Make sure you practice way before the show (something someone said about only having a few days ). I used to practice every day a show test with my horse basically doing exactly what you'd do in a show. It gets your horse used to knowing what you want from them. Showmanship isn't easy but some people think it's nothing. There are handlers that are good that make very good money doing this. Thanks for the good video!
My horse crosses her front feet behind each other. and when I walk into her she turns her head and neck instead of keeping them straight. Also this has nothing to do with pivoting but when I back her up and then ask her to square up, she doesn't but when i walk foreword and stop she does. How can I fix theses things? We are really struggling and you seem to know your stuff!
First, I would take it one step at a time. Ask for him to move his shoulder over just one step. When he does that, stop and reward. Do not reward unless it is only his shoulder that moves. If the hind end moves, keep asking until it stays still and only the shoulders move. Does this make sense?
Is it ok if instead of a horse leaving their right back foot in place they leave their left beck foot in place? Because I have a horse that is a little over 2 and that's what he does. If this is not ok then how do I fix it? Thanks, Nikki
That's a very good imformative video! I have two questions about showmanship but, since my horse already pivots good, not the pivot: 1. Do you need to look back at the end of your pattern? I've heard some judges say no because it is "dangerous" and you shouldn't have to but others look for that. 2. My horse is SUPER lazy so how do you get them to trot and back faster? I do show him the whip and it works for a while but then he goes back to his lazy self especially during my class... Thanks!
Rachel Veltman my horse does that too I find it helpful to move forward and come out off the horses face a little more your horse maybe to scrunched up so he's pivoting on the wrong foot try to get him to be just a tad more stretched out😂😂👌🏽good luck to you hope I could be at a help
Brittney Trusz if you’re still needing a video on banding, I recommend looking up “western show grooming” on RUclips. Should be the first video, it’s two AQHA judges showing how to prep for a show, they show you how to band the mane and forelock as well as how to thin and cut to the appropriate length!
Nerves are good! It means you care. Channel it into useful energy and say to yourself, "I've done the work and now it is time to show it off!" Give yourself plenty of time before your class so you don't get stressed that way. Remember why you are there: to have fun!! After your class, no matter how it goes, thank your horse. Good luck!!!
I have a video coming out in a day or two that discusses putting the head down. Only rarely will your horse set up by himself. You need to find a pattern to set his feet every time you set up within just two steps. This way, he can become confident what you are going to do, then he will start trying to set up for you. Sometimes you'll get a perfect set up even before you turn, but more often than not you will have to move at least one foot. A lot of requests for set up video!
Hello, be sure to keep the shoulder and head straight, poke her in the shoulder to remind her to keep straight. The pivot isn't going to be perfect from the beginning. Be sure to reward her for just moving the foot you asked for, not necessarily getting it perfectly set up. When they understand which foot they should move when, they naturally start getting to set up. Reward the half steps more than the big ones, especially if they are small! Does this answer your questions?
1. It depends where the judges are. If they are in front of your shoulder and you can easily nod, do it. If you have to turn around, don't. 2. Don't wait for your horse, walk off immediately, let the chain catch him. Repeat the same transition several times until he understands the idea. This works with everything you do, even backing.
I want my horse to pivot while I'm riding her. Is this where you start to get to that point? Do you have any video's teaching a horse to do it while your riding him?
my horse is just learning and how won’t move his front feet and just fight me with his head. he won’t move at all when i do what is shown in the video. how do i make him move away from me and move his feet?
When you ask her to move away from you, just she bend away at the neck? If so, you will need to push on her shoulder, with your hand, to first teach her that is what you are asking. When she gets that, start asking her to move away without touching her shoulder. Eventually, you will be able to move back to her head and ask for the pivot normally with their shoulders over.
Laurel H okay that makes sense, I have been trying to do both stay at her head and trying to move her shoulder at the same time. She also started to back up when I ask her to move away from me or goes forward but won't do the pivot.
It sounds like there are multiple layers of misunderstanding. Focus on fixing one thing at a time. Make sure she has a consistent pivot, then teach her to get her shoulders over. The worst you can do is throw too much at her too soon!
To square up is a finite thing. She sets up going straight because she was taught to set up only when walking then stopping. You need to practice setting her up after all maneuvers, backing, pivoting, trotting, walking. Do it the same every single time so she can become confident that she knows what you want!
+Pima Horse Girl I would suggest starting with halter before showmanship. You wouldn't have to start doing showmanship too much later. For halter you would just have to train your horse to walk and trot right beside you and set up correctly. The you can start with pivoting and backing.
