Showing: The Art of Ringcraft

8
Apr
2009

Robert Walker and Silken Story

Supreme Products sponsored rider Robert Walker has had great success in the show ring with his show hunters taking many major titles up and down the country. Here, he shares some of the valuable knowledge that has contributed to his highly successful career as a show horse rider and producer.

What the judge is looking for

When in the show ring, it is important that you know how to present your horse to the judge. You need to play to your strengths in order to impress and be pulled in at the top of the line.

Showing is about making an instant impact and creating the best picture possible for the judge. As well as emphasising the horse’s good points, it is important to try and improve or hide the horse’s bad points.

Ringcraft is the art of presenting and showing off your horse optimally in the ring to ensure the best possible chance of impressing the judge.

The outcome of the class depends entirely on the judge’s opinion which is based on a sound knowledge of the requirements for each showing class.

Different judges place differing emphasis on criteria such as breed, manners, correctness of conformation and way of going.

A horse with good, well-balanced conformation will not only please the eye, but should also be able to perform well, be more comfortable to ride and, consequently remain sound and healthy.

Quality, class and overall refinement are essential to a good show horse, whether a hunter or a cob.

It is important to know who will be judging and what they might like. Your horse’s success depends on your ability to place him under judges who will appreciate his qualities.

Riding In the Ring

It is crucial that you present your horse at his best whenever the judge is looking at you. As you enter the ring, try and place yourself between inferior horses so that your horse looks better.

When you are in the ring make sure you concentrate on what you are doing and keep an eye on the judge to know when they are looking.

The steward will then ask the class to move forward into trot. The trot needs to be well paced with an even flowing rhythm, covering the ground well. It is important that as you move up a pace that you keep plenty of space around you so the judge can see you at all times.

When moving into canter - you might find it easier to use a corner to help get on the correct lead - it should be smooth, flowing and balanced with the horse showing self carriage.

The steward will then ask the class to change the rein, usually across the diagonal. Judges often use this to see how straight your horse moves on the line.

The gallop is used to show that your horse can extend and lower his strides without rushing. The rider should prepare his horse for the gallop, accelerating smoothly out of the corner.

After the initial ‘go round’, the judge will be looking how to position everyone in the first line up, so don’t get boxed in and make sure you are seen.

Depending on the class, after this preliminary line up you will be expected to perform an individual show or the judge will ride your horse.

After the first ‘pull in’ saddles are removed from all horses, and the grooms enter the ring to assist the riders and make any last minute touch ups before showing the horses off for close up inspection. We use Supreme Products to quickly make the horse look his best.