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Showmanship – the class you win before you get to the show
Doris Eraldi

Showmanship at Halter is often considered the staple of all horse show classes. It is often required in order to be eligible for High Point or All Around Awards at horse shows, and most youth events require that the handler show in a Showmanship Class. Because it is required, we sometimes end up in the Showmanship even if it is not our favorite class – or even if we hate it! Understanding exactly what the purpose of the class is, and knowing how to prepare for it, can make the event easier.

The Showmanship class demonstrates the handler’s ability to prepare and present a horse to the judge. Unlike regular halter classes, the horse’s conformation is not specifically judged. It is the handler who earns the points. The handler leads the horse in the ring, and must demonstrate that she can effectively walk and trot the horse in a straight line, do a correct turn, and set the horse up for the judge’s inspection. The handler must be attentive at all times to both the horse and the judge, be able to make corrections or deal with unexpected behavior, and follow directions. What many novice Showmanship participants don’t realize, though, is that fifty percent of the overall score is for the “turnout” of the horse and handler – the grooming, fitting, cleanliness and proper equipment – and all of that takes place before one even unloads the horse at the show. No matter how well the handler does in the arena on show day, if the horse is not properly turned out, points will be lost.

First of all the horse must be in excellent physical condition, not too fat or too thin. Regular exercise and a well-planned feeding program should begin months before the first show. No amount of ShowSheen will make up for a neglected coat or a thin horse.

The horse should be as clean as possible when he enters the ring. The most common mistake novices make is not washing the horse thoroughly enough. Make sure that the hard-to-reach spots like the very top of the rump, the poll, and the tailbone are actually clean. White socks and markings should be brilliantly white. One way to keep socks white is to wrap the horse’s legs after the bath, removing the wraps just before entering the show ring. This will keep the legs clean during the trailer ride and warm up too. Wash the tail right down to the tail bone, making sure to rinse out all shampoo and conditioner, then apply a spray on detangler/shine product. Wait until the tail is dry to braid it and then cover it with a tail bag. The mane should be clean to the skin. Use a mane-tamer or hood to get the mane to lay down flat, and to keep the horse’s head and neck clean until show time.

Hooves should be recently shod or trimmed. Point can be taken off for overgrown, chipped hooves. Polish or oil the hooves just before entering the ring, depending on breed standard and the style of the show. For example, some breeds and disciplines prohibit artificially coloring the hooves. A little baby oil will shine up the surface of the hoof without altering the natural color.

The show halter should be clean, with all metal buckles polished. For most Western breeds, a leather lead shank with chain that passes under the horse’s chin is the standard. The chain will also give the handler more control.

The handler should be neatly groomed too. Dress depends upon the breed and discipline, but a tailored, properly fitted outfit, with boots, hat and gloves are a must. Hair should be neat, with no straggling wisps. Make-up and jewelry can fine tune the look, but keep in mind that a conservative appearance will probably impress the judge.

Doris Eraldi of Eraldi Training in Potter Valley, trains horses and riders of all ages. She specializes in Pleasure, Showmanship and Equitation events. She can be contacted at 707-743-1337, or by e-mail dyan@eraldi.net.

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