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BMHR/SMHR Performance Class Guidelines Welcome to the BMHR/SMHR Photo Show Performance Class Guidelines page (and a big THANK YOU! to Cynthia Jameson of IMEHA for the majority of this information!). The table below gives descriptions for the various performance classes and some ideas for the "Other" classes. Required props are in red and Prohibited props and tack are in purple and general info is black to help you find things quicker. If you have a performance class that you would like to see listed below feel free to email us (msjmichel@comcast.net) or post to our Yahoo! Group so we may add to our table. Also feel free to let us know if anything is misspelled or is in the wrong category. Enjoy! Western Classes English Classes Showmanship Costume Harness Head Study Miscellaneous Events Links Comment Lines for your Performance entries is STRONGLY encouraged especially if you are using rules from different countries or clubs! Judges tend to place entries higher if they know what the horse/mule is supposed to be doing and if it is legal for that discipline. If you are unsure about what you should use as a comment line feel free to post to our list. We have many knowledgeable people that are willing to help you. Mirror/flipping your images is allowed for performance classes to put the horse on the correct lead, etc. Where it is stated "Arena Fence Required", the fence can be a standard arena fence, a pipe arena fence, a rope strung to mark an arena setting, etc. as long as it shows some type of enclosure and is appropriate for the class (example: you don't want a rope fence for stock classes but you can use it for non-stock classes).
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Class DescriptionsWestern EventsWestern Bridle BasicsAIMHC Western Events Tips Articles
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Event |
Description |
Gaits, Movements and Patterns | Tack and Props | Doll (If Used) |
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Western Pleasure |
The rider is not judged but is
important of course for posture, cueing and steering. Exhibitor
shall not be required to dismount except in the event judge wishes
to check equipment. The class is judged on manners and
performance of the horse. The Western pleasure horse regardless of
breed performs with a lower head than a natural one, relaxed gaits,
and smooth loose or light rein. A good
pleasure horse has a stride of reasonable length in keeping with his
conformation. He has enough cushion to his pastern to give the
exhibitor a pleasant, smooth ride. He carries his head in a natural
position, not high, over-flexed at the poll or low with the nose
out. The horse should be relaxed but alert and ready to respond to
the exhibitor's commands without excessive cueing. A National Show Horse
for example would carry it's muzzle above the point of it's
shoulder, while a Morgan will be lower and an Arabian lower still
but with it's poll well above the withers. Stock breeds carry a flat
or level neck and in all cases the horse's face is vertical or near
vertical. Over bridling and over extension of any horse (nose before
the vertical) is undesirable. Non stock horses will tend to
demonstrate greater contact on the bit, in keeping with a more
elevated head set. Morgans are ridden western in a "California"
style, which better suits an up headed horse. The California style
horse is more on the bit and on a fairly loose rein but not the
slack rein seen in the stock breeds. Gaits are a true four beat
walk, straight and relaxed; a slow easy jog, and a relaxed easy
lope. Some divisions call for a hand gallop. Gaited horses such as
Tennessee Walkers, Missouri Fox Trotters, Rocky Mountain Horses, etc
perform their gait instead of the jog. The degree of action in
either the trot or whatever pacing gait of the breed, should be
consistent with a relaxed performance and the horse's individual
conformation.
Variation: Sidesaddle - American The general rule stated by AHSA is that a lady may ride sidesaddle in any class in which she is otherwise eligible to compete. Although some divisions restrict the sidesaddle, enough open classes are available to make any breed or type of horse or pony acceptable. Tack and equipment are strongly traditional, even in open shows, a knowledgeable judge may penalize small errors in appointments. Sidesaddle entries regardless of the tack used should display perfect manners. Any horse which appears to be shying, spooking, above the bridle, overly excited, going crooked, or otherwise misbehaving should be strongly penalized. Note: Arabian sidesaddle classes are far more lenient in requirements for appointments, correct attire as outlined under the Modern section or fully-researched historical attire should be given preference, as directed by IAHA Judging Schools.
Sidesaddle - European (SSA 2005 Handbook) A lady may ride sidesaddle in any class in which she is otherwise eligible to compete. Although some divisions restrict the sidesaddle, enough open classes are available to make any breed or type of horse or pony acceptable. Tack and equipment are strongly traditional, even in open shows, a knowledgeable judge may penalize small errors in appointments. Sidesaddle entries regardless of the tack used should display perfect manners. Any horse which appears to be shying, spooking, above the bridle, overly excited, going crooked, or otherwise misbehaving should be strongly penalized.
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Horses are to be shown at a walk, jog, and lope on a
reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. Horses must work both
ways of the ring at all three gaits to demonstrate their ability
with different leads. Horses shall not be asked to extend the lope,
but at the discretion of the judge, they may be asked to extend the
jog. When asked to extend the jog, the horse moves out with the same
smooth way of going. Horses are required to back easily and
stand quietly. |
Arena fence is
required. State movement in comment line. A western stock saddle without tapaderos. The saddle can have either squared or rounded skirts with the current style leaning toward squared. In most breeds the current style also is to omit the rear cinch, sometimes adding "tabs" to occupy the rear girth slots; however, if a rear cinch is used, it must have a connecter strap to the front cinch. Breastplates are optional. Silver should not be counted over a good working outfit. A saddle pad resting under all pressure points is recommended but not required equipment. A western style bridle (brow band, one ear, two ear, with or without throatlatch, no nose band) with a curb bit including a curb strap or curb chain. Standard snaffle bit and bosal hackamores are permitted on horses 4 and under (5 and under for Arabians and Appaloosas) Reins and romal and split reins are both legal; romal and reins usually seen on Arabians, Morgans, NSH and in the Western division of AHSA shows. Missouri Fox Trotters usually wear a noseband and current style includes older buck stitched saddle. MFT current style saddle pads are white with white ribbon in mane and forelock. Nosebands or cavessons (except: Missouri Fox Trotter and National Spotted Saddlebred/Walking Horse) any type of martingale or tie-down, tapaderos, roping reins, any kind of boots or bandages, crops or whips, mechanical hackamores are also prohibited. Split reins may not be knotted or attached to each other (sticky wax is of course permitted in model horses) Rider may not have more than one finger between split reins or any fingers between the reins of a rein and romal. Faults,
to be deducted accordingly, but not necessarily cause for
disqualification: Extra Credit: Variation: Sidesaddle - American A western sidesaddle is preferred; it will have skirts, a cantle roll, and generally resemble a modern western saddle. Some exhibitors attach a stirrup fender to a standard English sidesaddle, or may use an older Victorian style sidesaddle. A modern Western sidesaddle will have two pommels, often plus a vestigial pommel on the offside of the seat, other models may have only a single pommel. The bit and the bridle as appropriate for the breed, type and class. Rein and romal strongly referred, even in the breeds where split reins dominate. Some divisions allow western riders to carry a whip or a crop in the right hands. Although this is legal, it is not preferred, as it is not attractive and elegant as a sidesaddle turnout should be. A rein and romal is strongly preferred in all western sidesaddle turnouts.
Sidesaddle - European (SSA 2005 Handbook) British hunting side-saddle, linen or serge lined
(or Wykeham pad) with safety stirrup fitting/stirrup. Threefold
leather or brown lampwick girth with central strap for full-length
balance girth (where fitted). Balance girth - full length or sewn to
girth - is optional. *Discreet* numnahs permitted. |
Attire is jeans over western
boots, long sleeved shirts, (vest, tie and jacket are also
permitted) shotgun chaps, belt through loop, and western hat. The
doll rider's posture must be addressed because if you can't get it
correctly then don't use it. Doll must sit down in the saddle, the
back should be straight with the knee and toe of boot in a straight
line, knees and feet turned straight along the side of the horse and
heel of boot pointed down. The rein arm elbow is bent and tucked
into the side of the rider, free arm in held free and straight down
with palm flat and lightly touching the leg. Rein hand wrist is
turned slightly inward. Head looking straight forward as if rider is
looking through the horse's ears.
Variation: Sidesaddle - American Shirt, vest, trousers, boots, hat, etc., identical to requirements for the breed/type/class cross-saddle rider. Apron must be a closed or button type with belt under loops. The top of the apron should be cut similarly to chaps and be double thickness. Many western aprons are made of chap leather, but seldom of suede. May have decorative yokes as seen on chaps, conchos, and or fringe down the back edge. The hem should be horizontal and parallel to the ground; the apron should be smooth, without drape or extra material.
Sidesaddle - European (SSA 2005 Handbook) Adult lady: |
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Western Trail - Arena Competition |
A horse should demonstrate a willing walk and calmly work over and through all obstacle, showing agility, in control of the rider and on the bit, balance, and ready responsiveness. Horses that shy, pace, above the bridle or otherwise demonstrating excitement or lack of control are not suitable for arena trail. A trail horse should, however, not be a dead head but should show interest in the obstacles. A trail obstacle represents a test and the horse is judged on how well it is meeting that test. The obstacle may test calmness, agility or control. All obstacles test willingness and obedience. |
Ride-overs must have at least
four logs or poles. These can be in a straight line, curved, zigzag
raised or combination. The space between poles/ logs is to be
measured. Elevated jpg-overs and lope-overs cannot be used in novice
classes. All elevated elements must be placed in a cup, notched
block or otherwise secured so they cannot roll. The height
should be measured from the ground to the top of the element. Gaits
are halt, walk, jog, lope and back.
Recommended obstacles are as follows:
Back Through
Walk-Over
Jog-Over
Lope-Over
Side Pass
Serpentines (JOG) Obstacle consisting of three (3) to five (5) markers, to be either pylons, cones or barrels.
Pylons 6' or more base to
base, guardrails minimum 3' to side of pylon Gate Bridge |
Arena fence
and obstacle is required. State movement in comment line. Western saddle and bridle the same as Western Pleasure. Hackamores and snaffle bits may be used on 4 and younger horses (5 years for Arabian and Appaloosa) Sidesaddles are permitted. MFT bridles may include a noseband.
APHC, AQHA & ApHC Prohibits the following Obstacles: Hay bales should not be used (height too high and horse can stab and foot down into the bale and be unable to pull its foot free.) but if a setup has them it should not be eliminated but may be penalized at the judge's discretion. Nosebands or cavessons (except: Missouri Fox Trotter and National Spotted Saddlebred/Walking Horse). any type of martingale or tie-down, tapaderos, roping reins, any kind of boots or bandages, crops or whips, mechanical hackamores are also prohibited. Split reins may not be knotted or attached to each other (sticky wax is of course permitted in model horses) Rider may not have more than one finger between split reins or any fingers between the reins of a rein and romal.
Extra Credit: |
Attire is jeans over western boots, long sleeved skirts, (vest, tie and jacket are also permitted) shotgun chaps, belt through loop, and western hat. The doll rider's posture must be addressed because if you can't get it correctly then don't use it. Doll must sit down in the saddle, the back should be straight with the knee and toe of boot in a straight line, knees and feet turned straight along the side of the horse and heel of boot pointed down. The rein arm elbow is bent and tucked into the side of the rider, free arm in held free and straight down with palm flat and lightly touching the leg. Rein hand wrist is turned slightly inward. Head looking straight forward as if rider is looking through the horse's ears. |
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Western Trail - Natural |
Natural trail classes are
judged under the same rules and with the same requirements as Arena
Trail but are held outside of the arena using natural obstacles such
as creeks, ponds, uphill and downhill slopes, ditches fallen trees,
bushes, pasture gates, etc. Trail riding scenes or natural trail class should be judged on realism, imagination, and the horse's apparent ability to provide a safe and pleasurable ride. Any misbehavior should be penalized, including but not limited to shying, bucking, rearing, fighting the bridle, being above the bit, jumping or leaping away of the obstacle. |
Natural obstacle is
required. State movement in comment line. Western saddle and bridle the same as Western Pleasure. Hackamores and snaffle bits may be used on 4 and younger horses (5 years for Arabian and Appaloosa) Sidesaddles are permitted. MFT bridles may include a noseband. Curb bits should include straps, saddles should have girths. Unsafe equipment may be penalized at the judge's decision. Recommended obstacles are as follows: Natural obstacles such as creeks, ponds, uphill and downhill slopes, ditches, fallen trees, bushes, pasture gates, etc.
APHC, AQHA & ApHC Prohibits the following Obstacles: Hay bales should not be used (height too high and horse can stab and foot down into the bale and be unable to pull its foot free.) but if a setup has them it should not be eliminated but may be penalized at the judge's discretion. Nosebands or cavessons (except: Missouri Fox Trotter and National Spotted Saddlebred/Walking Horse). any type of martingale or tie-down, tapaderos, roping reins, any kind of boots or bandages, crops or whips, mechanical hackamores are also prohibited. Split reins may not be knotted or attached to each other (sticky wax is of course permitted in model horses) Rider may not have more than one finger between split reins or any fingers between the reins of a rein and romal.
