Question regarding Showing On the Line:
I was hoping you could give us a quick rundown of some of the things
you’re looking for in Showmanship as a judge in a polished performance
- things you like to see in an above-average go, such as an exhibitor
who quickly checks her horse’s leg position each time she moves when
you are walking around her in her set-up, etc.
I have most of my showmanship manuevers down really well now, but I’m
looking for tips on how to really polish things so that I can catch
the judge’s eye and stand out a little from my fellow exhibitors by
being able to deliver more than just the necessary!
And also, during a pivot, if everything is being done correctly, would
you rather see the exhibitor focus her eyes on her horse’s pivot foot
to show that she is aware of what he’s doing or keep her head up
looking at her horse’s eye (if she’s not looking at you), showing that
she’s confident her horse will stick his pivot?
Lynn Palm Answers:
Here are my tips that I look for to give you the edge in Showmanship
1. attire and turn out of horse must be perfect
2. handler must be natural and trot very balanced and relaxed with horse
3. handler and horse move together at all times.
4. all maneuvers are complete and crisp
5. pivot holds the right hand leg at all times–yes I like the handler to watch the horse when he turns.
6. Pleasant and confident expression on the handler at all times
I also suggest the Showmanship DVD that I have on my web site by Margo Ball. It is excellent!!! I have not done a DVD because I like this one so much!
