If you are new to the showing scene, it can be hard to know what to look for in a show horse. Find out whether your animal has the potential to be the next showing star!
Conformation: What to Look For
Conformation is the first thing that you should look at when assessing a potential show animal. Are the legs straight and well put together? Is the shoulder long and sloping from the withers to the point of the shoulder? Does the horse have a short strong back and broad, strong hindquarters? Are the head and neck in proportion to the rest of the body? There are varying opinions on whether scars and other unsightly marks such as splints (a bony growth on the fore or hind limb, usually caused by concussion) should effect a judge’s decision. As a rule, if you are buying a horse specifically for showing, try to find one with as few scars and marks as possible.
All You Need to Know About Perfect Paces
Your future show horse will also need to have straight, active and attractive paces. Action will differ slightly depending on the breed. For example, a good hackney pony will move with a lot of knee action whereas a British riding pony will move close to the ground. However, no show horse, regardless of breed or type, should have faults in its action such as brushing (when the inside of a fetlock is struck by the opposite foot) or dishing (when one or both front feet are thrown outward and forward).
Manners, Manners, Manners
Temperament is very important in the show ring, especially when it comes to the children’s ponies that are supposed to be judged on how capable they are of carrying and looking after a young rider. Also bear in mind that, in the United Kingdom, most show horse classes will require that the horse be ridden by the judge as well. This means that, even if you can cover up the horse’s bad manners and difficult temperament, the truth will probably come out as soon as the judge’s rear end hits the saddle! However beautiful a horse is in the flesh, do not be tempted to spend money on something that is difficult or bad tempered. You won’t have fun competing on such a horse and it will always let you down in the showing arena.
Charisma!
This is the one quality that separates the champions from the merely mediocre. This type of horse exudes presence and owns the ring as soon as it steps into it. It is not something that can be trained into a horse; it is a natural part of its personality. If your horse is well put together, moves nicely and also has this intangible charismatic quality then there is no denying that your animal could be the next showing star. See you at the championships!
