What's your best advice for a newbie at showing in-hand?

[subk]

I just sent my entry for my 3 year old to participate in the Future Event Horse class in a few weeks. I've not only never done one, I've never seen it done in person. I have seen videos of it and certainly understand the format of showing on a triangle.

The horse is in good weight and has had regular grooming. He knows how to jog from just a cluck and would be good enough at it for a nice FEI jog down a straight line, but the turns while trotting need work.

So for those of you that have done it, what's your single best piece advice for me! (Other than pay for a handler!)

[okggo]

Watch the others. Seriously, I learned a TON at my last 2 breed shows by watching the pro handlers.

[Dressage_Diva333]

I agree, watch the others.

Also, and "jog" isn't good enough. The horse must really move out, and many times they must be taught to do this. Many horses will go faster, but not get expressive and really show to full potential. Practice, practice, practice. Make sure the horse will stand up for judging, walks in a relaxed fashion, trots out nicely, and is respective of the aids. When training the horse for a Breed Show, it really helps to have someone there with a whip to follow behind (also good to have at shows).

I ususally carry a Dressage whip to help them be respectful. Honestly though, if you can't show the horse to it's full potential, pay a handler. I have a couple of horses that I feel comfortable showing and am confident enough that I can run them to full potential. For the others, I pay a handler. It's really worth it IMHO.