Showing Series

SHOWING ADVICE

The Society regular is asked for our advice about showing the Appaloosa; What to wear, What the horse should wear, How to present an animal successfully to the judge and what is expected in the showring. 

With these questions in mind we have produced, and are continuing to produce articles intended to help our members enjoy their showing.  We hope you enjoy them. Please come back as we continue to add more help and advice here!

                             SHOWING ADVICE  (Part One)

 Mrs Bev Batten (Long standing BApS Judge)

You have joined the wonderful world of Appaloosas and want to show your pride and joy. Where to start, what to do and what to wear are some of the many questions asked. Let us start with you and your turnout. You do not have to pay a lot for your clothing although if you are able to then there are plenty of different brands available. Have a look at online second-hand sites as you can often pick up a bargain. The main thing is you must be smart, for most Ridden classes this can be achieved by wearing a pair of cream, fawn or buff jodhpurs/Breeches, hacking jacket or riding jacket with a smart shirt and tie.   Brown, fawn or tan riding gloves and in English classes a correctly fitted current standard riding hat.  Long riding boots in Black or Brown and jodhpur boots for juniors.  Spurs can be worn by adults (not in Ultra novice classes).  Long hair should be neat and tidy, for girls’ plaits and teenagers/ladies a neat bun.  Show canes can be carried, these must be no longer than 30cm

Inhand turnout is very similar, a waistcoat can be worn instead of a Riding jacket, smart trousers (rule of thumb trousers being lighter colours against dark legs, and dark trousers against light legs) with safe boots, shoes or Western boots with a sensible tread for walking/running on varying ground.  Hats must be worn, try to match your turnout (English or Western). Gloves and show cane.  Remember you need to be comfortable as you may well be in your chosen clothes/ footwear all day. 

What your horse wears is of course dependant on what you are doing, and your horse’s needs and I will cover this under each section. I will try to clarify by class type for you.


BApS affiliated shows do also allow for your appaloosa’s mane to be natural, plaited or hogged with a natural, plaited or a pulled tail.

In Hand classes English and Western.

Firstly look carefully and critically at your horse. Does it have a big head? If so, you may want to think of the thickness of the bridle, a hunter type suits a wide noseband whereas a finer animal would look good in narrower leather. Brown tack is traditionally used for showing but black is acceptable.   If you are showing a youngster then an in-hand bridle with leather show lead rein is best depending on age and temperament of your horse.  Foals and yearlings are shown in a foal slip/ filly slip (no bit).  2 and 3 year olds are bitted, usually with a rubber inhand snaffle or another suitable bit if extra control is required.  Colts 2 years and over MUST be bitted.  An older animal can be shown in its riding bridle which is useful if you are competing in ridden classes as well. When I used to show we mainly had plain browbands and then the coloured velvet ones became popular for show ponies. Nowadays you can access some wonderful bling. Colour co-ordinating is popular now but again do not distract the judge from your horse. 

If you are showing in western classes, there are some fabulous in hand show halters available. Leather, rope, or nylon halters may be allowed. Whether or not silver or other embellishments are allowed on the horse's halters will depend on the specific rules of the show. Those showing in English conformation or showmanship classes may be able to use a bridle rather than a halter. At smaller shows, neat trousers or dark coloured jeans with a matching belt are acceptable, along with a shirt, either in a solid or print fabric.  Western shirts are available online and in shops. Conservative is better than flashy, as you want the judge to notice your competent handling or your horse, not your extravagant blouse. One colour from top to bottom makes a long, clean, neat line that is flattering. A neat cowboy hat in either a neutral or coordinating colour looks good. 

Ridden Classes 

Similar rules apply if you are showing under saddle in both English and Western. Neat clean and well fitted tack. For flat English showing classes a bridle with a cavesson noseband, what bit to use is a minefield, but never forget you are showing off how well schooled and obedient your horse is so a mouthful of strong looking gadgets is not good.  If your horse is novice then there are a range of suitable bits and a youngster going well in a snaffle is a joy to see.  Double bridles or pelhams are popular for older animals. The main thing is do not put your horse in a double or a pelham with two reins if you have not practiced in them.  Brown or Black girth and numnah which matches your saddle and fit neatly.  If using a pelham or double bridle the top (bradoon) rein should be plaited and the bottom (Weymouth) rein should be plain.    No brushing boots, leg bandages should be used for in hand and ridden showing. 

