Ken Adkins Halter Horse Series - It's Showtime!
By Ken Adkins
All the work is done. You have spent hour upon hour getting your weekend teammate into the best condition possible and now it's time to see how your efforts stack up against those of others.
Before you leave home there are some essential must-do items that need to be taken care of starting a few days before the show. I like to trim the horse's legs, any white markings and any hair under the chin and jaw line about three days before the show with a # 10 or #15 blade. It makes for a nice clean look and if you have clipper lines they have a chance to even out a little before show time. It is also a good time to do a first sanding of the hooves to remove anything that might take away from your finished look. Trimming the white also takes off the stained ends and makes for a much brighter white appearance. This is also a time for electrolytes especially if your horse doesn't drink well at shows. Electrolytes encourage water consumption and ensure that your horse doesn't draw up through the abdomen. It is also a good time to clean your show halter. Make sure all buckles are working properly and all screws are tight. Just before the class is a terrible time to find out your equipment isn't as prepared as your horse. Clean equipment and polished silver also make a great first impression.
During the show try to keep everything as low key as possible. Try to keep the horse occupied with feed or hay so that there isn't a lot of anxiety created which will also cause your horse to draw up and look lighter than it actually is. I like to hang a hay bag so that the horse has something to eat constantly and keep plenty of clean water available as horses tend to get warm at shows when they are covered constantly. Even in very warm weather I keep my horses covered even if I have to use a fan just to keep the flies from being such a problem. I like to vacuum or curry and brush as often as possible at the show. I usually band the night before the class and touch up my bands before getting the horse ready the following morning.
Prior to your class is a hectic but important time in Halter. I try to get to the stall early enough to feed, water, pick the stall and do initial cleanup. Time will vary depending on the number of horses you have to care for. I don't normally lounge before showing but it is something you have to consider if your horse is one that can have too much energy or is difficult to handle when fresh out of the stall. Do your final touches on the mane and forelock; finish sanding your hooves and polish them. I like the hoof enhancers. There are several out there but they make show ring cleanup easier and they provide a high gloss look that is difficult to get with regular hoof polish. I usually curry, vaccum, and brush and then use a coat conditioner that is not too oily at the stall. Put the sheet back on and do only light touch up and show spray and fly spray at the show ring. The less you have to do at the show pen the better.
Showing is the fun part and the reward for all the hard work and hours spent during conditioning and training…so enjoy it. If you are too nervous or sick to show then you have wasted much time and effort. This is the time you should be saying, "Look at the Masterpiece I have created"! Being well prepared helps with the nervousness. An exhibitor that looks like they are having fun is a big attention getter in the pen.
Most classes are pretty much the same. Step up to the cone or marker that starts the course. Start showing the horse at this point. Have your horse set up and ready to walk to the judge. Walk the horse to the judge. The judge is interested in your horse's conformation, not yours, so keep your body in a position that allows your horse to track right over where the judge is standing. You'll then jog your horse as you pass the judge and jog around a marker or cone and up to a ring steward who will direct you to where you should set up. In making the turn, don't turn too tight. What the judge should see is your horse track away in a straight line and then do a ninety-degree turn and profile a few steps at the jog before going to the line up. There is no real preference as to when to go if the order is random but I always like to be near the front of the line if possible. It shows confidence in your horse and gets you a guaranteed good opportunity to be seen. Get your horse set up as quickly as time allows and show-off at every opportunity. Keep an eye on the judge at all times and anytime the judge looks your way have your horse at its best. Stand strong with ears forward. It is perfectly legal to use an aid to get the ears up in the pen. I have seen everything from peppermint wrappers to laser pointers. Each horse is intrigued by something different so experiment with what works. There are some boundaries so don't get carried away and bring fireworks to the show pen. I hate to see an exhibitor just walk in and stand using little effort or showmanship. I have seen people stand with the lead in one hand and the other hand in the pocket or on the hip. I don't mean move to quadrants like you do in showmanship. It creates too much distraction. In halter the judge is trying to evaluate the horse so be there - but be invisible. I like to see the exhibitor just off the left nostril and in front of the horse. It allows for maximum control but keeps some space for the judge to see your horse. Remember each horse looks best when set up to compliment its assets and hide its faults. Some look better a little bunched up and some look better perfectly square. Some look better with the head up and some look better with the head more level.
It sounds like a lot of stuff to remember but if you do your homework, come to the show ring prepared, and show your horse to the best of your ability you will have a great time. Win or lose, try to get feedback from those at the show. It is a multiple step process and takes time to understand and to prepare for.
Above all enjoy the experience, the great folks you meet, and the atmosphere that is horse showing.