To Show or not to Show

It's too hot, it's too cold, it's too windy, I can't be bothered!

Many thoughts like this run through my head as I am heading out to the paddock to wrestle a yearling or convince a seasoned campaigner that yes, it is necessary to keep your mind on the job.

Showing ponies successfully is not just about dragging a pony out of the paddock the day before a show and then hoping they behave on the day.
There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on weeks before the show season begins.

For those of you just starting out with AMPS, the best thing to do is to get involved with your local promotional group. These groups have members with a vast range of experience and the personal contact you have will allow you to ask as many questions as you can on a more personal level.
Some of the groups have instructional/training days consisting of demonstrations and question and answer sessions where you can see hands on and even have a go. These are great days to see what goes on and to talk to those in the know.

Getting to show and having a look at how it all works is another way to be prepared as you can see what would be expected of you at an actual show. Pick a feature show run by one of the promotional groups as there will be AMPS ponies only on the day and it will not be as daunting as a show that has the bigger horses as well. People tend to have more time to chat at the promotional group shows.

If you decide that you want to give the showing caper a go, then you must be prepared to do the work at home. You cannot be expected to take a pony to a show that has had no groundwork at home and to perform at its best amongst all the noise and colour. We start training our foals once they have been weaned and are used to being away from their mums.

Once they have the basics of leading, standing still, tying up and having their feet done, we tip them out for a spell and bring them in six to eight weeks before their first show. You must be able to walk, trot and halt your pony on demand in the show ring. No pony is perfect, but the more preparation you do at home, the easier it will be on show day.

Your pony must be clean and well-presented on the day. There is a myriad of products on the market to clean your pony, bud a decent low-sudsing shampoo is really all you need. Make sure you clean eyes, nose and mouth and don't forget to clean out their feet.

The bridle you choose to show your pony in must firstly fit correctly and should ideally be a typical pony bridle with no fancy beading or browbands that have too much bling! After all, it is the pony the judge is assessing, not how fancy your gear is. A good clean simple bridle that fits well is all you need. If you wish to jazz it up a little, have a browband that compliments your outfit.

Speaking of outfits, the outfit you wear should compliment your pony. If you are showing a black, pony I would recommend not to wear black yourself as you can blend in too much with your pony. It makes it very difficult for the judge to see ponies' outlines and distinguish between ponies' legs and their handler's legs!
Go for a subtle contrasting colour such as green, grey or brown that will compliment your pony without you both blending together.
AMPS is a traditional society so a hat, gloves and a whip are essential in the ring. A suit is preferred but not essential as a good set of pants or a skirt with a plain or quietly patterned shirt for the women and a suit and tie or shirt and tie for the men. I opted for a tunic-type dress with a shirt for this season which I am able to wear with or without a jacket.
PLEASE no denim, mini skirts, bare shoulders or cleavage!
We are showing ponies not going to a singles bar!

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a tasteful outfit for showday and I would recommend something that is machine-washable as dry-cleaning is just another added cost.

On the day before the show, you need to make sure all your gear is clean and presentable and that you have packed everything you need. No use getting to the show and finding you have left your bridle at home.

Make sure you leave plenty of time to get to the show in case of traffic/accidents etc and that you plan to arrive at the show with plenty of time to prepare.
When we have a show where we are on first thing in the morning, we leave at least an hour to prepare once we arrive at the show, but bear in mind we usually have four adults, four ponies and two boys under four to get ready!
It is not unusual for Leigh and Brian to be giving breakfast to Blake and Dylan (who are usually still in their pajamas!) while we are getting four ponies ready before getting changed ourselves.
We have a routine that works well for us and you will get your own routine that will work for you.

You need to keep in mind whether you need to buy tickets on the day for your event and how far away the parking is and how many ponies you are taking as well. If you have someone who is willing to come with you, take them! A helping hand is always needed and the moral support is invaluable.

Keep an eye on what class is being judged as you don't want to do all that work and go all that way to miss your class.

Be careful of other people's ponies as stallions and colts are shown and are not too fussy about which ponies they may like to 'greet'!
If the shoe is on the other foot and you are showing colts or stallions, make sure you are aware of where their attention is at all times. Safety is paramount.

Don't be afraid to let the judge know it is your first show - they too were beginners once and will understand if you are nervous. Ask questions if you are unsure.

Most importantly, have a good time and remember we all have to start somewhere.
Showing is great fun and there are great friends to be made.

Feel free to come and say hello to us - just look for the two boys having breakfast in their pajamas!

Heather Cofield and Adrienne Johnston
Small Packages Miniature Pony Stud
03 5282 2315 - 03 5281 2566

Proud owners of a new, filly pony from Small Packages Miniature Pony Stud.
John and Jan Baldock are very pleased with their new purchase
and are keen to prepare her for the show ring.