What's your biggest show turnout no-no?

[Bumpkin]

Lucky girl.


Originally posted by Tha Ridge:
I have 9 horses and most of the time I usually show all nine and ride atleast 4 a day, not only mine. I can't do all the work myself! I have 2 very decicated grooms who love my horses. I know how to take care of my horses unlike a lot of riders with grooms. I know exactly what feed they get, what bit they go in and whatever other extras they need and get this...I DON'T FEED OR TACK THEM UP! People need to quit flaming people who have grooms. If I had only one horse, I'd be more then happy to tack him up but I don't. I apologize for having a Patey hat, TS, Vogel's, monogrammed chokers and Edgewoods. Will you lay off now?!

- Laura http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[HunterJumperLuv]

I think my absolute favorite was this girl who just showed up the the horse show.. (NOT her first) with a show bow, a pink coat (Does NOT hunt) and a blue square pad (To do the Eq and Hunters).. I laughed really hard when the trainer reamed her out.. considering she's been showing for about 2 years, but has never really had to do ANYTHING for herself.. The last trainer she was at went with her to buy the coats, put her hair up for her, her horse was completely tacked..

I was very very amused...

[Boston Chicken]

well this is an oldie (6 flipping year old thread) but a goodie http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif 9 HORSES??? My God, I have no time as it is.

[TheOrangeOne]

I. Hate. Bad. Braids. Braid well or don't bother.

[Dooner]

Wow. I did not get why/how VTrider was responding to a thread.

No fair bumpkining like that.

[just_me]

Originally posted by PocoMary:
Rubber riding boots at smaller shows. Some people need to learn that they are for mucking stalls etc.. not horse shows!!!
Some people need to learn that not everyone can afford to buy leather boots, especially for growing kids. Smaller shows are for people who are just getting into showing or who don't have the money to show at bigger shows. Cut them some slack. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Due's Mom]

After wading through all of this. I want to go round up a bunch of kids who want to have fun showing It's no wonder I quit showing years ago.


If I were to show now, I would wear my sleeveless ratcather with a small gold stockpin, rust britches ..because I LIKE that look. I think the GPAs are tacky as well as those gawdawful breeches everyone is wearing now. The thought of paying over $400 for a hardhat that ugly is criminal to me

I think it is time for me to go out to the shows and take notes on what is "in" and "out:

NOT!

[Twilight]

I am too old to give a crap about fashion but okay picture this - at Upperville in a Children's jumper class a few years ago - filthy gray horse, girl turned out in a spaghetti strap shirt - dirty everything -- ugh. Sorry but that just screamed trailer trash to me.

[Chrissyloveshorses]

I have to say that I use a sleeve less shirt. I love it too, it gets to like a hundred degrees here and we are still expected to ride and look perfect, so under my thick show jacket I want as little as possible. I dont really have any peeves when it comes to shows though, its your decision to wear and do what you want with the risk of looking stupid.

[Pat]

Originally posted by just_me:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PocoMary:
Rubber riding boots at smaller shows. Some people need to learn that they are for mucking stalls etc.. not horse shows!!!
Some people need to learn that not everyone can afford to buy leather boots, especially for growing kids. Smaller shows are for people who are just getting into showing or who don't have the money to show at bigger shows. Cut them some slack. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would accept that statement, butttt
There are plenty of discount brands of boots, britches, helmets, etc. that are close enough to the real thing. It's the trainer's responsiblity to make sure the new kids know what to do, how to act and how to dress. Rubber boots, poor grooming, flying hair, and badly fitted tack take away from the performance. Like it or not. This is an elegant sport, not tractor pulling for heavens sake!

I have a small collection of children's show clothes for this reason. They are old but serviceable. If a student or even a freind with children needed something, I have it!

Rubber boots are not just a faux pas, they hinder proper position.

[Pat]

darn it, I didnt mean to hit the ppost button. It's so cold in this store/barn.

Lack of proper turn out, particularly at a rated show, shows a lack of respect for the judge as well as the sport and it's history.

If you can afford a horse, you can afford to purchase a few key items to save for shows.

[coco21]

I have to say I will be very pleased when this whole "Bling-bling" thing is over! Personally I think it's tacky. Diamond helmets, belts, jewelery, sunglasses, ... ick! But seems to be in-style even if you're not 14.

[Duffy]

Somehow, I just knew who had bumped this one. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Anyway, I'm sure I posted something a few years ago, but I'll add one:

Drooping/hanging/flopping in the breeze chin straps on helmets.

[zorse]

I don't think it's really fair to bash kids who ride in rubber boots. I did it on my first pony. Not at big shows, mind you, but riding is not just for the rich. Just because someone can only afford a $500 pony, a $150 saddle, and a $20 pair of rubber boots doesn't mean they enjoy the sport any less, or have any less rights to it. And it doesn't mean they won't get anywhere in the sport.

[naters]

Didn't get to read all of the thread... working on it now....

A stupid question for the person that mentioned "white socks clipped to the pink".

Why do they clip the legs all the way down to the skin? I have seen it done, but never asked (because I figured it was a stupid question - OH how I love internet BBs for this reason).

So: Why do they clip down the legs, instead of just trimming the "fuzzies"?

Thanks!

[AHorseSomeDay]

Years and years ago when I first started showing.( When I was young ) I was a beginner and didn't know anything about show clothes, I went to a show wearing grey breeches ( yep grey!!!) and a short sleeved ratcatcher with an ugly show jacket that had brass buckles. And the bubble head helmet. Ick! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif What was I thinking!!!

I just look at the pictures now and laugh. Oh well. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

I now dress normally for shows. A dark grey Grand Prix jacket, beige TS breeches, and normal looking ratcatchers with my monogram on the choker etc. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Things I can't stand when I go to a show, People who:
1. Those hairnet bows. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif
2. I especially hate those plastic Troxel helmets. Even when schooling, Get a real helmet.
3. Black rubber boots.
4. Dirty horses.
5. Helmet covers.

[CuriosoJorge]

Naters, clipping close keeps socks white, but in some climates can also increase the chance of scratches, so you have to be careful to wash and dry the legs after work.

I'm in the "rubber boots are not acceptable anywhere except the smallest of schooling shows" camp. Buy used boots, buy a cheap brand and shine the heck out of them, keep a kid in jodhpurs and paddock shoes, whatever.

Chrissy, when jackets are waived, you must show a sleeve. Don't your arms stick to the lining of your show coat? Ick.

[naters]

Originally posted by Medievalist:
Things that drive me nutshttp://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif:

7) bad hair job under helmet. Your hair must be neatly in a hairnet under your helmet. If it is too long, then cut it-any sort of braid, bun, etc is inappropriate. It just takes practice to do it right


And it takes some intstruction!!! What is the "proper" way to do it? I cant really figure out how to do mine without a bun or something, and its not that long....

[naters]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CuriosoJorge:
Naters, clipping close keeps socks white, but in some climates can also increase the chance of scratches, so you have to be careful to wash and dry the legs after work.

QUOTE]

Thanks for the quick reply! I watched someone do it, but they ended up looking pink (think plucked chicken!) instead of white....

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Heineken]

I cannot stand showbows or short sleeved shirts. CJ, we are in agreement on this thread. Yucko.

[tbluv]

Oh dear lol

-I don't clip the ears on any of my horses. I will trim the excess hair around the outside edges and any poofs that stick out of the ears but I don't clip the insides =D

-my pony is shown with full feathers, mane and forelock...she'd look stupid to show her any other way. I clip the whiskers, a tiny bridle path and the long eye "whiskers".

-my 9 year old wears a choker and a small gold stockpin. It is her "lucky pin" and I have no problems with her wearing it!

When people get all snotty and make comments, I really do feel bad for them that they care so much about what other people do =D It does help to be able to rub it in when we beat them tho hehe.

[Petalstorm]

Most everything has been said.
But...
I do not like long bridle paths. I like them just large enough to accomodate a bridle. I feel that some people cut them waaaaay too long.
I also do not like the look of a helemt that is tipped back on the head. It just looks sort of dorky.
Maybe not a turnout thing, but standing martingales on horses that do not need them wearing them strictly for looks and then horses that are going around with their heads up in the air not having them on.

[French Link Snaffle]

Originally posted by lillian:
Ick -- I'd never send my hunter unbraided (mane and tail)to the ring, no matter how small the show. I'm so anal about grooming that my trainer wants to hit me in the head with a stick. I guess showing QHs all those years gave me bad habits. I also think putting some sort of pin on a choker looks tacky. Either monomgram it or leave it plain.

My local shows ask that we do not braid, these are schooling shows though. I like a nicely pulled mane, but I hate when it looks chopped. I was raised on the idea that it is a sin to take scissors to a mane. But, my trainers, when i was starting out, told me to get a pin for my collar and i always thought that was standard. I was told how it was unfinished to leave a white collar all alone without a pin or monogram. Doesn't it shift around without a pin?

[French Link Snaffle]

what is wrong with a short sleeved shirt? here in az the summers are well over 100 degrees on show days, you couldn't pay me to wear a long sleeved shirt AND a jacket. when the judge gives the okay we can show without jackets, then everyone is wearing short sleeve or sleeveless shirts. i do not like the sleeve less either

[CuriosoJorge]

French Link, better quality show shirts have chokers with a button hole in a hidden flap that buttons through one of the collar buttons. Once you get it on, it's not going anywhere.

[boosma47]

Too-long bridle paths, unfitted saddle pads and spurs worn way down the heel!! Duh, to use said spur, you'd have to lower your toe and bring heel up.

Put spurs up on the boot heel, or use the spur rest. If you want it lower, maybe you don't really need or know how to use it???!!!