Extra Credit: |
Any Western attire allowed. The doll rider's posture must be addressed because if you can't get it correctly then don't use it. Doll must sit down in the saddle, the back should be straight with the knee and toe of boot in a straight line, knees and feet turned straight along the side of the horse and heel of boot pointed down. The rein arm elbow is bent and tucked into the side of the rider, free arm in held free and straight down with palm flat and lightly touching the leg. Rein hand wrist is turned slightly inward. Head looking straight forward as if rider is looking through the horse's ears. | |
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Roping |
A timed event in both breed
shows and rodeos. The roper is placed in a roping box with a calf in
a chute beside the roper. There is an elastic cord or barrier used
in front of the box. When the calf is released the horse begins to
run. If the horse breaks the barrier before time a penalty of 5
seconds is added to the score. Once the horse and calf are running;
the rider ropes the calf around the neck, dismounts the horse, and
runs down the rope to the calf. The horse holds the calf by pulling
against the rope. The rider picks up the calf and throws it and then
ties any of three feet together with a piggin string (usually
carried in the rider's mouth or belt loop until used.) Time is
stopped when rider signals that the calf is tied, usually by waving
his hands. Once the calf is tied, the rider remounts horse and walks
horse forward a few steps to give slack to the rope. The calf must
stay down and tied for 6 seconds. In rodeos this event is only
timed. In show arena the horse's performance is judged including
manners in the box, speed to calf, rating, stopping, working the
rope and manners while rider returns after roping calf
Judged Calf Roping Breakaway Roping
Breakaway Roping is open to |
Arena fence is
required. Calf must be visible. Calf should be less than
6 months with no horns so smaller calves should be used. Roping reins are used. A tie down and rear cinch is a must. Mechanical hackamore may be used in rodeos but not arena shows. Hackamore bosal are often seen. No rule to use neck ropes but safety for calf, horse and rider means they should be. It keeps the rope from being tangled and keeps the calf from running out to the right. A neck rope is tied around the crest of the neck and attached back to the saddle horn. The end of the lariat in fed under the neck rope. Tie downs, martingales, gag bits, nosebands, closed roping reins, wire curbs or a chin strap under one-half inch wide are forbidden equipment. Look for:
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Long sleeve shirt, pants, chaps, boots and cowboy hat are required. | |
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Cutting |
A class in which a horse and
rider enter a herd usually on the back wall of the arena and
separates one from the group. The horse keeps the selected cow from
returning to the herd. The horse is judged on skill, agility and
ability and is given 90 seconds to work two cattle. There is an
option to a third cow if time allows. There are two herd holders to
the right and left of the area were the rider works the entry (they
keep the herd on the rail) and two turn back riders on the opposite
side of the rider working the cow. Their job is to keep the chosen
cow interested in returning to the herd. |
Arena fence is
required. At least one cow must be visible.
Western saddle of any style with split reins. But usually a saddle with a second cinch is used to ensure less stress on the horse's loins and back. If a second cinch is used remember to use a rear-cinch connecting strap. Five and under horses show in a bosal or a snaffle bit. Romal reins were in style several years ago but have phased out. If you use romal reins the rider's free hand may rest of the romal and it is advised to make a comment that the performance is from 10 years ago. Breast collars are often used. Leg protection is necessary on all four legs and horses wearing it should be given credit over bare legged entries. Only one hand on the rein unless the bridle is a snaffle or a hackamore bosal.
Tie downs, martingales, gag bits, nosebands, closed roping reins, wire curbs or a chin strap under one-half inch wide are forbidden equipment.
Look For:
Don't put a loping horse model
inside the herd. Horses are supposed to select the cow quietly. |
Long sleeve shirt, pants, chaps, boots and cowboy hat are required. | |
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Barrel Racing |
A timed event, barrel racing is judged strictly on the time and a completed and correct pattern of a cloverleaf around three barrels. A five second penalty is added for each barrel knocked over and disqualification for going off pattern. Size of pattern varies by breed association but average is 30 -35 yards a part in a triangle. Some associations add a penalty for a lost hat. |
Arena fence is
required. At least one barrel needs to be visible. Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed Split reins, unsafe equipment. Extra Credit: A small note where the horse is in the pattern, color - coordinated rider and equipment. *NAN guidelines allows that preference given to barrel saddles over other saddles due to speed factoring in over heavy saddles. |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
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Poles |
A timed event based on pole pattern of serpentines around six poles with a straightaway beginning and return. Five second penalty for each pole knocked over and disqualification for going off pattern. Poles are spaced 21 feet apart and the last pole is 21 feet from the timer. |
Arena fence is
required. At least one pole needs to be visible. Poles
should be set in rubber to prevent injury and any poles set in
tires, flower pots, tin cans should be penalized. Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tied downs are allowed. Split reins. Any poles set in tires, flower pots, tin cans should be penalized. Extra Credit: Color-Coordinated rider and equipment a plus. * NAN guidelines read barrel saddle takes precedence over other styles of saddles. |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
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Reining |
Reining is liken to dressage
in theory with the judging based on the execution of a pattern and
different levels of competition according to the horse's experience.
The horse is judged on smoothness of the performance, finesse,
attitude and authority of performing various maneuvers while using a
controlled speed. The moves in the pattern include sliding stops,
spins, flying lead changes and loping circles. The lope is the
ONLY gait performed and any breaking of the gait is a
disqualification. Variations:
Bridleless Reining Performance without a bridle but a rider usually has a strap or the reins wrapped around neck to guide the horse. Freestyle Reining
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Reining Patterns
Pattern 1
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Arena fence is
required.
Need to state where in pattern horse is and have the appropriate props visible. (see description) Western saddle of any style and a bridle with split reins. But usually a saddle with a second cinch is used to ensure less stress on the horse's loins and back. If a second cinch is used remember to use a rear-cinch connecting strap. Five and under horses show in a bosal or a snaffle bit. Romal reins were in style several years ago but have phased out. If you use romal reins the rider's free hand may rest of the romal and it is advised to make a comment that the performance is from 10 years ago. Breast collars are often used. Leg protection is necessary on all four legs and horses wearing it should be given credit over bare legged entries. Only one hand on the rein unless the bridle is a snaffle or a hackamore bosal. Tie downs, martingales, gag bits, nosebands, closed roping reins, wire curbs or a chin strap under one-half inch wide are forbidden equipment. |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. |
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Key Hole Race |
The starting line shall be 50
to 100 feet (according to arena size) from the entrance to the
keyhole. The entrance shall be 4 feet wide and 10 feet long,
connected to a circle 20 feet in diameter. Time starts as the
contestant crosses the starting line. He/she shall proceed through
the entrance, turn right or left in the circle, return through the
entrance and cross the finish line. An exhibitor is disqualified if
a horse steps on or outside of the chalk line. A judge or judges
must be at the keyhole to decide upon these qualifications, and
their decisions will be final. A marker should be placed at each end of the starting and finish line and the horse must start and finish by passing between the markers. A running start is permissible. Fastest time wins. An exhibitor may not walk through the course in order to qualify for a placing position or in the run-off for a tie. |
Arena fence is
required. Need to state where in pattern horse is and have the
appropriate props visible. (see description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
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Western Bareback |
The rider is judged in this
class on his or her ability to ride and control a horse properly
without the use of a stock saddle. The horse is judged on manners
and performance of the gaits/patterns.
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Individual work must be
comprised of any of the following:
1. Back. 2. Walk, jog, trot, lope, in a straight line, curve or circle, or any combination of these gaits and patterns such as figure eights, etc. 3. Stop. 4. Turn on the haunches or forehand. 5. Side pass. 6. Simple lead change. 7. Flying lead change. 8. Counter canter. 9. Extended gaits. |
Obstacle is
required. State movement in comment line. Requires a Western Bridle. No saddles or bareback pads are used. |
Riders usually dress in flashy
western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for
adults and helmets for children.
The exhibitor shall be judged on his or her basic position: hand position, leg position, seat position and back position. To further explain, a exhibitor should sit in a balanced relaxed manner, up close to the horse's withers, keeping the back straight and shoulders even. The exhibitor should keep his or her arms in close to the body. The rein hand should be held loose and should be positioned directly above and in front of where the saddle horn would be if the exhibitor were using a saddle. The position of the exhibitor's free hand is optional but should indicate a relaxed, not sloppy, balanced attitude of the body and should be kept free of the horse except that exhibitor may hold a romal to keep it from swinging and to adjust the position of the reins provided it is held at least 16 inches from the reining hand. The legs maintain contact with the horse, giving the necessary leg grip. The foot is turned out slightly and the heels should be level or slightly lowered close to the horse just behind the horse's elbows. The exhibitor should be in balance with his or her horse at all times and should be able to sit the trot bareback. No posting at the trot will be permitted. An imaginary straight line drawn from the exhibitor's shoulders or hip should drop at the back of the heel and a straight line from the knee should drop in front of the toe. The exhibitor in this class must be able to display, through his or her riding ability in the ring, his or her knowledge of how to handle a horse properly. The exhibitor is penalized if he or she uses two hands on the reins (except when using a snaffle), changes hands on the reins, or touches any part of the horse with his or her free hand. While the horse is in motion the exhibitor's hands shall be clear of the horse. |
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Team Events - Roping |
A western event in which both
rodeos and arena shows hold. The ropers begin the event from two
roping boxes with the steer or cow to be roped in a chute between
them. The header is on the left and the heeler on the right. When
the steer is released it is given a two second head start. Then the
barrier breaks open the two rider jump forward. Once the horse's are
running the header ropes the steer or cow around the horns and turns
him to the left. (Legal rope catches for the header are: both horns,
half a head, and around the neck. A figure 8 is not legal) Then, the
heeler catches the hind legs in his loop (Legal Heeler catches are:
around the flank, one or both heels, only the tail is illegal) Time
is stopped when the horses face each other with the is steer
"stretched" between them. When performed in a rodeo only time
counts. In the arena shows the horse's performance is judged on
manners in the box, speed to calf, rating, stopping, working the
rope, and manners while team returns after roping the calf. The
steer or cow must be 9 months to a year old and either have horns or
artificial strapped horns. Real horns are wrapped with leather
protector that folds the ears down under it to prevent their injury
Timed Heading & Heeling
The following is not part of
ApHC rules, but is merely to serve as a guideline.
Elements Of A Heeling Run
Variations: |
Arena fence is
required. Cow must be visible. Other horse/rider must be
at least partially visible. Roping reins are used. A tie down and rear cinch is a must. Mechanical hackamore may be used in rodeos but not arena shows. Hackamore bosal are often seen. Look For:
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Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis, shirts and hats are required. | |
| Team Events - Penning |
In an arena, there are 30 cows
at one end, numbered from 0 through 9. There are three number 0's,
three number 1's, etc. Three riders enter the other end of the arena
and proceed to the start line. When the timekeeper calls to start
the event, the riders are given a number, 5 for example. They then
have to remove all three number 5's from the herd and move them down
to the other end of the arena and put them into a pen within a
90-second time limit. Time begins when the nose of the first rider’s
horse crosses the starting line. Once committed to the cattle,
the team is completely responsible for their animals. If an animal
leaves the area, either over or through the fence or gate, the team
can either be disqualified for unnecessary roughness. A cow
judged as penned must be completely in the pen. The team with the
quickest time wins the event.
Where a rear gate has been
installed on the pen and is being used to release cattle at the end
of each run, a horse may go entirely in the pen at any time during
the run to sort cattle and/or call time. Where a rear gate has not
been installed on the pen, a horse may go no further into the pen
than the head of the tail. If the complete horse enters the pen, the
team is disqualified. If more than four (4) head of cattle are
across the cattle line at one time, the team will be given a no
time. Cattle will be judged over the cattle line when all four feet
are over the line. Also if more than one (1) incorrectly
numbered cow crosses to the pen side of the line at any one time
during a run, the team will be blown out by the klaxon and receive a
no time. In the youth class the time
limit will be 120 seconds. (2 minutes) |
Positions of riders Bringing Out The Cattle: There are different positions (or roles) the rider take at each end of the arena. When you are trying to extract the cattle from the herd, there are the cutter(s) and the holder(s), also called the turn back person. The cutter goes into the herd and brings out only his numbered cow. Any wrong numbered cows are called 'dirty cows'. Time is lost if dirties are allowed to run all the way down the arena. The holder tries to hold back all dirty cows and let out only the good numbered cows. On a fresh herd of cattle, they tend to be more wild, and two riders will act as holders. On cattle that have been penned a bit, sometimes 2 cutters will enter the herd. Usually the first cutter goes in, comes out with his cow, then the second cutter will go in and come out with his cow, then either the holder will go in and the 1st cutter becomes the holder, or the 1st cutter will re-enter the herd. Penning The Cattle: The positions are now assigned on where you are in the arena. A rule is that you never cross in front (or behind) another rider when you drive all 3 good cows towards the pen. The positions are as follows: The hole man goes in the alleyway between the pen and the wall and prevents cattle from escaping through the hole. The wing man is closest to the wing, and acts like an extension of the wing. The sweep (or pusher) herds all 3 cows towards the opening of the pen. The cattle are funneled into the hold and one of the riders signals for time by breaking the plane of the pen with the horse's head and holding up a hand. So, as you ride towards the pen, the rider closest to the alleyway, would be the hole man, the rider in the middle becomes the wing man, and the far rider is the pusher. The reason the roles are assigned this way, is because it is dangerous to cross another rider in the ring, and it prevent all three you yelling at the same time, "I'LL TAKE THE HOLE". Arena and Pen Dimensions
Arena layout |
Arena fence is
required. Cow(s) must be visible. At least one other
horse/rider must be at least partially visible. Contact with or hazing cattle with hats, ropes, reins, bats, romals, or any other equipment or apparatus is disqualification. However, romals or reins may be popped on the rider’s leg or saddle. |
All contestants must wear a
western hat and boots and a long sleeved shirt with a collar or
jacket with cuffs covering the wrist. Men’s or women’s long pants
(jeans) are required. In the event that a contestant has a mishap
during the penning and a button or snap is torn or broken off, this
is not to be considered an infraction of the dress code. All
contestants are encouraged to maintain a western image. Youth
riders may wear a helmet. |
|
Other Western Performance - Western Equitation |
Riders to be judged on hands, seat and legs and on their ability to ride and control a horse properly. Results as shown by the performance of the horse is not to be considered more important than the methods used by the exhibitor in obtaining them. Good hands are paramount. Riders to always have their horses on the correct lead. Gaits are the same as western pleasure but riders are sometimes given a pattern of individual work to perform either before or after the rail work. |
Some pattern
components/gaits:
1. Back. |
Arena fence is
required. Must state which pattern is being performed. A western stock saddle without tapaderos. The saddle can have either squared or rounded skirts with the current style leaning toward squared. In most breeds the current style also is to omit the rear cinch, sometimes adding "tabs" to occupy the rear girth slots; however, if a rear cinch is used, it must have a connecter strap to the front cinch. Breastplates are optional. Silver should not be counted over a good working outfit. A saddle pad resting under all pressure points is recommended but not required equipment. A western style bridle (browband, one ear, two ear, with or without throatlatch, no nose band) with a curb bit including a curb strap or curb chain. Standard snaffle bit and bosal hackamores are permitted on horses 4 and under (5 and under for Arabians and Appaloosas) Reins and romal and split reins are both legal; romal and reins usually seen on Arabians, Morgans, NSH and in the Western division of AHSA shows. Missouri Fox Trotters usually wear a noseband and current style includes older buck stitched saddle. MFT current style saddle pads are white with white ribbon in mane and forelock. Nosebands or cavessons (except: Missouri Fox Trotter and National Spotted Saddlebred/Walking Horse). any type of martingale or tie-down, tapaderos, roping reins, any kind of boots or bandages, crops or whips, mechanical hackamores are also prohibited. Split reins may not be knotted or attached to each other (stickywax is of course permitted in model horses) Rider may not have more than one finger between split reins or any fingers between the reins of a rein and romal. |
Attire is jeans over western
boots, long sleeved skirts, (vest, tie and jacket are also
permitted) shotgun chaps, belt through loop, and western hat.
