HORSE BUSINESS
One major factor in Walking Horse Showmanship that is frequently overlooked is “ Equitation ”. 1 would like to state that the riding habits ( and I am talking about the manner of riding and not attire ) of the majority of Walking Horse exhibitors have greatly improved in recent years . Due to the example set by some of our more successful trainers who show their horses in a professional manner and the efforts of many trainers who have concentrated on juvenile and amateur riders , we seldom see the socalled traditional Walking Horse exhibitor who is slumped in the saddle and who , without the aid of the cantle , would slide off the rump of his mount when he called for the “ running walk ”.
For the sake of being specific we will refer to the rule book of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association for the prescribed manner for exhibiting a Tennessee Walking Horse . We will also discuss attire , with emphasis on the “ Ladies ” and will illustrate the show ring attire of several outstanding amateur exhibitors .
EQUITATION The rules for walking horse equitation are as follows : RIDER ' S BASIC POSITION AND MOTION AT GAITS All Body Parts — Never rigid or forced . Natural , coordinated , graceful .
Basic Positions
Head — Expressive , lifted , in line and in balance with body . Eyes to the front .
Shoulders — Naturally erect ; above hips , never behind . Not hunched , thrown back or pulled up .
Chest — Naturally lifted , not caved in .
Forearms — ( elbows to hands ) parallel to ground-level to horse ; in V formation from rider ’ s view .
Upper arms — Fall down from shoulders toward hip bones . Not straight forward , or clutched to body .
Hands — Waist or elbow high , over pommel or withers , not extremely separated . In unison with horse ’ s mouth . Expressive , not frozen , unyielding . Wrists---- Rounded slightly . Not stiff . Flexible . Palms — Facing downward . Slightly turned toward body .
Fingers — Closed over reins ; firm , but not rigid . Pressure between thumb and index fingers to secure ends .
Rein Arrangement — Preferred : Carried in both hands . Both reins under palms , and over thumbs . Both ends to fall neatly down horse ’ s right shoulder . Reins not to be twisted . Wrapping reins over hands or fingers objectionable .
Back — Straight , erect , not stiff . Carried with lightness .
Hips — Under shoulder line , equally balanced . Keep hip bones erect .
Support — To be distributed in rider ’ s seat , thighs and feet . Change to gait demands change of distribution .
Seat — Closely fit over CENTER of saddle . On seat bones , not tail bone . Keep spinal column in line with that of horse .
Thighs — Folded firmly against saddle , crotch to knee . Relaxed , deep contact , no rigid gripping . Angle more downward than forward . Kept in place .
Knees — Slightly bent , rolled in . Snug , steady contact . Not gripped , open or loose . Placement : neither ahead or behind leathers .
Lower leg — To hang straight down below knee from side view ; held naturally away from horse from front view , depending on rider anatomy and size of horse . Not dangling , clutched , spraddled wide or thrust forward . Regarding calf contact ; Permissible if not at sacrifice to the closed upper leg . Held only close enough for convenient subtle use of leg aids . Too great an effort to hold legs unnaturally close to horse results in faulty turned ankles , incorrectly placed foot pressure and looseness of thighs . Stirrup Leathers : Straight down from attachment on saddle . Leg swinging results from off-center placement , Lengths : Fitted for individual , neither long or short , by sitting in center of saddle and allowing legs to assume normal position with slight angle at knee , stirrup should strike just below ankle bone for correct length .
Feet — ■ Ball of foot across irons with even pressure on entire width of sole ; center or outside of iron . Held naturally , neither extremely turned in or out . Heels preferred easily down or level , but not forced .
Ankles — Maintaining a level junction they bring the foot into correct alignment with leg . To be flexible for balance . Not stiff . SHOWMANSHIP
Put into action a sound knowledge of walking horse gaits with the accomplishment of riding skills and the art of horsemanship . Add to this a well appointed , gracious personality and you have the assets for showmanship . RING MANAGEMENT :
Avoid extremes , be alert and attentive . Place your horse to best advantage . Ride near rail , work independently . Avoid bunching . ETIQUETTE :
Do not cut around closely or interfere with progress of others . Ask Ring Master to excuse you if your horse becomes unmanageable . Show prompt attention and reaction to instructions . Watching judge or grandstanding objectionable . SPORTSMANSHIP :
Take time to be courteous in and out of ring . Win or lose , enjoy the fun and associations . Don ’ t gripe . Analyze your mistakes and keep trying to improve .
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VOICE of The Tennessee Walking Horse