Gypsy Horse Showing at Halter

Gypsy Horse Showing in HALTER

So you won't have to say " I'M AFRAID TO SHOW "

Fear of showing is nothing more than a lack of knowing what will happen.
Showing is EASY and FUN if you have the knowledge.

1. Wash your horse. Don't laugh. Our phenomenal breed doesn't have a lot of weird clipping, braiding, makeup, etc. Just CLEAN and fluffy works great.

2. Get a clean Leather or Beta Show Halter. There are no rules about the exact kind of halter for halter classes. Personally we think too much "bling" takes away from your horse. But we have seen everything from plain to lots of glitz and glitter. No barn or mesh halters please.

3. Get your outfit together. There aren't a lot of standard dress code things going on yet in this breed. Men should likely wear a sport coat and slacks. Or, Western attire with a hat and boots. Women wear pant suits, Western attire, English attire, slacks and jacket. Again, just something CLEAN and NO TENNIS SHOES !

4. Teach your horse to Walk and Whoa and Stand Still and Back Up. The less you have to mess with your horse to get them to stand still the better the judge likes his/her job. He/she can concentrate on your horse, not all the busy activity. Our breed should stand "square", not "parked out"....that just means have them stand straight without their back legs extended. Typically you WALK towards the judge.
Then the judge will step aside.
At that point, TROT past the judge so he/she can see your horse's legs being straight as it is moving.
Then get into line with the other horses....and PLEASE, face the same direction making an orderly line.
DO NOT CROWD when you line up. LEAVE SPACE between you and the horse next to you so you can move around your horse. If you aren't sure...just don't go first    :)

5. Teach your horse to TROT along side you. The most important thing is a HAPPY and ENERGETIC looking horse. Practice holding your lead rope up HIGH and run alongside like you are presenting the next movie star and you are " presenting " this incredible animal for all the world to see. It's all in the attitude.

6. Make sure your horse will stand in the line as the judge goes by. And here is a trick ...make sure you never get between the judge and your horse. If you do you will be blocking the judge's view. Your horse should stand still while you walk around getting out of the judge's view of your horse. AND....make sure your number on your back is facing the judge at the very end.
Yes, turn your back all the way around so the judge can see your number easily.

7. Now go pick up your FIRST PLACE RIBBON when your number and horse's name are called !

Congratulations you have just shown in your first halter class !
That wasn't so scary now, was it :)

More Halter Showing Questions ? E-MAIL here