A Quick Guide to the English Method of Showing Spanish and Lusitano Horses in the UK
County Shows
A few of the larger county-sized shows and the Royal Windsor Horse Show hold separate classes for PRE (Spanish) and Lusitano (Portuguese) horses. The majority of smaller shows may list the classes as Iberian which encompasses both breeds. This is a generic term which, strictly speaking is incorrect – however many people use this word to describe any horse, whether Spanish or Lusitano which originates from the Iberian peninsular.
Most small shows group the male and female horses inhand together. Occasionally the sexes may be separated if the numbers allow or the age groups divided i.e. 1-3 year olds and 4 years and older.
Ridden and Inhand Foreign Breeds Classes
Owners of Spanish and Portuguese horses can enter most Foreign Breed classes just check that there are no separate classes for these breeds. The classes require the horses to be judged alongside other breeds such as Morgans, Friesians, Norwegian Fjords, Haflingers, Trakehners, etc. In a Foreign Breeds class the judge will have to drawn on a wide spectrum of equine knowledge. He or she may be familiar with one particular breed more than any other. However, a good judge will be looking for a number of points which include the horses’ way of going, conformation, manners and possibly presentation and turnout if the class is to be ridden or can be presented in traditional tack and costume.
Inhand Presentation for a Breed Class
It is usual for showing classes to be held on a grass surface. The traditional practice of lunging and ‘running out’ a Spanish or Lusitano horse can be difficult, if not dangerous unless the going is good. It may also be the case that the judge is unfamiliar with this way of presenting the Spanish horse. Although some judges, especially those who attended the joint BAPSH and LBSGB judging seminar at Hartpury, will feel this is appropriate for the breed.
If the surface is slippery or the judge asks for the horse to be show in the typically English way one usually follows the judges’ instructions. Prior to bringing the horse forwards individually, the handlers lead the horses into the arena on the left rein and walk around the arena behind each other but giving lots of room between each horse.
Standing Squarely and a Forward Walk
Many of the horses may be stallions or youngsters with limited ring experience so care should be given to ensure everyone has enough room. The judge will direct the steward to ask for the horses to stand in a line-up whilst each horse is led out individually for inspection by the judge. The horse should be stood squarely with the handler in front of the horses’ head. The handler may then be asked to walk the horse away from their position, turn and trot back going past the judge and then returning to the line-up. This gives the judge the opportunity to see a good forward free walk and an elevated straight-moving trot. A judge will like to consider the walk and trot movement from as many angles as possible so time should be given to give the horse the best opportunity to show its’ extravagant movement. English judges often speak to the handler and may enquire how old the animal is, or, in a mixed breed class, whether the horse is a Lusitano or a PRE. After each horse has been seen, the handlers walk around the arena whilst the judge deliberates on the placings.
Keep an eye on the Ring Steward
The ring steward will then call in the winning horses, usually from 1st to 6th place where they are lined-up and presented with their rosettes by the judge. They will then trot around the arena before leaving. Quite often in the in-hand classes the presenters will be wearing traditional Spanish costume but this is not by any means mandatory.
Ridden Classes
In the ridden classes there may be a mixture of horses carrying English tack and Spanish or Portuguese tack and costume (but never combined on one horse!). This depends entirely on how the show schedule describes the class. If it states “English ridden class” then it is self-explanatory. Or the wording may say “can be ridden in correct costume appropriate to the breed” where the rider has the choice of English or Spanish/Portuguese costume. It may be described as a ‘costume class’ which again is self-explanatory.
Individual Show
The actual format is usually much the same as for the in-hand class, other than the rider must give an individual ridden show after having presented his horse to the judge. All the competitors ride around the ring in walk, trot and sometimes canter and may be asked to change the rein; the horses are then lined-up. They are brought forwards individually from the line-up and are given roughly 2 minutes to perform a ‘show’ for the judge before the next horse is presented. If time allows, some judges will reflect on the morphological (conformation) points whilst the horse is standing in front of him or her. The individual show should take into account the level at which the horse is able to work, according to his age, but should show no advanced movements unless the class is an advanced riding horse class. A figure-of-eight showing walk, trot and canter with a simple or flying-change is the normal requirement with perhaps some lengthened trot strides and finishing with a square halt and possibly a rein-back and salute in the vicinity of the judge.
Parade Class
A Parade class will be judged according to how the judge is directed by a breed representative or the show organizers. Given again, that they will most usually be riding on grass, safety is of paramount importance. Primarily, if the judge is familiar with the atmosphere of Spanish ferias or has visited an event such as Golega in Portugal, he or she may allow the competitors to convey the flamboyancy and ‘joie de vivre’ of the horses.
Main Arena
These classes often take place in the main arena of the showground where the maximum benefit to the viewing public can be gained. Riders are encouraged to perform the more advanced movements either as individuals or whilst riding around the arena as a group. The main ring commentator is often given a short resume of each horse which is read out to the public during the performances. The horses finish by lining up and receiving their rosettes and prizes.