Conference noted::equitation

    Beginner can refer to either you or the horse.  If he's not ready
    to canter in the show ring yet, then you aren't taking an unfair
    advantage.  Just don't ever show in canter classes afterwards.
    
    If a show has a division like Adult Walk-Trot, then I suspect they
    will be quite understanding.  They will quite probably welcome your
    participation.
    
    Goddess knows I've had babies/greenies/rank horses that needed to
    show but were ...ummm, unpredictable at a canter :>)
    
    -maureen
    

    
    
    	Hi Marti-
    
    	Since this is a 4-H show from what I understand about it...
    	Walk-Trot classes are for the rider and *NOT* the horse but
    	I'm hoping I'm wrong because I would like to very much to ride
    	my *NEW* (Rather Green) horse in that class.  I'm going to
    	ask the show manager when I get there but I have a feeling
    	I won't be able too because 4-H shows tend to frown on Green
    	horses, but I think it's just for the 4-H members them selfs.
    	I just resently got back in the 4-H world and have a club of
    	my own but so MANY things have changed since I was a member
    	eight years ago...:-)
    
    	I would very much like to make Pru's first show in an Arab show 
    	because they have *Green* classes but they are so far away to 
    	travel for/his first show and I rather be close to home just
    	incase he gets to *Jumpy* if you know what I mean...
    
    	Anyone else out there that is up on the 4-H shows and there
    	rules???

    
    	Zina
    

My opinion sort of depends on what the actual class names are.  If the class
you want to go in is an equitation class, then I would say not to enter, since
you are not (or don't sound like you are) a beginner rider.  If it's a pleasure 
class, then I would say it would be okay to enter.  The idea is to judge horse 
against horse, and rider against rider.  If this means you are only going for 
the one class, then you may want to consider asking the show organizers if you 
can go in the equitation class for 'ring experience only' and ask that the judge 
not consider you.  In this instance, you should be very careful to excuse 
yourself should your horse begin to misbehave.

    Wow, what quick replies!  I appreciate all the response.  I have 
    already done the pre-entry for all three classes in the division,
    which means that I will be in trail, equitation and pleasure.  I 
    have also entered open fitting and showmanship.  I will not be riding
    competitively since I don't feel that my riding nor my plug will be 
    much competition compared to the other entries.  I had some lessons
    last summer and a few during the latter part of the winter, but as is
    othen the case, I think I know how to ride better in my mind than on 
    my horse!  I know what I should be doing, but don't always do as I 
    should.  
    
    If any of you do know the 4-H rules on this division I would like to 
    hear about them.  Thanks for the replies so far.
    
    PS.  Zina, I'll be looking out for you.  Karen said you would be going
    in F & S too.  I really hope to have fun at this show, since it has
    been so long since my last showing experience.  
     

	This brings back memories!!  What I did was talk with the manager
    who suggested I enter the walk-trot class, "for honors".  As it was,
    there were LOTS of grumblings from the rail - it was kindof obvious
    I wasn't a beginner.  They ended up having to announce DURING the class 
    that there were horses in the class for schooling purposes ONLY!  Guess 
    they wanted to offset a riot or something... ;-)

	Good luck!

    This is a new class offering on the Rockingham County Show Circuit
    (I believe) it is supposed to be for people in their first year
    of showing or people who don't/haven't cantered or loped.  Some
    of the previous suggestions sound pretty good, if you are unsure
    call Ray Ayres from Hampstead NH, he is the Leaders Association
    President, he should be able to clear it up for you.  Like Zina
    said if SHE were to enter the Walk-Trot classes even though she
    hasn't shown in 7 years and has never shown her horse she would
    probably be lynched!  I don't know why they have a Walk-Trot Trail
    horse, they don't have any railwork.
    
    Karen

            I think Brian Keefe may be the new president.  He and
    his wife Kathy are the leaders of the Salem Silver Spurs 4-H
    club, Salem,N.H.  But I am fairly sure that Brian is the president 
    the Rockingham County leaders assoc. 
            He or Kathy would be more then happy to answer any
    question you may have.  Their number is 508-372-0901.  They have
    an answering machine and will return your call if they are not
    home.  

    Karen, I took your suggestion and contacted Ray Ayers, the Show
    Manager.  He told me that they intended the Walk-trot classes at
    Shannon to be for people like myself, who have not shown in years
    and who don't feel that they nor their horse is prepared enough to 
    enter in Walk-trot-canter.  Zina would NOT be lynched for entering
    Pru, so Zina, GO FOR IT!  He says that they are expecting a large
    turnout of adults returning to the show ring after many years away.
    
    He did clarify the rules for junior riders in Walk-trot:  They are 
    not allowed to then go into W-T-C or be seen cantering on the show
    grounds.  They are confined to W-T for the duration of the show, i.e.
    are not permitted to enter games classes where cantering or galloping
    may occur.  
    
    As I am not a junior rider, he said the above do not apply.  So, now
    my mind is set to rest, phew, thanks Karen for directing me to Ray, as
    I was really getting worried.  Thanks everyone else for your replies.
    I would also like to point out that what holds true for the Leader's
    Show, may not neccessarily apply to other organization's shows.
    
