HomeShowing secrets: All about ring craft

Showing secrets: All about ring craft

Discover what’s involved in a show and learn how to impress the judges!

Showing-secrets-September PONY

Whether competing your pony in ridden or in-hand showing, knowing what happens during the class and what you need to do is important if you want to achieve top results. So, here’s how you can shine when in the limelight.

 Judgement time

As well as making sure your clothing and kit meets the class rules, the judge will be assessing your pony’s paces, including how freely he moves, his responsiveness to your aids and how supple he is. They will also look at his conformation, and whether he’s a healthy weight. The aim is to demonstrate a harmonious relationship between you and your pony.

Part of the crowd

Every showing class starts in a group. This is so the judge can compare everyone. After entering the arena in walk on the right rein, you’ll usually walk two laps, then trot and canter as a group, still on the right rein. Once you’ve come back to walk on the judge’s command, the steward will signal to change the rein as a group and then you will trot and canter on the left rein. When the signal is given to slow down again, everyone will come back to walk and stand in a line in the middle of the arena ready for individual shows. 

The main attraction

Everyone takes it turns to ride their individual shows. Here’s what you’ll need to do…

  1. Start in halt in front of the judge.
  2. Walk away from the judge for no less than 10 paces – make sure you stay in a super-straight line!
  3. Pick up trot and head towards the outside of the arena. Ride a figure-of-eight so the judge can see you trot on both reins.
  4. Ask your pony for canter and ride one lap on each rein.
  5. When you reach the long side on one rein (whichever you prefer!), ask your pony to lengthen for a few strides to a gallop – the judge will be looking for a clear difference in his paces.
  6. Make a downward transition back to trot and then walk.
  7. Bring your pony towards the judge and halt him about 3–4m away, making sure your body is in line with the judge.
  8. Salute to signal that you’ve finished your show, then re-join the line.

Find out more showing secrets with Sam Roberts in September PONY – on sale now!

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