The doll rider's posture
must be addressed because if you can't get it correctly then don't
use it. Arms to be a straight line with the body, with the
rein hand holding the reins and bent at the elbow. Only one hand is
to be used for reining and hands shall not be changed. Hand to be
held around the reins (one finger between reins is permissible),
above the horn and as near to it as possible. The position of the
rider's free hand is optional but it should be kept free of the
horse and equipment and held in a relaxed manner with the rider's
body straight at all times. Rider may hold romal to keep it from
swinging and to adjust the position of the reins, provided it is
held at least 16" from the reining hand. Bracing against the horn
will be penalized. The rider should sit in the saddle in a balanced,
relaxed manner, with the back straight and shoulders even, arms
close to the body. The stirrup should be adjusted just short enough
to allow the heels to be lower than the toes. Knees should be
slightly bent and weight be directly over the balls of the feet.
Body should always appear comfortable, relaxed and flexible. Feet
should be placed in the stirrups with weight on the ball of the
foot. Consideration, however should be given to the width of the
stirrups which vary on western saddles. The legs must maintain
contact with the horse, to give aids to the horse. Position in
Motion: Rider should sit to the jog and extended jog and not post.
At the lope, he should be close to the saddle. All movements of the
horse should be governed by the use of imperceptible aids, and the
shifting of rider's weight is not desirable. A rider is penalized
for losing a stirrup, two hands on the reins (unless a snaffle of
hackamore bosal) changing rein hands, touches any part of the saddle
with the free hand. |
| Other Western Performance - Western Riding |
A competition of a sensible,
well-mannered, free and easy moving horse who follows through a
course of gaits (walk, jog and lope) change of leads, flying lead
changes all between markers. The course is set up with eight small
markers (cones) on one side and five on the other. The five markers
are separated by 30 to 50 feet. An obstacle of an 8' log or ground
pole is also in the pattern.
Credit shall be given for
an emphasis placed on smoothness, even cadence of gaits (i.e.,
starting and finishing the pattern with the same cadence), and the
horses ability to change lead precisely, easily, and simultaneously
both hind and front at the center point between markers. The horse
should have a relaxed head carriage showing response to the riders
hands, with a moderate flexion at the pull. Horses may be ridden
with light contact or on reasonably loose rein. The horse should
cross the log both at the jog and the lope without breaking gait or
radically changing stride.
|
Western Riding Patterns
Pattern 1 1. Walk and jog over log 2. Transition to left and lope around end 3. First line change 4. Second line change 5. Third line change 6. Fourth line change and lope around the end of arena 7. First crossing change 8. Second crossing change 9. Lope over log 10. Third crossing change 11. Fourth crossing change 12. Lope up the center, stop and back Pattern 2 1. Walk, transition to jog, jog over log 2. Transition to left lead 3. First crossing change 4. Second crossing change 5. Third crossing change 6. Circle and first line change 7. Second line change 8. Third line change 9. Fourth line change and circle 10. Lope over log 11. Lope, stop and back Pattern 3 1. Walk, transition to jog, jog over log 2. Transition to left 3. First crossing change 4. Second crossing change 5. First line change 6. Second line change 7. Third line change 8. Fourth line change 9. Lope over log 10. Third crossing change 11. Fourth crossing change 12. Lope up the center, stop & back Pattern 4 1. Walk, transition to jog, jog over log 2. Transition to right 3. First line change 4. Second line change 5. Third line change 6. Fourth line change 7. First crossing change 8. Second crossing change 9. Third crossing change 10. Lope over log 11. Lope, stop, & back |
Arena fence is
required. Need to state where in pattern horse is and have the appropriate props visible. (see description)
Western saddle of any style with split reins. But usually a saddle with a second cinch is used to ensure less stress on the horse's loins and back. If a second cinch is used remember to use a rear-cinch connecting strap. Five and under horses show in a bosal or a snaffle bit. Romal reins were in style several years ago but have phased out. If you use romal reins the rider's free hand may rest of the romal and it is advised to make a comment that the performance is from 10 years ago. Breast collars are often used. Leg protection is necessary on all four legs and horses wearing it should be given credit over bare legged entries. Only one hand on the rein unless the bridle is a snaffle or a hackamore bosal. Tie downs, martingales, gag bits, nosebands, closed roping reins, wire curbs or a chin strap under one-half inch wide are forbidden equipment. |
Attire is jeans over western
boots, long sleeved skirts, (vest, tie and jacket are also
permitted) shotgun chaps, belt through loop, and western hat.
The doll rider's posture
must be addressed because if you can't get it correctly then don't
use it. Arms to be a straight line with the body, with the
rein hand holding the reins and bent at the elbow. Only one hand is
to be used for reining and hands shall not be changed. Hand to be
held around the reins (one finger between reins is permissible),
above the horn and as near to it as possible. The position of the
rider's free hand is optional but it should be kept free of the
horse and equipment and held in a relaxed manner with the rider's
body straight at all times. Rider may hold romal to keep it from
swinging and to adjust the position of the reins, provided it is
held at least 16" from the reining hand. Bracing against the horn
will be penalized. The rider should sit in the saddle in a balanced,
relaxed manner, with the back straight and shoulders even, arms
close to the body. The stirrup should be adjusted just short enough
to allow the heels to be lower than the toes. Knees should be
slightly bent and weight be directly over the balls of the feet.
Body should always appear comfortable, relaxed and flexible. Feet
should be placed in the stirrups with weight on the ball of the
foot. Consideration, however should be given to the width of the
stirrups which vary on western saddles. The legs must maintain
contact with the horse, to give aids to the horse. Position in
Motion: Rider should sit to the jog and extended jog and not post.
At the lope, he should be close to the saddle. All movements of the
horse should be governed by the use of imperceptible aids, and the
shifting of rider's weight is not desirable. A rider is penalized
for losing a stirrup, two hands on the reins (unless a snaffle of
hackamore bosal) changing rein hands, touches any part of the saddle
with the free hand. |
| Other Western Performance - Working Cow Horse |
This class is judged on both
working of a cow and reining pattern. The class may do either
performance first but both are mandatory.
When the cow work is judged the exhibitor receives their cow in the arena and holds the cow at the prescribed end of the arena for a sufficient time to demonstrate the ability of the horse to contain the cow. After a reasonable time (usually a ring or whistle is used) the exhibitor takes the cow down the fence, making at least one turn each way on the fence. Then the contestant shall take the cow to an open part of the arena and circle the animal at least once in each direction. Horses that run past the cow shall be penalized 1 point for every horse's length past the cow; when the horse's buttocks pass the cow's head he is one length past. The reining pattern is one of two pattern selected by the judge before the show and usually posted before the class. The horse is faulted for scotching; which is halting or hesitating while performing, particularly when running full out, indicating anticipation of being set up in a slide (over trained horse) Also, for losing a cow or unable to finish the pattern, exaggerated mouth opened, hard or heavy mouth, nervous throwing of head, lugging on bridle, or the rider touching horse with free hand during pattern. Rider may hold horn while working cow.
|
Working Cow Horse Reining Patterns:
Pattern 1
1. Begin at the center of the
arena facing right wall or fence. Take a right lead and do two
circles to the right, away from the judge; the first small and slow;
the second large and fast.
Pattern 5 |
Arena fence is
required. Need to state where in which pattern horse is and
have the appropriate props visible. (see description) Western saddle of any style with split reins. But usually a saddle with a second cinch is used to ensure less stress on the horse's loins and back. If a second cinch is used remember to use a rear-cinch connecting strap. Five and under horses show in a bosal or a snaffle bit. Romal reins were in style several years ago but have phased out. If you use romal reins the rider's free hand may rest of the romal and it is advised to make a comment that the performance is from 10 years ago. Breast collars are often used. Leg protection is necessary on all four legs and horses wearing it should be given credit over bare legged entries. Only one hand on the rein unless the bridle is a snaffle or a hackamore bosal. Tie downs, martingales, gag bits, nosebands, closed roping reins, wire curbs or a chin strap under one-half inch wide are forbidden equipment. |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis, shirts and hats are required. |
| Other Western Performance - Western Competitive Trail Riding/Endurance Riding | An endurance ride or competitive trail riding is a competition to test the speed and endurance capacity of the horse. It should demonstrate the competitor's knowledge of pace and the use of his horse going across country. The horse's performance over various types of ground and over natural hazards is significant to determine the horsemanship of the competitor and the ability of the horse. Judged the same as Natural Trail but rider's attire generally is relaxed with entry number vest tied over the rider's top. |
Various types
of ground and natural hazards can be used as well as Vet/Time
checks. Saddles are generally very light weight and can even be stripped down, Australian saddles, old McClellan, regular Endurance Saddles. Must have stirrups and a girth. Mechanical hackamore are seen often used. Extra Credit: |
Rider's attire generally is relaxed with entry number vest tied over the rider's top. | |
| Other Western Performance - Catalogue Race | The announcer gives each rider a page number. Entrants run to barrel at end of arena, find page number tear out and race back with the fastest time and correct page number wins. |
Arena fence is required. Should try to have barrel and "catalogue" in photo. Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Steer Daubing | Rider uses a "lance" to mark the steer within a circle painted on the steer's side. The steer should have a 16-inch to 20-inch circle painted on each side, starting from a point just in front of the hip bone and below the back bone toward the rib cage. The lance is approximately 6' long and is padded at one end and soaked in a washable paint or white wash. The horse and rider are placed behind a barrier, usually the calf roping chute and a steer is released at the rider's signal. The rider has a 1 minute time limit after steer breaks the barrier to prevent needless chasing of the steer. Each exhibitor may daub the steer only once within the one minute time limit, then must raise his lance aloft, signaling he has marked the animal. More than one mark is a no time. |
Arena fence is required. Must have steer in photo. Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Barrel Crawl | A timed race to end of arena where rider dismounts and crawls through a barrel remounts and return to finish line. |
Arena fence is required. Barrel should be in photo. Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Pickup & Ride | A timed race where all the entrant's saddles and saddle pads are piled in a line and the rider rides bareback from a starting line to where the saddles are lined up. They then dismount, saddle the horse and ride back to finish line. | Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed | Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Boot Race | A timed Race where boots are piled together at one end of the arena and the entrants ride to the pile from the starting line where the rider dismounts finds their boots, put them on and leads their horse back to the start. |
Arena fence is required. Need to state which point horse is at in comment line. Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Hat Race | A timed Race where hats are piled together at one end of the arena and the entrants ride to the pile from the stating line where the rider dismounts finds their hats, put them on and leads their horse back to the start. This is usually a class for younger kids using hats instead of boots. |
Arena fence is required. Need to state which point horse is at in comment line.
Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Cow Hide Race | Rider ties a cow hide with lariat to one end, dallies to horn and drags the hide with rider aboard the hide back to the finish line. Usually done in pairs. |
Arena fence is required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Fox and Hound | A cloverleaf style barrel race but with two riders and two horses. The first horse leads and the second horse follows. Disqualification if second horse passes the front of the first horse's cinch before the first horse finishes the course. | Pattern |
Arena fence is required. At least one barrel and at least part of the second horse should be visible. Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. |
| Other Western Performance - Stump Race | Cloverleaf style barrel race with twin coarse and two horses competing against each other. The course is done in a mirror fashion with a common finish line. Course is larger than normal cloverleaf barrels with front barrel 30 feet from finish line, barrels 75 feet apart and back barrel 94 feet from finish line. First horse from the competing pair to cross finish line wins the heat and goes on to compete in subsequence heats until a final winner is chosen. | Pattern |
Arena fence is required. At least one barrel should be visible. Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. |
| Other Western Performance - Nez Perce Stake Race | Similar to pole bending but horses compete in pairs and in heats until a winner is chosen. The course is done in a mirror fashion with a common finish line. The race shall be run in traditional Nez Perce fashion if arena size permits. Two horses at a time on two adjacent six-stake courses will race from a common start/finish line, down the right side of the course to the farthest stake, then turn left, weave through stakes, and race to starting point. Losing horse is eliminated. Repeat this elimination procedure until elimination is complete. | Pattern |
Arena fence is required. At least one pole and at least part of the second horse should be visible. Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. |
| Other Western Performance - Rope Race |
Small four foot ropes are
loosely tied to a wire line or lariat stretched taut across the
arena 2 feet above the head of a mounted horseman (one rope less
than the number of exhibitors). At the direction of the starter, the
exhibitors race to take hold of one of the dangling ropes with one
hand. The exhibitor without a rope will be eliminated. Another small
rope shall be removed, again leaving one less rope than exhibitors.
Exhibitors will repeat race to the lariat or wire until all but one
is eliminated.
Any horse touching the
starting line after the judge signals time and before the starting
signal, will be disqualified for that heat. One or more horses may
be disqualified; however, that heat shall be run. |
Arena fence is required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed
|
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Sack Race | Two riders dismount and putting one leg in a large feed or gunny sack they race while leading their horses down to a finish line. A variation is when after reaching the line at one when of arena the team mount (usually each other's horses) and race back to other end of arena to a finish line. |
Arena fence is required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Egg & Spoon | Rider given an egg and large soup spoon at one end of arena and must ride back to other end of arena with the egg still sitting in the spoon. Fastest time with egg still in spoon wins. |
Arena fence is required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Champagne Glass | Rider given a champagne glass filled with fluid at one end of arena and must ride back to other end of arena with fluid still in the glass. Fastest time with most fluid in glass wins. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Bareback Dollar Bill/Sit A Buck | Riders ride without a saddle and sitting on a dollar bill throughout a rail class called by a judge. Usual gaits are the same as Western Bareback Equitation classes. Riders with a dollar bill under them when the line up is called in are the ones placed. Judged on equitation and rather or not they kept their seats long enough to hold the dollar bill in place. |
Individual work must be
comprised of any of the following:
1. Back. 2. Walk, jog, lope, in a straight line, curve or circle, or any combination of these gaits and patterns such as figure eights, etc. 3. Stop. 4. Turn on the haunches or forehand. 5. Side pass. 6. Simple lead change. 7. Flying lead change. 8. Counter canter (lope). 9. Extended gaits. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) Requires a Western Bridle. No saddles or bareback pads are used.
|
Riders usually dress in flashy
western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for
adults and helmets for children.
The exhibitor shall be judged on his or her basic position: hand position, leg position, seat position and back position. To further explain, a exhibitor should sit in a balanced relaxed manner, up close to the horse's withers, keeping the back straight and shoulders even. The exhibitor should keep his or her arms in close to the body. The rein hand should be held loose and should be positioned directly above and in front of where the saddle horn would be if the exhibitor were using a saddle. The position of the exhibitor's free hand is optional but should indicate a relaxed, not sloppy, balanced attitude of the body and should be kept free of the horse except that exhibitor may hold a romal to keep it from swinging and to adjust the position of the reins provided it is held at least 16 inches from the reining hand. The legs maintain contact with the horse, giving the necessary leg grip. The foot is turned out slightly and the heels should be level or slightly lowered close to the horse just behind the horse's elbows. The exhibitor should be in balance with his or her horse at all times and should be able to sit the trot bareback. No posting at the trot will be permitted. An imaginary straight line drawn from the exhibitor's shoulders or hip should drop at the back of the heel and a straight line from the knee should drop in front of the toe. The exhibitor in this class must be able to display, through his or her riding ability in the ring, his or her knowledge of how to handle a horse properly. The exhibitor is penalized if he or she uses two hands on the reins (except when using a snaffle), changes hands on the reins, or touches any part of the horse with his or her free hand. While the horse is in motion the exhibitor's hands shall be clear of the horse. |
| Other Western Performance - Beer Can/Soda Can Stack | Riders race from a starting line to a barrel and stop long enough to place one beer or soda can on the top of an already stacked pile of cans. Rider places a can so that it stays and then turn around the barrel and races back to finish line. Pile of cans are the same number for each entrant to be fair so an attendant must be present to adjust the stack for each entrant. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Camp Draft |
Normally a mule or donkey
performance but there are horses used in Australia and New Zealand.
The horse and rider must escort a cow or calf down the arena and to
a barrel in which they then turn around the barrel (hopefully
together but the horse can lag behind enough to turn the cow or calf
if they look as though they might run past the barrel) and return
together back to end of arena. Mule This is another sport for mules. Donkeys do not compete in this class. The idea is to race a cow around a barrel in a kind of gymkhana and stock horse competition class. The mule may not pass the cow at any point and must turn the cow around the barrel and not lose control over the cow at any point. They may race behind the cow or next to the cow but not so far as to pass the cow. |
Pattern |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed. Mule Western saddle and bridle or hackamores are used. Leg protection is often seen. |
Riders usually dress in flashy
western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for
adults and helmets for children.
Mule The attire is pants or levis, long sleeved shirt, boots belt, tie and cowboy hat. |
| Other Western Performance - Coon Jump |
Normally a mule or donkey
competition but horses have been used in Australia and New Zealand.
A small jump is placed with a box and the animal is led to jump and
required to leap from a stand still over the jump. A blanket is
usually thrown over the jump pole so animal can judge the height.
Animal may not step out of the box before the leap. Handler may
stand before the jump, at the side of jump or on the opposite side
of jump. There are two styles of coon jumping, Saddled and Bareback.
Stirrups should be tied up if saddles are used. Bareback is usually
done with a halter. Jump must be free standing type with sliding
knock-down bar setup (cups or pegs facing away from animal)
Mule/Donkey Mules have a sport all their own called The Coon's Jump or Coon Jumping. It stem from hunter's moving their mules through other people's property. Wooden or stone fences could be taken down but wire ones can not. So the hunter would flag or cover the wire with his coat or a blanket and jump the string of mules over one by one. In the longear arena of showing, mules or donkeys jump a single rail standard with the height increasing in a jump off until the one who clears the highest jump is the winner. Some mules that are around 50" at the withers have been known to jump clear heights of up to 72" from a standing position! The jumps are not from a galloping approach but from a marked area of a box just next to the jump. The mule or donkey is allowed one step but most just leap from a stand still. The box is marked, the rail is covered with a saddle blanket or other similar size cloth. There are two different classes of Coon jumping, Saddled/Pack and Bareback. A halter is normally used in bareback. A halter or bridle may be used in Saddled/Pack. Stirrups should be tied up if a saddle is used. Jump must be a free standing jump with sliding knock-down-bar set up (cups or pegs facing away from animal) sp to lessen chance of injury should animal not clear jump. The rider may stand on either side of the jump on next to the side of the jump. Even young stock and miniature mules or donkeys compete in Coon Jumping with much smaller jumps of course. |
Example |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed. Mule/Donkey Western saddle and bridle or hackamores are used. Leg protection is often seen. |
Riders usually dress in flashy
western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Handler is
required to wear a hat. Mule/Donkey Attire for the rider is pants, chaps, boots, long sleeve shirt, cowboy hat and belt |
| Other Western Performance - Apple Bob | Three styles of this event are noted. Rider either rides to where a container of apples are placed in water and then (while mounted) reaches in the container and get a good bite on the apple, retrieves it and ride back to finish while holding apple in their mouth. The other is to dismount and bite the apple and then either remount and ride back or stay grounded a lead back the horse to finish line. Consideration as to age of rider and ability to mount and dismount are taken into consideration. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) Typically a light weight western saddle of barrel-racing style with small, rounded skirts and breast collar. However any style Western saddle allowed. Bridle can be mechanical hackamore, hackamore bosal or any style bridle and bit with equipment at rider's choice with roping or closed reins. Leg protection commonly seen. Tie-downs are allowed |
Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. | |
| Other Western Performance - Leadline Equitation |
The class will enter the ring
at a flat-footed walk, as designated. The class will be worked at
a walk only both directions of the ring. In the line-up the
judge may ask the exhibitors to back up their horses to help him or
her judge the extent of the exhibitor's horsemanship. The exhibitor will be judged on his or her basic position in the saddle: Hand position, seat position, and back position. The horse must be led and controlled by an adult (over 18 years of age). A lead shank at least six feet long must be attached to the shank of the bit or to a halter that is under or over the bridle so that while the exhibitor is on the rail the horse is controlled by the adult. If the judge asks the exhibitor to back the horse in the line-up, the adult should not aid the exhibitor. The adult should only keep the horse under control. Person leading horse is to be dressed in accordance with the exhibitor. This class is limited to exhibitors 6 years old and under who do not participate in any approved class at that show except Showmanship and Halter. |
The class will be worked at a walk only both directions of the ring |
Arena
fence is required. Appropriate props should be in photo.
(see description) A lead shank at least six feet long must be attached to the shank of the bit or to a halter that is under or over the bridle so that while the exhibitor is on the rail the horse is controlled by the adult. A junior horse ridden two-handed in an acceptable snaffle bit or hackamore/bosal may be exhibited in Leadline otherwise a snaffle bit/hackamore ridden two-handed is not allowed. |
Riders usually dress in flashy
western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for
adults and helmets for children. In leadline chaps are
optional. The exhibitor shall be judged on his or her basic position: hand position, leg position, seat position and back position. To further explain, a exhibitor should sit in a balanced relaxed manner, up close to the horse's withers, keeping the back straight and shoulders even. The exhibitor should keep his or her arms in close to the body. The rein hand should be held loose and should be positioned directly above and in front of where the saddle horn would be if the exhibitor were using a saddle. The position of the exhibitor's free hand is optional but should indicate a relaxed, not sloppy, balanced attitude of the body and should be kept free of the horse except that exhibitor may hold a romal to keep it from swinging and to adjust the position of the reins provided it is held at least 16 inches from the reining hand. The legs maintain contact with the horse, giving the necessary leg grip. The foot is turned out slightly and the heels should be level or slightly lowered close to the horse just behind the horse's elbows. The exhibitor should be in balance with his or her horse at all times and should be able to sit the trot bareback. No posting at the trot will be permitted. An imaginary straight line drawn from the exhibitor's shoulders or hip should drop at the back of the heel and a straight line from the knee should drop in front of the toe. The exhibitor in this class must be able to display, through his or her riding ability in the ring, his or her knowledge of how to handle a horse properly. The exhibitor is penalized if he or she uses two hands on the reins (except when using a snaffle), changes hands on the reins, or touches any part of the horse with his or her free hand. While the horse is in motion the exhibitor's hands shall be clear of the horse. |
| Other Western Performance - Yearling Longe Line |
Open to yearling fillies, colts and geldings that are eligible to show at ApHC-approved shows.
|
Horses are to be shown at a walk, jog, and lope. Horses must work both ways of the ring at all three gaits to demonstrate their ability with different leads. Horses shall not be asked to extend the lope, but at the discretion of the judge, they may be asked to extend the jog. When asked to extend the jog, the horse moves out with the same smooth way of going. Horses are required to back easily and stand quietly. |
Arena
fence is required. Appropriate props should be in photo
(see description) and comment line stating which part of event horse
is participating in.
Horses are to be shown in a halter, regular or show type is
acceptable. For the longing demonstration, the only attachment
allowed to the halter is the longe line. The longe line (including
chain and snap) may not exceed 30 feet in length with a chain or
snap attached to the halter. The longe line must hang free from the
halter without touching any part of the horse. It is permissible to
use a longe whip. No other equipment is allowed on the horse
during the class, except as noted in C.1 below. Mechanical or
retractable longe lines are not allowed. |
All contestants must wear a western hat and boots and a long sleeved shirt with a collar or jacket with cuffs covering the wrist. Men’s or women’s long pants (jeans) are required. |
| Other Western Performance - Figure 8 Stake Race |
This is a timed event where
the fastest time wins. The start and finish line is 20 feet wide and marked by two upright markers (cones or pylons) 10 feet on each side of the center line and short enough to not interfere with the timer if one is used. Short pylons or cones are recommended. The first and second poles marking the center line are each 60 feet from the start and finish line, making them a total of 120 feet apart. If the exhibitor starts on the left side of the poles, he must cross between the two poles and make a left turn around the first pole. Then the exhibitor must make a right turn around the second pole and close the figure 8 between the two markers before crossing the time line again. If the exhibitor starts on the right side of the poles, he must cross between the two poles and make a right turn around the first pole. Then the exhibitor must make a left turn around the second pole and close the figure 8 between the two markers before crossing the time line again. Pattern must be run according to Pattern. A no-time is given if: An exhibitor may not walk through the course in order to qualify for a placing position nor in the run-off for a tie. |
Pattern | Riders usually dress in flashy western style clothing but levis and shirts are required. Hats for adults and helmets for children. In leadline chaps are optional. | |
Class DescriptionsEnglish Events
Hand position for Double Bridle - 2on2 Hand position for Double Bridle - 3on1 Hand position for Double Bridle - No Cross Correct fit of Double Bridle, Rein Holds
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Event |
Description |
Gaits, Movements and Patterns | Tack and Props | Doll (If Used) |
|
English Pleasure |
Horses are judged on their
abilities to be a pleasure style mount. Horses are asked to walk,
trot, canter and sometimes hand gallop both directions of the arena,
to stand in a line-up, rein-back and possible other movements at the
direction of the judge. Entries should work with a smooth regular
gait, a natural willing and responsive headset; not necessarily
fully flexed at the poll depending upon breed, conformation and
style. They should show a forward - going way of impulsion and
conformation consistence with a smooth and sustainable ride such a s
a well-sloped shoulder, good pasterns, and a supple back with
well-developed hind quarters. The demeanor of the horse (model)
should be of happy and obedient participation in the class.
