{"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"u28R38WdMo","rid":"R7EKS5F","offerId":"OF3HQTHR122A","offerTemplateId":"OTQ347EHGCHM"}}

Perfecting your individual show


  • Expert advice on the perfect individual show from top pony producer Julie Templeton

    The individual show is your chance to show the judge your pony’s strengths. You have the judge’s undivided attention so make the most of this time. A good show can make the difference between being placed and standing down the line.

    Julie Templeton’s top tips

    • Always do exactly as the judge asks. If you’re not sure what he means, ask for the instructions to be repeated or explained
    • Too long a show can be boring – keep it good and keep it short!
    • Practising the show too much at home or in the collecting ring before the class will result in the pony anticipating. This is a very hard fault to correct
    • If you are first to do your show, tread carefully. If you have been pulled in 10th, go for it, there’s nothing to lose
    • A sparkly browband will not make up for a bad show. Sometimes people spend more time choosing fancy browbands than they do training their children and ponies
    • A well-trained, well-ridden, relaxed and happy pony will make the best picture for a judge to watch
    • Don’t lose concentration while the class is going on – you must be aware of what it happening if you are going to prepare your pony
    • Do your homework at home, not in the ring. The class is your shop window – not a schooling arena
    • Don’t forget to practise standing in front of the judge. You must present your pony correctly to make the judge think you are worth watching

  • Click here for expert advice on preparing a novice pony for the sights and sounds of a big show.
  • Click here for expert advice on how to improve your pony’s appearance for the show ring.
  • Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout major shows like London International and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

    You may like...