SHOWING
YOUR YEARLING IN-HAND - a few ideas on how to prepare for your first outing
with your youngster!
Article by SHNZ
Thanks to Claire & Steve Aldhamland for the use of some of their photos.
| Breeding a foal is in itself a very exciting venture, however unfortunately it is still a fair time before you can actually start riding it! | |
| While many people prefer to compete in the ridden disciplines, in-hand showing is not to be overlooked as a wonderful introduction for your young horse to the big wide world and competition scene, as well as an opportunity to learn some very important lessons and manners on the ground if not already established. You will probably need to give yourself at least 6 weeks before the show to allow plenty of time to start preparing your youngster in their overall appearance and general handling. |
 If your yearling already looks good, with a little extra preparation, in-hand showing can provide great experience.Yearlings are an ideal age to start firmly going over basic handling rules & manners if they haven't already been well established. |
Show Type and Classes: The type of show you choose may be dependant on the breed of your horse; sometimes different breeds hold their own specialised shows, and there are many smaller pony club/riding club or specific training shows which offer a superb laid-back atmosphere suitable for first time outings and without such a focus on winning a red ribbon. Nationwide A&P shows are of course the other end of the scale, and perhaps not an ideal first outing introduction with such a commotion and bustle of activity surrounding them. Remember that this is going to be a big day mentally as much as physically for your youngster so why not make it as easy and comfortable as possible for you both to enjoy yourselves!
The classes available will differ from show to show but probably range from specific breed or size classes, through to age group and sex classes. The judge will be looking for correct conformation and movement, good manners and at the overall picture you and your yearling are presenting. Some classes focus on one quality more than the others so take note of what the judge will specifically be looking for in each class (ask a friend if you arent familiar with the class types). Entering a couple of classes should be plenty for your first outing together.
Choose a small country
type show for your first outing and then, if all goes well, why not try
your yearling out against more experienced competition at your local A&P
or Breed show.
Feed: Depending on the time of year and type of horse, some yearlings will need to be fed a little extra leading up to the show to improve their overall condition - but be very aware not to overdo this! Excess weight can cause problems on young growing limbs; your yearling just needs to have a sensible coverage and even, constant growth for best results. There are plenty of specially prepared yearling feeds available for sale, most youngsters will take to the taste quite quickly. Feeding also enables you to add a few extra supplements that can help general condition and boost their coat, eg kelp and oils.
| Coat
and Appearance: If your yearling has not worn a cover before,
this can be a good time to introduce one as it will help finish off
the coat and keep your horse clean leading up to and during the big
day. Plenty of regular grooming will also make a big difference in removing winter woolies and adding natural shine. You may need to trim extra hairs around the face, ears and legs. Washing certainly does make a difference, just take your time and let your youngster get used to the hose water on his feet and legs before moving onto the body. |
 Introducing your yearling to a cover is another stage you can go through with them in preparation for your first show, and is good de-sensitisation learning for future wearing of a roller and saddle etc. |
| (Remember
wearing a cover and being hosed are new learning curves for your yearling
and can be treated as a lesson in themselves!) On the day of the show have your horse's coat well cleaned, hooves oiled and mane neatly plaited. Tails can be either well plaited or pulled. (Bear in mind that some breeds, such as Arabs, or certain shows may have their own requirements on manes and tails so ask around if you are not sure). Spray on shine products can add some extra gleam to the coat and some people like to add a little oil around the eyes and muzzle to highlight them. White talcum powder is a popular white sock enhancer although needs to be applied carefully and the excess powder removed from the coat before entering the ring. Subtlety is the key to make good use of these additional products! |
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Handling: To attend an in-hand show, your yearling needs to be able to walk and trot beside you on command, as well as stand squarely and stand still while the judge moves about him. Sometimes the judge also likes to pickup a foot to assess the hoof so work on this with a friend at home too. You will also need to have had some floating practise as this is probably the first experience your youngster had had with being transported, and definately not something you want to rush at the last minute. Practise the in-hand movements regularly at home, but dont over do it! |
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| Begin with just the basics of standing squarely and walking calmly beside you and finish each lesson when they have done it right, or have made a good attempt to - rewarding the slightest try will help you progress faster. Don't forget that your yearling is still just like a young child and cannot concentrate on too many different things or for too long at a time... you are much better to have 2 short lessons of 10 - 15 minutes a day that end on a good note, than one long lesson of an hour where your youngster starts losing concentration and playing up. |
 Although possibly excited when you first arrive, your yearling will probably tire quite quickly with so much to take in, so let them relax between classes so they are alert & ready for your next class. |
Many young horses
at this age are also quite herd bound and attached to their paddock mates
for security. Each horse will be different here so it will be up to you
to assess how quickly you can make the break from the paddock mates. If
your youngster is very anxious about leading away from them, try starting
the first few days lessons in the paddock beside the friends, and gradually
work away from them as your yearling's confidence and trust in you as
a leader takes place.