What to expect - In Hand.

When it is time for you to enter the ring follow the ring stewards’ instructions and remember the judges are human and want you to enjoy your day. For the in-hand classes you will be asked to enter at a walk and continue until the ring steward stops everyone ready for the trot. You will trot individually round the ring to the back of the line. When you finish your trot stand your horse up and always thank the judge,  they should still be watching! If it is a huge ring don’t disappear into the distance as the judge will not see you!. You will all walk on again and then be called into line. Depending on the judge and class you may be called in an initial order or in any order. Do not be disheartened if in the initial line up you are near the end as nothing is definite at that stage. You will then be asked to bring your horse out to present to the judge. Make sure it is stood up well and with one hind leg back from the other.   

When the judge is looking at your horses front legs move to one side.  After the judge has looked around they will ask you to walk away and trot back towards them.  Always turn your horse away from you after the walk away (to the right), don’t ask your horse to trot until you have finished turning the corner.  Keep a straight line and head directly back towards the judge as they will be looking at the movement.  Continue to trot past the judge in a straight line, again turn your horse away from you (to the right) trotting to behind the line up.   You then go back into line and wait. Remember you are always being judged, the judge may look round to check something or compare so be alert. When all have been judged you will walk round again and be pulled in for the final placings. If you are placed down the line most judges will be happy to offer advice. It may be as simple as your horse didn’t move at their best on the day. Different judges have varying views so please try again. You may do better later in the day in a different class under the same judge.

Ridden

BApS ridden classes are open to English and Western.  You will enter the ring at a walk and go round the ring until you are asked to trot on. After a few circuits you will be asked to canter on then change rein, across the diagonal to canter on the other leg, depending on the class you maybe asked to extend the canter up one long side of the ring.  It will then be back to trot and walk. If the horse in front of you is slower or playing up you may overtake at a suitable distance and pace or circle and slot back in in a different place. As with in hand you may be pulled in initial order or any order. BApS Affiliated classes do not have a ride judge so you will be asked to do an individual show and this may be one set by the judge or one of your own design. You are aiming to show all paces and both directions and may be asked to gallop. Keep the show simple and reasonably short, again watching others will give you some ideas. You will, then be sent back out to walk round and called in in final order. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from judges or other competitors.

Whatever you do with your horse remember preparation, patience and presentation matter. Enjoy your show and whatever happens your horse is still special to you.

                   Ridden showing – what is the judge looking for in your show? (Part Two)

A light-hearted look at what we judges look for written by Sam Backshall


As we approach a new season…….finally (big cheers), I have been asked to write a short article on what the judge is looking for in your ridden show.  Over the years I have seen many different interpretations of a good show, and to be fair, who’s to say any of them are actually wrong?  However, as a judge, a show that is short, tidy and shows all gaits well and adequately is what I would look for on a basic level.  The go round is equally important and first impressions last.

There is much to add to short, tidy and shows all gaits well, however:

The first thing I look for is a good walk as you enter the ring.  Are YOU and your horse happy and moving freely?  

Is there a good, relaxed length of stride to the walk?  Do you both look like you want to be there?  (Believe me I have seen some grumpy faces in my time and it’s not a great start.)  Is it a nice picture?  Is your horse straight in their movement?

  Next as you move to the group trot, are you still both relaxed?  Is your horse tensing or moving forward nicely with a good stride?  Are they willing to move up a gait?  What is your ring etiquette like?  Are you polite, giving people space etc?  Is your horse maintaining a nice, relaxed frame or is your horse overbending or lifting off the bit?  Is there any evasion evident?  Is your horse moving straight or are their quarters in or out?  Remember, it’s the whole package. 

As we move to canter does your horse move up a gear happily?  Can you both do it on a straight side?  (Bonus points there if you can!)  Is there any tension?  Again, any overbending/evasion/naughty behaviour?  This is often where it gets a bit wayward.  So, make sure you practice cantering with people in front and behind you!!!  Does your horse bend in the correct direction or twist in some way?  Once again, is your horse moving straight or are their quarters in or out?

