tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891367666970376785.post4414899257328650082..comments2024-01-01T08:22:39.808-08:00Comments on Laying The Foundation: Some Commentary About JudgingSFTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14155830531219245152noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891367666970376785.post-20109450854465711392009-07-31T06:48:30.768-07:002009-07-31T06:48:30.768-07:00Showmanship as a class is, in simple language, how...Showmanship as a class is, in simple language, how well the handler presents the horse. I can do a post on that if you like! In fact I have one already partially written. :)<br /><br />Yes, there will be a pattern determined by the judge. Usually it's posted outside the arena so it can be studied by the entrants first. Grooming is of utmost importance, just having a really clean, well groomed horse that is neatly clipped. For attire it all depends on how you show the horse ~ a Hunt coat, breeches, tall boots and helmet are perfectly acceptable, but you've got to show the horse in a plain snaffle Hunter-type bridle, and he's got to be braided. No over-the-top hoof prep needed, and no sequins necessary! :)<br /><br />In Arabian shows, our Showmanship classes (like Equitation) are reserved for the youth exhibitors, though I would like to see that change.<br /><br />You will probably be asked to perform a few basic maneuvers, such as backing the horse a few steps or a pivot turn, and Showmanship etiquette dictates that you learn what we call the "quarters", meaning you never block the judge's view of your horse, and need to move from one side to the other as your judge inspects the two of you. You'll be judged on how well you show the horse, and your horse will need to know how to "square up" in hand, in other words, adopt a proper "show stance" (though it doesn't have to be like a traditional Arabian Halter horse).<br /><br />There are a few videos on youtube of Showmanship, as well as some great articles available online. Just don't let the AQHA and APHA videos or descriptions scare you off! :) They are extreme in their dedication to the class, and almost robotic. I can find you some links if you like, too.SFTShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14155830531219245152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891367666970376785.post-92085654671806974032009-07-31T03:40:33.569-07:002009-07-31T03:40:33.569-07:00Thanks, I'll do that. Go to a few shows as a ...Thanks, I'll do that. Go to a few shows as a spectator and see if it seems worthwhile and fun.<br /><br />I have a silly question for you--what is "Showmanship" all about? I have no clue if Arab shows even have this, but since all I've ever done is Eventing, Dressage and Jumpers, you must have more of a clue than I do (since I know absolutely zilch.)<br />We have a fun benefit show coming up, that looks to me like a fun way to get back into showing (assuming my horse's soreness problems will be solved by then.) It has a "Showmanship" class--so what do you do, lead your horse around according to some kind of pattern? Does grooming count? Cause I'll give him a bath and paint his hooves with the good-smelling black stuff, but there's no way I'm sanding his hooves! Or wearing anything sequined!<br />I know, I'm boring when it comes to presentation. I hate dress-up kind of stuff. My Mom has always found this very frustrating. I will do a clean horse and appropriate attire, but not much else.littledoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15246918889252942468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891367666970376785.post-65991904047556914332009-07-30T08:40:47.713-07:002009-07-30T08:40:47.713-07:00Thanks so much gals! I really honestly appreciate ...Thanks so much gals! I really honestly appreciate the nice comments, and I love talking horses!! :)<br /><br />Littledog, don't let this post scare you off from the Arabian show ring. :-D There are bad apples in all breeds and disciplines, I don't let it discourage me and tell my clients the same.<br /><br />I have a number of clients who really love the Sport Horse ring, even though they are sort of considered the "step children" of the Arabian show ring. There are some MR (main ring, meaning traditional Halter and the Pleasure classes, etc) trainers who look down upon Sport Horses, but they thankfully are becoming fewer. I like it because my clients can show themselves and not have to worry about the "stand up" in Halter classes. Plus, their horses are judged on how well they move and how they are conformed, not how well they "show"!<br /><br />You should come on out to one of the Arabian Sport Horse shows, just to watch and see. :)SFTShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14155830531219245152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891367666970376785.post-45893203014298247732009-07-30T08:17:58.746-07:002009-07-30T08:17:58.746-07:00I'm with you littledog--I'm enjoying this ...I'm with you littledog--I'm enjoying this blog too. I look forward to new posts. <br /><br />I haven't shown since 4H, but I have to admit, I've started to catch the bug. I have a coming 4 y/o that would enjoy a trail class. He's brave and curious and will go anywhere you point him. Then there's the expense....tsk, tsk. <br /><br />I wanted to comment on the post regarding show prep. I really enjoyed the information. Even though I only trail ride I take a lot of pride in the way my horses are turned out. I groom like a 100 people are going to see my horse out on the trail. My husband thinks I'm nuts. Maybe so, but when my horses shine so do I.:)my badhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15494169538679871421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1891367666970376785.post-42187609632604598612009-07-30T03:44:13.433-07:002009-07-30T03:44:13.433-07:00I have to say, SFTF--I am really enjoying this blo...I have to say, SFTF--I am really enjoying this blog. It's quite a treat to talk about, just, horses! <br />Especially a "horse world" that is really different from mine, even though I've been considering dabbling in Arab shows, since my boy is a half-arab. Not that I care too much about what color ribbon, if any! Just want to have fun, get out and about with my boy and see what we can do.<br />But this post has kind of scared me off. Seems like the Arab-Sporthorse classes are more low-key (like, the classes take place in the "alternate" arena) and supposed to be judged according to the criteria you specified, but since they seemed to be judged as an "extra aside" (like, a bit of more income) for the Halter or Hunter judges, seems like it could be pointless? Unless you study various judges and ride for the ones you respect...littledoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15246918889252942468noreply@blogger.com