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Halter (horse show)
Encyclopedia
"Halter" is a term used to describe a type of horse show
class where horses are shown "in hand," meaning that they are led, not ridden, and are judged on their conformation and suitability as breeding stock
. Depending on breed and geographic region, such events may be called Halter, In-Hand, Breeding, or Conformation classes.
An event that judges young people on their ability to groom and present a halter horse is called Halter Showmanship
or Showmanship In-Hand. In most breeds, the exhibitor is given a score that breaks down to be roughly 60% on showmanship or skill, 40% on grooming and preparation, though precise standards vary by breed and discipline.
Almost every horse breed has halter classes of some type. Halter classes are usually grouped by breed, sex, or age. Rules, breed standards, clipping patterns, grooming styles, use of grooming products and popularity of the halter discipline varies widely. However, all classes require that horses be meticulously groomed before entering the ring, be trained to stand correctly in the style dictated by their breed or discipline, and to walk and trot on command in a designated pattern or line. The breed of horse in the ring can sometimes be determined by grooming style and presentation alone.
, fashion trends in grooming are often more noticeable than in Europe
, where horses, while still very well groomed, are allowed a somewhat more "natural" style of preparation with less clipping and use of fewer grooming products.
Showing styles listed below are considered correct in the USA, but may differ in other countries.
s, that is, animals of any breed who are intended to be used under saddle as show hunter
s, show jumpers
, dressage
horses, or even eventers
, when shown in hand, are judged first and foremost on their potential athleticism, with soundness and quality of movement being very important. They have manes
braided in a style appropriate for their discipline, and usually have their tails either braided or pulled. They are shown in a hunt seat
style bridle (horses two and under may be shown in a leather halter
). Other than cleanliness, braiding, and basic show trimming of legs, muzzle, ears and a short bridle path
, grooming products are kept to a minimum and excessive oils and polishes are frowned upon.
The handler usually dresses neatly, but casually, often wearing a polo shirt and khaki pants, with running shoes. Correct hunt seat
riding attire is also permissible. However, many people find running in field boots to be cumbersome, particularly when showing on the triangle (see below), so the more casual look prevails.
The horse is stood up for judging in an "open" stance, in that the front and hind legs are not lined up squarely, but rather the two front legs and two hind legs are placed with one leg slightly in front of the other, so that all four legs can be seen simultaneously from the side. The head and neck are allowed to be held at a natural position, thought the handler may subtly raise or lower the head a bit to flatter the individual horse. Most sport horses now show on a "triangle" pattern, allowing a view of the horse going toward and away from they judge as well as a side view of the horse in motion. Horses are walked a small triangle pattern, then trotted on a larger triangle pattern before setting up for the judge to further assess them at a standstill.
Any breed may be shown in a sport horse style when appropriate, but the most common breeds shown in a sport horse style and no other include the Thoroughbred
and all of the various Warmblood
breeds. Due to the strong international influence on the under saddle events within the sport horse disciplines, there is less difference between the USA and Europe in this style of presentation than for other styles.
The stock horse
breeds in the United States put more emphasis on quality of conformation in the stand-up presentation, though movement is also scored. Stock breeds include the American Quarter Horse
, Appaloosa
, American Paint Horse
and breeds of similar body type. In most classes, horses are required to walk and trot in a straight line, usually walking toward the judge and trotting away from the judge, then assessed individually from a standstill. The horse is to stand perfectly square on all four feet. The head is usually held at a natural angle that is flattering to the individual horse, not too high or too low.
Manes are shortened and pulled, then combed to lay flat, and often are "banded" with small rubber bands. Horses are given basic show clipping of ears, legs, muzzle and bridle path
, polish is often used on hooves, and silicone-based sprays on the hair coat, but excess glitz and oil on the horse is frowned upon.
Most competitor wear Western
style attire, usually including a jacket and a cowboy hat
, and horses are presented in a flat leather halter, usually ornamented with silver.
. They generally line up head to tail along the rail and are brought singly into the center of the ring for evaluation at a standstill, then are trotted away from the judge and down the rail so their action can also be viewed from the side. Conformation at a standstill is strongly considered, though the "parked out" stance also can hide a multitude of leg flaws, making the judge's observation of the horse in motion very important.
