I’m considering attending a local show sponsored by the area Morgan, Welsh & Arab clubs, but they will be offering OPEN classes…I ride my 1/4 horse gelding English, and dabble in Western…but if I show in Halter and or showmanship how would I present the horse and myself? I do pull his mane and have an “English” leather halter with leather lead with brass chain…or do I show him with a bridle and me wearing English boots, breeches and helmet…or can I use the same halter and show in western shirt and pants…but what about headgear??? Sooo many ??? In halter if I choose the bridle route, do I have to do the “showmanship dance”…Suggestions pls. I hope to be able to participate but don’t want to rob the bank for gear, but don’t want to stand out either…looking more for clean, conditioned, and manners…Ideas???
You could ask the show management which rules, breed, discipline, etc. they will follow.
Then find those and do what they ask for.
Well, if he’s a quarter horse, and you don’t have a show halter, you can show him in a plain leather halter, dark pressed jeans, paddock-type boots and a long sleeve button up shirt with a cowboy hat. He’ll need his mane pulled, and probably banded, but if you aren’t comfortable doing that, just wet it and put a sleazy over it the night before I guess. As for the showmanship dance in the halter class, you would have to do your quarters, but won’t be as picky as in an actual showmanship class.
Or if he’s a qh that looks like a tb, put him in a bridle, wear your riding clothes and fake it. 
[QUOTE=propspony;7575577]
Or if he’s a qh that looks like a tb, put him in a bridle, wear your riding clothes and fake it. ;-)[/QUOTE]
I just had this discussion with my daughter who wanted to go for high point at a local show… apparently Showmanship (as opposed to Halter) requires western attire and is shown in a halter.
Thanks everyone, looks like anything goes…Arabs will show Arabian style, Morgans like morgans, etc. and AOB…(Any other breed) is us!! A middle of the road type 1/4 horse…so if I show in a Halter class…will a good quality leather halter (with nameplate) with leather lead and brass chain work with jeans, western shirt and no hat? Is a western hat mandatory, I don’t have a western hat…only my helmet…and do scars count in Halter?..I looked on the AQHA site for info on halter, but in that realm it is very similar to showmanship…Propspony - what is “do your quarters” mean? turn on haunches??? Thanks everyone for your input, I’d like to participate in the show, but don’t want to look like a complete dufus!!
Here’s a pretty good explanation. :-). Have fun! I do think a hat is mandatory though… Maybe someone can loan you one!
http://www.horseforum.com/horse-showmanship/quarter-method-50206/
