Hunter Breeding Questions

[JazCreekInc.]

So, I am considering taking Thomas, our Crown Affair baby that is coming 2 to a small A show in 5 weeks to show in the hunter breeding division.

I have been working on all the obvious things, teaching him to wear a bridle, and lead in it, teaching him to stand up, working on loading and unloading in the trailer, walking in and out of the cross ties and standing. He also lets us pull his mane and trim him up so I think he will do ok with braiding and an ear trim.

My questions are the following, do you use cotton in the babies ears, do you need to hang a fake tail? Also, any turnout suggestions and other preparation suggestions would be very much appreciated.

He is probably a bit light for a true HB horse but I do NOT want him to become a sausage just to show in a few classes this year. He has a nice Equusport Bridle that I can hang a plastic or metal D-ring, anyone know if this matters (I would prefer to use the plastic if is acceptable), and his coat looks very good considering the time of year, I don't think he will need a body clip.

This is totally new for me, I know who will handle him and I am comfortable with that part of the puzzle but any other suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[grayfox]

They shouldn't be sausage fat, just in good weight. I've never seen anyone use plastic, do you mean a happy mouth? I don't think you need a fake tail.

[genevieveg17]

He should not need a fake tail. I have never stuffed ears for hunter breeding.
A nice, simple D ring looks lovely. I have seen a couple youngsters in Happy Mouths.
I do not get mine hog fat. Just a good healthy weight.
They need to stand quietly. I think that is the hardest part. Especially with all of the activity at a show. Last year my yearlings stood so nicely at home. Then we got to the show and they were the 3 Stooges. Calling for each other, wiggling in the ring. I was so proud.
This year I will only bring out one youngster at a time until they get the routine down.
Best of luck with your 2 y.o.
Are you going to the Northern Winter Classic? If so, I will see you there!

[JazCreekInc.]

Plastic bit is a happy mouth. I will be at NWC, not sure which weeks yet. See you there genevieveg!

[Springlake1]

We are planning to go too, mostly to get some miles on a 2 year old. Look forward to meeting you there too!

[Go Fish]

What color is he? Unless he's absolutely slick, I'd probably body clip him.

I don't like the look of plastic bits. If he doesn't object, I'd go with the D ring - nice, classic look.

Make sure he's braided beautifully, both mane and tail. I probably wouldn't hang a fake tail unless his tail is absolutely horrible. Remember, a fake tail can balance a less than stellar hind end or a hip-high horse.

[JazCreekInc.]

He is very dark bay and pretty darn slick. I think if I trim his legs he will look better unclipped (we use lights all winter for the broodmares and his mom never gets a coat either...) I think he will turn mousy and gross if we clip him.

He has a nice tail and pretty correct hind end conformation so I think we will stay away from the tail (I don't really want to have to trim one anyways...) and I will go for a classic metal D. He can "handle" it I am sure :) He will also get braided by our braider at the show because goodness knows I am TERRIBLE at it these days!

Thanks so much for the suggestions! Go Fish, do you use cotton in the babies ears or is that a "faux pas"?

[Go Fish]

He is very dark bay and pretty darn slick. I think if I trim his legs he will look better unclipped (we use lights all winter for the broodmares and his mom never gets a coat either...) I think he will turn mousy and gross if we clip him.

He has a nice tail and pretty correct hind end conformation so I think we will stay away from the tail (I don't really want to have to trim one anyways...) and I will go for a classic metal D. He can "handle" it I am sure :) He will also get braided by our braider at the show because goodness knows I am TERRIBLE at it these days!

Thanks so much for the suggestions! Go Fish, do you use cotton in the babies ears or is that a "faux pas"?

If he's under lights, his coat is probably good.

Regarding cotton...is he reactive to sound? If not, I wouldn't bother. Otherwise, if you want to play it safe, get colored pom poms at the tack store and practice at home first. You don't want him shaking his head at the show and have them pop out right in front of the judge. :lol:

Good luck and have a ball...sounds like you are super prepared!

[Go Fish]

One more thing...if you kick ass at the show, be sure and let the SO know!