If you mean, he pivots on the right foot instead of the left, it isn't a big deal. You will not be penalized hard enough to lose first place. However, if this IS a big deal to you, pull him off balance so he is forced to pivot on the left foot. When he picks up the wrong pivot foot to instead turn on the correct foot, stop and praise. I hope this makes sense!!!
hi i have a 3 year old horse and we are just know starting showmanship for 4-h and he is not very easy with me on my hands and he doesnt take baby steps when trying to set up and he likes to move sometimes when i dont tell him too how can i improve this is my first time doing this my first horse
How do you train your horse to pivot on the correct foot. I'm just beginning to use a new horse an when she pivots though she does it well she pivots on the wrong foot.
I just started my pleasure horse and I am using him for the 4-H so I am also doing halter...and I don't know what to teach him first for halter can you please help me
Pima Horse Girl for halter the horse just needs to be able to walk and trot at your pace directly beside you and set up some shows ask for you to back up but not all but I would prepare for it.. pivot is in showmanship and is not necisary for halter
Bryonnah Gullixon Hugh? Wierd you horse doesn't move away? Does she move towards it? If it where my mare I would push her away from me with one hand that has a hold on the lead rope at the same time as poking her in the shoulder to get her to move away from you like as if your pulling her...idk if that makes 100% sense. But I wish you luck and hope I was at a help
Hmm, this message wasn't sent to me, I apologize for the lack of response! This is a lot of questions for one comment. I will start with the first part. Crossing behind is bad, you need to keep asking her to pivot until she crosses in the front. You may be too close to her shoulder, causing her to scrunch up. Second, she is turning her head to avoid the pivot. Use your right hand to poke her shoulder out of your way, to keep her head and shoulders straight!
Actually my Arab is fairly well with pivoting now..He does keep his head down when riding in pleasure. He can do it in showmanship, too. It's not un-natural at all. If you see Arabians out at pasture, they usually don't keep their necks arched. Yes, it's a natural and beautiful thing for them to arch their necks when excited but they don't do it all the time. That's kind of a huge stereo-type. Study up on Arabs before commenting! Saying they can't pivot or keep their heads relaxed is ridiculous.
Also, when horses have their heads low, it means they are relaxed and comfortable. It has nothing to do with the breed. Every horse in the world should be able to pivot and keep their head down..otherwise they are seriously lame or their conformation is terrible.
Arabians do NOT put their head down ever whether it's halter or showmanship. They should have their necks tall and stretched at set up and high and natural while walking and trotting.. Arabians also DO NOT pivot in showmanship, however keep a nice tight turn. Arabians have a different set up as well. Scissored hind legs and square front.
It's kinda annoying when you constantly clucking and saying whoa. I mean it's annoying for me, so I don't know how annoying that is for the horse. Obviously people are going to say that's how you move your horse, but you can improve that with your horse by using more body language instead of your voice. I'm pretty sure after along time he's going to get annoyed by that and just ignore most of your voice. That's why it is good to use body language and also horses don't use their voices to move other horses. Think like a horse.
Jenna Kahler Jenna Kahler Hey!! So I totally understand the clucking and woah can become annoying but I know when I'm training a lot or with a horse that is still in train I have a bad habit of clicking to trying to keep the horses attention on me 😂😂👌🏽 But otherwise agreed with my finished (in showmanship) 5year old QH gelding he goes 100% off body language! In the description she says to not click to much also too😂😂😂😂🤘🏼😱😂💪🏽😂
Can you do a video on how to start on teaching your horse to square up! I can't find any videos and I really want to learn!! please and THANKYOU:)
Make sure you practice way before the show (something someone said about only having a few days ). I used to practice every day a show test with my horse basically doing exactly what you'd do in a show. It gets your horse used to knowing what you want from them. Showmanship isn't easy but some people think it's nothing. There are handlers that are good that make very good money doing this. Thanks for the good video!
Thank you that was so good to watch. Chrystal clear to understand. I just need to watch all your other videos.
Okay thank you! I'm really trying to master pivots, the low head, setting up, and backing straight. Your videos help a lot!!
Haha he looked familiar. I showed against him in showmanship.
Nice video with excellent explanation! Thank you.
beautiful horse!! Showing my first showmanship class this weekend :)
Thank you! This was a very informational video. Good presentation.👍🏻
Very nice!
This is wonderful - can you do a video on setting up next?
Love! Agree, set up and other components next!
Great video, any tips on a horse the pivots on the wrong foot? He has a good forward pivot, just on the wrong foot!
My POA mare sets up immediately and has since she was born it just comes naturally to her.
Can you make the clicking sound while showing?
Hi! Could you lease make a video on how to set your horse up? Or how to teach your horse how to set up? Thanks!
Thank you ... very nice
My horse crosses her front feet behind each other. and when I walk into her she turns her head and neck instead of keeping them straight. Also this has nothing to do with pivoting but when I back her up and then ask her to square up, she doesn't but when i walk foreword and stop she does. How can I fix theses things? We are really struggling and you seem to know your stuff!