Horses are generally shown with the curb bit
portion of a saddle seat
style double bridle
, or in a very thin, refined show halter
, usually of black or patent leather
with a colorful noseband (and, sometimes, browband). Usually the forelock and one or two sections of the mane
has a brightly colored ribbon braided into it, and false tails are permitted. Clipping styles vary by breed and by discipline within some breeds, but proper clipping is an art form and far more extensive than for the sport horse or stock breeds. Action breeds are groomed extensively with silicone sprays on the coat, oils to add shine to the face, and hoof polish common.
Handlers usually wear either a variation on a business suit (basically a business suit that allows freedom to run, plus a full range or arm movement, does not show dirt and is easily cleaned, plus paddock boots or dark running shoes) or saddle seat
riding attire, though usually without the long coat.
Breeds shown in this fashion include the American Saddlebred
and Hackney
. Morgans
are also shown in a similar manner, but without ribbons, false tails, or any type of braiding. (Unless specifically shown as sport horses, then hunter braiding and presentation is permissible). Most ponies, including the Shetland pony
, Welsh pony
and Miniature horse
are shown in the style of the action breeds, though a few may be shown in a stock horse style, particularly if a pony breed developed from stock horse bloodlines. such as the Pony of the Americas
Many "Gaited" breeds, including the Tennessee Walker
and the Missouri Foxtrotter are shown in a similar fashion, with their intermediate ambling
gait, whatever it happens to be, substituted for the trot. Purity and form of gait is judged heavily and of great importance in gaited breeds.
and breeds directly derived from the Arabian, such as the Morab
, Welara
, and the National Show Horse
, as well as part-Arabian pinto horse
s, do not have any braiding or banding that interferes with a naturally long, free-flowing mane and tail. (Unless specifically shown as sport horses, then hunter-style braiding and presentation is permissible).
Some miniature horse
s are also shown in the style of Arabians.
The conformation stance for the breed is to have the front feet square and the back feet parted so that one leg is set perpendicular to the ground, and the other slightly behind it, in order to tighten and flatten the relatively horizontal croup and show off the high-set tail that are breed characteristics. The head is carried high and the neck stretched out. Class procedure is similar to the action breeds, with somewhat greater emphasis on the stand-up for individual presentation.
They are presented in a very fine, thin show halter with minimal decoration, designed to show off the refined head that is a characteristic of the breed. Handlers usually wear similar attire to those showing action breeds, though some instead choose to wear Western-style attire. They are as extensively groomed as the action breeds, though manes and tails are never clipped or artificially enhanced, other than the clipping of a bridle path.
Judging of Arabian horses is in flux, with a new judging system set to go into effect in early 2008. Under the new system, breed type, movement, head, neck and shoulder, body and topline, and feet and legs will each be given a numerical score with all components equally weighted.
Draft horse
s are usually shown in a square stance, though sometimes slightly parked out. Mane
and tail styles vary, but most are shown with the tail tied up into a short knot that is no longer than the length of the dock. Manes on most working breeds are braided up short, usually with ornamental ribbon or yarn added. Mature horses are shown in a bridle
, young horses in a leather stable halter
.
breeds such as the Friesian
, Andalusian
and Lipizzan
, usually are shown in styles similar to what is done with each breed in Europe
, in that clipped bridle paths and excessive greases or oils are avoided. Manes and tails are generally left loose and flowing. They are usually presented either in a hunter or harness-style show bridle or in a halter similar to those used by Arabians, but sized heavier, depending on breed and part of the country in which the breed is shown. Most are shown in a square or slightly parked stance and are judged strongly on movement and athleticism.
Horse show
A Horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide, from local to the international levels. Most horse shows run from one to three days, sometimes longer for major, all-breed events or national and...
class where horses are shown "in hand," meaning that they are led, not ridden, and are judged on their conformation and suitability as breeding stock
Horse breeding
Horse breeding is reproduction in horses, and particularly the human-directed process of selective breeding of animals, particularly purebred horses of a given breed. Planned matings can be used to produce specifically desired characteristics in domesticated horses...
. Depending on breed and geographic region, such events may be called Halter, In-Hand, Breeding, or Conformation classes.
An event that judges young people on their ability to groom and present a halter horse is called Halter Showmanship
Horse showmanship
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...
or Showmanship In-Hand. In most breeds, the exhibitor is given a score that breaks down to be roughly 60% on showmanship or skill, 40% on grooming and preparation, though precise standards vary by breed and discipline.
Almost every horse breed has halter classes of some type. Halter classes are usually grouped by breed, sex, or age. Rules, breed standards, clipping patterns, grooming styles, use of grooming products and popularity of the halter discipline varies widely. However, all classes require that horses be meticulously groomed before entering the ring, be trained to stand correctly in the style dictated by their breed or discipline, and to walk and trot on command in a designated pattern or line. The breed of horse in the ring can sometimes be determined by grooming style and presentation alone.
Presentation of halter horses in the USA
North American halter exhibitors in most breeds tend to be more fond of hoof polish, hair dressings, oils and "shine enhancers," silicone sprays and other grooming aids than their counterparts in the rest of the world. In the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, fashion trends in grooming are often more noticeable than in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, where horses, while still very well groomed, are allowed a somewhat more "natural" style of preparation with less clipping and use of fewer grooming products.
Showing styles listed below are considered correct in the USA, but may differ in other countries.
Sport horse disciplines
Sport horseSport horse
Sport horse, or Sporthorse, is a term used to describe a type of horse, rather than any particular breed. The term generally refers to horses bred for the traditional Olympic equestrian sporting events of dressage, eventing, show jumping, and combined driving. The precise definition varies...
s, that is, animals of any breed who are intended to be used under saddle as show hunter
Show hunter
The show hunter is a type of show horse that is judged on its movement, manners, and way of going, particularly while jumping fences. The horses are shown in hunt seat style tack, and are often of Warmblood or Thoroughbred type, though a hunter-style pony is also seen in youth classes...
s, show jumpers
Show jumping
Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping," "open jumping," or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes commonly are seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics...
, dressage
Dressage
Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as "the highest expression of horse training." Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the World Equestrian Games...
horses, or even eventers
Eventing
Eventing is an equestrian event comprising dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This event has its roots in a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding...
, when shown in hand, are judged first and foremost on their potential athleticism, with soundness and quality of movement being very important. They have manes
Mane (horse)
The mane is the hair that grows from the top of the neck of a horse or other equine, reaching from the poll to the withers, and includes the forelock or foretop. It is thicker and coarser than the rest of the horse's coat, and naturally grows to roughly cover the neck...
braided in a style appropriate for their discipline, and usually have their tails either braided or pulled. They are shown in a hunt seat
Hunt seat
Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American horse shows. Along with Dressage, it is one of the two classic forms of English riding. The Hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting...
style bridle (horses two and under may be shown in a leather halter
Halter
A halter, headcollar, or, less often, headstall, is headgear that is used to lead or tie up livestock and, occasionally, other animals; it fits behind the ears , and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope or lead shank is attached...
). Other than cleanliness, braiding, and basic show trimming of legs, muzzle, ears and a short bridle path
Bridle path (horse)
The bridle path is a shaved or clipped section of the mane, beginning behind the ears of a horse at the poll, delineating the area where the crownpiece of the bridle lies...
, grooming products are kept to a minimum and excessive oils and polishes are frowned upon.
The handler usually dresses neatly, but casually, often wearing a polo shirt and khaki pants, with running shoes. Correct hunt seat
Hunt seat
Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American horse shows. Along with Dressage, it is one of the two classic forms of English riding. The Hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting...
riding attire is also permissible. However, many people find running in field boots to be cumbersome, particularly when showing on the triangle (see below), so the more casual look prevails.
Any breed may be shown in a sport horse style when appropriate, but the most common breeds shown in a sport horse style and no other include the Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
and all of the various Warmblood
Warmblood
Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight horse types and breeds, primarily originating in Europe, registered with organizations that are characterized by open studbook policy, studbook selection, and the aim of breeding for equestrian sport...
breeds. Due to the strong international influence on the under saddle events within the sport horse disciplines, there is less difference between the USA and Europe in this style of presentation than for other styles.
Stock breeds
Stock horse
A Stock horse is a horse of a type that is well suited for working with livestock, particularly cattle. Such horses are riding horsescharacterized by agility, quickness, and powerful hindquarters...
breeds in the United States put more emphasis on quality of conformation in the stand-up presentation, though movement is also scored. Stock breeds include the American Quarter Horse
American Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse is an American breed of horse that excels at sprinting short distances. Its name came from its ability to outdistance other breeds of horses in races of a quarter mile or less; some individuals have been clocked at speeds up to 55 mph...
, Appaloosa
Appaloosa
The Appaloosa is a horse breed best known for its colorful leopard-spotted coat pattern. There is a wide range of body types within the breed, stemming from the influence of multiple breeds of horses throughout its history. Each horse's color pattern is genetically the result of various spotting...
, American Paint Horse
American Paint Horse
The American Paint Horse is a breed of horse that combines both the conformational characteristics of a western stock horse with a pinto spotting pattern of white and dark coat colors. Developed from a base of spotted horses with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred bloodlines, the American Paint Horse...
and breeds of similar body type. In most classes, horses are required to walk and trot in a straight line, usually walking toward the judge and trotting away from the judge, then assessed individually from a standstill. The horse is to stand perfectly square on all four feet. The head is usually held at a natural angle that is flattering to the individual horse, not too high or too low.
Manes are shortened and pulled, then combed to lay flat, and often are "banded" with small rubber bands. Horses are given basic show clipping of ears, legs, muzzle and bridle path
Bridle path (horse)
The bridle path is a shaved or clipped section of the mane, beginning behind the ears of a horse at the poll, delineating the area where the crownpiece of the bridle lies...
, polish is often used on hooves, and silicone-based sprays on the hair coat, but excess glitz and oil on the horse is frowned upon.
Most competitor wear Western
Western wear
Western wear is a category of men's and women's clothing which derives its unique style from the clothes worn in the 19th-century American West. It ranges from accurate historical reproductions of pioneer, mountain man, Civil War, cowboy and vaquero clothing to the stylized garments popularized by...
style attire, usually including a jacket and a cowboy hat
Cowboy hat
The cowboy hat is a high-crowned, wide-brimmed hat best known as the defining piece of attire for the North American cowboy. Today it is worn by many people, and is particularly associated with ranch workers in the western and southern United States, western Canada and northern Mexico, with...
, and horses are presented in a flat leather halter, usually ornamented with silver.
Action breeds and gaited breeds
Breeds best known for high trotting action and stylish appearance under saddle or in harness are shown at a trot along the rail as well as being asked to set up for judging in a position where the front feet are square and the hind feet square, but stretched out or "parked" a bit behind the normal, square position. Their head and neck is held high, with the head brought forward just enough to create a clean line at the throatlatchHorse anatomy
Equine anatomy refers to the gross and microscopic anatomy of horses and other equids, including donkeys, and zebras. While all anatomical features of equids are described in the same terms as for other animals by the International Committee on Veterinary Gross Anatomical Nomenclature in the book...
. They generally line up head to tail along the rail and are brought singly into the center of the ring for evaluation at a standstill, then are trotted away from the judge and down the rail so their action can also be viewed from the side. Conformation at a standstill is strongly considered, though the "parked out" stance also can hide a multitude of leg flaws, making the judge's observation of the horse in motion very important.
Horses are generally shown with the curb bit
Curb bit
A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding horses that uses lever action. It includes the pelham bit and the Weymouth curb along with the traditional "curb bit" used mainly by Western riders....
portion of a saddle seat
Saddle seat
Saddle Seat is a style of horseback riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high trotting action of certain horse breeds. The style developed into its modern form in the United States, and is also seen in Canada and South Africa...
style double bridle
Double bridle
A double bridle, also called a full bridle or Weymouth bridle, is a bridle that has two bits and four reins . One bit is the bradoon , is a modified snaffle bit that is smaller in diameter and has smaller bit rings than a traditional snaffle, and it is adjusted so that it sits above and behind the...
, or in a very thin, refined show halter
Halter
A halter, headcollar, or, less often, headstall, is headgear that is used to lead or tie up livestock and, occasionally, other animals; it fits behind the ears , and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope or lead shank is attached...
, usually of black or patent leather
Patent leather
Patent leather is a type of japanned leather that has been given a high gloss, shiny finish. The process was brought to the United States and improved by Newark-based inventor Seth Boyden in 1818, with commercial manufacture beginning September 20, 1819. Boyden's process, which he never patented,...
with a colorful noseband (and, sometimes, browband). Usually the forelock and one or two sections of the mane
Mane (horse)
The mane is the hair that grows from the top of the neck of a horse or other equine, reaching from the poll to the withers, and includes the forelock or foretop. It is thicker and coarser than the rest of the horse's coat, and naturally grows to roughly cover the neck...
has a brightly colored ribbon braided into it, and false tails are permitted. Clipping styles vary by breed and by discipline within some breeds, but proper clipping is an art form and far more extensive than for the sport horse or stock breeds. Action breeds are groomed extensively with silicone sprays on the coat, oils to add shine to the face, and hoof polish common.
Handlers usually wear either a variation on a business suit (basically a business suit that allows freedom to run, plus a full range or arm movement, does not show dirt and is easily cleaned, plus paddock boots or dark running shoes) or saddle seat
Saddle seat
Saddle Seat is a style of horseback riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high trotting action of certain horse breeds. The style developed into its modern form in the United States, and is also seen in Canada and South Africa...
riding attire, though usually without the long coat.
Breeds shown in this fashion include the American Saddlebred
American Saddlebred
The American Saddlebred, formerly known as the American Saddle Horse, is a breed of horse that was developed in Kentucky by plantation owners. Today, in the horse show world, they are most commonly seen under saddle in Saddle seat style riding, and in various types of driving, including pleasure...
and Hackney
Hackney (horse)
The Hackney Horse is a recognized breed of horse that was developed in Great Britain. In recent decades, the breeding of the Hackney has been directed toward producing horses that are ideal for carriage driving. They are an elegant high stepping breed of carriage horse that is popular for showing...
. Morgans
Morgan horse
The Morgan is one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States. Tracing back to the stallion Figure, later named Justin Morgan after his best-known owner, the breed excels in many disciplines, and is known for its versatility....
are also shown in a similar manner, but without ribbons, false tails, or any type of braiding. (Unless specifically shown as sport horses, then hunter braiding and presentation is permissible). Most ponies, including the Shetland pony
Shetland pony
The Shetland pony is a breed of pony originating in the Shetland Isles. Shetlands range in size from a minimum height of approximately 28 inches to an official maximum height of 42 inches at the withers. Shetland ponies have heavy coats, short legs and are considered quite intelligent...
, Welsh pony
Welsh Pony
The Welsh Pony and Cob are closely related horse breeds including both pony and cob types, which originated in Wales in the United Kingdom...
and Miniature horse
Miniature horse
Miniature horses are found in many nations, particularly in Europe and the Americas. The designation of miniature horse is determined by the height of the animal, which, depending on the particular breed registry involved, is usually less than as measured at the last hairs of the mane, which are...
are shown in the style of the action breeds, though a few may be shown in a stock horse style, particularly if a pony breed developed from stock horse bloodlines. such as the Pony of the Americas
Pony of the Americas
The Pony of the Americas, or the POA, was developed to be a children’s pony. The breed’s origins are in America, where an Iowa breeder accidentally crossed a Shetland stallion with an Arabian/Appaloosa mare to produce a pony-sized mount with leopard complex spotting.-Breed Characteristics:The POA...
Many "Gaited" breeds, including the Tennessee Walker
Tennessee Walker
The Tennessee Walker or Tennessee Walking Horse is a breed of riding horse. The breed was originally bred in the Southern United States to carry the owners of plantations around their lands...
and the Missouri Foxtrotter are shown in a similar fashion, with their intermediate ambling
Ambling
The term amble or ambling is used to describe a number of four-beat intermediate gaits of horses. All are faster than a walk but usually slower than a canter or gallop...
gait, whatever it happens to be, substituted for the trot. Purity and form of gait is judged heavily and of great importance in gaited breeds.
Arabians and related breeds
The Arabian horseArabian horse
The Arabian or Arab horse is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds in the world. It is also one of the oldest breeds, with archaeological evidence of horses...
and breeds directly derived from the Arabian, such as the Morab
Morab
The Morab is a breed of horse originally developed through the cross-breeding of Arabian and Morgan horses. The breeding of Morab horses began in the late 1880s with the intent of creating a fine carriage horse that was still substantial enough for moderate farm labor...
, Welara
Welara
Welara ponies are a breed of pony bred from the Arabian horse and the Welsh pony. They are used as mounts for children and small adults, and are known for their good movement and gentle temperament.-Breed Characteristics:...
, and the National Show Horse
National Show Horse
The National Show Horse, , originated as a cross between an American Saddlebred and an Arabian horse. It is now established as a separate breed, since the founding of a breed registry in August 1981. Registered animals today may be the offspring of registered NSH parents or may be a combination...
, as well as part-Arabian pinto horse
Pinto horse
A pinto horse has a coat color that consists of large patches of white and any other color. The distinction between "pinto" and "solid" can be tenuous, as so-called "solid" horses frequently have areas of white hair. Various cultures throughout history appear to have selectively bred for pinto...
s, do not have any braiding or banding that interferes with a naturally long, free-flowing mane and tail. (Unless specifically shown as sport horses, then hunter-style braiding and presentation is permissible).
Some miniature horse
Miniature horse
Miniature horses are found in many nations, particularly in Europe and the Americas. The designation of miniature horse is determined by the height of the animal, which, depending on the particular breed registry involved, is usually less than as measured at the last hairs of the mane, which are...
s are also shown in the style of Arabians.
