Equine Halter Show Training

Know Your Breed Standard

• Halter classes are beauty contests for horses, and as with human beauty contests there are different standards for beauty. In order to compete effectively in halter classes at the breed level, you need to read and understand the applicable breed standard. After you have reviewed the breed standard for your breed of horse, look at your horse to see how well it conforms to that standard. You can obtain a copy of the breed standard by contacting the registry for your breed. For instance, quarter horse owners would contact the American Quarter Horse Association, while Arabian owners would get in touch with the Arabian Horse Association. Each breed uses a different standard, so it is important to understand that standard thoroughly.

Conditon Your Horse Properly

• In order to be competitive at halter classes horses need to conform closely to the standard of beauty for their breed. But they also need to be properly conditioned, with plenty of lean muscle mass and little fat. A horse that is well muscled is attractive to the judges, and that horse will be more adept at many riding competitions as well. It is important for horse owners to condition their horses carefully through a combination of longing, long lining and other exercises. If the horse is old enough to begin riding training, trail riding and arena exercises can also improve fitness levels and build muscle mass.

Start Your Training Early

• Many horse owners put off their halter training until the youngsters are old enough to enter the show ring, but in fact halter training can begin nearly as soon as the foal is born. Even the youngest foals should be handled regularly--this regular training will make the horse easier to handle and more amenable to later training sessions. These early training sessions do not have to be long or formal--simply putting the halter on the young horse and walking him around is enough to get started. As the foal becomes older you can add a lead rope and take him on short walks while momma horse grazes in the field.

Teach Your Horse To Set Up Properly

• One of the most critical skills halter horses must master is setting their feet properly. Because halter horses are judged on their conformation and their adherence to the applicable breed standard, it is essential for owners to make them look their best. That means setting their feet properly for their breed. Horse owners need to be able to move their horse's feet by lightly tapping on it. Early training can be done with a small whip in hand--tap the horse on the foot with the whip until he responds. After awhile the horse will begin to respond to a light touch of the hand in place of the whip.

Practice Your Turns

• In most halter classes the judge will ask each contestant to turn and trot away. This enables the judge to watch the way the horse moves, because movement is an important part of judging the halter class. Horse owners can improve their chances of winning a blue ribbon by practicing turning their horses and trotting away. The horse should move out easily and trot in a fluid manner on the lead rope. Horse owners should practice these skills until the reaction is automatic and seamless.