Hello, Im Rhia. I have done showing with my horse for two years now and have always loved it. I'm sure you and your horse will love it as much as we do :)

First of all, when showing the judge prefers to see the rider in a tweed hacking jacket , cream/canary Jodphurs, Boots which match your tack , a velvet hat and gloves that match your hat. Wearing spurs is your choice. Your horse should have no boots and plain simple tack. E.g. no martingale or breast plates. You may also have seen horses with colourful or dimonte browbands these are riding horses which are quite fine. Because your horse is a cob he should have a plain Browband. You should also make sure you and your horse and clean and fresh. You should clean your tack and plait up for a show.

When you arrive at the show warm up for as long as you like ( we usually warm up for half an hour). Make sure he is relaxed, theres nothing worse than a tense horse, not only will it effect your riding the judge will notice you stiffen too. It helps if you have a groom or a friend to help you. ALWAYS carry a brush down to the ring with you for a last minute flick over. When you enter the ring smile at the judge and show off your horse. Its important to make a good first impression. Also try to be one of the first in the ring because if your standing in the line up for a long time, your horse my fall asleep. After you have walked trotted and cantered round the judge will ask you all to line up. They may pull you in in an order or you may be pulled in in any order. Make sure your horse is standing square and is on the bit. When its your turn the judge will pull you out of the line up and look your horse over. She might ask you some questions e.g. how old is he? What do you do with him? When you have answered she will ask you to do a short show.

Keep your display simple and short. Dont drag it out, Everyone will get bored. I just Walk until i hit the track. Trot a figure of eight, Canter a figure of eight coming back to trot on the diagonal to change legs, then extend your canter down the long side. Collect in the corner and come back to walk, stand in front of the judge (making sure he is square). You can end it there but i like to do a rein back and then salute.

The judge will then send everyone back out at a walk and pull in 1st 2nd 3rd etc.

Good Luck Hope you do well. Message me if you have anyomore qestions, sorry for writing an essay :) From Rhia x x