Welcome to the Equestrian Outreach Showing In Hand Page

In Hand Showing Overview
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Breeding, Breeding classes, Conformation classes, Ground classes, Halter, Halter classes, Showmanship and Showmanship in Halter class; are terms used to describe a type of horse show class where horses are shown "in hand," meaning that they are led, not ridden, and are judged on their conformation and suitability as breeding stock. Classis (English) Discipline shows usually refer to these as In Hand or Halter classes. Western discipline shows usually refer to them as Showmanship and Showmanship in Halter classes.

An event that judges young people on their ability to groom and present a halter horse is called Halter Showmanship or Showmanship In-Hand. In most breeds, the exhibitor is given a score that breaks down to be roughly 60% on showmanship or skill, 40% on grooming and preparation, though precise standards vary by breed and discipline.

Almost every horse breed has halter classes of some type. Halter classes are usually grouped by breed, sex, or age. Rules, breed standards, clipping patterns, grooming styles, use of grooming products and popularity of the halter discipline varies widely. However, all classes require that horses be meticulously groomed before entering the ring, be trained to stand correctly in the style dictated by their breed or discipline, and to walk and trot on command in a designated pattern or line. The breed of horse in the ring can sometimes be determined by grooming style and presentation alone.

Some types of In Hand Classes (In Hand or Halter Class)
Breeding or Conformation: In Breed or Confirmation classes the horse is led by a handler on the ground and judged on conformation and suitability as a breeding animal.
Halter: In Halter classes where the horse is led by a handler on the ground and judged on the handling ability of the handler and the ground manners of the horse.
Lounging: Excellent training for beginners

Showmanship: Western in hand classes (Details below)

All In Hand showing classes require some form of “Ground Training (Click here for more information about basic horse training)

Classic (English) or Sport Horse Disciplines- Grooming and Attire: Sport horses, that is, animals of any breed who are intended to be used under saddle as show hunters, show jumpers, dressage horses, or even eventers, when shown in hand, are judged first and foremost on their potential athleticism, with soundness and quality of movement being very important. Horse competing in this class have their manes braided in a style appropriate for their discipline, and usually have their tails either braided or pulled. They are shown in a hunt seat style bridle (horses two and under may be shown in a leather halter). Other than cleanliness, braiding, and basic show trimming of legs, muzzle, ears and a short bridle path, grooming products are kept to a minimum and excessive oils and polishes are frowned upon. The handler usually dresses neatly, but casually, often wearing a polo shirt and khaki pants, with running shoes. Correct hunt seat riding attire is also permissible. However, many people find running in field boots to be cumbersome, particularly when showing on the triangle, so the more casual look prevails.

Classic (English) or Sport Horse Disciplines- Showing: Sport horses, that is, animals of any breed who are intended to be used under saddle as show hunters, show jumpers, dressage horses, or even eventers, when shown in hand, are judged first and foremost on their potential athleticism, with soundness and quality of movement being very important. The horse is stood up for judging in an "open" stance, in that the front and hind legs are not lined up squarely, but rather the two front legs and two hind legs are placed with one leg slightly in front of the other, so that all four legs can be seen simultaneously from the side. The head and neck are allowed to be held at a natural position, thought the handler may subtly raise or lower the head a bit to flatter the individual horse. Most sport horses now show on a "triangle" pattern, allowing a view of the horse going toward and away from they judge as well as a side view of the horse in motion. Horses are walked a small triangle pattern, then trotted on a larger triangle pattern before setting up for the judge to further assess them at a standstill.

Any breed may be shown in a sport horse style when appropriate, but the most common breeds shown in a sport horse style and no other include the Thoroughbred and all of the various Warmblood breeds. Due to the strong international influence on the under saddle events within the sport horse disciplines, there is less difference between the USA and Europe in this style of presentation than for other styles.

Western Showmanship

Western Discipline Showmanship: is an event found at many horse shows. The class is also sometimes called "Fitting and Showmanship", "Showmanship In-Hand", "Showmanship at Halter" or "Halter Showmanship" It involves a person on the ground leading a horse, wearing a halter or bridle, through a series of maneuvers called a pattern. The horse itself is not judged on its conformation. Rather, the exhibitor is judged on how well he or she exhibits the animal to its best advantage, with additional scoring for the grooming and presentation of both horse and handler.

Showmanship began as a component of 4-H competition for young people, to teach them how to present a horse in-hand. Over time, it expanded into most breed competition at regular horse shows as well and has become a highly competitive event with exacting standards at the highest level. Yet, it also remains a standard competition in 4-H and other schooling shows for beginners.