pratice standing your horse and get someone to walk around them like a judge does, so he has to stand for along time.
yes they are looking at the handler more than the horse in these classes so keep an eye on the judge, so you dont miss your placing. dont just stand there with arms crossed (gives the impression of being bored!), be attentive and keep an eye out for what around you, watch the other handlers doing their indervidual stand up and trot out.
most important when i have been judging amature classes that the handler trots at the judge for the indervidual, the judge gets out of your way not the other way round, so meny good handlers get put down for this slight mistake, also trot straight afterwards too dont turn off too soon.
misterei
Posted - 10 Jun 2009 : 7:41:54 PM During my first amature class it was suggested that wearing gloves would help move the horse up the line, as they seem to be judging the handler as much as the horse.
In the 'proper' Arab handling class you will see shirts and ties for men and tidy attire for women, no need for gloves or anything else except black trainers so you can run safely over uneven ground.
I saw one handler placed consistently at the end of the line recently who stood out with his white trainers. DOn't know if this was co-incidental, whether his horse was judged for having white trainers, or whether his horses were consistently the worst in each class. I never did understand protocols, especially as they seem only to apply in the UK quite often.
My handler in 'proper' shows is generally Alethea, who dresses exceptionally well and you could learn by visiting a show to see the difference between amature dress and the normal Arab dress codes.
It may be a judge will read this and can give some pointers, because if we don't know the rules, how will we know when we are not conforming to them? If anyone can explain the offside rule then we can teach our horses to play footie
rafabreeze
Posted - 10 Jun 2009 : 1:07:44 PM The main thing is enjoy it! - Georgina and Rafa x
bey_sirocco
Posted - 10 Jun 2009 : 11:56:41 AM Thank you for your help. Rocco's a pure bred.
I will keep an eye our for you at Malvern then! I'll be the one with the scruffy chestnut dancing on the end of the lead!
Pink Minx
Posted - 10 Jun 2009 : 11:45:20 AM If you can get to a show to watch how arabs are shown prior to your show you can always pick up a few tips just by seeing what others do in relation to ringcraft, presentation of horse, correct attire and often if you try and chat to people in the collecting ring they are often happy to answer any questions.
Have a look on the events section on here to see if there is anything on within reasonable travelling distance that you could watch at. Northern Arab Group's show is on 21st June, plenty of in hand classes to watch there. Good luck!
rafabreeze
Posted - 10 Jun 2009 : 10:10:31 AM Hi Bey and welcome to AL
I dont actually go into the ring myself but I have a pure bred that does lol Firstly are you showing a pure bred or part/anglo?, this will determine what your attire would be.
Chalking is fine, as is most normal show preparation, ie oils, show sheen that sort of stuff. Clear hoof oil only tho for pure bred, I dont know much about part breds etc though I have to say.
Pure bred are shown with long whips which are not supposed to be over 1 metre in length but I'm sure this isnt adhered too.
As for what the judge looks for I'm sure its the same for all breed type, so type, body, top line, head, neck, s(so basically confirmation) clean legs, movement, etc Good luck at the show I will be there with Rafa - Georgina x
