sportshorse classes

[caz]

Iv got a 2yr old coloured tb type and going to try sportshorse classes this year but heard you need to show them on a triangle?

Wot is it and wot are they looking for???
And the highland show says to wear white!
Do i need to wear white for every sportshorse class??

Also hes a platted youngster should i pull his tail?
Is it ok to show him in a leather bridle?

[gemzy]

Just a couple of questions!! hehe

I have no idea however there will be loads of people who will be able to help you on here

[jimsteel]

If you go to the Scottish Sport Horse website you'll get all the advice you need. Cheers and likely see you there. Jim

[tweeds]

I find it quite strange that we in the uk are forced!!! to show these horses as they do abroad, plus wear white, its stupid!!! certainly not practical, and deffo not flattering. The triangle thing is beyond even thinking about , for what purpose?
Have we in the uk got to follow the lead and be press ganged into doing as we are told or not being allowed to exhibit.

[Flyingbuck]

Mar 16, 2011 20:35:53 GMT jimsteel said:

If you go to the Scottish Sport Horse website you'll get all the advice you need. Cheers and likely see you there. Jim

If only it were that simple...

Despite all the info being on the website last year, folk still turned up for the SSH sponsored classes with incorrect attire for themselves/horse - or both! Moreover, it was obvious that some had never even practised on the triangle at home to give themselves and/or the horse a fighting chance, despite that being a recommendation on the website - so no guarantee that the advice will be followed/understood just because it is on the website.

I've always found that the SSH are happy to answer any queries during set times, but can be busy at certain times of the year.

Likewise, belonging to a showing forum, members here are more than happy to share their knowledge and tips and if that helps folk, then all to the good - and is part of what makes the forum invaluable as we all never stop learning.

[tweeds]

With the greatest respect , what and how can you justify 'correct attire' being white, I would like an explanation as to why?? it is a must people wear white when showing sports horses, I can see it in dairy and beef cattle, and sheep, or perhaps in pigs, but sports horses? Is it that the classes or horses are overlooked unless the handler turns up looking like (well in my case a michelin man) they are in fancy dress. Its a ridiculous rule its dictatorship, and will certainly put me off exhibiting locally . Its enforcement!! it sets people apart. Have the sports horse people ever looked into the legalities of this enforcement?
I dont know you fb, but can I ask are you a committee member of the ssh?

As for the triangle thing, and pointing out people DONT practise at home, horses are unpredictable, especially youngsters plus not everyone has the facilities, excuses must be made for youngstock or else spectators will get the wrong impression and look at the best behaved rather than the best example- or is this whats required ?
In europe, horses are classed as farm animals, subsidies are paid to breeders, so wearing white I suppose classes them alongside pigs, cattle and sheep. Not so in this country, we dont get subsidies and someone needs to set an example which will benefit breeders, producers and exhibitors by not adhering to silly rules. Scotland should pave the way through its sports hoses not comply in order to fit in.
Time to move on by setting an example not bowing to foreign influences which have no bearing in this country.

Tweeds now ducks and waits for the flak

[Lavender]

I say, what is wrong with a good old fashioned, walk away and trot back (and showing in tweed, for that matter!!), it has served this country very well, for showing hunters inhand under the old 'Hunter Improvement Society' and the new 'SPORTS Horse (GB)'

[Flyingbuck]

Mar 19, 2011 10:04:35 GMT Lavender said:

I say, what is wrong with a good old fashioned, walk away and trot back (and showing in tweed, for that matter!!), it has served this country very well, for showing hunters inhand under the old 'Hunter Improvement Society' and the new 'SPORTS Horse (GB)'

Is the new 'SPORTS Horse (GB)' the same society that stipulates all in hand sport horses are (with the exception of foals) to be shown on the triangle?

[tweeds]

If so, its time to lead by example, not bow and fawn just so we 'fit in' or is 'fitting in' more important than the stock we produce?

[caz]

well im still no further forward apart from jimsteel's comment.
tweeds you sound as if you have done this class or watched it but not much advice been given??

[jimsteel]

For the sake of playing devils advocate for a few moments.
I don't particularly have any problem with the SSH stipulating whites for showing sport horses. The same as I don't have any particular problem with the respective societies stipulating the dress code for showing hunters, highlands et al.
Now as far as the triangle is concerned, being someone who is fairly new to showing but has shown under both systems, I like it. Look at it from a practical point of view. When your called forward there is an area at the point of the triangle where the judge will look at conformation. This done the judge will position themselves at the point of the triangle from where he/she will be able to watch the horse going away on the left side of the triangle, a lovely side view along the top of the triangle and a front view coming back towards the judge on the right side of the triangle. Done at walk and trot the judge gets a lovely all round view of the horse.
And yes I am a member of SSH but have no influence on their policies. It's my opinion, thats all.

[caz]

thanks for that jimsteel i dont mind wot i have to wear it just means you can tell the classes apart lol im use to showing hunters and just want to be prepared.

The only thing is how close to you have to be to the triangle??
are they looking at the turning of the horse and should it be a tight turn or is it just to see equal sides of the horse on the straight??
Gona do the sports horse class with him at grandslam and hope to try it out their.

[olivertwist]

Hi

probably a bit late for you as Grand slam as past at weekend, but if it helps any the judge wants to see your horses paces not how well you can get round the triangle, use as much room as you need to show your horse off and the use the triangle is a guide for when to turn. ;D

For what its worth dont have a problem with the triangle or wearing whites, just like any other showing classes e.g lead rein, hunters, M&M classes all have their expected dress standards, sometimes it would be much easier if they did write it down so people new to the class got a better idea what was expected of them.

[jimbo]

Me again.
If you check the SSH website you'll find dates for various Grand Slam qualifiers around the country.

[boo]

i think when you see all the handlers in white it is quite smart at least everyone is the same unlike some other classes when some have beige trousers others dark ones and some have tweeds others waistcoats or jumpers
as for the triangle took me a while to get my youngster used to it (and my husband he showed her in sport horse classes) but i think the judges get a better view of the horses and the movement

Caz if you practice at home, each triangle should be 20mx20m x20m so set one up with poles and if you have get some flower pots and dot them about too - they are horse eating pots you know!
try and get as close to the triangle as you can but if you have to go a bit wide dont worry better that and getting a good trot than having them spook about (they might still do that though!)

i got a cheap pair of white jeans think they were from M&S and used my stock shirt but a plain white shirt from asda would be fine - its so much cheaper to kit yourself out for ssh classes than hunter ones! davie used his cricket stuff for showing last year so didnt cost anything for him which was a boost!