    Thanks,  See you at the show grounds!  Marti
    

    RE: 1262.7
    
    You're right, Brian is the President of the Leader's Association
    but I believe they have another whole bunch of officers for the
    Affiliation.  Pres. VP, Sec. Treas.  I should have clarified that
    I thought Ray was the President of the Affiliation, it gets confusing
    Affilitiation, Association, etc. etc.
    
    KJ

    Is this show everyone is talking about at the Shannon Trails Farm in 
    Salem NH ?  Saturday or Sunday and what time ?
    
    I'm really unfamiliar with what it takes to show soooo, at the risk of 
    being redundant, I'll ask a few questions that may have already been 
    answered in this note.
    
    I ride western and have taken what would amount to about 1 year of
    lessons.  I have been leasing horses for about two years now (my 
    latest one since November 1989) and continue to work in the ring on
    what I was taught but most of my time (about 5 - 8 hrs a week) is 
    spent on the trails.  I've never shown and have only been to one show
    as a spectator.  I think I ride pretty good (?) and am very confident 
    on the mare that I'm currently leasing.  I walk-trot-canter when I work
    in the ring however, I would still consider myself very much a beginner
    (little formal training).  With this, I have three questions :
    
     o  Would I be wise to show at all and if so, as I feel confident at
        the canter, would it be wise for me to enter a walk-trot-canter
        class in my first time out ?
    
     o  I'm 32 years old with a full head of grey hair.  Would I be showing 
        with all kids and me looking foolish or are there classes for 
        "adults only" ?  (maybe even a senior citizens class ? - ha ha - I
        could probably pass as one - just kidding)
    
     o  Is walk-trot-canter simply w-t-c in a circle on command following
        other horses in the same class or is there a predetermined pattern
        etc. that needs to be understood ?
    
    As you can see, I'm not very educated in showing.  Any feedback would
    be much appreciated.
    
    Oh yeah, one more question, is there a $ cost to showing (of course,
    right ?).  
    
    Thanks,
    Bill M.

    re:-1
    May I recommend going to a few shows as a spectator or groom for a
    friend first? At the canter the horse must pick up the correct lead and
    riders are judged for correct form. No one is too old to begin showing,
    I entered my first one at the age of 29, I am still proud of my 4th
    place ribbon from that first show. If you have a thick skin and don't
    mind a few comments from the rail, go for it, its fun!
    Sandy
    

    Bill,
    
    I have done a lot more watching than actual showing, so I'll
    tell you what I know and remember from way back then:
    
    o	If you really feel confident on the mare you are currently
    	riding, then go for the Walk-Trot-Canter for Adults (over 19
    	years of age).  
    
    o	They will have a whole division for adults at the Shannon Show.
    	If the Rowley Show two weeks ago is any indication, then you 
    	will see riders range in age from 20 to 65 years old.  You 
    	would probably fit in fine.
    
    o	Usually everyone travels around the ring, on the rail in the 
    	same direction.  The announcer will tell you which gait to be
    	in.  They may then line you up and select a few riders to go 
    	back out on the rail to do some more work (for final decisions).
    
    Bill, I don't beleive that it is ever too late to start riding or 
    showing.  It is expensive at times, and can be confusing, but it 
    is all worth it.  The Show at Shannon will be 7.50 for first class
    post-entered, and 6.00 for every additional class.  You would need 
    a cowboy hat, boots and maybe a pair of western chaps.  Other than that, 
    check with other noters for proper attire.
    
    Whatever you decide, welcome to the fun and exciting world of horses!
      

    re.12
    
    Hi, can you give directions to Shannon Trails?  I would like to attend
    but need some assistance in location.
    
    

                Well, I was there working as usual.  I didn't see any
    familar names on the entry forms.  Did anyone from here go?  The
    show seemed to go off well except for the rain.  The worst part
    is it came just before the hunter-over-fences class!  I hate when
    that happens.  Actually I was smart this time, I just drove the
    truck and let the other guys/gals set everything up!  
    		I know it's early, but our club the Salem Silver Spurs,
    has a big show in September.  So start planning now and you won't
    have any excuse not to go.  There's usually a real good turn out
    for that show. 
                Well, enough for now.  See ya at the show!
    
                    Bob

    I was there.  Didn't garner the nerve to enter any classes but had a
    great time watching !  With the exception of the cold and rain it was a
    great day.  Anyone have any idea when the next show in this area
    (southern NH or even down in around Westford Ma.) is ?  I think I'm
    hooked !
    
    Bill M.
    

    Hi Everyone!
    
    Linda Coburn and I got to the Shannon Show a little later than 
    expected, but we had a great time.  Rabi and I entered the W-T
    Adult (which was a lot smaller than expected) and really had fun.
    We ended up with the Reserve Championship for the division.  I was
    so excited at how well Rabi behaved.
    
