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Showing Events and Rules

Contents
Events - Rules - Breeds - Judging - Tips on Ridden Showing - Tips on In-Hand Showing

Link to the Advance Entry Form which you can print, complete by hand and send by post.

Events
Ridden Showing - 10 am start
12. Style and appearance - horse exceeding 14.2hh (148cms)
13. Style and appearance - pony exceeding 12.2hh (128cms) but, not exceeding 14.2hh (148cms)
14. Style and appearance - cradle class, lead rein permitted, class may be split - not exceeding 12.2hh (128cms)
15. Riding club horse - Jump max 2' 6" (75cm)
16. Riding club pony - Jump max 2' (60cm)
17. Coloured horse/pony - any age rider
18. Small Mountain and Moorland - any age rider
19. Large Mountain and Moorland
20. Ridden cob over 14.2hh (148cms) not exceeding 16hh (163cms)
21. Veteran horse/pony
* Showstoppers Ridden Showing Championship

The highest marked horse and rider for tack and turnout in classes 12,13 and 14 will receive an award.

All those awarded first place from classes 12 - 21 will go forward to the Ridden Championship.  The champion and reserve will receive an award kindly provided by Showstoppers Ltd.

In-Hand Showing - 10 am start
22    Coloured horse/pony
23    Veteran horse/pony
24    Mountain and Moorland horse/pony
25    3 years and under on 1st January
26    Hunter
27    Most appealing horse/pony; any age handler
28    Horse
29    Pony; any age handler
30    In Hand Cob 14.2hh (148cms) - 16hh (163cms)
*        Showstoppers In-Hand Showing Championship
31    Young handler; 12years or under on 1st January

All winners from classes 22 - 30 will go forward to the In Hand Championship Class.  The champion and reserve will receive an award kindly provided by Showstoppers Ltd.

Showing Rules
British Show Pony Society (BSPS) rules will be used as a guideline but the judges decision is final.

All riders/handlers must be 11 years or over on 1st January except where indicated and must be capable of controlling their horse/pony safely.

In class 12, 13 and 14 it is advised that a dark coloured plain showing jacket is worn.

Breeds:

Mountain and Moorland covers all British Native types. Small breeds include Shetland, Welsh Mountain Section A and B; Exmoor and Dartmoor. Large breeds include New Forest, Connemara; Welsh Mountain Section C and D; Highland; Fell and Dales.

A Veteran is a minimum of 15 years in age.

All ridden classes require jacket, jodphur or long boots (or equivalent), light coloured jodphurs, shirt with tie or stock. Optional body protector, gloves, whip (not schooling whip) or show cane, no jewellery. Failure to comply may result in elimination.

To compete in-hand please wear an approved riding hat and follow the guidelines for dress code above or the showing tips below.

The horse/pony must have the correct tack fitted. Any bridle may be used but the judge will take the bit into consideration when awarding marks. Only one bit and noseband is permitted. Saddle covers, numnahs, bit guards, tongue straps, neck straps, breast plates, martingales, boots or bandages are not permitted with exception of the riding club classes where breast plates, neck straps and martingales may be used.

COB
Cob is a type not a breed. It should be:
Hogged - the horse/pony must be trimmed completely and tail banged
OR
Traditional - the horse/pony is unplaited and has full feathers

They must exceed 14.2hh (148 cms) and not exceeding 16hh (163 cm)
Judging Categories and Scoring
Below are the judging categories for each Ridden and In-Hand class at our showing events.  Scores for each category are normally up to a maximum of 10 points but at the judge's discretion.

Links to the national associations' rules for the various Classes can be found on the website link page here.
Ridden Showing

   Style and appearance classes will be judged in the following categories:
    First Impression
    Tack & Turnout
    Rider/Handlers Turnout
    Manners
    Conformation
    Show

   Riding club horse/pony

Thess class will be judged in the following categories:
    First Impression
    Manners
    Conformation
    Show
    Jump

   Coloured horse/pony

This class will be judged in the following categories:
    First Impression
    Tack & Turnout
    Rider/Handlers Turnout
    Manners
    Conformation
    Show

   Mountain and Moorland horse/pony

This class will be judged in the following categories:
    First Impression
    Tack & Turnout
    Rider/Handlers Turnout
    Manners
    Conformation
    Show

   Veteran horse/pony

This class will be judged in the following categories:
    First Impression
    Tack & Turnout
    Rider/Handlers Turnout
    Manners
    Conformation
    Show
    Age

Tips on Ridden Showing

Below is knowledge we have gained during our times showing and judging at both local and county level.  All judges have their own preferences and whilst this information is passed to you hoping that you may adapt your way of thinking to enable you to show your horse/pony to the best of your ability, it does not guarantee a rosette.  Remember too, the judge who is there on the day will make the decision and this is final.  Good Luck.

