Toni Donnelly encourages competitors to prepare for the season ahead
Lecture and demo evening on showing and Working Hunter proved to be informative and very useful to prospective competitors!
The showing and Working Hunter season is just around the corner, so during half-term, Toni Donnelly took the opportunity to host a lecture and demonstration evening at Danescroft Equestrian Centre, Lisburn on Tuesday, February 11.
There was a great turnout of horse and pony riders, as well as parents and friends, all hoping to learn more and the etiquette and intricacies of the show ring.
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The first half of the evening was a lecture, during which Toni covered many topics, including the various showing, Working Hunter and in-hand classes that are available to both horses and ponies; nutrition, as it applies to various ages and types of horse and pony; grooming; plaiting; clipping; trimming and quarter marks.
Toni then discussed the tack that is appropriate for the different classes and had brought with her a variety of bits, bridles and saddle pads to illustrate what is permitted, such as a raised browband and noseband is used for Working Hunter, while a flat browband and noseband may be used for showing classes.
She then went through the appropriate turnout for the rider, including the type of jacket (tweed, navy or ‘pink’), jodhpurs, long boots, shirt, tie (and tie pin!), hairnet, gloves, stick and, not forgettng, your number and how best to attach it! She pointed out that stocks are only worn in evening performances. Grooms should wear a flat cap and should be dressed smartly, with no jeans.
Toni recommended that training should involve a wide variety of work, not just in an arena! Training might include flatwork, which may be in the form of dressage, lessons or lunging; road work; hunting / cross-country / jump cross; show jumping; Working Hunter and showing.
Toni then shared her vast experience, when speaking on the individual show and ringcraft. She told the audience there are four golden rules: in showing, competitors should walk in to the judge and start their show on the right rein; while in Working Hunter, competitors should trot in to the judge and should never break their canter.
She gave several tips, such as making sure to arrive early and have a good look at the arena; go into the arena behind a different colour of horse; watch out for fizzy horses in the class; and always listen to the stewards and watch them too! She also urged everyone to ensure they have the preparation done in advance, including the horse or pony’s feet (if stud-holes are required in shoes etc), worming, ensuring vaccinations are up to date to meet the venue’s rules etc.
Toni then introduced her four demo riders: Erin Doherty, Sophie Donnell, Roseline Wells and her own daughter, Katie Donnelly - all of whom had top placings in Royal Shows in 2024 under Toni’s guidance.
The four girls were different ages and were on completely different types of pony and horse. Toni got them to demonstrate to the audience how to warm up for a class - pointing out that the length of time needed for a proper warm up will differ significantly depending on the age and stage of the animal. She then got them each to ride an individual show, explaining what the judge generally expects to see - but pointing out that, if time is short, the judge might give instructions to each competitor on what they want you to do. If this is the case, competitors should follow the judge’s instructions.
Toni then asked three of the girls to pop over a few jumps, again explaining how to warm up, how to ride Working Hunter fences and how to make use of the arena.
The riders and their mounts did Toni proud; they all performed admirably in front of the audience, who greatly appreciated their efforts.
Toni emphasised that good show horses are made not bred, so with correct training and preparation, anything is possible.
With qualifiers for the Connemara classes at this year’s Balmoral Show starting in the not too distant future and other shows fast approaching, potential competitors should get their preparations underway.
Toni’s parting words were: “Enjoy your horse and yourself!”