SHA NEWSLETTER

SPARTANBURG HORSEMAN’S ASSOCIATIONPO BOX 2283, SPARTANBURG, SC 29304

February Newsletter2017

We want your FEEDBACK !

The SHA board wants to know what you like, what you don’t like, what you would like to see in the future. Basically, anything that is on your mind concerning the shows or organization. Send your thoughts, concerns and questions to

Reading patterns ???????????????????

Ever get confused when looking at a pattern at the horse show? Well, you’re not alone. For example, you see an instruction on the pattern that says “execute and 270 degree turn to the left”. What do you do? Try this.

Visualize a pizza; it’s usually cut into 8 slices. Each slice represents 45 degrees of a circle. So, a 90-degree turn would equal 2 slices of pizza. A 180=4 slices. A 360=the whole pie. What about that 270? When you have trouble figuring this out, divide 270 by 360=.75 or 6 slices of pizza. (3/4 of a pie)

And you thought all that math would never come in handy!

Another thing to look for on the pattern is: What side are the cones on? Are they always on my left or right side or do they change as the pattern unfolds? Points are deducted for being on the wrong side.

If the pattern calls for a “turn on the forehand” this mean that the horse pivots around the front feet. The opposite is true for a “turn on the haunches”.

In Trail, a “right hand push” on the gate means that the rope is held in the right hand.

Don’t forget, you can always ask the judge about the pattern if you have questions. It is much better to ask than to try and “wing it”. Judges actually appreciate questions.

BREAKING NEW!! From now on, patterns for the next month’s show will be in the newsletter and will also be available on our Facebook page and our website.

A REMINDER

In the Timed Events, the rule concerning “no run prior to the gate closing” will be strictly enforced. This rule is put in place in the interest of safety for all participants riding and working the gate and fairness in the starting of a run.

SPONSORSHIPS

If you are interested in sponsoring a class for the season, the cost is only $25. The money helps the Association with arena fees, maintenance of equipment, office supplies and other general expenses. Your company or personal name will be announced at each show for the class you have sponsored all season.

MEMBERSHIPS

If you did not attend the February show, you will need to renew your membership at the next show. All forms are available online. You can fill out each form and print off to bring with you. This will do 2 things; it will save you a lot of time AND it will prevent us from making mistakes on your information. If you can’t fill in the forms on your computer. PLEASE print your name and your horse’s name CLEARLY on all forms. Lastly, please choose a name for your horse that will be the same at every show.This is necessary in order for the points to include all rides all year.

You can renew by mail by sending your membership form and a check to: Spartanburg Horseman’s Association, PO Box 2283 Spartanburg, SC 29304

WHAT A JUDGE LOOKS FORConner Smith, SHA Feb. Judge

Regardless of your discipline it is important to show your horse with the highest degree of correctness, consistency, and confidence. As a judge, we must first look for correctness and most ideal of the class. Next, consistency is key. Consistency is closely related to the cadence and rhythm. Although you may not have the slowest horse in a Western Pleasure class, it is important that you are showing your horse to a cadence and rhythm that best suits your horse's movement. Why is this important? It shows me as a judge that you as a rider can clearly identify proper rhythm and movement in your horse's performance.

Finally, a rider's confidence could be the deciding factor in a close pair of riders in a class such as Showmanship, Hunt-Seat Equitation, or Western Horsemanship. Confidence is a key factor in the horse show ring as it does not only show confidence in yourself, but your horse, your hard work, and your instructor. A rider and horse who can clearly exhibit correctness, consistency, and confidence is surely to earn a spot on any judge's card!

In addition to these three key factors, appearance is superior to a judge's impression of you as a rider. For me, it is important that your horse appears to be in good health and you are well dressed with properly fitting and legal show attire. A horse and rider with an appealing first impression shows a knowledgeable and prepared horseman. It is important to know that the best dressed rider and the most expensive horse will not always win every class. If you prepare and show to your highest level of capability, it is likely that you will be rewarded in the arena.

I would like to personally congratulate all exhibitors on a job well done at the first show of the 2017 season at Spartanburg Horseman's Association I am available for clinics and lessons if interested. Feel free to contact me via e-mail at .

Support Cindy’s Concessions

Plenty of Sandwiches & snacks available, Warm up with some Hot Chocolate or Coffee & fill up on some yummyBBQ hash, Burgers & Hot Dogs Made just for S.H.A !!

NEXT SHOW

The next scheduled show is March 18. We try very hard to begin on time. Any help with setting up the jumps set up would be greatly appreciated. This will really help in getting started on time. Thanks, in advance for your help.

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE

LET’S MAKE 2017 A GREAT SHOW SEASON!

p