The conformation stance for the breed is to have the front feet square and the back feet parted so that one leg is set perpendicular to the ground, and the other slightly behind it, in order to tighten and flatten the relatively horizontal croup and show off the high-set tail that are breed characteristics. The head is carried high and the neck stretched out. Class procedure is similar to the action breeds, with somewhat greater emphasis on the stand-up for individual presentation.
They are presented in a very fine, thin show halter with minimal decoration, designed to show off the refined head that is a characteristic of the breed. Handlers usually wear similar attire to those showing action breeds, though some instead choose to wear Western-style attire. They are as extensively groomed as the action breeds, though manes and tails are never clipped or artificially enhanced, other than the clipping of a bridle path.
Judging of Arabian horses is in flux, with a new judging system set to go into effect in early 2008. Under the new system, breed type, movement, head, neck and shoulder, body and topline, and feet and legs will each be given a numerical score with all components equally weighted.
Draft breeds
Draft horse
A draft horse , draught horse or dray horse , less often called a work horse or heavy horse, is a large horse bred for hard, heavy tasks such as ploughing and farm labour...
s are usually shown in a square stance, though sometimes slightly parked out. Mane
Mane (horse)
The mane is the hair that grows from the top of the neck of a horse or other equine, reaching from the poll to the withers, and includes the forelock or foretop. It is thicker and coarser than the rest of the horse's coat, and naturally grows to roughly cover the neck...
and tail styles vary, but most are shown with the tail tied up into a short knot that is no longer than the length of the dock. Manes on most working breeds are braided up short, usually with ornamental ribbon or yarn added. Mature horses are shown in a bridle
Bridle
A bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct a horse. As defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, the "bridle" includes both the headstall that holds a bit that goes in the mouth of a horse, and the reins that are attached to the bit....
, young horses in a leather stable halter
Halter
A halter, headcollar, or, less often, headstall, is headgear that is used to lead or tie up livestock and, occasionally, other animals; it fits behind the ears , and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope or lead shank is attached...
.
Other breeds
The Baroque horseBaroque horse
The Baroque horse is a term used to generally describe the type of agile but strong-bodied descendants of horses in the Middle Ages such as the destrier. Specific ancestors of this type include the Neapolitan horse, and the Iberian horse of Barb ancestry known in the Middle Ages as the Spanish...
breeds such as the Friesian
Friesian horse
The Friesian is a horse breed originating in Friesland, Netherlands. Although the breed's conformation resembles that of a light draft horse, Friesians are graceful and nimble for their size. During the Middle Ages, it is believed that the ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war...
, Andalusian
Andalusian horse
The Andalusian, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE , is a horse breed developed in the Iberian Peninsula. Its ancestors have been present on the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years. The Andalusian has been recognized as an individual breed since the 15th century, and its conformation...
and Lipizzan
Lipizzan
The Lipizzan or Lipizzaner , is a breed of horse closely associated with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, where the finest representatives demonstrate the haute école or "high school" movements of classical dressage, including the highly controlled, stylized jumps and other movements...
, usually are shown in styles similar to what is done with each breed in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, in that clipped bridle paths and excessive greases or oils are avoided. Manes and tails are generally left loose and flowing. They are usually presented either in a hunter or harness-style show bridle or in a halter similar to those used by Arabians, but sized heavier, depending on breed and part of the country in which the breed is shown. Most are shown in a square or slightly parked stance and are judged strongly on movement and athleticism.
See also
- Horse showHorse showA Horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide, from local to the international levels. Most horse shows run from one to three days, sometimes longer for major, all-breed events or national and...
- Horse showmanshipHorse showmanshipShowmanship 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...
- Horse groomingHorse groomingHorse grooming is hygienic care given to a horse, or a process by which the horse's physical appearance is enhanced for horse shows or other types of competition.-Reasons for grooming:...
- Mane (horse)Mane (horse)The mane is the hair that grows from the top of the neck of a horse or other equine, reaching from the poll to the withers, and includes the forelock or foretop. It is thicker and coarser than the rest of the horse's coat, and naturally grows to roughly cover the neck...
- HalterHalterA halter, headcollar, or, less often, headstall, is headgear that is used to lead or tie up livestock and, occasionally, other animals; it fits behind the ears , and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope or lead shank is attached...
- List of horse breeds (for breed standards and other details)