Equestrian Life July 2016 Edition

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SHOWING TIPS Showing TIPS You may think that showing in hand is simple; The reality is far from that, to be successful in the ring requires skill, showmanship and hours of preparation. The first job is to understand which class your horse should be shown in along with the appropriate turnout for your horse. This is particularly important and sometimes confusing in the coloured classes where Thomas Partridge explains “It’s important to do your research and show your coloured horse according to type and use the correct tack, if your horse is a Hunter type, it should be shown with a plain browband”. You will enter the ring on the right rein where the steward will take your number. Once all competitors are in the ring, the judge will be taking an initial look at your horse. “The walk is so important as first impressions are critical” explains Nicole Wayman (Welsh producer). The handler should be walking at the horse’s shoulder and the horse should be demonstrating a good walk with a happy and alert outlook. The judge will then want to see each horse trot individually. “It is important to not rush the trot, the horse needs to be in balance and move freely and rhythmically. The horse should also show some strides of walk at the end before halting” explains Tom. Tom Partridge shows that by moving the forelock the Judge can have a clearer view of the head Once all horses have trotted they will be lined up and each brought out individually. At this point the judge can get a close assessment of the animal including conformation, trueness to type and any defects such as splints or capped hocks. Frazer Atherden (Cuddy finalist) stresses, “In order for the judge to best assess the animal, he needs to be able to see it. Stand the horse so that all four legs are visible, with the front leg closest to the judge slightly back and the hind leg slightly forwards.” It can be difficult to assess the head of an animal with lots of forelock such as a Traditional, Tom shows that by gathering the forelock so that it sits between both eyes allows the judge a much clearer view of the head. The pony needs to be alert with ears pointing forwards and eyes focused, this can be achieved using your whip or grass to get the attention of your pony. The judge will ask to see your pony walk away and trot back so that they can assess Nicole Wayman demonstrates standing the pony so that all four legs are visible to the Judge the movement of your pony for straightness from behind and looking in front. Frazer reminds us to “always turn your pony to the right and make sure your turn isn’t too tight and that you give your pony a few strides in walk before asking to trot, once in trot, head straight towards the judge, the judge will move for you.” Whether you are showing at a local show or in a Cuddy qualifier, you need to put the work in at home. “Teaching a pony to turn is a challenge especially the youngsters as they can get very excited, therefore you need to do your homework” explains Tom. In order for your horse to look at its best, Tom advises “plenty of walking out in hand and correct work using the Pessoa and correct feeding will ensure your horse is looking fit and healthy ready for the ring.” It goes without saying your horse should be turned out to perfection, ensure you bath your horse and research the rules on trimming with the relevant society. It is also important for the handler to be turned out smartly wearing a suitable hat, and smart trousers along with a shirt and tie, waist coat or jacket. A view from the Ridden Judge By Ria Holmes The first impression, a judge gets, is when you walk into the ring. What’s the saying “first impressions count” I like to see a horse/pony walking with a long and easy stride, covering the ground and tracking up. Sadly, too many enter the ring walking as though next week would do! I like to see them walking on a longer rein not with its head scrunched into its chest. Smooth transitions are important too. One of my pet hates is a flat out trot.....believe me less is more! A steady rhythm showing that it’s working from behind. A smooth steady canter which gives the impression both horse and rider are working as one. Leading onto another pet hate....pulling on their mouths whilst kicking profusely. The 16 July 2016 Equestrian Life gallop needs to show definite lengthening of stride. Build up to the gallop as you come off the corner. Returning to a slower pace, at the end of the long side. Please don’t stop on the corner either....have witnessed a very nasty accident after someone did this, totally forgetting that other horses were following. Some judges will ask you to perform a set show. This is something that I am doing more frequently. If you are set a show, make sure you do as asked. I personally hate competitors walking away, turning and trotting back. It is surprising how many will still do it, even when asked not to. If you do your own show make it short and sweet. Plan your show so that it’s all done in front of the line. A large number of judges, myself included, don’t like gallops done behind the line up. The overall appearance needs to be a pleasing one. Ask any judge and most will say short jackets are a hate! If it was left to us, they’d be banned!! I’m horrified to see short jackets creeping into adult classes. While there is a wide range of bits being used, these days, be aware that judges DO drop marks for severe bits. Swales and Sam Marsh bits have no place on a child’s pony. For classes were there is a ride judge, please make sure your horse is accustomed to being ridden by strangers. Don’t expect ride judges to be test pilots. Also, remember ride judges aren’t there to school your horse either. The most important part of showing is to enjoy it. Remember that just because you won last week doesn’t guarantee a win this week. What one judge prefers another one doesn’t. You get that persons opinion on THAT day. Enter the ring smiling and leave smiling. Good luck to everyone competing at the Champs.
