Western Pleasure & Open Road Hack

Hey, so in a few weeks I am entering a small local show. I want to enter as many classes as I can for the fun of it. The only classes I have some questions about are Western Pleasure and Open Road Hack, because I am not as familiar with them. I am not overly worried because I know the class sizes will be very small. Probably only like 5 max in the road hack and maybe a few more in the WP class.
Western Pleasure:
Any general tips? I have the western jog down, working in my lope. How do most of you go from your usual lope/canter to a show ring ready WP lope?
Does it matter which hand I ride with? Dark jeans, a show shirt, black cowboy boots and a helmet, is this ok to wear? I just need any and all your tips! :) basically, just keep him slower, more collected and calm?

Road Hack: what is the definition of a hand gallop and strong trot? I basically know what a hand gallop is but is a strong trot just like an extended trot? Does my horse need to be braided? Any other tips?

Also, since it is a small show and I can't braid well yet, lol, do you think it is fine to leave his mane natural for hunter under saddle, equin and road hack?
Thanks

I don't know about the WP but road hack is a favourite class of mine! A hand gallop is like an extension of the canter. It's faster than an extended canter but not a full-out gallop. A strong trot (may be called a road trot) isn't quite an extended trot, but more than a working trot. If it's just a small show you'll probably be OK without braids but I'd ask the show manager just in case.
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Thanks!

Get black jeans for WP and MAKE sure theyre long enough when you're in the saddle.Make sure you have a curb strap on your bridle.
Braid your hair if you can't tuck it under your helmet.
Hold your reins with your left hand, it's traditional.

You don't need black jeans. Dark wash are fine and then you'll get more use out of them.

Happy to say I got 1st in Western Pleasure (out of 7) and 2nd in Road Hack! Yay :) I was disappointed they didn't call for hand gallop or strong trot, I practiced it with my instructor and was looking forward to it, lol :P

Out of curiosity, what breeds were at the show? Was it an open show?

Open show, however the majority of the horses were quarter horses.