Variations: Hunter Under Saddle: Should be suitable to purpose. They should move in a long low frame and be able to lengthen their stride and cover ground, as in traversing hunt country following hounds. They should be obedient, alert and responsive to their exhibitors. Quick, short strides should be penalized. Horses which move in an artificial frame and are over-flexed and behind the bit should also be penalized. Judges should emphasize free movement and manners. The horse is to be judged
on performance, manners, conformation, quality and substance.
Exhibitor shall not be required to dismount except in the event
judge wishes to check equipment. Light contact with the
horse's mouth is recommended. Sidesaddle - American The general rule stated by AHSA is that a lady may ride sidesaddle in any class in which she is otherwise eligible to compete. Although some divisions restrict the sidesaddle, enough open classes are available to make any breed or type of horse or pony acceptable. Tack and equipment are strongly traditional, even in open shows, a knowledgable judge may penalize small errors in appointments. Sidesaddle entries requardless of the tack used should display perfect manners. Any horse which appears to be shying, spooking, above the bridle, overly excited, going crooked, or otherwise misbehaving should be strongly penalized. Note: Atabian sidesaddle classes are far more lenient in requirements for appointments, correct attire as outlined under the Modern section or fully-researched historical attire should be given perference, as directed by IAHA Judging Schools.
Sidesaddle - European
A lady may ride sidesaddle in
any class in which she is otherwise eligible to compete. Although
some divisions restrict the sidesaddle, enough open classes are
available to make any breed or type of horse or pony acceptable.
Tack and equipment are strongly traditional, even in open shows, a
knowledgeable judge may penalize small errors in appointments.
Sidesaddle entries regardless of the tack used should display
perfect manners. Any horse which appears to be shying, spooking,
above the bridle, overly excited, going crooked, or otherwise
misbehaving should be strongly penalized. |
Horses are asked to walk,
trot, canter and sometimes hand gallop both directions of the arena,
to stand in a line-up, rein-back and possible other movements at the
direction of the judge. Entries should work with a smooth regular
gait, a natural willing and responsive headset; not necessarily
fully flexed at the poll depending upon breed, conformation and
style.
Individual work must be
comprised of any of the following: Variations: Hunter Under Saddle: Horses to be shown at a
walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring. Horses should back
easily and stand quietly. May be asked to extend the trot. |
Arena fence is
required. State movement in comment line. Forward seat saddle with a string or leather girth and bridles of matching leather with a cavesson noseband and bit, usually a snaffle bit. Most bits are legal however (snaffles of all types, pelhams and double bridles), it is assumed however that the rider is not relying upon a strong bit to control the horse, therefore a snaffle is recommended for this class. In most countries horses are shown with a white fitted saddle pad (called a numnah) in England though horses are shown without one and just the bare saddle on the horse's back. On the West Coast in California is style of riding without a pad under the saddle is also often seen. Saddle and bridles usually match in color. Hunt Bridles generally have a white browband and noseband under the leather on the bridle. Entries are often braided (usually on the right side of neck) and bridles may be laced, braided or plain. Rein contact is steady but gentle at all times. On a model entry this "looks" that the rein is in a direct straight line from the bit to the rider's hand. Using sticky wax helps to achieve the look. Some breeds have a distinct way of going that represent the huntseat stand for their breed. An example is the BHR Hunter, which is moving in a way that typifies the stock-type hunter but is not indicative of the movement of a sport-type huntseat pleasure mount. Huntseat Arabians tend to have slightly more action, although excessive action should be penalized. Breast plates and cruppers are legal tack for huntseat pleasure, but their presence indicates that the horse is less than ideally shaped and therefore requires mechanical assistance to keep the saddle in position. Showers should be discouraged from using these items for effect. Boots, Martingales, Side Reins, Figure-8, Flash and Drop Nosebands or other devices for controlling the headset are forbidden. Extra credit: Entries that make reference to a breed association or particular national standard (AQHA, AHSA etc) on the comment line or a note saying (shown on the flat at Wembly for a European (England) entry) should get extra credit if the model is clearly performing to the standard. Mane and tail braided with complementary color also should receive extra credit. Variation: Sidesaddle - American Fit of the saddle; The near side of the saddle extends farther forward than the right side, with the safe (the near-side skirt) allowing for the rider's right leg to rest on the horse's left shoulder while the off-side skirt is approximately in the normal saddle postion. Girth should be in the normal postion. Forbidden tack are martingales (in except over fence classes) any boots or bandages. In an appointments class, saddle pad, elastic girth and stirrup pad are not permitted.
Sidesaddle - European (SSA 2005 Handbook) British hunting side-saddle, linen or serge lined
(or Wykeham pad) with safety stirrup fitting/stirrup. Threefold
leather or brown lampwick girth with central strap for full-length
balance girth (where fitted). Balance girth - full length or sewn to
girth - is optional. *Discreet* numnahs permitted. |
Because a hunt seat doll is
very hard to get in the correct position it often detracts from a
good entry more than enhancing it. The best doll to use to get in
the correct position is a Mego fully jointed doll. Breyer dolls just
can't cut it. Whatever doll you use it should be not only be in the
correct positioned for the gait with good rein contact but should be
dressed in black, brown tweed, brown, dark green or navy blue hunt
coat, light shirt with choker (stock pin optional, monograms
fashionable) light-colored beeches (no white) with full boots or
beige jodhpurs with jodhpur boots, hard hat and any long hair should
be tied up in a bun or hairnet. Shadbelly coats, bright colors, top
hats, and bowlers are not seen (except male riders may wear bowlers
if they are wearing tweed or casual ring attire.) This style is
appropriate for European entries. Riders may also wear uniforms from
Riding Schools just as Spanish Riding School, Oxford Riding School,
French Calvary School, etc. The uniform would consist of beeches,
uniform jacket, school hat or cap, full boots and white gloves.
Variation: Sidesaddle - American Habit should be black or dark blue. Coat is similar to a regular hunt coat, but features a cut-away at the front to allow a smooth line over the rider's thigh. The coat should just reach the saddle. The apron should be smooth, without drape, the hem should be horizontal and parallel to the ground. A hunt top hat is most correct, a derby is sometimes seen is pleasure classes, and a huntcap is permitted is over fence classes. With a top hat, rider should wear a veil in appointment classes. Breeches are of same color as habit. Vest should be white, buff or yellow. Boots black, no tops. Gloves are required. A light hunt whip with thong is required in appointments class. Rider's hair must be confirmed in a net, preferably a bun. One spur is optional; no spur on the right foot!
Sidesaddle - European (SSA 2005 Handbook) Adult lady:
|
|
English Trail - Arena Competition |
A horse should demonstrate a
willing walk and calmly work over and through all obstacle, showing
agility, in control of the rider and on the bit, balance, and ready
responsiveness. Horses that shy, pace, above the bridle or otherwise
demonstrating excitement or lack of control are not suitable for
arena trail. A trail horse should, however, not be a dead head but
should show interest in the obstacles. A trail obstacle represents a
test and the horse is judged on how well it is meeting that test.
The obstacle may test calmness, agility or control. All obstacles
test willingness and obedience.
|
Gaits are halt, walk, trot, canter and back.
Recommended obstacles are as follows:
Jump
Walk-Over
Cavaletti (TROT)
Cavaletti (CANTER)
Back Through
Side Pass
Serpentines (TROT) Obstacle consisting of three (3) to five (5) markers, to be either pylons, cones or barrels.
Pylons 6' or more base to
base, guardrails minimum 3' to side of pylon Gate |
Arena fence
and obstacle is required. State movement in comment line. Forward seat saddle with a string or leather girth and bridles of matching leather with a cavesson noseband and bit, usually a snaffle bit. Most bits are legal however (snaffles of all types, pelhams and double bridles), it is assumed however that the rider is not relying upon a strong bit to control the horse, therefore a snaffle is recommended for this class. In most countries horses are shown with a white fitted saddle pad (called a numnah) in England though horses are shown without one and just the bare saddle on the horse's back. On the West Coast in California is style of riding without a pad under the saddle is also often seen. Saddle and bridles usually match in color. Hunt Bridles generally have a white browband and noseband under the leather on the bridle. Entries are often braided (usually on the right side of neck) and bridles may be laced, braided or plain. Rein contact is steady but gentle at all times. On a model entry this "looks" that the rein is in a direct straight line from the bit to the rider's hand. Using sticky wax helps to achieve the look. Unsafe obstacles are the following: fire extinguishers, perforated plywood in water boxes, exotic wild animals (lions, tigers and bears staked out) or unsafe elements such as hay bales (height too high and horse can stab and foot down into the bale and be unable to pull its foot free.) Not that these items should be banned, but not recommended. A setup with these items should not be eliminated but may be penalized at the judge's discretion. Extra Credit: |
Because a hunt seat doll is very hard to get in the correct position it often detracts from a good entry more than enhancing it. The best doll to use to get in the correct position is a Mego fully jointed doll. Breyer dolls just can't cut it. Whatever doll you use it should be not only be in the correct positioned for the gait with good rein contact but should be dressed in black, brown tweed, brown, dark green or navy blue hunt coat, light shirt with choker (stock pin optional, monograms fashionable) light-colored beeches (no white) with full boots or beige jodhpurs with jodhpur boots, hard hat and any long hair should be tied up in a bun or hairnet. Shadbelly coats, bright colors, top hats, and bowlers are not seen (except male riders may wear bowlers if they are wearing tweed or casual ring attire.) This style is appropriate for European entries. Riders may also wear uniforms from Riding Schools just as Spanish Riding School, Oxford Riding School, French Calvary School, etc. The uniform would consist of beeches, uniform jacket, school hat or cap, full boots and white gloves. It is suggested when using doll riders wearing these type of uniforms that the photo have a comment line used. |
|
English Trail - Natural |
Natural trail classes are
judged under the same rules and with the same requirements as Arena
Trail but are held outside of the arena.
Trail riding scenes should be judged on realism, imagination, and the horse's apparent ability to provide a safe and pleasurable ride. |
Arena fence
and obstacle is required. State movement in comment line. Any English style tack permitted and saddles should have girths. Natural obstacles such as creeks, ponds, uphill and downhill slopes, ditches fallen trees, bushes, pasture gates, etc are used.
Recommended obstacles are as follows:
Natural obstacles such as creeks, ponds, uphill and downhill slopes, ditches, fallen trees, bushes, pasture gates, etc. Unsafe equipment may be penalized at the judge's decision. Any misbehavior should be penalized, including but not limited to shying, bucking, rearing, fighting the bridle, being above the bit, jumping or leaping away of the obstacle. |
Any English attire permitted. | |
|
Show Hunter Arena Competition (Indoor or Outdoor Arena) |
Horses are judged on their way
of going, manners, conformation and appearance as they negotiate a
course of fences in an enclosed arena. The idea mount with the ideal
jumping form is the front legs nicely tucked and coming together
over the fences, forearms at horizontal or above, good use of head
and neck. Mount must be willing, and forward movement throughout the
course using a steady, ground covering canter and overall quality of
the horse. Arena hunters should present an overall elegant picture
of conformation, way of going and turnout. Judges are suppose to
pace the entry to determine the implied takeoff point in which a
perfect jump should be roughly the same distance from the fence as
the fence is high. The performance begins when the horse enters the ring or is given the signal to proceed after entering the ring. There usually isn't a "stop and salute judge". Each exhibitor may circle once before approaching the first obstacle. He then proceeds around course, keeping an even pace throughout. Variations: A Green Working Hunter is a
horse of any age that is in his first or second year of showing in
any classes that require horses to jump 3’6” or higher at Regular
Member Shows of USEF or any national or international competition.
When shown in a Green section a horse in his first year of showing
must show as a First Year Green horse and a horse in his second year
of showing must be shown as a Second Year Green horse. |
Trotting horses may be shown in Arena hunter with a note describing "handy hunter" Walking and standing horses may be exhibited as participating in a line up for conformational judging "Conformation Hunter Class". There is no "saluting the judge" or similar activity in the hunter class. Standing, walking or trotting models may be shown entering or exiting the arena as well. |
Arena Fence
and a Jump (Without Flags) required. Forward seat saddle with a numnah and saddle pad, snaffle, Pelham or double bridle with a cavesson noseband. A standing martingale is allowed in this class and has become a style since around 1980. Running martingales and double bridles are permitted but never seen. The horse should be well turned out with his coat shiny and his mane and tail braided. The mane should be braided with many small, evenly spaced braids. Hunter fences are not flagged nor numbered. Obstacles should be painted in neutral or natural colors and enhanced by plants of flowers. Courses will simulate fences found in the hunting field such as natural post and rail; brush, stone wall, white board fence or gate, oxer, etc. A typical course is comprised of approximately eight jumps with at least four different type obstacles. The course may include verticals or gates on one vertical plane and oxers built with a second rail in back to make the jump wider. The course may include an in-and-out combination. This is two jumps placed to allow only one or two strides between them.
