Pre-Level 1 Championship Showmanship Refresher With Judge/Trainer Holly Hover

By: Brittany Bevis

Local Arizonians received a special treat over the weekend at Carla Cline Show Horses in sun-filled Chino Valley, AZ. Because many competitors are gearing up for the fall show season with the AQHA Level 1 Championships, Quarter Horse Congress, APHA World Show, AQHA World Show, and Appaloosa World Show, the Arizona Paint Horse Club decided to give everyone a helping hand with their preparation by hosting a special September Showmanship Clinic with judge, trainer, and clinician Holly Hover.

In an effort to reach as many skill levels as possible, two different blocks were held based on the handler’s prior experience. A novice block took place from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm and an advanced block took place from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm. The number of participants was limited so in-depth learning could take place within the two-hour time frame.

For the AzPHC, Hover was the perfect choice to instruct this multi-skill level clinic. Not only does Hover hold judges cards with AQHA, APHA, NRHA, and NSBA, she has judged the AQHA World Championship Show eleven times. She has done work at the introductory level of the industry guiding youth at the American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup. She is also a part of the steering committee for the AQHA Level 1 Championships and is credited with pioneering the initial idea.

“We chose Holly for several reasons,” says Clinic Coordinator Delores Kuhlwein. “She is highly sought after for her expertise on Showmanship, Horsemanship and Equitation, and some of our members have attended her clinics in the past or have utilized her for lessons when they need extra help. Not only is she known for giving game-changing clinics, but she’s a renowned judge and she has trained and coached World Champions in this discipline. Her recent video reviews of AQHYA World Show performances have elevated her status even more.”

“On another level, Holly is an appropriate choice for us because she specializes mostly in AQHA horses, and it alleviates concerns about trainer solicitation or “stepping on toes.” It was a beautiful sight to have two other in-state APHA trainers watching and learning right along with the participants.”

The AQHA Level 1 Championships begin tomorrow, September 1st, and will continue through October 4th in the western United States at the SmartPak Level 1 Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada and in the east at the Nutrena Level 1 Championships in Lexington, Virginia. Before the competition kicks off, check out this mini-Showmanship refresher, courtesy of tips gleaned during the September Showmanship clinic.

“From the judge’s perspective, Holly immediately stressed the importance of first impressions,” Kuhlwein says. “One of the first tips we learned was how to adjust our halters and shanks properly, because she reminded us that this practice shows our care for prepping our horses and handling them. Right away, as a judge, if she sees we have an ill-fitting halter, it gives a subtle impression that we didn’t take the time to make sure we’re ready. For example, the throat latch should fit around and behind the jaw, not in front of it.”

Along with the subject of proper tack fit, Hover emphasizes that one size DOES NOT fit all when it comes to chain length. A showmanship chain should be tailored for each individual horse.

“The chain should be short enough that it should not be doubled over on the off-side when snapping it to the throat latch ring,” Kuhlwein says. “The snap should be facing out, and you should only have three links of chain showing by your hand where you hold the shank.  Your hand should never be on the chain when showing!”

If your chain is too long, resist the urge to double it over before snapping. Your local Ace Hardware employee can shorten a chain if needed by removing the extra links.

Another important part of the clinic involved a discussion of how penalties are accrued. Hover encourages exhibitors to read the rulebook and become very familiar with the different point penalties that can be assessed during a pattern. Showmanship is one of the few events where a handler cannot makeup for a penalty such as a rider might be able to in a class like Western Riding or Trail. “For example, holding the right hind pivot foot is extremely important and moving it incurs a severe penalty [that cannot be recovered],” says Kuhlwein.

Kuhlwein’s favorite part of the clinic came when Hover demonstrated drills for perfecting pattern transitions. For example, to drill a perfect back, use a fence on the horse’s offside to help keep the horse’s body in perfect head-to-spine alignment. When practicing transitions, think about using your body language to create and stop movement as opposed to always relying on your hand as a cue. Also, teach a horse to maintain balance in a stop, by keeping the shoulders up, square, and with a rounded back, so he’s already in position to execute a perfect set up. Furthermore, Hover stresses the importance of practicing the set up without allowing the right hind foot to move. (Note that’s also the foot that should remain stable during a turn… hint, hint)

Finally, although this clinic took place over a two-hour time period, Hover advises much shorter, daily practice session, just 15 minutes a day. Striving for perfection during a shorter time frame rather than drawing out a lesson will help keep your horse alert, maintain a happy, eye-appealing expression, and provide positive reinforcement that when a skill is completed correctly, the horse gets to return to his stall!

Here’s what a few clinic attendees had to say…

Pat Martinez:  “Many thanks to Holly Hover for taking time out of her very busy schedule to be a wonderful clinician. I learned things I need to do, should be doing, and enjoyed it. Very informative! Working on my lead shank today!”

Rosemary Dvorak:  “I had so much fun and learned so much. Thank you everyone who put this on and Holly Hover for coming out!”

Cassie Gaarder:  “Holly always make you think about your STRENGTHS and weaknesses.”

Shelby Hunkler:  “I worked on some of the drills she had showed us this morning with my mare and it really helped.”

Delores Kuhlwein:  “What I appreciated about this clinic were the tools given to me as an amateur who works with a different trainer.  I can now practice some of these drills at home to improve, and they don’t conflict with our program. I love that my trainer came to learn some new strategies as well. Holly really provides a one-of-a-kind experience!”

Good luck to everyone competing at the AQHA Level 1 Championships! Be sure to keep Holly Hover’s tips in mind when you head to the arena for your Showmanship classes.