GoHorseShow would like to thank AQHA Judge Holly Hover of Cave Creek, Arizona for taking the time to break down an NSBA World Show Horsemanship pattern for us. Holly has had the honor of judging World Shows and major events all over the world. This pattern is for Amateur Horsemanship, Color Amateur Horsemanship, Youth 14-18 Horsemanship, and Color Youth Horsemanship. You may view the pattern displayed below or download it here.
We chose this pattern as it is certainly one of the more challenging at the show. However, those not showing in this class can still benefit as there are many elements from it in the patterns of other classes in Tulsa.
Whoa…first glance at this pattern may understandably, send chills up your spine, but that’s what I like about it! There are a lot of opportunities here for you to successfully execute the pattern and build a winning ride.
I always start by thoroughly reading through the pattern and following along closely with the drawing. I look for vocabulary that may suggest the tempo of the pattern…where is it challenging, where are there opportunities for me to soften and take a breath, are there any ‘keywords’ that I need to focus on? Let’s break it down.
My first vocabulary flag is the word ‘center’. It is referred to four times throughout the pattern instructions. Whether I was preparing as an exhibitor or judge, I know the center is an important component of this entire pattern placement. I look for the descriptive vocabulary, ie..extend, collect, vertical, arc, two horse lengths, etc. These instructions are all part of your opportunity to execute credit-earning scores. Pay attention to the hints that the drawing offers as well. This is the line of travel that the judges will be anticipating and it is your responsibility to lay it out as correctly as you can.
This pattern has ten maneuvers. I think the degree of difficulty of each maneuver is very consistent throughout. I like that each component will offer you equal opportunities to build that score!
1. Begin at A. Extend Jog towards center. First impression is always powerful! You need to be at the marker with your horse framed up and standing balanced. You need to be in a good position. Mentally, you need to exude confidence in your plan. This is a great first maneuver. If done well, it will set the tone for your pattern. It’s ok to move forward into the extended jog, but the degree of difficulty in a clean and swift execution of the extended jog right to a point below the center, as shown in the diagram, will be rewarded.
2. Stop, approximate 570 degree turn right. The stop should be straight and in the correct form. No dribbling into the stop or walking out. Complete the stop before initiating the turn. Whatever time your horse needs to get balanced and prepared for that turn is your decision. Speed is rewarded if done correctly, but can also take you into a negative maneuver reduction if it interferes with correctness. Your turn is just a little over a turn and a half. You need to concentrate on shutting down as you reach a straight line to the side wall. Your turn should be executed at a comfortable speed for your horse. He needs to be in the correct arc, looking in the direction of the turn.
3. Lope right lead as shown to center. The diagram clearly shows two square corners in this line of travel to the center of the arena. The depth of this maneuver is something that you need to determine how it best relates to your horse’s ability. Some will need more room than others and that’s ok. The bottom line is you need to find that line and make sure you are at the center before you move through your lead change.
4. At the center, change leads (simple or flying). The lead change needs to be a quality change whether you choose a simple or flying change. Either way, your horse should yield to your hand and leg, maintaining a consistent frame and top line. Some horses may need you to push them up and over to execute well and others may not. It is your job to execute the best that you have.
5. Left lead sharp corner towards the vertical center of the arena. This is a tricky maneuver and it will certainly showcase the ability you have to maintain the lope in a tight corner to the left. Those who can guide through this turn with a soft hand and responsive horse and then find that straight diagonal line to the top of the pattern will certainly be rewarded. Here’s where your eyes can help you succeed. Have a place in your mind where that horse needs to go and make it happen.
6. Extended lope in an arc as shown, collect lope before center. You now must leave sharp corners and move into the softer line needed in the arc to center. The extended lope should be at a pace that shows the degree of difficulty. Again, it is your responsibility to show me that degree without sacrificing your horse’s confidence. Your position in the saddle should remain balanced and soft…functional. The collection should reflect a definite change of pace but never sacrifice the good movement of your horse.
7. Walk 2 horse lengths and drop stirrups while at the walk. The lope-to-walk transition should be crisp and concise, with no half halts or jog steps. Move forward through the walk with determination, then drop your stirrups and find that spot where your leg and heel cover the stirrup…heels down and leg tight.
8. Lope left lead arc…this is another tough maneuver. Ride with determination as you move into that left lead and get to a pace that helps your horse get through the counter canter around to the right. Your location here is important as well. You need to ride to a spot just south of where your first maneuver placed you.
9. Stop, 450 degree turn left. Again, you must execute a solid stop, complete the stop and then move into the one-and-a-quarter turn to the left. Finish the turn in a direct line to the arena wall.
10. Back one horse length and exit at the jog. The backup is only one horse length (approximately 4 steps). It needs to be straight, your horse needs to be soft and yield to your hand. Move up into the jog and forward to the end of the arena. Remember, your pattern is not complete until you have shown the jog. Never stop showing until you have left the arena!
Ride Smart…Good Luck…#NSBAPROUD
