Training Tips for a Horse Showmanship Class

During showmanship classes, horses are judged based on their performance rather than the quality of their confirmation -- how well they're built -- or how clean they are. The highest scoring horses are the ones with the best training. A showmanship horse should walk, turn, stop and back up with its handler's cues. Training a horse to do well in these areas can take some time and effort, so don't rush.

  1. The Walk

    • Outfit the horse in a durable halter and lead rope. A rope halter works well for training, but a leather halter should be used during a show. Begin leading the horse in a straight line. The horse's shoulder should be in line with its handler's shoulder. If the horse is lagging behind, use a crop to touch its rump -- this will speed it up. Be sure to give the horse enough slack in the lead rope to keep its head straight.

    The Turn

    • A rope halter works well when training your horse.

      Begin walking the horse in a straight line. To turn the horse, apply gentle pressure with the lead rope in the direction it should turn. Use a crop to push it along. Remember to keep the handler's shoulder in line with the horse's shoulder. The horse's head should stay relaxed and straight when turning, so don't apply too much pressure. When the horse turns, its hips should move sideways.

    The Stop

    • Before you teach the horse to stop, it must first know how to walk properly. A rope halter works best for this exercise. Walk the horse forward, then pressure it with the lead rope. Use the voice command, "whoa." Apply more pressure until the horse responds, then release. Practice over and over until the horse responds to the command "whoa." Make sure the horse has mastered the stop before teaching it to back up.

    The Back Up

    • Teach the horse to back up in a clear, open area where nothing exists that the horse might hit when backing up. Tell the horse to stop, then turn and face it. Begin pressuring to move it back by stepping toward its shoulder and applying pressure on the halter. When the horse steps back, release the pressure. If needed, applying pressure on the horse's nose will also encourage it to back up. The horse should back up when the handler turns and applies light pressure.