Local circit hunter shows..?

Question

so i used to ride hunters but i never went to a show, and now i've switched to eventing..

but my barn (the facility, technically) is hosting our local circit of hunter show (North Shore Horsemans Association [NSHA] ) and of couse i want to enter some classes! (free shipping, technically!)

there are 4 classes i can enter, and all of them are quite low level, unrated that type thing.. nothing over 18"

so how do we prepare ourselves?

should i use a fitted white saddle pad?

should i remove my white sheepskin girth sock?

can i wear a peach colored shirt?

are very light breeches still acceptable?

do i have to remove my flash noseband?

can i use my (running) martingale in the o/f classes?

any help appreciated!

btw, i know how to show groom, so thats not a problem..

Answer 1

Since it's local hunter, I don't think you'll have to worry about too much.

White fitted saddle pad is best, if you have a half pad or wither pad that's fine to use alone if it's hot out. Remove the girth cover, the outfit sounds fine-if you have a show coat wear it, most colors are fine for local stuff except for green, wear a belt. You have to remove the flash, and only standing martingales are allowed for hunter classes(I never understood it)- no martingales on the flat. No boots are allowed on the horse.

The jumps are alot less scary than any eventing or show jumping stuff in general-the courses are more flowing, more forgiving, and the most you'll run into is some flowerboxes and a roll top. Usually you'll have two trips over fences and a flat class for hunters, it varies from time to time though. In flat classes they'll ask for the w, t, c in both directions and depending on the class you're in you'll be asked to do a hand-gallop.

Edit;

Since it'll be under 2 ft you probably won't have to worry, but you might run into a coupe or an oxer.

Answer 2

Fitted white fleece saddle pad

No "girth sock"

Peach is ok, white is better

Buff or similar breeches

Navy coat is best, but any dark color is OK

Black high boots, dress or field

Black or charcoal hat

No flash

Snaffle preferred

Braid! With yarn matching the mane.

Answer 3

so how do we prepare ourselves? - practice!

should i use a fitted white saddle pad? - yes

should i remove my white sheepskin girth sock? - yes

can i wear a peach colored shirt? - yes

are very light breeches still acceptable? - as long as they're not white, yes

do i have to remove my flash noseband? - yes

can i use my (running) martingale in the o/f classes? - no

good luck!

Answer 4

Try to fit in some extra lessons (if you take them) between now and the show. Practice exactley what you'll be asked in the classes like do imaginary courses and pretend flat classes and what not. Practice your transitions and all that stuff too. Some people choose to go with fun schooling pads for local shows, but a clean, white fitted pad looks so much better, and I'd say remove the girth sock. Shirt color is just a preference really as long as its not too tacky colored or over-the-top. As long as your breeches aren't a gleaming white I'd say they're okay. Lose the flash noseband and running martingale because they're illegal for hunters but you could try a standing martingale for the o/f classes.

*The best advice= have fun, be safe, and rock it!! lol*

hope I helped some!

Answer 5

Well in preparing yourself, if your not going to stay a hunter, don't over do it and ruin your eventing training, as far as prep tho, make sure your horse is staying supple and relaxed on the flat and will properly pick up his leads and change them correctly without rushing thru them, also make sure over fences he or she is relaxed and balanced and jumps them in the center of the fence, make sure to not get up over their necks or back down on their mouths because as a hunter they should jump in good style in a relaxed and quiet manner.

Yes all hunters are to be shown in a fitted saddle pad

No you do not have to remove your girth cover, especially for a local show, if it keeps your horse more comfortable, it is permitted but make sure it is clean and well fitted.

Yes you can wear a peach colored show shirt, but it depends what color your mount is on how good it'll look.

Yes tan and beige breeches are the norm in the hunter world.

Yes you MUST remove your flash noseband as that is an illegal peice of equipment in hunter classes.

No you may not use a running martingle during over fences, that is illegal as well but you may use it to school and then take it off before your class of u may use a standing martingle correctly fitted during your class.

Good luck and have fun!!!