Halter and showmanship showcase horses while they are led instead of being ridden. Halter classes are found in various horse shows, especially breed shows, so that he horse can be shown with just a halter to be judged on their conformation and suitability as a representative of that breed. They can also be called in-hand, breeding, model, and conformation classes.
Showmanship classes involve the handler being judged on how well they can show the horse, how well the horse is groomed and prepared, and whether the horse meets breed and/or discipline standards. They are also called halter showmanship or showmanship in-hand classes.
Horse Illustrated covers news involving these classes and related championships, how to train and show your horse in these divisions, how to groom and prepare your horse, what judges look for in these classes, and more.
If you’d like to truly "show off” your horse at a horse show, you can’t do much better than to…
You’ve seen sleekly groomed western showmanship horses with expert skills move in sync with their handlers while outfitted in halters…
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) hosted the 2019 World Championship Appaloosa Show at Will Rogers Memorial Center, where nearly 600…
The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) welcomed nearly 1,000 Morgan horses to the 2019 Grand National and World Championship Morgan…
Sometimes we don't have enough time to ride our horses, but enough time to work on something from the gorund.…
Showmanship class requires you and your horse to work as a team. While leading your horse through the pattern is…
This properly shaped light hat draws attention to the rider's face. Few things mark you as a greenhorn versus…
Squaring up your showmanship horse is a deceptively simple concept. How hard can it be for a horse to stand…
Everyone wants a gorgeous tail in the show-ring. Once you get to the bigger stock-breed shows, tail extensions are common.…
As you anxiously wait at the first cone to begin your showmanship pattern, you watch the exhibitor in front of…