[Huntseat]

Originally Posted by ridegrrl

I'd look to either Sport Horse Under Saddle if she has big flat-kneed extensions, or... don't laugh now... take her Western. Really... if you have any interest in showing Western Pleasure/Horsemanship... that's what I would do with her based on that one photo. Do you have more pics of her?

I've looked into SH, however there is really only one show that offers sporthorse classes within about two hours of here, and I don't have a truck and trailer right now It's a shame, really, especially my other mare's potential in the jumper ring.

Western Pleasure is a possibility. A small one, but it's still there. I know VERY little about the WP world, and Melody has the "fast" mindset of an english horse. Her "lope" would need a ton of work, and I'm not sure how much I could accomplish without a trainer, which I really can't afford right now.

Now if you think your idea is crazy, listen to this.. I'm considering the option of just not doing Arab shows with her anymore, and doing barrel racing. I've had a good friend and barrel trainer evaluate her, and she honestly thinks she might have the potential to compete against the "big guys". Last year we did a lot of smaller IBRA and NBHA jackpots, so we shall see what this year brings I'm open to all options.

Here's a video. It was the first show of last year, so we were a little rusty to say the least, but it's one of the few videos I have that really shows her movement.

YouTube - ABU arabian horse show May 2007

[kellyface]

As far at flat hunter classes. What do you look for in he riders postion at each gate? Like half-seat at the canter, etc.

[StockHorseGirl]

I am getting my Arab mare Friday (Yay! ) and I would love to show her in some halter, since she is so beautiful. But, in all the videos I've watched, all the horses come in acting phyco and nearly cantering. I haven't payed attention to the Arabian classes at the local TVAHA show because I've shown in their non Arab classes, but should I expect that there too? It's a smaller show...but I might end up taking her to some A rated shows this year or next. I don't know if I could get her to act that high spirited, as my horses are taught ground manners at home. The little half rears and uncontrollable trot wouldn't fly here. Will the judge count against me if I have a beautiful horse with nice movement, but with good manners? I know this sounds ridiculous but apparently by some of the horses winning at Scottsdale and Nationals people have different ideas of proper halter class behavior than me...


Wow, Huntseat, I can't believe that your mare isn't doing well in her classes! From the large show videos it looked like the horses who moved like her were winning. That is a bit worrisome to me... my mare moves very similar to that, but she has a little more action to her trot.

[ridegrrl]

Originally Posted by huntseat

I've looked into SH, however there is really only one show that offers sporthorse classes within about two hours of here, and I don't have a truck and trailer right now It's a shame, really, especially my other mare's potential in the jumper ring.

Western Pleasure is a possibility. A small one, but it's still there. I know VERY little about the WP world, and Melody has the "fast" mindset of an english horse. Her "lope" would need a ton of work, and I'm not sure how much I could accomplish without a trainer, which I really can't afford right now.

Now if you think your idea is crazy, listen to this.. I'm considering the option of just not doing Arab shows with her anymore, and doing barrel racing. I've had a good friend and barrel trainer evaluate her, and she honestly thinks she might have the potential to compete against the "big guys". Last year we did a lot of smaller IBRA and NBHA jackpots, so we shall see what this year brings I'm open to all options.

Here's a video. It was the first show of last year, so we were a little rusty to say the least, but it's one of the few videos I have that really shows her movement.

I don't profess to know a lot about barrel racing, but based on the video, I still think she is physically capable of doing really well at Sport Horse or Western classes - she looks like she would have no trouble with engaging her hind end as much as needed for a balanced slow jog or lope. If her mindset and natural inclination are to "go fast" though, Western Pleasure wouldn't be the best choice.

However, if you are looking to have fun showing her and there are no shows nearby that offer these classes, then heck, do whatever you enjoy! Try not to let show ring trends that aren't 'in your favour' discourage you. Regardless of how far we travel or the size of our budget, the first priority is to enjoy our horses.

[ridegrrl]

Originally Posted by kellyface

As far at flat hunter classes. What do you look for in he riders postion at each gate? Like half-seat at the canter, etc.

Could you imagine galloping a horse while perfectly vertical, as if sitting in a chair? It would be uncomfortable and awkward for horse and rider. The position of the rider should be dictated by the motion of the horse - that is a little vague, so let me elaborate.

At the walk, it is natural to sit upright. At the rising trot, the natural body position to remain balanced while posting is just slightly in front of vertical... not leaning way forward, but maintaining a position that keeps your shoulders aligned with your hips and your heels. At the canter, the position is similar, just ahead of vertical. The hand-gallop requires a rider to tilt the upper body ahead a little further to stay with the motion of the horse and not interfere- in hunter you would be in two-point position at the hand-gallop.

[ridegrrl]

Originally Posted by StockHorseGirl

I am getting my Arab mare Friday (Yay! ) and I would love to show her in some halter, since she is so beautiful. But, in all the videos I've watched, all the horses come in acting phyco and nearly cantering. I haven't payed attention to the Arabian classes at the local TVAHA show because I've shown in their non Arab classes, but should I expect that there too? It's a smaller show...but I might end up taking her to some A rated shows this year or next. I don't know if I could get her to act that high spirited, as my horses are taught ground manners at home. The little half rears and uncontrollable trot wouldn't fly here. Will the judge count against me if I have a beautiful horse with nice movement, but with good manners? I know this sounds ridiculous but apparently by some of the horses winning at Scottsdale and Nationals people have different ideas of proper halter class behavior than me...

Arabian halter calls for presence and animation... this allows for the horse to show at the end of his lead shank, snorting and breathing fire. It wouldn't be considered a "mannerly" performance in showmanship, or in halter at a stock breed show, but it's intentional in this case. Don't get me wrong, blatant aggression or uncontrollable behaviour are not okay, but a horse dancing at the end of the line is. Of note, Morgan, Saddlebred etc. also show horses with lots of "animation"...but I think the Arabian ring takes the cake for showing halter horses with tonnes of moxie.

[PonyCrazyGal]

In a hunter or equitation class (lets say anywhere from a childrens hunter to a jr. hunter level), how much differently would you score two riders with equitation basically as good as eachother, and rounds that were basically just as good. HOWEVER, one rider has a beautiful crest release, and the other has a just as beautiful auto release.

[Huntseat]

Originally Posted by ridegrrl

I don't profess to know a lot about barrel racing, but based on the video, I still think she is physically capable of doing really well at Sport Horse or Western classes - she looks like she would have no trouble with engaging her hind end as much as needed for a balanced slow jog or lope. If her mindset and natural inclination are to "go fast" though, Western Pleasure wouldn't be the best choice.

However, if you are looking to have fun showing her and there are no shows nearby that offer these classes, then heck, do whatever you enjoy! Try not to let show ring trends that aren't 'in your favour' discourage you. Regardless of how far we travel or the size of our budget, the first priority is to enjoy our horses.

Thank you for posting your opinions. It's good to know what a professional thinks, because I know I'm far from it Depending on where this show season leads us (we'll possibly be doing high school rodeo and most likely bigger IBRA and NBHA shows), I may follow the western pleasure avenue. Like I mentioned, my mind is open to whatever option(s) work best for both of us

You have nothing to worry about, I enjoy every moment that I spend with that little mare Regardless of WHAT we're doing, if she's having fun, I'll be having fun.