First, I would take it one step at a time. Ask for him to move his shoulder over just one step. When he does that, stop and reward. Do not reward unless it is only his shoulder that moves. If the hind end moves, keep asking until it stays still and only the shoulders move. Does this make sense?
is that barn is Wisconsin. Because it looks like mine.
Great vid!!
What should i do if my horse stays on his foot for most of it but then moves it towards the end?
Random Things yes I would like to know too :)
As per popular demand, I'll be creating a video on teaching a horse to keep their pivot foot planted. Thanks for the suggestion!
Is it ok if instead of a horse leaving their right back foot in place they leave their left beck foot in place? Because I have a horse that is a little over 2 and that's what he does. If this is not ok then how do I fix it?
Thanks,
Nikki
That's a very good imformative video! I have two questions about showmanship but, since my horse already pivots good, not the pivot: 1. Do you need to look back at the end of your pattern? I've heard some judges say no because it is "dangerous" and you shouldn't have to but others look for that. 2. My horse is SUPER lazy so how do you get them to trot and back faster? I do show him the whip and it works for a while but then he goes back to his lazy self especially during my class... Thanks!
Thank you so much!
I have a horse that plants the wrong pivot foot. what should I do?
Rachel Veltman my horse does that too I find it helpful to move forward and come out off the horses face a little more your horse maybe to scrunched up so he's pivoting on the wrong foot try to get him to be just a tad more stretched out😂😂👌🏽good luck to you hope I could be at a help
Could you please do a video clip on banding the mane and forlock please
Brittney Trusz if you’re still needing a video on banding, I recommend looking up “western show grooming” on RUclips. Should be the first video, it’s two AQHA judges showing how to prep for a show, they show you how to band the mane and forelock as well as how to thin and cut to the appropriate length!
@@leafygreen9036 ok cool thank you so much
im showing a horse and im really nervous can you give tips maybehow to feel comfortable with the horse
Nerves are good! It means you care. Channel it into useful energy and say to yourself, "I've done the work and now it is time to show it off!" Give yourself plenty of time before your class so you don't get stressed that way. Remember why you are there: to have fun!! After your class, no matter how it goes, thank your horse. Good luck!!!
I have a video coming out in a day or two that discusses putting the head down. Only rarely will your horse set up by himself. You need to find a pattern to set his feet every time you set up within just two steps. This way, he can become confident what you are going to do, then he will start trying to set up for you. Sometimes you'll get a perfect set up even before you turn, but more often than not you will have to move at least one foot. A lot of requests for set up video!
My gelding will move his shoulder out of my way but won't plant his hind right. What do I do to make it stay?
Does it matter that his back left leg isn't crossing over his back right leg?
Hello, be sure to keep the shoulder and head straight, poke her in the shoulder to remind her to keep straight. The pivot isn't going to be perfect from the beginning. Be sure to reward her for just moving the foot you asked for, not necessarily getting it perfectly set up. When they understand which foot they should move when, they naturally start getting to set up. Reward the half steps more than the big ones, especially if they are small! Does this answer your questions?
How do you get an old off the track thoroughbred to pivot,ive tried everything and he still just doesnt get it :(
1. It depends where the judges are. If they are in front of your shoulder and you can easily nod, do it. If you have to turn around, don't. 2. Don't wait for your horse, walk off immediately, let the chain catch him. Repeat the same transition several times until he understands the idea. This works with everything you do, even backing.
I want my horse to pivot while I'm riding her. Is this where you start to get to that point? Do you have any video's teaching a horse to do it while your riding him?
My trainer says I need to soften my hands/hold during sms. Any suggestions? He says I have a death grip on the lead line
my horse is just learning and how won’t move his front feet and just fight me with his head. he won’t move at all when i do what is shown in the video. how do i make him move away from me and move his feet?
Use a flag to apply pressure at first then when he understands better he should pivot with just the halter
Does their front left need to cross over front?
How do you make your horse pivot into the inside of the ring?
My mare does not move her shoulder when we work on the pivot. How should I teach her to move out of my way?
When you ask her to move away from you, just she bend away at the neck? If so, you will need to push on her shoulder, with your hand, to first teach her that is what you are asking. When she gets that, start asking her to move away without touching her shoulder. Eventually, you will be able to move back to her head and ask for the pivot normally with their shoulders over.
Laurel H okay that makes sense, I have been trying to do both stay at her head and trying to move her shoulder at the same time. She also started to back up when I ask her to move away from me or goes forward but won't do the pivot.
It sounds like there are multiple layers of misunderstanding. Focus on fixing one thing at a time. Make sure she has a consistent pivot, then teach her to get her shoulders over. The worst you can do is throw too much at her too soon!