You may like to carry a stick and use your voice to help establish the
commands. A "bum rope" or loop around the hindquarters may also
be necessary to teach the initial leading process, especially if your
yearling has not done this at all before. Apply forward pressure on the
halter, then the bum rope, and as soon as the horse moves forward, even
just a step, release the pressure, praise, and then ask again.
Movement in hand must
be free & forward going, so you will need to be able to keep up!
Make sure the in-hand
walk is active and going somewhere and that your yearling stands squarely
at the halt.
The trot up is quite an important part of the in-hand show class as it
is a time you can really show off your horse's paces and good manners
(hopefully!) in an individual presentation before the judge. To best show-off
the trot, you will need to be able to run quite fast and allow your horse
to run freely forwards without turning their head in towards you.
There is quite
an art to achieving the finesse and finer points of in-hand showing so
dont dispair if it takes you and your yearling a wee while to get things
together - patience, practise and consistency will get you there in the
end!
| Show Turnout: Most yearlings can be shown in a simple leather halter or inhand bridle with a long lead, although occasionally a you may require a mild bit for extra control. Choose a halter that compliments the head - eg a fine leather halter for a very elegant head, or perhaps a heavier one for a big handsome colt. Some people like to use coloured or metal plated browbands which can enhance (or detract) from your horses features. Try a few different halters and see what looks best. It is also good to carry a short show stick in case you need it to back up your voice and rope commands. | |
| Handlers
turnout depends on the level of show but usually a smart shirt and
dress pants with footwear suitable for running in are quite appropriate
for smaller country show occasions. Hats are common place, especially
at larger shows, and must also be suitable for running in! Showing is all about creating an appealing overall picture of you and your horse so make an effort to look very smart and tidy yet functional. |
 Make a smart impression before the judge with your & your horse complimenting each other in your turnout. |
On The Day: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the show well before your first class. Take a friend who can help as you will certainly need an extra pair of hands! Have your yearling clean and plaited before you leave and take plenty of extra grooming equipment (including extra rubber bands for the plaits), over clothes to keep your turnout clothes clean, a water bucket, some hay or feed, spare halter/leads etc. At some shows you may also be required to take height or breed certificates along to enter the classes although this should have been specified on the entry form.
If your preparation has been thorough there is no reason why your first outing together wont go pretty smoothly (and you may even win a few ribbons!) - but always realise that this is going to be an exciting day for your youngster so just remember to stay calm no matter what happens and work quietly on what youve practised at home until your horse is listening and responding. They will be taking alot of cues from you as their trusted leader on how to act here in this new environment, so flying off the handle or running around yourself will not help the situation!
For your first show focus on the outing & valuable
experience for your yearling, however a well deserved ribbon or two certainly
adds to the occasion & makes your effort even more worthwhile!
Remember to breathe deeply if you are feeling a few nerves and by letting your horse graze and quietly take in the scene, or giving them something to think about such as going over a few of your home learnt lessons, will help you both relax too.
And you are both on
your way to many more future outings together!! I hope everyone enjoys
the summer show season and wish you lots of luck with your young horses.
Happy showing!