The extension……number one rule, make sure you have space and circle if you need to be safe and give your horse a chance, but please look over your shoulder before you do this!!!  DO NOT FLAP i.e. your legs and arms flying and even worse a quick tap with your stick, which often results in a buck.  It is not the Grand National!!!!  Teach your horse to extend from gentle leg pressure but allow them to move up the gait.  I have seen horses asked to extend and they go willingly, but then the rider has hung on to them with their hands, and well……not a positive result.

Equally important, are the downward transitions.  Do you both step down a gait smoothly or is there an argument?  For example are you having to use your reins a fair bit or is your horse responding well to your seat (yes we can tell!!!).  Does the frame stay relaxed?

And on that note, the rein change.  Is your horse responsive to your request or running out of their outside shoulder to evade you?  Is there a difference in their way of going compared to the other rein?  My thoughts would be why if there is a difference?  Does the picture still stay the same or improve or worsen?

And so to the line-up.  Sometimes you will be asked to just line up.  In this case get in a good space.  We do not want accidents to happen.  If you know your horse will need a break after the go round, give them that chance.  If they need space, get them on the end of the line-up, and don’t forget the appropriate ribbon in their tail.  Then once in your spot, make sure your horse will stand relaxed and quiet.  Fidgety horses are distracting to the judge and can also interfere with other competitors.

If you are pulled in in places, number one smile if you are at the top, then get into your spot quickly to give your horse a break if they need it.  Again, maintain space, relax your horse and enjoy where you are in the line-up, wherever that is.  Things can, and do, change!!

And so, to the individual show.  All the above still applies regarding way of going but hopefully it will be easier as you are riding on your own.  Also, a big no-no is going round the back of the line up as part of your show.

When you are called out to the judge, smile and say hello.  DO NOT park on top of them.  When you present your horse, we want to see the whole picture not your horses’ nose, bottom or your leg/boots up close.  Nicely positioned side on is perfect, facing in the right direction.  Four-square is not required but equally do not stand your horse up with a leg resting or stood like they are trying not to slip on ice (imagine Bambi trying to keep still on the ice – Superman).  Keep him/her relaxed, do not be fiddling with your reins, or pushing them about with your legs.  Most horses will stand nicely if you just sit there and talk to the judge and give them a pat, believe it or not!!!

Once you have been looked over and answered any questions, it’s time to just…relax.  Pretend you are riding at home, do not go tense, do not ride differently, JUST CHILL.  

As you walk away make sure it is active, straight and relaxed, if you are asked to trot back to the judge make sure it is in a straight line (we will move do not worry, we do not want squashing) we just want to see how your horse moves in-front.  From there unless you are asked to do a set show (which happens often, so be prepared) choose which rein to ride first.

Keep to a figure of eight with trot into canter on each rein, then complete with an extension if you are asked to.  DO NOT go round in circles if it goes wrong, try once more then go to the next movement.  If this happens stay calm, frustration, embarrassment, anger will NOT help you out.

What we are looking for is a partnership.  You do not argue, you both look happy.  And no, it is not always the people who have all the best gear.  What do labels mean anyway?!!?!?  It should always be the person whose horse goes in the best way at that particular moment.  Never mind who schooled the horse or who your instructor is, for me its which animal went the best and fits the type of the class correctly. Le Beau Cheval jackets do not win classes!!!!

.To conclude, remember your horse is your best friend, your soul mate and your joy, so always look after them. No, your horse will not always go perfectly (I’ve seen top horses go badly, they are animals with their own minds after all) and no they will not be everyone’s cup of tea……BUT at the end of the day, they are your pride and joy and never forget that. If we all had the same taste/opinion what a boring world we would live in, wouldn’t you say.


PS: smile and say hello, we do not bite. Yes, you will be nervous, but we are only humans and understand that too. Believe me, we have all felt the same at some point!! It is nice when we are asked if we are OK, especially after 6 hours straight of standing in the ring so the show can go on!!

