SHOW CIRCUIT SCOOPS TOP PRIZE AT THE NEW ZEALAND SHOWING AWARDS

Fledgling magazine, Show Circuit, pipped other media to the post at the New Zealand Showing Awards last night. This is a great reflection on the magazine and is an apt reward for all the effort and passion that has gone into producing this publication.

I have personally loved being involved in the magazine and hope to be a part of it for a long time to come. It's always so refreshing and inspiring to be around people that want to look at things a little differently and keep upping the bar. I know Show Circuit will keep setting new standards in equestrian media which is really exciting.

Anyway, enough gushing.................!

The New Zealand Showing Awards looked to be a great deal of fun- I wish I could have been there. Maybe next year...although I do feel a tad shy about events like that as I seem to know a lot of horsey New Zealanders through email, phone and Facebook but haven't met an awful lot of them! If, like me, you couldn't make it, check out the results and pictures on either the New Zealand Equestrian Scene Facebook Group or over at the Show Ring Forum.

Kudos to Elizabeth Charleston for organising this, along with everyone who supported her. It's events like this that will keep showing interesting, exciting and will keep attracting new people to the sport :)

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?

SUPREME PRODUCTS- THE LEADERS IN EQUINE PREPARATION PRODUCTS & GARMENTS

I'm very excited to announce that I have just started doing some online marketing work on behalf of UK based company, Supreme Products. I have been a fan of this brand for my entire showing career so I'm really looking forward to helping them develop their online presence and reach even more people

For those of you that don't know them, here are the various Supreme Products links.

Website: www.supremeproducts.co.uk
Blog: www.supremeproductsltd.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/supremeproducts
Facebook: Facebook Fan Page

If you have any questions, feel free to flick me an email. Happy showing!

FAVOURITE EQUESTRIAN BLOGS- MARCH 2010

Now and again, I like to provide a list of other showing and equestrian related blogs. Sometimes, when we're not out riding or battling with a pony that won't stand still to be plaited, it's nice to settle down in front of a computer to read about somebody else's experiences!

Supreme Products Blog: Supreme Products is a UK based company which provides show ring products and garments. Their blog is an excellent source of information, showing tips etc and also contains a number of rider profiles and other articles. Definitely one to check out!

The Horse Show Kid is a lovely blog which follows a young girl and her pony through their showing career. You can tell from her posts that she's a truly dedicated show rider- very inspirational....

There are some excellent Badminton Horse Trials blogs being hosted on the Horse & Hound website at the moment, from such riders as Badminton debutant Sarah Stretton and Chinese eventer Alex Hua Tian. Both diaries are a great read and give you a good idea of the level of hard graft that goes into preparing for an event like this!

Does anyone know of any Kiwi horse related blogs that are worth checking out?

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....................?

SHOULD BRITISH JUDGES BE INVITED TO HORSE OF THE YEAR NZ?

I follow the Showring Online forum, a message board which gives New Zealanders the opportunity to discuss everything from upcoming shows to which jacket to wear in a particular class.

Anyway, I was reading a thread about the new Show Riding Horse section and an interesting point was raised. Should British judges be invited to assess horses at the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show? According to the poster:

'It is funny that we want to model our showing classes on what UK does, as there are many people out there that don't want UK judges to judge here!! They feel that we base ourselves on what happens in Australia, not the UK, so we should be getting Australian judges to judge at HOYS here. Interesting concept, when the English can judge conformation as good as anyone else and have less idea about any of our competitors.'

An interesting opinion isn't it? I can kind of see where they are coming from as there are certain key differences between the UK and NZ when it comes to the show ring. For example, turnout of both horse and rider is very different so I would certainly not expect a British judge to be able to properly judge a turnout class in New Zealand.

