Equine events coordinator Nancy Easton tells how to prevent accidents at shows.

Always be on the lookout for potential mental triggers for your horse. Journal illustration.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

Picture an average horse show: spectators in bleachers and folding chairs, babies in strollers, tractors, rakes, shovels, tack and other equipment in aisles. Now add a panicked, loose horse.

Looks pretty dangerous inside your head, doesn’t it?

At a horse show, exhibitors and show management must work together to make sure stabling areas are safe for everyone, events coordinator Nancy Easton says.

“Safety is an easy thing to take care of,” she says, “if people stay aware and are considerate of everything that’s going on around them.”

At a horse show, she says, “the horse and exhibitor have a very tight bubble around them. Any noise or movement pushes into their bubble and causes them to react.”

Accidents Waiting to Happen

Many accidents happen because of a horse’s unexpected panic reaction.

“There is a reason for everything a horse does,” Nancy says. “So whether an exhibitor is in the saddle or on the ground, he or she must be aware of the horse every second. And it’s important to see what’s going on around you – what the noises are, the visual triggers and other horses going by.”

New to showing? Get the Beginner’s Guide to Showing and learn what to expect.

What’s going on in the horse’s head can be another trigger. Read the rest of this entry »

Western pleasure specialist John Dean explains his strategy behind rail position.

Understanding rail placement for western pleasure will help you and your horse stand out to the judge in the show ring. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

As western pleasure classes get more competitive and the gap between first and last place narrows, rider strategy becomes increasingly important in separating champions from contenders. A rider’s first opportunity for strategic advantage comes before the judging begins, as riders take their places on the rail.

Entries in a western pleasure class perform along the arena wall, circling at a walk, jog and lope both directions around the show pen’s outer edge while the judges watch from the center of the ring. Ideal rail positioning allows a horse and rider to work smoothly, creating a natural and consistent image for the judges, without having their “zone” encroached upon by other entries.

Finding a Place on the Rail

“At most horse shows, you have a choice as to where you can go on the rail at the start of a western pleasure class,” says trainer John Dean. “What I consider when I make that choice is the speed my horse is going to go, especially jogging.”

John suggests you pay attention to other entries in the warm-up arena and take note of faster-moving horses. Once the class is ready to begin, position yourself behind a horse you expect to move faster than yours, eliminating the need to pass and ensuring that you and your horse stay in position along the rail while the judges critique your ride.

“You don’t want to get behind any horse you’ll gain ground on,” John says. “Stay where you lose a little ground on a horse, or at least keep the same pace.”

What Is the Best Way to Pass?

For more tips on western pleasure, get Showing to Win: Western Pleasure.

If you find yourself stuck on the rail behind a slower horse, John says passing isn’t a sin, especially if a rider has to forfeit his horse’s cadence to avoid gaining ground on the slower entry.

“A horse looks better alone and on the rail in a pleasure class,” he says, “but you can’t sacrifice the way your horse moves by trying to cover such little ground.”

When overtaking a slower entry, it’s important to make your move without disrupting the horse you pass. Move off the rail before getting within four feet of the slower horse and pass with two to three feet between your outside stirrup and the inside stirrup of the other rider. A rider shouldn’t get within a four-foot comfort zone of another horse and attempt to maintain a position along the rail.

“I hate to see someone run up on another horse and try to stay there,” John says. “It’s a rude thing to do to another competitor, and it makes your horse look bad, too.”

A typical error John notices among western pleasure riders is the tendency to pass too wide, calling more attention to the pass and increasing the amount of time it takes to overtake another horse.

“So many riders pass too wide, with 10 feet or more between them and the slower horse beside them,” he says. “They can lose a lot of rail position that way. When you pass before a corner, it’s even more important to stay in the correct position and maintain the two to three foot distance between your horse and the horse you are passing. In a full class, passing too wide before a corner can force exhibitors to pass several horses that are moving at the same speed as theirs just because they are out of position.” It’s also a common mistake to not use all the ground that’s available in the corners to circumvent passing.

Learn expert tips for winning western pleasure in Showing to Win: Western Pleasure.

