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Author
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Topic: Showmanship
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AQHA1972
Member
Member # 1881
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posted May 11, 2004 08:17 AM
How do you teach your horse showmanship? Someone told me to push a spur into their shoulder to teach them to move away from you. Anyone have any articles on it?
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Christa
Posts: 539 | From: East Texas | Registered: Mar 2004
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belle4
Member
Member # 864
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posted May 11, 2004 08:27 AM
I posted some video's that you can down load for free. The clinic was given by Holly Hunter, a trainer and judge for the AQHA world show a couple of years ago. She had some really good advice on showmanship, horsemanship and other events. I will bump it up again if you like.
I would start with leading, starting and stopping and setting the feet before I introduce the turns.
Posts: 1075 | From: michigan | Registered: Oct 2003
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AQHA1972
Member
Member # 1881
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posted May 11, 2004 08:30 AM
Yes, please do that, thanks. I want to show Timmy in more than just WP.
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Christa
Posts: 539 | From: East Texas | Registered: Mar 2004
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AQHA1972
Member
Member # 1881
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posted May 11, 2004 08:30 AM
My stupid computer won't show them!! ![[Mad]](mad.gif)
[ May 11, 2004, 08:32 AM: Message edited by: AQHA1972 ]
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Christa
Posts: 539 | From: East Texas | Registered: Mar 2004
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QHGirl
Member
Member # 493
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posted May 11, 2004 08:40 AM
Just download the software it is free and safe... ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Need to actually watch it with sound... Don't want work to see/hear I am watching horse stuff!!!
OH and I heard with the turn, just like Riding, start by walking them to turn, don't drill and drill on them... makes them turn incorrectly. Turn 1/4 then walk off... turn another 1/4 then walk off, when he learns to plant that... THEN move to 1/2 then walk off... 1/2 turn then walk off again... then to 3/4 and complete full turn.
Good luck... I think I am gonna work with my mare on this later
Posts: 1350 | From: Indianapolis | Registered: Jul 2003
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AQHA1972
Member
Member # 1881
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posted May 11, 2004 08:42 AM
I'll have to try it on a different computer, we aren't able to download anything, plus I don't have speakers at the office, anyway. Corporate BS, once again.
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Christa
Posts: 539 | From: East Texas | Registered: Mar 2004
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QHGirl
Member
Member # 493
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posted May 11, 2004 08:44 AM
ha ha ha !!! Hear that!!!!
Posts: 1350 | From: Indianapolis | Registered: Jul 2003
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Blistering Winds
Member
Member # 843
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posted May 11, 2004 09:09 AM
Showmanship is complete control of the horse AND proper handling skills by the handler. Looks AND performance are graded.
Here is from my reference for judges.
Showmanship class shall be judged strictly on the exhibitor's ability to fit and show a horse at halter. The horse is merely a prop to demonstrate the ability and preparation of the exhibitor. The showmanship class does not require that the exhibitor have a "halter" horse, is not another halter class and should not be judged as such. Any horse, regardless of conformation can be used and judges shall not penalize exhibitors for horses that are less desirably conformed.
The ideasl showmanship performance consists of a poised, confident, neatly attired exhibitor leading a well groomed and conditioned horse that quickly and efficiently performs the requested pattern with promptness, smoothness, and precision.
Equipment: Only equipment required is a halter and lead. Leg wraps and protective boots are not allowed. Halter may be leather, nylon or rope, and may be adorn with silver. The lead may contain a chain. Judge shall not give preference to silver mounted halters over good working equipment.
Halter should be adjusted to fit snug behind the ears, around the throatlatch, under the jaw, and over the nose. A properly adjusted halter should enhance the apperance of the horse's head and maximize response to subtle cues. All buckles and straps should be run through keepers for safety and provide a neat appearance.
If a chain is used, it is preferable to run the chain under the jaw. The chain should be adjusted so that the excess protrudes about 2 - 6 inches from the halter.
The exhibitor should then be able to adequately control the horse's movement and perform all maneuvers required without excessive holding on the chain portion of the lead. When snapping the lead to the side of the halter, it is suggested that the opening of the snap face to the outside.
All exhibitors are required to wear a correct number in a visible manner on the back.
Judge may or may not requre all exhibitors in the ring at once. A working order is required.