TACK AND TURNOUT

This class is judged on cleanliness of horse and rider, cleanliness of tack and the ability to present your horse and yourself to a very high standard.

Tack does not need to be brand new or the very latest fashion but it does need to be in good repair and spotless.  All straps should be in their keepers.  Bits should be clean so do not let "greedy" grab a mouthful of grass before entering the ring.

Different judges have different ideas on tack.  The priority is clean suitable tack that fits your horse/pony correctly.

The judge will run her hands over your horse to see how clean he is, she will check the inside of his bridle, she may check the bottom of your boots, your gloves, inside the horses hooves, under his tail.  She will stand back and look at the overall presentation of you and your horse.

This class is usually first of the day to give everyone an equal chance to keep clean for the minimum amount of time.  Jackets and jodhpurs should be spotless, boots shiny.  Hair should be in a ponytail or hairnet.  Makeup should be minimal and no earrings should be worn.  Jackets buttoned up and entry numbers worn neatly around the waist.  A shirt and tie is the order with the tie matching the brow band of your horse/pony if possible.

Horses/ponies should have been bathed, trimmed (where applicable) and polished.  White legs can be enhanced with chalk, be careful not to get it on darker markings.  Hoof oil should be left till last.  White tails usually whiten well in washing powder.  Rinse thoroughly.  Keep a white tail clean by placing it inside the leg of an old pair of tights and then bandage as usual to travel.  Baby oil is used to enhance nostrils and eyebrows, be careful if it's a hot day your horse/pony may suffer from sunburn so don't forget the fly spray and sunscreen.

Enter the ring from the left giving your number to the steward.  Leave a horses distance between you and the other entrants.  You will all be called into line then the judge will inspect you individually and finally award rosettes to the ones she feels have tried that extra bit harder.  Good luck - this is not an easy class to gain a rosette in.

STYLE AND APPEARANCE

This class will include a ridden show.  Horse and rider must again be presented to the highest standard. Black jacket is preferable but native ponies can be shown in tweed. 

MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND

This class will include a ridden show.   Horses should be shown in their natural state.  A plain medium weight bridle and well-fitting saddle either with or without matching numnah is suitable.  A snaffle bridle, pelham or double bridle can be worn in this class.  Curb chains must be fitted loose enough to fit 2 fingers beneath or will be considered an aid.

Riders should be dressed in tweed jacket, beige jodhpurs, cream/beige shirt and matching tie.  Jodhpur boots or long leather boots.  Black or brown leather gloves and carry a showing cane to match.  A velvet hat is preferable to a skullcap and silk. 

An extended trot should be included in this show, either across the centre of the arena or along the long side, to show off the pony's paces and action.

SHOW PONY/HACK/RIDING HORSE

This class will include a ridden show.  Ponies/horses should be turned out to the highest standard to include plaited manes and tails.  Black or navy jacket.  Many match the shirt tie to the browband. 

HUNTER TYPE

This class will include a ridden show to include an extended canter/gallop.  Horses should be judged as a hunter that can carry a person to hunt.  It should be well behaved and have impeccable manners amongst other horses.  Manes should be plaited but tails should be pulled.  A medium weight leather bridle with flat leather browband and noseband is suitable.  Pelham or double bridle.  Tweed jacket, beige jodhpurs, beige or cream shirt with matching tie, brown gloves and hunting cane, leather long boots (with keepers) and spurs are worn.

COLOURED

This class will include a ridden show. Horses/ponies can be shown plaited or in their natural state depending on the breed and will be judged as such.

VETERAN

This class will include a ridden show.  Horses/ponies can be shown plaited or in their natural state depending on the breed and will be judged as such.  Veterans (15/16+) will be judged on suppleness of movement and soundness.  Some think because your veteran is the oldest in the class he is automatically going to be first.  This is not so.  Each horse/pony is judged on condition and suppleness and manners 'for its age'.

THE SHOW

Enter the ring from the left giving your number to the steward.  Keep a double horse distance between you and the horse in front so the judge can get a good look at you.  Do not bunch together and try to avoid horses of a similar colour.

The steward will ask you to walk, trot and canter as a group.  He will ask you to change the rein as a group and in some cases you will be asked for extended canter (hunter classes).  Always do this along the longest side of the show ring and in front of the judge.  Extended canter/gallop is not always a requirement so unless you have got your horse/pony under total control and feel confident, leave it out.

When changing the rein as a group always remember "left hand to left hand" when passing others.

