| Picking and choosing the horse classes you plan to | | | | Pleasure Classes: |
| enter at a show is simple once you get the hang of it. | | | | The pleasure horse classes typically consist of your |
| It is best if you take a moment to consider how your | | | | basic western pleasure and hunter under saddle |
| horse might perform in the classes you are thinking | | | | classes. They also tend to be the larger sized and |
| about entering. | | | | more competitive classes at many shows. |
| If you are newer to showing your horse or still aren't | | | | Both classes have the judging focused on the horse |
| quite sure which classes are right for you, it may be a | | | | and his movement at all three gaits in both directions. |
| great idea to hang out and watch a show before | | | | Any break in gait in either direction will likely result in a |
| deciding. You can learn a lot from more experienced | | | | disqualification from the class. |
| riders including subtle riding tips that you can apply to | | | | Pattern Classes: |
| your own riding. | | | | Pattern classes come in both in-hand and under saddle |
| Remember that even the most experienced rider had | | | | varieties. Exhibitors are judged based on how well |
| to have his or her first time on a horse and at a horse | | | | they execute a selected pattern. |
| show. Even though there is a first time for everything, | | | | These classes are much more technical in nature and |
| you may not want to enter your horse in a trail class if | | | | open each horse/exhibitor team to multiple areas |
| he has never seen a ground pole or a bridge before, | | | | where error can occur. Pattern classes include |
| just a suggestion. I have seen many exhibitors "try it" | | | | showmanship, hunt seat equitation, horsemanship, |
| with no success. If you walk onto a trail course with no | | | | western riding, and trail. |
| prior experience or practice, make sure you remain | | | | Other Classes: |
| respectful of the judges and those waiting in line by | | | | There are many other classes you may come across |
| removing yourself from the class if you miss a couple | | | | listed on that show bill. We discussed some of the |
| portions of the course. | | | | most common types of classes you may see at a |
| It may also be a bad idea to enter your horse in a | | | | typical stock breed or open show. |
| class requiring jumping if he has never seen a jump | | | | Other types of horse classes include performance |
| before. This type of practice at a horse show is quite | | | | classes (cutting, reining, working cow horse, or team |
| dangerous and you or someone else could get hurt. | | | | roping), games classes (barrels, poles, keyhole), and |
| Below we will look at some of the classes you may | | | | over fences or jumping classes. |
| encounter at a typical stock breed horse show. | | | | |