 

Top tips

 

       1.    Use the corners and space.


       2.    DO NOT run the judge over (oh it happens!!).


       3.    Smile = relaxed.


       4.    Sing to yourself if you have to, to help you relax. I used to sing the Frog’s Chorus (showing my age there) as my horse a the time                              had  a frog fleece to travel in.


       5.    Say hello and thank you, including to other competitors (don’t make it so serious).


       6.    RELAX.


       7.     Keep in your own space (running up the backend of the competitor in front is not cool).


       8.    Trying to show off with some strides of extended trot, as you come back to the judge, can ruin it all (happened many times). And do                       park  on  them to salute (oh and smile) either!!! We want the full picture to finish again, not  splatting, thankyou.

     

       9.    If you ask for feedback, take it as its intended (it’s not a personal attack!!). The judge was watching what was happening  and so can                        advise you in their opinion (again no one is the same, so just listen and take what you want from it). They will  always give you positives                as  well.

         

      10.  My final point is this…………………. we can never all be happy with results but if we learn to accept them and look for ways  to improve for               the future and don’t start ranting round/in the ring (yes that happens too, tantrums and all!!!) then you  AND the judges will keep                           doing what they are passionate about!! Remember judges need to be there for the show to go on. Let’s all just go for going home                             with a well/happy horse, a fantastic photo from the day and having had fun with friends (including cake and prosecco if you are not the               driver). Rosettes and sashes are the icing on the cake. 

         

HAPPY SHOWING, BE SAFE AND HAVE LOTS OF FUN. 

Hunter, Sports Horse or Riding horse?


Co – written by Mark Mortimer & Sam Backshall with thanks – 2021 National Breed Show judges.

This article is written to assist members with placing their horse in the correct class for their type at our Breed Shows and at other events. It is important that you enter the correct class, so you do not feel disheartened at the end of the class.


The Hunter


The British Show Horse Association (BSHA) states that a hunter is a mare or gelding capable or likely to be capable of carrying its designated weight regularly for a full day’s hunting. It should have substance, quality and a calm, bold temperament. It should have the conformation to produce high performance with sustained soundness. It should be alert and when ridden, have four athletic natural paces.

These horses are judged on their performance, soundness, conformation, suitability, and manners. These horses are what you would typically see on the hunting field. They need to demonstrate manners, ie, standing still and not getting phased by other horses around them, fluid movement that is comfortable for a full day’s hunting and cover the ground well. They have varying amounts of bone and at type specific events they are split into, light, middle and heavy weight categories. At BApS breed shows all categories go in together.


Way of going and manners: The hunter should be soft in the hand, have a well-balanced frame, be ‘round’ over their top line. Their gaits should be long, smooth, sweeping strides that cover the ground well and the canter must be rhythmical and have a good stride length. They should travel in a slightly more elongated, flowing frame rather than in the more collected frame of a dressage horse but they should not be on the forehand and remain relaxed. However, they must be able to ‘collect’ when asked and also produce an extended canter or a gallop. They should be mannerly and show patience while waiting. They should be kind and trustworthy.

In the show ring there will be horses of varying ages, so a slightly green four-year-old may be a little more impatient than an 8/9-year-old, however, it must still be able to show manners. At some shows the judge may ride your horses, if this is the case it will be listed in the schedule with the ride judge’s name listed, if this is the case the judge will ask how old your horse is, and if they can ride it. If you are going to a show where the judge is going to ride PLEASE DON’T TURN UP AND TELL THE JUDGE THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS EVER RIDDEN YOUR HORSE BEFORE!!

Turnout: is to be kept simple. No velvet browbands just plain leather, a flat wider noseband and matching saddle colour. Simple subtle numnah under the saddle, ideally matching your tack. You should be wearing a tweed jacket, shirt, tie, tie pin, gloves, neutral breeches/jodhpurs and long boots.

The mane should be plaited if you have enough and if you are lucky to have a good tail plait this too or pull it neatly at the top. The tail should also be cut neatly across below the hocks, so it does not rise above the hock level whilst the horse is moving. Feather around the fetlock, tufty ears and jaw lines should be neatly trimmed. Whiskers can stay put. You may also wish to have quarter marks to accentuate the quarters.

