[UnDun*]

OK, quick question...I'v seen some classes, but i didn't really pay much attention to the horse's position...just the patterns.

How does your horse have to stand? I know it's not liek arab. halter, but are they allowed to stretch thier necks a bit? Do they have to stand completely square in the front and back? Also, i know they want to see more of a rounded croup, rather than a flat croup (halter classes) and that it would be better to almost back your horse into the stance, rather than pull them out into one.

I'm throwing my horse into one of these classes, (spontaneously,lol) because he's more of a straight faced/hunter type gelding. Also, just to see how he does.lol

Any ideas?

picture posted...you can tell me if he looks like a sporthorse or not. Hard to tell from picture, but it's an idea.

Oh, and he's in purebred arab. sporthorse.
Thanks!!!

[shell]

I am showing in a Sport Horse in hand class next weekend and needed to know the same thing. My mare is a half Arab, but I think the same rules apply. Here is what Sandra1A found:


SPORT HORSE IN-HAND SHOWING TIPS:

Attire - our rules state 'conservative attire'. The unwritten rule that comes from the open division means conservative attire should be a white shirt and beige or white casual style pants. Running shoes are advisable, but are personal preference. Also permissible are breeches and boots. Jacket, hat, vest and gloves are optional. If a whip is used, maximum length is 6 feet.

Appointments - snaffle bridles mandatory on three-year-olds and up, and optional for two-year-olds. Two-year-olds may wear a plain leather stable halter. Stable halters mandatory for under two-year-olds. The reins can be over the horse's neck and braided into the last braid (leading by a leather shank attached to noseband or chain through the bit), or exhibitor can show by holding the reins.

Braiding is optional.

If the pattern used is the V, the judge stands at the top of the far leg. When the exhibitor approaches to stand for conformation judging, the judge needs to ask in which discipline the horse is used (or will be used for the younger horses). Conformation judging may be done before and/or after the pattern is completed.

The handler should stand the horse so all 4 legs are visible from profile view and leave the horse to carry its head/neck in a natural position. (NO POSING OF HEAD AND NECK POSITION IS ALLOWED.) It is traditional to have the horse's right front leg slightly back and the right hind leg slightly forward. When it is time to show the V, the handler should organize the horse for a straight line on the freest leadline possible (no choke holds) and show a normal walk. It takes time and training for a horse to stay away from the handler and walk a straight line. The handler should pause (think of it as a half halt) at the apex of the V in order to make an organized turn. In order to show the horse at an extended walk, the handler should extend his/her own walk – do not quicken the pace or the horse will jig or trot. The point of the extended walk is to show overtracking, a loose back, and a balanced, relaxed head and neck position.

At the end of the 2nd leg of the V, the handler should turn the horse 180 degrees to the RIGHT and show the horse at the extended trot – again the judge will be looking for an overtracking, lifting of the back, and reaching with the head and neck. Slow down and make a balanced turn at the apex of the V. The normal trot to the judge on the last leg of the V should be fairly conservative but still a quality two beat gait, as the judge is looking for the correct flight of the front feet.

The judge may want the handler to stand the horse again for further conformation judging, or the judge may excuse the handler in order to complete the score sheet

If the pattern used is the triangle, the judge will stand at the apex of the triangle. As with the V, conformation judging may be completed before or after the pattern. When proceeding on the triangle, the handler should walk down the left side of the small triangle (clockwise direction), turn right and show an extended walk across the base of the triangle, turn right again and show a normal walk towards the judge. Continue around the apex, past the judge and begin the normal (working) trot down the left side of the triangle. It is O.K. to pause (half halt) before making the turn to the base of the large triangle to ensure both handler and horse are balanced to show the extended trot. Balance again to make the final turn towards the judge and show the normal (working) trot. The judge will excuse you when your showing is complete.

Preparation for this class is important. Practise the pattern as well as random patterns of walking, halting, trotting and extending the gaits. If you remember to walk/run long, not fast, then your horse should mirror your actions. It is acceptable to build to the extended trot over 2-3 strides. If you turn and immediately run hard, your horse will probably blow.

The open position is new to most Arabian handlers. Allow the horse to stand with all 4 legs not squared and allow your horse to relax their head and neck position.

[UnDun*]

thanks shell! im sorry, i didn't see your post till right after i submitted mine! LOL

[shell]

You don't live in New Hampshire, do you? Wouldn't that be funny if we were going to the same show?

[UnDun*]

LoL, it's funny because i just sent my forms in too! No, i live in Alberta

[shell]

Must be a BIG show if we are both going and we live in different countries!! !

[UnDun*]

LOL! wouldn't that be exciting!? We would probably see over half the HGS members there