FAO Butkin

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Butkin, having previously done all the leading showing bits of the show (I leave OH to do all the running in the gymkhana games later on!) we now have a pony per child, and OH will have to do some lead rein classes too. I know what I should wear, but what can OH wear? DD is in navy with a burgundy/gold tie on a plaited palomino, DS is in green tweed on a grey native. Which one he will be leading will depend on a. what we have to dress him up in and b. which one I feel he is up to leading - either the one who needs holding on when he trots (and who has previously not been held on while trotting with OH, with predictable consequences ) or the one on the feistier and prettier pony!

Men look great leading ponies. James Van Praagh led the Mini Show Pony (plaited) Champion at Royal International and John Harvey led the Pony Champion (a palomino section A) at HOYS in 2013.

When leading a show pony (plaited) a man should wear a business style suit and tie and a suitable hat - usually a panama or bowler (panamas look smart for summer shows).

When leading a M&M a man can wear a suit (tweed style looks best) or a tweed jacket to compliment the rider with suitable trousers and stout shoes. A flat tweed cap looks smart and professional although some men wear trilbys.

If you get through to an evening performance a man should wear a dinner jacket with black bow tie and no hat.

Have a look at the photos on line for some decent shows photos to get ideas.

Thanks. OH likes to wear his panama. Last time he wore a suit near horses was grooming for me at Windsor over a decade ago! He swore never to do that again, but I suspect having children changes things (He was not a great groom, btw. I am still undecided as to which child needs me more in the show ring!)