The main question is, can you see your horse being ridden by the hunt master, or are they too fine in bone or frame? Ignore the spots!!

Quarter marks

Ground covering

Simple flat bridle.

Sports Horse


A sport horse is a type of horse, rather than any particular breed. The term is applied to horses bred for the traditional Olympic equestrian sporting events of dressage, eventing and show jumping.

Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain state that they are athletic horses that have the conformation and movement to go to the top of their sphere.

Conformation: most sport horses have similarities in their conformation. These include a sloping shoulder, well-shaped neck, and uphill build. The limb will be finer than that seen on a hunter. Conformation has direct effects on the animal's movement and jumping ability. They should look and be fit with good muscle development to be athletic. They should also show good correct leg angles.

Movement: Sport horses are bred for a long, athletic stride and movement that uses the whole body. The trot and canter should have good suspension, and the horse naturally reaches under his body with his hind legs. This movement makes it easier for the rider to teach the horse to engage, collect, and extend his stride, which are necessary qualities in all sport horse disciplines. The horse should be able to collect willingly and also extend as asked. They should not be on the forehand and remain relaxed through all gaits. It should look effortless.

Temperament: because of the great deal of training needed to produce a successful sport horse, they are generally bred for trainability and willingness to work.

 Turnout: Riders must wear an appropriate jacket with a shirt and tie, Plain fawn or buff coloured breeches, plain black or brown boots, any form of leather or string glove.

Your horse should have their mane plaited. There is no need to plait foals. Tails should be pulled or plaited. Heels trimmed. Tidy head and jaw. (SHBGB)


Riding Horse


The British Show Horse Association (BSHA) the riding horse should have quality, substance, good bone, correct conformation, presence and true action. They fall into 2 categories, small (exceeding 148cm and not exceeding 158cm (and large (exceeding 158cm), but for the BApS breed shows they are in as one. They are judged on type, manners, movement and conformation.


Turnout: Tack should be clean and well cared for and the browband should be a coloured one. Simple subtle numnah under the saddle, ideally matching your tack You should be wearing tweed not navy, with long boots, shirt, matching tie, tie pin, gloves and neutral breeches/jodhpurs.

The horse should be turned out with a plaited mane if you have enough to do this, the tail should be cut to sit below the hocks whilst the horse is moving and be neatly plaited or pulled. The untidy hair should be removed on the head and legs (whiskers are your choice). Make sure the coat is gleaming, the judge needs to be drawn to you, be eye catching. Again, quarter marks are allowed, but make sure they accentuate your horse.

Way of going: The horse should move effortlessly and look to be a pleasure to ride. Imagine a lady riding your horse, would they be comfortable? The canter must be ground covering and when they gallop, they need to lower to the ground and go. Paces should be powerful yet controlled, but not showing as much elevation from the knees and hocks as you would look for in a dressage horse. The need to move with purpose. They must be mannerly and show obedience to the leg (BSHA rulebook 2022)

Conformation: they are deeper through the girth than a hack or sports horse. Ideally you are looking for at least 8” of bone below the knee, so they are slightly heavier than sports horse types, whilst maintaining quality. The limb should be strong but refined. They are more ‘compact’ than hunters and sports types.


                          A great example of a riding horse. The rider is                             in navy as competing at HOYS here.

Yes, it’s a tough one to place your horse, but go out and ask the judges what they think, they will help and guide you. You will have more success if you are in the correct class!

Remember that when you go to the show enjoy it and enjoy your horse, as a judge it is nice to see the horses well turned out and presented correctly, and in the right class for the horse this will help you stand a better chance in your class.

The horse classes: Hunters. Light, middle, and heavy weights will generally be in the same class, and it will then be down to the judge’s choice of horse from the three weight categories.

The sport horse needs to have the conformation to match the category “sport horse” whilst the Riding horse must have quality and substance and be able to catch the judge’s eye as it is moving around the ring.


Concours d’Elegance – History and help.

Written by Sam Backshall and Taira Raza (CDSGB Panel Judge)


What is Concours d’Elegance?