Judge is required to post patterns at least one hour before the start of the showmanship class. Should provide pre and post pattern work as well.
Judge has the prerrogative to bring back only the finalists for additional work or to break ties. The final pattern may be posted.
The following maneuvers are considered acceptable to ask of exhibitors.
Lead horse at a walk, jog, trot, or extended trot, back in a straight or curved line, or combonation of straight and curvedlines. Stop, turn 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees. Or any combonation of turns ON HINDQUARTERS.
Markers should be used in patterns when appropriate or necessary, to specify where maneuvers are to be performed.
I also have a bunch of patterns I'll scan in tonight if you want to practice something. I'll put them on my website then re-post here and let you know.
Scoring!!
Exhibitors shall be scored from 0-20, with 1/2 point increments acceptable. 10 points are allocated toward overall appearance of exhibitor and horse, the other 10 points allocated toward performance.
Appearance: Poise, confidence, appearance and position of the exhibitor throughout the class, and physical appearance (fitness) of the horse should be evaluated. Appropriate western attire must be worn. Clothes and person are to be neat and clean. Glitz and glitter shall not be given preference over clean, neat-fitting attire. No spurs or chaps in showmanship class, considered a SEVERE FAULT. Use of any type of artificial aid including lighters, hay, dirt, sharp pins, etc. will be considered a disqualification. Hats should be clean, conservative in color, and have professional appearance. (So nothing wild and crazy)
Exhibitors should be poised, confident, courteous and genuinely sportsmanlike at all times, quickly recognizing and correcting faults in the positioning of the horse. Shall continue to show horse until the class is placed or have been excused. Exhibitor should not excessively stare at the judge. Exhibitor should appear business-like, stand and move in a straigh, natural, and upright mannor, avoid excessive, unnatural, or animated body positions.
Lead from the left side holding lead shank with right hand near halter, with the tail of the lead loosely coiled in the left hand. Don't hold snap or chain portion of lead.
Both arms should be bent at the elbow with elbows held close to exhibitors side and forearms held in a natural position. HEight of arms vary on size of horse and handler. Should never be held straight out with the elbows locked.
Left hand should always hold the excess lead in a neat, loosely coiled manner, unless required to show horse's teeth. In this case, should put the coil in right hand and hold left side of halter with right hand if desired, and show horse's teeth with left hand.
IF asked to show teeth on right side, switch hands, and show teeth with right hand.
LEading:
Should move beside the horse in a natural, upright position, never squatting, bending at the waist, or leaning forward. Stride of exhibitor (yes this is judged too) should be natural, crisp, sharp in keeping with their own physical size and stature, and not be extended sluggish, or hurried.
When executing a pivot or turn, should turn toward horse's head and move away from exhibitor in turn. Before leaving the pivot, exhibitor may look back to make sure horse is aligned correctly before moving out. Don't look back while moving!!
Backing. Turn toward horse (don't change hands with lead), and back on the side. DON"T GET IN FRONT OF THE HORSE!!!
When setting up, exhibitor recommended to show in "quarters". Should not be penalized for not doing this, just to maintain a safe position for themselves and the judge. Without obstructing the judges view of the horse.
Appearance of the Horse:
Horse's body condition should be overall fit and in an appropriate body condition. Horses overweight or underweight shall be penalized.
hair coat should be clean, well brushed, and in good condition. Cannot have ribbons, bows, etc, but may be braided or banded for english or western. Neat, clean, and free of tangles. If roached, forelock and tuft over the withers must be left. Bridlepath, eyebrows, and long hair on the jaw, muzzle, ears, legs, and pasterns should be clipped.
Hooves should be properly trimmed and if shod, shoes should FIT PROPERLY AND CLINCHES NEAT. May be painted black, have hoof dressing, or shown naturally. Ergots and chestnuts should be trimmed.
PERFORMANCE.
Should credit the exhibitor that works accurately, precisely, smoothly, and with reasonable amoutn of speed. Increasing speed of the work increases the degree of difficulty; however, accuracy and precision are paramount adn should not be sacrificed for speed.
Horse should lead, stop, back, turn, and set up willingly, briskly and readily with minimal visible and audible cueing.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW PRESCRIBED PATTERN, KNOCKING OVER OR WORKING WRONG SIDE OF CONES OR SEVERE DISOBEDIANCES, will not result in a disqualification, but WILL be severely penalized and not place over an exhibitor who performed pattern correctly.
