THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU'RE WAITING FOR THE NEXT SHOW SEASON TO START....

'Sarah knew her new show horse was going to be a star. She hadn't seen any others that could perfect such a beautiful handstand'

Like many others, I am impatient for the next show season to get started. My last competition was Royal Easter in April which seems an eternity ago (yes, yes, I know it was only a month ago but it feels like it has been a very long time!) I don't even know how I coped with not showing for the four years I was at university. Ah yes, I do....bar crawls and vodka shots.

Ummm...moving on. This impatience to get showing again has inspired me to come up with my own list of things to do during the long, cold, winter months. Feel free to share your own!

1) Start sending the local A&Ps emails, letters, text messages and carrier pigeons, hassling them to get their January 2011 schedule up online already. You've had at least a month to get the next show organised- what's taking you so long!

2) Spend hours in the paddock staring at your wild, hairy beast trying to remember what he looked like in his summer coat. Much more entertaining than staying inside and watching America's Next Top Model. Ignore the stares of non-showie horsey types and family members. Of course they wouldn't understand.

3) Spend some time in the kitchen concocting a new kind of show shine, then test it on your hapless equine. I wonder if a combination of olive oil, shoe polish, ginger and margarine would work....? If it doesn't, present it to your friends or partner and pretend it's a dessert you've invented.

4 ) It's very important to browse TradeMe during the boring winter months. There are so many fantastic winter projects for sale, how could you possibly resist? I recommend purchasing horses of the same colour, say bay, so that they all blend together and your partner can't tell whether you have bought any more equines when he peers out at the paddock. This will come in handy when you get fed up of being bucked off previously mentioned winter project and resort to throwing him out into the field until further notice.

5) Clip 'I love New Zealand Showing' into your horse's furry winter coat. Don't pay attention to the sniggers. They're just jealous and envy your superior showie knowledge.

6) Practice some new workout moves to impress your fellow showies with when you hit the show circuit again. Teaching your Park Hack to roll over, spin round or perform a leap into the air on command could really make you stand out from the crowd and will undoubtedly impress the judge. Of course, some of us have ultra-special horses that don't need any training and will execute such awesome moves without our intervention. Getting some practice in while out on hacks or at winter dressage shows never hurts though.

7) If it's raining outside, try mock-cantering around the living room, pretending that you have just won a title at Horse of the Year. Make your partner/children/family cheer and play some suitable music to make it extra authentic. You will appreciate the practice when you win a major prize in 2011 and have already perfected your lap of honour.

HOW MUCH MAKE-UP IS TOO MUCH IN THE SHOW RING?

On the horses that is! Make-up on riders is an entirely different story....

When is enough enough when it comes to the products we use on our show horses and ponies? We have so many choices now: black and clear make-up for the eyes, muzzle and ears, sparkle spray for the body, black hoof cream and varnish, dye for the body and tail. If you wanted to, you could transform your show animal into something barely resembling the equine that emerged from his stable earlier that morning.

My own personal opinion is that 'enhancement' should be the key word here. Use a tiny bit of product around the eyes and nose to enhance a pretty head and to bring attention to quality features. If it is blindingly obvious that your horse is wearing make-up, you've gone too far. Also bear in mind that the judge will occasionally want to give your horse a pat when handing out ribbons etc. No judge will thank you if she walks out of the ring with a nose shaped black mark on her sleeve or the back of her jacket!

One final point. I do not like make-up on hunters. Simply because I have never seen anyone following hounds plastering their mount with product before heading off to a hunt meet. What would it be for? Mesmerising the hare with your horse's beautifully made up face, thus giving the hounds a chance to catch up with it? We have established in a previous post that many show/saddle hunter riders are wary of hunting, for various reasons, but come on people- at least pretend that you're sticking with traditional turnout!

Comments welcome. What do you think about make-up in the show ring? Are people getting too carried away with it or do most of us strike a good balance?

If you want to learn more about turnout, there are some great articles on the Supreme Products website. A quick Google search will also throw up some decent guides.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE SHOW CIRCUIT

This year, I managed to dive back into showing after a six year break and survived my first, albeit short, season back in the ring. From competing and observing, I have realised that showing in the UK and NZ is not all that different. Here are a few valuable tips I have picked up both here and back in Blighty!

