Everything Horses and Livestock® Magazine February 2018 Vol 3 Issue 1

Everything Horses and Livestock Magazine ®

ASHA’s philosophy and rules. With more than one clinician, the exhibitor will be exposed to different techniques and teaching styles. This gives the participant the option to pick and choose what fits them and their horse. Through the clinics, participants build camaraderie and friendship with the clinicians and other exhibitors. This raises each riders comfort level and eliminates the stigma of horse shows. Learning in a fun and supportive environment creates a platform for exhibitors to have a strong foundation in the rules, training practices, how to get a horse shown, exposure to information that judges are being taught, and in seeing it through the judges eyes. This brings back a level of social camaraderie that has disappeared from horse shows, and with this comes fun and enjoyment. Affordability is encouraged by ASHA to show producers and affiliates. Keeping clinics and show fees affordable is an opportunity to bring the entire family to show. Four Classes listed below are offered by ASHA and act as a leveling agent for exhibitors: Stock Horse Pleasure is the cornerstone class of ASHA and has distinct differences from other associations. First, this class runs one horse at a time with signs in the arena to represent the vicinity of where the transition should take

The Versatile Stock Horse Concept is an All-Around horse format that puts an emphasis on competing in all four classes vs other show formats that just focus on one single class. An ASHA hero horse is consistent, agreeable and uses its natural abilities when competing in all four classes. This format opens the door to many participants with diverse backgrounds i.e. entry level exhibitors that have never shown, pleasure and trail riders, and those who have competed competitively in reining and cow horse events. Each of these different competitors can come show, while one discipline does not have an advantage over another. To promote versatility, ASHA stands behind their Mission

to “Help People Ride A Better Horse”, through clinics at each event. This in part drives ASHA’s dedication to enhancing the pleasure of owning and riding horses through creating better horses and horsemen. ASHA Conviction - that any age horse can be ridden in a snaffle bit, hackamore or bit. This rule is very unique and beneficial in achieving the ASHA Mission. Education and Clinics creates a supportive learning environment, in addition to our respectfully competitive shows. Overall the event is focused on improving each participants horsemanship skills. With multiple local clinicians working together during the event, the Clinician Team helps to demonstrate and promote

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