I have a question on showmanship classes. Please note that I’m an h/j rider who has a little interest in western. I belong to an equestrian video rental club and recently rented out a dvd on showmanship (Showmanship by Margo Ball; pretty good, btw).
I understand the reasoning for the handler (is that the right term?) moving in a specific way when the Judge examines their horse. However, what is the reasoning that the other competitors, who are not having their horse judged at that time, move in the same manner around their horse as the pair being judged at that time do? I guess it is good practice but I don’t really get it.
Also, what is the reason to look at the judge most of the time? Is it to be ready for any requests they may have?
I love showmanship! I showed a lot of stock breed show as a youth and it, and trail were probably my favorite classes.
Your movements are all based on where the judge is, regardless of if your horse is being judged in your pattern or not. Sometimes judges will swing out wide when they are inspecting the horse doing their pattern, just to see if they can catch people napping. You’re right that looking at the judge all the time will help you with your crossovers. The judge is looking at your and your horse, you should be looking at the judge.
Thanks HW! How does the horse’s conformation factor into this class? Is it something that is not really supposed to be judged but does actually factor in?
[QUOTE=sonomacounty;8548724]
Thanks HW! How does the horse’s conformation factor into this class? Is it something that is not really supposed to be judged but does actually factor in?[/QUOTE]
It doesn’t. Unless this has changed in the last several years since I did showmanship, but I was very successful at it in my day and with some horses that had some very noticeable “flaws.”
Conformation or breed should not be a factor in showmanship. It probably happens to factor in once in awhile, but shouldn’t. It’s all about showing the horse to the best advantage and doing the patterns with precision. Having a sharp turnout helps too. As does looking confident. Always smile!
It doesn’t. Thats what halter/performance halter classes are for and thats a whole 'nother can of worms. You’re judged on your turnout, (horse should be spotless, and well groomed) and how well you execute the pattern. This also includes how you use the space provided, don’t over/undershoot your turns, and plant your pivots. The entire picture should be elegant, almost like dancing (hokey I know).
It doesn’t. Thats what halter/performance halter classes are for and thats a whole 'nother can of worms. You’re judged on your turnout, (horse should be spotless, and well groomed) and how well you execute the pattern. This also includes how you use the space provided, don’t over/undershoot your turns, and plant your pivots. The entire picture should be elegant, almost like dancing (hokey I know).
Super! Thanks! Now, does current style in dress, style of halter/lead play much of a role? I know if probably shouldn’t but . .
Can someone link me a picture of a minimum silver, western halter that would be acceptable, btw?
What is currently the style in western horse tails? I tend to like the stockier horses with a natural looking tail that ends between the hocks & fetlocks. One of the horses in the DVD had a long tail, which, imo, didn’t fit his body type. Are tail extensions allowed in this class?
One thing I know for sure about showmanship is it varies from region to region and breed to breed and level to level as to what’s seen or what’s customary. I’d sit in on a few classes where you plan to show at the level you plan to show, or better yet, see if you can be some help to the judge (ring steward?) so he/she can explain and discuss with you. Or, take a lesson from someone who is successful in showmanship at the level/region you are in.
Oh, just asking questions here and learning for now. I’m rehabbing a back injury and shoulder surgery for now, alas. I was half boarding a QH at QH barn before that.
“If you are still in the pen, you are still being judged. They are correct to change position as the judge moves.”
[QUOTE=sonomacounty;8548613]
I have a question on showmanship classes. Please note that I’m an h/j rider who has a little interest in western. I belong to an equestrian video rental club and recently rented out a dvd on showmanship (Showmanship by Margo Ball; pretty good, btw).
I understand the reasoning for the handler (is that the right term?) moving in a specific way when the Judge examines their horse. However, what is the reasoning that the other competitors, who are not having their horse judged at that time, move in the same manner around their horse as the pair being judged at that time do? I guess it is good practice but I don’t really get it.
Also, what is the reason to look at the judge most of the time? Is it to be ready for any requests they may have?
Thanks so much![/QUOTE]
Bold is mine. Because you are ALWAYS being judged until the placings are announced!
Think of the quarter system as space that goes to infinity. You draw your lines, and move appropriately based on which quarter the judge is in in relation to you at the time, even if they are 100 feet away from you!
you can NEVER go wrong with a black business suit with a bright color-appropriate blouse under your top for a pop of color. My horse is a blue roan, and I chose a tangerine orange for my blouse - it looks sharp with his dark black coloring.
A decently shaped and affordable hat can be purchased at Rod’s and they can shape it many different ways based on what you want. You can get a Rod’s Specialist hat for ~$100 or less
[QUOTE=sonomacounty;8548613]
However, what is the reasoning that the other competitors, who are not having their horse judged at that time, move in the same manner around their horse as the pair being judged at that time do? [/QUOTE]
As the others have said, you are being JUDGED until the class is called. So you have to be “actively showing” the entire time you are in the ring.
Depends on what level you want to show at. If you are going to be doing small local shows, it’s more important that your clothes fit well and are clean/pressed. If you want to step up to the bigger shows (breed shows for example) then you are going to want to be up-to-date with current trends.
At local small shows, I’ve shown in a colored nylon halter before and placed.
Probably the most important aspect about a showmanship halter is that it fits well. You can have all the silver in the world, but if it doesn’t fit and doesn’t compliment your horse, it doesn’t do you any good.
Again, if you are going to do small local shows to start with, a nice plain leather halter is just fine. If you are going to do something bigger, then see what the trends are doing (light leather, dark leather, etc) for the show you are going to be doing.
[QUOTE=sonomacounty;8548613]
What is currently the style in western horse tails?
Are tail extensions allowed in this class? [/QUOTE]
Kinda depends what show you are showing and/or what breed, but for most of the AQHA shows, big long tails are the thing. If you can’t achieve it naturally, fake tails are absolutely allowed.
Showmanship is challenging and fun. Not to mention it really requires you to improve your ground work and handling with your horse.
A flawless showmanship pattern is certainly something very cool to see! https://youtu.be/onayzKb__3M
I just love the horse’s expression. He is SO focused on his handler!! Such concentration, haha. :winkgrin:
More often than not patterns are now worked from the gate and you are excused from the ring once you are done…you don’t see line ups in many classes where you have to worry about working your quarters several horses away. I’ve seen the Margi Ball video and it is good general information but the class has evolved quite a bit since it was produced.
More often than not patterns are now worked from the gate and you are excused from the ring once you are done…you don’t see line ups in many classes where you have to worry about working your quarters several horses away. I’ve seen the Margo Ball video and it is good general information but the class has evolved quite a bit since it was produced.
I’d watch any of the goes from recent big stock horse shows on youtube.
Patterns are worked from the gate means that the exhibitors come in one at a time, starting their pattern as they walk into the ring, versus having the entire class enter the pen, line up, then judge down the line.
There is an older set of videos (Richard Shrake Winning Way, I think) that are good on the fundamentals and the quartering system
