TCR Traditional Cob Show

1. The Exhibit

(a) The exhibit must be clean, well-groomed, and in good condition.

(b) The exhibit must be presented in a suitable, properly fitted show bridle and bit, both of which must be clean and in good condition. Rollers and side reins are not permitted except during a winners' parade. All foals must wear a head collar and be led with a lead rope.

(c) Each exhibit must have one handler, though a second handler is permitted.

(d) The exhibit must stand, walk, and trot in a controlled manner. If the exhibit cannot be managed in a controlled manner then the exhibitor (handler) may be asked to leave the show/grading ring with the exhibit.

2. The Exhibitor (Handler)

(a) The exhibitor (handler) and any second handler must be 18 or older, wear appropriate show clothing and footwear, and use protective headgear that meets the required standard. The exhibitor may carry a show cane.

(b) It is the exhibitor’s (handler’s) responsibility to be prepared and available when called. Staying informed of the day's schedule is essential.

(c) The exhibitor (handler) and any second handler must follow the instructions of the judges and stewards at all times.

3. The Owner

(a) The owner is responsible for ensuring that the exhibit remains under control throughout the entire day of the show and for maintaining a safe distance from other exhibits and attendees.

(b) The owner must accept that the judge's (or judges') decision is final.

(c) If the owner wishes to query, challenge, or dispute a judge’s decision, they should visit the TCR office to obtain an instruction leaflet on how to appeal the decision.

1. Check In

Where an entry was made before the day of the show the exhibit must be checked in at the TCR office after arriving at the show. Before the exhibit can be checked in a waiver must be signed. When checked in the exhibit will be given an exhibition number which must be displayed on the exhibit at all times on the day of the show.

2. Enter

Where an entry is being made on the day of the show the entry can be made online or on paper at the TCR office. However, If the entry is made on paper (not online) there will be a surcharge of €5 to cover the cost of TCR administration of the entry. Before an entry can be made a waiver must be signed. When entered in the show the exhibit will be given an exhibition number which must be displayed on the exhibit at all times on the day of the show.

3. The Call

The exhibitor is responsible for ensuring they are ready and within sight of the ‘calling steward’ when the exhibit’s number is close to being called. The 'calling steward' will direct the exhibitor into the showing class ring with the exhibit.

1. Height Divisions

When the exhibitor enters the showing class ring with the exhibit the judges will direct the exhibitor into the appropriate class height group with the exhibit.

2. Irish Cob (Traditional)

If the exhibit is a Standard size Traditional Cob and is also the original (aka old-type 1990s) Traditional Cob that was officially recognised in Ireland in 1998 as a native Irish breed under the breed name Irish Cob then the exhibit will be judged as a Traditional Irish Cob (original Irish Cob).

3. Irish Cob (Modern)

In recognition of the fact that the original (aka old-type 1990s) Traditional Cob (original Irish Cob) has been modernised in size, colour and type and that the modern Traditional Cob (modern Irish Cob) is also registered in the Irish Cob studbook if the exhibit is a Standard size Traditional Cob and is also a modern Traditional Cob then the exhibit with be judged as an Irish Cob (modern Irish Cob).

1. At Rest (Standing)

While the exhibit is at rest (standing) in front of the judge (or judges) the exhibit will be assessed for breed type and conformation. The judge (or judges) may ask the exhibitor (handler) to move the mane, tail, feather and/or open the exhibit’s mouth.

2. At Walk

The exhibitor (handler) will be asked to walk the exhibit away from the judge (or judges) in a straight line and then turn and walk the exhibit back to the judge (or judges).

3. At Trot

The exhibitor (handler) will then be asked to trot the exhibit away from the judge (or judges) in a straight line and then to track right around the arena in trot and continue at trot until the judge (or judges) asks to return to walk. The exhibitor (handler) will then be asked to trot the exhibit across the middle of the arena and then track left around the arena in trot and continue in trot until the judge (or judges) asks to return to walk.

4. Finish of Grading

The exhibitor (handler) will then be asked to stand the exhibit in front of the judge (or judges) again for a final cursory (quick) visual assessment before being told that the grading is finished and that they can leave the arena with the exhibit.

5. The Grading Sheet

The exhibit’s completed grading sheet will be sent to the TCR office at the show where it will be scanned. The scanned grading sheet can then be viewed by the exhibit’s TCR recorded owner on their online TCR account.