Last year, two young California horses, Del's colt Premo and my filly Zofia were the poster children for the scoring system on another forum. I started the thread and Del jumped in later. Our horses were supported by some and trashed by others. I haven't shown in halter this year and I was wondering how things are going with the new system. I you've shown in halter this year, please post some comments. What I'm really interest in is how ammys are doing both in ammy and open halter.

Dave

I have shown under the halter card. Where my colt is a regional champion in the sport horse in hand discipline, he can't seem to get recognized as such in halter. I'm specifically referring to the common categories such as legs and movement. My colt doesn't prace or bounce or short-stride when we trot in and away from the judges. He puts his head down and moves out (perhaps a little too boring for their taste?).

Natalie,

I have no idea what kind of movement the judges are looking for in halter. I see many handlers showing horses with their heads up in the air when they trot. I assume this is to get more knee action. The problem with this is that the hocks don't engage. Maybe the judges are looking for EP movement.

My filly is a very good mover but judges have given very poor moving horses better movement scores. Also, I suspect that your colt has better hock action when he lowers his head.

Dave

Dave, you are right about the hock action with a lower head. Check out this photo:



I like a horse that extends their trot and impulses and thrusts from the hind end. Since I now primarily trail ride, I work for a big trot with my horses.

Natalie,

Sport horse judges would like this trot. I'm not so sure about main ring. I wish I knew what they're looking for.

Dave

I've been fortunate enough to find my stallion's niche in the Sport Horse world. And with like humans, some are ballet dancers, some are swimmers and some are basketball players. All are atheletes in their own regards. I enjoy showing halter, even tho we don't place well. I do it for myself and don't take to heart the criticisms. We all have to understand that even with the scorecard it does not mean that the horse will get scores matching, in my situation, what they receive in SHIH. What the judge is initially looking for will shape the way they observe and critique all aspects of the score card categories.

Natalie, that colt is beautiful! how old is he & have you bred him yet?

I believe that judges generally look for free flowing movement, and some will appreciate a bigger english type trot, but others not so much. Most often judges are watching for signs of lameness or short choppy strides that reflect a straight shoulder.