[Just Bitten]

You guys gave me such good tips in showmanship,can anyone give me tips for horsemanship.?I have never competed but will be from now on.I can do walk trot lope,simple lead changes,and pivot..I studyed the rule book as to what they can call for in a pattern.What should i expect and what are some popular things they do so i can be ready?Some ppl at my last show suggested i do this class as they think i would to well in it.Plus my mare sometimes bites other horses in a wp class so it would be nice to enter some classes where its just us..lol..I have just tried showmanship twice now and i already love it.

[Red roan rider1]

What level of competition will you be showing? You can google patterns and practice some at home. Be sure that your transitions are smooth and appear effortless. You will need a nice extended trot that can transition easily down to a jog or a walk or up to a lope. You should be able to do a nice simple lead or a flying lead change. Its also helpful to have a spur trained horse so you can stop without having to go to your reins much. You should be able to guide your horse through the pattern without many noticeable ques. You will be judged on your seat, hand and leg position as well as how well you and your horse negotiate the pattern together as a team. You have to really hit your lines in the pattern and do it just as it is shown. Its a fun class! But it is challenging.

[Just Bitten]

Ok thanks.It sounds fun.I will do 4h level and open shows and possibly state in both.And 4h,once you hit distric level competition is still stiff.Here alot of super nice qhs are shown in 4h.and i mean nice.

I have really only shown halter and wp.Now that i am focusing more on sms and hms,what do i need to look for in tack and clothing?do i need gloves and chaps?

[Red roan rider1]

No gloves, yes chaps. I pretty much wear my WP shirts for horsemanship too.

[lbhugg]

Smoothnes is the key you want to look as one with your horse keep your hands as qiet as possible even if you need to shorten your reins for your pattern nothing looks worse than having your hand to your chest to get your horse to do the maneuver. Also take it slow so you dont get rushed and start makng mistakes

[Just Bitten]

ok thanks.My mare picks up things quick.I can stop her on a dime by just saying Whoa.I think nows a good time to teach her to back when i say back.Or will i get counted off for to many verbal comands?

[AllAroundHorses]

You will wear the same type of shirts as you do in western pleasure. I know some people in here said to wear chaps. In the breed shows and many open shows that is fine, but usually in 4-H they do not want you to wear chaps for Western Horsemanship. This allows them to see your possition better, without the distraction of the fringes and stuff. The rules may be different in your area..? If you can ride your horse in Western Pleasure and do well, making him/her look good chances are you do have good horsemanship because good horsemanship generally helps a horse move correctly and look good.

Keep you line from ear, shoulder, hip heel. Sit still and have a deep seat, it is important to keep your center of gravity low and stay centered in the saddle. keep weight in the stirups with your heels moderatly down and make sure your toes do not point out. It is best to avoid using a spur stop because it can make the horse stop on her forehand if not trained properly and also cause souring issues such as swishing tail.

Good Luck!

[GotaDunQH]

Originally Posted by AllAroundHorses

It is best to avoid using a spur stop because it can make the horse stop on her forehand if not trained properly and also cause souring issues such as swishing tail.

Good Luck!

I have a spur stop horse and show AQHA Am Select Horsemanship and find the spur stop INVALUABLE in horsemanship. It creates for seamless manuevers with little use of hand.

Jennifer