What is trending in the hunter show ring? (new to it)

[beau159]

Next year, I am planning entering my colt in a few English classes. He will be 4 next year and I want to use it as an opportunity to get him in the arena. In my area, usually the English classes that are offered are Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Hunter Hack.

Since I’ve ridden Western my entire life and don’t know a lot about English, I am currently taking English lessons and I will be asking these things of my instructor too. But it’s nice to get a variety of opinions.

Up until now, I have been riding lesson horses but I will be riding my colt over the winter with my instructor. At first, I will use her equipment but will eventually get my own.

I am not looking to break the bank on a saddle, but I don’t want a piece of garbage either. Honestly, I am most interested in synthetic for an English saddle for the ease of maintenance and because I won’t be using it that hard.
1) What brands should I avoid and/or what brands should I look at?

2) Is a brown saddle in style or is black?

3) What type of pad should I be showing in? Do you show in a fleece pad or a quilted pad? I’m assuming WHITE is the way to go?

This is my colt, if color matters on what pad or saddle color I get for him.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/r_beau/2014%20Horse%20Pictures/Shotgunsupriseevent_zps431bc76f.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k27/r_beau/2014%20Horse%20Pictures/2014-07-26MissouriRiverClassicplayday040_zps184d3884.jpg

I’ll probably get a pad to use just for showing and a different one for schooling, so that my show pad is bright and clean.

4) What about the pads with numbers? Is that in style, or should I attach my number to my jacket? Referring to these:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/medallion-competition-pad/p/X1-19618/

5) Do I have to have a velvet-covered helmet? I currently ride in a Tippery Sportage. I am assuming that will be fine for local shows?

6) For riding attire, am I correct that a BLACK jacket is the acceptable color, with khaki breeches, and black boots?

What colors are acceptable for an under shirt? What do you think would be best for my dark grey horse?

And my last question (in my endless list) that I can think of right now…

7) What should I do with his mane? It is long and for the local shows I am going to go to, and for the few events I am going to show him in, I am NOT going to pull it or cut it. Should I leave it natural or should I band it in some way?

[OnDeck]

1. Brands aren’t important as the idea that whatever tack you get fits and doesn’t stick out.

2. Brown tack

3/4. For schooling you can use whatever you want. For showing you want a white fitted show pad WITHOUT the number slot (unless you’re doing breed shows, I believe they are the only circuit to use the number slot)

5. Your helmet, assuming it’s black, may depend on the circuit. It might be perfectly fine, you might get some weird looks. A judge probably won’t nail you for it.

6. Both black and navy are equally common, with or without pinstripe or windowpane. Brown and grey are also acceptable, but aren’t “in style”.

7. Maybe a running braid for the mane? I’m not totally sure about that, every horse who does hunters on a regular basis will have a pulled mane.

[findeight]

Go watch or look at videos of a Hunter classes, Hunter Derby Finals should still be up on the USEF Network, it’s free. Or just poke around on You Tube. You pretty much want to look as close to what you see as you can.

And it’s a fitted, white pad, shaped like the saddle with very little showing equally all around the edges. May be over a half pad, pommel pad or riser pad but no square pads and it has to be neat, neat, neat.

Number goes on your back, usually tied with long shoestrings through holes in the white backing and around your waist. Only Jumpers pin it to the pad.

Hunters is never really about what’s " trending". More about what has always been considered appropriate. Start with a basic dark blue coat and white shirt with snap collar or choker. Branch out a bit later after you can see and learn what’s popular while still conservative. There’s wiggle room with shirt and jacket colors but if you can only have one? Make it dark or navy coat and white shirt.

Go watch those videos and get to some shows before you start spending anything.

[gypsymare]

First find out what kind of shows you will be going to. Turnout for a hunter under saddle class at a local fair or an AQHA or APHA show will be different than for a rated hunter show. Way of going will be different for the horse, too.

[copper1]

Hunters just never have long flowing manes. Pulled and braided is the no fail way to go but if you truly do not want to pull it, learn to do a running braid well that stays along the crest so the mane is tidy.

[comingback]

[QUOTE=findeight;7732683]

Hunters is never really about what’s " trending". [/QUOTE]

I agree with your post, but I giggled at this part. You know there are some posters who would think this the most blasphemous statement ever!

In all seriousness OP, as long as your clothing and equipment fit well and are in good repair, brands don’t matter. Stick to tan breeches, navy or black coat, and a white shirt and you’ll be fine:)

[french_fry]

At most local shows the classes you describe will run more closely to AQHA classes than H/J classes.

I show H/J so someone else will have to step in and let you know what flies in those classes.

Off the top of my head: number pad, yes. Hunt cap (not a safety helmet unless you’re under 18) yes. Black jacket (or navy, of course, with the occasional brown or gray thrown in) with pastel (or darker!) shirt, yes. Khaki breeches, yes. Horse long and low, yes.

Trends may depend on geographic region.

The natural mane is a no pretty much anywhere but if it’s a local show and you’re attached to it I’m sure they’ll let it slide.

Google image “aqha hunter under saddle” for some ideas.

