Horse Eden : inhand showing?

In December, I welcomed a new addition to my equine family, an off-the-track Thoroughbred who was previously trained for eventing but did not enjoy that discipline. After careful consideration, I decided to purchase him to focus on barrel racing and Western riding, as I felt he would thrive more in these areas. Although my experience primarily lies in Western riding, I have a keen interest in exploring English disciplines, specifically show jumping and in-hand hacking.

As I delve into the world of in-hand showing, I seek guidance on preparing effectively. One of the most critical aspects is ensuring that I have all the necessary equipment and supplies ready for the show.

So...

What would you recommend?

How do you go about plaiting? night before or on the day of? ( also gel!!)

Do you have a checklist to keep track of every item?

What coat shines have you found best to work on dark bay horses?

Coat Checker patterns?

Next biggest question is

Do you show in standard EQ/ Dressage acquire?

bridle or Leather show halter w curb bit? (Racing halters/trot up)

Just curious on what people recommend :)

inhand showing?

April 12, 2025 05:08 AM

Zomb

Posts: 2279
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Honestly, from someone who did showing all her life. Getting everything ready the day before is much easier.

We bathe and play the day before, the boys have a hood on which protects them. I cant remember off the top of my head what Gel we use, but i do have to plait today so i can add that in later.

Regarding shine, we use anything Supreme products, especially their spray and shine coat spray. We've used this on: Chestnut, Bay, black you name it we've used it.

Patterns depends on what you're showing him under.. If show horse we use a nit comb (odd i know) and make the checkered patterns like this: rump patterns - NOTE we use a smaller nit comb for the show ponies

But again if you want to see the bum patterns let me know cause we are off to a show tomorrow.

How i made sure everything was done is i did it the night before, mental check lists etc. Saturday day time, bathe and plait pony.

Go home, dismantle bridle, clean thoroughly and soak the bit in hot water and clean. Put the bridle back together once cleaned + immediately load it into the lorry. Then i'd do the same with all my clothes etc.

I did use my usual kit (you can see on the images below) if i was riding too. However, i do also just use smart attire if not riding. Smart tousers (NOT the same colour as the horses legs) white shirt, tie that matches browband and a waist cost (preferably blue).

Now i am from England and im not sure if its the same where you are but i figured id put my 10 pence in LOL

If anything else, you can PM me :)

One of the ponies below that i used to turn out myself between the ages of 10-12 (minus the plaiting at that point LOL)

I absolutely adored my show jacket here

My little sister riding the same ponio

EDIT: i know these arent in hand pictures. HOWEVER, it does show the shine product we used (same company) and the condition the plats are in when we did them the night before (pic 1) vs when we rushed them on the day (pic 2) because we were running late due to pony refusing to load (very out of pocket)

Edited at April 12, 2025 05:14 AM by Zomb

inhand showing?

April 12, 2025 06:23 PM

Azrail Elites

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thank you so much zomb, i really appreciate it!!

we have our first event in a month so nervous about it, and then another in August which is why I asked about this in the first place

I'm located in Aus - my boys on turnout 25/8 unless required for box rest due to my work schedule, we've been practising in-hand trotting in just a halter, still adjusting if its best to get another bridle just for inhand showing.

I'm currently at the point I believe I may just be overthinking it all, so thank you for clarifying!

inhand showing?

April 12, 2025 06:41 PM

Zomb

Posts: 2279
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Azrail Elites said:

thank you so much zomb, i really appreciate it!!

we have our first event in a month so nervous about it, and then another in August which is why I asked about this in the first place

I'm located in Aus - my boys on turnout 25/8 unless required for box rest due to my work schedule, we've been practising in-hand trotting in just a halter, still adjusting if its best to get another bridle just for inhand showing.

I'm currently at the point I believe I may just be overthinking it all, so thank you for clarifying!

I would recommend a bridle, snaffle bit. With either a chain to leather lead or just use reins.
If you need any help etc just drop me a PM 😁the thought of it is definitely scarier and if you're an over thinker like myself it is very daunting.
Hope it all goes well!

Edited at April 12, 2025 06:42 PM by Zomb

inhand showing?

April 12, 2025 08:51 PM

Azrail Elites

Posts: 843
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thank you!! yes it is so daunting!! its a complete different aspect, thank you for being open about it!

Zomb said:

Azrail Elites said:

thank you so much zomb, i really appreciate it!!

we have our first event in a month so nervous about it, and then another in August which is why I asked about this in the first place

I'm located in Aus - my boys on turnout 25/8 unless required for box rest due to my work schedule, we've been practising in-hand trotting in just a halter, still adjusting if its best to get another bridle just for inhand showing.

I'm currently at the point I believe I may just be overthinking it all, so thank you for clarifying!

I would recommend a bridle, snaffle bit. With either a chain to leather lead or just use reins.
If you need any help etc just drop me a PM 😁the thought of it is definitely scarier and if you're an over thinker like myself it is very daunting.
Hope it all goes well!

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