SHOWMANSHIP
In showmanship classes, the skill of the handler and turnout of the horse are being judged rather than the quality of the horse. Turnout is the overall appearance of the horse and includes health, condition, grooming and the horse’s tack. The handler attire is very important as well, he/she should be neat and tidy. The judge often evaluates a showmanship class in four equal categories.
1. Cleanliness.
2. Position of the handler.
3. Performance of the pattern.
4. Overall impression.
CLEANLINESS
The horse needs to be well groomed and healthy.
Grooming
1. Daily currying and brushing of the horse will produce a naturally healthy hair coat.
2. Bathe the horse before each show to make final grooming easier.
3. Mane and tail should be clean and free of tangles.
4Final "touch ups" should be done to make sure horse is as clean as possible.
Tack
1. A properly fitted halter is all that is needed.
2. The halter may be silver, leather, or nylon, as long as it is clean and in good working condition and fits properly.
Appearance of exhibitorA "professional" look is always the best. All clothing, including hat and boots, should be clean and well-fitted. Also, shirts and pants should be neatly pressed.
POSITION OF THE HANDLER
Arms should hang naturally from shoulders. Bend arm at the elbow and make an "L" out of your arm. Wrists should be straight, holding hand with thumbs on top.
PERFORMANCE OF THE PATTERN
Leading the horse
1. Make sure you and your horse are moving at a brisk pace, but not rushing.
2. Horse should move forward when you move forward, and should stop when you stop.
Pivots
1. Pivots should be done smoothly and at a moderate speed
2. Horse should plant a hind foot and keep body in straight line. Do not push horse away from you, this will cause the horse to bend and, thus, not pivot correctly. Normally a horse pivots about their hind, inside leg. Thus, a pivot to the right is done with the right, hind foot remaining stationary. Many showmanship horses pivot off the outside, hind leg. Most judges consider this a minor fault.
3. Maintain forward motion while performing turnarounds. Not doing so will cause the horse to back up, causing loss of the pivot foot.
Backing
1. Backing, again, should be done smoothly and at a moderate pace. Do not rush or the horse will step sideways resulting in a crooked back.
2. Stand in the same position as if you were leading horse, only face the horse. Horse will use your position as a guide to go straight.
3. The horse should back up willingly and not give the appearance that you are "pushing" it back Note: When practicing, a wall or fence may aide the horse in learning to back straight
There are two standard styles used by exhibitors to stay out of the judge's way: the "half system" and the "quarter system." The half system is the simplest, used by beginning exhibitors at small shows, though technically legal even for most handlers. In the half system, the handler simply remains on the side(the "half") of the horse opposite that of the judge; when the judge is looking at the left side of the horse, the handler stands on the right, and vice versa.
The quarter system is a bit more complex but also more common. In the quarter system, the handler stands on the side opposite the judge when the judge is looking at the front of the horse, but when the judge moves to look at the hindquarters of the horse, the handler them moves to stand on the same side of the horse as the judge. The reasoning behind this method is that it is a bit safer in case the horse is startled by the judge being behind it, and it is also easier for the exhibitor to see the judge. Though technically a handler would be judged equally for using the half system or the quarter system, an exhibitor using the quarter system correctly will gain more points because it is a bit more complex.
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TRAIL CLASS
A good trail horse is sensible, calm and responsive. The most placid horse does not necessarily make the best trail horse. Training your horse to negotiate obstacles will make him a better mount. Trail class was originally designed to test the horse’s reaction to situations he would encounter on the ranch or along the trail.
Generally speaking, most shows will require you to traverse a bridge, ride at a designated gait over at least four poles, open and pass through a gate, perform a side pass, and complete a back-through. Other often-used obstacles include, a box, a serpentine, a water hazard, removing an item from a mailbox, putting on and taking off a slicker, ground tie, carry an object from one point in the arena to another, dismount and lead your horse through an obstacle, or clear a small jump.
THE GATE
A combination of manoeuvres is required to operate the gate. In order to help the rider, the horse must not be afraid of the gate. The rider can either approach the gate by riding closely up to it or by stopping parallel to it and side pass up to it. To open the gate, the rider usually opens it toward the horse and wide enough for the horse to ride through it. The gate is closed by the horse side passing once again. A few steps back will put the rider in position to latch the gate.
