Horsemanship Journal Library

Judge Dagmar Zenker talks us through one rider's pattern in an AQHA Horsemanship Class.

This class has always been one of my favourite classes. It is judged on a rider’s ability to perform harmoniously with the horse, the only other riding class that asks for this is Hunt Seat Equitation. In times where more and more horses are being produced to specialise in specific show classes, it is still possible to win a horsemanship class with an average horse shown by a good rider.

More important than a flashy horse with superior movement is a rider’s preciseness and smoothness in performing the designated pattern, as well as a balanced and correct body position in the saddle. The ‘correct’ position is accurately described in the AQHA Official Handbook (available at www.aqha.com). The pattern is chosen depending on the assumed quality of the riders and the level at which they are riding and is available before the class for competitors to learn.

Tied correctly, a simple rope halter can be an invaluable groundwork training aid. I think of a rope halter as a training aid. It allows you to apply enough pressure on a horse’s face to get his attention and/or gain control.

It is a far superior tool, in my opinion, and experience, than using a stud chain on a horse for control because you can finesse the pressure with a rope halter. A stud chain will put constant pressure on the horse - you can make the pressure worse but you can never totally release it. 

In the third instalment from his trail class series, Lou Roper works with the gate. As told to Annie Haresign. Photography by Obi Igbo Photography. Make sure to watch the accompanying video at the end of this article!

In this article, we’re going to look at working the gate. It’s a very practical skill to have as you may need to use this while out on trail rides in the countryside. But for the show pen, the gate is an obstacle that demonstrates accuracy and control with an artificial gate - designed especially for trail class.

It is critical to ensure that a student and coach’s philosophies are aligned when it comes to the training of horse and rider.

Can you keep a secret? It is the only way to guarantee crisp, correct manoeuvres, writes Linda Durocher. Okay, here’s how it goes down in my book. Nine times out of 10 a horse’s anticipation begins with a subtle signal from its rider.

Yep, I know it sucks that the one mistake that your horse does over and over again could be starting with you; but the good news is that it is much easier to fix you than it is your horse.

In my last article, I talked about the thought processes behind training, riding, showing and further education. Now, I’d like to talk about my approach, theory and methodology.

This is simply my way, you can take what you want and leave what you don’t like! First and foremost, I work off of a ‘reward-based system,’ versus a programme based upon fear. This is important because, as we discussed previously, you have to know where you are going before you can lead the way in an effective manner, and establish a relationship based upon trust. Now for the breakdown of how this works in the programme.