Way back in the days of horse drawn carriages the French aristocracy used to parade with their horses in the Parks during the 17th Century and this pastime led to it being known as Concours d’Elegance: a gathering or "Competition of Elegance". In Hyde Park in London, aristocracy would also parade in their finery as a display of attracting a potential husband. The ladies would ride side saddle as this was the correct etiquette at that time. 


These days, Concours d’Elegance is a very popular and much-loved showing class, with a huge following. There are passionate groups of people running official Societies such as the ‘Concours d’Elegance Society of Great Britain’ who are more than happy to help and advise you. They have lots of information on their website and a page that lists all of their affiliated shows throughout the UK. They also have a Facebook page where you can ask questions to the team directly. They have even taken part in the Lord Mayor’s New Year Parade in London, in full dress. You can take a step back in time and feel how those ladies must have felt in their finery, back in the day. Nowadays it is acceptable to ride astride as well as side saddle. Some people also participate ‘In Hand’ if they cannot ride for whatever reason and this is slowly proving to be just as popular. Concours d’Elegance always draws much interest from spectators and competitors alike, due to the variety of splendid outfits and horses on display. Truly a sight to behold!

For those who are interested in competing in this discipline, what you are looking for is something that replicates an era gone by, such as the Victorian/Edwardian Era. Any historical period can be portrayed up to the 1950’s. The aim is to give the ‘correct representation of the chosen historical period with a strong historical influence’. So, the overall picture could represent history, a painting, a film or period drama. Think of a painting depicting a horse and rider in a beautiful outfit above your fireplace. Some designs are based on a military theme too and there have even been some lovely outfits seen worn by male competitors as well! Concours is not just for ladies! Consider what type of colour and type your horse is and think of colours and styles to best suit you and your horse. Concours is not a competition of best bling or sparkle. Also please note this is not a Fancy Dress or ‘Cosplay’ class as some people may think.


Two brilliant examples of how costume colour tones match horse colour tones beautifully!

The overall picture is important but don’t be put off if your horse is not super schooled or you only feel happy trotting. There are novice classes performed in walk only so that’s a great way to start. 

CDSGB Judges only ask for trot in a group on the ‘Go round’ then inspect the outfits, but other judges have been known to ask for canter so bear this in mind. You may be asked to do an individual show in which you can canter if you so wish, but you shouldn’t be marked down if you don’t. Be prepared to be questioned about your outfit, ie. what the inspiration behind the design was. Try and find this information out if you have bought your outfit. A lot of emphasis is placed on the outfit and forms most of the marks. For In Hand you will enter on the left rein so the judge can get a clear view of your costume. You may then be asked to line up and do an individual show, but this can be done in walk. I personally (Taira) do not need to see your horse trot as I’ve found some ladies quite uncomfortable running in their costumes and I don’t think it’s necessary, plus it doesn’t particularly look very elegant! (Can’t imagine Victorian women running in their Sunday best somehow!) Also, conformation, scars and blemishes are not taken into consideration, but manners are. It is also fine, to do rising trot as well as sitting! Don’t feel put off if your horse is on the heavy side, there are heavy horses that can move ‘elegantly’ too and have been known to win!! The Shire horses and Traditional Gypsy Cobs have Concours classes too!

Key things to keep in mind: No flesh showing, so no bare arms, neck or cleavage! No boots on show unless they are specifically part of your outfit – if they are, let your judge know. Try to keep your saddle flap covered as it looks tidier. Make sure your outfit is appropriate to your horse’s type/colour, is elegant, classy, and well fitted.

Firstly, decide what colours suit you both, if you are on a budget you may have to shift your goal posts slightly to get close to what you want, due to affordability. But try not to worry, we all have to start somewhere! It should be about enjoying it, learning and meeting like-minded new friends.

