[AQHA1972]

What is expected? Tell me what to do from the time you enter the pen. First time for us to show in halter.

[Jr.pie]

usually they have you enter the gate one at a time, while you stand at the gate you wait for the judge to nod at you you trot past him and away for about half the arena then walk into line head to tail along the rail. Square you horse and wait for the judge to get to your horse. you have to stay out of the judges way just like in showmanship except don't worry too much if you goof up. Your horse should be alert ears up preferably. If it's an open class the judge may ask you if your horse is a gelding/mare or stud and how old it is so as to give a fair judgement. I HAVE had this happen-so try not to look stunned (like I did)when it does happen

[AQHA1972]

I thought you walked towards the judge then jogged into the line up.......

[Jr.pie]

depends on where your judge chooses to stand and how the arena is set up. This past weekend he was standing facing the gate and he nodded and we jogged straight to the other side of the arena and then turned and walked into the line up. Other judges I have had have stood out in the middle of the arena and nodded at us to walk out until we were at a 90 degree angle from them and then mad a left turn into them jogged past and walked into the line up. It's really up to the judge- yes there is a standard pattern but they have the right to adjust it however. Here's an example-if you follow the line of horses this picture is taken about where the gate is in this particular arena, instead of walking through the gate and halfway across the arena such as normal then turning left and trotting down to about where i am in this picture and then another left turn into line. He had us Trot right through the gate all the way across the arena then curve left and walk into line- don't ask me why- he's also the judge that gave us a 3rd place in W Pl when the horse that placed 1st didn't even trot- and the 2nd place horse didn't back- so I guess you could say he was a little off IMO.......