1) Horses will always surprise you. If you think they're going to be chilled and lovely at their first show, they will turn into a fire-breathing dragon the moment they step off the trailer. If they are normally a bit full of it at home, they will probably be a lamb out showing. That's horses. They like to keep us on our toes.

2) Never trust alarm clocks. They will inevitably fail you at a crucial moment. Always set two the night before a show!

3) If a well known combination shows up, you will have to work even harder to stand out. The judge will be expecting the former horse and rider to do well and will automatically give them a second glance. It's naive to think otherwise! However, do not give up as soon as a successful combo enters the ring. Use the competition to push you to perform as well as you possibly can.

4) Too much make-up is just as bad for horses as it is for people. Subtle is the way- don't turn your pony into a drag queen lookalike.

5) Judges are everywhere- it's not just the one in the ring you should be thinking of.

6) If your horse doesn't perform well, do not take it out of the ring and work it until it is a sweating, wobbly mess. This will achieve nothing. Take it home, consider what you did wrong (and yes, issues out competing are usually rider error) and get back to the schooling drawing board.

7) On some occasions, despite the fact that you have shelled out an unthinkable amount of money to produce your show horse or pony, dragged yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn and have performed to the best of your ability, you will still be placed last, behind a half-lame moose.

Don't stress and do not go on a mad rant, stamping your feet and shouting at the judge and anybody else who will listen. Sometimes, the judging just does not go your way. Grit your teeth, smile sweetly and put the judge's name in your little black book of 'judges to avoid.' Your next time out will be better.

8) Don't use spurs, draw reins or a double bridle if you haven't been taught how to use them properly

9) A smile costs nothing.

10) There are some people in the showing world, as in every sport, who have acute tall poppy syndrome. If you succeed, they will try to cut you down. They despise other individuals doing well (unless it is them of course...) Ignore them at all costs- do not let them spoil your fun!

Anyone have any words of wisdow to add?

HOW MANY SADDLE/SHOW HUNTERS ACTUALLY GO HUNTING?

This might sound like a funny question but when you're watching the saddle hunters (show hunters in the UK) parading around the show ring, immaculately groomed and covered in show sheen, it's kind of hard to imagine them flying over fences and galloping over muddy fields on a hunt meet. How many riders actually take their hunters out hunting?

Part of me thinks it would be ridiculous to have a horse you are presenting to judges as the perfect hunter type, and only compete in the show ring with it....It would be a bit like owning a shiny, brand new Aston Martin and only using it to drive down to the bottom of your drive to pick up the post. Surely, if you have the perfect hunter, he should be out doing what he was bred to do. Hunting, cross country, jumping, plus a million other things a horse like that is built to do.

But then another part of me does understand that these animals are show horses and, even though we often won't admit it, a scar or a lump, will have an impact on the judge's decision if they are faced with two horses of equal type, quality and performance.....

If you're a show rider and you actually take your saddle/show hunter out hunting over winter, let us know! If you keep your hunter wrapped up in cotton wool, tell us about that as well. I would love to hear both sides of the story on this one.

UPDATE: Comment from succesful NZ saddle hunter competitor, Anne Hjorth, owner of 'Savile Row':-

'I would hunt my saddle hunter, however, a couple of things stop me from doing this:

1. the cost to join the hunt club - i have no funds left after a show season for this lump sum of nearly $400. (Waikato Hunt)
2. I work full time and would not be able to keep him fit enough for it once daylight savings ends.
3. last few times I hunted (rode huntsman spare horses) couple years ago, it put me off as there are some riders and horses totally uneducated that are down right dangerous and I would hate to put my good show horse in a situation which might cause injury to himself.

Otherwise, love the sport and if there were smaller fields or if I didn't work I certainly would be hunting each winter.'

CHECK OUT THE SUPREME PRODUCTS GUIDE TO PLAITING

If you're new to showing or returning to competing after an extended gap, you need as much help as you can get! The Supreme Products blog is a great resource and is regularly updated with showing tips like how to sew perfect plaits. Make sure you check it out!