[beau159]

Thank you everyone for the replies. This is very useful information to get me started.

@findeight;7732675

Go watch or look at videos of a Hunter classes, Hunter Derby Finals should still be up on the USEF Network, it’s free. Or just poke around on You Tube. You pretty much want to look as close to what you see as you can.[/QUOTE]

I have Googled and looked at pictures/video but I have seen both brown and black tack, as well as pads with and without numbers on the show pad, so it is good to hear more specifically on what is used for what.

[QUOTE=OnDeck;7732675] For showing you want a white fitted show pad WITHOUT the number slot (unless you’re doing breed shows, I believe they are the only circuit to use the number slot)

As I stated, I’ll just be doing a few local shows, so nothing too formal.

Most of the shows start with the English classes first thing in the morning, followed by Western showmanship and showing classes. Then reining. Then speed events at the end of the day.

[QUOTE=french fry;7732675]
Off the top of my head: number pad, yes. [/QUOTE]

Wait. So one person says YES to number slots on the pad, and someone else says NO?

Anyone else want to chime in for a local show?

[QUOTE=findeight;7732675]
Go watch those videos and get to some shows before you start spending anything.[/QUOTE]

I have been to all of the shows before that I plan on entering. Just have never done the English events. I’ve got a general idea of what people are wearing, but just didn’t pay super close attention to some of the specifics.

[QUOTE=OnDeck;7732675]
Your helmet, assuming it’s black, may depend on the circuit. It might be perfectly fine, you might get some weird looks. A judge probably won’t nail you for it. [/QUOTE]

My helmet is indeed black.

And I wear it all the time.

I probably get more weird looks in the Western classes for wearing my helmet… :no: But I feel it makes my head safer so I’m going to wear it.

Whether its a good “stand out” thing or a bad one, I feel it certainly makes me stand out more in the Western classes because I definately am the only adult in my area that wears one (besides my mother).

[QUOTE=copper1;7732675]
Hunters just never have long flowing manes. Pulled and braided is the no fail way to go but if you truly do not want to pull it, learn to do a running braid well that stays along the crest so the mane is tidy. [/QUOTE]

Seeing as how I am also going to use him for Western classes (including reining), I can’t chop off his mane and I’m not going to. Plus he’s in a pasture 24/7 and his mane aids greatly in protecting him from flies.

But the running braid is a good idea to have him look neat and tidy in a hunter class. I’ll see if my instructor knows how to do one to show me.

[french_fry]

It’s not so much about whether the show is local or not as it is how the show is run. At a local H/J show, for example, a number pad would be a firm no. At a local show like the one you describe, with English and Western classes, the English classes are typically judged according to breed standards. So an Arabian would be turned out like for a hunt seat class at an Arabian show, a QH decked out as if for a QH show, etc. Number pads are (to my knowledge) still a yes in the flat hunter classes on the AQHA circuit so should be appropriate for a local show with a QH.

You are a little sassy and defensive for someone who is asking the exact same question that is posted literally every other week on this board. We could have told you to use the search feature. Just sayin’.

[beaujolais]

“My helmet is indeed black. And I wear it all the time.”

Yay for you. Keep it going!!! Mom too!!

[findeight]

On the number pad thing…judge needs to see the number from both sides in rail classes and Hunters. Jumpers move around and change direction more. I dunno if breed shows give you two, never thought about it. But we open types only get one and making another yourself usually looks like you made one yourself because you lost it.

Anyway it’s one of those traditional things that can seem silly, we just stick it on the back so it can be seen and shows only get one of each when they order. It’s a pretty easy thing to deal with, you just need to know which way before you get out there.

[lachelle]

I went to my first open show series this past summer. I took my TB (who looks like a QH) and did all the Hunter Under Saddle classes and did fairly well. So I can chime in from the perspective of someone who has done both regular Hunters, and local/open HUS.

Brown tack no matter what the show. Black tack is usually reserved for Dressage.

Number pads for these open show: Are they acceptable? Yes. But a white/fitted fleecy pad will be cheaper and will be just fine. NO color pads, and NO square quilted pads. And while half-pads are the norm at H/J shows…you don’t see ANY at these local/open shows. I would play it safe and buy something that looks like this:
http://www.horse.com/item/toklat-medallion-close-contact-pad/E011990/

That way, if you ever DO decide to do a H/J show you can still use the same pad

Helmet: I would see what everyone else is doing on the day of the show… I personally recommend buying a seperate velvet show helmet. But if a another helmet is not in the budget, I would say just use your schooling helmet. I think the velvet covers just look tacky.

Everyone else has pretty much covered dress.

For the mane: Running braid for sure. It’s REALLY easy to learn. Like one long french braid. It doesn’t take as much finesse as hunter braids, and will look MUCH nicer than a long/flowing mane in the HUS classes.

[StormWarriorC]

I would personally say NO to the number pad unless you’re doing a breed show and everyone else is doing it. Generally under saddle judges ask you to orient your number to the rail so they can judge more easily at local shows (you’re expected to know this at rated shows).

For the coat and clothes, hit up ebay or a local consignment shop. Up until this year all of my show clothes have been consignment - you can find AWESOME deals!!

