Western Lesson: Showmanship Setup

 
class requires you and your horse to work as a team. While leading your horse through the pattern is important the inspection is a major factor in placing. During the inspection the judge evaluates your horse based on your ability to set him up and present him. Top horsewoman and approved breed judge Sharon Wellmann provides tips to master the setup and take home the win. Read on to learn more about a showmanship class setup and how to practice it.
Well Equipped
First know the rules and follow them when practicing and showing.

Showmanship is a class thats all about presenting your horse and controlling him through the halter and lead shank says Sharon.
Be sure that the halter fits the horse and the lead rope or shank is acceptable for the class.

1. Proper Position
The first step for a showmanship class setup is having the right position.
Stand next to the horse with your right hand at the same height and close to where the chain comes out of the hardware of the noseband and chin strap of the halter says Sharon. When your hand drops it pulls the chain down and makes it hard for the horse to follow commands.
Keep a slight bend in your right elbow and your right arm slightly ahead of your left. Your left arm should be at your side and bent at the elbow so that your forearm is parallel to the ground.
Stand with your shoulder at the horses throatlatch or slightly behind. Keep your eyes and chin up stand up straight and keep your eyes forward.
2. Pull Push
The second step for a showmanship class setup is to pull push. Now that youre standing in the right spot in the proper position its time to ensure that your horse is listening.
Sharon says to start slow. Pull your horse forward a step or two then push him back a step or two using the lead shank. Do this until he is responding to light pressure on the lead without you pulling or dragging him. Now pull and push the horse side to side. Look for him to be light and ready to move. This is preparation for asking the horse to set up his feet square.
3. Setup in a Snap
The third step for a showmanship class is to set up your horse. Setting a horse up is more than simply squaring his feet. A horse is judged on presentation in showmanship not conformation. But part of the presentation is knowing how to show off your horse to his best advantage. When practicing set him up so his front and back legs are aligned in a balanced position directly underneath his body.
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