I want to give my riders confidence'

Gill Thompson on clarity in shows and mixed height show pony classes

- Bethan Simons

AT this year’s Royal International (RIHS), the Hickstead team put on a super show with a great atmosphere, and they should be thanked and congratulated. That said, I would welcome one significant change in the way that the show hunter and show pony finals are judged.

Each year, stewards ask children in these classes for a “short show”, which I find can be unnerving for our younger riders who are desperate to give the best account of themselves possible at such an occasion.

The sand track and slope in ring two make it easier to give guidance to our riders in the show hunter pony classes and to plan a show to gallop up the hill. But it’s not so easy in the show pony finals.

As a producer, I want to give my riders confidence in their ability and show. But it's difficult to assure them that what I would consider a “short show” will be enough when they see other young riders attempt serpentines, canter circles and so on.

For this reason, I would personally prefer to see set shows, so that riders know what they need to do. If the relevant ruling bodies would prefer not to set shows, then perhaps we could ask for more clarity instead?