I'm glad to hear a lot of the 4H clubs have been practicing hard for the County show. There have been some great questions asked about the patterns, and I wanted to post them here so you all have the opportunity to hear what they are.
* When do you set up your horse?
Answer: In most showmanship patterns you will only set up your horse at the very beginning of the pattern when you wait for the contestant in front of you to finish, and second when you have inspection by the judge. If the narrative of the pattern doesn't say to set up, then don't. For example if the pattern asks you to trot your horse, stop and then pivot 360 degrees - don't set your horse up after trotting. Just make sure your horse comes to a complete stop, and then complete your pivot.
*Why doesn't the pattern have a stop at the end?
Answer: Showmanship patterns are supposed to include many manuevers including a walk, trot, back, stop, pivot, inspection, etc. The order that they are put in doesn't matter. A judge grades the handler and the horse on how well they complete the manuevers and the degree of difficulty they do it. (Hint... the faster and more effortless you complete the pattern, the more points the judge will award)
*Will there be a line during showmanship?
Answer: A line is done in showmanship when a judge wants to compare contestants side by side - usually when placing a class. At the county show the judges will be highly encouraged to bring in those who earned a blue ribbon during the pattern to place the top 5. However with that said, the judges are in charge of how their class will be run and if they already know their placing and don't feel like they need to do a final line, that will be up to them.
If you have any other questions about Showmanship you can email questions to mortotell@digis.net and I will try to get back to you ASAP.
Thanks Everyone!
