Showing originally evolved as a chance for breeders to show off stock in their pursuit for near-perfect specimens of each individual breed. It has evolved into a very ­competitive craft, where the showman (or woman!) must produce an animal of high quality and ­substance with impeccable training.

Horses and ponies are judged on ­confor-mation, soundness, type, quality, ­movement, turnout and of course training and manners. In some classes, horses are also judged on ­jumping ability and technique, as well as their boldness and uniqueness. The ideal show horse should also have that something extra – that bit of sparkle that says: “Look at me!” and makes him stand out in the crowd.
There are several types of showing classes, depending not only on the breed of horse, but also the age of the handler. They include:

Show hack
The show hack is a delicate animal, like fine bone china, with exceptional ­movement and poise. The ideal show hack is of ­Thoroughbred type and should be capable of carrying an ­average adult. A hack should be ­responsive, light and balanced to ride, with exceptional ­manners and elegance. When moving, there should be a pronounced pointing of the toe and all movement should be very smooth. ­Emphasis is also placed on correct ­conformation.

Show hunter
The show hunter is capable of carrying more weight, and is thus heavier, stronger and more powerfully built. There is much more depth of bone, movement is flatter than the show hack and the horse should have sound conformation with clean, well-defined joints. The horse is also judged on the quality of the gallop and obedience when coming back down to a slower pace. The show hunter should look as though he would be able to tackle a day out hunting across country, without fatigue or ill manners. He should have a big bold eye and muscular stance.

Show riding horse
The show riding horse is something between the show hack and hunter. Again, quality and substance are important, as are ­schooling and manners. Most emphasis is in fact placed on the horse’s schooling. The show riding horse should have presence in the ring, superb movement and impeccable behaviour. This horse should appeal to anyone watching as the type of horse one would love to get aboard. They look comfortable and easy to ride.
Working hunter

The working hunter has all the attributes of the show hunter, and is also required to jump a course of hunting-type fences. He should be bold, have excellent technique and be able to gallop ­easily with good wind and superb ­manners. Jumps are rustic in ­nature and the horse should jump them from a strong canter.
Obstacles that may be encountered include: rustic rails over straw bales, gates, white or ­rustic stiles, walls of stone colour, bullfinches with spare ­filling, rustic rails, single oxers (brush with rail behind), double oxers (parallel rails with brush in centre), walls with rails behind, dykes and ditches. Water trays are often included, but not water jumps.

Working riding horse
The working riding horse should show all of the attributes of the show riding horse, but should also be capable of tackling a course of obstacles built to test obedience and training. The course should be designed to demonstrate that the horse is obedient, well schooled, and able to jump, extend their paces, stand still and show a steady temperament.
The types of obstacles often include drums, picking up objects, bending poles, trotting poles, a small jump, riding lanes, bridges, and so forth. Course designers can get very ­creative in their endeavour to test manners and ­courage.

Other classes include:

Lead rein classes
These classes are generally used for novice pony riders. The rider and pony should be well suited to each other, and they are judged on performance as well as capability. Handlers must be over 14 years of age and should be neatly dressed.

The lead rein attaches to the cavesson ­noseband. Lead rein classes may take the form of a simple showing class to judge type, ­conformation and rider, or may take the form of a utility class (similar to working riding classes) where a number of obstacles must be negotiated to test obedience and skill.

Showing in-hand

In-hand classes are used to judge horses purely on conformation and movement as well as breed type and soundness. Riders are required to lead their horses to and away from the judge in a set pattern and pace, so that they can be judged on these criteria. The usual method is to lead in a triangle – walk away from the judge, trot across and trot back and past the judge. SAH