Showing a horse with bad confirmation

What to do when you've got an absolute wonky donkey? Lovely horse, but confirmation-wise, not the greatest. Well, there are a few little things you can do to help. If it's the back legs, a big bushy tail does disguise a lot. Sometimes you can put plaits in the tail, when they're wet, and when you take them out it will fluff it up even more.

So, a longer, fluffier tail is one thing, but also, if the judge doesn't ask you to walk away and trot back directly to them, don't do it. Because if your horse isn't moving straight, you're not going to do yourself any favours.

Another thing I'll do, if I'm not asked to walk away and trot back, is go off at a slight angle. So you aren't walking in a straight line away from them. Just taper off at an angle. Obviously, look like you're doing it with purpose, and that's where you want to go to start your show.

Choice of class is another consideration, working horse classes often look less at confirmation or equitation, judged solely on riding ability, doesn’t take it into account at all.