What Happens When a 9-Year-Old Gives a News Anchor a Showmanship Lesson?
By: Brittany Bevis
Rodeo Houston Unplugged anchor Mark O’Shea got a crash course in Showmanship recently at the 2015 Rodeo Houston All-Breeds Youth Horse Show. Both Mark and Jay O’Shea were treated to an impromptu lesson and fun competition with two youth exhibitors, 9-year-old Avery Mortman and her horse “Grace” and 18-year-old KJ Crisp and her horse “Arnold.”
Both young ladies had excellent tips for the hosts, but we loved the brutal honesty and adorable personality of Ms. Avery.
A few of our favorite exchanges from the video:
Mark- “Am I doing this right so far?”
Avery– “No.” (giggle)
Mark– “Stop laughing at me!”
Mark– “Do you walk in a straight line like this?”
Avery– “It doesn’t look like you have a purpose.” (shakes head) “Still not walking fast enough…”
Avery– “You’re going to [trot] kind of like a ballerina, like you’re stepping on eggshells. Cluck at her if she starts getting slow… which is now.”
Avery– “Quit looking down! Arms together! You are not trotting like you’re walking on eggshells!”
Avery– “You came out of your pivot twice.”
Avery– “Walk like I told you how to walk, with a purpose.”
Click here to watch the video of the most ADORABLE Showmanship lesson ever.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is currently underway and will continue through March 22nd. In addition to the AQHA Cowboy Mounted Shooting World Championship Show and AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show, there is a Cutting Horse Show, Donkey and Mule Show, Horse Sale, Paint Horse Show, Quarter Horse Show, Ranch Rodeo, Team Penning and Ranch Sorting, and Youth Horse Show.
Both Avery and KJ are in Houston competing in the Youth All-Breeds Horse Show, an event that provides classes for both registered and unregistered horses. Exhibitors must be under the age of 18 to participate. Divisions include 5-9 Walk/Trot, Novice, 13 and under, and 14-18. High Point winners will receive jackets and cash, and class winners will take home custom belt buckles!
This morning, Avery and KJ will put their skills to the test during the Youth Horse Show Halter and Showmanship classes, which will be followed by AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Conformation at 3 pm and VRH Cutting at 4:30 pm. Tomorrow, VRH Trail and Ranch Riding will begin at 8 am, and Cowboy Mounted Shooting will start at 2 pm. On the schedule for Saturday, March 21st is VRH Working Cowhorse, Cowboy Mounted Shooting, and the Sale Preview and Horse Sale. The Ranching Heritage Challenge wraps up the show on March 22nd.
When you’re done taking in all of the sights on the show grounds, stop by one of the new food vendors for 2015 like Belgian Waffles to try out their creative menu which includes Fried Sriracha Balls, Jalapeño Cornbread Shrimp, and Fried Biscuits and Gravy.
Click here to view the 2015 schedule of events to find out what’s in store for the final weekend of Rodeo Houston. The word is Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Brad Paisley, and Luke Bryan will be performing…
