For the love of
Versatility by Roey Mobley
Alot of us take advantage of the break from showing that most versatility classes offer . Have you ever appreciated the longer lunch while trail is going on ? I ’ m guilty . I ’ ve said the same thing about the model and showmanship classes , “ Glad I didn ’ t have to get up at the crack of dawn to prepare !” But guess what ? We ’ re missing out ! Missing out on the friendships and camaraderie – the early morning banter between friends old and new .
Have you ever watched a group of versatility riders ? They ’ re pretty impressive . Banding together in groups to discuss patterns , tests and techniques . Practicing with their horses over and over to prepare for their classes . Some of us might feel intimidated by the expectations in these classes … but let me tell you , don ’ t be afraid !
Versatility classes were designed to show off the obvious – Tennessee Walking Horses are versatile .
Not every horse can do every class , but they can do something . The most well-rounded horses are those that can show in rail classes , while still excelling in versatility . These classes are also important for the owner that needs to reinvent their horse , due to age or some new limitation . With each ride we are either training or un-training . So set aside a few minutes of each ride to incorporate some of the more necessary moves . Leg yielding , neck reining , a proper back up . These should be common sense goals but in the Walking Horse world , they are often overlooked .
As we start the new show season , I ’ d like to encourage everyone to think about the versatility classes they don ’ t usually enter . Does your horse canter ? Enter your horse . But you say your horse doesn ’ t spin ?? No flying lead changes ? Doesn ’ t neck rein ? Do your best . These classes increase the value of your horse . Not everyone wants a horse solely for rail work . Most want an all-around horse . Showing one week , trail riding the next .
6 NWHA National News | March 2023