“Showing in a dressage sport horse breeding show differs from a regular dressage show, especially if you have no experience in the field….  It takes time to train a young horse to perform well in the ring.  To be truly successful you need to work with the horse for quite a while before you enter the show.” (USDF Dressage Sport Horse Guidelines.)  Preparing and showing a young horse for the show ring gives it an all important “first step” to becoming a ridden show horse as it learns the basic cues and manners needed.  Trainers have commented that it is much easier to “start” a young horse under saddle that has had experience in the in-hand classes.  So, even if you have no intention of showing, or winning a class, the discipline and experience gained by working the youngster provides a great basis for further training.  Those showing mares and foals in-hand also need to know the specific training needed to show each to its advantage.  Mature breeding stock also benefit from “tuning up” for in-hand shows and inspections.

Showing in hand involves specific knowledge of just how to set the horse up or move the horse in hand in order to show it to its best ability.  Take advantage of our clinic, May 22, 2011 to learn-or perfect-these techniques.  Thanks to the generosity of Bobby Murray as the instructor and Five Oaks Equestrian Center as the host site in Tolland, CT, and NEDA volunteer organizers, we are able to offer this clinic on a very low cost basis and are inviting participants and auditors from warmblood breed associations, non-warmblood breeds with in-hand sport horse classes such as the Arabians, as well as Pony Clubbers, 4-H members and college equine program students.