Youth Showmanship Division

ASB 10.0 Youth Showmanship Division The exhibitor's performance is evaluated based on their skill in showcasing the horse in the ring to its best advantage, effectively minimizing any conformation faults. The judging criteria consist of: 50% for presentation and showmanship skills, 40% for the horse's condition, grooming, and fitting, and 10% for the exhibitor's appearance. Tack & Apparel Weanlings should be presented in a leather show halter with matching lead. Yearlings may be presented in same as above, or a snaffle bridle. No curb bits permitted. Two-Year-Olds and older may be shown in a double bridle or single curb bit. A riding whip with no attachment, such as a bag or ribbon, is allowed. Exhibitor’s attire should be jodhpurs or dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt and tie, vests or western/hunter attire, and appropriate boots. Coats are not allowed, and hats and gloves are optional. Gaits Participants are required to enter the competition ring at the designated gait and follow the direction indicated by the ringmaster until instructed to line up the horse for inspection. Standards of Judging Maintaining a distance of at least ten feet between entries is advised both when circling the ring and during the line-up. The horse should stand squarely with its weight evenly distributed on all four feet, hooves facing forward, and front legs perpendicular to the ground. Handlers may adjust the horse's position by using the lead rein and applying pressure to the shoulder if necessary. However, using a foot or whip to move the horse's feet will result in penalties. Handlers must position themselves in front of the horse to ensure the judge has a clear view, avoiding obstruction. Handlers should remain attentive to both the horse and the judge, disregarding distractions outside the ring. The lead rein should be held in the right hand, approximately 12 to 24 inches from the halter or bit, with the other end held neatly in the left hand. Changing hands is permissible for convenience during positioning or presentation. Handlers should maintain a well-balanced body posture to allow for fluid movement and proper presentation of the horse. When the judge is examining other entries, handlers should position themselves at the horse's head on the opposite side of the judge whenever possible. Promptly following instructions and making mild adjustments to the horse are allowed. In-Hand Youth Showmanship Workouts A suitable standard routine for the required individual workout:

The handler should position themselves to the left of the horse and begin leading with a loose rein if feasible, guiding from the left side. In cases where needed, a gentle touch of the whip is permitted. The horse should move forward briskly and in a straight line. When moving away from the judge, the horse should maintain alignment with the judge for proper observation of its movement. At each end of the line, the horse should come to a complete stop before turning. Turning should be executed to the right, away from the handler, at the end of the line. During periods when the judge is assessing other horses, the horse should stand reasonably well-presented. The handler should remain attentive and poised until the entire class has been evaluated and the judge has completed their assessment. Handlers should adopt a natural approach and refrain from excessive handling, unnecessary fussing, or over maneuvering. They should promptly respond to requests from the judge or other officials, maintaining courtesy and good sportsmanship throughout. Penalties will be applied for incorrect or unkempt attire, inadequately groomed or trimmed horses, improper or dirty equipment (such as keepers out or twisted cheek pieces), excessive use of whips or reins, interference with other exhibitors, receiving coaching from outside the ring, adopting exaggerated, stiff, or rigid positions, and failing to follow instructions.