[pleased-as-punch2800]

Ahhh!
Okay I dont know if this has been said already but I HATE saddle pads that are way too big for the saddle! When they slide forward and soemone has like 1/2 inch of white behind the leg and like 5-6 inches in front all crammed forward. Drives me nuts! Might sound crazy but just get off and fix it before you go in the ring http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[French Link Snaffle]

Originally posted by Magnolia:
My list:
1. Show Bows
2. Big Huge stock pins
3. Bad Braids
4. Messy hair
5. Pinned numbers

Why pinned numbers? At my local shows, that is our only option. They do not have holes for a string, the have one hole at the top to pin it to your back. Nobody wears it with a string because the number card simply isn’t designed to be worn that way. Does that mean I am tacky for doing it the way I was told by the show staff to wear it??

[French Link Snaffle]

Wouldn't it be better for long, thick hair to be put up in a rolled bun just under where the helmet sits and then neatly tucked into a hair net? Putting all of your hair, like most of you are saying, under the helmet changes the fit and effectiveness of your head protection. I couldn't fit all my hair under my helmet if my life counted on it... unless it was sitting a few inches up off the top of my head! So, does that mean for a good turn out, I need to either cut my hair, buy a bigger helmet for shows or just look terrible and inappropriate with my hair neatly tucked into a bun, but not all under my helmet?

[Bumpkin]

The Bumpkinette had to wear her hair that way. Without a showbow mind you.
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
But we did have to use two heavywt hairnets to contain her very long, VERY thick hair.
I really wish the ponytail that were being worn by the Juniours a few years ago would have taken off.
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[isheventer]

from working in tack store -

biggest turnout peeve is misconceptions - i.e. people being told they have to wear certain brands of breeches/jods, helmets & jackets or they won't pin; being told they have to buy certain makes of bridles & saddles or they won't pin; being told they have to wear field boots, dress boots aren't allowed (not true, field boots are the rage now)

Sorry to the anti-Stock pin group - great grandmother's antique stock pin - gorgeous and "lucky" I have to wear it.

Agree w/ large bows - enough already...
ill-fitting & dirty saddle pads - go without rather than ill fitted.
Don't like alot of fleece - unless horse really needs it.

[jumperpony_Blaze]

this

http://cgi.ebay.com/Green-Plaid-English-Riding-Hunt-Coa...QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/Green-Plaid-English-Riding-Hunt-Coat_W0QQitemZ7219167670QQcategoryZ47268QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem)

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[vickyrider]

A Dirty or badly turned out horse/tack or rider! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif there is just no excuse, it is a matter of respect to yourself and everyone else at the show. But more specifically all hair should be neat and tidy with horse either clipped, shaved (yes even whiskers!) or plaited; and with rider ALL hair neatly tucked in a hairnet under a hat even if it does take 10mins and you need more help from the groom than your animalhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

Dirty boots http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif this drives me mad, and jacket and breeches should be spotless. Yes, I know a horse can slobber over anyone at a moments notice, but a rider should always try to look like she hasn't been near an animal (except for just mounting of course!)when first entering the ring. Ok I admit I always have a groom at a show but the principal stands.

Oh yes, coloured whips http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Sorry, I should clearly get myself a life and stop being so repressed esp. where loose hair is concerned but I just hate it http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[CuriosoJorge]

French Link, I would take a hole punch and a number string to the horse show with you, and put your number on properly.

[French Link Snaffle]

Originally posted by vickyrider:
But more specifically all hair should be neat and tidy with horse either clipped, shaved (yes even whiskers!) or plaited; and with rider ALL hair neatly tucked in a hairnet under a hat even if it does take 10mins and you need more help from the groom than your animalhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif


getting all my hair in a net and under the helmet is just not possible. my helmet will not go on with all that hair under it. forget 10 mins, forget help from someone else (i have never in my life felt i needed a "groom", i do all the work myself and i'm proud of that, we always look great), it just doesn't fit. waist length, thick, curly hair just doesn't fit under a helmet and it isnt safe anyway. does this mean i am unprofessional or that i'm showing disrespect? it shouldnt

[Yours Truly]

French Link--probably time for a haircut. You wouldn't be the first hunter rider to sacrifice a beautiful head of hair to get "the look." http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

[Yours Truly]

Sorry for any duplication:

1. orange, unoiled tack
2. untrimmed horses/ponies
3. ill-fitting tall boots
4. eye or nose boogers caked with dirt
5. unpainted hooves
6. underweight horses
7. coat or shirt colors that clash with horse
8. stray hairs flying out from helmet
9. floppy throatlatches
10. reins too short or too long

And guess what--these can all be avoided at any level of riding, on any budget!

[Duffy]

I even had my daughter's hair thinned! Am I a terrible mother or what!? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Yours Truly]

Duffy--nope, just practical! Who wants to duke it out with hair every morning?

[Kap]

I have thick curly hair that comes halfway down my back... and I mean THICK. But, with some work, even I can get it to fit under my helmet. If your hair is longer than mine, and that's the reason you can't fit it under your helmet, you should probably just cut it. Hair down to your butt isn't attractive anyways, no matter who you are http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Magnolia]

Why pinned numbers? At my local shows, that is our only option. They do not have holes for a string, the have one hole at the top to pin it to your back. Nobody wears it with a string because the number card simply isn’t designed to be worn that way. Does that mean I am tacky for doing it the way I was told by the show staff to wear it??


My god, is that ancient or what. I've forgotten why. That was 6 years ago. I think it must bother me for some reason. Since then I took up eventing. Nothing worse than those god awful numbers that tie on the side. You wear it over a vest and it requires advanced yoga to tie it correctly. And they look funny to me. So I'd rather have a pinned number.

I'll tell you, now I run 5K's and other races on occasion and I always look like an ass because I always pin my number on the back of my shirt out of habit. In running, it goes on the front.

[Kenike]

My own personal peeve is with hair not contained, helmets that are on the back of the head & not worn properly, poor grooming, too-long stirrups, and bits not cleaned (especially if someone uses my tack and leaves it filthy, not in the condition it was found!).

Maybe if you left the ears hairy you wouldn't need ear plugs?

As the wife of a man who rodeos (team roping), I assure you this is not the case. His horses are never clipped (as is the case with 99% of rodeo horses) and ALWAYS go in ear plugs, especially indoors. It gets noisy and distracting to the horses, ear plugs help minimize that problem.

All of my horses have had their ears clipped, not one single one has had ear infections. As a matter of fact, my large pony had problems with infections BEFORE I clipped her. Clipping actually cleared up the infection and she hasn't had one since (she was 3 when I first clipped her, she's now 10). Not to mention she lives outdoors 24/7 (except at shows, of course).

[reppy]

Boot socks sticking out of the front of back of the boots. They distract me.

[2hsmommy]

reppy, that's so funny http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Lives2Jump]

Originally posted by reppy:
Boot socks sticking out of the front of back of the boots. They distract me.

I agree with this also http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif I have a picture of myself from a show where my socks are sticking out the top of my boot and it bugs me to death. The socks match my shirt nontheless but its still annoying.

<UL TYPE=SQUARE> <LI> I am another that hates stock pins, it either needs to be embriodered or left plain.
<LI> No show bows, the bows with the little hair nets attached to them...
<LI> Ill fitting tall boots and show clothes
<LI> Dirty tack or dirty horse
<LI> Fuzzy horses
<LI> People who don't wear gloves
<LI> Saddle pads that are way too big for the saddle

I am sure there are a bunch more, but those come off the top of my head [/list]

[Uberraschung]

I started reading this thread and I was all "Cactuskate?" then realized it was 6 years old http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[HunterJumperLuv]

*grumbles*

Really, Yes things can peeve you off, and honestly, no matter what your budget, you can still be well turned out at a horse show.

Hairnets are cheaper than Showbows, and look better.

Most tailors can atleast relatively fit a coat to you (No matter how cheap or hand-me down it is)

As long as your britches/Jods are clean and well fitted, thats fine.

Save up, Skip a show and buy well fitting boots.. You can get tall boots for 100 dollars that are "leather". So what if they aren't Vogels or Der Dau's, as long as they fit!

If your hair is so long that you can't fit it in a hair net, then cut it, or deal with being not well turned out.

Your tack can be 45 years old, but you can still clean it.. Its not that hard.. Get some saddle soap, and Voila! Its magic, Clean Tack..

Honestly, how much is a bottle of shampoo? If you can afford to go to a horse show, you can afford a bottle of $12 QuikSilver, and a $15 of Green Spot Remover.. Bathe your horse, cause it aint that difficult.

Onto Clean boots, How can that be expensive unless say you use Egyptian Cotton RAGS to clean them off.. Polish is what? $3 tops? Use an old t-shirt if your desperate.. Wipe off your boots before you go into the ring! So expensive to do that one!

Really, its so expensive to pull ones mane for the hunter ring! Seriously, if you can't do it yourself, and you can't afford to pay someone $10-$20 TOPS to do it, Get out of the horse show world.

Gloves are what? $5 for the rubber grippy gloves? Really thats just going to break my bank account!

I guess what I'm trying to say is

GOOD TURNOUT DOES NOT EQUAL EXPENSIVE TURNOUT

GOOD TURNOUT EQUALS NOT LOOKING LIKE A SLOB

Wow, that came out longer than I expected, and FLAME AWAY!

[RugBug]

Originally posted by French Link Snaffle:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by vickyrider:
But more specifically all hair should be neat and tidy with horse either clipped, shaved (yes even whiskers!) or plaited; and with rider ALL hair neatly tucked in a hairnet under a hat even if it does take 10mins and you need more help from the groom than your animalhttp://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif


getting all my hair in a net and under the helmet is just not possible. my helmet will not go on with all that hair under it. forget 10 mins, forget help from someone else (i have never in my life felt i needed a "groom", i do all the work myself and i'm proud of that, we always look great), it just doesn't fit. waist length, thick, curly hair just doesn't fit under a helmet and it isnt safe anyway. does this mean i am unprofessional or that i'm showing disrespect? it shouldnt </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Your hair sounds like mine used to be. Waist lenght and about four times as much as the "normal" person. I bought my helmet to fit specfically with my hair up. For shows, I would pull out the flat iron to get it a little smaller. I never had much of a problem getting it all up, though, because I bought my helmet to fit that way. (and yes, that meant that I always put it up when I rode).