In Handy classes,
obstacles must simulate those found in trappy hunting country. The
course must have at least two changes of directions and at least one
combination. Horses may be required to trot over one obstacle toward
the end of the course, may be asked to lead over one obstacle or
open a gate while mounted. Arena Arangement:
Extra credit: Should be given to any comment line saying, 1st or 2nd year green hunter (low fences that are broad and inviting) working hunter (most advanced level) conformation hunter (wherein conformation of the entry should be given more credit than normal) ladies hunter, working hunter, hunter pony, children's or amateur hunter (lower fences) with consideration that the model matches the type of hunter. (You wouldn't have a 17 hand scaled model as a children's hunter). |
Attire should be black, brown, brown tweed, dark green or navy hunt coat, light colored shirt with choker (stock pins optional; monograms fashionable) light colored beeches with full boots or beige jodhpurs with jodhpur boots. (This means no white beeches and red coats on the OF Brenda Breyer) Black hard hat, any long hair should be tied up in a bun or hairnet. Shadbelly coats, bright colors, top hats and bowlers are NOT SEEN with the exception of a male rider who may wear a bowlers if they are also wearing a tweed or casual ring attire. This is often seen in the English countryside. Attire may also be of a school uniform such as French Officer Training School uniform, Spanish Riding School, Oxford Academy, or Canadian Mounties. These uniform consists of uniform coat, beeches, full riding boots, and the style of cap or hat worn by that school. It is suggested when using doll riders wearing these type of uniforms that the photo have a comment line used. |
|
Field Hunter |
The field hunter is more similar to a good cross-country horse seen in eventing than a show-ring hunter, as it must gallop and jump over varied terrain, jump ditches, coops, up and down banks, and occasionally go through water.
Mounts are evaluated on their ability for use in the hunting field. Horses need to be sound and capable of lasting a day over sometimes heavy terrain. Gaits should be smooth, regular and effortless. Jumping style should be workmanship like and reliable. Key conformation attributes include a sloping shoulder (smooth ride) good bone (broad and solid cannons, measured just below the knee) powerful hindquarters and a willing nature. Good field hunters should be unflappable and yet energetic.
|
Natural
Obstacle required. Forward seat saddle with a numnah and saddle pad, snaffle, Pelham or double bridle with a cavesson noseband. Obstacles are what you would find while hunting. Brush, fences, trees, logs, hills, water, etc. should be used. Major faults seen in this event are boots on the horse or brightly colored tack. Nosebands other than cavessons, excessive speed by the mount. Extra credit: A standing martingale is allowed in this class and as become a style since around 1980. Running martingales and double bridles are permitted but never seen. Sidesaddle entries are legal and valid. The mane is typically braided using sober colors as is the tail. Roached manes are also seen. Historic entries can have a docked tail. Hunting items just as flasks, sandwich cases (clipped to offside of the saddle) hunting crops and a red ribbon in the tail denotes a horse that kicks and all should be given extra credit. |
Only a male rider can wear "pinks" (scarlet coat) and these should have a brass buttons. Attire should be black, brown, brown tweed, dark green or navy hunt coat, light colored shirt with choker (stock pins optional; monograms fashionable) light colored beeches with full boots or beige or canary jodhpurs with jodhpur boots. (This means no white beeches and red coats on the OF Brenda Breyer) Black hard hat, any long hair should be tied up in a bun or hairnet. All participants wear black hard hats (tweed caps are permissible only if entry is historic), junior riders have the ribbons at the back of the hard hat. Attire may also be of a school uniform such as French Officer Training School uniform, Spanish Riding School, Oxford Academy, or Canadian Mounties. These uniform consists of uniform coat, beeches, full riding boots, and the style of cap or hat worn by that school. It is suggested when using doll riders wearing these type of uniforms that the photo have a comment line used. | |
|
Show Jumper |
Speed and skill event to
display the prowess of stadium jumping. Courses are eight to fifteen
fences and a specific time frame is given. Horses may compete at any
gait as long as fences are cleared in the correct order and within
the allowed time. The course begins with a horse and rider halted in
the ring and saluting the judge. The rider and horse then begin at a
canter and perform a courtesy circle. Horses are generally not braided but there is no rule against it. Variations: A horse that is
ridden by an individual who has not reached his/her 18 th birthday.
Courses to be set at Level 4-7. A horse that is ridden by
an Amateur Owner or an amateur member of the owner's family. In
either case, classes are restricted to riders who are no longer
eligible to compete as junior exhibitors. Leased horses are not
eligible, and multiple ownership is not permitted unless all owners
are members of the same family. In addition, horse/rider
combinations may not have competed within the previous 60 days at
the International level. Horse/rider combinations that compete in
the amateur owner jumpers (low or high) are not eligible for any
jumper classes offering $25,000 or more in prize money at the same
competition that is not an amateur class. Courses to be set at Level
4-7. To be ridden by exhibitors
who have not reached their 18 th birthday by December 1 of the
current competition year. Not to exceed Level 4. May be combined
with Adult Jumpers. To be ridden by exhibitors
who are no longer eligible to compete as junior exhibitors. All
exhibitors must be amateurs in accordance with General Rules,
Article 808 and must show U.S Equestrian amateur certification.
Fences not to exceed Level 4. A pony, 14.2 hands and
under in height, that is ridden by an individual who has not reached
his/her 18 th birthday. Stallions are
prohibited in Pony Jumpers. A measurement card is required
for this division. Riders competing in any Pony Jumper section
cannot compete in any other sections at the same competition in
which they are required to jump fences higher than 3'6". A horse's preliminary
status begins when it first competes in a Jumper class offering
prize money and continues for not less than two calendar years from
that date regardless of money won. In addition, the horse must win
at least $5000 in jumper classes that are not restricted to horses
under six years of age before graduation to Intermediate status. A horse, upon attaining
Intermediate status, shall retain that status for at least two
calendar years regardless of money won. In addition, the horse must
have won at least $10,000 since attaining Intermediate status before
graduating to Open status. If a horse that has lost its eligibility
for the Intermediate section wins less than $5,000. in a subsequent
year, it amy return to the Intermediate section until it wins a
total of $5,000. including the winnings of the previous year. Open to horses with paper
indicating a foaling date five years previous to the current
calendar year. Courses to be set at Level 4 (Level 5 permitted after
June 1 st ). Open to horses with papers
indicating a foaling date six years previous to the current calendar
year. Horses competing in classes restricted to Six Year Olds may
not have ever shown in Open Jumper Classes offering $25,000 or more
in prize money. Courses to be set at Level 5 (Level 6 permitted
after June 1 st ). Open to horses with papers
indicating a foaling date seven or eight years previous to the
current calendar year. Horses competition in classes restricted to
Seven/Eight Year Olds may not have ever shown in Jumper Classes
offering $25,000 or more in prize money at the International Level
(classes restricted to horses under 8 years of age or under
excluded). Courses to be at Level 6 or Level 7. |
Arena Fence
and a Jump or water hazard with Flags required. Horses wear protective boots on the forelegs and sometimes on the hind. Running martingales are common. Anything goes and there are no restrictions of any kind for jumpers unless it is cruel or unsafe tack so gag snaffles, mechanical hackamores, unique bits are allowed. Flash or figure 8 nosebands are permitted. Belly protectors, breastplates, and colored saddle pads are also used. Obstacles are generally bright in color and very creative. They may be decorated with corporate logos, flowers, themes, etc. Fences should be attractive, varied and appropriate to their setting. They and/or their components must be capable of being knocked down. Safety jump cups must be used in all jumper classes. A typical course consists of a minimum of eight obstacles that must include a combination (two, three or more obstacles with a maximum inner distance between them of 39'5") and permanent obstacles such as banks, ditches and water jumps. Fences are numbered in the order they are to be jumped from two directions on the same course. Fences are flagged with red on the right and white on the left. Jumps heights are anywhere from 2' 6" for novice and ponies to 5' 6" for Grand Prix level. Bigger walls may be used for Puissance. Spread fences will have rear element (a single pole usually) even with or higher than the front, unless there is a large disparity in height between front and back elements. Arena Arrangement: There will be a
minimum of six obstacles; horses are to make a minimum of eight
jumps. Extra credit: Sweat or lather on the chest, behind the ears, and on the side of the neck where reins would rub; additional tack elements such as belly protectors shadow rolls, ear nets, etc. European jumpers often wear their numbers on a tag put on bridle at the brpowband and crownpiece junction. Well-fitted protective boots. Accurate, elaborate jump. Variation: Sidesaddle Fit of the saddle; The near side of the saddle extends farther forward than the right side, with the safe (the near-side skirt) allowing for the rider's right leg to rest on the horse's left shoulder while the off-side skirt is approximately in the normal saddle postion. Girth should be in the normal postion. |
Riders wear short riding coats of conservative color, with tie, choker, or stock tie, fawn or crčme colored breeches or jodhpurs, boots or jodhpur boots, hunt cap or hard shell riding hat, dark or light colored gloves. | |
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Dressage |
This event is done on four
levels (five at Grand Prix) and is to display the ability of horse
and rider in balance. The horse learns flexion, balance, lightness,
ease of movement, freedom and regularity of paces, lightness of
forehand, engagement of hind quarters, lively impulsion and
acceptance of the bit. The horse moves in a straight line when
asked, bends with suppleness when performing curved lines. In all
work the horse is on the bit and the carriage of his head and neck
is determined by level of training, the relative collection of the
gait performed and the horse's conformation of the breed. The head
is usually slightly ahead of the vertical with the supple poll the
highest point of the neck. Once in a while a horse will for a moment
slightly behind the vertical and will still be engaged. At training
level, the horse should be performing with the hind legs and the
front legs however, having the hind end higher than the front is a
severe fault.
Variation: Sidesaddle - American The general rule stated by AHSA is that a lady may ride sidesaddle in any class in which she is otherwise eligible to compete. Although some divisions restrict the sidesaddle, enough open classes are available to make any breed or type of horse or pony acceptable. Tack and equipment are strongly traditional, even in open shows, a knowledgable judge may penalize small errors in appointments. Sidesaddle entries requardless of the tack used should display perfect manners. Any horse which appears to be shying, spooking, above the bridle, overly excited, going crooked, or otherwise misbehaving should be strongly penalized. Note: Atabian sidesaddle classes are far more lenient in requirements for appointments, correct attire as outlined under the Modern section or fully-researched historical attire should be given perference, as directed by IAHA Judging Schools.
Sidesaddle - European A lady may ride sidesaddle in any class in which she is otherwise eligible to compete. Although some divisions restrict the sidesaddle, enough open classes are available to make any breed or type of horse or pony acceptable. Tack and equipment are strongly traditional, even in open shows, a knowledgeable judge may penalize small errors in appointments. Sidesaddle entries regardless of the tack used should display perfect manners. Any horse which appears to be shying, spooking, above the bridle, overly excited, going crooked, or otherwise misbehaving should be strongly penalized.
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2003 FEI Dressage Test Movements USA Equestrian Dressage Tests/FEI Dressage Tests
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An arena fence
is required. A description of either AHSA, FEI (or other approved association) stating the Level, Test and movement should be presented along with the entry. A portion of the dressage fence with a letter marker for the appropriate letter (s) required to recreate the movement. English saddle with stirrups and saddle pads (either shaped or squared). Style of saddle may vary with level performed. A dressage saddle should be used above Second Level. For AHSA Training up until Fourth Level a plain snaffle bridle with leather noseband may be used (cavesson, dropped, flash or crossed noseband) that can be padded. Fourth and Fifth Levels may use the same equipment or substitute a simple double bridle with bridoon and curb with curb chain. FEI Tests require a double bridle for all tests. Leg bandages are allowed in Pax de Delux and Quadrille only. Breastplate and crupper are permissible. Sidesaddle riding is allowed. Braided manes and tails are permitted. Tails are left long, they can be banged or pulled too. Unbraided manes are short and pulled. Braids may be of any style, sewn or wrapped with white tape. Braided tails are uncommon in the USA. Military uniforms and tack is acceptable for qualifying rider. Black tack is currently fashionable. Saddle pads are usually square and white, sometimes black trim or piping is seen. Prohibited tack is as follows: Martingales, tie downs, bit guards, side reins, running reins, any kind of boots or bandages except in previous mention tests, tail bandages, blinkers, ear muffs, nose covers, seat covers, hoods. Decorations in the tail such as flowers or ribbons are prohibited. Pelham bits are never allowed. For model horse a Pelham is described by NAMSHA as: A bit with two reins but only one headstall, attached to the curb portion. Extra Credit: Make sure a horse saluting the judge a X is facing the judge HEAD-ON. A standing horse with a turned head is always at fault. Be sure the horse is performing the movement stated. Look for a number (black number on white background and cut in a circle or oval) is placed on the browband or pinned to the saddle pad. The number may be on either side.
