Correct Presentation

1. Position yourself in front of the horse and hold one rein in each hand.
2. Place the horse with its left side to the judge (immediately in front of the judge, but not too close) in “open” position (the far front and hind legs perpendicular, the near front slightly forward, the near hind leg shifted slightly back), so that the judge will be able to see all four legs.
3. When the judge steps in front of the horse, take a step to the side, so that you will not block the front of thehorse.
4. When the judge continues on to view the other side of the horse, place yourself in front again, and reposition the horse so its “open” side once again is towards the judge.
5. When the judge asks you to show your horse at the walk, you should lead it by holding the reins in your right hand, but with the excess reins in your left hand.
6. When the judge asks you to show your horse at the trot, place all of the reins in your right hand allowing the horse to trot with lots of energy!
7. Train your horse to lead with a straight neck, in walk as well as in trot.
8. If the horse does not go forward properly, it is permissible to have an assistant with a whip for noise emphasis, who should then be positioned behind the horse, and always on the same side as the handler.
9. Foals are shown on the triangle at liberty with their dams. Weanlings and yearlings should be shown in halter, two year olds and up in a snaffle bridle.
10. The handler should dress in a presentable and practical manner. It is traditional to dress in white.
11. Preparedness is key with correct and well planned presentation to emphasize the horse’s strong points.

Presentation Steps:

1. Stand up horse for conformation, left side facing judges.

2. Walk horse in a straight line away from judges and back.

3. Trot horse on triangle to the left with plenty of energy.

4. Stand up horse for final conformation.