Beckey Schooler’s 10 Things You Need to Know About Showmanship

Being confident, having good posture, and executing a smooth pattern are just a few of many keys to success as an exhibitor showing showmanship. We spoke to AQHA and NSBA judge, Beckey Schooler, about the Top 10 things you should know when showing in showmanship. Schooler has trained horses for 24 years and currently operates Beckey’s Place at Showplace Farm owned by her and Todd Yoder located in Adrian, Michigan. Schooler has coached multiple clients to World and Congress Championships in the all-around events. Beckey has had an impressive show record with her clients who have won the showmanship at the AQHYA World Show the past two of three years.

According to Schooler, here are the Top-10 things you should know about showmanship:

1) Choosing a horse that’s suitable for showmanship— Any horse is capable of learning showmanship, though how it progresses is based upon how much time is spent working with it. Typically, Youth and Amateur exhibitors are looking for horses for the all- around events. It is always a plus when a horse has good conformation and is pretty. You should look for a horse with a little bit of a spark that can set it apart from others.

2) Overall appearance— Be ready to go – expression, presence, and overall appearance are very important for ones first impression. A horse needs to be neatly banded or braided, having clean and properly trimmed hooves. It should be well groomed and clipped, with a fit body structure. It is important that your horse has a neat, clean looking and well-fitted halter for the class. From a judge’s standpoint, a horse should appear to be pleasant and willing to perform all of the maneuvers required in the pattern while given minimal cues.

3) Well fitting outfit— A jacket should be properly fitted but doesn’t necessarily require a lot of bling. Exhibitors’ pants need to be the correct length, their boots should be clean and polished, and their hat needs to be well shaped. It’s important to choose colors that are appropriate for the horse and the showman.

4) Execution of pattern— When you receive the pattern, read it carefully and decide where to hit the marks. When the judge sets the cones, you need to evaluate the pattern accordingly to the size of the arena and to the size and stride of the horse. The bigger the horse, you may need to give yourself more space with the cones.

5) Practice-– Good showmanship takes a lot of practice. I like short sessions, multiple times a day – I want to keep a horse happy and interested.

6) Running/walking (very important)— An excellent showman stands and moves in a natural upright position. An exhibitor should be able to walk briskly at any pace. Running requires good posture without squatting.

7) Pivots— A correct turn should be cadenced and tight. The horse needs to be straight, and not bent in its body. A horse needs to be able to turn as quickly as you can walk, without getting ahead of you. Its right hind foot must stay planted; while the left hind needs to stay even with or a little in front of its right hind foot to avoid walking out of the pivot.

8) Set up and the presentation— In my opinion, the set up and presentation are the most important elements in showmanship. The set up should be very square. I personally set the legs in a certain order – everyone has their own way, but you must have a plan so that your horse doesn’t have to read your mind. Take your time and make sure your horse is set up well. The presentation is when you get to show off your horse. Showing using the Quarter Method, you need to be well practiced.

9) Backing— Backing is something that takes a lot of practice. A horse should back without a lot of resistance, with even steps, a flat neck, and straight.

10) Things that set someone apart— Overall confidence of the exhibitor relates to poise and presence that comes with experience and being well prepared. Exhibitors should have a naturally confident expression that relays to the judge.