The exhibitor stands tall and poised. She is the picture of confidence. Her well-mannered horse sets up squarely on cue. She watches the judge carefully as he makes his way around the horse. With a nod from the judge, she and her horse trot off smartly in perfect unison.
Showmanship in-hand is a unique class that requires the skill and precision of a pattern class but is actually more closely related to halter competition, from which it originated. It is among the largest and most popular classes at the major stock horse breed shows, where it is offered to both youth and amateur exhibitors. In showmanship, the exhibitor has the opportunity to really shine by showing the judge a winning attitude.
**For the full article, pick up the June 2007 issue of HORSE ILLUSTRATED.**
Do you like this excerpt? Subscribe Now to read more like it.
Click Here to see the HorseChannel Exclusive to this article.
Abigail Boatwright is a freelance writer and photographer based in Texas, and is the editor of Horse Illustrated’s sister publication, Western Life Today.
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone…
Tom McEwen of Great Britain had a big day under beautiful skies at the Kentucky…
Dressage is halfway complete at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day event CCI5*-L. Currently in first…
Are you in the market for a new career? Equine assisted services (EAS) centers across the U.S. are reporting job…
Read along for a guide on how to choose your riding helmet for safely riding a horse. Being a horse…
Read along for a look at each horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. In 2021, 17,779 Thoroughbred foals in…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been…
Horses in the guest ranch industry come from varied breeds and backgrounds. Learn more about them. The scenery may be…