How to Train Your Horse for Horsemanship at Halter

In horsemanship at halter classes (also called showmanship or showmanship halter classes), the handler is judged and not the horse. However, the horse plays an indirect, yet vastly important role in determining the place awarding for the handlers. The better the horse's turn out and temperament, the better a competitor will place. For the horse, these classes are identical to conformation halter classes.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse's favorite halter
  • Lead rope
  • Treats
  • Dressage whip (if necessary)
  • Show halter or bridle
  • Cross ties or a secure place to tie the horse
  • Arena or fenced pasture
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the halter on the horse and then place the horse in cross ties or wherever you normally groom him. Groom the horse as you normally would. Cross ties are best because this helps to restrict the horse's movement without yanking the horse about and potentially causing confusion. You want the horse to like standing and being admired.

    • 2

      Praise the horse verbally whenever the horse stands still while you are grooming. Pat or stroke the horse if that is what the horse likes. Ignore any jiggling or pacing about. The horse will eventually settle back down.

    • 3

      Stand in front of the horse and make a kissing noise to bring the horse's ears forward to you. Give him a treat. Repeat by standing slightly to the horse's left side. When the horse looks at you alertly, give him a treat.

    • 4

      Raise a hand holding a treat in the air slowly and wiggle it about in order to get the horse's attention. The horse usually will respond by moving his weight forward towards the hand. Even if the hind end is all splayed out, if the horse squares up in front (stands evenly on both legs), then give him a treat and praise lavishly.

    • 5

      Move to an arena or pasture the next day or whenever the horse is doing well standing in the cross ties when groomed. The horse needs to wear a halter that he is most familiar with wearing. Clip the lead rope on and walk the horse around the ring to loosen up. Proceed to the center of the area and repeat Steps 2 through 4. This time, pull steadily on the halter in a downwards motions towards the horse's chest in order to get it to back up and stand squarely with the hind legs.

    • 6

      Stand a few minutes, then lead the horse at a jog around the arena and stand again. Over time, as the horse catches on, you can extend the amount of time standing and switch to carrying a dressage whip or wearing a bridle if that is in the rules for the particular horse show you are planning to compete.