You can look for fabrics and outfits on e-Bay, Facebook, Facebook Marketplace and horsey selling sites for bargains, or ask people who may know eg. Facebook groups. Another brilliant place to look is your local charity shop or vintage clothing shop for your jacket and hats – Cheap, and you’d be helping a worthy cause too! There are also professional Concours Costume Designers out there who can make a custom-made outfit to fit you and your horse. If you fancy having a go at making an outfit yourself, then there are also YouTube ’how to’ tutorials available now, or you can also use a pattern. One point we must make here - a more expensive costume doesn’t always necessarily mean it will get a higher placing! All are judged fairly so don’t feel intimidated if you want to try making one. We have seen some beautiful costumes that have been home-made! In some classes there may be close inspection of costumes. If your outfit is homemade, be prepared for that and try and keep the underside as neat as possible and not cut corners with things like very untidy stitching or lack of lining (if it’s necessary). Don’t ever think a judge will never look, I am a Seamstress myself and sometimes I do! (Taira)

Your skirt must sit neatly over the horses’ quarters, with a nice, smooth, uniform curve from the girth line towards the dock. It should have the appropriate number of pleats and not hang tight, move excessively, slip or tug badly as your horse walks. Your skirt should not hang lower than the hocks for safety reasons and not should hang too low below the stirrup. A skirt with ruffles is acceptable but can be too much if overdone, so be careful not to overdo it. HINT: make sure your skirt is weighted all along the hem to stop it flapping about and to help keep it down and in place. Spend time getting your horse used to wearing a large skirt. You can use an old exercise sheet or curtain. Practise trotting in it and if you can, ask your friends to wear something too, something that rustles a little if you can, and practise riding together, as in the ring there will be others wearing skirts and overtaking you too, so make sure your horse is happy with this to avoid spooking. For In Hand make sure your outfit isn’t too long so you don’t trip or your horse steps on it. Some lovely In Hand outfits get marred on the day, because hems are constantly being dragged through the sand or dirt. This will make a difference especially during Championship Judging so bear that in mind.


Matching sash                                                                             Skirt too long                                                                                 Ruffled skirt

   

To have a sash or not? This is entirely up to you. If you are doing ridden, ask yourself - is there enough going on with your outfit anyway? In hand – Adds detail to the horse’s presentation and connects the whole look. This is up to you. Again, make sure it is in proportion, fits well and looks good. The jacket can make or break an outfit. Start with the jacket and go from there. Look for something that is, first of all comfortable, and if possible, not too heavy a fabric as it can get very hot in the height of summer! Make sure it is flattering to your shape and not a colour that could make it difficult to match or complement your skirt. The cut needs to make you look elegant in your upper body. It needs to fasten neatly, and you can add fancy buttons, edging and embellishments.

The head wear can also make a big difference. Over hats (a hat that is made to fit over your riding widgethat) is one option, but make sure it’s made correctly and looks good when it’s finished! (see orange hat below). Try to cover as much of the hat as possible so it’s not visible. Or, you could have a matching hat band around a riding hat, bowler or top hat. Equally, any other type of suitable hat that compliments your outfit looks good too, just make sure any unsecured hats are fixed to your hair properly as you don’t want them to fly off! Yes, we have seen this happen! Again, don’t overdo it with decoration, huge flowers or tons of large feathers sticking upright or all over the place, really do not give the overall picture a pleasing look (unless of course you have copied an image, then do mention this to your judge so they don’t think you are being over exorbitant!)  Face veils are acceptable too and look classy, but please make sure they are fitted on your face correctly. Finally, don’t forget to sign the Show’s Disclaimer if you are not going to be wearing a safety hat. All children under 18 are expected to wear a safety hat regardless.

Under the jacket – If you have a jacket that is open to your waist, then you have 2 options. The first is a frilled shirt, but don’t go overboard. The second is a fake waistcoat or a real one that fits underneath to fill the area more with a pretty stock/jabot. Stocks or bibs are great as you can get away with wearing less under the jacket to keep cool if it’s too warm. Just make sure whatever you choose does not pop out if it’s not meant to, whilst you are riding or running In hand, so make sure it’s all secured properly. Again, there are good seamstresses out there who make and sell these and are usually very accommodating to your needs. Just go on a Facebook Concours Page and ask.

