Action Breeds and Gaited Breeds
Breeds best known for high trotting action and stylish appearance under saddle or in harness are shown at a trot along the rail as well as being asked to set up for judging in a position where the front feet are square and the hind feet square, but stretched out or "parked" a bit behind the normal, square position. Their head and neck is held high, with the head brought forward just enough to create a clean line at the throatlatch. They generally line up head to tail along the rail and are brought singly into the center of the ring for evaluation at a standstill, then are trotted away from the judge and down the rail so their action can also be viewed from the side. Conformation at a standstill is strongly considered, though the "parked out" stance also can hide a multitude of leg flaws, making the judge's observation of the horse in motion very important.
Horses are generally shown with the curb bit portion of a saddle seat style double bridle, or in a very thin, refined show halter, usually of black or patent leather with a colorful noseband (and, sometimes, browband). Usually the forelock and one or two sections of the mane has a brightly colored ribbon braided into it, and false tails are permitted. Clipping styles vary by breed and by discipline within some breeds, but proper clipping is an art form and far more extensive than for the sport horse or stock breeds. Action breeds are groomed extensively with silicone sprays on the coat, oils to add shine to the face, and hoof polish common.
Handlers usually wear either a variation on a business suit (basically a business suit that allows freedom to run, plus a full range or arm movement, does not show dirt and is easily cleaned, plus paddock boots or dark running shoes) or saddle seat riding attire, though usually without the long coat.
Breeds shown in this fashion include the American Saddlebred and Hackney. Morgans are also shown in a similar manner, but without ribbons, false tails, or any type of braiding. (Unless specifically shown as sport horses, then hunter braiding and presentation is permissible). Most ponies, including the Shetland pony, Welsh pony and Miniature horse are shown in the style of the action breeds, though a few may be shown in a stock horse style, particularly if a pony breed developed from stock horse bloodlines. such as the Pony of the Americas
Many "Gaited" breeds, including the Tennessee Walker and the Missouri Foxtrotter are shown in a similar fashion, with their intermediate ambling gait, whatever it happens to be, substituted for the trot. Purity and form of gait is judged heavily and of great importance in gaited breeds.
Read more about this topic: Halter (horse Show)
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