SHOWMANSHIP

This class is designed to judge the showmanship skills of the exhibitor. Exhibitors perform a similar routine as if they were showing in halter class, but there may be additional procedures to perform. A pattern is posted on the notice board at least one hour before the class. It is important to read this carefully paying attention to where the witches hats are in relation to you and your horse. In this class, instead of the horse being judged, the competitor is evaluated for his/her showmanship, ability to fit and present a horse at halter and attention to detail. Judges evaluate the grooming and the fitting of the horse and the expertise of the exhibitors presenting the horse to the best of his/her ability.

• Make sure you and your horse are clean and neatly presented to the best of your ability.
• Learn the “quarter method”  or get a more experienced competitor to show you how.
• Train your horse at home to make sure he will square up quickly and easily, will pivot away from you on an established rear pivot foot and will stand still until cued to move.
• Hold the loose end of the lead neatly coiled or folded in your left hand.
• Make sure your halter is well fitted and clean.
• SMILE! but keep it natural!

• Be able to walk, trot, turn, stop, and back as directed by ring officials or the posted pattern.

• Always lead from the left side at an alert walk, following the judge's directions. When showing at a walk, always walk by the horse's left side, never in front of the horse. The horse's head should be slightly in front of your shoulder. The horse should be trained to move willingly with its body (head, neck, back, and hindquarters) in a straight line in the direction being travelled. 

• The length of the lead should not be so short as to interfere with free, natural movement of the animal or so long as to surrender control or permit a sloppy lead. Exhibitors must have the right hand on the lead when leading their horse. The left hand will contain the remainder of the lead in one loose loop or figure eight fold. For safety reasons, an exhibitor should never hold the chain portion of the lead.

• Horses should walk in a brisk, alert manner and give the appearance that the exhibitor and horse are a team.

• Always keep a safe distance (1-2 horse lengths) when leading your horse in a group.

• Remain by the left side of the horse when showing at a trot. When leading, your horse should travel alertly and willingly with his head up, but not too high. You should run with good posture and vitality.

• When particular show ring procedures used by a judge requires a horse to be reversed, the horse should always be turned to the right. Turn in as small an area as possible and attempt to keep the hind feet in one place while turning (this allows you to keep the horse lined up with the judge). All turns should be made naturally and as directed by ring officials. Any turns requiring more than 90 degrees must be made to the right.

• Always move your horse directly toward or away from the judge unless specific instructions are made indicating the judge would like a side view of your horse.

• Keep your horse posed at all times, and know where the judge is and what they want. A good showman always gives the judge the best view of their horse. Make it easy for the judge to see your horse at its best advantage. When the judge is down the line, let your horse stand, if posed reasonably well, without undue fussing.
• Western horses will stand squared and balanced with their legs squarely under them - not camped out behind or tucked up underneath.  Position your horse by the pressure on the lead. Never kick or position the leg with your hand while in the class. When the judge is observing other animals, let your horse stand if posed reasonably well.
• When posing your horse, stand toward the front, facing the horse at a 45 degree angle, but never directly in front of the horse. Always be in a position where you can observe your horse and keep an eye on the judge.
• Keep your position in line and allow reasonable space (at least 6 feet) between your horse and the others. Never allow your horse to interfere with the other horses.
• If requested to change position in line, back your horse out of the line and approach the new position from the rear. Be careful when walking up behind other horses and allow yourself plenty of room to enter.
•  Keep alert and be aware of the position of the judge at all times. Don't be distracted by persons or things outside the ring.
• Show the animal at all times, not yourself.
• Respond quickly to requests from the judge and officials.
• Quickly recognize and correct any faults in your horse.
• Move easily, quietly, and with confidence when showing your horse. Be courteous: respond promptly to directions and display good sportsmanship at all times.
• Keep showing until the entire class has been placed and excused from the ring (unless otherwise instructed).
• Be natural. Over-showing, undue fussing, and manoeuvring are objectionable.

• Allowing the horse to remain out of position.
• Standing directly in front of your horse.
• Using your feet to move the horse's feet.
• Failure of the horse to lead properly.
• Failure to stop before turning when showing at a walk and trot.
• Failure to back.
• Loud voice commands to your horse or other unnecessary actions.
• Kicking.
• Pushing the horse with your hands or using your hands to place the horse's feet and legs.
• Moving to the offside of the horse and remaining out of position.
• Not remaining alert and watching the judge for instructions.
• Using a tightly coiled lead.
• Not using a properly fitted halter or bridle.
• Holding your hand on the chain of the lead shank.
• Failure to glance back and check your horse to see that it is tracking straight with the judge. (Note: Glance should be done immediately after the turn.)

****  Information on this page was reproduced from the Minnesota 4H Horse Association website (I thought this was so clearly put I just couldn't write it any better myself!)