Doesn’t everyone like to play dress-up? And what horse lover hasn't spent at least a few hours fussing over a pretty pony? By participating in a horse show costume class you will get the opportunity to have some creative...
Two and a half minutes doesn’t sound like a long time, but it sure can feel like it. Two and a half minutes is about as long as it takes to ride a reining pattern or a hunter equitation...
Here are some simple steps for mane banding from expert groomer Casey Warren. But before you begin, check competition rules to make sure those bands are allowed in your classes!
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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...