I am also of the opinion that hacks in Australia and New Zealand are streets ahead of the UK, as far as quality, type, conformation and performace go. So perhaps it wouldn't be particularly useful to fly a British judge in for those classes

However, I do think it would be a mistake to exclude British judges from the Show Pony classes. The classes are judged exactly the same in both countries (60% suitablity and safeness, 40% conformation and paces- check the British Show Pony Society rules out here). The only difference is that, in the UK, riders are asked for a freestyle individual performance whereas NZ judges usually insist on a set workout. Plus, although Show Pony breeding, presentation and performace in both NZ and Australia has come along in leaps and bounds, with ponies now even being exported from this side of the world to England (e.g. Willowcroft Regal Bronze), I still think an awful lot can be learned from the British judges. It would be a shame to shut NZ off from that valuable chance to further improve and learn.

I think that the hunter classes still have a looooong way to go in the Southern Hemisphere as well. I think the occasional visit from an iconic British hunter judge, such as Richard Ramsey, could be really useful in further improving the quality and performance of saddle hunters in this country.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the mattter. I do believe that we can learn from any other country that is breeding, producing and competing show horses and ponies, be it the UK, Australia, South Africa or any others that I have missed out! No country is going to show their horses in exactly the same way- just as no country is going to train/produce/present their dressage or eventing horses in the same way. But it doesn't mean that we can't pick up some valuable tips and advice from them to further improve the sport in our own country

THE RIDING HORSE- NEW ZEALAND'S LATEST SHOW CLASS

I have already written an article about the Riding Horse class over at Equine Trader but thought I would cover it here as well. The more information that's out there about this new class, the better chance competitors have of understanding it and being able to enter the class confidently.

I know that there has been some debate over whether this new class is necessary in New Zealand. However, I have seen plenty of horses in both hack and hunter line-ups that don't fit the mould for that particular class but would make stonking Riding Horses. Hopefully, this additional class will give these competitors a chance to get out there and hold their own.

So far, the following shows have decided to hold Show Riding Horse classes for the 2009/10 season (that I am aware of). If you know of any others, let me know

• Hawkes Bay A&P
• Warkworth A&P
• Kumeu A&P
• The Royal New Zealand Show (Canterbury)
• Manawatu A&P
• Waikato's World
  

Here is a guide to the Riding Horse that was kindly given to me by the British Show Horse Association

Height:

In the UK, the Riding Horses are divided into two sections: Small and Large. A Small Riding Horse is anything exceeding 148cm (14.2hh) and not exceeding 158cm (15.2hh). A Large Riding Horse is any horse over 158cm (15.2hh)

Type:

It is often said that the Riding Horse is somewhere between the Lightweight Hunter and the Show Hack, and that it does not have the substance and strength of the hunter, nor the elegance and daintiness of the hack. A far better description is that it has the stride and gallop of a quality lightweight hunter combined with the obedience, manners and schooling of the Hack.
A good riding horse need not only perform in the show ring but has the bone and substance to be found in the hunting field, or going cross country, three day eventing, or merely taking its rider for an enjoyable hack round the countryside.

Conformation:

The Riding Horse should have plenty of good quality, flat bone, be deep through the girth and have strong powerful second thighs and a well rounded backside, lots of muscle and strength, short across the loins and with the length of back concentrated on the quarters, so that you have a powerful engine. They need to be able to gallop. A very sloping shoulder is excellent, so there is plenty to sit behind and the horse is able to have a long stride, with a neck coming out of the top of the withers and a good length, narrowing elegantly behind the head so that the head and neck are not restricted by a fat thick structure. The horse needs to be able to flex and bridle happily and comfortably, and be able to breathe easily while being ridden in collection.

The body should be in proportion and foursquare, the legs, especially viewed from the front should not appear too close, or too wide. The horse should move straight, without dishing or plaiting and stand straight on all four legs on good well shaped feet.

A good looking head is very desirable, but there is quite a lot of variation; from a dished slightly Araby head, to a longer straighter, more thoroughbred head, what is not wanted is a tiny pony head or anything with a common cobby aspect, Roman nose or bumps between the eyes!

