Ringcraft ready: showing secrets part two

If you’re new to the world of showing, you could be forgiven for thinking competitors just trot around making their horses look flashy. But, as with all other equine sports, the aim of the game is to disguise the hours of preparation, not to mention the skill and precision, that’s involved in producing the elegant picture that catches the judge’s eye. 

In the last issue, I shared my top turnout tips to get you and your horse showring ready, but now we’re going to talk all things ringcraft and what’s involved in a show. 

Here’s how you can make that all-important lasting impression on the judges. 

Top tip

The majority of showing classes are held in grass arenas, especially in the summer months, so it’s a good idea to practise your show on grass beforehand to make sure your horse can stay in balance on a different terrain. 

Fully assessed

During your show, the judge will be assessing your horse’s paces, including how freely he moves, his responsiveness to your aids and how supple he is. They will take into consideration his conformation and whether he’s a healthy weight. The judge will also be looking for the horse and rider to have a harmonious relationship, so it’s important to think about all these elements in your training. 

Top tip

Don’t forget the judge will also check that your clothing and your horse’s kit meet the class rules, so make sure you’ve done your research in plenty of time because you don’t want to be marked down or eliminated due to an incorrect bit or item of clothing.

The group show

Every showing class starts in a group so the judge can compare everyone directly. After entering the arena in walk on the right rein, you’ll usually walk, then trot and canter as a group – still on the right rein. You’ll then change the rein through trot and continue into canter on the other rein, until asked to come back to trot then walk.

When the signal is given to slow down again, everyone will be called to stand in a line in the middle of the arena (make sure to keep an eye on your steward as they will direct you) before the judge rides or the individual shows start. 

Next steps

Whether the judge rides your horse or you complete an individual show is dependent on the level you’re competing at and the class you’re riding in, so check the schedule to make sure you’re appropriately and best prepared. 

Top tip

It’s common showing practice to ride with your rein loop on your horse’s near side and your whip in your right hand. When you change the rein, keep your whip in the same hand.

Top tip

Don’t change up your show just because you’ve seen another rider do something differently because this might throw your horse and jeopardise your result.

The individual show

This is your opportunity to show off to the judge while you have their undivided attention. In most classes, you’ll be required to include walk, trot and canter on both reins, plus a gallop. Individual shows can vary slightly between riders, but six things I include are…

• after starting in halt, riding away from the judge in a straight line for no fewer than 10 paces
• riding a figure-of-eight so the judge can see trot on both reins
• cantering one lap on each rein
• lengthening my horse’s stride to a gallop on our preferred rein, making sure the judge can see a clear difference in the paces
• ensuring I halt my horse 3–4m away from the judge before saluting to signal I’ve finished my individual show
• keeping my horse in a positive, forward walk while the placings are decided, as this is our last chance to impress

Top tip

Whether you’re competing in an in-hand or ridden class, it’s wise to spend time working with your horse on the ground to establish a good relationship and make sure he’s patient and well mannered.  

The judge’s ride

If your class includes a judge’s ride, it’s important you prepare your horse to give the judge an enjoyable and safe ride. Make sure…

• your horse will stand while someone is being given a leg up onto him – this is how the judge will mount
• he’s happy to be ridden by other people – it’s essential that he is safe
• you have taught your horse to gallop on both reins as the judge may choose to ask for gallop in either direction
• both men and women have ridden your horse because the judge could be either
• you can mount your horse in the ring – you can have a helper to give you a leg up, or you can take a step
• your horse is wearing suitable and safe tack, that your girth is tight enough and your stirrups are wide enough for the judge’s feet

Did you know? 

If the judge rides, you won’t be required to perform an individual show – this is the case in all classes, except hack classes.

In-hand classes 

Things are, understandably, a little different for in-hand classes because they don’t involve canter. However, the format will be similar to a ridden show – you’ll complete a group show before your individual one. But here’s what you can expect when showing your horse in-hand…

• enter the arena in walk on the right rein
• the steward will signal for the group to halt, then, one at a time, everyone will trot along the long side
• as you reach the end of the long side, come back to walk then halt, salute the judge and join the back of the line
• when everyone is done, the whole class will stand in a line in the middle of the arena

Then it’s time for the individual show…

• start by standing your horse up so the judge can assess his conformation – make sure all four legs are visible
• walk away in a straight line for at least 10 paces, then turn a loop so you end up back on the same line
• trot back towards and past the judge, then around the back of the line up
• bring your horse back to walk, halt and then salute to the judge before re-joining the line 

In-hand classes will end in the same way as ridden shows. 

Top tip

When leading your horse, remember to stay close to his shoulder and don’t get in front of him, or allow him to get ahead of you – practising and perfecting those skills at home will go a long way in helping you impress the judges.

Our expert: Sam Roberts is a three-time Mountain & Moorland Supreme Champion at the London International Horse Show. She’s also won at Horse of the Year Show 15 times and at the Royal International Horse Show 13 times.