GROUND RAILS
A minimum of four wood rails or poles placed in a straight line, a zigzag, or circle. Standard measurement between poles will depend on speed of gait and elevation. Walk over (15 to 24 inches), trot over (3 feet to 3 feet 6 inches), lope over (6 to 7 feet)
SIDE PASS
Side pass may be performed over or between any object that will not endanger the horse or rider. The side pass may also be laid out in various patterns from a simple straight line to the more challenging "L", "V", or "U".
BRIDGE
A bridge should be a wooden floor not to exceed 10" in height (at step-up and step down), with or without side rails, not less than 36" apart. Minimum size should be 36" by 6'. The bridge should be negotiated at a walk only.
OPTIONAL OBSTACLES
Serpentine Obstacles - done at a walk or jog or trot. Spacing between markers (barrels, poles or cones, etc.) should be at least 36" for walk, and 8' for jog or trot. Lope or canter serpentine obstacles should be set at least 30' to 50' apart.
Slicker - Ride to where slicker hangs, put on (i.e. throw over shoulder) and remove. Control of horse should be maintained throughout.Mailbox - Remove and replace items from mailbox (side pass to and from mailbox optional).
Carrying Objects - Carry objects from one part of arena to another (only objects which might reasonably be carried on a trail ride.
Box Turn - an obstacle consisting of 4 logs or rails approximately 5' to 6' for ponies and 6' to 7' for horses, laid in a square. Exhibitor enters square where designated and when all 4 feet are in square, executes a turn, as indicated (can be 90, 180 a complete 360 degree turn, or more), and then departs square.
Forehand Turn - a lime circle is placed on the ground (approximately 2'6" to 3'6" across). The exhibitor places the horse's front feet in the circle and with the hind feet out of the circle, executes a turn on the forehand, in the direction as indicated.
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REINING
Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch-type horse in the confines of a show arena. Contestants are required to run a pattern, which include small, slow circles, large, fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360-degree spins and sliding stops.
The judge will indicate with markers on the arena fence or wall the length of the pattern.
Elements of Reined Work
1. Stops: Stops are the act of slowing the horse from a lope to a stop position by bringing the hind feet and hocks under the horse in a locked position and sliding on the rear shoes. The horse should enter the stop position by bending the back and bringing the rear legs and hocks further under the body while maintaining forward motion and ground contact with the front legs.
2. Spins: Spins are a series of turns, executed over a stationary (inside) hind leg. Propulsion for the spin is supplied by the outside hind leg and front legs, and contact should be made with the ground and a front leg. The location of the hindquarters should be fixed at the start of the spin and maintained throughout.
3. Rollbacks: Rollbacks are the 180o reversal of forward motion completed by running to a stop, rolling (turning) the shoulders back to the opposite direction over the hocks and departing in a lope, as one continuous motion. The rollback must be executed with not more than slight hesitation after the stop, and the horse should not step ahead or back prior to the rollback.
4. Circles: Emphasis on scoring shall be given to the contestant exhibiting smooth, controlled figure eights with easy lead changes. Circles are a controlled manoeuvre at the lope in the designated area of the arena. Right and left circles shall have a common centerline in the middle of the designated area. Circles shall be run and/or begun on the correct lead. The speed and size of the right circles shall be exactly the same as the speed and size of the left circles. The horse shall lope in an even, fluid manner with a minimum of rider contact and/or commands. Circles shall be run far enough from arena wall that it does not affect the circles.
5. Back ups: A back up is a manoeuvre requiring the horse to be moved in a reverse motion in a straight line a required distance (i.e. at least 10 feet).
6. Hesitate: Hesitation is only long enough to show the completion of one manoeuvre before the next one starts. There shall be the slightest hesitation to indicate each manoeuvre.
7. Lead Changes: Lead changes are the act of changing the leading legs of the front and rear pair of legs, at a lope, when changing the direction traveled. The lead change must be executed at the lope with no change of gait or speed and be performed in the exact geographical location in the arena specified in the pattern description. The change of front and rear legs must take place within the same stride to avoid penalty.
8. Run Downs: Run downs are the run through the middle of the arena, runs from the center of the arena to the end, and runs along the side and ends of the arena.
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COMMAND CLASS
Class Routine
An elimination contest where any rider not executing the judge’s exact commands promptly and correctly will be eliminated. Individuals may be stationed at various points in the ring to aid in observing and eliminating contestants. The judge may ask contestants to walk, jog or trot, canter or lope, reverse, halt, back, to go from any gait to any other gait and to canter or lope in a counter lead.