Gloves – if you can match exact colour to your outfit then brilliant. Just make sure the type of glove is neat, tidy and has enough rein ‘grip’ for safety reasons, you can always add some grips if needed. Try not to pick a colour that doesn’t match the outfit at all and avoid really bulky looking riding gloves that stand out a mile as it can ruin the whole picture! Many people ask me about black gloves being acceptable – for me (Taira) personally they are acceptable. I realise black was worn during Victorian times for mourning, but I don’t think we need to be pedantic with minor details, it is the 20th century after all and we no longer ‘mourn in black’! We are all aiming to enjoy our Concours passion so I don’t want people getting stressed out over little things like this. Tip – Take pictures or videos and see how it all looks, photos are amazing to see things from a different perspective, you’d be surprised what you may spot from a picture or video that you normally wouldn’t notice with the naked eye.

Tack – Most tack is acceptable, and you can use themed tack as part of your outfit too. Make sure your tack is safe, fitted well and clean. If you can get a coloured browband made to match your outfit, this can look super and are perfectly acceptable, particularly if your horse is solid colour or very very few spot. (that’s a new technical term ha ha - Sam). Or, you can opt for plain leather or even diamanté, it’s up to you to decide what’s best to compliment your look. Feathers and plumes on a horse’s head - a big no no! These were used during funerals and on circus horses. Plaiting your horse’s mane is not compulsory, you can leave it in a natural state if you have a native type; either is fine.

Cane – Make it look old fashioned. A bamboo cane sprayed brown or black is cheap and effective. Alternatively, you can buy some very nice ones with bling on them to add a bit of sparkle, but again watch the bling. Just make sure the one you choose compliments your outfit, and don’t carry one for the sake of it, if it doesn’t look right.

Accessories – For In Hand or even ridden you can carry a purse to compliment your look if appropriate. You can make these from your matching fabric and can get ideas from the internet by typing in ‘Victorian purses.’  Brooches can also be used to keep your stock tidy or add interest to your shirt or jabot. Something on your lapel that matches your outfit can add to the look. You can get ideas for footwear by Googling Victorian boots and see if you can find something similar that will compliment your outfit but do bear in mind a lot of these have heels.

So, the world’s your oyster, go on Google and have a look at paintings and artwork from days gone by. Bright pink, day glow green and anything super bright was not ‘couture’ for that period, so don’t go over the top. Try to avoid making an outfit out of a prom/wedding/bridesmaid dress if it doesn’t look 100% right. Keep it classy, simple, and suiting you and your horse. Tasteful, traditional and wow factor is what you should be aiming for. A lot of the time it is extremely difficult for a judge to choose the winner, especially as the standard can be extremely high, so the finer details such as a clean horse and tack, crease free outfit, saddle flap covered properly, legs and feet covered, no flesh showing, a well-mannered horse/pony etc is what can get you the extra marks

Have a short resume ready in case you ever need to take one to a show, some shows ask for one so check the schedule. Lastly make sure YOU look elegant too! Don’t look down or tense, the judge is judging the picture of elegance so make sure you look the part! In Hand - try walking elegantly not just ambling along and smile!! Video yourself and think, do I look elegant? Sit tall, walk elegantly, practise it, own it!! One of my In Hand champions walked so elegantly and with such beautiful presence it blew me away and got her the placing. So, it isn’t always necessarily ALL about the outfit!

Final note: As much we as we judges would like to give everyone a red rosette, remember it is a competition after all. We know you all work so hard getting ready but please accept your placings with good grace! It can be so disheartening seeing so many disappointed faces. Let’s all enjoy our world of Concours, have fun and good luck!!


Taira will be holding some Concours d’Elegance shows and training clinics in 2023 and plans to do some Seminars and Judges training at some point too. If you are interested you can email her at taira@tairatech.com to register your interest as places for some events may be limited. 


 

Many thanks to: RJR Designs, Rainbow Browbands & Custom Concours D’elegance outfits, Ashton Louise Bacon, Helen Mylott, Lynne Catt, Guise & Dolls Concours d’Elegance, Kathryn Kendall, Rachel Leyland, Debbie Purdy, Louise Holmes, Jane Perry, Jasmine Smithson, Anita Marsh, Lynne Ralphs Hallam, Les Ludgrove, Tammy Bellamy, Amanda and Harrison Lomax/Evoequine and Virginia Draper for their kind permission to use these photos.

Sam and the boy doing the do – the sash was a prize.

Share by: