World Show News

The World Show Begins

Written by Connie Lechleitner

The National Open Horse Show Association’s inaugural World Championship Show kicked off the weekend with “Ride The Pattern” clinics, which were presented by world champion trainers and coaches Jessica Gilliam, Melissa Jones and Sue Ellen Kaven on Friday, September 10, at C Bar C Arena in Cloverdale, Indiana.

Professional Melissa Jones provided insight into the Small Fry, Walk Trot, Youth and Adult Trail patterns that will be used at this year’s World Show, pointing out the trickier parts of the pattern, how to avoid penalty points and the importance of being aware of upcoming obstacles by always looking up as soon as an obstacle is cleared. She also discussed penalty deductions and how to approach one-stride and two-stride lope-overs.

Melissa returned to break down the Horsemanship patterns that judges will use during the weekend for the Small Fry, Walk Trot, Youth and Adult Horsemanship classes. She discussed the importance of looking around the arena for ‘landmarks’ that can be used to lay out the pattern ahead of time, as well as the importance of proper leg and upper body position and a natural, comfortable appearance.

Jessica Gilliam broke down the elements of the Showmanship patterns that Small Fry, Youth and Adult exhibitors will perform at the NOHSA World Championship Show. Like Melissa, she discussed a game plan to make use of the arena to fit the pattern, making sure that the exhibitor has enough room to perform all required maneuvers such as circular movements, turns and backing, including count steps to ensure the needed space is performed.

Sue Ellen Kaven took attendees through the English Equitation patterns that judges will use to official the Small Fry, Youth and Adult Equitation classes at this year’s show. She discussed proper body position in the saddle and the importance of maintaining a constant but light connection with the horse’s mouth through the hands and arms. She helped a young exhibitor walk through the pattern several times and explained how the pattern could be improved.

The NOHSA World Championship Show gets underway Saturday morning with Halter, Showmanship, English Pleasure, Equitation and Trail classes, while on Sunday, Ranch Rail, Ranch Riding, Ranch Conformation, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and timed events will take place.

To qualify for the World Championship Show, exhibitors must become a member of NOHSA and provide their show results from two Open horse shows to the NOHSA office. There is no show approval requirement for show management, however breed show classes cannot count toward qualification for the NOHSA World Championship Show.

For more information about NOHSA or qualifying for the 2022 World Championship Show, please visit nohsa.net.