HORSE SHOWING 101
PREPARING FOR THE SHOW - CLICK HERE!
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Horse shows are open to all breeds of horses and all types of competitors.
Competitors are placed 1st through 6th in each class.
A wide variety of classes are offered to include riders of all ages and skill levels.
Schooling is also offered, when a rider chooses to school, they are simply putting their horse through "the paces" in a class for training purposes only and not judged with the class.
A good show horse should be bathed and clipped before the show.
The rider's attire shall consist of long pants, a long sleeve shirt, boots with a heel of 1/2" or greater, and a cowboy hat or protective helmet. Chaps are optional.
The public is welcome and encouraged to come and enjoy the shows. There is never a fee for spectators.
Food is usually available on the grounds. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
HORSE SHOW CLASSES
Halter - Halter classes are divided by age and sex. Horses are shown in halter and are traveled before judges so that lameness and quality of movement can be evaluated. Horses are judged on balance, structural correctness, breed and sex characteristics and degree of muscling.
Showmanship at Halter - The Age classes in Showmanship are also open to all Leadline and Walk/Trot riders. Judges evaluate the grooming and fitting of the horse, and expertise of the exhibitor in presenting the horse. Each exhibitor is required to perform a pattern with emphasis on preciseness of pattern and degree of confidence exhibited by the showman.
Western Pleasure - To be judged primarily on the horse. Contestants compete simultaneously, traveling the perimeter of the arena. Horses will be asked to perform all gaits required (either W/T or W/T/L) per class/division both directions on the rail. Horses are judged on their manners, performance, quality and conformation. The horse is to give the impression of being a pleasure to ride. Riders may also be asked to halt and backup.
Western Riding - Judges the abilities of the horse to change leads precisely, easily and simultaneously, using both hind and front legs. Following one of four patterns consisting of a log and a series of cones, the horse and rider must change gaits – from a walk to a jog or a lope – throughout the course. Reward is given to the horse that changes fluidly and precisely between the middle of the cones within the pattern.
Reining - Judges the horse on movements, mastery of a prescribed maneuver and attitude as he is guided through a pattern. The horse is required to perform a number of stops, spins, rollbacks, lead changes and circles at a lope. The horse should be willing to be guided with little or no resistance.
Trail - The trail class tests the maneuverability of the horse through an obstacle course. Mandatory obstacles include one in which the rider will open, pass through and close a gate, riding over four logs or poles and one backing obstacle. Scoring is based on the horse's willingness, ease and grace in negotiating the course.