At this stage the steward/judge may ask you to line up in any order or pull you out in order of preference.  Remember if you have been pulled out first at this stage you are under more pressure to perform the perfect show.  You will be asked to step out of line and stand yourself and your horse squarely in front of the judge.  You may be asked your horses age and breeding.

You will then be asked to perform an individual show.  This should be calm and controlled and contain walk, trot and canter on both reins.  An extended canter if required.  A rein-back at the end of your show may impress the judge but only a few well controlled strides.  Try to keep your show short and sweet just performing the essentials.  Thank the judge and return to your place in the line, rejoining from behind the line-up.

Your horse will be required to stand quietly and behave sensibly when waiting his turn.  If kicking other horses and causing problems he will be asked to leave the ring.  On many occasions we have been astounded by the amount of chattering coming from the line-up.  You should stand quietly and watch and learn.

When the individual shows have been completed the steward will ask you all to lead off around the arena.  Watch the judge/steward and hopefully you will be called out by name or number and be awarded a rosette.  The judge may award to 6th place, asking the remaining entrants to leave the ring or she may place everyone down to last place.

In-Hand Showing
All In-Hand classes except Most Appealing Pony) will be judged in the following categories:
    First Impression
    Manners
    Conformation
    Show
Class 27.   Most appealing horse/pony, will be judged in the following categories:
    First Impression
    Manners
Tips on In-Hand Showing

Below is knowledge we have gained during our times showing and judging at both local and county level.  All judges have their own preferences and whilst this information is passed to you hoping that you may adapt your way of thinking to enable you to show your horse/pony to the best of your ability, it does not guarantee a rosette.  Good Luck.

IN-HAND RING CRAFT

Always be aware of the timing of your class, stewards will close off the ring as soon as the judge is ready to commence.  It will be left to the judge's discretion to let a latecomer enter the ring.

Enter the ring from the left, slowly, allowing the steward to check your number off on his entry list.

Always leave 5-6 meters between yourself and the pony in front.  Grey ponies or ponies of a similar colour should avoid following one another and if possible circle back onto the track into a different position.

When all entries are in the ring the steward will stop the ponies at a suitable place and one at a time you will be asked to trot your pony to the rear of the field. 1t is important at this stage to keep the pony calm but to show off its paces by asking for an extended trot along the straight length of the show ring, coming quietly back to walk before joining the rear of the field.

You will then be asked, sometimes in order of preference, sometimes in any order, to line up in front of the judge.  Each individual pony will be asked to step out of the line-up.  Stand the pony in front of the judge squarely.  Do not let the pony eat grass, rest a leg or bite the judge!  You may be asked about the pony's breeding or its age etc.

At this stage you will be asked to walk away from the judge towards the track turning right-handed at the edge of the field and trotting your pony back towards the judge enabling her to see the straightness of movement.  Do not run the judge over!  Return to your position in the line-up.

When all the ponies have been inspected you will be asked to lead off left-handed preferably and wait to be called in by the steward in order of placings.  Rosettes are normally to 6th place and once these positions have been won you may be thanked and asked to leave the ring, or the judge may position everyone.

PRESENTATION OF IN-HAND PONY/HORSE and EXHIBITOR
SBRC Note: We recommend the wearing of an approved riding hat.
MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND (M&M)

All breeds included in this category i.e. Welsh, Dales, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Highland, Connemara, Fell, New Forest, Shetland etc. should be shown in their natural state.

Legs and feathers should be left un-clipped, mane natural and whiskers un-touched.  All breeds should be shown clean and polished, legs and tails whitened if necessary.  They can be shown un-shod but hooves must be trimmed and neat.

Ponies/horses should be shown in plain white head-collar or suitable snaffle bridle for better control.  These breeds should be allowed to stride out when trotted round, to show their natural movement.

Owners should be suitably dressed to show this breed.  Trousers, waistcoat, flat-cap or trilby hat and suitable boots for running.  Riding crops, bamboo or leather covered showing canes are acceptable in the in-hand ring but not schooling whips.

VETERAN (15+)

The veteran is judged on suppleness of movement and condition of the horse/pony "for its age" paying particular attention to the coat, eyes and hooves.  He can be shown in a natural state or plaited and trimmed.

The horse/pony must be willing to move and be shown and not dragged around the ring so the owner can say, "Yes he is a Veteran"!

"When they have served us well and are old, please think when you should stop showing."

REMEMBER THE JUDGE IS NOT JUDGING YOU, SHE IS JUDGING THE HORSE BUT PLEASE PRESENT YOURSELF AND YOUR HORSE TO THE BEST STANDARD POSSIBLE.

Tips Compiled by Jane Clarke and Karen Steele

Link to the Advance Entry Form which you can print, complete by hand and send by post.

Please take your litter home with you.
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