Showmanship

So here is my apparently much expected showmanship post!  Hopefully I answer everyone questions in this but if you have one after the post, comment and I'll come back and answer them over the next week or so.

Originally showmanship was more of a prep class for the halter, but much as the horsemanship and western pleasure have separated and become two very separate classes the same thing has happened with showmanship and halter.  If anything it is more similar to the other pattern classes, equation and horsemanship, rather than halter.

The class is judged as a pattern class, for the most part execution of the pattern and how correct it is done is the main determining factor in how the class is placed.  However much like equation, a sloppy pretension even with a great pattern will sometimes get you knocked down below someone who looks the part, but has a minor mistake.

So for the basics, your horse needs to be able to do the parts of the pattern.  Most patterns will call for:

1)  A pivot of some kind (the horse should pivot on the inside hoof, so when going to the right, the right hind leg stays still).  It is important that you keep your horses body as straight as possible, which will help the horse remain on the correct pivot foot.

2)  Trot/jog  sometimes even an extended trot/jog.  It is important that you move at the speed that the horse looks best at.  For Lucas a 16.3hh hunter I had a fairly good jog going on, for Lucy I barely move into the jog as she is slow, and I am tall.

3) A walk.  Again at a pace that makes your horse look good.  For both the walk and the trot you want to be at the horses jaw, right where the neck meets the head with your hands relaxed but out in front of you as if you were carrying a platter of cookies.

4) A set up.  Your horse needs to have all 4 feet set up squarely (much like a table you want all 4 legs firmly in support of his body)  Again, it is important that the set up benefits how your horse looks and its conformation.

5) A back up, you need to turn and face the rear of the horse, but do not stand in front of the horse, this is just a reversal of the walk/trot position.

Once you have all of the 'parts' its now the point to bring it together to put it in a pattern.  This is the spot where Lucy is now.  Her set up is good but slightly slow, her pivots are good but I'm still occasional helping her by using my hand on her shoulder to keep her straight though the turn. Now its putting the pieces together in a pattern.

Each movement must be separate, but all of it must flow together to present a good picture.  For example if you have a trot out of a pivot, you need to complete the entire pivot before trotting off, if you rush into the trot, you may not complete your pivot and will get marked down for it.  Here is my video of me and Lucas a couple of years ago, I don't really complete my pivot into the walk here:



At this point you most likely will be getting ready for a show, and its at here that you need to think about your and your horses turnout.  Your horse should be in good condition, with a great coat, a trimmed mane that will be banded for the show.  Your horse should be clipped, bathed, and apply some shine to the horses face.  For the most part fake tails are now expected unless your horse has a great tail to begin with.

You will need a well fitted halter (leather) that complements your horse, and a leather lead with or without a chain.  Your chain needs to go though the side ring of the halter closest to you, under the chin, then though the other side ring, and up the cheek.  If you choose not to use a chain you should still have your lead attached to the side ring in the halter.

Your own turnout needs to be neat and presentable.  If showing in English attire it should be clean and well fitting, with your hair up, boots clean, and spurs off!  If showing western, clean long enough pants that complement your top, hair up, either dark or colored boots that match your outfit, and a well fitting, SHAPED hat.

Here is a video of a nicely turned out pair that have a very nice pattern.



Ok guys now its up to you ask your questions, and I'll try to answer them the best I can over the internet.  If you want get someone to video you and I'll see if I can help you out from what I can see.