What makes a good Show Horse

KNOWING WHAT TO LOOK FOR

TEXT: TARRYN STEBBING (NATIONAL CANDIDATE SHOWING JUDGE)

There are five fundamentals required in a top show horse. Do not be disheartened if your horse does not possess all these qualities; few horses do. However, certain aspects cannot be overlooked, and these must be considered before entering the ring.

These five are as follows:

1. CONFORMATION

Conformation is important in any equestrian discipline, but with showing being the equivalent of a beauty pageant for horses, imperfections are frowned upon far more harshly than in, say, dressage.

The reason we look at conformation is ultimately to give us an idea of how the horse will cope with work and if he or she is likely to remain sound, as bad conformation is often the reason behind injuries and lameness.

Whilst there is no such thing as a perfectly conformed horse, a well-formed skeletal structure with good, strong bone will go a long way in helping our horses achieve the tasks we ask of them. These are the horses we want to breed with to increase the chance of creating strong, sound offspring.

Look for a horse with straight legs, clean bone and joints and solid, even feet. A good back and well set on neck will help with comfort under saddle.

2. MOVEMENT

A show horse should show a good four-beat walk and a well-balanced canter that looks light and easy to sit. The canter should be easily pushed into a smooth lengthening or extension without tension. A beautiful floaty trot is always an advantage, and it is imperative that the horse is able to show a good lengthening of stride; however, the trot is a gait that can be improved with correct work.

Your hunters are required to show a strong gallop that covers ground but is easily brought back. This is often the crowdpleaser in the show ring.

For showing, a horse needs to move as straight as possible when observed from the front and behind. Any dishing, swinging or closeness of the limbs, for example, whilst moving, is undesired and will certainly count against the horse.

3. SOUNDNESS

The horse’s gaits need to be regular, and the horse should appear comfortable and free of pain in all areas. Tripping is dangerous and undesirable.

Besides the obvious soundness in movement, a show horse also needs to be sound in breathing. You cannot have a hunter who is required to gallop who cannot get sufficient air into his lungs. Any permeant respiratory disorders such as whistling and roaring are taboos in the ring.

4. MANNERS

Manners are paramount in any show class. A horse may be asked to leave the arena at any time for bad behaviour. Behaviour generally comes down to schooling; however, ground manners are just as important! Manners need to be enforced consistently at home as well as at a show. A wellmannered horse should, amongst other things, respect your space, stand when asked, and remain still whilst the rider or judge mounts.

In order to be able to execute a good performance, the horse must be schooled and easy to ride and must understand your aids as well as his job in the ring.

A horse with a good temperament goes a long way and is an asset, but even some hot-headed horses can be produced to be a great competitor with a skilled and patient handler or rider.

5. QUALITY

A good show horse needs to have that extra little something. We refer to this as quality. Some examples of quality would be a beautiful head; a gleaming coat; well set, open eyes; a proud presence; and the desire to show himself off. This is often what separates the good from the best!

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect horse. So, find out which of these traits your horse processes or which you could possibly enhance through training or turnout, and then play up to their strengths! When you focus on what your horse is good at, you might be surprised at what you can achieve!