can wear nice slacks, belt and collared shirt. I usually wear a nice polo shirt in mid summer, or an oxford shirt if the weather is cooler.
I usually wear a straw hat, but I also have one of those Australian leather cowboy hats I would wear if it was drizzling.
A rule of thumb is that you want the color of your slacks to contrast with the color of your horse (so the judge can more clearly see the horse’s movement when walking or jogging/trotting). So if you have a gray, wear dark colored slacks. If you have a dark horse, wear light colored slacks. You do not want to distract from the horse.
I wouldn’t wear a vest/ waistcoat unless it were chilly. You can always wear a riding jacket as well if you want (even with slacks).If you are more comfortable wearing gloves, do, but don’t feel you have to. Riding crops and shortish dressage whips are common .
If it is a Connemara show. you will start with everybody walking around the ring. Then, when the judge has looked at everyone walking, you will line up in the middle of the ring. The judge will then examine each horse for conformation, and have each horse walk away from the judge and trot back. Trot briskly, it isn’t a “hunter jog”.
If it is a hunter show with Connemara classes, they may start with everyone lined up in the middle. Then they check for conformation, and each horse walks and trots individually.
It is a Connemara show IN Connemara.
Thank you for the detailed attire tips, especially the contrasting trousers tip. Super helpful!
AH, well the Irish custom may be a little different, but there should be pictures of previous shows.
Yes, I’m looking at pics from shows that were held before covid. But your background and tips were still super helpful!
Thank you, much appreciated
you are welcome, daughter just told me this and that and I asked her to write it down for me… I was not aware that this was a conglomeration bridle that she had assembled specifically for her wonder horse
over the years we have kept most of our tack from horse to horse
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