If a faster horse overtakes you, John suggests keeping your pace steady and holding your position as the other horse passes. Be prepared to slow up or move off the rail yourself, though, if the faster horse makes a return to the rail too quickly, cutting you off.

Maintaining Position

Once you’re in position behind the horse of your choice, stay close to the rail, keeping your horse’s shoulder and rump as close as possible to the arena wall without touching it. If the arena floor hasn’t been worked and there’s a rut or trail along the wall, stay in the center of the track. Riding on one side or the other might cause your horse to alter his stride unexpectedly or trip.

The 2011 AQHA Amateur Western Pleasure World Champion talks about her experience at the show.

Dave Page offers his advice on proper show halter fit.

If you need a chain for control, Page suggests running it under the horse's chin. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

In any given halter class, each entry represents months of preparation directed at creating the perfect picture. Before a horse enters the arena, his handlers develop individual feeding programs, exercise regimens and grooming routines, knowing it’s the details that separate the champions from the contenders.

Unfortunately, something as easily changed as the halter fit can ruin that picture, especially if a halter fits poorly, hangs loose and gives an overall sloppy appearance.

“There are different styles of halters, and everyone has their preferences,” says halter horse trainer Dave Page, “but the most important thing is that the halter fits right.”

When you’re not in the show arena, learn how to make your own rope halter for your horse in AQHA’s FREE report, How to Make a Rope Halter.

How Should a Halter Fit?

A show halter should fit snugly, with the halter conforming to the shape of the horse’s head, particularly behind the jaw and under the throatlatch. The noseband should be positioned halfway between the eyes and nostrils. A halter shouldn’t be loose enough to slide and shift from one side to the other.

“It should look like the halter is made to fit the horse,” Dave says. “Ninety percent of the time, the halters are too big, and they fit sloppy over the nose and hang down the throat.”

To accommodate a variety of horses, Dave keeps six to eight adjustable leather and silver show halters – in weanling, yearling, mare and stallion sizes – with interchangeable top straps.

Wide or Thin?

When it comes to selecting the right headgear for your horse, even the width of the halter’s leather straps comes into play.

“For a horse that’s really pretty-headed, you can use a narrow halter,” Dave says. “When a horse isn’t as pretty in the head, or is heavy on the jaw or wide between the eyes and muzzle, you want to use a wider halter.”

While the weather is cold outside, use AQHA’s FREE report, How to Make a Rope Halter to learn a new skill with these simple instructions.

What About Chains?

While a halter chain may not always be necessary, especially on the calmer, easier-to-control horses, it’s common to see an exhibitor using a chain for added control in the ring. If you choose to use one, other aesthetic issues arise.

“A lot of times, an exhibitor will put a lead shank over a horse’s nose, but I don’t recommend that,” Dave says. “It makes the halter pop up on top, over the nose. In addition to raising the halter and creating a bump, it makes the horse put his head up higher than you want.” Instead, Dave shows his horses using a chain under the chin.

When a chain is used, there should be adequate slack in the chain, between the lead and the halter. Dave uses leads with a long length of chain, so the chain can be run under the chin and up to the right side of the halter. “If you do that with a shorter chain, it pulls the whole length of the chain into the halter, leaving no slack,” he says. “It looks a lot better with a little more chain left over.”

Concentrate on the moment to create overall success.

During a reining run, a dramatic sliding stop followed by a blur of spins and gorgeous circles leaves you watching in awe. Journal photo.

By Barbra Schulte in The American Quarter Horse Journal

Early in my career as a cutting-horse trainer, I noticed special showmen. Certain people consistently qualified average horses for the final. They regularly collected big checks. Other competitors would show an outstanding horse and fumble. I was intrigued to understand the differences.

In my own experience, some days I showed a horse to his potential. I helped him when circumstances threatened to expose our weaknesses. I asked for more when opportunities arose to maximize his strengths. Other days, if I concentrated on something going wrong, that’s all I could think about. The rest of the run fell apart.