Top Tips from HOYS Cuddy Finalist Frazer Atherden: • Do your homework. Preparation is key. • Accept the judge’s decision, there is always another day. • Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, everyone needs help sometimes. •Attire: it is important to present yourself in a smart manner as first impressions count. A well fitted tweed jacket with smart trousers and boots. Hats should be worn, whether it be a flat cap, trilby or bowler for men Women can opt to wear a beagler, trilby or another alternative smart hat. Safety hats with chin straps can be worn in order to protect yourself. • Standing your horse up: Preparation is key, especially with young horses. Practice at home getting your horse standing then moving the horse back and forth to ensure you are fully in control. When you stand out for your judge, make sure you don’t stand right on top of them. This will ensure the judge can see all of the animal. 1 Animals that are overweight 2 Animal not correctly turned out for the class it is competing in. 3 Leaders not neatly/ correctly dressed for the class they are competing in. 4 Animals that jog and refuse to walk. 5 Leaders who run their animals too fast especially when trotting away from the judge, animals all go wide behind when going too fast 5 Leaders who don’t walk away in a straight line and •Walk away and Trot back: When walking away from your judge, pin point a marker ahead of you to make sure you stick to a straight line. Turn your horse in a nice sweeping turn to face your judge, stay in walk for at least three strides before picking up trot (if you trot off the turn you can make you horse unbalanced thus looking lame) Trot straight at the judge, they will move. Continue past the judge and round behind your line up. • Bitting: Bitting young horses takes a gentle but confident approach I like to use the nylon rubber bits as they are light and hollow. When they become more experienced I may use a magic bit if they need picking up a little. I gradually introduce a roller and side reins to give the horse a mouth and accept a contact. • Most importantly enjoy the day!!! It is all for the fun and the love of horses as to why we do it. Best of luck to you all and see you all out very soon. Judge Pet Hates- Robert Parker-Jones & Russell Marks explain their Pet Hates: then don’t trot back in a straight line. 6 Exhibitors who don’t stand up their horses correctly. 7 Horses and ponies that go with their heads turned to the outside. 8 Exhibitors that have not prepared and practiced before the event. 9 Unruly animals that are a danger to others in the ring! Showing in hand requires a great deal of skill. Anyone can lead a horse but not everyone can show a horse well! David Bartram & Chris Lawton say .... 1 Do your homework before the show ....make sure your horse is in regular work at home ....a good horse needs regular work and needs to be fit enough to do its ride classes and Championships. If you are doing a jumping class ie Working Hunter ...preparation and warm up is the key . A good Working Hunter should be forward going and agile . 2 Show your horse off in the ring ...showing is a beauty contest .....sit him up ...keep your chin up and look between his ears . If you have a horse with a bigger pace than the one on front ,do not get too close , find a better space . If showing a Hack make sure that you have a show in mind that is not too long .....!! Sometimes less is more . 3 The first and last thing the Judge sees is the Walk ....this pace is always underestimated .A good ride for a judge should be uncomplicated ,obedient ,in front of your leg , something that moves up and down easily in its paces .....We are not there to school horses and have a short time to evaluate. If you have a Novice Horse and it is eligible try and keep it as one as it’s education as a youngster is invaluable .....until it is time to move up to Open Classes . 4 In the ring keep an eye on the Steward when time to pull in to ensure that you have come in to your correct initial placing . 5 Make sure that your horse stands up well for Conformation and can trot up well in hand without being dragged along ! You should walk away in a straight line and turn and trot straight back towards the judge and past. 6 A good Show Horse should be well covered and fit ... Not Fat ! 7 As a rider make sure you are fit enough for the ring and do not run out of steam . And above all ,have fun ,just enjoy the day and as long as you have done your best ...your best is good enough . The Equestrian Life Championships are one of the oldest run shows held in the East Midlands. Started in 2001 as a way of ‘giving back’ to the Riding Clubs they have grown over the years into a lovely, family show taking place over two days. Qualifiers for this year end mid-July ahead of the Championships on 30th/31st July at Oakridge Arena. For more information head to www.equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk SMR PHOTOGRAPHY www.equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk 17
Page 1: Issue 254 July 2016 | £2.70 East m
Page 4 and 5: This month in ISSUE 254 | July 2016
Page 6 and 7: NEWS news ROUND UP Erewash Riders A
Page 8 and 9: NEWS PHOTOS BY EMMPIX Eve Duggan -
Page 10 and 11: DRIVING BENNINGTON CARRIAGES “TRY
Page 12 and 13: PREVIEW 16TH JUNE 2016 Photos by Re
Page 14 and 15: PROFILE The Pony Club IAN THOMPSON/
Page 18 and 19: EDUCATION NSEA, the National School
Page 20 and 21: INTERVIEW some fun in-hand with her
Page 22 and 23: COMPETITIONS Let NAF Help! Love the
Page 24 and 25: FEATURE Blue Chip Pro: Grass Sickne
Page 26 and 27: HEALTHCARE FOR YOUR HORSES Offering
Page 28 and 29: DRESSAGE Photos by SBM Photographic
Page 30 and 31: DRESSAGE LARA DYSON Breeding Planni
Page 32 and 33: TINA CANTON Box rest and CONTROLLED
Page 34 and 35: EVENTING Photos are by Tim Wilkinso
Page 36 and 37: EVENTING Photos by Julia Shearwood
Page 38 and 39: EVENTING EMMA HYSLOP-WEBB Where has
Page 40: EVENTING The Route to a Confident a
Page 43 and 44: Winner of Open Cob Class Katie Moul
Page 45 and 46: SIDE SADDLE An Elegant Day! Lauren
Page 47 and 48: Senior Female Gold Champion and Sup
Page 49 and 50: SHOWS Novice Pony Supreme Elliee St
Page 51 and 52: Overall Ring Champion Susan Heath a
Page 53 and 54: SHOWS Photos by Emmpix.co.uk 19th J
Page 55 and 56: SHOWS SHOTS 22nd MAY 2016 | ADDRESS
Page 57 and 58: SHOWS SHOTS WELLOW CHARITY SHOW Ash
Page 59 and 60: Your Events Calendar For The Month
Page 65 and 66: SERVICES DIRECTORY To Advertise you
Page 67 and 68:
ELEGANCE IN THE AIR As top-level sp
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Equestrian Life July 2016 Edition

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