When I cut my hair to donate it, I had to buy a new helmet. My old one was WAY too big without all my old hair.

[Hunters' Rule]

OK...I read all of these....I have one that I could NOT believe.

It was at an A show. This lady must not of known better but it was hilarious. She put a giant red bow like a Christmas wreath bow in her horse's tail. I watched the horse be a total....well, witch so I know why she needed it!!! It was two feet long!!!!RED http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif

[Horsezee]

Eq. boots that are way too big for the horse. I see alot of this. I always wonder how those poor horses manage to bend their legs to get over the jumps with boots that are way too long/big on? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif

[abrant]

Originally posted by Hunters' Rule:
OK...I read all of these....I have one that I could NOT believe.

It was at an A show. This lady must not of known better but it was hilarious. She put a giant red bow like a Christmas wreath bow in her horse's tail. I watched the horse be a total....well, witch so I know why she needed it!!! It was two feet long!!!!RED http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif

Maybe she was attacking my pet peeve? That would be people who don't understand what the red ribbon means. I swear, some people try to get closer to see it http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

~Adrienne

[SaddlePotato3]

I have to say, I find it quite hilarious and ridiculous how anal some people are about having their hair up in their helmet http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif and it's even funnier for those of you who are "helemt nazis." Are you all aware that most helemts, specifically the GPA did NOT approve their helmet with the idea that someone's hair was going to be stuffed inside, defeating the whole purpose of protecting your head?

And honestly, the idea of having your hair stuffed was probably made up by a bunch of male riders who don't have to deal with long hair but couldn't stand the look of a pony tail or braid...cry me a river.

Before I was aware of helmet's "testing", I bought a big helmet to fit my head and hair. A few months later I fell off, helmet slipped off my head slightly because of stupid hairnet giving me a concussion. Oh, and before I get flamed, my chin strap was tightened (which is another major pet peeve of mine when people ride with loose chin straps).

I'm sure I come of as a major jerk, which really was not my intention but it really bugs me when people are such advocates about riding safely and then mock people for not wearing their hair "prim and proper." It's your head, do what you want with it, but don't go giving crap to other people who are trying to keep their's safe.

[cartera45]

Saddlepotato - you reminded me of my pet peeve - loose chin straps. It seems to say "I may have to wear this helmet but I'm too cool to wear it right."

[Andrew]

sloppiness... either horse or rider..

[Hucklebug]

Show bows
cheap bridles with the nosebands too low
saddles/tack you can tell from 25 feet away need to be oiled
This isn't a turnout no no, but seeing people sit by the ring on their horses like they are lawn chairs. if you aren't in motion, or lined up in a hack class, get off their damn backs.
rat catcher stock pins
no gloves
bridle paths that are more than two fingers long
ill fitting clothes or boots
crops with loops instead of short bats

[TL]

Tuck in your shirts! Tuck in your shirts! I was just fwd'd some photos and am biting a hole in tongue, er, typing hand.

What's worse than an untucked shirt when the jakcket rule is waived? Untucked shirt peeking out from underneath a jacket!

I realize, particularly at schooling shows, trainers are having to ride herd on who knows how many little monkeys (I was one once myself) but don't send your kids into the ring shirt untucked, paddock boots unlaced or untied, saddle pad traveling all over, dusty boots and helmet askew.

I'm not talking brands or trends but simple organization and taking the time to have the time to make sure all's in place before going in. The above is really inexcusable when the kid's been camped out by the in-gate forever and a day.

Yes I've seen amazing riders who weren't expensively and trendily turned out but I've seen just as many where sloppiness in turn-out is an accurate predictor of sloppy riding -- and I'm not talking beginners whom deserve some slack their first time or two out, either.

[Boston Chicken]

Turnout
- Orange, stiff and unoiled tack http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif
- Messy, day-old braids
- Loud colors in polos, saddle pads, boots, etc. OK at home, never at a show!
- Blinged anything. I really hate all the sparkles for shows, though think it's fun at home
General
- Not a turnout issue, but people who insist on jumping unfit horses just because the horse has heart and will probably still get you to the line fast and clean
- Riders who warm-up without a trainer and then proceed to go bowling in the warm-up ring, knocking-down every jump within 2 minutes
- Riders who are always looking down, so you have no hope of figuring out where they're going to pilot to next!

[French Link Snaffle]

Originally posted by Hucklebug:
bridle paths that are more than two fingers long


okay what is it with the bridle path? alot of people have said this and i don't understand. i was brought u p being told that when you make the bridlepath, you make it as long as that horse's ear. only 2 fingers long? does that even help with the bridle/halter?? it seems that is barely enough room for the leather to sit up there.

[Small Change]

Originally posted by French Link Snaffle:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hucklebug:
bridle paths that are more than two fingers long


okay what is it with the bridle path? alot of people have said this and i don't understand. i was brought u p being told that when you make the bridlepath, you make it as long as that horse's ear. only 2 fingers long? does that even help with the bridle/halter?? it seems that is barely enough room for the leather to sit up there. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Two fingers is plenty wide enough for most bridles. If it's a really big concern, have a peek at your bridle before getting the clippers out, and trim it to the same width. And halters aren't sitting as tightly over the top of the horse's head, so it's not as big of an issue at all.

Long bridle paths make your horse look like a recent crossover from a breed show.

Truth be told, mine don't have clipped bridle paths. The mane that is under the crown of the bridle is smoothed down and incorporated into the forelock. The whole quandry as to how long to make the bridle path becomes a nonissue.

[CuriosoJorge]

FrenchLink, it's a good thing you found this thread, since it's given you a lot of good advice! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

A hunter's bridle path should never be as long as it's ear. That's fine if you have an Arab or something that shows in multiple disciplines. For the hunters, the bridlepath should be the width of the bridle and no more. This makes the neck look long and smooth - there is no break to jar the eye.

[Boston Chicken]

I can't imagine a bridle path as long as the horse's ear http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif That would be absolute hilarity on my horse! My bridle path is no more than 1 1/2 inches, and probably less.

[Hucklebug]

i used to never give my horses bridle paths and just part the hair, but our braider took issue with it and so they now have bridle paths because she's the one who has to deal with it, not me. If i were still braiding regularly my own horses, I wouldn't put in bridle paths. I think they are odd and often result in accidents where they are too long or take out forelock.

[Hucklebug]

and to clarify, i meant width, not long. so, if you were to place two fingers up there, that's about 1-1 1/2 inches.

[Duffy]

Our pony's bridle path got trimmed too long. It's not easy on the eyes to grow that tomahawk out! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[AHorseSomeDay]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Boston Chicken:
Turnout

- Loud colors in polos, saddle pads, boots, etc. OK at home, never at a show!

I once saw a woman riding in the flat class with bright florescent orange polos. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
Now that's a big no no. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Hucklebug]

Originally posted by Duffy, CFO, Aefvue Farm LLC:
Our pony's bridle path got trimmed too long. It's not easy on the eyes to grow that tomahawk out! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
You are too funny! I hate when that happens--you're up there trimming and they jump or twitch and the clippers go a little further than intended.

[Duffy]

I normally point the clippers towards the ears - then I just chop off something else if they jerk. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I wasn't the guilty party here. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

When in college, we weren't allowed to do bridle paths. (Drove several of us crazy. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ) Evidently, in past years, every trimming session a little more was chopped, so at the end of the year, all the horses looked like shit! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

The really hard part is when one is body clipping and the mane matches the body hair... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Propped Up]

Originally posted by MsHunter:
People who ride with the brim of their hunt cap up in the air, and it flops around their head.
I hate a brim that isn't parallel to the ground.

White socks not clipped to the pink (yes I am anal).

Well, I have a really tough time keeping the brim of my helmet down. This week end in the middle of a round I realized the brim was up on my helmet...nothing I could do. My GPA is plenty tight enough on my head, but the chin strap works its way loose. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Also, my mare has 4 very nice white socks. I shudder when they are clipped to the pink. For one, I don't think they look pretty, for two, it irritates her sensitive skin, and for three her legs sunburn. I much prefer just a nice short clip job with her legs still white. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[doccer]

An Entry that isn't CLEAN and ORGANIZED!!!

Clean meaning.... well.... not dirty.

And organized to mean..... your appearance and your horse's appearance. Personally, i could care less what kind of braids, boots, jackets, clip, helmets, etc, etc, the list could go on. Make your own decision on what you think is "Show-Worthy", otherwise you just blend into the crowd.

As long as Clean and Organized, is also, Fitted and Functional..... You'll look great http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Everything else is personalized http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Altho, i must agree, a show is not the time to be trying out the brand new fandangled, flourescent green/orange blinking lights polo wraps you just had to have http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[jammin7791]

Unbuttoned shirt collars under a show jacket, even better if the offender is wearing several hemp necklaces. I haven't seen it as much lately, but a few years back in the midwest it seemed every girl in the 14-18 age bracket was sporting the look. ARGH!

[Kenike]

cheap bridles with the nosebands too low

reminded me of a major one!

The last barn I was at was notorious for EVERY horse to have bridles that were either too big, or sized to be too big. That drove me crazy, so I made sure I either readjusted the bridle so bit and noseband were in proper place, or I used my own tack so it was properly sized. There was one horse in particular who'd open his mouth and toss his head when ridden. Trainer couldn't figure out why or how to stop him. Funny thing happened when myself and one other person got on him with a properly fitted bridle: no head-tossing and a closed mouth http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
I'm not as worried about the bridle being cheap as long as it fits well...

[Kap]

Originally posted by Kenike:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> cheap bridles with the nosebands too low

reminded me of a major one!