If you have any questions about Supreme Products, feel free to ask me. If you would like to purchase anything, you can contact them directly and they will advise you of shipping costs etc. A limited selection of their products can also be purchased from D C Grooming Supplies here in New Zealand and a few items also occasionally pop up on TradeMe.

Happy Showing!

SHOW CIRCUIT MAGAZINE- ARTICLES NOW ONLINE

In case you weren't aware, a number of 'Show Circuit' articles are now available online over at http://www.showcircuit.co.nz/.

Quite a few of mine are now available, including interviews with Simone Simpson (great interviewee!), Alan Windle, Leigh Taylor and Louise Blair. My 'The Art of Ringcraft' piece is also up, as is 'Show Hunter: Striving for Success.' Make sure you check them out. I'm always open to feedback and comments. If you have anything to say just leave a comment here or flick me an email.

Keep an eye out for the April issue which will be out in a few weeks

NO FOOT, NO SHOW HORSE

The weather in Auckland has been absolutely abysmal recently- rain, rain and yet more rain! I think this is probably part of the reason my poor yearing filly has developed a yucky little abscess. I haven't had to deal with one in years and the only ones that I have had any experience with were caused by very obvious stone bruises. I was in an absolute panic when I saw her limping around the field- all sorts of nightmare situations flashed across my mind. Thankfully, the vet took one look at her trotting up and said abscess, which was a huge relief. Although, I have to say, poulticing a yearling with a sore foot is one of the trickier things I've had to do!

It got me to thinking about feet though- and how important they are. They really should be one of the first things that a show judge looks at, as without a well put together foot, a horse or pony is probably not going to keep going for as long and in some cases won't be able to perform its job to the best of its ability (think of the Hunters which are supposed to be capable of travelling over undulating terrain all day long) Do you think judges pay enough attention to the feet? I know that those judging the native pony classes (Welsh, Fell Ponies, Connies etc) place great importance on good, strong hooves but it should be just as important a consideration in show pony and show horse classes...

Thinking about hooves also got me musing on the strange things that some people do to enhance movement. Some more humane than others!

Show hacks and ponies: Use of lightweight aluminum plates. Often, producers will ride their animals in normal shoes day-to-day and then switch to the plates the day before the show. Apparently, the horses feel the difference in weight and display a more exaggerated movement. A word from someone in the know: these shoes cost a blimmin fortune and literally melt off the feet if you even dare look at a road!

Some people take the shoes off the day before a show, for the same reason as above

Welsh Cobs: There has been much controversy regarding the Welshies over the years, as some people have been caught employing questionable techniques to achieve 'correct' movement. This includes fitting weighted shoes to encourage a snapping up of the knee- sometimes on ponies as young as yearlings! This is actually a pointless exercise as it ultimately ruins their action. They end up practically trotting on the spot, throwing their legs all over the place and not moving freely forwards as they should.

Saddle Seat Horses: High action is prized in the Saddle Seat Horse. Therefore, many horses shown in Saddle Seat are shod with pads and special shoes. The shoes are often held in place with a metal band, as well as cinches, because of their weight. Longer toes and heavier shoes encourage a Saddle Seat Horse to lift its feet and knees higher, or reach them out farther , with more snap and flash. Toe length and shoe weight is an often controversial subject among competitors.

The most controversial practice used on some Saddle Seat Horses, primarily the Tennessee Walking Horse is soring: the placing of a caustic ointment on the coronary band and pastern of the horse, to cause pain so that the horse picks up its feet as quickly as they touch the ground

Anyone know of any other breeds/types where people really put themselves out and use various gadgets to enhance the animal's movement?

FIND THE NEXT PERFECT HOME FOR YOUR SHOW HORSE OR PONY

If anybody would like to advertise their show horse or pony via my blog then please send me some copy and a photo. If you have a YouTube video clip, you can send me the link to that as well.

I know these aren't the easiest times and shelling out for ads all over the place can really hit you where it hurts (in the wallet!)

You are free to have the ad up on this blog as long as you want and hopefully you will find a great new home for your horse or pony.

