Horse Showmanship

To an outsider, a horse showmanship class may look very odd. Horses are being shown and people aren't even riding, not to mention the funny looking outfits. Yes we horse people are aware that we are a strange breed indeed.

This class is very technical and precise, causing confusion among exhibitors at times. So what exactly is horse showmanship? Below we will be discussing what the class is about along with some standard rules to get you started.

We will also be reviewing what you as an exhibitor needs to remember to get yourself and your horse ready for show. Also included below will be some top tips for finishing touches to add to your pattern.

What Is Showmanship

According to the AQHA rulebook, "The ideal showmanship performance consists of a poised, confident, neatly attired exhibitor leading a well groomed and conditioned horse that quickly and efficiently performs the requested pattern with promptness, smoothness and precision."

The horse is also defined as a prop that the exhibitor uses. In horse showmanship, you work a pattern individually for the judge(s). The pattern should be posted previously to the class and consists of a combination of certain maneuvers, gaits, and transitions.

Components of a typical showmanship pattern include walking, trotting, backing, pivoting, stopping, and setting up. Transition points are usually marked by traffic cones set up on the ground. Degree of difficulty varies based on the level you are showing at. Straight lines and promptness through your patterns are very important.

How you present yourself and your horse are also very important during your pattern. You must carry yourself with poise and confidence to "sell" yourself to the judge. Confidence and poise will show in your pattern performance. A more confident exhibitor will present with more crisp and fluid movements, where a less confident exhibitor will present a little more awkward and sloppy through the pattern.

How do you get that confidence? Well there is no simple way to answer this question. We recommend practice and getting out there. It’s just like the first time you rode your horse, you had to get the hang of it and get used to it before you felt truly comfortable in the saddle. The same goes for showing. Just get those nerves under control and get out there!

Showmanship Preparation

So you've spent the time practicing with your horse and you finally feel ready to give it a try, or you have only been showing a short time and are wondering what you should be doing to get yourself and your horse ready.

In horse showmanship you are judged on your overall appearance and your horse's appearance. Before you address yourself, your horse should be clipped and cleaned before stepping into the show ring.

Grooming your horse for show is quite the process. Bottom line, make sure your horse is properly trimmed for show. For example, clip areas such as the bridle path, ears, and muzzle. Legs may also need to be cleaned up with the clippers.

Your horse should also be bathed with mane either banded or braided. There are also a variety of finishing products you can consider using for overall coat appearance, white areas, and face and muzzle. Your horse needs to be presented in a clean show halter. Leather is used by most because of the clean appearance it gives.

Once your horse is set, it time to focus on you. There are standards and recommendations for your personal attire. Check with the rulebook of the association you plan to show under. Most exhibitors wear a specific horse showmanship outfit. Keep in mind that fit and color can add to or take away from your overall appearance.

Also included in your attire are boots and a complimenting hat. Your hair should be pulled back neatly either into a bun or secured up under your hat.

A little more face make-up than you normally wear is also acceptable with studded earrings to complete the ensemble.

Top Showmanship Tips

• Bring a small bucket or bag with a dusting rag, brush, comb, and any other finishing products with you to the in-gate
• Practice pieces of your pattern before and only run through the whole pattern a few times to keep your horse fresh and alert to you
• If you have a long wait in running order let your horse rest and get him moving again 5-10 minutes before your turn, this keeps your horse fresh for the pattern
• Focus a little more on the elements of the pattern that may be more difficult for you and your horse
• Keep your head up, look where you are going, and smile naturally (nothing worse than a "perm-a-grin" in the ring)
• ...and most important HAVE FUN! Otherwise there's no point in spending the money to show

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