Horsemastership

It is essentially an educational program, offering the beginning horseman the opportunity to acquire a solid foundation of equine knowledge and skills while it challenges the more experienced horseman to build upon their knowledge to achieve excellence and distinction. Best of all, this is done in a supportive team environment as you will study and train with other riders in your Region. Any CSHA member in good standing may participate.

The competition involves three tests: written, riding and grooming. Each State Region with an active Horsemastership program (see list of Region Chairpersons below) will offer all three tests to determine their Region’s Champion and Reserve Champion who can go on to compete at the State Championship.

Written Test

Test questions are taken from The Horseman’s Handbook that can be ordered for $25, and the CSHA Bylaws and Rulebook Chapter on Horsemastership. English and Western riders should refer to the West Coast Horse Show Rulebook and Gymkhana riders to the CSHA Bylaws and Rulebook Chapter on Gymkhana for additional information.

Riding Test (Patterns)

Five riding categories are offered for Youth and Adult divisions: English (Jumping to 2’6” in Regional competition and to 2’9” in State competition), English II (flat only), Gymkhana (barrels and poles), Western (Stock Seat) and Combined (Jumping, Gymkhana and Stock Seat). Click here for the Riding Test Patterns for each category. The same patterns are used for both Youth and Adults.

Grooming Test

The Grooming test is identical for all participants with appropriate adjustments for riders dependent on their use of Western or English Tack. Click here for the Grooming Test.

Regional Horsemastership Competition

The written test for all Regions is held annually on the last Wednesday in July, between 5pm and 7:30pm, at a location in each Region determined by the Region’s Horsemastership chairperson. Riding and grooming tests are scheduled on a date, time, and location chosen by the Region’s Chairperson. All Regional tests must be completed prior to 8/15, as Regional results must be reported to the State Chairperson on that date. Region Chairperson determines regional prizes.

State Horsemastership Championship

Each Region’s Champions and Reserve Champions are qualified to compete at the State Championship usually held in Sept or Oct. The State competition also includes written, riding, and grooming tests. The written test at State is more comprehensive than the Regional written test but the riding patterns and grooming tests are identical to the patterns and tests used for the Regional competitions. Adult and Youth State Champions are awarded ribbons, buckles, and scholarships. Reserve Champions and other winners at State are also awarded ribbons and/or prizes.

State Championship Winners

2022 Horsemastership Winners

2021 Horsemastership Winners

2020 Horsemastership Winners

Past Winners

2019 Horsemastership Winners

2018 Horsemastership Winners

2017 Horsemastership Winners

2016 Horsemastership Winners

2015 Horsemastership Winners

2014 Horsemastership Winners

2013 Horsemastership Winners

2012 Horsemastership Winners

2011 Horsemastership Winners

2010 Horsemastership Winners

2009 Horsemastership Winners

Regional Horsemastership Application

For information on the Horsemasterhip Program in Regions not listing a chairperson contact the State Chair Jane VanderWerf at jane.vanderwerf@sbcglobal.net

Scholarship Winners Forms and Rules

If you are a prior winner of a scholarship from Horsemastership, you will find the forms and rules to get your scholarship monies on this page: CSHA Charitable Trust

Riding and Judging Horsemastership

Click on the link above to read Chapter 22 of the Horseman’s Handbook that describes how you will be judged on the riding patterns.