Also, if you are currently searching for your dream show animal, let me know and we'll do our best to help you find it!

Email me if you would like to get in touch

PREPARING SHOW HORSES AND PONIES FOR THAT BUZZY COMPETITION ENVIRONMENT

Those first few outings with your young or novice show animal are always exciting times. Will they explode like a dry tinder box packed full of chinese firecrackers, doused with petrol and then lit with a single match? Or will they come off the box and float serenely into the ring, wowing the judge and everyone at the ringside with their grace and poise?

Sometimes, the ones that you would least expect turn into fire-breathing dragons and the so-called 'nervey' ones are perfectly well behaved. Our horses like to keep us on our toes you know.

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prepare your horse or pony for it's first show ring experience:

• Firstly- it might sound obvious- but do try to take your horse to a couple of small, inconsequential competitions before you tackle anything more important. That way, you can get an idea of how your horse will react and accustom him to the environment without it mattering tooo much.
• Make sure that your horse is properly trained before you start entering him in classes all over the place. If he is a ridden prospect, ensure that all of his transitions are smooth and unrushed etc. If you are wanting to show a youngster in-hand, practice leading, trotting and standing quietly until he is performing calmly and obediently.
• Have a few practice runs at home. Go through the whole shebang- washing, plaiting and loading so that you know exactly how long it will take you on the day (this cuts down HUGELY on your already soaring stress levels!)
• If at all possible, practice leading or riding with other horses around....
• Show grounds can be a lot buzzier and noisier than most horses are used to. Consider playing music while you are riding or leaving the radio switched on next to his stable/paddock so he gets used to different sounds
• Desensitise your horse to as much as possible! Balloons, flags, livestock- all of these things are often present at larger shows and can cause a bit of a horsey meltdown if he hasn't come across them before
• For the big competitions, which will have plenty of spectators, consider downloading a clapping soundbyte from a website such as this one. Believe me- it is well worth getting them used to this noise as countless laps of honour etc have been wrecked by horses freaking out at the sound of clapping

There are also a number of things you can do once you are at the show:

• Leave yourself plenty of time. A stressed owner = a stressed horse!
• Warm your horse up at the edge of the showgrounds if you can, so that he can see/hear all the action but isn't in the thick of it. Easing him into the show environment is much better than hurling him in and expecting him to deal with it
• Take your horse for a walk in-hand around the grounds (for both ridden and in-hand animals). Let him have a look at everything before you ask him to do any work.
• Before you enter the ring, take note of any horses that are playing up or riders that look like they aren't coping. Stay as far away as possible from them!
• Once in the ring- stay calm, think ahead and don't get bunched up with other competitors. If you think you are going to catch up with a group of other riders, simply turn and ride a large circle or ride deeper into the corners. Keep plenty of space around you (as well as being more relaxing for your horse there are also obvious ring-craft benefits)

Happy showing and those that are venturing out for the first time, enjoy your first event!

WHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY OF GOING FOR SHOW HORSES AND PONIES?

I have been musing on this question for a couple of days- sparked by a post over at one of my favourite forums, The Show Ring (UK). Obviously, each type has it's own slightly different way of going. For example, a hunter should move along at a more workmanlike pace and will lack the 'daisy-cutting' action of the hacks and show ponies. But, apart from those variations, what is that fundamental show ring way of going?

The reason I ask is because, both in the UK and NZ, I have seen some shocking sights. Show horses and ponies being warmed up outside the ring in both double bridles AND draw-reins. Then animals in the ring who are seriously overbent and flicking their toes out in front, but without any impulsion coming from behind (this is usually most obvious at the so-called 'extended trot' you often see in the ring!). The photo at the top of this post is a clear example- if he was any more overbent his nose would be touching his chest.

One of the most inhumane things I have ever seen was at a professional show yard in Gloucestershire, in South West England. We had gone to view a 13hh show hunter pony, but on the way to view this gelding, I stopped to look over a few of the stable doors. Behind each door was a tiny show pony, very tightly trussed up with a roller and side-reins. I asked the producer about it and she just smiled and said: 'Oh yes, we leave them like that for a few hours every day. It builds up the neck muscles and encourages them to hold their heads properly so that their little riders don't have to worry about getting them in the right position.'

