World Champion Amateur Whitney Walquist Vicars of Cleburne, Texas sat down with GoHorseShow to discuss her tips for exhibitors that show in the horsemanship. This article is the last in our series of competitors giving advice on how to improve themselves in showmanship, equitation, and now horsemanship. Vicars is a two-time AQHA World Champion in the Horsemanship, and a Congress and Reserve Congress Champion in this event.
Since her parents, Bruce and Cindy Walquist are trainers, Whitney grew up showing horses and her hard work over the years has paid off in a big way. Vicars is known for taking younger horses and developing them in all-around champions. Some of her past champions that she trained include, Im Shy But Deluxe, Dress This, and her current mount, Southwestern Gunman, who is showing huge potential in the all-around events. Let’s find out some of Vicars secrets to her success!
Q: What do you think is the best advice you can give a novice or someone who is first starting to show in this class?
A: I would say do your homework and read up on the horsemanship rules in the AQHA rule book. The rule book gives a great description of the correct body position for a horsemanship rider and descriptions of the correct way to perform many of the maneuvers asked for in most horsemanship patterns. I would also say watch as many of the good horsemanship riders you can. Go online to AQHA and watch some of the winning run videos from the youth, amateur, and select world shows, watch the competitors in these divisions at the shows as well. Focus on the top competitors riding styles, body position, and also the way their horses perform. Once you find a riding style you like, apply those aspects to yourself and as you become more confident you will be able to make it your own in your own way.
Q: What do you think it is that you have as far as your abilities that set you apart from others?
A: I am fortunate enough to live with my horses so I can work with them on a regular basis. Therefore, I know my horses very well. This helps me to be able to feel and read them well which helps me to be able to adjust to things in the show pen when they don’t go exactly as planned and still make my pattern look good. I think that over the years I have been able to develop a very elegant riding style with the help of my parents. I think that I have been blessed with a natural God given horsemanship seat that allows me to ride with ease and helps me to stand out in a field of tough competitors.
Q: What is your routine to prepare for the horsemanship at the shows?
A: I always look at my pattern that I will be performing and commit it to memory. Then, I discuss it with my father, Bruce Walquist, who is also my trainer. We go over any questions I may have and then start developing a plan for how we want the pattern to look. Before doing the pattern, I ride and warm up the pieces of the pattern. Once I feel that my horse and I are on the same page, then most of the time we set the cones and put the pieces together. I try not to work the pattern over and over, just enough so I get the feel of where to place everything. Then, I will go back to just doing the pieces to get them exactly how I want them or correct any problems I found while working the pattern.
Q: How often do you practice horsemanship at home?
A: I try to ride about 5 days a week. I don’t necessarily practice horsemanship as far as sitting in “horsemanship” position and working patterns all the time. However, I’m always working something with my horse whether it be spins, lead changes, or even indirect trot circles and two-tracks, and I think any practice like this helps improve your horsemanship skills and the connection between you and your horse.
Q: Do you do anything different before the big shows?
A: I ride a little more in my actual “horsemanship” position and work on my shoulders and things to make sure everything is really tuned up as far as my body position goes. I also work on turning up my speed a notch in my spins and extended lope and trot. I want my horse and I to be comfortable with the intensity level needed for the big shows. I really try to focus on the little details of everything I do and how I do it to be my very best. I don’t practice things a lot different from my normal practice, but I don’t practice with this same intensity all the time because it is difficult to perform at peek levels year round. My goal is to build up so that my horse and I can peek at the right time.
Q: How do you normally handle your nerves?
A: I pray and I quote scripture verses. One of my favorites is Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” It is because of Him that I get to show horses, and I can’t do it without Him.
Q: Any particular exercises you can recommend to others to help make their legs stronger, body position stronger and seat more balanced?
A: Riding without your stirrups can be very helpful. It helps make your legs stronger and improves your balance. It will also help you realize how much or how little strength you have and need to gain in your legs. A good horsemanship rider should have a strong core to hold their mid-section still and carry themselves gracefully. A strong core will allow you to hold your center of balance throughout all of your maneuvers, so any core related exercises would be helpful. I think exercising in general is beneficial to anyone’s riding. I know the more endurance and strength I have, the easier I can perform the maneuvers I need to with my horse.
Q: Is there anything that you do to prepare yourself mentally?
A: I remind myself of the time, work, and money it took to get here and so I don’t want to allow my nerves or emotions to affect my performance negatively. And then ultimately, God already knows the outcome and I can’t change His plan, so I remind myself to enjoy the blessing of having the opportunity to compete with a partner as amazing and talented as my horse.
Q: Do you practice entire patterns or do them in parts?
A: Both, I always work the pieces first and then the whole pattern. After putting the pattern together, I find my areas that need improvement and work on those in pieces again.
Q: Anything else you would like to add that could help others improve their skills?
A: I always like to do a lot of things with my horse to allow me to gain control of his body parts, such as, two-tracks, forehand turns, side passes, and indirect trot circles. Horsemanship is more than just sitting correctly, it’s about being able to maneuver your horse with ease and style. I think the more control you have over your horse’s body the better you can position them for the elements of your pattern. Good communication between you and your horse is the key, this is gained through lots of good practice! Also, try to train yourself to focus on the details, not just the big picture. It is in the small details that the difference is made between 1st and 2nd place. Never give up! It took me a long time to get to where I am today. The journey to success is just as sweet as the success itself so don’t take for granted the time spent with your horse, none of us are promised tomorrow!
Q: Thank you for sharing your tips!
A: You’re welcome!
Photo © Jessica Baird
