Haflinger inhand showing

[rummi]

My Bailey turned 2 last month, and i've been toying with the idea of trying some inhand showing with him. I am not at all competitive, and usually steer clear of shows, but as he is very sensible and never gets hyped up (he was born laid-back!!), I think it would be a nice thing to try!

It would only be at local show level, perhaps if someone on our yard is going so I can tag along.

My main question would be, what sort of classes could he do? I know I've never seen a class for halfingers! He could certainly do the fun novelty classes such as 'Best mane and Tail' (when he's had a good scrub!)

Could he do Native Ponies large breeds, or does he not qualify as he isn't a UK breed?

I assume he could do a coloured class?

I have NO IDEA on what I would need to wear but I think I'll pop along to a show early on the year to do a stake out and get ideas. I'm assuming dark clothing against his lighter colour...?

My main concern is that I don't plan to bit him at all and will ride him bitless in the future. Can I use a halter for showing, perhaps one of those white 'cow slip' type ones?

Can you guess I've NEVER done any showing???!!! ;D

[cubic]

The best class for him would be Foreign Breeds, but not all shows have those classes. Unfortunately m&m and native classes are just for ponies native to GB and Ireland. You're only eligable for coloureds if it specifically says they're for duns and/or buckskins too, as coloured usually means piebald or skewbald (sometimes there's a separate class for duns/roans/palaminos/spotties). Novelty classes are a great idea.

Ideally you should wear a tweed jacket for inhand showing (although any colour will do at local level), shirt, coloured tie, hat (riding hat is fine), gloves, sturdy shoes and dark trousers (because, like you said, he's light coloured).

You'd probably get away with a white halter, though they're usually used just for some native breeds, but a leather inhand bridle (without bit) could look smart too.

[madmare1]

Some shows have classes specifically for coloured/spotted/palomino horses....good luck and let me know how you get on...I've got the task of showing YO's Haflinger mare!