The exhibitor must lead on the horse‟s left side holding
the lead shank in the right hand near the halter with the
tail of the lead loosely coiled in the left hand unless
requested by the judge to show the horse‟s teeth. It is
preferable that the exhibitor‟s hand not be on the snap or
chain portion of the lead continuously.
The excess lead should never be tightly coiled, rolled, or
folded. When leading, the exhibitor should be positioned
between the eye and the mid-point of the horse‟s neck,
referred to as the leading position.
Both arms should be bent at the elbow with the elbows
held close to the exhibitor's side and the forearms held in
a natural position. Height of the arms may vary depending
on the size of the horse and exhibitor, but the arms
should never be held straight out with the elbows locked.
The position of the exhibitor when executing a turn to the
right is the same as the leading position except that the
exhibitor should turn and face toward the horse‟s head
and have the horse move away from them to the right.
When executing a back, the exhibitor should turn from the
leading position to face toward the rear of the horse with
the right hand extended across the exhibitor‟s chest and
walk forward beside the horse with the horse moving
backward.
When setting the horse up for inspection, the exhibitor
should stand angled toward the horse in a position
between the horse‟s eye and muzzle, and should never
leave the head of the horse. It is recommended, but not
mandatory that exhibitors use the “Quarter Method” when
presenting the horse.
The exhibitor should maintain a position that is safe for
themselves and the judge. The position of the exhibitor
should not obstruct the judge‟s view of the horse and should
allow the exhibitor to maintain awareness of the judge‟s
position at all times. The exhibitor should not crowd other
exhibitors when setting up side-by-side or head-to-tail.
When moving around the horse, the exhibitor should
change sides in front of the horse with minimal steps and
should assume the same position on the right side of the
horse that they had on the left side.
Leading, backing, turning, and initiating the set up should
be performed from the left side of the horse. At no time
should the exhibitor ever stand directly in front of the horse.
The exhibitor should not touch the horse with their hands or
feet, or visibly cue the horse by pointing their feet at the
horse during the set up.
98.5 Appearance of Horse
The horse‟s body condition and overall fitness will be
assessed. The hair coat should be clean, well-brushed, and
in good condition. The mane, tail, forelock, and wither tuft
may not contain ornaments (ribbons, bows, etc.), but may
be braided or banded for English or Western. The length of
mane and tail may vary, as long as they are neat, clean,
and free of tangles. The mane should be even in length or
may be roached, but the forelock must be left unclipped.
The bridle path, eyebrows, and long hair on the head and
legs may be clipped, except where government regulations
prohibit.
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