SHOWMANSHIP Classes wcmhr:miniature horse show rules

SHOWMANSHIP

Showmanship Classes are probably the most popular of all classes among veteran and newcomers and probably the best class for newcomers to start out with. The ANNUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MINIATURE HORSE SHOW presented by this Registry offers demonstration classes or seminars in Showmanship before the regular classes begin. Exhibitors and their horses are invited to proceed into the ring for a group and usually one on one participation in mastering the techniques of showing at halter. In the Showmanship Classes, only the Handler is Judged, not the horse. The overall presentation of the handler including dress- hat, boots, and long sleeve shirt are generally required. Gloves complete the overall picture, but are not required. Youths under the age of 12 may not show stallion older than 2 years of age.

PATTERN 1

The handler should walk into the ring with the horse on the handler’s right side (the left side of the horse) with the lead halter in the right hand close to the halter. The remaining portion of the lead should be gathered or looped and held in the left hand. Upon reaching the first cone, begin a trot and maintain until reaching the second cone. Turn to the left and line up lead to tail along the rail and stand quietly until the Judge calls the Handler to come forward one at a time. When called to the center of the ring, walk briskly towards the Judge and after reaching the designated set up area, pose the horse for the Judge, stand toward the front, facing the horse (the horse should be standing squarely with all four feet on the ground at this point), then make eye contact with the Judge to signal that you are ready. If the Judge walks to the left side of the horse, move quietly to the right side of the horse in order to give the Judge an unobstructed view of the horse. (Remember that the Judge is evaluating your Showmanship, so always face the Judge.) The Judge may or may not ask smile questions. After the short evaluation, the Judge will either ask the handler to trot or walk back to the end of the line. After the final evaluation the Judge will usually ask all of the handlers to bring heir horses forward in a side-by-side lineup for one final evaluation. Stand quietly beside the horse and relax.

PATTERN 2

The are other patterns that may be used in a showmanship class including the handlers walking into the ring, trotting past the judge and lining up in a half-circle on one side of the ring and the remaining handlers lining up in a half-circle on the other side of the ring. The Judge may walk on either side of the now complete circle to view the horses and handlers individually. At the conclusion, the handlers will be asked to line up side-by-side in the center of the ring.

Either of these patterns that may be used in the Halter classes or a pattern that is more suitable for the ring and entries.

Physically or Mentally Challenged Classes will be adapted to meet the specific needs of the handler. Physically or Mentally Challenged exhibitors or handlers may enter any classes that they choose and the staff and management should make every effort to accommodate these entries. Trotting will not be required under these circumstances.

SHOWMANSHIP CLASSES

Youth Showmanship

Youths under the age of 6 years will not be required to trot in the Showmanship Classes.

The age of the youth on January 1st of the current year shall be the age at which the youth shows for the entire year.

Adult Showmanship - For handlers 18 years of age or older, including special classes for Ladies and Gentlemen will follow the same procedure for Pattern 1 or 2 or a pattern that is more suitable for the ring and the number of entries.

Lucille Ball Showmanship - For Ladies 39 years of age or older.

Jack Benny Showmanship - For Gentlemen 39 years of age or older

Nifty Fifty Showmanship - Ladies and Gentlemen 50 years of age or older.

Entry Level Showmanship- Usually separated for youths and adults Entry Level classes are for those participants who have only shown in a Showmanship Class for 2 years (2 show seasons-January to January) or less.

OVERALL-HIGH-POINT AWARDS FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE PRESENTED TO ADULT EXHIBITORS AND YOUTH EXHIBITORS FOR HALTER PERFORMANCE AND DRIVING PERFORMANCE.

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE ADULT EXHIBITOR AND YOUTH EXHIBITOR WHO DISPLAY THE BEST SPORTSMANSHIP DURING THE COURSE OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.