At 12:09:02 on 07.06.10, essexequine wrote:
Hi, I've just started riding a very hairy cob for a friend. Though nothing of him till I clipped him out the other and found that wow, he is nice! Also started riding him in a pelham withh double reins, which he actually prefered to a snaffle and he went beautifully. Anyhow, the owner now wants me to show him, but I have no idea what to do in the show ring, ie your own show etc. Also we only have a synthetic saddle and the owner cannot afford to by a proper leather show saddle, so will this affect any placings he may or may not get. Any Advice will be gratefully recieved. Thanks Kerry

At 11:32:20 on 10.06.10, Riamoss wrote:
Hi, I have done some showing with my mare but only hunter classes so will give you what I know. At the local end of the showing scene the saddle should make no difference to your placing. As long as it is clean and tidy with no rips or patches (ie don't go out looking like a gypsy) then they will pay no attention. I got reserve champion at my last show and I have a brown synthetic wintec that I broke my mare in! But make sure that the saddle fits (ie not too long to hide that horse, ask yourself: does he look good in it?) In hunter classes (and I think most other types) you ride in a group around the ring, walk, trot, canter, change the rein same again then extend down one long side. You get pulled in line, you get off, the judge gets on and rides your horse. In the unusual event that the judge doesn't ride then you ride your horse in a figure of eight,through all 3 paces in front of the judge. Once that is done, you hop off, remove saddle (wipe away sweat marks - it is handy to have a 'groom' with you) then the judge calls you out to stand in front to check conformation (make him stand square and alert - not slovenly). You walk away in a straight line then trot back to the judge and past and then round back to the lineup, (don't relax as you trot round the corner - they may still be watching). Put your saddle back on, get on then you are all sent around the ring. Your next call in will be in order of placing. ie 1st place in first, then second etc. Hope that helps and good luck. If he does well then you may be interested in trying to qualify for Equifest in August, there are a few shows around doing qualifiers - check out link
http://www.equifest.org.uk