In showmanship classes, the skill of the handler and turnout of the horse are being judged rather than the quality of the horse. Turnout is the overall appearance of the horse and includes health, condition, grooming and the horse’s tack. The handler attire is very important as well, he/she should be neat and tidy. The judge often evaluates a showmanship class in four equal categories.
1. Cleanliness.
2. Position of the handler.
3. Performance of the pattern.
4. Overall impression.
CLEANLINESS
The horse needs to be well groomed and healthy.
Grooming
1. Daily currying and brushing of the horse will produce a naturally healthy hair coat.
2. Bathe the horse before each show to make final grooming easier.
3. Mane and tail should be clean and free of tangles.
4Final "touch ups" should be done to make sure horse is as clean as possible.
Tack
1. A properly fitted halter is all that is needed.
2. The halter may be silver, leather, or nylon, as long as it is clean and in good working condition and fits properly.
Appearance of exhibitorA "professional" look is always the best. All clothing, including hat and boots, should be clean and well-fitted. Also, shirts and pants should be neatly pressed.
POSITION OF THE HANDLER
Arms should hang naturally from shoulders. Bend arm at the elbow and make an "L" out of your arm. Wrists should be straight, holding hand with thumbs on top.
PERFORMANCE OF THE PATTERN
Leading the horse
1. Make sure you and your horse are moving at a brisk pace, but not rushing.
2. Horse should move forward when you move forward, and should stop when you stop.
Pivots
1. Pivots should be done smoothly and at a moderate speed
2. Horse should plant a hind foot and keep body in straight line. Do not push horse away from you, this will cause the horse to bend and, thus, not pivot correctly. Normally a horse pivots about their hind, inside leg. Thus, a pivot to the right is done with the right, hind foot remaining stationary. Many showmanship horses pivot off the outside, hind leg. Most judges consider this a minor fault.
3. Maintain forward motion while performing turnarounds. Not doing so will cause the horse to back up, causing loss of the pivot foot.
Backing
1. Backing, again, should be done smoothly and at a moderate pace. Do not rush or the horse will step sideways resulting in a crooked back.
2. Stand in the same position as if you were leading horse, only face the horse. Horse will use your position as a guide to go straight.
3. The horse should back up willingly and not give the appearance that you are "pushing" it back Note: When practicing, a wall or fence may aide the horse in learning to back straight
There are two standard styles used by exhibitors to stay out of the judge's way: the "half system" and the "quarter system." The half system is the simplest, used by beginning exhibitors at small shows, though technically legal even for most handlers. In the half system, the handler simply remains on the side(the "half") of the horse opposite that of the judge; when the judge is looking at the left side of the horse, the handler stands on the right, and vice versa.
The quarter system is a bit more complex but also more common. In the quarter system, the handler stands on the side opposite the judge when the judge is looking at the front of the horse, but when the judge moves to look at the hindquarters of the horse, the handler them moves to stand on the same side of the horse as the judge. The reasoning behind this method is that it is a bit safer in case the horse is startled by the judge being behind it, and it is also easier for the exhibitor to see the judge. Though technically a handler would be judged equally for using the half system or the quarter system, an exhibitor using the quarter system correctly will gain more points because it is a bit more complex.
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TRAIL CLASS
A good trail horse is sensible, calm and responsive. The most placid horse does not necessarily make the best trail horse. Training your horse to negotiate obstacles will make him a better mount. Trail class was originally designed to test the horse’s reaction to situations he would encounter on the ranch or along the trail.
Generally speaking, most shows will require you to traverse a bridge, ride at a designated gait over at least four poles, open and pass through a gate, perform a side pass, and complete a back-through. Other often-used obstacles include, a box, a serpentine, a water hazard, removing an item from a mailbox, putting on and taking off a slicker, ground tie, carry an object from one point in the arena to another, dismount and lead your horse through an obstacle, or clear a small jump.
THE GATE
A combination of manoeuvres is required to operate the gate. In order to help the rider, the horse must not be afraid of the gate. The rider can either approach the gate by riding closely up to it or by stopping parallel to it and side pass up to it. To open the gate, the rider usually opens it toward the horse and wide enough for the horse to ride through it. The gate is closed by the horse side passing once again. A few steps back will put the rider in position to latch the gate.
