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Showing Shire horses in Sweden Applying Contact the Swedish Shire Horse Society. They will send you all the necessary forms and a schedule. What you need to think about What facilities are there for stabling your horse. Are bedding and fodder available and will you be able to wash your horse? Is your owner´s insurance valid? Is your horse recorded in the Shire Horse Register? Make sure that you dress smartly for showing your horse! Preparing your horse The horse has to look at its best, which means: washed and groomed, hooves well trimmed or/and shod, its mane and tail plaited and the horse itself manageable. A tip! Do not wash the mane and tail less than three days before showing. This allows time for the hair to regain its natural oiliness and plaiting will be easier. Remember to take all the grooming kit you need to make your horse look its best – you won’t be able to buy any at the showground. Has your horse white legs? Don’t forget wood-flour. Something that takes time, but is time well spent if you´re a real enthusiast, is to pluck the hair around the joints to make them more prominent. Do you have plaiting gear? At the show Report to the Reception and register your horse. They will help you find your stall and give you number tags which the horse must wear on its bridle. Usually it’s possible to arrive the day before the event, which is an advantage, as it can be a long way to the showground. You and your horse should be ready about 15 minutes before your Class is to be judged, so make sure you have enough time for the last-minute preparations.
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. Before the feather dries, work in the wood-flour which absorbs any residual moisture and makes the feather soft, silky and beautifully white. Wood-flour of oak or teak should not be used as it can cause discolouration. Don’t apply show sheen until the plaiting is completed. |
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| The horse is plaited using plaiting gear. The simplest way is to use woollen yarn. You can choose your own combination of colours and use flags and a tail-set as you wish. A plaiting-set costs about £80 in England. If you can’t do the plaiting yourself, contact someone who knows how | ||
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Tack The horse should be shown with an approved bridle (contact the Committee). An exhibitor who uses a halter (except for a foal) is not following the rules and can be refused permission to show the horse. Mares 2 years and older must be shown wearing a bit. The same applies to stallions 1 year and older and also geldings. Foals may be shown wearing a halter. Stallions can also wear a `belly band´ or girth (see above). You should be smartly dressed (ask the Committee). There is usually a prize for Best Dressed Exhibitor, which you can always hope to win if things don´t go so well with the horse! |
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In the show ring The horse should be shown walking and trotting in a straight line and must also be capable of backing a few steps. The horse must be able to stand still whilst its overall appearance is being judged. When turning the horse, always turn it away from yourself. |
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Prizes: Best in Show (BIS) Best Stallion Reserve Best Stallion Best Mare Reserve Best Mare Best Foal Best Gelding Best-dressed Exhibitor Best-presented Horse |
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The most
important thing to remember is to arrive at the Event in good heart and enjoy
yourself. Remember, your horse is being judged on this particular day only,
so if things don’t go as well as hoped this time, you can always come back
and make `headlines´ next time. Good Luck! |
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