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Posted:
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
In-Hand Trail classes growing in popularity
By Susan Dudasik
Would you like to do more with your colts than feed and watch them run in the pasture? Then how about participating in a relatively new event called In-Hand Trail. This type of class is based on the standard Trail class, but designed for youngsters, usually weanlings through two year-olds, though, depending on the show, older equines may compete. Usually the classes are divided by age with the obstacles geared toward each age group.
Often an exhibitor would show a youngster in halter classes, but that's all they could do. With this new class, exhibitors are encouraged to spend time with their youngstock working on such important things as leading and trotting in hand, standing still, picking up all four hooves, putting on a sheet or blanket, backing up, turning on the haunches and forehand, and sidepassing. Depending on their age, the youngsters may also be required to walk across a bridge, walk calmly through a gate, back through poles, walk or trot through a series of ground poles, trailer load and lead from both sides.
In-Hand classes provide a perfect opportunity to introduce youngsters to a variety of situations with plenty of new things to experience, from riding in the trailer to investigating all the new sights and sounds at the showgrounds. This type of exposure can be invaluable to any youngster, as long as you remember he's just a baby and don't get caught in the showring trap of point chasing. Your youngster is going to make mistakes; don't expect him to be perfect. If you approach In-Hand classes as learning experience and strive to compete against only your last performance, you will be creating a happy, well-balanced horse. If you expect perfection, you'll just create a showring monster.
The key to successfully competing in In-Hand classes is to practice slowly and patiently at home. By starting with the basics, you will be creating a strong foundation in ground manners, something that is lacking in many horses today. How many times do you see a horse that can't be caught, led, tied, or loaded in a trailer? Much of this is because the horse hasn't been taught basic ground manners. Horses like to have a strong leader and if they trust you on the ground, they will have more confidence in your judgment when you finally get on their back.
Ground training should begin the first time you handle a foal. You want to teach him respect and trust. While it's cute that he rubs against you, kicks at you or nibbles your hair, you are not teaching him respect. Often folks let this type of behavior go on until the horse is two or three, then wonder why he's so obnoxious. Here's where participating in In-Hand classes will make a difference. The youngsters must have manners.
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When showing In-Hand, be understanding. This youngster was crowding at his first show, but quickly improved as his confidence grew.
Photo by Susan Dudasik© |
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