I now realize the essence of a magnificent performance. It is a series of beautifully interwoven moves that set it apart from the “also rans.” It’s an evolving masterpiece as one maneuver flows into the next. Read the rest of this entry »

An AQHA judge describes the psychology behind showmanship classes.

Tony Anderman and Goodness Im Green at the 2011 AQHA World Championship Show. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

Holly Hover of Cave Creek, Arizona, became an AQHA judge in 1988. She judges AQHYA and AQHA world shows, and has judged internationally throughout her career. She’s a professional horse trainer who coaches amateurs and youth showmen with a focus on all-around competition. Read the rest of this entry »

How to show like a pro, with tips from AQHA Professional Horseman Mark DeFreece.

Josh Weakly makes his first impression on the judges at the 2011 AQHA World Championship Show. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

They say you never have a second chance to make a first impression.

A cliché, yes – but true.

Nowhere in the show world are first impressions more important than in halter competition, where a horse’s conformation is scrutinized and a showman’s ability can make or break a performance. Read the rest of this entry »

Look the part of the confident equestrian with advice on visual appeal from AQHA Professional Horsewoman Gretchen Mathes.

Jessica Johnson wears traditional gear for hunt seat equitation. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

It’s no secret that horse show judges favor riders who exude confidence and convey strong communication-based partnership with their horses.

To present themselves as relaxed but attentive equestrians ready to take on the challenges of a class, youth riders must convince judges they understand the nature of their event and how best to position themselves in the saddle for effective commands. Read the rest of this entry »

Als Kaper shows at his last AQHA World Championship Show at the age of 31.

Cecil’s age has not slowed him down much in the ranch sorting ring, but owner Ross Graham says he has to keep his age in mind during a run. Journal photo.

By Samantha Eckert

At age 31 and with eight AQHA World Championship Shows under his belt, Als Kaper has earned his retirement. The 1980 sorrel gelding bred by Ronnie Brooks of Clark, Missouri, retired after his final appearance with Ross Graham of Sherman, Illinois, in the preliminaries of amateur ranch sorting November 7. Read the rest of this entry »

Progressing from psyched out to psyched up.

Pinpoint when, where and under what circumstances your nerves are an obstacle. Journal photo

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

Do you know this competitor?

“Although I try to have a positive mental attitude, I’ve always been nervous about competing.

“If I could just handle my nerves, I have everything else I need to be a real winner.”

Managing your mind is like every other facet of horsemanship – it takes work. Read the rest of this entry »

Tips for keeping your horse slick and sleek all winter.

The last thing you want is for your horse to be the fluffy one. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

For most people, long-haired horses aren’t such a bad idea.

It’s natural for livestock to grow thick coats when the days get shorter and cooler, and the extra hair keeps them safe and warm, protecting them from chill and sickness.

If you show horses, however, there has probably been at least one frustrating season where your horse got a little fluffier than you would have liked. And goodness knows, a shaggy horse just doesn’t sparkle when he stands next to a slick horse in the show ring. Read the rest of this entry »

Feel what your horse does when you ask him to collect.

Feel for yourself what your horse feels when you ask him to collect. Journal photo.

From The American Quarter Horse Journal

One of the great mysteries of horsemanship is collection – the body position a horse adopts to perform at its maximum level of athletic ability.

For most people, it’s an “I know it when I see it” concept. Read the rest of this entry »

See what AQHA Superhorses consider the treat of champions.

Moving Artfully devours his Superhorse roses. Journal photo.

From America’s Horse

Everybody has a weakness.

Popeye had his spinach.

Elvis had his fried banana-and-peanut butter sandwiches.

Homer Simpson has his doughnuts. (“Mmmmm!”)

And even AQHA Superhorses have their cravings.

The AQHA-Farnam Superhorse award is the equivalent of the most-valuable-player award at the AQHA World Championship Show.

These guys are the best of the best. And in reviewing The American Quarter Horse Journal’s coverage of these top horses, one trend becomes clear: These horses, of course, have an appetite for victory, but they also have some pretty odd hankerings when it comes to their snacks.