The last barn I was at was notorious for EVERY horse to have bridles that were either too big, or sized to be too big. That drove me crazy, so I made sure I either readjusted the bridle so bit and noseband were in proper place, or I used my own tack so it was properly sized. There was one horse in particular who'd open his mouth and toss his head when ridden. Trainer couldn't figure out why or how to stop him. Funny thing happened when myself and one other person got on him with a properly fitted bridle: no head-tossing and a closed mouth http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
I'm not as worried about the bridle being cheap as long as it fits well... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree. Honestly, unless you're some kind of bridle/leather appraiser, it's hard to tell if the horse is sporting a $100 bridle or a $400 bridle. More important, and more noticeable, is the bridle's fit, what kind of condition it's in, and how clean it is. Nice leather/tack does help, but it's not the be-all and end-all. Or at least it shouldn't be.

[justjilli]

purple sparkle bell boots lol http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Kap]

just jilli, your sig is very fitting. Madonna's new fetish seems to be purple. I've noticed her in all her videos/performances sporting purple leotards and purple backgrounds, etc.

Ok, that was completely OT, carry on.

[justjilli]

ya ya i know ut i draw the line with the bell boots http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[stfatpony]

OMG!! This thread is making me freak out with how many pet peeves I have, which I agree with all of the ones I have seen so far. I won't list mine, because it would probably take two pages, but I have to comment on the bridle path width from the previous page.

Bridle paths should NEVER on a show hunter/eq horse/jumper be longer than the two finger length that a few people stated. It should be just enough room for the bridle, hence the name. A longer width bridle path = Arab/western/clueless. I think not having a bridle path is almost as bad as having too long of a bridle path. Looks terrible!

[Kap]

Originally posted by stfatpony:
I think not having a bridle path is almost as bad as having too long of a bridle path. Looks terrible!

That's interesting, because I worked for a hunter trainer for a while who insisted that her horses not have bridle paths. She said the short, clipped hairs under the crownpiece of the bridle get pinched and prickly, which causes the horse to toss its head and resist http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Racetb*Aefvue Farm*Biziz Ltd.]

Yep..Swanee Cunningham never allowed bridle paths on all those nice strip horses. And I HATE myself for getting my hunter's longer and longer every time I trim him...arrrgh!! I should go with none so that doesn't happen http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sigh.gif

[stfatpony]

Hmmm... I would think that it would be just as easy to have some long mane get pinched and pulled in there. Plus, I trim my horses every week during show season, so there is not a lot of time for hair growth! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Kap]

It happens to the best of us, Race.

My guy sported a cowlick-ish spiky piece of hair right behind his bridle path for months while I was trying to decrease the length of his bridle path by letting some grow out. He bore a frightening resemblence to Alfalfa from the Little Rascals.

[Racetb*Aefvue Farm*Biziz Ltd.]

You'd think after all these years I'd know better. When I traded in my Junior horse and bought my A/O horse from Huey..I swear I did it because by now poor "Dennis" had a mile long bridle path... and I just couldn't look at it any more!!!

[paint hunter]

Remember, it's a bridle path, not a bridle highway!

[equusrocks]

Reforestation of bridle highway, primary growth stage (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/equusrocks/DSC00584.jpg)

How handsome is that?? Poor Rocks! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif!

[HunterJumperLuv]

Originally posted by equusrocks:
Reforestation of bridle highway, primary growth stage (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/equusrocks/DSC00584.jpg)

How handsome is that?? Poor Rocks! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif!

*splutter soda everywhere* Reforestation...bridle...highway....primary....gro wth...

[LSM1212]

Looks familiar to me... they also clipped my new guys bridle path too long before I bought him. Not sure if it was a QH thing or not... so now we are letting it grow back out... so he has the forelock alfalfa look and also at the top of his mane is sticking up too, as they cut it too far on both sides.... ugh! Boy, he's going to look "fugly" for a little while... hope it grows out before I do my first rated shows this year (late summer).

[Esquire]

Unkempt hair...drives me nuts when it is sticking out all over the place (talking about the rider's hair).

Ultra THICK martingales...they make me think the horse should be pulling a cart or something, they just look really outdated to me.

As for the horse, and I guess I notice this now more having had a gray for the last two years...a dirty tail! When your horse has been bathed and is a gleaming shimmery gray/white, but his tail is still yellow and you see nothing but manure/other stains. It just takes a little more time to finish the job completely and it looks sooooo much nicer.

[Duffy]

Especially when your fake tail is sparkling clean! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Feenikks]

Funny how EVERYONE is quick to jot down their peeves here but can ANYONE honestly tell me that you never, EVER used ...

-a show bow
-stray hairs out of your helmet
-wore a NON MONOGRAMMED COLLAR?? HUH?
-Rust breeches
-a Hunter Green hunt coat or even better - a BLACK on in the hunters??

-Rode a horse in non matching tack
-Rode a horse with GASP ... fuzzy ears!! oh my!!
-Rode a grey horse that in fact DID have a quarter size poop stain on him
-HAD A NOT SO GOOD BRAID JOB!

Until you ALL HERE with Peeves can say that no, you never looked like this or rode a horse like this I don't think opinions are needed here then, no?

I have done some of these things so I cannot really talk anything down here... hey you live and learn, then you grown up, get a job and can afford the nicer things, then you learn how to braid instead of having someone else do it for you,(well some of us anyway) then you are able to get your collars monogrammed..., learn how to clip your horse, ahh it goes on and on...

Oh and as far as panty lines... worry about your own ass - yep, turn around it is there.. instead of someone elses!

[Yours Truly]

Dang, Feenikks! This is for FUN. Why so angry?

[Duffy]

I have a bunch of BEAUTIFUL show shirts, complete with monogrammed jokers...That I don't use any more. I'm completely sold of the coolmax ones that don't need to be ironed! (I'm allergic to the iron.) I haven't monogrammed any of those chokers. *gasp* So far, the fashion police (nor any judges) have thrown me out. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Boston Chicken]

"Pet Peeves" Feenikks http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif It's all personal and relative. I'm sure I've had stray hairs many a time http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Duffy, I wear non-monogrammed chokers all the time.

However, I have never worn a show bow (I didn't even know what one was before it was pointed out here) and have never shown a horse with poop stains, though I know I've ridden some http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Trixie]

Unkempt hair - the human version. I was schooling at Frying Pan Park this weekend and there was a small show going on - nothing rated, but riders were all wearing jackets. A fair amount of GPAs to be seen, even. But quite a few riders in unkempt ponytails hanging out of their helmets.

I'd have gotten my ears chopped off if I tried that one, schooling show or not. Heck, even just schooling at a show we were supposed to be neat.

If you're going to shell out the $400 for a GPA and ride in a horse show, I'm pretty sure that by this point you know how to do your hair. It was sooo sloppy looking and really detracted from the horse and rider - it just looked cheap.

[Pat]

Yah, seriously!!

I'm pretty darn sure the ear-length bridle path is a Quarter Horse thing.

I like mine just big enough to accomodate the crownpiece of the bridle. Your braids should start right at the back of your bridle.

No bridle path irks me, it's a big pain in the patootey to sort the hair out IMO. I know Joe Fargis doesn't like BP's. I used to work for a woman that rode with him, but only at shows. She warned me right away not to give her jumper a BP as he would pitch a fit. The hunter I could clip within an inch of his life, he never dealt with her hunters.

Dirty manes and tails... OHH that kills me. You can always tell who just gives a lick and a promise preshow grooming. When the mane or tail is braided, all the icky grey crud shows up for all to see! Even better are dirty white tails. You've seen those, they LOOK clean, then when braided or even just blowing in the wind, you see the yellow underneath. Bad groom, very bad groom!

I always tell kids (or adults) to wash their grey horses' tails once a week with Quik Silver. Whether they are showing or not. An ounce of prevention....

[Yours Truly]

B. Chicken--funny about the show bow! I had never heard of 'em. Had to Google it. Now I want to see one!

[Trixie]

I ride a gray who naturally has a bit of brown in her tail. Sigh. Any suggestions on how to make it look cleaner?

[Helen of NC]

I've probably violated a number of 'em when I was showing nearly a decade ago--and even more when I was showing as a kid (uh... nearly four decades ago). And, truthfully, I never paid much attention to things other than basic cleanliness and safety (Pony Club mom in me). But... the only thing that truly bothers me in "show turnout" is wearing a frown or a pout. There is nothing that ruins the overall picture to me more than a sour or petulant face.


http://community.webshots.com/user/helenofnc

[witherbee]

Trixie - I am in the same boat with my gray....

I also agree that we should be able to talk about this stuff and not take it too seriously. There are some turnout "nazis" and I don't think it's so appropriate to be that way at the smaller lower or unrated shows - let the kids have fun - but I do agree that there is a certain picture expected at the A shows and is is possible to present that picture without breaking the bank. If you prefer to wear somehting else and it's neat and tidy and functional, then go for it. I doubt it will reflect on your scores unless it's really out there (like a hot pink jacket or breeches lol). I plan to show in the rated shows next season (I have a greenie) and we may not meet the standards of some others at the A shows, but I will do my best and am just looking forward to enjoying the expreience and improving our skills. If we are slightly out of the mold due to his breed (he's an RID) and my abilities or lack thereof http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif, that's okay too. As long as we don't embarass ourselves by being unprepared or messy, then I will consider it to be a success. I think the B and C levels are much more forgiving of the different picture, but that is as it should be imo... Anyway, I like hearing these things and have actually learned a thing or two from this thread. I do think that we should be a lot less scathing of people, especially people new to a level or new to showing and instead be encouraging about their riding. They will see what is most accepted and looks best if they show often enough and will change accordingly if it's warrented. A friendly comment about how you were able to stop your hair from excaping or where you got a great deal on new breeches would be a lot better than snide comments that might embarrass or hurt someones's feelings.

[LSM1212]

Originally posted by witherbee:
Trixie - I am in the same boat with my gray....

