In Hand

In hand classes present the horses for evaluation of their type,conformation and ability to move correctly on the lead. Horses arepresented in either a show bridle or halter (for young animals). Mosthorses will be seen with one person leading (the header) and another(the tailer) either following behind or jogging in front of the horseto keep it alert and polished so that the judge will get the bestpossible view of it.

One thing you may notice during the in hand classes and most of theperformance classes is how the horses stand. Their front legs will beperpendicular to the ground, with the hind legs slightly behind theirnormal, vertical placement. This is called "parking out", and wasdeveloped years ago, when ladies rode sidesaddle. Parking the horse'slegs behind him prevented the horse from moving away suddenly while thelady was getting on with bulky skirts. Today, the tradition continuesas a way of showing off each horse's best characteristics.