Will these jods and this hat be ok for showing – do connemaras need to ber plaited?
The johds should be alright. The hat is not reallt acceptable for showing, having said that – if it’s a local show they may allow you to get away with it, give them a ring and ask. Yes johd boots and the straps should be alright for the classes, most places prefer long boots – but you should be able to get away with johds and straps. As for plaiting, that depends on the class. Generally, in mountain and moorland clases they ask for horses to be seen in their natural state, so mane and tail non plaited. However, in general showing they will normally ask for plaiting. It all depends on the show though, local classes aren’t often as pushy about your turnout as others, but they may knock marks for it if they allow you in.
Beige would be ok for a local show. For your hat, I have the same and for showing what I use is I took a velvet cover used for jockey skulls (cost about £2-3) and took the stiff plastic out the peak – this now slides over the ventair’s peak and looks like a normal velvet hat. As you’re under 16 you’re fine to just wear jod boots. You can wear chaps with a zip up the outside – again that’s what I use. It might be inappropriate at county or national level but it’s fine for local shows. Connemara’s are a native breed and so should be shown ‘natural’ ie no plaits and no trimmings – lots of mane and tail conditioner and brushing. Good luck and enjoy.
