How do you show in-hand?

Question

How do you do in-hand showing with horses. I heard that you let the judge check the horse over then you have to trot round. Please tell me how to show in-hand as i have never done it but wich too. UK ONLY PLEASE. Thanks.

Answer 1

Edit: For those answering re: Halter and Showmanship classes, we don't have those in the UK!



Ringcraft - All in on the left rein and you will keep going round in circles until the steward asks you to stop and you will then take it turns to run to the back of the line and then asked to walk round again and the judge will pull in his provisional placings then one by one you will all present your pony to the judge ie standing square and making him look interested (rattle of a tic tac box in the pocket always does the trick if hes not spooky, dont give him the tic tac though until you are back in your line up) you will then walk away from the judge and then turn your pony away from you and trot back to your place in the line. Once everyone has presented to the judge you will then be called in for final placings. Once you have received your rossie (and everyone else) you will be asked to do 1 lap of honour which is done in trot and then you will exit the ring.



Your horse will need to be shown in a bridle that compliments his head along with a suitable bit. Make sure though that bit does not drown his head as I have seen this way to often! Depending on what class you enter, you may show 'in natural state' (ie; not plaited, as in mountain and moorland classes), or plaited and polished. Check the rules for the show you wish to enter.



Your attire - I would wear navy, or light coloured. trousers as jodphurs are for under 14s or 16's. A nice colour shirt, say pale blue or green with a tie that compliments, with either a navy velvet hat or a trilby type hat pref brown in colour or whatever compliments your outfit but keep it simple (check shows rules as to hats) brown joddie boots which are comfortable and brown gloves/cane.



There's lots of information on showing in the UK on this site:

http://www.theshowring.co.uk/

And some great advise here:

http://www.h-10.co.uk/horse-advice-winning-in-hand.asp



Good luck, and don't forget the most important thing is to enjoy the day!

Answer 2

There are differnet types of 'In-hand" classes. (conformation and showmanship)



Conformation is judged on how well the horse is put together, overall their appearance.



Showmanship- which is mostly likely what you are doing is judged on how well the the horse is shown off by you. A good clean, well clipped, well fitted horse will place well only if the person showing does so properly.



Most classes begin by having the contestants line up. A pattern is either demonstrated or posted before the class, and contestants must exhibit their horse through the small pattern. Sometimes all the judge asks of you is to trot the horse away from them and then back again.



-you always want to keep your body from obstructing the view of the judge. As a rule of thumb be on the opposite side of the judge.



-maintain eye contact with the judge at all times.



-when you are waiting in the line up make sure the horse is standing square.



-when the judge does their inspections, do not obstruct their view of the horse. Have someone show you how to properly walk around the horse while doing an upclose inspection.



-when you trot the horse away be sure to look back at the judge several times, make eye contact. When you turn the horse turn the horse away from you.

Answer 3

Just watch your feet. It is highly embarrassing to trip over your horses legs, trust me, I've done it many times!

Answer 4

Need more details, what breed are you asking about.....Halter is judged on the horses conformation, Showmanship, on you and how you present......what you need to do is go to youtube and put in halter classes....or more specifically your breed and then halter or in hand classes and watch videos....its the best way to learn.