NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP CATEGORY
OPEN TO ALL BREEDS
NATURAL PLEASURE DIVISION
Over 2,000 years ago, one of the first great riding masters was a man named Xenophon. In his book, "On Horsemanship," written in approximately 350 B.C., Xenophon proposed that communication is the key to horsemanship. Positive reinforcement of desired behaviors leads to willing performance, while punishment distracts and frightens the horse, causing him to dislike being ridden. Xenophon details the proper development of the War and Parade horse and addresses the spirited and the dull horse. He discusses conformation, ground training, bitting, and use of aids. Modern natural horsemanship principles build upon many first set forth by Xenophon. New understanding of horse psychology and herd dynamics not only supports Xenophon's findings, but has greatly increased the breadth and application of these principles.
Equistar hopes to develop a forum for those who have achieved a level of communication with their horse through Natural Horsemanship methods. We begin with Natural Horsemanship In-Hand and "Pleasure" classes, which will consist of work on the rail and maneuvers called by the judge or set forth in a pattern. Depending upon the class description, horses must be presented or ridden in a rope halter with one or two reins, or with a soft rope around the neck; in a simple snaffle bridle, or bridleless (no halter or bridle- string is permissible). Saddles are optional and (depending upon the class description) may be English, Western, Buena Vista, or Australian either with or without a horn (bareback pads are permissible). Individual work will not be included unless specifically called by the judge or designated in the class description.
Judging will be based on performance of the requisite elements, seamlessness of communication, fluidity of movements and transitions, unison between horse and rider, overall harmony and partnership between the horse and rider, and turn out. Horses in this division should be well groomed and display the natural beauty of the breed. They must be keg shod or barefoot. Exhibitors must be neatly attired in a long sleeved shirt and must wear a heeled boot.
We have received some emails requesting clarification on performance of some of the elements ... Remember- the key to these classes is to perform each element with the greatest subtlety and finesse in communication. The tests call for each element and leave it up to the exhibitor to figure out how best to accomplish the goal (that's part of the fun of it)! Think about how to perform each distinct element demonstrating the highest level of communication with your horse and the most subtle cues- So that audience members say "Wow- how did she get her horse to do that?"
BELOW ARE SPECIFICATIONS FOR CLASSES THAT MAY BE OFFERED AT ANY GIVEN SHOW ... THIS IS NOT A SCHEDULE- IT IS DESIGNED TO GIVE THE COMPETITOR MORE INFORMATION TO DETERMINE WHICH CLASS HE OR SHE SHOULD ENTER:
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP IN HAND (ALL BREED) 12’ LEAD- EXHIBITOR WILL BE ASKED TO PERFORM A PATTERN TO BE POSTED PRIOR TO THE SHOW CARROT STICKS ARE PERMISSIBLE
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP IN HAND (ALL BREED) 22’ LEAD- EXHIBITOR WILL BE ASKED TO PERFORM A PATTERN TO BE POSTED AT THE SHOW CARROT STICKS ARE PERMISSIBLE
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP IN HAND (ALL BREED) LIBERTY- EXHIBITOR WILL BE ASKED TO PERFORM A PATTERN TO BE POSTED PRIOR TO THE SHOW CARROT STICKS ARE PERMISSIBLE- IF THE HORSE LEAVES ITS HANDLER, THE EXHIBITOR WILL BE EXCUSED AND WILL BE JUDGED BASED UPON ELEMENTS COMPLETED UP TO THAT POINT.
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP WALK/JOG (OR INTERMEDIATE GAIT- RUNNING WALK, FOX TROT ETC.) WESTERN (ALL BREED) INTRODUCTORY LEVEL- ROPE HALTER- EXHIBITOR WILL BE ASKED TO PERFORM MANEUVERS ON THE RAIL INCLUDING: HALT, BACK, REVERSE DIRECTION, SMALL CIRCLE- HORSES AT THIS LEVEL ARE NOT EXPECTED TO DEMONSTRATE COLLECTION OR FINESSE TO THE DEGREE OF HORSES AT THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP WALK/TROT (OR INT. GAIT) ENGLISH (ALL BREED) INTRODUCTORY LEVEL- ROPE HALTER- EXHIBITOR WILL BE ASKED TO PERFORM MANEUVERS ON THE RAIL INCLUDING: HALT, BACK, REVERSE, SMALL CIRCLE
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP INTERMEDIATE LEVEL WESTERN 2 OR 3 GAIT (ALL BREED)- SNAFFLE BRIDLE OR HALTER- EXHIBITOR WILL BE ASKED TO PERFORM MANEUVERS ON THE RAIL INCLUDING: HALT, BACK, REVERSE, SMALL CIRCLE; ALSO ASKED INDIVIDUALLY TO SIDE PASS AND PERFORM 360 ON THE HIND- HORSES MAY BE SHOWN IN HALTER- BUT MUST DEMONSTRATE COLLECTION, FINESSE, AND RESPONSIVENESS OF A BITTED WESTERN HORSE!
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP INTERMEDIATE LEVEL ENGLISH 2 OR 3 GAIT (ALL BREED)- SNAFFLE BRIDLE- EXHIBITOR WILL BE ASKED TO PERFORM MANEUVERS ON THE RAIL INCLUDING: HALT, BACK, REVERSE, SMALL CIRCLE; ALSO ASKED INDIVIDUALLY TO SIDE PASS AND PERFORM A FIGURE 8 - HORSES MAY BE SHOWN IN HALTER- BUT MUST DEMONSTRATE COLLECTION, FINESSE, AND RESPONSIVENESS OF A BITTED ENGLISH HORSE!
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP PREPARATION FOR BRIDLELESS PERFORMANCE- (ALL BREED) BRIDLE OR HALTER AND STRING PERMITTED - EXHIBITORS COMPETE TO THE JUDGE'S CALL
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP ADVANCED LEVEL- (ALL BREED) BRIDLELESS AND HALTERLESS (STRING PERMITTED) PERFORMANCE- INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITORS 3 MIN TIME LIMIT- PREFERABLY TO MUSIC!