Western Conformation/Showmanship Classes?

Question

I've ridden and competed english all of my life. Recently, I purchased a western pleasure horse with the goal of switching him over - he wanted NO part in that.

So my aunt is showing him western pleasure this weekend at a local 4H show. So, I decided to try my hand in the western conformation/showmanship classes. I've done english showmanship before and I know how that goes, but I know the western is different.

How do the patterns typically go? And how do you put the chain on the halter - does it go underneath or overtop or what? Can someone send me pictures or a step-by-step guide on what to do? My horse stands up squarely and everything, etc. Also, how do you band? I know how to braid, etc. What should the length of the mane for a quarter horse be, etc?

And help is appreciated. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

I'll do my best here.  When putting a chain on for halter/showmanship you shoul take the chain from the right side ring of the noseband pass it under the chin and through the ring on the other side of the noseband and hook it to the left ring at the top (by the crown piece).  

Your patterns will be posted at least an hour before your class and for showmanship at halter they typically include walking to the judge in a straight line or from one cone to another, a set up for inspection, a trot from one cone to another, a backup and a pivot either toward or away from you (usually away to the right).  Some judges will ask for a pivot to the left (toward you).  They could be any combination of these.

Bands are just lots of small pony tails in the mane.  If his mane is more than four inches long, I'd cut it down to 4 inches or slightly less (I actually keep mine around 2).  If you can braid you should be fine, just make sure your bands are tight and even and to help them lay flat put some gel on the crest of the neck and put a good slinky on.  I'd say the rule of thumb is to make bands that are about the size around of your little finger (depending on your age) or about twice the size of a regular No. 2  yellow pencil.

To get some ideas try AQHA.com they may give you some ideas as to how your horse should look.  If you'd like you can e-mail me through my contact information on here and I can e-mail you some pics.

Answer 2

well with the brading you ussaly dont braid there mane u leave it natrual for the quater horse. the chane goes under the halter.

here are some pics :]

http://www.remusquarterhorses.com/MAX_co...

http://www.goodgoodmister.com/images/mar...

http://www.gtrnews.com/images/1830.jpg

http://muddycreekfarms.com/images/samily...

P.S. u also should cut his mane to about an 1 inch thats what i was told :] good luck

Answer 3

matikibu knows what she's doing; listen to that advice (except the putting on the chain; thats a little off). but i wanted to add my contribution. western and english showmanship are really not all that different. the judge still judges you the same, and the same things are expected from the horse. the only difference is the attire/tack. i'm assuming you know from your aunt what to wear (if you dont just say so and i'll go into that). to put on the chain, pass the end through the ring on the left side, under the jaw, through the side ring on the right side, and take the snap up to the ring that the crownpeice attaches to and snap it on there. banding is pretty easy, but make sure that when you are putting the band in that you hold the hair against their neck and keep it there while you're banding. this will keep the finished ponytail from sticking up. i would try to practice banding before the show to see if you can do it well; if you cant, just leave it natural (cut to about 4 inches), its not a huge deal.

just a tip, when they ask you for a trot, try to get him to extend; just because its western showmanship doesnt mean that they want it slow all the time. have fun with it, and try not to stress too much! =]

Answer 4

Your last poster gave a decent description of how the chain is supposed to go - it's basically fastened high to the right side piece ring, weaves through the right jaw ring, under the chin and through the left jaw ring.  You want to have only a few inches of chain left, do NOT hold the chain in your hand at any point in time as you can get serious injured if the horse pulls back.  And do not ever tie your horse like this as he could really hurt himself.

Is your horse trained to set up off the chain?  If not, you are totally allowed to use a basic rope under the chin.

Banding isn't easy.  You must practice regularily to be any good, or your horse's mane will stand on end like tiny ponytails, and it will be worse than nothing.  I would practice at home, and if you don't like the results, then go with your horse's mane straight and unbanded.

There are good books that show how to do the process - I recommend Western Horseman's book on Grooming, it will be under $10 and has lots of good photos.  Make sure you buy bands in a color to match your horse's mane, you will also need Quik Braid (a product to help the mane lay flat) a small comb, a pair of scissors, something to stand on to reach his mane and a slinky.  You must use a slinky on a horse after banding, otherwise the bands tend to stand on end, or else get rubbed out quickly by an itchy horse.

As for length of mane, most people keep their show horse's mane shortened to anywhere to 2-4 inches.  Do not shorten to one inch, it will never lay flat.  I would suggest shortening it to four inches or so, banding, and then being prepared to shorten it again.

Good luck with your new horse and have fun.  I don't think you can expect to be a Western pro with only a day or two's practice and info.  just consider this a chance to try something new, and see how your horse does, and then you'll have fun and learn lots!