SHOW RULES
counter clockwise direction. Walk on animal’s left
side, holding lead shank in right hand near halter.
The remaining portion of the lead is held neatly and
safely in left hand. Animal should lead readily at a
walk.
2.
After judge has lined up the class in front of
spectators, he will call on each exhibitor to move his
horse individually. When moving the horse, be sure
that the judge gets a clear, unobstructed view of the
horse’s action. Allow the horse sufficient lead so that
he can move freely and in a straight line. Lead the
horse from his left side the required distance, stop
and turn to the right around the horse. Exhibitor
should perform the showmanship pattern as directed
by the judge or ring steward.
b. Posing: 15 points
1. When posing your horse, stand toward the front
facing the horse but always in a position where
you can keep your eye on the judge. The following
Quarter System will be used whereby imaginary lines
bisect the horse into four equal parts as seen in the
illustration (Note: the quadrants are numbered I, II,
III, and IV for ease of identification). One line runs
across the horse just behind the withers. The other
imaginary line runs from head to tail. The exhibitor
should lead the horse straight to the judge so the
judge can evaluate the horse’s front leg movement.
Once the horse is safely located in front of the judge,
the horse should be squarely set up for inspection
and the exhibitor then locates in the proper position
in quadrant IV. As the judge moves to quadrant I the
exhibitor should stay in quadrant IV. When the judge
moves on to quadrant II the exhibitor then moves to
the proper position in quadrant I. When the judge
moves to quadrant III the exhibitor moves back to
quadrant IV. As the judge moves to quadrant IV,
the exhibitor once more moves to quadrant I. The
exhibitor should never stop in the unsafe location
directly in front of the horse. When the judge returns
to his position in front of the horse, the exhibitor
should return to quadrant IV and await instructions
from the judge. When released by the judge the
horse should be pivoted directly in front of the judge
and moved away in a straight line so the judge can
observe the horse’s rear leg movement.
Th
is system results in the exhibitor always being in
a safe position, the exhibitor always being able to see
the judge and the horse’s position, the exhibitor always
being in a position to keep the horse’s hindquarter
from swinging toward the judge should the horse
become fractious and unsafe for the judge, and the
judge being in a safe position at all times to evaluate
the exhibitor’s ability to show the horse as desired.
2. Pose your Miniature with his feet squarely under him.
Do most of your showing with the lead strap. Never
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