Showmanship In Hand Course Description

The course is designed primarily to assist instructors who will be training showmanship horses and teaching amateurs and youth to compete in showmanship in hand classes.  The number of showmanship in hand classes is growing rapidly as the competition gains popularity among the biggest segment of the horse industry.

Students will learn the rules and scoring for showmanship classes with an emphasis on developing a winning edge. Breed association and class procedures are examined. Students will learn how to train showmanship horses, and then will focus attention on how to instruct competitors. Grooming the showmanship horse, as well as the competitor’s grooming are essential elements involved in winning competitions.

I. Leading and stopping
A. Halter lead and fit
B. Body position
C. Straightness
D. Problem solving

II. Squaring the feet
A. Body position
B. Learning the sequence
C. Problem solving

III. Trotting
A. Body position
B. Problem solving

IV. Cross Overs
A. The three step
B. The four step
C. Body Position
D. Working the judge

V. Pivots – Right and Left
A. Body position
B. Problem solving

VI. Circling
A. Turning while walking or trotting

VII. Backing
A. Body position
B. Backing straight
C. Backing in a curve
D. Problem solving

VIII. Performing simple patterns
A. Using cones
B. How to present to the judge

IX. Conditioning the horse
A. Feed
B. Grooming
C. Health care
D. Clipping
E. Manes and tails

X. Performing Intermediate Patterns

XI. Clothes
A. Hats
B. Boots

XII. Equipment
A. Halters
B. Leads

XIII. Rules, judging and scoring a showmanship pattern

XIV. Performing advanced patterns

XV. Preparing to show
A. Grooming
B. Banding
C. Tails
E. Clipping
F. Clothes
G. Warm up
H. Mental
I. Class procedure

Click Here To Enroll In Course

  • Start course at anytime – no waiting for a semester to begin
  • Completion deadline of one year from enrollment date.  Extensions available.
  • Work one-on-one with your instructor
  • You can take just the one course