I was looking through a box of old photos today and it got me feeling all nostalgic and thinking about the first time I got into showing *insert wavery, dream like transition here*
My first showing experience was when I was ten years old with my first pony, an oversized skewbald Shetland called 'Tullie.' He was ancient but hadn't been ridden for years by the time he came to me. The first three times I got on him, he dumped me on the floor and ran back to his stable. By the time our fourth attempt rolled around, he had relented and deigned to let me sit on him for a little while. We used to jump over milk crates and flower beds and raced my brother around the garden (my brother usually won, Tullie wasn't very fast)
We headed off to our first show that first summer, a buzzy local affair, with horses and ponies of all types, colour and quality. I'd scrubbed him to within an inch of his life and got so many comments on how clean and bright his white bits were. I went in some ridden class and spent most of the time up his neck as the saddle didn't fit his rather broad, barrel like frame.
I don't even remember if I won anything, but I do know I had the most fun ever and have been hooked ever since!
What's your earliest memory of showing? Feel free to either share it with us in the comments below this post or email me and I'll add your memory for you :)
Following on from my post about introducing show classes for adults on ponies, I thought I would take a quick look at competing the British natives, both in-hand and under saddle. There aren't a huge number of ridden classes available in New Zealand yet (although obviously, if more people showed an interest, more shows would host those classes) but if you are wanting to keep showing the 'littlies' rather than moving onto hacks, it's a good option. Plus, you don't have to plait!
The Welsh ponies are the most prominent in New Zealand, although I am aware that there are some Shetlands and Connemaras around as well. You can read the breed standard for each type of Welsh Pony (A,B,C and D) here. If you are interested in the other British native breeds, you can find out more about them here.
Following are a few key points about showing Welsh ponies:
They are supposed to be presented 'au natural', although you won't be penalised for a bit of discreet trimming. For example, you can thin the end of the tail so that it's not dragging along the floor. You can also tidy the mane up somewhat if it's very long and thick, shorten any whiskers on the muzzle and trim any very long hairs protruding from the ears or along the jaw line.
No make-up should be applied although a spray of show sheen is allowed and can make a well cared for and conditioned coat look fantastic
In hand, mares and fillies can be shown in either a regular bridle or in the more traditional white webbing or rope show halter. You can pick these up from this Ebay store if you can't find one in NZ.
When showing in-hand, wear shoes that you can really RUN in. The Welshies are famous for their impressive trots (especially the cobs) so you will need to show it off.
Native ponies are supposed to be shown in a workmanlike manner- think a saddle hunter way of going rather than how the show ponies are presented. Bearing this in mind, a more workmanlike turnout suits the Welshies. Plain leather tack, with the rider dressed as they would for a hunter class works well. Please no blingy browbands- they just look soo wrong!
Following on from that previous point, the natives are supposed to be fairly forward going and, like the hunters, a lot of emphasis is put on the gallop. Lean forward, kick on and enjoy going full pelt down the side of the ring (just make sure you have schooled your pony well and he pulls up calmly!)
Above all, stride into the show ring with a smile on your face and have a good time! The native breeds, such as the Welshies, are just the most amazing fun, both to own and to show.
