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The NASMA Show Ring

 
Welcome to the NASMA Show Ring! This page has been designed to assist our NASMA Carded Judges, as well as our show members, by keeping them abreast of any concerns, problems or changes from past years.

Here you can review issues that have come up such as show and contest rule violations, as well as viable concerns taken from evaluation forms. This section will be updated as required. Also on this page you may find any established changes or additions to the rules by the association which will be posted immediately.

A "From The Judge’s View" will be a new section for our Judges to educate our members on what they are looking for and issues that have come up for them as well as concerns they may have. These postings may be sent to the Judges Committee in care of the NASMA Secretary for posting.

NASMA truly appreciates our judges and their commitment to the association. It is our hope that this page will help them as well as our members thru education and communication.

Horsemanship
Questions and Answers from the Pleasure Horse Web Site.

Exhibitor Classes
 
Equitation is a rider's ability to ride correctly with a strong, supple position and effective aids. This is judged in equitation classes, or classes at horse shows that mainly judge the rider's performance and control of the horse, as opposed to the performance of the horse. Equitation classes occur in the Hunt seat, Saddle seat, Dressage, and Western disciplines. A good equitation rider is always in balance with the horse, maintains a correct position in every gait, movement, or over a fence, and possesses a commanding, but relaxed, presence. They are effective riders, able to direct the horse with nearly invisible aids.

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 called a pattern. The horse itself is not judged on its conformation, it is merely a "prop" for the exhibitor to demonstrate his/her ability to groom and otherwise prepare the horse and then present it in the ring, exhibiting the animal to its best advantage.

Showmanship began as a component of 4-H competition for young people, to teach them how to present a horse in-hand. Over time, it expanded into most breed competition at regular horse shows as well and has become a highly competitive event with exacting standards at the highest level. Yet, it also remains a standard competition in 4-H and other schooling shows for beginners.  Most showmanship classes in the United States use western style horses, clothing and equipment; however, English styles are also seen, depending on the breed of horse. In some breed and open competitions, both English and Western handlers may appear in the same class.
 

Exhibitor Etiquette
 

Exhibitors will benefit from realizing that you, too, have a responsibility to Show Management and your fellow exhibitors.

  • Entries.  Once your entry is signed, you have agreed to abide by the rules and decisions of the Show Management
    • When Show Management provides entries and publishes information concerning a show, that is what applies to that show. How it was done in the past may not apply nor should you expect it to.
    • If entry requirements, health requirements, fees, premiums, etc are published prior to the show it is the exhibitor’s responsibility, not Show Management, for you to be in compliance with those requirements. “I didn’t know!” only applies when Show Management has deliberately not made information available keeping it secret to make theirs and your lives miserable.
    • If you have a complaint or concern, approach Show Management politely requesting a solution. If you become combative, expect Security to address your issues and Management to be uncooperative.
    • Your suggestions are appreciated. If the show has a Show Evaluation Form, fill in your negative and positive reactions to the show.
  • Volunteers.  Volunteers are not paid -- not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.
    • Courtesy extended to Presenters, Gatemen, Stewards, Announcers, Office Workers is conducive to a smooth running show and insures these volunteers will be back to provide a quality show for you next time.
    • Please and Thank You are magic words from exhibitors to volunteers.
    • Without Volunteers, there would be no show for you to participate in.
  • Sponsors.  While sponsors donate premiums for the exhibitors, they appreciate a "Thank You" from the winners.
    • A quick note or e-mail of thanks greatly improves the likelihood that sponsor will look forward to donating again.
    • If you choose to patronize a sponsor of a show, be sure and tell them you are making a purchase from them because you like their product and you appreciate their support of the mules and donkeys.
  • Judges.  Judges are to be treated with Respect.
    • Never hesitate to ask questions when you do not understand, but all contact with the Judge, according to the NASMA rule book, must be through the Ring Steward unless initiated by the Judge.
    • Remember Judges do not always see everything that goes on a pen. So, if they don’t see that missed lead or other mistakes of your competitors, they will not penalize that exhibitor. However, in your exhibitor career, many of your mistakes will also be missed and not held against you.
    • If you have a complaint against a judge, there are Judge’s Evaluation forms to use to register your complaint to the Association. The Judge’s Committee will address the complaints with the Judge.
    • Judges are very aware of “double handling” or parents and trainers cueing riders from the rail. Usually, they do not react favorably to this. So do your homework before you enter the pen.
  • Exhibitor Frustration.  Coming to the show prepared greatly reduces your frustration and anxiety.
    • Practice skills at home. Don’t expect to practice new skills at the show and be able to compete.
    • Learn the rules and pattern measurements of each class you will participate in.
    • Organize your tack room & trailer so you can find things easily.
    • Don’t take your frustrations out on your mule & donkey. It’s usually not their fault.
    • Don’t blame others for your mistakes.
    • If you make a mistake, go home and practice for the next time.
    • Smile.
    • Breathe
    • Enjoy yourself.
 

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