S.A.L.E.- Showmanship
Feb 23-Mar 1, 2015
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| S.A.L.E. Showmanship by San Antonio Texas Equine Event Photographers Genie Images |
Showmanship is one of my favorite classes. For the guy off the street . . . it may not be the most exciting classes unless you look a little deeper. I sat in the stands waiting for a past student to show his new Quarter Horse, so in the meantime I observed current trends and rising superstars.
I was looking through the lens and behind me I heard two ladies chatting about the class, wondering what the heck was being judged?! I turned to them and asked politely if they would like an overview . . . they said, "oh, yes please"!
Speaking in plain terms, showmanship is being judged on the handler and how they ask the horse to perform the set pattern. Their attire and how well the horse is groomed is paramount. The horse is a prop . . . he/she should perform effortless turns on the haunches, back easily, move off at the jog instantaneously, stop on a dime, and stand quietly so the handler looks like a superstar. "Sounds simple", they replied. HA!
I pointed out this particular girl and commented on how her trousers, hat, and boots were perfectly color matched and the top coordinates exactly. The outfit alone probably cost $2000 from a custom tailor. There will be no wrinkles nor gaps in her top, well fitted trousers that are the proper length, and the hat has a crisp shape . . . it is all about the details. The silver show halter that the horse wears is fitted perfectly to his/her head and cleaned vigorously to bring out the brilliant shine.
This duo probably trains specifically for this event 2x a week at the trainers after school or on weekends. Practicing pivots, low running jogs, executing stops, perfecting their timing on changing quarters to position themselves for the judge, and showing. "Isn't the whole thing showing", they asked? Showing is the standard performance PLUS the look in the face, the body carriage, and the overall confidence the exhibitor exhibits to the judge and spectators. You can almost pick your top 5 handlers from the moment they enter the ring; champions all have that special something.
This ever so simple class, allows most all exhibitors the chance to showcase their style and charisma to the judge. Talk about character development!
Jeanne Harford
San Antonio Photographer
San Antonio Equine Photographer
San Antonio Event Photographer
Texas Horse Show Photographer
Texas Event Photographer
Good Showmanship info
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