New to trad showing - pics

[Chelsea]

Hi everyone!

After lots of searching I found my new partner. He is so safe and a brilliant hack. Staring to school better now (he was awful at first - think motorbike!) Unfortunately previous owners cut his mane - so I'm currently growing it back. Feather on his back legs is also very sparse although also growing back after treating him for mites. Here he is:





I have LOTS of questions!

1. Is he too chunky to be successful showing? Conformation crtique? Has he good markings for showing?

2. Any tips for topline/strenghening exercises? The underside of his neck is quite muscly but is softening with work - any ideas appreciated.

3. Biggest issue is finding a rug that fits. If anyone could recommend a brand/specific rugs that fit these monsters I would really appreciate it. Also need a showing saddle if anyone has one!

I better leave it there before I bore everyone. Thanks for any advice

[gail96]

He's lovely!

Il think you'll find that he's a good size and wont be too different to others in your class, How big is he?
He's got good equal markings on both sides and lovely white feet which will eventually be your worst nightmare! LOL
He has quite a white face and if he was mine id use a bridle with a thicker noseband - As for mane and tail, your lucky with the black tail!!
Definitely try and grow both out and use pig oil and a rebuilder of your choice! try not to brush it too much and wash it gently if it gets dirty
Id try and do lots of hill work with him and get him using his back, he looks to have a naturally nice crest,

We used to use mark todd rugs on our trads - found these to be the only ones deep enough with a big enough neck to get around our very chunky boys

If you need any pics just ask

[Chelsea]

Thank you so much Gail96, so helpful. I will look up some Mark Todd rugs, I have amigos but they are way too tight.

He is 14.2hh with just over 10 inches of bone. I'm glad he never uses his size against me!

Do you think a 2 inch noseband would do? Its that the widest they come?

[gail96]

Amigos is a big no no for my highland let alone my cobs before him lol!
He does look really nice and id have him myself haha!!
id probably stick with 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 at max - 2 would be too big as after all, he is just a pony!

Let me know if you need help with anything else!!

[hazeysunshine]

I'd say a 1 1/2 inch noseband would suit him. I use swish rugs for my chunky fell pony. Fit his shoulders in fab, all other rugs there's just been something I'm not happy with.

He's lovely. I use mtg as well to help with mane growth.