Showmanship patterns are split according to complexity so oldest youth, ages 14 and older, may be asked to run any of the showmanship patterns while the youngest youth will do the less complex patterns.
- Junior Showmanship – (8 to 9 years old) Down and back, regular triangle (not reverse), L patterns
- Intermediate Showmanship – (10 to 13 years old) Down and back, all triangles, all L patters
- Senior Showmanship – (14 to 18 years old) Any of the patterns
SHOWMANSHIP PATTERN DESCRIPTIONS
Each of the showmanship pattern descriptions are described below. Refer to Appendix A for supplemental pattern images.
Images of the patterns can be found in Appendix A.
- Down and Back or Straight Away
The exhibitor and dog will be asked to gait across thering either on the diagonal or from end to end. At the opposite end of the ring, the exhibitor has the option to (1) switch hands with the lead (2) perform an about turn. Option 2 should be used in beginner classes only. Triangle
This pattern is performed in the shape of a right triangle. The exhibitor and dog will proceed in a straight line away from the judge to the opposite end of the ring. At the corner, the dog and handler will make a left turn and proceed all the way to the next corner. Once at the corner, one of two turns may be made before proceeding up the diagonal and back to the judge. Under no circumstances may a judge direct an exhibitor to do a reverse triangle where the exhibitor would go down the diagonal first as the pattern ends with the diagonal.
There are two options for the triangle pattern.
The first option is a simple turn at the corner followed by a second simple turn and then return diagonally to the judge.
The second option is for the youth to switch hands with the lead and cross the dog over in front of the youth. The dog completes a circle as the youth and dog turn into/toward each other and proceed up the diagonal with the dog on the exhibitor’s right side.
- Reverse Triangle
Exhibitors will reverse the two options (shown above) moving straightaway from the judge and then turn to their right followed by another right turn and then moving back to the judge. L Pattern
This pattern is performed in the shape of an uppercase letter “L”. The exhibitor and dog will proceed in a straight line away from the judge to the opposite end of the ring. At the corner make a left turn and proceed all the way to the next corner. The exhibitor then switches hands with the lead. The exhibitor and dog turn into/toward each other and proceed back to the other end of the ring. At this corner, the exhibitor has two options either a simple right turn or to make a circle in the corner.
The second option is to make a circle in the corner (right before returning to the judge) with the dog always remaining on the exhibitor’s right side. The exhibitor does not switch hands with the lead while making the circle.
Reverse L Pattern
The exhibitor and dog will proceed in a straight line away from the judge to the opposite end of the ring. At the corner make a right turn and proceed all the way to the next corner. The
exhibitor then switches hands with the lead. The exhibitor and dog turn into/toward each other and proceed back to the other end of the ring. At this corner, the exhibitor has two options either a simple left turn or to make a circle in the corner.
The easiest option is to do the “L” pattern or Reverse “L” pattern with a simple turn and then proceed back to the judge. The exhibitor does not switch hands with the lead and the dog stays on the same side of the exhibitor.
- T & Advanced Variations (Left T or Right T)
This pattern is performed in the shape of an uppercase letter “T”. The judge will indicate where to start the “T” pattern. The exhibitor anddog will proceed in a straight line away from the judge to the opposite end of the ring. The exhibitor should turn to whichever side the dog is on and proceed to the corner of the ring. The exhibitor then switches hands with the lead. The exhibitor and dog turn into/toward each other and proceed to the other end of the ring. At the other end, the exhibitor again switches hands with the lead. The exhibitor and dog again turn into/toward each other and proceed back to the center of the ring. The exhibitor then turns back toward the judge and proceeds in a straight line back to the judge. - “I” Pattern
This pattern is performed in the shape of an uppercase letter “I”. The judge will indicate where to start the “I” pattern. The exhibitor and dog will proceed in a straightline away from the judge following the “I” pattern. The exhibitor then switches hands with the lead and direction changes as noted. Near the end of the pattern, the exhibitor then turns back toward the judge and proceeds in a straight line back to the judge.