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.
Working terrain
Sand
Rest place/daily stay
Box, paddock
Horse characteristics
The showmanship class is a pure breeding show for horses, where they are judged by their external appearance when standing and in movement. There are therefore no specific character traits involved in this sort of competition. However, they only feature Western horses (Quarter).
Horses behaviour
As a result of their genetic makeup, these horses are as a rule well belanced and easy to shoe.
Shoeing location
Usual shoeing places.