HOW many times have I heard people who are quite capable of competing on their horses or ponies wishing that they too could take the plunge and actually do it!

That's really sad, as every type of competition, with perhaps the exception of racing, is open to competitors of every standard. But finding what type of competition appeals to you takes a little bit of your imagination, a little bit of realisation as to the talents of your equine partner and a huge realisation of your own skill level!

So this is where the sport of showing comes in. What? Yes, that's right - showing. The world of showing horses and ponies has long been the starting ground for many of today's leading riders and even some horses that go on to international honours. Showing can be at the local unaffiliated show, a regional show organised under the rules of one of the several associations that hold national championships or at national level and the ultimate ambition the Horse of the Year show.

I know that "showing" demands attention to detail, correct management of the horse or pony so that they look their best and also perform at their best. It also demands a discipline to arrive in time, to present the horse or pony in front of the judge and to do the preparatory work (schooling) to ensure a fair performance. It also requires the competitor to look beyond the "other" equines in the ring and to learn what they can do better. Then as a mother, I have always been aware of the confidence that it gave my daughter to succeed in other parts of her life as well as in the participation with various ponies and now horses in equine competitions. She has manners (many showing judges hold traditional views and standards regarding manners), and is confident in herself without being arrogant (her ponies have seen to that!).

Showing takes many forms, from the in hand competitions to the working hunter classes over rustic fences. Lots of classes just include a ridden show of very basic movements. The value of the ridden showing classes is as a starting place for the novice competitor and the novice horse or pony, allowing confidence to build for the future. For the horse or pony whose career is to be in the show ring the start is the same.

So how do you get started? First you need a horse or pony. You need to read the show schedule carefully and ensure that you are able to fulfil the requirements of the class or classes you wish to enter. If there is a height restriction on the ponies in a class, is your pony under the height? If there is a novice restriction, does your horse or pony fall within that restriction? What about the rider, is there an age restriction or qualification restriction? It is not advisable to ignore the "qualification" or "restrictions" on a class, because if you do and you happen to be placed in the class someone will complain and that will spoil your day even if their objection is not upheld.

If you are unsure as to the "type" of your horse or pony then ask someone who is likely to have some idea as to the classes your animal is suitable for. Some shows, especially those that are not affiliated to any particular showing association will welcome you into their classes even if your horse or pony doesn't fall into the classic understanding of the description of the class. The experience and fun to be had at these shows is great, and from them you gain the confidence to enter the classes affiliated to the major showing associations.

Turn out of yourself and your equine at all shows is based on cleanliness and workmanlike clothing. Your horse or pony needs to be clean and well cared for. Manes and tails brushed and if appropriate, plaited. You and the tack needs to be spotlessly clean and workmanlike. This is not the place for loud colours and fancy jackets, but for the traditional look.

All the major showing associations, especially the one I know best, Ponies Association (UK) will welcome people new to the world of showing. Ponies (UK) run a special league of classes for the amateur rider and the riding club, pony club horse or pony. These classes have their own national championships only open to those who have not competed at the Horse of the Year Show or Olympia, riding or leading horse and ponies that have not been kept in a show producer's yard. You can however receive help and instruction from a "professional" show person. Again, Ponies (UK) acknowledge that not everyone has access to the 'professional' and so run a series of training events taken by the very top show professionals to help you achieve in the showring. Because they take the training of the show rider very seriously they have a scheme which incorporates the training events along with appraisals which when successful invites riders to become a member of the Elite Riders Academy and continue with training to improve their riding ability and knowledge.

I hope that I have been able to encourage you to have a go at showing. Here is a list of associations who organise shows, run national series of classes and will provide advice and maybe a list of people who you can approach for help in your local area.

  • Ponies Association (UK) Chesham House, 56 Green End Road, Sawtry, Huntingdon PE28 5UY. Tel: 01487 830278 Fax: 01487 832844.
  • National Pony Society, 7 The Windmill, Turk Street, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1EF. Tel: 01420 8833 Fax: 01420 80599.
  • Amateur Showing Society, PO Box 571, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 9BD. Tel: 01284 388923.