Way of Going:

When watching the go round judges look for a horse which is walking with a long and easy stride, covering the go round well, swinging its shoulder freely and tracking up well. They want to see a longer rein walk, not a horse pulled in with its head scrunched up to its chest. The horse should be swinging its head slightly in time to the walk and have its head in front of the perpendicular, ears pricked and a happy, calm look.

At the trot they look again for a long swinging stride, the tail carried easily and swinging from side to side – the sign of a relaxed, swinging, working back – and a comfortable easy head carriage, with the bit held quietly in a wet mouth, no open mouths or grinding teeth – a particular hate. The head should be straight and in line with the direction, not tilted or crooked. They look especially for a steady rhythm or cadence, showing that the horse is working from behind and is carrying itself – not having its nose pulled in by the reins and kicked along all the time.

At canter it’s much the same. Judges look for a smooth slowish, steady canter which gives the impression the rider is totally at ease and the pair could swing along all day in superb comfort.

When gallop is shown ideally the horse only needs to show some definite lengthening of the stride and lowering along the long side of the ring, sliding into an easy gallop and out without fuss. Sadly this is not often seen; quite often they rush about with fast short strides. Galloping is not about racing or jumping off the corner as in a gymkhana, but showing lowering and lengthening – (this used to be called ventre-a-terre) in just half a dozen strides and a calm return to slower paces.

Presentation:

Show Riding Horses are traditionally shown in brown tack with a coloured browband, although the browband should be more discreet than what a Hack or Riding Pony would wear. Double bridles or Pelham bits are used. However, a snaffle is acceptable in novice classes. Saddles should be straight-cut to show off the horse’s shoulder. Manes should be plaited, tails pulled and legs and faces trimmed.

Riders usually wear a tweed jacket, with shirt and matching tie, buff/canary coloured breeches, a navy hat and black long leather boots. Show canes are generally carried.

The latest RAS rulebook also includes an explanation of the Show Riding Horse class.

The photo at the top of this post is courtesy of Carol Bardo, owner of The Philanderer. The Philanderer (known as Phil to his friends) is a fantastic example of a Large Riding Horse. At only seven years of age, he was first and champion at the British Horse of the Year Show 2008. He was also Supreme Ridden at the Royal International Horse Show 2008. Other championships include Supreme PUK(S) champion, East of England, Towerlands and he was Sidesaddle winner at Royal Windsor.

BRITISH MEASURING SCANDAL HITS SHOW SCENE

I have been keeping an eye on this story over the past few months. It has really shaken up the UK showing scene and there will be a few no-shows at the Horse of the Year Show in October because of it.

Basically, a vet in Essex (my home county....ahem) has been accused of granting life height certificates to over-height show horses and ponies. So far this year, the Joint Measurement Board (JMB) has recalled 62 horses and ponies for remeasurement and word is that more are pending. Last year, a tiddly 20 were recalled.

The owners of 23 of the horses have chosen not to re-present their animals...this means that their height certificates are now invalid.

If these horses and ponies are indeed over height, think of the implications. This means that a large number of worthy competitiors may well have missed out on picking up their HOYS qualifying ticket. You know- that prize we truck our horses all over the country for. That ultimate goal that keeps us dragging ourselves out of bed at the crack of dawn, plaiting up in the dark and spending endless amounts of money on entry fees, sparkly browbands and special shampoos. And it's not like the situation can be rectified either. It would be an impossible task to track down every individual that entered a HOYS qualifying class and was second to a horse that was actually over-height. They have fundamentally been cheated out of their precious HOYS ticket.

Many of the animals recalled have been found to measure as much as 5.80cm over what their certificates stated. Are we supposed to believe that their owners were not aware that they were that much taller than the rules for their chosen class specified?

It's all very dodgy and a sad reflection on how some people regard the sport of showing (i.e. it's all about the ribbon, no matter what) It's good to see that over-height animals are finally being clamped down on though. Fingers crossed we start seeing a bit more honesty and fair-play in the show ring from now on.

Keep up with the story over at Horse & Hound