Comments on: How to Compete in a Halter Event

on 11/13/2008 If you are in a show that allows people to use steriods on their horses I don't care how hard you try you will loose...I know this b/c me and my quarter horse showed in 16 shows and the steriod horses won every time.Even tho he lost every show I still will never be so desperate to win that I would use steriods on my horses.If you don't know what steriods does to a horse here is what it does...Steriods are injected into the horse and it makes them fat and really fleshy.After a year their bones start turning and they go lame...then they barly can walk and none that I have seen lived over the age of 5!! People who use steriods are horse KILLERS and should be punished!!!

on 7/9/2007 when the judge comes and looks at your horse you want your horse to be in the BEST position its ever been in! the judge may feel aroud on the horse like its neck or withers, make sure your horses coat, main, and tail is soft as can be, this shows the judge that you take care of your horse and you want to have your horse looking top notch to win this thing

on 7/9/2007 i have some tips!

on 7/9/2007 when you are in the arena, always smile to the judge as they walk by. this will tell them that you are friendly and really love doing this with the horse. a smile goes a long way with judges.

on 3/20/2007 I am judging a halter class do anybody have tips for the judge? I might judge at the Harrington fair if I make the team at my school!

on 3/20/2007 any people have tips for someone who is judging it

on 8/19/2006 Make sure your horse is groomed well--band his mane, brush him well. A friend of mine didn't place in a class because of a tiny bit of sawdust on the horse's belly! Check everywhere. Wipe his nose and mouth with a cloth. Also, clip and bathe your horse the day before the class.

In the class, smile. Don't "drag" your horse along--you shouldn't be jogging before your horse begins to trot. Mind your quarters when the judge is examining you. If the judge ruffles your horse's mane or coat, fix it as soon as possible to maintain the optimum appearance. Keep your horse set up whenever you aren't moving, and do not let your horse rest a back foot! I didn't notice that my horse's foot was resting until the judge pointed at us and told the assistant (a learning student) something about resting a foot. We would have placed highly if we hadn't made that mistake. Some people kick up dirt or crinkle a wrapper to keep their horse's attention. The wrapper drives my horse nuts, so I avoid that, but I make a small sucking noise with my teeth that works well. You can touch your horse in halter, so set him up by hand if he refuses to do it with cues from the shank.
Happy showing!

on 8/8/2006 Dress smart. Wear colors that look good with your horse. When standing in line for halter class, I pick up some dirt from the arena and slowly drop it on the ground right in front of my horse muzzle. This gets his attention and doesn't make noise.

on 7/14/2006 You should always put the halter on your horse to get the horse used to it first. If you don't, you'll look stupid in the show ring. Then, when you're showing your horse, it wont bob it's head.

on 7/2/2006 When you turn, always turn your horse away from you, never toward you.

on 6/30/2006 Make sure your horse is paying attention to you, and you're paying attention to what the judges are telling you to do.

on 1/2/2006 When walking and trotting to the judge, keep your horse as straight as possible. This gives the impression that your horse is conformationally correct.

on 11/22/2005 Never paint white hooves black, it only makes a mess! If your horse has striped hooves, you can paint the black parts black and then apply clear hoof polish over the whole hoof. Make sure the black polish is dry before putting on the clear polish.

on 11/22/2005 Try to find a good space in the arena, and make it yours, stay at least 10 feet from other horses. Judges can be tricky so, always try to keep up with there tricks. The judge might move the halter to an odd position. Move it right back. This shows the judge that you know what you are doing.

on 11/22/2005 1) When you are stepping across the front of your horse and to respect the judge's space when using the quarter system, make your steps snappy and as few steps as possible
2) Feet should always be together when you stand.
3) Always keep those hands up, it looks like you are saying "Hey, I've got a million dollar animal on the end of this lead shank that can't be beat!"
4) Flirt, yes I said flirt. Smile, make eye contact with the judge, act like you know your stuff whether you do or do not.