KEN'S COLUMN
watching...learning...copying...winning
(or at least putting in a good performance!)
Although I was fortunate to own a couple of horses envied by exhibitors of working hunters, I was never personally interested in the showing scene and much preferred eventing. As a saddle fitter, however, I need in-depth knowledge of regulations, rules and etiquette applying to all the equestrian disciplines and sports. I am frequently asked for advice – and happily provide it – by people starting off in competition or transferring their interests to a fresh discipline.
Something that surprises me is the way some riders continue to make glaring mistakes in turning out themselves - and their horse - for the Show Ring. It’s so easy to learn from professional exhibitors – their ‘performances’ in the ring are the stuff of which legends are made. Not only do they produce a superb animal to perfection – they are also brilliant at making the very best of the far-less-well-endowed!
It’s a sad fact that some owners do exactly the opposite. There is many an attractive, well-put-together horse whose chances are ruined by entry into an inappropriately selected class, poor or inadequate schooling, turnout that is disastrously bad (of both horse and rider!) and lack of ringcraft. Yet it is really so easy to get things right!
Many is the class lost – completely – before it’s even begun – because the horse is simply ‘unsuitable’. The professionals concentrate their efforts on ‘type’. Thus a Hunter looks – and performs – like an animal you would feel happy riding across country. He looks a really good sort, has plenty of bone and depth and will stand up well to a long day out. Alert and full of presence, he can gallop. The Working Hunter may not be quite such a handsome beast but he will still be good looking. Workmanlike, he should make nothing of a set of jumps designed to test his ability to deal with a variety of natural fences that may incorporate water, ditches and a Bullfinch. The Hack will be elegant, mannerly, highly schooled. A Cob will be weight carrying, confidence-giving and have that rare combination of presence and calmness. And so on - and well defined and balanced paces are a necessity in all show classes!
There are loads of other specialist classes such as those for Coloured animals, particular breeds (Arabians and so on). The more ‘ordinary’ horse can be entered in Riding Club, All-round Horse or similar classes. The show ring really does hold something for every horse – providing the class is selected carefully, relevant schooling carried out diligently – and turnout appropriate.
When people ask for my advice there questions generally consist of ‘what sort of class is suitable for my horse?’ and ‘what tack do I need?’ An answer to the former necessarily embraces not just the ‘looks’ of the animal but its paces, way of going, standard of performance (related to schooling) – and whether or not it will give the judge a ride that is appropriate to the class. Turnout varies in detail according to the class – but one thing is common to all. Simple is good. Fussy and cluttered are out. And this applies to both horse and rider. No buttonholes comprising an enormous, brightly coloured flower surrounded by bunches of foliage! No coloured numnahs or bandages (the latter are forbidden in some classes – and inappropriate in all). No untidy plaits done up with rubber bands and falling apart. No ill-chosen jackets. No loud shirts and bright ties or stocks. I am sure you begin to get the picture!
Bridles, whether snaffle or double, should fit well and should not include fancy browbands - the possible exception being those for hacks and riding horses that could incorporate a stitched or well-made velvet browband in colours that will enhance the animal’s head. The weight of the leather employed is important – narrower for hacks and riding horses, wider for hunters, cobs and working hunters. Reins must complement the bridle in regard to length, weight and type. Once bitten with the showing bug, it is worth considering commissioning a made-to-measure bridle that will afford a perfect fit, be designed specifically to fulfil the needs of the particular class and enhance the overall appearance. The cost involved is far less than sometimes imagined!
Saddles can be a nightmare for those just beginning a career in showing. The traditional show saddle as liked by judges is flat seated, straight cut and, even today, almost always brown! The straightness of the cut enables the horse’s front to be shown off to advantage and the non existence of knee and thigh rolls affords presentation of a clean and uncluttered line. Anyone taking showing at all seriously really does need to consider investing in a well-crafted show saddle. If a new saddle is beyond the budget, consider enquiring about second-hand. (By the way, a lot of very traditional show judges deplore the use of a dressage saddle! It shouldn’t mark the horse down but, if the judge is that way inclined, it will create a psychological barrier!)
I would suggest making Working Hunter classes a sensible exception to the use of a show saddle. Rules in affiliated classes don’t allow changes of tack for the jumping phase – and it isn’t easy to jump in a show saddle (especially when the rider is rather well-endowed or has long legs!). Consequently, some of the performances over fences are at best inelegant – and at worst, verging on abuse of the horse! Far better to use a general purpose saddle that, although cut fairly straight, incorporates a slightly more defined seat and a small knee roll. In this class performance should be crucial and one hopes the judge is looking for combined horse-and-rider polished efforts!
Final piece of advice: nothing, just nothing, prepares the novice for show classes like watching the top exhibitors perform at the big shows! Valuable preparation that will pay off!
KEN LNDON DYKES is a Society of Master Saddlers’ qualified saddle fitter who specialises in fitting competition horses. He is also available to give talks and demonstrations for any type of equestrian group. KEN can be contacted on 07973 501873 (mobile) or at SADDLEWORLD’S head office – 01622 844440.
