Brad Barkemeyer’s Tips for the Show Pen Video Series:

In this video brought to you by Absorbine®, hear from Brad Barkemeyer, Professional Horseman, as he shares his judge’s perspective on riding the pattern as it’s written. When you enter the arena and present yourself and your horse, it’s important to be aware of the arena and the markers. Use the markers and the sides of the arena to help guide you, aiming to create symmetrical circles that meet in the center of the arena. Judges are looking for circles that are consistent in size and speed on both sides.

Barkemeyer refers to this as “geographical awareness”—knowing where you are in the arena at all times. Visually, it’s important to stay aware of focal points while riding and showing your horse, such as straight lines across the middle and during rundowns.

Watch how Barkemeyer coaches his students to master geographical awareness in the arena in the video below.

Watch Brad’s Tips for a Developing Geographical Awareness Now: