What sets apart the pros from the amateurs? Often it’s the little details. Learning how to properly trim and bang a horse’s tail can give you that polished edge you desire in the show-ring. Banged tails are a popular...
We all know that appearance should be secondary to performance, but looks do have an effect on first impressions. Research in humans has found that the first impression is made in three seconds. With such little time to make...
Huntseat equitation riders are often admonished by their coaches to sit up straight and maintain good posture. A graceful, erect upper body also complements a horse’s performance. Being a slouch in hunters-under-saddle or English pleasure classes tends to give...
"The judge just doesn’t like my horse.” Unfortunately that’s a common rationalization when a rider is perplexed about her horse’s lack of a ribbon in a hunter class. However, a prejudicial judge isn’t usually the problem. Instead, it’s often...
Decorative markings brushed into the horse’s coat--quarter marks--enhance the conformation of a well-muscled hip and croup, and draw attention to the cleanliness and shine of a well-conditioned show horse. Quarter marks not only highlight a horse’s conformation and give...
Download a printable (pdf) version of this horse show checklistPaperwork:Map to showgrounds
Show information
Rulebook
Membership cards
Horse registration
Health certificate, coggins, other required veterinary information
Emergency telephone numbers
Test booklet (dressage riders); NRHA patterns (reiners)
Checkbook/wallet/I.D.
Veterinarian...
The purpose of the showmanship class is for exhibitors to demonstrate their ability to show their horses, rather than showcasing the horse himself. In showmanship, the horse’s conformation is not judged. However, how the horse is turned out is...
Download a printable version of this pageIf you grew up riding hunters 20 years ago, chances are you mastered the art of braiding a hunter’s mane. It was simply part of a show horse’s turnout. But with unrated divisions...
Click here to download a pdf of this page.A neatly braided tail accentuates a hunter’s hindquarters. It adds to the overall picture of refinement and elegance, which makes it a pity that braided tails are rarely seen outside the...
There is more to dressage competition than the ability to create a good pattern. Correct basics, a proper seat and a display of good horsemanship can go far to impress a judge. However, you can also leave a bad...
