Halter Classes? Please Explain

Maybe this is a stupid question, but can anyone explain Halter Classes to me? I've heard people talk about their horses showing in halter, and I've never really known what it was all about.

The horse is shown in halter only-they have to stand square and then do this beauty move with the neck and they stretch the body out to show off confirmation. Look it up on the internet-it is all about the confirmation. There has got to be some halter show folks that will answer better???????

This is off wikipedia :)

"Halter" is a term used to describe a type of horse show class where horses are shown "in hand," meaning that they are led, not ridden, and are judged on their conformation and suitability as breeding stock. Depending on breed and geographic region, such events may be called Halter, In-Hand, Breeding, or Conformation classes.

An event that judges young people on their ability to groom and present a halter horse is called Halter Showmanship or Showmanship In-Hand. In most breeds, the exhibitor is given a score that breaks down to be roughly 60% on showmanship or skill, 40% on grooming and preparation, though precise standards vary by breed and discipline.

Almost every horse breed has halter classes of some type. Halter classes are usually grouped by breed, sex, or age. Rules, breed standards, clipping patterns, grooming styles, use of grooming products and popularity of the halter discipline varies widely. However, all classes require that horses be meticulously groomed before entering the ring, be trained to stand correctly in the style dictated by their breed or discipline, and to walk and trot on command in a designated pattern or line. The breed of horse in the ring can sometimes be determined by grooming style and presentation alone.

Thanks guys for your helpful info.

So is that why you see pictures of Arabs with their legs stretched out way back?

Yeah :) kindof like that :

http://allstarranch.net/yahoo_site_a...004602_std.jpg

Usually for local shows just stand square then pick some grass or sand and sprinkle it in the air to get your horse looking alert Are you thinking of showing Jubi :P

I've been thinking about showing Toby in Halter class... eventually.

He is great on the ground and trots, stands, walks, etc... easily with just voice commands

Haha, I just thought, when I ran out for the conformation judge at Anglesey, moo cantered when she was meant to be trotting because I run and she canters when we are in the field lol
So make sure they know to trot !