Excessive schooling, training, willful abuse, or loss of control of the horse shall be disqualification.
20: Excellent Performance. Completes pattern accurately, quickly, smoothly and precisely; demonstrates a high level of professionalism. Horse is fit and groomed well. Exhibitor is neat, clean and appropriately dressed.
18-19: Generally excellent performance with one minor fault in the execution of the pattern or in the apperance of exhibitor or horse. Over-execution of the pattern is excellent and exhibitor is highly professional.
16-17: Good pattern execution with one or two minor faults in performance or appearance of exhibitor and horse. Exhibitor is reasonably professional in presentation of horse.
14-15: Avg pattern that lacks quickness and precision, or commited two or more minor faults in performance or appearance of exhibitor and horse. HOrse is not presented to its best advantage
12-13: One major fault or several minor faults in the performance and appearance that prevents an effective presentation of the horse.
10-11: Two major faults or many minor faults in the performance and appearance of exhibitor and horse.
6-9: Several major faults or one severe fault in the performance and/or appearance of exhibitor and horse. Exhibitor demonstrates complete lack of professionalism in showing the horse or commits a severe fault.
1-5: Exhibitor commits one or more severe faults, but does complete the class and avoids disqualification.
Sorry it is so long, but if you know what the judge is looking at, it makes it easier to perform the class. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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Horses should not be treated as people. They should be respected for who they are and what they are capable of doing!
Born Free Now Expensive
Posts: 4337 | From: Texas | Registered: Oct 2003
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gallop3337
Member
Member # 509
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posted May 11, 2004 09:55 AM
Great article! I have a question ![[Smile]](smile.gif) Last year at our state qualifying 4-H show the judge of the pony class (which I was not in) was asking exhibitors to pick up their pony's right foot. (All of the exhibitors did it wrong and picked up the left so nobody did it right) My question is, would you switch sides and pick up your horses right foot, or stay on the left side (the side you were at when he asked the question) and pick up the right foot from that position. It is a tricky thing to pick up your horses right foot from the left side, but it is something I have done. Would it be appropriate to ask the judge which side he would want the foot to be picked up from? Just a question I have been thinking about and wondered what others would do in this situation. I have heard that he will be the judge for the horse classes this year and I am entered in horse showmanship, I'd like to be prepared
[ May 11, 2004, 09:56 AM: Message edited by: gallop3337 ]
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Speak your mind, but ride a fast horse.
Posts: 359 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Aug 2003
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cutting_queen
Member
Member # 1052
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posted May 11, 2004 10:22 AM
when you walk them up to do the pattern to the judge... keep eye contact with the judge (they like that) and get your horse square in less than 3 steps. (the judges like that too) just keep eye contact with the judge and keep your toes pointed to the hoof of your horse. and just stand there and look pretty while they walk around your horse. don't forget quartering and always smile and KEEP EYE CONTACT WITH THE JUDGE. remeber judges are like chickens. they are attracted to shiney things!! lol
oh yeah and you have to remember that you are presenting your horse. and don't ever get between the judge and your horse!! move away from the judge so they see the whole horse and not you!! it is really simple really. just don't forget your pattern. my first showmanship class. i was scared to death that i was gonna forget the pattern. i was showing novice and it was so easy! i had no reason to worry!!
[ May 11, 2004, 10:28 AM: Message edited by: cutting_queen ]
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***smalls***
Posts: 553 | From: washington | Registered: Nov 2003
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belle4
Member
Member # 864
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posted May 11, 2004 11:28 AM
Excellent post BW. Thanks for the info. Showmanship is one of my favorite classes. Full of poise and grace. Good luck 1972. It will really enhance the relationship with your horse especially during his recovery time. It will give you something solid to work on with a goal in mind. Usually the top placers in showmanship are the top placers for the rest of the day.
Posts: 1075 | From: michigan | Registered: Oct 2003
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QHGirl
Member
Member # 493
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posted May 11, 2004 12:08 PM
Belle4,
That is so true... that front face interaction with the judge really allows them to "see you" in action and they will remember you!!!!
Good luck aqha... Keep us posted how training is coming along.
Posts: 1350 | From: Indianapolis | Registered: Jul 2003
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