1998, 2000 and 2001
Superhorse Acadamosby Award
When “Oscar” and his entourage stepped into the World Show arena in November 2001 to accept a record-breaking third Superhorse title, they were on a high. For the horse, however, it might have been a sugar high.

Learn how to give your show horse the perfect clipping job with AQHA Professional Horseman Randy Jacobs in the AQHA Horse Clipping Tips FREE report.

Just the day before, when he won world championships in senior hunter hack and senior pleasure driving, Oscar binged on an entire bag of Jolly Ranchers. As trainer Charlie Cole talked about Oscar’s habits – which make him seem more human than horse – the 12-year-old bay gelding stood halterless in the barn aisle, peering at passers-by and sniffing reporters to see whether they had any candy on them.

Oscar, AQHA’s only three-time Superhorse winner and 21-time world champion, is also a bit of a clown. Leave a lead rope where he can get to it, and he’ll twirl it in his mouth like a lariat. Leave a blanket within his reach, and he’ll do the same with it until it’s tied in knots. “He’s a big old ham,” Charlie said.

2003 Superhorse Movin Artfully
Standing in his stall at the AQHA World Show in November 2003, Movin Artfully – better known as “Joey” – begged his owner at the time, Dianna MacDonald, for some apple treats.

She gave him what he wanted, kissed him on his nose and then explained: “He’s my baby.” It’s understandable why she’s so taken with the charming son of Artful Move.

Competing at his first World Show in 2003, he won championships in junior hunter hack and junior pleasure driving. He also placed fourth in junior working hunter and sixth in junior hunter under saddle. “It’s just unbelievable,” Dianna said, leading the 17-hand bay gelding out of the arena after the awards ceremony. While she did a television interview, Joey made a snack out of her rose bouquet.

2005 Superhorse With All Probability

With All Probability’s personality is the best thing about him, said his owner in 2005, Jim Holland of Bucyrus, Kansas.

“He comes and loves on you,” he said. “He’s a big teddy bear.” Or maybe he just wants to check out what’s in your coat pockets.

In the Horse Clipping Tips report, Randy offers his tried-and-true advice on setting yourself up for clipping success, even if that’s not what your horse has in mind.

Doughnuts, cinnamon rolls and candy are his weaknesses, Jim said. “He loves sweets. When us boys walk by his stall, he knows we won’t give him anything, and he won’t pay any attention to us. But when the girls that have been feeding him doughnuts walk by, he just nickers and puts his nose through the stall.”

So after the bay stallion earned a world championship in senior heading and a reserve championship in senior heeling, as well as the top honor of Superhorse, did Jim relent and let “Ticket” have a dozen Krispy Kremes as a reward?

“He can have all he wants,” Jim said with a laugh. “I might even give him one.”

2006 Superhorse RS Lilly Starlight

In 2006, RS Lilly Starlight was a serious-natured 8-year-old mare bred and raised by Angie and Dr. Kurt Harris, of Harris Equine Hospital in Whitesboro, Texas. She won a world championship in senior heeling, placed fourth in senior tie-down roping and also competed in senior working cow horse and senior heading.

“We don’t give her treats,” Dr. Harris said. (See what happens, kids, when your “dad’s” a doctor? No junk food.) But that’s probably setting a good example for her own kids. “Lilly” has had foals, via embryo transfer, since 2002, and the oldest ones are now competing in reining and working cow horse competitions.

What is your horse’s favorite treat?

AQHA Publications intern Samantha Eckert: “My filly, A Lexus Loper, loves watermelon. We just bust one open and leave it in her stall.”

AQHA Manager of Communications Sarah Davisson: “My horse, ‘Goose,’ love blue slushes, from Dairy Queen, and when we’re at horse shows, he has the blue snow cones.”

America’s Horse editor Holly Clanahan – “I once had a horse who loved pumpkins. (We found this out after Halloween one year.) It was a good way to “recycle” Jack-o-lanterns. (A little bit at a time, of course!)”

AQHA Internet Editor Tara Christiansen: “One horse seemed to think he needed human trail mix – with M&M’s and raisins and nuts … but I tried to keep him out of that.”