GROUND RAILS
A minimum of four wood rails or poles placed in a straight line, a zigzag, or circle. Standard measurement between poles will depend on speed of gait and elevation. Walk over (15 to 24 inches), trot over (3 feet to 3 feet 6 inches), lope over (6 to 7 feet)
SIDE PASS
Side pass may be performed over or between any object that will not endanger the horse or rider. The side pass may also be laid out in various patterns from a simple straight line to the more challenging "L", "V", or "U".
BRIDGE
A bridge should be a wooden floor not to exceed 10" in height (at step-up and step down), with or without side rails, not less than 36" apart. Minimum size should be 36" by 6'. The bridge should be negotiated at a walk only.
OPTIONAL OBSTACLES
Serpentine Obstacles - done at a walk or jog or trot. Spacing between markers (barrels, poles or cones, etc.) should be at least 36" for walk, and 8' for jog or trot. Lope or canter serpentine obstacles should be set at least 30' to 50' apart.
Slicker - Ride to where slicker hangs, put on (i.e. throw over shoulder) and remove. Control of horse should be maintained throughout.Mailbox - Remove and replace items from mailbox (side pass to and from mailbox optional).
Carrying Objects - Carry objects from one part of arena to another (only objects which might reasonably be carried on a trail ride.
Box Turn - an obstacle consisting of 4 logs or rails approximately 5' to 6' for ponies and 6' to 7' for horses, laid in a square. Exhibitor enters square where designated and when all 4 feet are in square, executes a turn, as indicated (can be 90, 180 a complete 360 degree turn, or more), and then departs square.
Forehand Turn - a lime circle is placed on the ground (approximately 2'6" to 3'6" across). The exhibitor places the horse's front feet in the circle and with the hind feet out of the circle, executes a turn on the forehand, in the direction as indicated.
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REINING
Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch-type horse in the confines of a show arena. Contestants are required to run a pattern, which include small, slow circles, large, fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360-degree spins and sliding stops.
The judge will indicate with markers on the arena fence or wall the length of the pattern.
Elements of Reined Work
1. Stops: Stops are the act of slowing the horse from a lope to a stop position by bringing the hind feet and hocks under the horse in a locked position and sliding on the rear shoes. The horse should enter the stop position by bending the back and bringing the rear legs and hocks further under the body while maintaining forward motion and ground contact with the front legs.
2. Spins: Spins are a series of turns, executed over a stationary (inside) hind leg. Propulsion for the spin is supplied by the outside hind leg and front legs, and contact should be made with the ground and a front leg. The location of the hindquarters should be fixed at the start of the spin and maintained throughout.
3. Rollbacks: Rollbacks are the 180o reversal of forward motion completed by running to a stop, rolling (turning) the shoulders back to the opposite direction over the hocks and departing in a lope, as one continuous motion. The rollback must be executed with not more than slight hesitation after the stop, and the horse should not step ahead or back prior to the rollback.
4. Circles: Emphasis on scoring shall be given to the contestant exhibiting smooth, controlled figure eights with easy lead changes. Circles are a controlled manoeuvre at the lope in the designated area of the arena. Right and left circles shall have a common centerline in the middle of the designated area. Circles shall be run and/or begun on the correct lead. The speed and size of the right circles shall be exactly the same as the speed and size of the left circles. The horse shall lope in an even, fluid manner with a minimum of rider contact and/or commands. Circles shall be run far enough from arena wall that it does not affect the circles.
5. Back ups: A back up is a manoeuvre requiring the horse to be moved in a reverse motion in a straight line a required distance (i.e. at least 10 feet).
6. Hesitate: Hesitation is only long enough to show the completion of one manoeuvre before the next one starts. There shall be the slightest hesitation to indicate each manoeuvre.
7. Lead Changes: Lead changes are the act of changing the leading legs of the front and rear pair of legs, at a lope, when changing the direction traveled. The lead change must be executed at the lope with no change of gait or speed and be performed in the exact geographical location in the arena specified in the pattern description. The change of front and rear legs must take place within the same stride to avoid penalty.
8. Run Downs: Run downs are the run through the middle of the arena, runs from the center of the arena to the end, and runs along the side and ends of the arena.
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COMMAND CLASS
Class Routine
An elimination contest where any rider not executing the judge’s exact commands promptly and correctly will be eliminated. Individuals may be stationed at various points in the ring to aid in observing and eliminating contestants. The judge may ask contestants to walk, jog or trot, canter or lope, reverse, halt, back, to go from any gait to any other gait and to canter or lope in a counter lead.