Good grief. This was a yard that did exceptionally well at the highest levels of showing. I left the place feeling rather depressed. I could never condone this type of treatment....

So, my question is- are people producing their horses like this because this is the way of going that judges are rewarding? Or do they simply not realise what they are doing wrong?

In my opinion, the ideal show horse or pony should be forward going but relaxed, supple and with the poll at the highest point. They should all have an impressive, ground covering walk (especially the hunters!) and at trot they should move forwards properly and unhurriedly, using their backs properly and not trailing their hocks behind. They should not be stuffy, with their head pulled in and constantly fiddled with.

I know this lovely, natural way of going is possible as I have seen many great show riders both here and overseas demonstrate it. I just wish there were more of them!

What do you think?

IS THERE A FUTURE HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW CHAMPION HIDING IN YOUR PADDOCK?

One talent that many of our top show horse and pony producers seem to possess is the ability to turn something seemingly average into the next show ring superstar. They are able to spot that 'diamond in the rough' and after months of correct conditioning, training, trimming and polishing, they manage to take it to the top of the line-up at some of the country's most prestigious shows.

Seeing a horse or pony's potential can be a tricky business when you're just starting out. When a horse is young, or is out of work, mooching around at the back of some field, it can be hard to imagine what they could look like one day. On top of that, you are often competing against other buyers- whether they are looking for themselves or are professional trainers searching on behalf of a client. Everyone is keen to find that 'undiscovered future champion.'

It can even be difficult to see the potential in your own horse if you are new to showing and are unaware of all the tricks and techniques you can use to get your animal looking his absolute best (not just good- we're talking HOYS standard, movie-star gorgeous!)

The first thing you need to do is make sure you know as much as possible about how a horse should be put together. No amount of mud or lack of condition can cover up correct conformation. Looking at lots and lots of different horses, preferably with someone experienced by your side will help with this. It's also worth investing in a good book on conformation (I recommend this one- I have a copy next to my bed and open it at a random page at least every other night! lol)

Secondly, you need to know your types inside out. If you want to do well in the ring, there is no point buying a horse that is not a specific 'type', no matter how good the conformation. Something that the judge looks at and can't really decide whether it is a hack or a hunter will never reach the dizzy heights of showing. Voluteering as a steward is a great way to learn what is required from each class.

Remember, when looking at a possible show horse, whether it is in your own paddock or you are thinking about buying, there are things that can be improved. Muscle can be built up in certain places with correct work, clever trimming can make a big difference (for example, if your horse is light of bone do NOT go crazy with the clippers down the backs of the legs!) and tack can also make a horse look much better (even the biggest, plainest head in the world can be made to look handsome with a good quality but substantial bridle with a flat, wide browband).

Amazingly, action can also be improved upon. A horse or pony that is untrained, unbalanced or is being presented on deep, unsuitable going will often look like it can't move properly. Legs will be going in all directions and the overall picture will be horrendous. This is why you must always have a horse trotted up in front of you and also observe it moving at liberty in the field.

There are probably dozens of could-be show horses and ponies languishing in paddocks around the country. So, go have another look at your hairy thoroughbred outside or take a second look at that scruffy, doesn't-look-like-anything pony on TradeMe. You never know....underneath all that fluff, it could be the next HOYS champion!

Take a good look at the pictures throughout this post. Could any of these be your next ribbon-winning show horse or pony....................?

NEW BLOG AND WEBSITE FROM RICHARD RAMSEY

I discovered this new website when I was writing my last post. It's a pretty impressive site for someone who has been showing since well before I was born (methinks he might have had some help putting it together though....hehe)

It's a good place to visit if you want to learn a bit more about professional show production (not so common in New Zealand where everyone is a lot more 'do-it-yourself', an attitude I much prefer to be frank)

It also provides a good opportunity to drool over some photos of pretty, glossy show ponies and horses

There's even a picture of Richard judging in New Zealand here! Wonder if that means we were his favourite destination.....