Sidesaddle - European (SSA 2005 Handbook) British hunting side-saddle, linen or serge lined
(or Wykeham pad) with safety stirrup fitting/stirrup. Threefold
leather or brown lampwick girth with central strap for full-length
balance girth (where fitted). Balance girth - full length or sewn to
girth - is optional. *Discreet* numnahs permitted. |
Training to Fourth Level
riders wear short riding coats of conservative color, with tie,
choker, or stock tie, fawn or crčme colored breeches or jodhpurs,
boots or jodhpur boots, hunt cap or hard shell riding hat, derby or
top hat, dark or light colored gloves. Tests Fourth or Fifth level
require a dark tailcoat (shad belly) with a top hat (men may also
wear a short coat with a bowler hat) white beeches, hunting stock.
white gloves and black riding boots. Smooth spurs are mandatory for
FEI tests and optional at Fifth Level. I am confused on the status
of carrying a whip. In Combine Training Article 1711 Rule 2 says no
whips allowed except in sidesaddle and during the warm-up. In
Dressage Division Article 1920 Rule 4 says a whip no longer than 4'
including the lash may be carried in all classes except AHSA/USDF
Championships, USET Championships, USET qualifying and selection
trails and in all international (FEI level) competition.
Variation: Sidesaddle - American Habit should be black or dark blue. Coat is similar to a regular hunt coat, but features a cut-away at the front to allow a smooth line over the rider's thigh. The coat should just reach the saddle. The apron should be smooth, without drape, the hem should be horizontal and parallel to the ground. A hunt top hat is most correct, a derby is sometimes seen is pleasure classes, and a huntcap is permitted is over fence classes. With a top hat, rider should wear a veil in appointment classes. Breeches are of same color as habit. Vest should be white, buff or yellow. Boots black, no tops. Gloves are required. A light hunt whip with thong is required in appointments class. Rider's hair must be confirmed in a net, preferably a bun. One spur is optional; no spur on the right foot!
Sidesaddle - European (SSA 2005 Handbook) Adult lady: |
| Endurance Riding/Cross Country |
An endurance ride or
competitive trail riding is a competition to test the speed and
endurance capacity of the horse. It should demonstrate the
competitor's knowledge of pace and the use of his horse going across
country. The horse's performance over various types of ground and
over natural hazards is significant to determine the horsemanship of
the competitor and the ability of the horse. The competition
consists of a number of phases that are sections of the competition,
The marking of the course must
be done in such a manner that there is no doubt on how to proceed
along the course. The markings can be flags, ribbons, indicators,
dolomite, paint, etc. The competitor must complete the entire course
in the direction as marked on the map. Any error of course
must be corrected from the place where the error has started under
penalty of elimination.
All Junior riders whether they
are AERC/U.S. Equestrian members or not, must be
Endurance Events are open
to stallions, mares and geldings, including any breed or Cross Country is an event that is scored on time, refusals and falls. Jumps are solid, so knockdowns are not scored. Competitors aim for an optimum time and you are not allowed to go over that time. Competitors start from a three sided box 16 feet x 16 feet. The box is flagged like all the obstacles on the course. Dimensions for obstacles at each level are set at maximums. Jumps may be smaller but not larger. Some obstacles are flagged for multi-levels. |
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Endurance Riding Various types of ground and natural hazards can be used as well as Vet/Time checks. Saddles are generally very light weight and can even be stripped down, Australian saddles, old McClellans, regular Endurance Saddles, Forward Seat English Saddles. Must have stirrups and a girth. Running reins and spurs are prohibited. Extra Credit: Cross Country Need Jump with flags, start box, inspections, etc in photo. Forward-seat English saddle of any style with or without knee rolls. A cross country obstacle is required. Jumps should be flagged and numbered with white on the left and red on the right. Number color schemes indicate the level of competition. Any bridle of any style is acceptable. Boots and leg protection is seen on all four legs. Running martingales, breast plates or breast collars and over girths are useful and used often. (Over girth is an extra girth that wraps around the outside of the saddle behind the stirrup leathers and goes under those and through any martingale or breast collar loops.) Open front boots, usually used on open jumpers should not be used in cross country as the front of the leg is not covered but they are not prohibited equipment. For safety reasons, if rider is sporting shoes without heels, an enclosed stirrup or other safety stirrup must be used. Standing martingales are prohibited. Extra Credit: Horse may face either to front or back of box. Many standing horses are faced to the back of the box to display an attempt at avoiding a false start. Horses may trot on course, especially at water hazards and down hills. They then will speed up over other areas to make up time. Use of accurate colors for various levels of competition such as: Advanced: white on blue background, Intermediate: white on red background, Preliminary: white on green background, Training: white on black background and Novice: black on white background.
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Endurance Riding Rider's attire generally is relaxed with entry number vest tied over the rider's top. Need helmet. Even though dress is
generally relaxed, it is strongly recommended at all Endurance
competitions and it is compulsory at Championships and CEIOs to wear
the following dress: Whips cannot be used
within the veterinary inspection area. Rider is dressed casual and functional. AHSA requires helmets with harness and protective vests. NAMSHA thinks model horse rider won't break their necks so they don't require any special protective equipment. Also NAN considers them optional accessories like protective boots or bandages. If a rider is used, it is still the opinion of most judges (regardless of the aforementioned exceptions) that you should get as close to the REAL horse rulings as possible |
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English Bareback |
The rider is judged in this
class on his or her ability to ride and control a horse properly
without the use of a saddle. The horse is judged on manners and
performance of the gaits/patterns.
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Individual work must be comprised of any of the following:
1. Back. 2. Walk, trot, canter, in a straight line, curve or circle, or any combination of these gaits and patterns such as figure eights, etc. 3. Stop. 4. Turn on the haunches or forehand. 5. Side pass. 6. Simple lead change. 7. Flying lead change. 8. Counter canter. 9. Extended gaits. |
Arena fence is
required.
Required English snaffle, double, kimberwick, or Pelham bit with cavesson noseband. No saddle or bareback pad is used. |
The rider usually wears
English attire with the exception of the hunt coat often removed for
comfort. The exhibitor shall be judged on his or her basic position: hand position, leg position, seat position and back position. To further explain, a exhibitor should sit in a balanced relaxed manner, up close to the horse's withers, keeping the back straight and shoulders even. The exhibitor should keep his or her arms in close to the body. The legs maintain contact with the horse, giving the necessary leg grip. The foot is turned out slightly and the heels should be level or slightly lowered close to the horse just behind the horse's elbows. The exhibitor should be in balance with his or her horse at all times and should be able to sit the trot bareback. No posting at the trot will be permitted. An imaginary straight line drawn from the exhibitor's shoulders or hip should drop at the back of the heel and a straight line from the knee should drop in front of the toe. The exhibitor in this class must be able to display, through his or her riding ability in the ring, his or her knowledge of how to handle a horse properly. While the horse is in motion the exhibitor's hands shall be clear of the horse. |
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Speed Weavers/Bending Race (English Poles) |
A timed event based on pole pattern of serpentines around six poles with a straightaway beginning and return. Five second penalty for each pole knocked over and disqualification for going off pattern. Poles are spaced 21 feet apart and the last pole is 21 feet from the timer. | Pattern |
Arena fence is required. At least one pole needs to be visible. Poles should be set in rubber to prevent injury and any poles set in tires, flower pots, tin cans should be penalized. English Huntseat saddle and hunt bridle with snaffle bit are the most commonly used. Remember that two hands are used on the reins so if the class requires use of a hand the scene should be set up so rider can do the schedule task and return the hand to the rein Any poles set in tires, flower pots, tin cans should be penalized. |
The rider usually wears English attire with the exception of the hunt coat often removed for comfort. |
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Other English Performance - Apple Bob |
Three styles of this event are note. Rider either rides to where a container of apples are placed in water and then (while mounted) reaches in the container and get a good bite on the apple, retrieves it and ride back to finish while holding apple in their mouth. The other is to dismount and bite the apple and then either remount and ride back or stay grounded a lead back the horse to finish line. Consideration as to age of rider and ability to mount and dismount are taken into consideration. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) English Huntseat saddle and hunt bridle with snaffle bit are the most commonly used. Remember that two hands are used on the reins so if the class requires use of a hand the scene should be set up so rider can do the schedule task and return the hand to the rein |
The rider usually wears English attire with the exception of the hunt coat often removed for comfort. | |
| Other English Performance - Beer Can/Soda Can Stack | Riders race from a starting line to a barrel and stop long enough to place one beer or soda can on the top of an already stacked pile of cans. Rider places a can so that it stays and then turn around the barrel and races back to finish line. Pile of cans are the same number for each entrant to be fair so an attendant must be present to adjust the stack for each entrant. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) English Huntseat saddle and hunt bridle with snaffle bit are the most commonly used. Remember that two hands are used on the reins so if the class requires use of a hand the scene should be set up so rider can do the schedule task and return the hand to the rein |
The rider usually wears English attire with the exception of the hunt coat often removed for comfort. | |
| Other English Performance - Egg & Spoon | Rider given an egg and large soup spoon at one end of arena and must ride back to other end of arena with the egg still sitting in the spoon. Fastest time with egg still in spoon wins. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) English Huntseat saddle and hunt bridle with snaffle bit are the most commonly used. Remember that two hands are used on the reins so if the class requires use of a hand the scene should be set up so rider can do the schedule task and return the hand to the rein |
The rider usually wears English attire with the exception of the hunt coat often removed for comfort. | |
| Other English Performance - Bareback Dollar Bill/Sit A Buck | Riders ride without a saddle and sitting on a dollar bill throughout a rail class called by a judge. Usual gaits are the same as Western Bareback Equitation classes. Riders with a dollar bill under them when the line up is called in are the ones placed. Judged on equitation and rather or not they kept their seats long enough to hold the dollar bill in place. |
Individual work must be
comprised of any of the following:
1. Back. 2. Walk, trot, canter, in a straight line, curve or circle, or any combination of these gaits and patterns such as figure eights, etc. 3. Stop. 4. Turn on the haunches or forehand. 5. Side pass. 6. Simple lead change. 7. Flying lead change. 8. Counter canter. 9. Extended gaits. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) English Hunt bridle with snaffle bit are the most commonly used. Remember that two hands are used on the reins so if the class requires use of a hand the scene should be set up so rider can do the schedule task and return the hand to the rein |
The rider usually wears English attire with the exception of the hunt coat often removed for comfort. |
| Other English Performance - Champagne Glass | Rider given a champagne glass filled with fluid at one end of arena and must ride back to other end of arena with fluid still in the glass. Fastest time with most fluid in glass wins. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) English Huntseat saddle and hunt bridle with snaffle bit are the most commonly used. Remember that two hands are used on the reins so if the class requires use of a hand the scene should be set up so rider can do the schedule task and return the hand to the rein
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The rider usually wears English attire with the exception of the hunt coat often removed for comfort. | |
| Other English Performance - Sack Race | Two riders dismount and putting one leg in a large feed or gunny sack they race while leading their horses down to a finish line. A variation is when after reaching the line at one when of arena the team mount (usually each other's horses) and race back to other end of arena to a finish line. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) English Huntseat saddle and hunt bridle with snaffle bit are the most commonly used. Remember that two hands are used on the reins so if the class requires use of a hand the scene should be set up so rider can do the schedule task and return the hand to the rein |
The rider usually wears English attire with the exception of the hunt coat often removed for comfort. | |
| Other English Performance - Saddle Race | A timed race where all the entrant's saddles and saddle pads are piled in a line and the rider rides bareback from a starting line to where the saddles are lined up. They then dismount, saddle the horse and ride back to finish line. |
Arena fence is
required. Appropriate props should be in photo. (see
description) English Huntseat saddle and hunt bridle with snaffle bit are the most commonly used. Remember that two hands are used on the reins so if the class requires use of a hand the scene should be set up so rider can do the schedule task and return the hand to the rein |
The rider usually wears English attire with the exception of the hunt coat often removed for comfort. | |
| Other English Performance - Three Day Event/Combined Training Event | A Three Day Event is three phrases of English saddle competition: Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping in that order. A Combined Training Event is either two or three of the above listed. This is a horse and rider combination event and that horse and rider must compete in all of the events offered. Any horse and rider team may be entered as long as they a capable of performing the tasks in each event. |
3 photos
needed, one photo for each: Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping
and with appropriate tack and props. (see individual classes
for details of each event) Photos for the individual classes
may be used for this class.
|
See individual classes for required attire. | |
| Other English Performance - American Saddlebred Gaited Performance |
There are five different divisions for showing American Saddlebred: Five Gaited, Three Gaited, Show Pleasure, Country Pleasure and Park.
Five GaitedEntries to be shown with a full mane and tail. Braids are permitted in the forelock and front of mane. Horses are shown at the walk, trot, slow gait, rack and canter both ways of the arena. Horses are judged on brilliance of action, with energy directed toward speed in an animated form. Pads, weighted shoes are permitted, hoof length unlimited. Standing horses are "parked out."
