Showing Transitions

Use these tips to increase your overall horsemanship score from the average 70 next time you compete in the class.

The horsemanship class is a dynamic and technical class that in the end, comes down to who has the highest score on the judge's scorecard. You start with an even 70 — and it’s up to you to increase that number.

Many amateur and youth riders struggle with slowing from a lope to a jog or walk, especially in the show pen when their nerves can get the best of them. A rushed transition always looks sloppy and costs you points on your scorecard. I’m going to share with you a simple method for acing your downward lope transitions every time. You can practice at home to master it, then put it to use in the show pen. Soon it’ll become second nature.