Best lead rein pony/ rider classes

[sam76]

Help! my six year old DD is keen to have a go at our local riding club and have found they are having the above classes next sunday which i think would be a good place for her to start as she's not quite ready for jumping, the thing is i have never done any showing (having not had a pony as a young child i went straight on to show jumping and cross country) so i haven't got a clue what's involved. The pony is great and DD is becoming a good little rider so no worry's there and have kitted her out with the gear (although have got her a black jacket-mainly because it was a bargin!) just have no idea what i will have to do in the ring and don't want to let her down. Any help gratefully received. Also will my old black show jacket be ok for me to wear?

[ohnelly]

Hi you will all go round together in walk and then have a little trot, possibly in both directions (they will tell you where to go - or just make sure your not at the front then you can follow the others when they change direction!). Once they have seen you all together you will be called to line up so they can look at you individually.
When its your turn come out and halt the pony in front of the judge (as straight as poss - a leg in each corner so to speak!). The judge will have a look and possibly walk behind the pony. When instructed to do so (usually a nod!) walk in a straight line away from the judge. Turn left or right in a big circle (use whole arena behind other ponies if room) then have a little trot before changing direction (across diagonal without running the judge over!) show some trot the other way, then walk then choose a good place to halt (without turning in) where you can be seen. Rider then takes both reins into one hand and does a little bow. Thats is go back to your place in the line.
Your black jacket will be fine, as its a local show it shouldt be too strict! Good luck let me know how it goes! sorry if too much detail im bored at home with a broken ankle!

[Butkin]

DD (now 6) has been doing lead-rein showing since she was 2.5 and yesterday did her first show off the lead rein (First Year First Ridden).

At many shows lead rein classes are split between lead rein (usually referring to plaited ponies) and M&M lead rein (for mountain and moorland ponies like Shetlands, Welsh Sec As which are not plaited).

In lead rein classes the child would normally wear a dark jacket (normally blue but black would be fine at a little show) whilst in M&M classes the child should wear tweed.

As we show in M&M classes (although sometimes just in LR at smaller shows) we wear matching jackets but this is only because we're keen!

The leader should always wear a hat though even at low levels and wear something suitable on your feet (not heels or trainers) - boots are fine at this time of year.

Ideally you'd have a leather lead rein rather than rope - see if you can borrow one if you don't have one - and this should be
attched to the noseband.

Your daughter should wear a plain cap cover -
ideally to match the jacket - and should wear gloves, ideally leather.

You will enter at the walk on the left rein - with your daughter riding as far away from you as comfortable for her - and you at the ponies shoulder, not dragging it.

They will get you to stop in one corner and get you to drop, one at a time, around the ring. Finish by standing square and both of you should bow to the judge at the same time (with a smile!).

When you've all done your "go round" then you will be called into line - either in judge's order or any order. Watch out for the steward at this point!

You will then come out of line in order and stand up square for the judge where they will inspect your pony from all angles and ask your daughter a few questions (how old child, how old pony etc) which should be answered cheerfully. Make sure when the judge looks at the pony from the front that you are standing out of the way so they can get a good look.

You will then do your "show". I'd recommend a simple figure of 8 to show off your pony a trot in both directions. Do not make it overlong and stand square and salute at the end. Whatever you do don't let him canter!

You will then go back into line and when all done you'll walk around and then be called back in order to receive your rosette.

Wishing you the best of luck, have fun and let us know how you get on!

If you've any questions please ask!

[Butkin]

Sorry should read "trot, one a time, around the ring" - don't want you to think you've got to do push-ups!

[Butkin]

Sam, How did you get on at the show yesterday? Was it nice weather and did your daughter have a lovely time?

[Louisejono1]

Hey!

I know this is a very old post but just had to say how useful I found it! Thank you ????

[Butkin]

Wow Louise - what an amazing zombie thread! I said my daughter had just done her first off the lead rein show and now she's about to ride her 13hh Show Hunter this Sunday - how things have changed!

If you have any other questions feel free to ask ! What are you considering showing this year?