I just
hated showmanship when I started out. It got so bad that at one point when practicing with my little gelding I said FORGET IT (read: !#$%^&*&^%$#!) and huffed off mumbling something about never doing it again.
: Nobody tried to stop me and that was just as frustrating to me at the time so I eventually started practicing by myself at home in secret. I found it was actually easier for me getting that military style walk and jog down (breathe... back straight... heel to toe...) without a horse and the pressure of a "judge" (trainer) with me at first. Then there's remembering to really SMILE and look ahead at the judge, only glancing down at your horse every now and then to be sure he's on cue. Don't forget keeping your left arm crook'd smartly just at your left hip with the excess lead held neatly. On your return back to lineup you add glancing first at your horse then back over your shoulder at the judge to be sure you are heading back to lineup properly. None of your routine should be rushed.
Having a horse that can STOP SQUARE either naturally or by training and STAND is essential for the beginner, IMO. So is a horse who will pivot and change gaits from a walk to whoa to a trot and back down to a walk again (etc.) without obvious cues from his handler. Both the horse and handler need to be able to track straight together. The handler needs to be able to keep her hands steady and lead positioned correctly at all times. All of this can be practiced at home along a fenceline (I do it leading the horse from both sides) again and again and again, day after day until it is CRISP. Once it feels good, move away from the fenceline and practice working back and forth to a stationary object in the middle of your arena. Also practice heading back into lineup to the same place you left by finding a stationary mark that will stay BEHIND YOU upon entering the ring for when you go up to present to the judge. This will also help you to head back into lineup straight.
I found it was important to make my practices fun, but serious. If you giggle at home you're more than likely going to giggle in the ring. When working with a "judge" at home, the exhibitor should not speak unless spoken to. A judge should say, "Good day" and maybe throw out a horsey question from time to time once the exhibitor has stood up her horse and signals with a polite nod she is ready. You're most likely going to have a time learning the quarter and half systems, but practice makes perfect. The exhibitor's movement around the horse should be smooth. Some judges will move faster than others and some will even hesitate just when you think it's time to change sides. When it is time, the exhibitor should sidestep confidently from one side of the horse to the other in one sweeping motion instead of taking one or several goofy steps sideways.
Confused yet? Don't worry, it does eventually all come together. My opinion now is that Showmanship is a great class and lots of fun. It's also basic as well as essential IMO and will help an exhibitor perform 100% better in ALL other classes from Halter to Driving.
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