From The Horses Mouth

I Want To Win Showmanship!!

By: Jennifer Lindgren

"Carrie Huff is a great

example of a hardworking

4-Her who wins".

Showmanship at Halter is an “In Hand” class that tests the handler's skills as both a horseman and a showman. In addition to being scored on a “pattern”, the Judge evaluates at the grooming and conditioning of the horse and the performance and appearance of the Handler. This is one of my favorite classes for three reasons; anyone can compete at a show (even if they are unable to ride), I can see how much groundwork has been completed with the horse and I get a one-on-one opportunity to evaluate exhibitors.

Although the horse itself is merely used as a prop, spectators often misconstrue the Judge's placing and believe that Judges consider the horse itself when scoring. To be honest, experienced halter horses will have an advantage because they are extensively trained on their groundwork, perfectly conditioned and groomed, and accustomed to the long waits outside the in-gate. However, my greatest showmanship exhibitors of all time were hard working 4-H members that didn't have expensive horses or fancy clothes! They were incredible showman who spent a great deal of time on their horse and themselves and it showed.

The class is run in two different formats; 'stay in the ring' or 'exit the ring'. The format used depends on class size, class level and the weather. In a class of 10 or more, I use the exit-ring procedure. If the kids are young and inexperienced, I keep them in. As a Judge, I have to be flexible so you need to be flexible too. Make sure your horse is comfortable with both. Practice standing for a long time in the ring and with leaving quietly.

The biggest percentage of your score is based on your pattern. An incorrect or incomplete pattern can result in large deductions which may prevent you from placing in the class. No matter how great you and your horse are presented, if you don't meet the class requirements, the Judge cannot place you. Patterns intimidate almost every exhibitor. If you break them down, they are easier to tackle. These are the most common tests: walk, trot, set-up, halt, back, circle at the walk or trot, pivot (90°, 180°, 270°, 360°) and pull turn. It is not the maneuvers that scare exhibitors, it is the way that Judges combine them into a set pattern. Dissect the pattern and you will see the tests are relatively simple: straight lines ~ round circles ~ 3 second set-up ~ quick back ~

a trot (not a jog) ~ brisk walk ~ correct pivot. The pull turn is the new test that some Judges love to throw at you. It is a turn to the left where you pull the horse towards yourself for 90°or less. Take one step forward and turn so that your right shoulder is at your horse's left eye. You will be standing slightly in front of the horse. Carefully step back while pulling the horse to you (he should be pivoting and crossing over with front feet). Practice to know how many steps it takes to hit 90°, you don't want to turn to look for your marker. If asked to walk a perfect square, remember to measure your steps on each side and pivot 90° at each corner to make a perfect square.

What is the Judge looking for?

● Confidence: Judging starts the second you enter the gate. Look confident like you deserve to win, but not overly confident. Pause for a second at the gate and don’t enter until you have my attention. Hold your head up and look forward. Make sure I can see your eyes beneath the hat. Be proud of yourself and your horse.

● Correctness: Perform the pattern correctly. Here's a good method to practice a posted pattern. Copy it down yourself. Walk through it (without your horse) several times on foot. After you have it memorized, include your horse. Practice each part separately, but not in order (spin, straight line, set-up, etc.). If you need to school him, do it at this stage. When you are both ready, then practice the pattern in order. Do not overdo it because he will start to anticipate the next maneuver and you might miss your markers.

● Cross-Overs: Understand the game of where to stand in relation to the Judge. Do not cross over to the other side of the horse until the Judge crosses his imaginary line. Move in a fluid motion with few steps. Always make sure the Judge can see you. Learn to step quietly and smoothly, glance at your horse's shoulder and hip and then look back to the Judge's eyes. This is a tie breaker so practice your cross-over style.

● Cues: I don't want to see them and I never want to hear them. You and your horse should move together in a quiet, fluid motion. Practice enough at home so that your horse is cued off of your body language, not by clucking, kissing, or tugging on his lead. The best trained horses will complete the pattern on a draped lead.

● Cones: Use cones at home whenever you practice patterns. Understand your horse's turn radius and stopping capacity so that you don't bump cones or wind up on the wrong side of them. Read the pattern carefully and know which side of the cone you should be on for every step of the pattern.

● Cleanliness: You and your horse should both be immaculate. Clip him two days before the show and do minor touch-ups the night prior. Polish your halter, lead, and your boots. Manes can be in any style (banded, trimmed, or long) as long as they are neat and clean. No banding is better than bad banding! Make sure your hands are clean or wear gloves. Ladies, put your hair in a bun or under your hat. Pin your number on all four sides.

● Clothing: Your attire and your horse's appointments need to follow the accepted style for your Breed type. If you are unsure of the regulations, look them up on your Breed website. Be tasteful in your choice of colors, make sure they complement your horse's color. What looks good in the store doesn't always look good in the ring. Don't ruin a great performance with a poor appearance. Get noticed in the ring for all the right reasons.