GoHorseShow talked to eleven of the Amateur Showmanship finalists about the flashback to the old days when everyone used to lineup side-by-side after their run. After their pattern, the competitors had to stay inside the arena and lineup. At the end of the class, the ring steward walked down the line in front of all 16 competitors.
We decided to ask them what was going through their minds when they were faced with this unexpected challenge. Some exhibitors mentioned that it reminded them of their 4-H and youth days, and many felt like it was a fun change of pace. Find out below what everyone had to say.
Ashley Hadlock – (pictured above) The old school touch was definitely something I didn’t expect to see. There were several different scenarios that could happen, so my trainer, Ryan Cottingim, tried to prepare us for anything. I did feel I had an advantage going last in the draw. I didn’t have to stand out there nearly as long as many of the other exhibitors. It was a disadvantage for those at the beginning of the draw, as they and their horses were required to stand and show for an extensive amount of time. It was definitely a touch that kept everyone on their toes.
Tony Anderman – I didn’t mind it. I’m not sure how much impact it had on the judging of the class, but I think it was nice for the spectators to see everyone lined up together.
Jessica Baird Divine – I really was completely surprised but I loved it. It was something unique to do again. I remember as a kid showing showmanship that way. We’d all go in and line up along the arena and work our patterns from the lineup. It felt like we were returning to our roots. I will admit – it was hard not getting to come out and discuss my pattern immediately with my trainers, Chris and Melissa Jones, though.
Jamie Radebaugh Devoe – I liked it because it was something different. I was later to go in the draw, so I didn’t have to stand out there as long as the others, but it was nice to watch the other runs from the arena.
Graysen Stroud – It wasn’t too bad, but going in the beginning was harder because it was harder on my legs. It was also harder keeping my horse awake. It brought back old memories from 4H days.
Marcus Hanson – I liked the old school line-up in the showmanship. I think they could have done more with it, like going in between the horses. It was a great throwback, and I hope they continue to bring it back to other world shows.
Scott Reinartz – I did not mind going old school in the last inspection. However, I didn’t feel like there was any point to it. I felt sorry for the first few in that had to stand there so long. I feel like we ask a lot of these horses and to have them stand at attention for any extra length of time is just senseless but that’s my opinion.
Johnna Letchworth – Terrified is the right word to use. I can remember being in the youth showmanship years ago and not having a clue what the heck was going on. Luckily, they only walked across the front and that I can handle. It was kind of fun, but on the other hand, going back out to the warm up pen after your run is nice so you have an idea of where you stand. Your trainer can tell you yay or nay.
Meg Whelan – I thought it was fun and was something different. I remember back in the 4-H days when we used to do the line inspection.
Heidi Padelsky – I actually loved it. I wish they would have weaved in and out of the line up. I grew up showing 4H, so we did the old school showmanship for so many years. I’m a big fan of it, and I wish they’d do more of it.
Sarah Lebsock – Personally, I liked the old school showmanship line up. I felt like it gave you another chance to demonstrate that you really knew what you were doing. It wasn’t too much of a surprise since it was written on the pattern. Although, I did think they’d maybe walk between horses to increase the difficulty since it was the finals. Regardless, I hope they continue to challenge us in the finals.
What do you think? Did you like this throwback to the early days of showmanship?
