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Competing in Showing Classes at Pachesham

Showing can seem a bit intimidating for the novice competitor, there are so many varied classes to choose from. However at Pachesham we pride ourselves in being able to offer a selection of showing classes that incorporate something for everyone. From a child’s first time in the show ring, to qualifiers for many prestigious and renowned events.

One of the first things you need to decide as a novice is what classes will suit your horse. Initially you may want to choose one or two fun classes, for example “prettiest mare” and then one more formal class. Or you may simply want to stick to the fun classes until you gain confidence in the show ring.

Ridden Classes

The majority of ridden showing classes follow the same sort of pattern. An example of this is seen below:
You enter the show ring and parade around the edge to enable the judge or judges to get their first look at the horses in the showing class. You will then be asked to trot around the ring as a group, and in some classes you may also be asked to canter, this will be competed on each rein.

A steward will then all you in to line up, sometimes this is in a provisional order but this is not always the case.
Once you are lined up you take it in turns to do your individual show, this generally needs to demonstrate walk, trot and canter on each rein. Don’t make your show too long or complicated. In some classes the judge may also ride your horse.

Once you have completed your show you will need to return to your place in the line up. Occasionally there may also be an inhand element where you will be asked to remove your horse’s saddle and trot your horse up for the judge to see.

The judge will examine each of the horses in turn and will often ask you questions in relation to your horse.
Once everyone has completed their show and all the horses have been examined you will all be sent out to ride around the ring again. It is at this point the judge will normally call people to the centre in the line up order.

Obviously this structure varies in accordance with the class you have entered. Family pony and handy pony may require obstacle courses to be completed, hunter classes may require jumping. However this is listed in the Pachesham showing schedule to enable you to make your choices with a full knowledge of what is expected of you and your horse in the showing class.

Inhand classes

You should not expect an inhand showing class to be any less demanding than a ridden showing class. The judging is just as rigorous despite you not being mounted.

Inhand classes tend to follow the same format, with some slight alterations dependent upon the particular class.

When you enter the arena you will be expected to walk your horse around the show ring with the other competitors in the showing class. You should walk on your horses outside shoulder, so that the judge can get the best view of your horse possible. Make sure you walk at your horses shoulder and not in front of your horse.

You may then be asked to trot your horse round the ring with the other horses, or you may be asked to do this one by one. Once this has been completed the steward will ask you to come into the middle and line up, sometimes this is in a provisional order although this is not always the case.

The judge will then view each horse individually; you will be asked questions relating to your horse and when prompted should trot your horses up for the judge to view.
Once every horse has been viewed you will all be asked to walk around the ring once more. The judge and steward will confer and the steward will then start calling people into the centre in place order.

You will quite often find that the judges in showing classes will give you advice on how to improve next time. Even the most experienced competitors welcome this help as it enables you to progress in the showing environment. At Pachesham we have qualified staff who will be happy to talk to you and if you feel it would be beneficial we offer teaching and training clinics and lessons, please see our teaching and training page for more information.

Our showing classes are run in accordance with the British Show Horse Association guidelines. The BSHA is the governing body of the Showing for Hacks, Riding Horses and Cobs. Further information on the BSHA can be found “here”.