    Linda did really well in a very LARGE Adult Equitation Class.  CK was
    fairly well behaved and they turned in a nice preformance for the third
    place ribbon.  CK got a chill from the weather, so Linda decided to cut
    her day a little short after he received a sixth place ribbon in the 
    Pleasure Class which was another large class.  He was fine by the time 
    we loaded them up.  Overall it was a good day for us.  
    
    Thanks again Linda for all your kindness in trailering Rabi and having
    us along.  For our first show together, it was GREAT!
    
    Zina, I wish I had known that you were riding in the W-T-C Adult
    Classes, as I would have watched more closely to see how you did.  You
    are very couragious for entering that divsion after so many years out
    of the showring.  I'm looking forward to trying that division our next
    time out.  
    
    The show was wonderful.  They did a good job of keeping it all on a 
    tight schedule and moving right along.  I hope everyone enjoyed it as
    much as I.   I'm looking forward to meeting more of you at the upcoming
    actitivies.    Will the Salem Silver Spurs hold their show at Shannon?
    I will try to attend more of these shows, too much fun to miss!
    
    **Marti**

    Ooops,  I meant to also reply to .13 with directions to the show 
    for future reference.  (Sorry I didn't see your note before the 
    show):
    	From the north:  Take Rt. 93 south to exit 2.
    	Go east on Rt. 97 into Salem.  Cross Rt. 28.
    	Go four more traffic lights (over a few miles)
    	See the Toyota Dealership and take  left at that
    	4th light.  Follow road pass Salem Landfill for
    	almost 3 miles.  Shannon Trails will be on a corner
    	on the right hand side.  It has a Big white house, red
    	barns and natural wood fencing, all visable from the 
    	road.
    
    	Hope to see some of you at the next one!
    

    re: 1262.14
       
    I too was at the show until 3:00 p.m. acting as Z.B.'s slave for
    the day.  Which booth were you working in Bob?  I went up several
    times but I didn't know you were working.  We had a few kids from
    our club showing (Chaps N' Breeches) and they had a good day.  I
    think they should have someone directing parking at the shows that
    are run at Shannon, they don't have enough room.
    
    Karen
    

               re:18
         I was all over the place.  I set up the trail courses and
    was driving the truck when it was time to set up for jumping. And
    I spent a bit of time in the announcers booth handing out the rib-
    bons to the ring mistress.  I am not as involved at the leaders
    show as I am for the Silver Spurs show in September.  Which by the
    way, will be held at Shannon Trails.  
    	 About the parking, you are correct, there should be someone
    directing them as they come in.  I will be doing so at our show
    in September.  We did last year and it went very smoothly.  It's
    amazing how just a little organization goes a long way.
    	 
    
                        Bob

    
    
    	Hi!
    
    	Yep' I made it in all one peice...:-)  Thanks to Karen and my
    	sister acting as my private grooms (slaves).  Ha! Ha!  Pru and
    	I had a *WONDERFUL* time!  I decided to go in the W-T-C classes
    	because I used to show quite alot and had years and years of
    	lessons plus training the horse I have now and if anyone who
    	knew me saw me in those W-T classes I would have been hung!
    
    	Pru and I went into the Fit & Show Adult class and placed
    	*sixth*!!!  I was so surprised!!!  After I went up to see our
    	results that they posted and the only thing we lost points on
    	was posing!!!  	I just wanted to get out of the class and show
    	in one peice and here we are placing and then him being so good
    	and all to go into a few riding classes I was riding on cloud
    	nine...:-)   I really wanted to take Pru in the W-T-C classes
    	anyways for the experience.  He just *loved* seeing all those 
    	horses and all.  I was so *proud* of him that day, he was a bit 
     	*excited* when we first arrived but after awhile he calmed down 
    	and just enjoyed himself.  We ended up going into the W-T-C
    	pleasure class because he was so good.  Unfortunately we got
    	cut-off a few times in the first riding class so he broke his gait 
    	three times and then in our pleasure class he got a little excited 
    	when I asked him to canter so he gave a little buck to show
    	everyone what fun he was having!  I am just so pleased with
    	him and how good he was for this being his very first show!

    
    	All and all both of us had a *WONDERFUL* time, Pru just loved
    	seeing all those horses!!!  He had his eye on one little white
    	Arab mare too! :-) :-)  I can't wait until our next show June
    	17th!!!  
    
    	YES' I'M BACK!!!!! :-) :-) :-)
    
    	*Thanks again Karen for all your help that day!!!*
    
	Zina

    1990 Rule changes, 4-H Rules and Classes for NH Horse Shows and
    Activities:
    
    Effective May 1,1990
    
    Add Page 6; 2.4: Walk-Trot Division
    
    1.  The Walk-trot division is for inexperienced riders, not experienced
        riders on inexperienced horses.
       
    2.  Under recommendation of 4-H leaders, riders will move up to
        the appropriate division when ready.
    
    3.  Riders in this division may not canter or jump of their own
        choice inside or outside of the ring at the show grounds.
        
    4.  Recommended divisions are:
        a.  Walk-Trot, 10 years and under
        b.  Walk-Trot, 11 - 19 years                     
    
        Further divisions may be made as entries warrant.