[mitma]

I know there has been ample discussion regarding professional handlers for hunter breeding classes, but what about in hand dressage???

So, I would really appreciate any recommendations, please, for USDF DSHB Show professional handlers???

Specifically, for the VADA/NOVA licensed breed show at the end of June...

THANKS!!!

[baywithchrome2]

Hands down, Jens Richter. PM me for contact info.

[mitma]

Just sent you a pm.

[FLIPPED HER HALO]

Jens is great with them. He just handled my 2 year old in his first USDF show on Friday....and we WON it with a 76.1% Judge was Melissa Creswick.

[acottongim]

BRUCE GRIFFIN!!!! Cannot say enough good about him and his wife Staci, in my mind they are the best handlers in the nation.

http://www.griffinsporthorses.com/

[Sonesta]

Bruce is excellent. So is Bob Orton. And it's too bad Russell Oden isn't showing anymore. He was wonderful.

[dressappy]

Bruce is great.

Christine Smith is another great handler.
http://www.wildestexpectationsfarm.com/

[onqhanoverians]

I have only used Jens and he has done an excellent job every time. I used to use amateur handlers provided at site until I realized they did not even know what judge was looking at and for. If you are serious, don't count on luck that the judge MIGHT see best qualities of your horse. Amateur can also bring out the most of your horse's lesser qualities.

[risingstarfarm]

Ditto on Christine Smith and Bruce Griffin

[mitma]

Thanks everyone... so, here is the conundrum...

The breed show in question is the VADA/NOVA Breed Shows I & II to be held on June 24th and 25th...

I have been told that Bruce and Staci will NOT be at the show due to another show conflict...

And, just spoke to Jens who will be in Germany those days...

I will start contacting the other suggested handlers...

Keep the recommendations heading my way!

[Sonesta]

I'd contact Christine right away. If Bruce and Jens won't be there, she is going to be booked up fast.

[dianehalpin]

You might try Klaus Schengber of HIGH POINT HANOVERIANS in Maryland. He generally does this show and is usually happy to pick up handling jobs. You could go to "highpointhanoverians.com" for his contact information. He handled for me last year at that show, at the last minute, and did a wonderful job with an inexperienced youngster.

[Callaway]

You could contact Hilltop about hiring Michael Bragdell. He is really good.

[Sonesta]

Oh, my goodness, yes! If Klaus is going to be there, he'd do a great job!

[YankeeLawyer]

Klaus is great. You could also try Lauren Dearlove. She handles mine and is very good also.

[dianehalpin]

Yes, Lauren and Klaus are both super. Lauren has handled for me at several inspections, as has Klaus.

[mlcoursin]

I second Michael Bragdell...so great with the horses, shows them to their best! Three Grands last year with him showing Qredit and he'll be showing Reggie this year.

[mitma]

Thanks so much for everyones' recommendations... I think I'm set now!

[Meshach]

I'm new to the breed show scene, do most people use a professional handler?

[dianehalpin]

Yes, I think most breeders/owners use professional handlers for most of the competitive in-hand shows, both DSHB and hunter breeding. I have a fused ankle from an eventing fall so limp a little, and am afraid that if I am "off" my horse might look off to a judge since it all moves pretty quickly in the ring~