Why don't we have reinsmanship

[shoeboxstables]

When my mom and I attened our first breed show a few years back, one of the first questions she asked was 'Why don't they have reinsmanship?'. We saw some AMAZING animals and people there- but there were a lot of really basic driving errors being made (from what I could tell). I've always thought it was a great class- especially for youth and amateurs, for those just starting in the industry. So why don't we have it? It's like a big breed not having equitation!

So why don't we have it?

 

[Al B]

The AMHA Show Rules committee has approved a rule proposal to have a reinsmanship class. I believe (don't have my documents with me) that it may come up for a vote.

 

[wildoak]

Miniatures were not so performance based in the past - halter classes were the predominant reason most were shown. I'm glad to hear reinsmanship is being considered, I think it's another step in the right direction towards making us a performance breed that is taken seriously. Now I really have to sharpen my skills!

Jan

 

[hobbyhorse23]

I show AMHR and last year one local show offered something called Precision Driving, and another offered a non-rated Reinsmanship class. We have a lot of CDE drivers in this area who are also in the mini clubs and they have been a driving force (pun intended) for inclusion of those types of classes. The problem I found when I entered is that the judges have no idea what they're looking for and placings were quite erratic! We need to educate our judges too.

Leia

 

[wiccanz]

We have such classes down here, we call them "Whip" classes ('whip' is another term for 'driver'). At the A & P Shows (like Open shows), they are sometimes called Driver classes (Open Driver, Lady Driver etc etc).

Actually, I did one last Saturday, at an A & P Show, so up against big horses too, and pleased to say I won! The judge placed 2 cones out in the ring, and asked for a figure of eight, a halt, then to drive a circle one-handed (there is a particular way of doing this correctly).

Now, when I see 2 cones and am told to drive a figure of eight, I ALWAYS use the cones as my start and finish point - why would you do anything else?? But in that class I was the only one that did so! So I guess I must have been correct!

Basically the judge can ask for anything really, so practice backing, pivoting and doing perfect figure eights (which consist of 2 conjoined circles, not 2 teardrops!).

I love the class, I see it as a challenge to my intelligence!!

 

[Sue_C.]

there were a lot of really basic driving errors being made

I can imagine.

I often-times use pictures I find in the "Journal" and the "World", as examples of how NOT to drive or hitch a horse. So many times this poor horses are pulling with the backsaddle and girth only...traces left to flop and flap around uslessly. I am no pro, that's for sure...but it has been "beat" into me to make sure my harness is adjusted correctly, and my animal is properly put-to the cart. then...there are those over-tight checks, and mouths "grinning" to the ears...I feel so bad for those horses. (Pet peeves here...sorry.)

Basically the judge can ask for anything really, so practice backing, pivoting and doing perfect figure eights (which consist of 2 conjoined circles, not 2 teardrops!).

I love the challenge of a good reinsmanship class too!!

But be carefull assuming that this is the figure 8 that the judge wants...it is not always so. Our last show...the judge specifically said she wanted a figure 8...NOT two circles. the thing to do is ASK the steward or judge if you are not sure.

 

[shoeboxstables]

Neat! I've driven in a lot of reinsmanship classes in open shows before, and I love the class! That's really great that they're considering it.

I think it will help a lot of people- myself included! I think we all need regular reminders on what WE can be working on as drivers, not just as trainers.

I've seen some horrible hitching, and just basic form that needs attention, and a class like this might serve as a wakeup call to some.

What really gets me is that it seems like no one knows how to use a whip. It's NOT a bat to beat on your horse's poor spine!!! :arg! For some reason some people seem think that its sole purpose is to smack the horse with it!!!

Now THAT just bothers me, because it's by far the most important tool you have while driving (if you use it correctly).

 

[Alex]

Reinsmanship IS a great class, good for learning, and has been added to many open and local shows. But personally, I stink at it. I run over cones, markers, and my figure 8 turns out looking like two deformed D's put together.

 

[hobbyhorse23]

What really gets me is that it seems like no one knows how to use a whip. It's NOT a bat to beat on your horse's poor spine!!! :arg! For some reason some people seem think that its sole purpose is to smack the horse with it!!! Now THAT just bothers me, because it's by far the most important tool you have while driving (if you use it correctly).

Weeeell, I don't know about that! LOL

The whip is a very important tool and I feel like I've had my hand cut off when I don't have it, but I literally cannot drive my horse if my voice or my reins go. No reins, no horse! I use the whip mostly to back up my other cues like reinforcing a bend if he isn't listening to the rein or a "go forward" cue if he's resisting. It's important but the other cues come first.

Leia

 

[mistyrose]

The reinsmanship class will be voted on in Feb at the annual meeting. If this is something you want, let your directors know!

 

[ckmini]

Mistyrose,

Is this for AMHA or AMHR?