Training To Show In Halter - I have a yearling filly that I am planning to show next year. I am in the process of training her for halter. I have been to lots of shows and have seen what a halter horse is supposed to do. The only problem is, I can't get her to show like that. I have got her so she will stand still with her feet square, but I just can't get her to stretch out her neck or put her ears forward. Any suggestions?

• Treats work really well most of the time for neck, but sometimes you have to have something else to get ears. While we were at Nationals last year we discovered that *****'s mare, Duchess, was totally fascinated by the gold and silver scrunchies they had!! They made an interesting noise when they were rubbed together!! Good Luck!!
• The best thing I have learned so far to get a horse to stretch its neck out is while it is standing, you hold your hand out with some treat so they can sniff at it, and all the while they keep their feet in place. It takes time and patience, but it will work, and maybe about a third of the time, I let the horse have the treat...and praise her for being in the right position...any better ones? As far as ears forward, the treat might do it, but that's kind of a hit or miss situation from what I hear!! Good luck
• Don't even begin to worry about the neck set until your filly has learned to walk freely on the lead and can stand square on command. Young horses can only learn a few steps at a time and it is easier in the long run to work on one thing at a time. --- The first thing is to not mistake a hollow, stiff, "stretched" neck with a horse that is using their whole body to lower their frame, position their weight over the shoulder and hip, lengthen the neck and relax the poll. Those are all the attribute of a true stretch that will enhance your horses conformation. A horse reaching for that treat that they know they won't get, often will just poke their head forward if you don't teach them what it is that you want from them. #1. Urge the horse towards you, allowing them take one step forward - and as soon as they have their weight over their leading leg and are ready to take the next step ask them to stop. #2. The horse will instinctively pull up the other leg opposite the leading leg followed by the rear leading leg and opposite rear leg - the horse will have already lowered its frame in order to move forward. #3. If the horse continues to hold its lower frame, reward it with a pat or treat. #4. In time and with much practice the horse will know that the treat or rattle is not only to get their attention, but to perform a specific task. --- If it comes time for your first show and your horse is still not performing it right (not all horses can because of differences in conformation) DON'T DO IT! The judges will not be impressed or fooled by a poor imitation and the horse will look better in a natural position with weight over the shoulders. --- As far as the ears - practice your set up daily so that it is not a chore for your horse to perform - never make your horse hold a pose for more than a few minutes at a time and reward with pats or treats. There are numerous unkind methods to get you to get the ears up for a limited time, but they do not work in the long run. Granted nothing is prettier than a lovely set of perked ears, but I have shown many horses successfully that NEVER put up their ears and have never held it against the horse for not putting them up (except for geldings where disposition is more important). A judge can easily see the size and ear placement regardless of their position.

Clipping Tips - Have the horse as clean as possible. After bathing, spray with Show Sheen on body. Be sure horse is fully dry before clipping. Set up in a well-lit, quiet location with few distractions. Use a humane twitch if necessary to keep horse still and prevent injury. Clip one side at a time. Leave the head until last, the horse will be tired and more cooperative. Keep blades well lubricated. Change blades often to prevent overheating. Don’t hold blade flat; instead hold at a slight angle and it will give a better cut. Leave an inverted "V" at the tail head to give the illusion of a higher tail set. A #10 blade is used for the body, a #15 on head and finish with a #30 on the ears, around the eyes, the muzzle and on white markings on the legs. Be careful the #30 blade cuts VERY close, as does a #40 surgical blade. Both should be used with caution. (Anyone care to add more Tips??? Please e-mail me!)

Selecting A Trainer - Do you see exciting potential in your miniature that may bring home the blue ribbons? Are you not experienced at showing, grooming or perhaps just too busy to give him the proper exposure? If your answer is yes, it may be time to consider hiring a professional trainer., Professional trainers can get the very best out of your horse. They have years of experience in conditioning grooming & presentation for the show ring. They can both hide faults & highlight your horses strong points,. First you need to find a trainer., You can look through the magazines to find one that is winning, you can see them in action at shows, or you can ask around. When you contact the trainer be prepared to tell them as much as possible about your horse & be prepared to show it in person or send a detailed video., Many trainers limit the number of horses by sex, age & height that they can handle at one time, some trainers do have helpers, others prefer to handle the horses themselves. The trainer will need to evaluate the horse based on what you want to do with it. All of us want a National champion, but not all horses are of that caliber, Your horse may not win at National level, but may do very well in the area shows. What would you be happy with, a few Grand Champions or do you want to go all the way to Nationals? The horse you may think is perfect for halter may turn out to be a top performance horse on the advice of your trainer. Be realistic in your goals. The trainers show string advertises their ability to win & they will usually only take the horses they feel have a shot at ribbons. It is possible that some trainers may need the money & are willing to take anything, but it is doubtful. If you are not happy with a trainers comments regarding your horse, they are not set in stone & you can always get another trainers opinion.

The next thing to discuss is the cost to you. There is a large difference in what some trainers charge versus others. The general fees are around $250-$400 a month which include full board, conditioning & training. Most trainers like to have your horse anywhere from 60-90 days prior to its first show to get it trained & conditioned properly. There will be additional costs which will again vary with each trainer. It is highly recommended that you get an estimate up front of what you can be expect to be charged per month so you are not nickel & dimed to death. Common extra charges can & will include farrier work, shots, worming, vet costs, grooming fees & the total cost of trainer at the show ( mileage, eating & motels) which is usually divided between all the horses shown at the show. Some trainers require that you purchase show clothing & halters for your horses, such as hoods, slinkies, blankets, neck sweats, muzzles & a fitted show halter The owner is also responsible for all the show class entry fees, stalls & grounds fees.

Once you understand the costs involved with the professional handler, it is to your benefit to ask for a trial period for your horse. This usually involves so many shows or so many months of showing. This is good protection incase the blue ribbon winner you & the trainer see is just not making it in the ring. If your horse is not performing up to your expectations, within a certain time period, it may be time to re think your horses future in the show ring. This is not to say that your horse may not go on to win a National Title under another trainer. If you are serious about your horses show career, you may consider finding another trainer that may "click" better with your horse.

Keep in mind that horses that are with professional trainers are not "pets". They are well taken care of, but you can not expect to go to a show & hug on your horse or ask to lead it around the grounds. He is there for a job & your trainer wants him to be mentally & physically prepared for the show ring. Although there is a large expense involved in hiring a professional trainer to show your horse, there is also much to be said for sitting in the stands without all the rush & stress of having to get a horse ready for the ring, & watching while the horse is shown in a far superior manner to what you could have done & who knows, maybe even walk off with a blue ribbon!

A winning show career adds to the value of any horse, so of course we want the very best! It is a good way to advertise our stallions, mares & homebred little ones. Choose your trainer carefully, while he needs to be happy with your as a client, & your horse as a prospect to add to his "brags", YOU are still paying the bills & you have to be happy with what you are getting in return for your investment.

( this article was compiled using information & comments from both professional trainers & owners around the country) - Many thanks to Debbie Gross of White Star Miniature Horses for allowing us to use this article.