I also agree that we should be able to talk about this stuff and not take it too seriously. There are some turnout "nazis" and I don't think it's so appropriate to be that way at the smaller lower or unrated shows - let the kids have fun - but I do agree that there is a certain picture expected at the A shows and is is possible to present that picture without breaking the bank. If you prefer to wear somehting else and it's neat and tidy and functional, then go for it. I doubt it will reflect on your scores unless it's really out there (like a hot pink jacket or breeches lol). I plan to show in the rated shows next season (I have a greenie) and we may not meet the standards of some others at the A shows, but I will do my best and am just looking forward to enjoying the expreience and improving our skills. If we are slightly out of the mold due to his breed (he's an RID) and my abilities or lack thereof http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif, that's okay too. As long as we don't embarass ourselves by being unprepared or messy, then I will consider it to be a success. I think the B and C levels are much more forgiving of the different picture, but that is as it should be imo... Anyway, I like hearing these things and have actually learned a thing or two from this thread. I do think that we should be a lot less scathing of people, especially people new to a level or new to showing and instead be encouraging about their riding. They will see what is most accepted and looks best if they show often enough and will change accordingly if it's warrented. A friendly comment about how you were able to stop your hair from excaping or where you got a great deal on new breeches would be a lot better than snide comments that might embarrass or hurt someones's feelings.

So very well put... I think this pretty much says it all. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Gnalli]

Ok, educate me here. I show TWH and the occasional QH, so the rules are definitely different as per show bows, bridle paths (an ear legnth? maybe a mule ear legnth, lol)

Why no black in a hunter ring?
Is there a thing against color, or is everyone supposed to be dressed fairly uniformly so the accent is on the horse, (as it should be) rather than the rider?

As far as my pet peeves, keep in mind I show different kinds of horses and the kids run barrels and other speed classes, so here goes:

Speed horse with the halter still on under the bridle-one of my best friends does this and it is all I can do not to yank the bridle off and redo it! ACCK

Nylon tack for anything but little kid ponies in saddle club pony classes or barrel classes, so I don't have to look at them for too long. (Yes, my 2 oldest are obsessed with colored nylon tack for speed classes-acckkk)
Sloppy looking ponies. I love ponies, but they should be neatly groomed as well.
Dirty horses
Floppy hats instead of a well fitted western hat where appropriate (only happens at home or club shows)Rip them off and stomp them under the hooves of the sloppy ponies!!!
Mismatched tack (yes, I have been guilty of this)
SHOW SHEEN in the hands of my2 younger daughters. Saddles slide-kids get yelled at.
People that don't behave with some common sense at a horse show-i.e. running around horses, not watching their kids, letting kids play loud obnoxiously around horses, etc.
Excessive silver on saddles. I kid you not, I saw a girl come in on a 500 horse that she overpaid for with 5000 in clothes and tack-at a club show!!
Sore losers
Bad winners-there is always someone better in the world than you and always someone worse, so don't be snarky.
Un-color coordinated pads and show clothes. Do not wear an orange pad and a pink jacket??? NO NO NO NO

[Yours Truly]

Gnalli--many of your peeves apply to the hunter ring as well: excessive show sheen, sore losers/gloating winners, rowdy kids, ill-fitting clothes, etc. So these must be universal problems!

As far as show bows and black coats--it's just "not done." http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[equusrocks]

Synthetic tack. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/dead.gif I hate the look of synthetic tack. I've only seen it at a couple smaller shows, but its icky!!

Guilty as charged though...I do have a black coat with the pinstriping/windowpane thing. And I just bought another...maybe the first one is a dark charcoal though...I can't tell.

Another thing that makes me giggle a little...Mimi Makeup on the riders.
And horses with supershiny faces. It reminds me of those fashion star fillies I collected with my breyer horses. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[just_me]

-a show bow - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">Never</span>
-stray hairs out of your helmet <span class="ev_code_GREEN">- absolutely</span>
-wore a NON MONOGRAMMED COLLAR?? - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">never owned a monagrammed color</span>
-Rust breeches - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">I love rust breeches and wear them almost always</span>
-a Hunter Green hunt coat or even better - a BLACK on in the hunters?? - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">back in the day, my only coat was black</span>

-Rode a horse in non matching tack - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">yup</span>
-Rode a horse with GASP ... fuzzy ears!! oh my!! - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">Don't clip my horses ears all the way in. Just the really long hairs sticking out</span>
-HAD A NOT SO GOOD BRAID JOB! - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">got to cop to that one too</span>

I guess I've been a real horror show to some people posting in this thread. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Personally, I think it's fine if the rider, tack, and horse are neatly presented.
I'm just an old fart, so what do I know?

[Groom to Priceless]

I'm not sure I know enough here to actually have a pet peeve. To be honest, when my girls were in thier first show last fall I had the trainer give me a VERY EXPICIT list, took it to the tack store and - after recovering from my cadiac arrest - purchased what was listed. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I must say also, thank goodness for an indulgent uncle who likes to spoil his nieces and second hand (but very nice ) clothing from barn friends!!!

BUT reading all these pet peeves reminded me of something that always makes me smile . . . We had just recieved a very large box of outgrown (but VERY nice)show clothes from the girls' cousin (who much to my delight is always very nicely turned out and at least two sizes larger than my smaller one!!!!) In the box was a pair of tall boots (that may fit her in three years or so) that had obviously been well loved and used (the girls' cousin rides daily and shows EVERY weekend!) The boots polished up very nicely (one benefit of very good leather) but the finish on the inside of the calf is completely worn down to bare leather. Youngest daughter was thrilled with the idea of tall boots and couldn't wait to show them off to her trainer. Said trainer looked at them with proper respect and oohs and ahhs and then looking directly at me said, "What wonderful schooling boots, but I wouldn't wear them to a show for fear that I would embarass my trainer!!" http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif Note to self . . . .I'm pretty sure we should not wear these boots in the show ring. Don't have to hit me over the head with a big old board . . . .twice!

[Natalie]

Inapporiate tack (colored saddle pads or polos, flash bridles, etc.) is always embarassing (for the person) to see.

What does really bother me are people who can't bother to present themselves and their horse neatly. I'm talking about clothes and tack that fits (doesn't have to be expensive), polished boots, and a clean horse with a pulled mane. It doesn't cost more, but makes all the difference in the world.

[Kim]

My BIGGEST pet peeve is riders not wearing gloves!!!! It looks so unfinished. Ick!

Other pet peeves:

Poor grooming (horse)
Messy hair
Inappropriate tack, pads, etc.
Full cheek snaffles without keepers
Poorly fitting clothing

I have never seen anyone wearing a show bow at a hunter show, but have seen them in dressage/eventing.

[larosa90]

I have groomed in a prior life for a large barn so I am very meticulous about showing up in the schooling ring clean and presentable. But once you've done your warm up at Culpepper, the horse will be covered in cement slime. It makes me sad, but we all look the same going in.

I clip my horse's ears twice a year, for Upperville and Middleburg classic. The rest of the time he goes fuzzy. He had warts in his ears when I got him and the vet gave me some salve to melt them off. I was out of town, friend helped by applying the stuff, only instead of a thin film she applied a glop daily. He had huge gaping ulcers in his ears and it was 6 months before he could be bridled without taking the whole thing apart. He now lets me groom the outside of his ears with a soft brush, but without massive drugs he will not allow his ears to be touched. It is simply not worth it. He is otherwise properly clipped and cleaned.

I also really really really hate the bling on the GPAs, the wild lining colors on the coats, and the no gloves look. But then I rode back in the day when my equitation coat was black, when rust breeches with hunter green coat (maybe with velvet on the collar) was in, and you might regulalry see canary yellow breeches too. That was right around the time when you bought a white ratcatcher and then several colored collars to go with it, pinned neatly into place with stock pin. I do like the look today of the plain or monogramed collars and the nice colored shirts in the hunters to match the jackets.

[Hucklebug]

Originally posted by Kim:
My BIGGEST pet peeve is riders not wearing gloves!!!! It looks so unfinished. Ick!

Other pet peeves:

Poor grooming (horse)
Messy hair
Inappropriate tack, pads, etc.
Full cheek snaffles without keepers
Poorly fitting clothing

I have never seen anyone wearing a show bow at a hunter show, but have seen them in dressage/eventing.

a full cheek can be used correctly with and without keepers. Indiana Jones, one of my favorite ponies of all time (excluding Hucklebug of course) went in a full cheek with no keepers.

[Small Change]

Originally posted by Groom to Priceless:
(snip) In the box was a pair of tall boots (that may fit her in three years or so) that had obviously been well loved and used (the girls' cousin rides daily and shows EVERY weekend!) The boots polished up very nicely (one benefit of very good leather) but the finish on the inside of the calf is completely worn down to bare leather. (snip)

But having boots with the finish rubbed off on the inside of the calf is a badge of honour! It shows just how many hours you've logged in the saddle with those boots. Although maybe your daughters' trainer wants your girls to earn their own badges, rather than using someone elses? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Feenikks]

Originally posted by Yours Truly:
Dang, Feenikks! This is for FUN. Why so angry?

I'm just an ass today... don;t mind me... http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[equusrocks]

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif@Feenikks

[Feenikks]

Originally posted by just_me:
-a show bow - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">Never</span>
-stray hairs out of your helmet <span class="ev_code_GREEN">- absolutely</span>
-wore a NON MONOGRAMMED COLLAR?? - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">never owned a monagrammed color</span>
-Rust breeches - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">I love rust breeches and wear them almost always</span>
-a Hunter Green hunt coat or even better - a BLACK on in the hunters?? - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">back in the day, my only coat was black</span>

-Rode a horse in non matching tack - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">yup</span>
-Rode a horse with GASP ... fuzzy ears!! oh my!! - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">Don't clip my horses ears all the way in. Just the really long hairs sticking out</span>
-HAD A NOT SO GOOD BRAID JOB! - <span class="ev_code_GREEN">got to cop to that one too</span>

I guess I've been a real horror show to some people posting in this thread. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Personally, I think it's fine if the rider, tack, and horse are neatly presented.
I'm just an old fart, so what do I know?

I luff you! and would ride my hairy ear-ed horse with you anytime! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[equusrocks]

My horse is turned out a good deal of the summer. If I clipped his ears, except for the fuzzies sticking out, they'd be eaten half off. The clusterflies and gnats or blackflies or whatever you call them are terrible up north here bub, lemme tell ya. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Kim]

<<a full cheek can be used correctly with and without keepers>>

I always thought that the effect of the bit was different without keepers. Also, besides looking better - I was taught that the keepers are also a safety feature. Check this thread: http://chronicleforums.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/70760.../670204288#670204288 (http://chronicleforums.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/7076024331/m/481203288/r/670204288#670204288)

In any case, I personally don't like the look of a full cheek without keepers. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Dusty]

I agree with the pinned on numbers looking sloppy. I keep a hole punch, extra black string, and a scissors to trim obnoxiously large numbers, in my show trunk. I've seen too many beautifully turned out horse/rider pairs with these numbers flopping around in the breeze, especially when it's a windy day and they just get blown or torn right off you.

[diKecnadnuS]

A clearly professionally braided tail and a clearly unprofessional sloppy mane on the same horse!!! I've seen this a lot more than you'd think.

[Groom to Priceless]

Originally posted by Small Change:
[But having boots with the finish rubbed off on the inside of the calf is a badge of honour! It shows just how many hours you've logged in the saddle with those boots. Although maybe your daughters' trainer wants your girls to earn their own badges, rather than using someone elses? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif


I am positive that she wants the girls to earn their own "badge of honor". I'd also be a little concerned if my child showed up to her very first walk/trot class in "badge of honor boots" and not have a clue. I could just imagine everyone being so sad for the poor child who had obviously practiced SO HARD and still could barely compete at the walk/trot level (poor little dear) http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[bovon]

Originally posted by Dementia 13:
My friend showed her horse at Warrenton in a Wintec saddle with a string girth. She finally got a girth cover, though! Plus she almost ran over Mrs. Able-Smith in the schooling ring, but that is another story....

Maybe she couldn't afford anything but a Wintec saddle. Have you ever ridden in a wintec saddle..they are not bad. Anyway who the heck cares as long as everything is in good clean condition. Did you poke fun at the grade school kid who couldn't afford a new pair of shoes too?

[Yours Truly]

bovon--see above. This is all in FUN!

[bovon]

Originally posted by Yours Truly:
bovon--see above. This is all in FUN!

I'm sorry, I guess I missed the "fun" part..I'm feeling a bit on the serious side today. But since it's all "in fun"..I dislike poor fitting jackets as in 5 sizes too big. Yes I have seen coats big enough for three people to fit insode of on just one person.maybe the person wearing thertoo big coat lost alot of weight and wanted to show the weight loss off? I show at the lower levels on a limited budget but I do make sure stuff fits. Even on a budget, people can find stuff that fits. I always put my hair in a net with bobby pins keeping everything in place. I wear a navy hunt coat but I love black . Why is it noone wears black coats in the hunter ring? Black coats look lovely with black boots and black gloves.

[Hucklebug]

Originally posted by Kim:
<<a full cheek can be used correctly with and without keepers>>

I always thought that the effect of the bit was different without keepers. Also, besides looking better - I was taught that the keepers are also a safety feature. Check this thread: http://chronicleforums.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/70760.../670204288#670204288 (http://chronicleforums.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/7076024331/m/481203288/r/670204288#670204288)

In any case, I personally don't like the look of a full cheek without keepers. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

that is correct, it does change the function, and that is why one might choose to use it without the keepers.

[Kap]

I think Hucklebug is right. A full cheek without keepers is different, but it is not incorrect. IMO it functions like any plain snaffle when it has no keepers.

[Hucklebug]

Using the keeper to keep the cheek pieces vertical among other things exerts a slight downward pressure on the crownpiece of the bridle. The full cheek was designed to have a lateral guiding effect, and also prevent the bit from sliding through the mouth. The full cheek is often used with bit keepers to prevent the cheeks from getting caught on anything, but they make the bit more fixed and rigid in the mouth.

[Kenike]

- Never wore a show bow
- Never wore a hunter green or black show coat
- Always have a monogrammed choker...just like the look and easier to keep track of
- Only reason I showed last year with a fuzzy-eared mare was because of the owner...drove me absolutely nuts (don't get me started on the ear plugs mare would've been better with!!)
- My grey mare was always spotless at shows
- Panty lines only bug me if said panties and breeches are too small and cottage cheese spills everywhere

But, I know you're in a bad mood.... http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Trixie and witherbee, try adding baby powder to your conditioner, or just pouring it on while grooming the tail, after the complementary Quicksilver scrubbing, of course.
My mare still has those reddish/brown hairs in her tail even though the rest of her is now completely white. I used baby powder EVERYWHERE on her when she was showing...doesn't get rid of the colored hairs (which would've looked funny on her, anyway), but it brightened up the white hairs.

[naters]

Originally posted by Lord Helpus:
nicely pulled mane that lies flat on the right side. (Manes on the left are a big second, but you do not see too many of those in the hunter ring, thank goodness.)
)

WHAT???? The right side??? Are you serious????

Man, this stinks. My horse's mane lies on the left. the WHOLE way down, not just part. Who knew? not me! Augh!!!!

[naters]

Originally posted by cabby:
I totally agree with sallylou. Every show my mom, sisters, and I all get up sometimes way before the crack of dawn to ride down horses, braid, bathe, clean the stalls, give the horses grain and water. Some kids that I compete against just show up to sit on their horses and ponies, go around a few times, and leave. I think the kids should work to earn the right for them to show. If their parents pay for the entry fees, the kids should do the rest of the work. I am very thankful to have a wonderful "horse show mom" who helps us with the work and also pays the fees. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif


The biggest thank you to that would be to get her obsessed with riding, then become her "horse show daughter" and groom for her! I do it for my mom now, it tickles her to death! I always tack up her horse, and bring it to her with a bow, a flourish, and a "Here's your horse ma'am" http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[naters]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by georgetowner:

Let's see, all the horses are braided except one. The "trainer" grabbed body clippers and sheared the horse's mane off seconds before the class started.
QUOTE]

Hmmm... that sounds like a good idea. I have practiced the braiding, taken classes, gone to braiding "clinics" etc. My braids stink.

Roaching might be the way to go http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Alpine]

When I was nine I always wanted a show bow because my friends at schooling shows all had them. My mom, who rode hunters a couple of decades ago, put her foot down and said flat out that hairnets were all that was acceptable.

Don't tell Wikipedia eHow though. According to that everyone should have a pony tail, snood (which is....?), or show bow. =D

[mst]

ok, here are mine:

Grey horses with manure stains on them at anytime while be ridden

shavings in the tails

horse boots or polos that are loud colors and don't match the horse, especially white in the eq

non polished boots on riders

breastplates with clip on martingales

so much bling you can't watch the horse

no keepers on the bits

loose keepers on the bridle

rainbow reins!

eq riders with loud colored shirts.. good eq kids wear white shirts and solid jackets with gloves

open shirts in the jumpers

non braided horses in rated divisons

[OverOxer]

Loud or printed saddle pads, wraps and boots on horses. And mismatched boots - why, for the love of Christ, would you put black boots on the front and white on the back?

Whenever I see that I just want to shoot myself. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Kap]

Originally posted by OverOxer:
Loud or printed saddle pads, wraps and boots on horses. And mismatched boots - why, for the love of Christ, would you put black boots on the front and white on the back?

Whenever I see that I just want to shoot myself. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Because your other pair of black ones is worn out?

[KristiKGC]

Glitter!!! I've only seen it at schooling shows, but people around here seem to love that stuff! ICK!!!! They just glob it on and seem to think it's the "in thing" to do.

At these same shows, I've seen people show in bridles that don't match! I mean, it looks like they have a cheek piece from one bridle, the browband from another, the noseband from yet another, etc.

The thing I can't stand at the bigger shows, like most people have said, is hair not up neatly under your helmet. The other thing that drives me nuts is people talking on cell phones in the warm-up ring. Cell phones are not fashion accessories!

[Sannois]

Originally posted by Feenikks:
Funny how EVERYONE is quick to jot down their peeves here but can ANYONE honestly tell me that you never, EVER used ...

-a show bow
-stray hairs out of your helmet
-wore a NON MONOGRAMMED COLLAR?? HUH?
-Rust breeches
-a Hunter Green hunt coat or even better - a BLACK on in the hunters??

-Rode a horse in non matching tack
-Rode a horse with GASP ... fuzzy ears!! oh my!!
-Rode a grey horse that in fact DID have a quarter size poop stain on him
-HAD A NOT SO GOOD BRAID JOB!

Until you ALL HERE with Peeves can say that no, you never looked like this or rode a horse like this I don't think opinions are needed here then, no?

I have done some of these things so I cannot really talk anything down here... hey you live and learn, then you grown up, get a job and can afford the nicer things, then you learn how to braid instead of having someone else do it for you,(well some of us anyway) then you are able to get your collars monogrammed..., learn how to clip your horse, ahh it goes on and on...

Oh and as far as panty lines... worry about your own ass - yep, turn around it is there.. instead of someone elses!
Must say I have to admit, I have been guilty over the years of several of those infractions. Unless I pay to braid, which I usually did, my braids were less than stellar! And I am from the era of Monograms and NAvy coats and rust breeches so I am truly guilty! Way back when I first began showing, I had a light blue huntcoat, with a navy velvet collar.. and that stuf was in fashion, We even braided in matching colors sometimes. Where is the GAG emoticon?? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif

[OverOxer]

Originally posted by Kap: Aefvue Young'un:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by OverOxer:
Loud or printed saddle pads, wraps and boots on horses. And mismatched boots - why, for the love of Christ, would you put black boots on the front and white on the back?