Laurel H thank you. I will work on this❤️
To square up is a finite thing. She sets up going straight because she was taught to set up only when walking then stopping. You need to practice setting her up after all maneuvers, backing, pivoting, trotting, walking. Do it the same every single time so she can become confident that she knows what you want!
+Pima Horse Girl
I would suggest starting with halter before showmanship. You wouldn't have to start doing showmanship too much later. For halter you would just have to train your horse to walk and trot right beside you and set up correctly. The you can start with pivoting and backing.
If you mean, he pivots on the right foot instead of the left, it isn't a big deal. You will not be penalized hard enough to lose first place. However, if this IS a big deal to you, pull him off balance so he is forced to pivot on the left foot. When he picks up the wrong pivot foot to instead turn on the correct foot, stop and praise. I hope this makes sense!!!
In the show ring is touching the shoulder a penalty or is it allowed?
do you show apha cause I show aqha and we do a kiss we always do right back foot
hi i have a 3 year old horse and we are just know starting showmanship for 4-h and he is not very easy with me on my hands and he doesnt take baby steps when trying to set up and he likes to move sometimes when i dont tell him too how can i improve this is my first time doing this my first horse
How do you train your horse to pivot on the correct foot. I'm just beginning to use a new horse an when she pivots though she does it well she pivots on the wrong foot.
How do u train them to do that
Are vocal commands (clucking, woohing, and actually say "trot on") allowed in showmanship? Or would they prefer you not to?
How do you do this on horseback?
I just started my pleasure horse and I am using him for the 4-H so I am also doing halter...and I don't know what to teach him first for halter can you please help me
Pima Horse Girl for halter the horse just needs to be able to walk and trot at your pace directly beside you and set up some shows ask for you to back up but not all but I would prepare for it.. pivot is in showmanship and is not necisary for halter
Is using a chain required?
Barbara Divine
Not required, but has better control.
But if your horse does not like the chain, then dont use it! :)
How do you get your horse to move away from the pressure? She just doesn't catch on. Some one please help me or explain thanks :)
Bryonnah Gullixon Hugh? Wierd you horse doesn't move away? Does she move towards it? If it where my mare I would push her away from me with one hand that has a hold on the lead rope at the same time as poking her in the shoulder to get her to move away from you like as if your pulling her...idk if that makes 100% sense. But I wish you luck and hope I was at a help
i have my first show in a two days and i cant get my horse to trot in showmanship
Mary Pluid me too!
Hmm, this message wasn't sent to me, I apologize for the lack of response! This is a lot of questions for one comment. I will start with the first part. Crossing behind is bad, you need to keep asking her to pivot until she crosses in the front. You may be too close to her shoulder, causing her to scrunch up. Second, she is turning her head to avoid the pivot. Use your right hand to poke her shoulder out of your way, to keep her head and shoulders straight!
my mini horse sets up by his self :)
How can I teach my Arab to keep his head down and also set up by himself?
Actually my Arab is fairly well with pivoting now..He does keep his head down when riding in pleasure. He can do it in showmanship, too. It's not un-natural at all. If you see Arabians out at pasture, they usually don't keep their necks arched. Yes, it's a natural and beautiful thing for them to arch their necks when excited but they don't do it all the time. That's kind of a huge stereo-type. Study up on Arabs before commenting! Saying they can't pivot or keep their heads relaxed is ridiculous.
You're gorgeous
Also, when horses have their heads low, it means they are relaxed and comfortable. It has nothing to do with the breed. Every horse in the world should be able to pivot and keep their head down..otherwise they are seriously lame or their conformation is terrible.
Arabians do NOT put their head down ever whether it's halter or showmanship. They should have their necks tall and stretched at set up and high and natural while walking and trotting.. Arabians also DO NOT pivot in showmanship, however keep a nice tight turn. Arabians have a different set up as well. Scissored hind legs and square front.
It's kinda annoying when you constantly clucking and saying whoa. I mean it's annoying for me, so I don't know how annoying that is for the horse. Obviously people are going to say that's how you move your horse, but you can improve that with your horse by using more body language instead of your voice. I'm pretty sure after along time he's going to get annoyed by that and just ignore most of your voice. That's why it is good to use body language and also horses don't use their voices to move other horses. Think like a horse.
Jenna Kahler Jenna Kahler Hey!! So I totally understand the clucking and woah can become annoying but I know when I'm training a lot or with a horse that is still in train I have a bad habit of clicking to trying to keep the horses attention on me 😂😂👌🏽 But otherwise agreed with my finished (in showmanship) 5year old QH gelding he goes 100% off body language! In the description she says to not click to much also too😂😂😂😂🤘🏼😱😂💪🏽😂