Halter Horse Showing

Halter horse showing is a specific kind of horse show in which horses are shown in harness, rather than having a mounted rider. Horse shows feature a halter division for many different breeds, depending on the horse show although most competitions are divided by breed or type. Halter horse showing features a well-groomed horse, and a handler. The horse is judged based upon the physical features of the horse, the abilities of the horse and the grooming.

Sport Horses

Sport horses are generally horses that participate in such sports as racing, show jumping and dressage. Sport horse's shown in halter are judged on proper conformation, appropriate and neat grooming and especially on movements.

Sport horses shown in halter must wear snaffle bridles if the horse is three years or older. Younger horses can wear a leather stable halter. Handlers lead the horse by the bridle. The handler can either hold the leather shank from the noseband, the chain through the bit or the reins.

The handler wears neat, but semi-casual attire. Typically, a handler will wear a white shirt with khaki pants. Others prefer a darker pant with a lighter polo or vice versa. So long as the clothing is neat and crisp, the attire is up to the rider. Some handlers choose to shoe in riding breeches and boots. Since the handler does not ride atop the horse, gym shoes are typically a better option as they are easier to run in when showing the horse.  

The horse should be nearly groomed. Typically, sport horses are not overly oiled and handlers keep products to a minimum. Braiding of the horse is allowed and can present a polished look.

The horse stands in the open stance in order to show its body. In the open stance, the front right leg is slightly back and the right hind leg is slightly forward. In this stance, the judges are able to see all four legs of the horse at once. Then handler then leads the horse in a walk in a straight line. The judges use this movement to determine the horse's gate, as well as the level of relaxation the horse is exhibiting. The tail of a relaxed horse will swing back and forth in a gentle motion. Judges also listen for the correctness of the beats when the horse is walking to four beats and trotting to two.

Sport horses are shown in a triangle pattern following the straight line. In the pattern, the horse will exhibit an extended walk, a normal walk, a normal trot and an extended trot around the edge of the triangle, turning at each corner without the horse and handler running in to one another.
Stock Breeds

Stock breeds are the breeds used most commonly on the ranches and farms. Stock breeds are strong, quick and incredibly agile. As a result, stock horses have excellent conformation. Western style stock showmanship at halter displays these fine, stock horses.

The horse is asked to show in a number of different positions. The handler brings in the horse. Typically, the horses will walk pre-determined patterns. The horse will demonstrate a walk, jog and extended trot. In some types of halter shows, the horse will perform 90, 180, 270 and 360 degree turns. The horse will pivot on the inside hind foot. These movements help the judges determine if the horse has proper conformation. The horse's ability to perform the movements gracefully and athletically are important aspects in judging. Additionally, the horse must appear poised and alert, yet relaxed.

Unlike sport horses, stock horses are not shown in the open stance. Rather, tock horses are observed in square stance. All legs stand even with each other with weight evenly distributed and the head and neck rest in a natural position.

Handlers wear western attire for stock shows. Handlers wear felt cowboy hats and clean and neat western attire. Attire can be varied and personalized but should not be too flashy or distracting. The handler should appear confident and neat, but the horse is on display, not the handler.  

The horses are neatly groomed with a shiny coat. The mane and tail should be nearly combed. In some classes of stock horse showing at halter, the mane is cut short and secured with small rubber bands. The horse should be properly shod with well fitting shoes and clean nails.

Horse Showing

Horse shows are a popular pastime in the United States. Owners are able to show the fine breeding of the horse in these shows. Oftentimes, horses that participate in other equestrian sports also show. The shows are divided into classes, one of which is the halter class. Usually the winners of these competitions win prizes, which can be cash prizes or other awards.

Horse shows can be divided by the specific breed of horse, like in case of an Arabian horse show in halter. Alternately, a show can be divided by the type of horse, as in the case of stock horses or sport horses. There are shows that open to all breeds as well. Oftentimes, horse shows are combined with other disciplines as part of a multiple-discipline event. For example, during a hunter-jumper competition, there may be a portion where the horses are shown in a formal way to the judges.

Halter competitions are also referred to as breeding, in-hand or conformation classes. The purpose behind these events is for the judges to determine the horse with the best conformation, appearance and gait. The horses are shown in harness and thus their form and bodies can be best seen by the judges.

One of the more important jobs of the handler in horse showing is that the handler must never stand in a way that blocks the judge's view of the horse. Because the horse is being graded on appearance and stance, the judge must have a full view of that horse. Similarly, the handler must practice the patterns numerous times with the horse in order that they should not run in to each other. The horse will tend to cut in towards the handler without proper training. The horses must also change pace from the walk to the extended walk to the trot to the extended trot. These transitions must be smooth and seamless, which only comes from practice and careful training. Showing off a horse in halter will display the fine qualities of the breed and careful grooming. It is a show that showcases the magnificence of these beautiful horses.