Whenever I see that I just want to shoot myself. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Because your other pair of black ones is worn out? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm sure everyone has their reasons and by all means, I fully understand the expenses and difficulty that comes with riding and keeping a horse. However, having said that, it is just a personal peeve that the post did ask for, all in good fun. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[equusrocks]

Hey, everyone has their own preferences, at least for "proper" turnout H/J doesn't need a 50lb silver plated saddle...my very own little pet peeve. Some things just aren't aesthetically pleasing and part of showing is the picture you present to the judge, so...

I guess it's all judge's preference really!

[Briaffer]

Originally posted by KristiKGC:
Glitter!!! I've only seen it at schooling shows, but people around here seem to love that stuff! ICK!!!! They just glob it on and seem to think it's the "in thing" to do.

At these same shows, I've seen people show in bridles that don't match! I mean, it looks like they have a cheek piece from one bridle, the browband from another, the noseband from yet another, etc.

The thing I can't stand at the bigger shows, like most people have said, is hair not up neatly under your helmet. The other thing that drives me nuts is people talking on cell phones in the warm-up ring. Cell phones are not fashion accessories!

i was on the usef site yesterday reading some of the rules and it says that cells are banned from the show ring...i think they should ban them in the schooling rings too.

I HATE those little pom-poms that you sometimes see on braids. there are a few people who do it around here and they are hidious! i also dont like yarn that isnt the mane color.

[EasterEgg]

Incorrectly fitted tack - nosebands too low, bits too big etc.

People who think they have to match everything to ride cross country (especially in neon colours) - matching saddle cloth, boots, bandages, overreach boots, riders clothes... ugh, I just hate it, it looks so tacky.

I don't like seeing girls with long hair with pony tails at shows. Whilst I certainly do not advocate the hair up in the hat (no one does that here anyway) it should be in a nice neat bun, covered by a hair net, at the base of your neck. I think there are rules against loose pony tails here now anyway since some girl got scalped when her hair got caught in a jump when she fell off. Having said that, I always have my hair in a ponytail whilst riding at home.

Oh, and I just wanted to pick up on something someone said about their hat still moving no matter how tight the chinstrap was. I've said it before, but here goes again...

If your hat fits correctly it should not fall off if you turn your head upside down and gently shake it without the chinstrap done up! The chinstrap is only there as a safety measure to help keep the hat on your head if you fall off. So whilst it shouldn't be loose and flappy, it shouldn't be too tight either, or you'll just choke yourself.
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Charlotte]

Originally posted by OverOxer:
Loud or printed saddle pads, wraps and boots on horses. And mismatched boots - why, for the love of Christ, would you put black boots on the front and white on the back?

Whenever I see that I just want to shoot myself. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Hey, remember when we saw that girl with the TERRIBLE saddle pad at Premier Cup, and we decided that the horse didn't want to jump because it was just too ugly? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Gnalli]

Feenikks, are you feeling better today?

[Gnalli]

Glitter!!! I've only seen it at schooling shows, but people around here seem to love that stuff! ICK!!!! They just glob it on and seem to think it's the "in thing" to do


Oh, yeah! I forgot about that one. About 8 years ago, the big thing at the barn down the road from us was for all the Jr barrel racers to stencil their horses rumps with lots of glitter secured by tons of Aqua Net hairspray.

The boy who owned the padded horse my 4 yr old was riding in a buckaroo class even glittered Scarlett's rump!!! It was too much, but all the horses did sparkle under the arena lights.

YAKKKKK

[Feenikks]

Originally posted by Sannois:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Feenikks:
Funny how EVERYONE is quick to jot down their peeves here but can ANYONE honestly tell me that you never, EVER used ...

-a show bow
-stray hairs out of your helmet
-wore a NON MONOGRAMMED COLLAR?? HUH?
-Rust breeches
-a Hunter Green hunt coat or even better - a BLACK on in the hunters??

-Rode a horse in non matching tack
-Rode a horse with GASP ... fuzzy ears!! oh my!!
-Rode a grey horse that in fact DID have a quarter size poop stain on him
-HAD A NOT SO GOOD BRAID JOB!

Until you ALL HERE with Peeves can say that no, you never looked like this or rode a horse like this I don't think opinions are needed here then, no?

I have done some of these things so I cannot really talk anything down here... hey you live and learn, then you grown up, get a job and can afford the nicer things, then you learn how to braid instead of having someone else do it for you,(well some of us anyway) then you are able to get your collars monogrammed..., learn how to clip your horse, ahh it goes on and on...

Oh and as far as panty lines... worry about your own ass - yep, turn around it is there.. instead of someone elses!
Must say I have to admit, I have been guilty over the years of several of those infractions. Unless I pay to braid, which I usually did, my braids were less than stellar! And I am from the era of Monograms and NAvy coats and rust breeches so I am truly guilty! Way back when I first began showing, I had a light blue huntcoat, with a navy velvet collar.. and that stuf was in fashion, We even braided in matching colors sometimes. Where is the GAG emoticon?? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have some of my best show pictures of my in a Navy jacket with a bit on the thicker side of beige pinstripes, RUST breeches and a green and white stripped shirt... hair flying in the wind... hell, I thought I looked stellar then http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif I've braided my Eq. horse who was true bay in hot pink and orange - thought he looked better then any horse there http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

The poor horse!

[Feenikks]

Originally posted by Gnalli:
Feenikks, are you feeling better today?

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif Sure am! It's a beautiful day here in NY and although today is Wed. it is my Friday at work! OO, and I actually got me a tax return this time around. My horse pulled a shoe last night and I was like that's cool, farrier is coming out anyway... things are wonderful today thanks for asking http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I only see glitter at schooling shows too. That is one peeve of mine (which I can honestly say, I have never done) is use any kind of obnoxious saddle pad. I use my horses colors with his name or my initials on it, but never moons and stars or Xmas trees!

[Gnalli]

You're welcome, Feenikks. Enjoy your weekend.

[OverOxer]

Originally posted by Charlotte:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by OverOxer:
Loud or printed saddle pads, wraps and boots on horses. And mismatched boots - why, for the love of Christ, would you put black boots on the front and white on the back?

Whenever I see that I just want to shoot myself. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Hey, remember when we saw that girl with the TERRIBLE saddle pad at Premier Cup, and we decided that the horse didn't want to jump because it was just too ugly? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's EXACTLY who I was thinking of! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Sannois]

I have some of my best show pictures of my in a Navy jacket with a bit on the thicker side of beige pinstripes, RUST breeches and a green and white stripped shirt... hair flying in the wind... hell, I thought I looked stellar then I've braided my Eq. horse who was true bay in hot pink and orange - thought he looked better then any horse there
LMAO!!! Sounds like we are from the same Era!!!

[Sing Mia Song]

Other than the main things that have been said here (hair not up under the helmet or in braids for little girls, dirty horses and/or tack) probably the one thing that drives me OCD is a too low, crooked, loose noseband. I have seriously driven my business partner nuts making sure the noseband is a) one to two fingers below the cheek bone; b) straight across the nose; and c) tight. It doesn't have to be cranked so tight as to leave an indentation in the poor beast's face, but I at least want it tight enough so that one can't see daylight between the leather and the horse. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[just_me]

I luff you! and would ride my hairy ear-ed horse with you anytime!

thanks!! I'd love to ride with you, or anyone for that matter,but i had my hand operated on this morning and i can't ride for 6 weeks. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif

btw, i had long hair and i don't remember ever putting it all in my helmet. and i went through a period where i showed in a man's shirt with a tie. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

forgive the one-handed typing. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Kenike]

Don't tell Wikipedia eHow though. According to that everyone should have a pony tail, snood (which is....?), or show bow. =D

Ugh...I can't stand Wikipedia. So much on that site is NOT right..
I looked up Holsteiner once, just to prove that point. They had it as Holstein, as in a cow. Point was proven.

At these same shows, I've seen people show in bridles that don't match! I mean, it looks like they have a cheek piece from one bridle, the browband from another, the noseband from yet another, etc

Sadly, I had to do a B-rated show last year with one of those pieced together bridles. I tried to change it out for my own show bridle, but the owner freaked...don't ask. It was a bad situation and one I'm SOOOOOO glad to be out of.

[La Gringa]

Riders Boots that are too short.

Clothes that don't fit, coat too short, or way too big.

Untidy braids

Show bows

Loud colored anything in hunters. I am not even a fan of loud colors in jumpers.

A dirty horse, or tack.

Dirty boots that didn't get wiped before the class.

Untucked shirts.

In jumpers, when they allow Polos... people that push the limit and ride in a sweatshirt, or schooling pads etc. It's still a show. I think people should wear a nice polo, show pad, etc even in jumpers.

Tack that is too big for the horse, bridle doesn't fit, or doesn't compliment the horse's head.

Colored or sparkly browbands in hunters.

Pads that are too big for your saddle (hunters)

Colored pad in hunters (must be white)

I am sure I can thing of more...

[HunterJumperGin]

Being the daughter of my former Air Force Pilot dad...the biggest no no would have to be DIRTY boots! I was in one SS class years ago where the pony was a brat, but the judge said my boots had a SHIIIIINE to 'em!

Knock the mud off before you go in. Show some class.

PS- anyone who can clip my OTTB's ears is welcome to it and has my utmost praise and respect. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[Gnalli]

About the roached mane-is that acceptable in lieu of braids?

[Just My Style]

I HATE hair that is not neatly tucked away. Hairnets are cheap. If you have wispy problems, use 2 or 3. Oh, and AquaNet is your friend if you have major problems. You can practically cement the hair to your head with that stuff.

I HATE dirty tack. I can never understand why someone would take the time and $ to horse show and not clean their tack. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif

[Racetb*Aefvue Farm*Biziz Ltd.]

Gnalli...Many moons ago Jimmy Williams got fed up with the hassel of getting nine zillion horses braided daily while on the road. With the owners' permission, his entire barn was roached, and showed all through indoors that way. These were some of the top hunters in the country. I gotta admit, even under the lights at Madison Square Garden..they didn't look half bad!