In rated hunters it’s very rare to see black tack.

Local shows the helmet should be fine - if you ever decide to do rated anything, you will get some weirdo looks for the Tipp!! Usually eventers are the only ones who do the Tipp, or at least that’s what I’ve noticed.

[hj0519]

@beau159;7733491

Anyone else want to chime in for a local show?

The problem is that tack and attire for local shows really depends on where you live and what show it is/who runs the show. Your best bet for fitting in is to spectate at the show you’re going to and see what everyone else is wearing. The right stuff for a local show in one place may or may not be the right stuff for a local show in another area or even a local show in the same area run by different people.

[beau159]

[QUOTE=french fry;7733495]

You are a little sassy and defensive for someone who is asking the exact same question that is posted literally every other week on this board. We could have told you to use the search feature. Just sayin’. :D[/QUOTE]

Sassy?

Where? If you feel I was “sassy” to you, read again. One person told me to use a number and the next didn’t. It’s confusing. I pointed it out for more input and clarification.

If you didn’t want to waste your time responding to my questions that are “posted literally every other week”, then don’t bother. No one is making you.

[QUOTE=lachelle;7733594]

Brown tack no matter what the show. Black tack is usually reserved for Dressage. [/QUOTE]

Ah. I never realized that. Makes sense though.

Great information everyone.

[french_fry]

[QUOTE=beau159;7733963]
Sassy?

Where? If you feel I was “sassy” to you, read again.

[snip]

If you didn’t want to waste your time responding to my questions that are “posted literally every other week”, then don’t bother. No one is making you. [/QUOTE]

Sass for days! :lol:

[ParadoxFarm]

I didn’t read you as sassy.

You already have great advice. I will go with the NON-numbered pad crowd. Get a fitted pad and you can show later at other shows with it.

I commend you on wearing your helmet in western events. Good for you. I wish more would do it. I was the only helmet wearer on a western drill team.

[alternate_universe]

You may see black tack on jumpers, but hunters and jumpers are not the same thing. Among other things, hunters have a more specific dress code, as you’re learning.

To add my two cents, based on personal observations: As you already probably know, you will need either black paddock boots/smooth black half chaps or black field boots. Black rubber boots or black fashion boots (ie. from a regular shoe store) are not viable substitutes. They do not have the same fit as real riding boots or half chaps and it will be very noticeable. Unless you have very unusual sizing issues, you should be able to find a well-fitting pair of boots of the rack or purchase a lightly used pair from somewhere.

I’ve had success buying things from tacktrader.com, but Ebay and Craigslist are also options.

[Anne]

I firmly believe that looking the part the moment you step into the ring shows the judge that you belong. Better to start off on the right foot than to make a poor first impression and have to prove that your horse can do the job. Having said that, your horse is cute. Pull his mane. If he’s showing in other western rail events, you have 2 disciplines that need a pulled mane, and one (reining) that doesn’t. Two against one. A mane doesn’t protect a horse from flies but the sweat under it can attract them. When you know better, do better.

No show bows. Have your trainer or a friend show how to put your hair up under your helmet. If you’re buying a first/only hunt coat, go with navy blue, with or without a subtle pinstripe or plaid pattern. Navy is classic and will never go out of style; other colors come and go. Black can look a little “uniformy” on an adult. If you’re only going to have one ratcatcher, choose white. The snap type without a separate choker are in right now, but if yours has a choker, no pin. Plain or monogrammed. Belt with the breeches please.

Brown tack. Adjust the noseband of the bridle to sit one finger under his jaw bone. You may need to have the cavesson hanger shortened as many are too long.

Do not buy a synthetic English saddle. Ask your trainer about brands, and find a good quality used leather saddle. If you take care of it, a used saddle will hold its value very well.

As others have said, a pad with a number slot screams “breed show”, as in AQHA/APHA, as these shows require that type of pad. In USEF hunter land, you will see shaped white pads or half pads.

[beau159]

@french fry;7733990

Sass for days! :lol:[/QUOTE]

???

What is your problem? Have I done something to you that I’m not aware of?

If you start off the battle by giving me a snarky remark, I’m not exactly going to just let you trample over me. But this is getting a little bit uncalled for and immature.

[QUOTE=Anne;7734155]I firmly believe that looking the part the moment you step into the ring shows the judge that you belong. Better to start off on the right foot than to make a poor first impression and have to prove that your horse can do the job. Having said that, your horse is cute. Pull his mane. If he’s showing in other western rail events, you have 2 disciplines that need a pulled mane, and one (reining) that doesn’t. Two against one. A mane doesn’t protect a horse from flies but the sweat under it can attract them. When you know better, do better.

Wonderful tips. Thank you. I have seen those “show bows” recently, especially the ones for kids. Ick.

As far as the mane pulling “debate”, I agree with you 100% about first impressions. However, maybe I should have been more complete. There will also be ranch horse competitions I am entering him in (one is actually in a couple weeks) and the pulled mane would be a NO for that as well.

I think the best compromise I can make based on all the different events I want to do with him is to try the braid to make him look as neat as I possibly can while keeping his mane natural.