STEWARDING: ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO DEVELOP AN EYE FOR A GREAT SHOW HORSE

Here's a question. How many people can hold up their hand and say they have given stewarding a go? We all traipse off to shows quite happily to compete but I wonder how many realise what a valuable insight into showing stewarding can give you. Think about it. You are given the opportunity to stand in the middle of the ring and see classes from a judge's viewpoint. Depending on who you end up with, the judge will often share his/her thoughts on the animals being presented and why they placed the way they did. It's a fantastic learning opportunity.

I used to do a lot of stewarding for British Show Pony Society and Ponies UK classes and I loved it to bits. In fact, I was one of the only people who would agree to steward at the dreaded winter shows as I enjoyed doing it so much. Yes, my fingers would be chilled to the bone and I would look like a drowned rat from all the rain by the end of it (the person who decided a British winter and outdoor showing go hand in hand is clearly some sort of sadist!) but I learned the ins and outs of show pony conformation, I knew how a novice mountain and moorland pony was expected to behave, I learned all about the perfect show hunter pony type and I discovered that watching a freshly clipped show pony at it's first outing of the season in January can be quite amusing (I joke.....)

I went on to represent my county at the BSPS Summer Championships as a teenager where every year teams from across the country congregate to take part in a Young Judge's Competition. We were all expected to judge a class (go round, individual show, conformation section), take notes and then explain our placings to a panel of senior judges. I used to love competing as a young judge- I wonder if it is something that would encourage more young people to take their judge's exams in NZ?

I was put off by one of my more recent stewarding appointments in New Zealand (some shows need to remember that stewards, while doing it for the love of it, are unpaid and should be treated with a degree of politeness and respect....) but have decided not to let it bother me and will soldier on!

I have actually written a piece about stewarding for the latest issue of Show Circuit so grab a copy if you can. Admittedly, the article was intended to be slightly tongue in cheek but all of the points are relevant and should be adhered to if you're considering becoming one of our 'unsung heroes of the show ring.'

If you are interested in stewarding and even progressing on to becoming a fully fledged judge, contact the RAS as I'm sure they would love to hear from you!

SHOWING BRITISH NATIVE PONIES IN NEW ZEALAND

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.

For more information on Welsh ponies, visit the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of New Zealand

For Connemaras, you can go to the Connemara Pony Society of New Zealand website

The New Zealand Shetland Pony Society can be found here

If there are any other British native breeds in New Zealand, that I'm not aware of, just drop me a line!