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.