[Gnalli]

Thank you RaceTb. On a QH or a hunter, I can see this. my dad roached my TWH-in the middle of show season eons ago. I was so mad! He said he was doing the bridle path and just got carried away. I think he wanted to not show that summer with that horse. Who knows.

[Propped Up]

For all you hair fanatics...at last weeks show the winner of the low child/adult hunters, a class with 30 entries, had a rather short ponytail sticking straight out from under her helmet. I guess the judge didn't care...there were a lot of good rounds to choose from.

[Racetb*Aefvue Farm*Biziz Ltd.]

If I don't let my hunter's bridle path grow out by spring [my fault] I may resort to a Jimmy Williams buzz cut too!!!!!

[MyGiantPony]

For those of you who list "too short boots" as your pet peeve - I'm now accepting donations for my customs.

Send a pledge so I can help you avoid the aggrivation. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[HunterJumperLuv]

Originally posted by Feenikks:
-a Hunter Green hunt coat

I like my Hunter Green coat! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Bumpkin]

I know mine are too short too, but, I keep telling myself when I loose the wt I will order some that are tall enough.
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Originally posted by MyGiantPony:
For those of you who list "too short boots" as your pet peeve - I'm now accepting donations for my customs.

Send a pledge so I can help you avoid the aggrivation. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Kirsten]

Terrible braids, anywhere other than at a schooling show. At those, a little kid's scraggly best effort is fine. At anything larger/more important, the kid should practice with someone knowledgeable until they can braid properly. If they can't be bothered, then they should pay someone to do a proper job for them.

Ill-fitting show clothes. Grab something cheap at a Pony Club sale or from eBay/consignment and have it tailored if it doesn't fit. For kids, leave a generous seam allowance to let it out later if the kid is growing fast. Jods and paddock boots look much better on a little kid than poorly-fitting tall boots. Of course, this doensn't apply if you're one to spring for baby calf customs for your 7-year old... but that's inappropriate in my opinion. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

For those who are stuck with too-short boots -- this'll be good as an interim measure for you, Bumpkin -- here's a little trick. Wear black knee-high stockings under your boots. They aren't thick, but the top 3" or so is always more opaque. Pull these right up to your knee. From a distance, your boots will not only appear to be taller, but it will look like they fit nice and close to your leg (if you don't have a huge gap at the top to start with). http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Eventer13]

Originally posted by Kenike:
Ugh...I can't stand Wikipedia. So much on that site is NOT right..
I looked up Holsteiner once, just to prove that point. They had it as Holstein, as in a cow. Point was proven.


You can always edit. I've certainly edited many wrong horse-related articles.

But would never use wikipedia as a source for a paper or such. Good for clarifying something you don’t understand, but there is a lot of incorrect info on there. Of course, there's a lot of wrong information all over the internet...

So for being so OT.

I have a funny turn-out story: for my dressage test we had those little numbers you hook on to the browband loop. Well, apparently my (non-horsie) mother didn’t know you put it through the loop, and just hooked it on the corner of the browband. I didn’t realize till I got the pictures back, but she still swears she wasn't the one who did it. But I’m sure we got some funny looks.

As someone who has committed multiple turn-out sins, I’d feel like a hypocrite to say anything.

[Feenikks]

Originally posted by Sannois:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I have some of my best show pictures of my in a Navy jacket with a bit on the thicker side of beige pinstripes, RUST breeches and a green and white stripped shirt... hair flying in the wind... hell, I thought I looked stellar then I've braided my Eq. horse who was true bay in hot pink and orange - thought he looked better then any horse there
LMAO!!! Sounds like we are from the same Era!!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif Yep! I think only our Era would be sportin' this look and lovin' it!

[Feenikks]

Originally posted by just_me:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I luff you! and would ride my hairy ear-ed horse with you anytime!

thanks!! I'd love to ride with you, or anyone for that matter,but i had my hand operated on this morning and i can't ride for 6 weeks. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/no.gif

btw, i had long hair and i don't remember ever putting it all in my helmet. and i went through a period where i showed in a man's shirt with a tie. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

forgive the one-handed typing. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Are you feeling better?? Hope so! And when you do We can meet up somewhere between the "Bugs & the Alligators" ? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Trixie]

I can't decide which looks messier - too short boots or socks/knee highs sticking up out of em. Even if they are black, it's sooo not tidy. And believe me, you can tell.

Boots are expensive, I know, but surely you can find a consignment pair to fit. Or get them stretched.

I'm sure it's a sin I've committed myself along the way, though, I had a pair that were too wide.

[AreYouKidding]

Show bows= nastiness. Dirty boots= unprofessional. Tall boot socks sticking up= too lazy to fold them down. But mostly? A skinny, unhappy looking horse. I kinda like this thread:)
Lindsay

[Bumpkin]

Thanks for the trick, I will try it.
:)

[Pandarus33]

My biggest complaint is kids riding in attire that is WAY too big for them. Parents buy boots that are two sizes too big so "they can grow into them". The kid then has to ride with her foot "home" so she has no flexion in her ankle. A show coat that is too big makes the rider look like she's hunching. Ditto for the baggy breeches causing the rider to slide in the saddle. If you can't buy it to fit, take it to a tailor. Many drycleaners also offer alteration services at very reasonable prices. The majority of my students can't find coats that fit. Instead, they buy the one closest to a proper fit and have the rest taken in. The last bill was by my daughter who has line-backer shoulders and a tiny waist. The cost was $20 to take in the waist and shorten the sleeves. It gave her a better fit without flopping around her waist and hiding her hands.

My other pet peeve? Showing in dirty clothes or tack. Everyone can take a little time to tidy themselves and their horses. I've seen grime-covered tack, grungy show pads, filthy coats, mud-encrusted tails and fetlocks, shirt-tails flapping under the coat and dust-covered helmets. I just want to shout to these people "Take a little pride in your appearance!"

[iwishiwasriding]

Wow...you guys are picky! I mean some of the things people have said are just plain stupid. I'm sorry, but I'm not able to keep my horses perfectly show cliped year round. I cant afford to keep them in a stall all winter, and if I were to, as someone mentioned earlier, clip white markings down to where you could see the pink skin, my horses would freeze! Dont get me wrong, I believe a nice turnout should be required, but some of these things are pushing it from nice looking to ridculous. And a monogramed collar veruses a stock pin? Who really cares? You can barely see them anyway!
I'm sorry everyone, I dont mean to go off like this, and yes I understand you are talking about the big rated shows, but still. I dont know, just me and my opion. I mean, I completly agree on nylon tack being tacky, and grungy/ill-fitting tack being a huge no-no, and that the horse should be groomed to perfection, and the rider should look nice and stuff along those lines, but some of this really is ridculous. Have a great day!

[pleasedaspunch]

I have a trick for keeping white markings very very white. After your horses has been bathed dry off socks, stockings, star, blaze, so the hair is damp. Apply white facepaint with a soonge and spread evenly, it washes out, is not clumpy or obvious and dirt does not stick as much.

[Hopeful Hunter]

My other pet peeve? Showing in dirty clothes or tack. Everyone can take a little time to tidy themselves and their horses. I've seen grime-covered tack, grungy show pads, filthy coats, mud-encrusted tails and fetlocks, shirt-tails flapping under the coat and dust-covered helmets. I just want to shout to these people "Take a little pride in your appearance!"


WEllll.....I'd agree, but those people with the dust-covered helmets and flapping shirts MAY have just fallen off and gotten back on, and that does sometimes mean some dust sticks. I can assure you I've done my share of rounds with some sort of dirt imprint on some part of my show outfit when it was more important TO get back in there than get a brush to my coat......

[Bumpkin]

Remember, it's a bridle path, not a bridle highway!


I will have to remember that one when I see people take out a dollar bill to measure the length of the bridle path.
I only use that as a measurement when we go crabbing.

[Darkstar]

And a monogramed collar veruses a stock pin? Who really cares? You can barely see them anyway!

The point is - a stock pin can hurt the rider if he/she falls of. If the catch comes undone, you have a very large needle sticking into your throat. That is not pretty. That is a very good reason why most people now show in a naked collar or collar with a monnogram. And seriously - mongramming is just as cheap as buying one of those funky pins, and plus unless you lose the collar - you don't have to worry about searching for that elusive pin to put on it.

My peeves are - long hair being untidy (even when schooling - Every ride your hair should be neat and contained in a hairnet!)
And boots - please please polish your boots - its very simple, and it makes the overall appearance so much better.

[FlyingChanges]

I took some of my Pony Club girld to a show this past weekend, and yes it was a local show, but I was horrified at the turnout of some of the riders. I can't believe their trainer's let them show like that!!!


One girl had a black dressage coat, black breeches, black jod boots and she was a pre-teen. She was on a sorrel horse & she was so dark you couldn't even see her body! She was a bad rider though, so I guess that was for a purpose, but it looked so bad!

Most of the kids were not wearing black gloves, and some even had the crochet-backed gloves.

Hair was all over the place & looked horrible. Put it up in a hairnet....and yes...no show-bows!

No rubber boots....hideous!

I'd rather see no braids at all then bad braids! I am also bad at braiding, and that is why I pay someone to braid my horses.

Hunt coats that do not fit. Ok, so you can't afford a custom jacket...that is no big deal, but please take it to a tailor and have it fitted.

Little kids on large horses.

Square saddle pads & colored saddle pads....we're not barrel racing!

Lime green, hot pink, and peach colored shirts under a hunt coat. I like plain white, soft pastels, or striped....that's it.

That's all I can think of for now.

[skrgirl]

Most everything is covered, but I want to add:

*Kids rolling their breaches over. When you ride, your coat tails will flap up. You pants should be on with a belt and be over your belly button. Low ride breaches drive me nuts too.
*Not wearing a belt, or wearing a big glitzy belt.
*Tall boot socks showing above the boot. This is so distracting.
*Horses standing untacked at a show and not being groomed covered in sweat marks.
*People going in the ring after standing without warming up
*People exiting a jump class and not cooling the horse out
*Non- long sleaved shirts