[ridegrrl]

Originally Posted by SportPonyCrayzi

For dressage shows, do the judges like to see hoof polish on, or do they prefer the more natural look???

I think this is a matter of preference, but I like to see a horse very well turned out, including braiding and appropriate polish. All, but especially light coloured hooves, should be scrubbed to remove the dark stains from dirt and manure. If you're using polish, clear on light hooves and either clear or black on dark hooves looks best, and let it dry completely before moving the horse. If you're pressed for time, just make sure the hooves are clean - a sloppy polish job or polish that doesn't have sufficient time to dry and gets sand, shavings etc, stuck in it looks worse than going without!

[HorseRidinCutie4224]

Yeah great thread!! Do you know about arabians/half-arabians?

[PaintedPNH]

In Showmanship how should an Arab be set up?

[ridegrrl]

Originally Posted by littlemoney08

Wow This is a GREAT thread!

I'll Post some pics Of Money's Confo in a bit.

He's been in training for western pleasure and i did some open shows with him last year and two in the year before. Im just nervous about showing in the paint and pinto shows. I dk why excatly. But How should I prepare myself for it. And what is your opinion on all the bling and fake tails? For Backing up what do you like when riders ask for it? Also when you ask for a reverse at walk do you want them to pivot or to reverse while still walking? Do you ever ask for lead changes or side passes in WP?

Glad you like the thread! Good questions. I'll answer in the same order you asked them....

Preparing for your first breed shows.... read your rulebooks! Know exactly what is expected, and if you can, watch some paint/pinto shows and see what happens in the class so there are no surprises. Do your homework (training and conditioning, fitting your tack and clothes, and even bathing and clipping if possible) so when you get to the show grounds, you can focus completely on having a nice warmup and a great ride. Remember, it's just another horse show!

Glitzy clothes and fake tails...... well, they are part of the game. I think that it's a little like celebs going to a red carpet event... when it comes to what they wear, sky's the limit, but tasteful is always looks best. When you're picking your outfit, your tack, and considering fake tails, remember a few things:
1) The important thing is the performance, don't distract from the performance with overdone/gaudy outfits or accessories, and don't use a fake tail if it annoys your horse and makes him irritable
2) You still need to look "workmanlike" meaning your tack and clothes have to be safe and fit well, and it doesn't hurt if they're a little on the practical side (washable is nice!)
3) Choose what makes you feel confident. If you FEEL like you and your horse look stunning when you come through the gate, that is conveyed to the judge, and your self-assurance sends a "we rock, keep up the good work!" message to your horse.

Asking your horse to back... this should be free of resistance. The horse needs to back up softly and in a straight line. He shouldn't fuss or open his mouth, and the impulsion is from the hindquarters rather than pushing himself backward with his forelegs. The rider should cue the horse by simply blocking the forward motion with the hand and then applying leg aids to move the horse backwards. Steering/correcting the horse's direction is best accomplished with your legs.

Reverse in Western Pleasure... should always maintain forward motion. At the walk, I like to see riders that can reverse with either a semi circle or a semi-pivot. A semi-pivot doesn't actually stop, it just means the horse will complete a semi-circle while moving laterally like in a leg yield. It should all be one smooth flowing motion to look polished. At the jog, a semi-circle is the way to reverse, and make it big enough to let your horse keep his strides consistent all the way around.

Extra commands in Western Pleasure.... no, I do not ever ask for lead changes or side pass in Western Pleasure. By rule, a judge may NOT ask for these maneuvers in this class.

Money's cute!!! I'd love to see some pics of him under saddle.

[HorseRidinCutie4224]

So do you know/or have you judged arabians?

[ridegrrl]

Originally Posted by HorseRidinCutie4224

So do you know/or have you judged arabians?

Yes, I show Arabians, up to the National level.

[ridegrrl]

Originally Posted by PaintedPNH

In Showmanship how should an Arab be set up?

Arabians are set up to be shown in the same stance for both Halter and Showmanship classes (the halter horses tend to get fired up, but the showmanship horses are expected to be alert and mannerly). They're presented with their forelegs square (together) and vertical (not parked/stretched forward like some gaited breeds). The right hind leg (nearest the fence when showing), is square under the horse, and the left hind leg set a half-step back of the right one. The separation of the hind legs better demonstrates the angle of the hocks, and shows off the long hip and smooth croup (which should be fairly level for Arabians). The horse should appear very alert and attentive to his handler, with his neck and head elevated from the shoulder. If you'd like, I'll put a thread in Training on training Arabians/part-Arabians for halter/showmanship. Here are a couple pics of purebred Arabian stallions shown by professionals:

The first picture is the legendary *Bask. The second is his grandson, Matrifik (by Zodiac Matador). Note how both stallions show the right hind leg under the body, the left hind leg back a little, and the front legs square and upright. *Bask's stance is more relaxed, and Matrifik's is what is expected in today's Arabian shows.

[HorseRidinCutie4224]

Awesome! I wish I had some better pictures, I will take some to see what you think of him. For now though...


These are the only pictures I have of him. They aren't very good pictures. I guess I just want to know what you think of his overall look, because I dont have any better pictures. But when I do take them, I will be sure to ask you questions!! Thanks in advance!

[HorseRidinCutie4224]

I just remebered something I wanted to ask. Upper body position for hunter equitation. What do you look for? I see some people who sit very straight, and others who lean slightly forward. Also some people keep their shoulders facing straight forward, and others who turn them slightly to the inside to encourge bend. A friend of mine who has been showing for a while turns her shoulders to the inside of the ring slightly(does that make sense?) and does well in her classes. Thanks!

[Horseshoe Girl]

how good a mover do you think this pony (Baby) is and how much of a boost does that give you over the other horses in a hunter class?




thanks!