Three Gaited:Gaits are collected, with energy directed toward animation and precision. Shown with a roached mane and tail. Horses are shown at a animated walk, trot and canter. Standing horses are "parked-out."Show PleasureA show pleasure horse should be a typical Saddlebred with appropriate style, conformation, with presence and prompt, comfortable gaits, giving the distinct impression that it is a pleasure to ride. Easy-going, ground-covering action is desired. The horse generally has less animation than the 3 or 5 gaited horse. Shown at a walk, trot, canter plus a slow gait and rack in the 5 gaited pleasure class. Special emphasis on a true flat walk. Shown with a full mane and unset tail. Horses are shown in either 3 or 5 gaited pleasure classes. Quarter boots permitted only in the 5 gaited pleasure class. Pads and weighted shoes permitted . Country PleasureNote country pleasure classes for 3 and 5 gaited horses generally use the same style rider attire and tack. Horses are less showy than the Show Pleasure Horse but are still good representation of the breed, style, conformation and presence. The following are classes for the Country Pleasure division. 3 and 5 Gaited English
Country Pleasure: Hunter Country Pleasure 3 Gaited Western Country
Pleasure Park
The Saddlebred Park Horse
should be stylish with finish and quality and well‑mannered. High
action is not required but the performance should be animated and
graceful in all gaits. To be shown at an animated walk or flat
walk, trot and canter; plus slow gait and rack in Five‑Gaited
classes. Horses to stand quietly. In Park Pleasure, the gaits
will be the flat walk, trot and canter. 3 Gaited Park
(Park Trimmed and/or Park Full
Mane and Tail): Shown at a walk, trot and canter.
Shown at a walk, trot, canter,
slow gait and rack. (Mares and Geldings only); OPEN, JUNIOR, THREE‑YEAR‑OLD, TWO‑YEAR‑OLD, MAIDEN, NOVICE, LIMIT: Shown at a flat walk, trot and canter. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the line‑up.
(MARES AND GELDINGS ONLY):
Shown at a flat walk, trot and canter. Horses must stand quietly and
back readily in the line-up. Judged 75% on manners, performance,
presence and quality; 25% on total conformation. Horses showing in
the Park Pleasure division may wear tailsets or bustles, but may not
show with the tail gingered, tied or braced, and unset tails will
not be penalized.
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For gaits see descriptions. |
Arena fence is required.
Five GaitedA double bridle consisting of a snaffle and curb bit is preferred. The saddle should be a flat English type with a web or leather girth. Quarter boots are permitted to protect the bulb of the heel of the front legs. Although not required nearly every five gaited horse wears quarter boots on the front legs. This is for protection at the rack. Braids usually match the browband, which is usually a conservative color. Girths are almost exclusively white, and tack colors deep chocolate brown but other tack color acceptable. Three Gaited: A double bridle consisting of a snaffle and curb is preferred. The saddle should be a flat English-type with a web girth or leather girth. Braids usually match the browband and are of conservative color. Girths are almost exclusively white, tack color is deep chocolate brown but other tack color acceptable. Current Trend Show Pleasure A full bridle, Pelham, or curb and any English type flat saddle. Shoe bands and pads are permitted. Previously set rails are permitted but unset tails are preferred. Braids permitted. Braids usually match the browband and are of conservative colors. Girths are almost exclusively white and tack color is deep brown but other colors acceptable. 3 and 5 Gaited English Country Pleasure: Quarter Boots only in the 5 gaited class. Hunter Country Pleasure Regulation snaffle, Kimberwicke, Pelham or a full bridle may show all with a cavesson noseband. Forward or balance English Saddle. No Saddlebred braids allowed but hunter braids are. 3 Gaited Western Country Pleasure Western saddle without taperdos, western bridle with bit; split or romal reins (horses 4 and under may wear snaffle bridle or hackamore. Park
Shown in bridle or halter without quarter boots, blinkers, blindfolds or other appliances. Classes may be offered for horses with a roached mane and tail or horses with a full mane and tail but classes cannot be combined. Horses can have set or natural tails. (Exception: in Park Pleasure Three-Gaited classes entries must be shown with a full mane and tail. Horses showing in the Park Pleasure division may wear tailsets or bustles, but may not show with the tail gingered, tied or braced, and unset tails will not be penalized. Weanlings and yearlings must show with uncut, unset tails.
Five GaitedBreast plates, tie-downs or martingales, use of a snaffle bridle only. Three Gaited: All boots, breast plates, tie-downs or martingales, or the use of a snaffle bridle only. Show Pleasure Stallions; professional riders (Amateurs and juniors only), breast plates, tie-downs, or martingales, hackamores, use of a snaffle bridle only, All artificial devices such as chains etc. Hunter Country Pleasure Martingales and colored browband and colored cavessons prohibited. 3 Gaited Western Country Pleasure No bandages or botts, artificial devices, martingales and tie-downs allowed. Park The use of artificial appliances or devices such as chains, shackles, rubber bands, blinkers (except when driving) or blindfolds are prohibited on the grounds before or during the competition. Curb bits and tail sets on weanlings and yearlings. The use of artificial appliances or devices on weanlings and yearlings such as chains, shackles, rubber bands or blindfolds is prohibited. |
Five GaitedInformal dress is required for morning and afternoon classes. Dark saddle suits may be worn in the evening. Gaudy colors should be avoided. A saddle suit consists of Kentucky jodhpurs, jodhpur boots, a saddlecoat and vest. A tie is worn and a derby hat. Men wear alternate hats. Women wear their hair pulled back in bun or very small conservative braids tied up. Gloves are preferred on riders. Three Gaited: Informal dress is required for morning and afternoon classes. For evening wear a formal saddle suit or tuxedo with top hat. See above for description. Show Pleasure Same as other Saddle seat classes see above description. 3 Gaited Western Country Pleasure
Rider wears Western attire, hat, long-sleeved shirt and or jacket with a collar, necktie or bolo, pants (one-piece equitation suit is allowed) chaps, shot chaps or chinks and boots required. Vest, coat or sweater permitted.
Park
Only two people per animal are permitted in the ring. Handlers and attendants must be neatly and appropriately dressed in clean and well‑fitted clothes. Each may carry or use a whip not exceeding 6' including lash; the lash shall not have been altered in any way. It must be a standard whip of suitable style. Exception: a small empty paper bag, a small empty plastic bag or ribbons may be attached to the whip. The small empty bag may be used separately. |
| Other English Performance - Morgan Gaited Performance |
Classic PleasureResembles the Saddleseat Country Pleasure horse, flat-shod, and with low action. In Morgan shows only amateurs are allowed in show classic pleasure Morgans.English PleasureMorgans that are high action fit in this class and are usually shown in pads. They are flashier than their classic counterparts. They are shown in a walk, pleasure trot, road trot, and smooth collected canter. Standing horses should be "parked -out".Park MorganThe elite of the saddle seat Morgan. Extremely high action and flair are their trademarks. These classes tend to be very small as true park Morgans are very rare! The classes consists of park walk, park trot (true animated, square and balanced) and a smooth, collected canter. Standing horses should be "parked-out".
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Arena fence is required.A flat type English saddle, and a full Weymouth bridle with a curb chain or lip strap is used. Martingales, boots, bandages and braiding of the mane are forbidden. |
Riders in all three saddleseat classes wear saddleseat attire with jacket and matching jodhpurs or a colored daycoat with jodhpurs during the daytime. Derbys or soft hats required. Formal attire such as tuxedos and top hat are worn in the evening and for championships. Spurs, whip or crop are optional. | |
| Other English Performance - Tennessee Walking Horse Gaited Performance |
There are four different divisions for showing Gaited Divisions in TWH's. Show Horses, Show Pleasure, Park Pleasure and Flat Shod Pleasure. The primary difference is the shoeing and the artificial devices allowed. Show Horses are what most people think of as TWH's or the Big Lick horses, that are shown padded with action devices and set tails. Show Pleasure horses are shown padded with action devices but with natural tails. Park Pleasure horses are padded but may not wear action devices or have set tails. Flat Shod Pleasure is further subdivided by into Plantation Walker and Lite-Shod depending upon the weight of the shoe.
Show HorsesThree gaits are performed the flat walk, the running walk and the canter. The flat walk is a bold, four cornered and the head nods with each stride. The hind legs remain close to the ground and over stride the front tracks. The running walk is an accelerated version of the flat walk with more pronounced nod and over stride. The canter is performed with a rolling rocking chair motion. In all gaits the horse should be flexed from the poll and the muzzle slightly tucked. The horse should perform gaits smoothly and rhythmically without stiffness or without tendency towards racking or pacing. Standing horses are "parked-out". Championship classes may have the horse stripped for conformation inspection.
Show PleasureThe basic description is the same as the Show horse classes described above with the exception of the tail set. An added emphasis is placed on manners. These horses perform the same exaggerated gaits of a big lick and must show on a light rein.Park PleasureThe basic description is very similar to the Show Horse classes described above with the exception of the action devices and the tail set. There is added emphasis on manners and there is less animation of the gaits
Flat Shod PleasureThese are the natural Walking Horses and are shown without pads, action devices and set tails. They perform the same three gaits listed above. They are however asked to back. This division is split into Plantation Pleasure and Lite-Shod Pleasure. Plantation Walkers may be shown with a thicker shoe (up to 1 and 1/8" including the shoe and the caulk) and display more ring presence. Lite-Shod Pleasure has a lighter shoe (up to 7/8" thick including the caulk) and perform and more relaxed fashion. Lite-Shod Horses are asked to stand quietly and to back on command.
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Arena fence is required.In all the different divisions English saddle and natural walking horse show bridle and bit are required. Horses must be cleaned, nearly trimmed and braided. Show Horses Pads must not exceed 50% of the length of the natural hoof and can be made of leather, plastic or other pliant material. A rubber foundation may be used instead of a shoe. Metal hoof bands may be used to anchor the pads and shoes so long as they are placed at least one half inch below the coronet band. Action devices may be worn on the front pasterns only. Permissible devices are boots, collars, chains or rollers. Chains must be single links fastened by a strap of soft leather, nylon or cotton. Rollers may be of hardwood, steel or aluminum and must have no corrosion or rough edges. There may not be used any combination of action devices. Braces for the tail, caps and switches are allowed. Whips may be no longer than four feet, including the snapper. Although not required it would be unheard to use anything other than a cutback saddle. Breast collars are usually used. A standard Walking Horse bridle with a single rein and a S-shaped bit is used. Tack is nearly always black or dark brown and girths are most often white. Colored browband are common and colored cavesson fronts and breast bands less so but still occasionally seen. Braids are usually straight plaits, the butterfly braid is considered dated back to 1970'2. Boots are also outdated and it is usual to see action devices other than chains. Show Pleasure Pads and action devices as outlined above may be used. Park Pleasure Horses to be ridden with alight rein in all gaits. Flat Shod Pleasure Colored browband and cavesson fronts are perhaps seen more in this division as well as breastplates. Pads and action devices tend to produce a way of going that is more animated to that of the unpadded horse. In the model horse world a TWH model that is performing a big lick movement but is flat shod should be considered unrealistic and inappropriate for these classes. Show Horses Double links or twister chains not allowed. Severe bits, any dangling length to the action devices, blinders, names of horses, stables, trainers or exhibitors on the equipment are prohibited within the show ring. Show Pleasure No use of braces or humane tail sets. Rhinestone or sequined browband and cavesson fronts are prohibited along with the same restriction as the Show Horse Division listed above. Park Pleasure There are no use of braces or humane tail sets or use of any action device. Rhinestone and sequined browband and cavessons are also not allowed. Flat Shod Pleasure Pads and action devices are prohibited. The ends of the shoe must not extend past the bulb of the horse's heel and the use of hoof bands are prohibited. Gag bits without shanks are not allowed as well as severe bits. No bit with shanks exceeding 9 and 1/2" allowed. Australian stock saddles not allowed. |
In all the different divisions
the Riders are to wear English riding habit, spur are optional as
are gloves. Hair must be neat and may not obscure the back number.
Solid colored suits or conservation pinstripes in shades of black,
gray, navy, brown or beige are customary, some women's suits may
show a little more color. Men's style shirts with a tie and vest are
customary, shirts are typically white or pastel colored. Men also
wear a snap brim hat while the women wear a homburg or saddle derby.
Some women may ride without a hat.
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| Other English Performance - Show Hack | The show hack is designed for horse's with exception training. Arabian, Half-Arabian and National Show horses divisions offer Show Hack Classes. Open show Hack Classes are seen in some areas, particularly Canada where the class has a far longer history than in U.S.A. The class is judged on manners, performance, quality and conformation. The Show Hack is neither a Dressage Class nor an English Pleasure Class. The horse should be Arabian, Half-Arabian or NSH of good quality and elegant appearance. Other breeds should specify their class and the division as being held in an Open Horse Show. The horse's frame should compare to a mid to upper level dressage horse, it should be neither as low as a Western or first-level horse nor as high and tight as an English Pleasure or Park Horse. Action will vary but it will not approach English Pleasure style, high action is neither desired nor penalized. In general it is the equivalent of desired hunter pleasure action or slightly higher as the show hack horse must demonstrate impulsion in the collected gaits. | The gaits called for are: normal, collected, and extended walk, normal, collected and extended trot, normal, collected and extended canter, and hand-gallop. The horse and rider may be asked to halt and rein back on the rail. |
Arena fence is required.English saddle of any type; however, no cutbacks (saddleseat saddles) are used. Bridle must be single snaffle, Pelham (Kimberwicke permitted but rarely seen) or full bridle; browband and cavessons acceptable in hunter and dressage classes may be used. A dressage saddle, although some forward seat saddles are often seen and standard huntseat turnout is equally acceptable under the rules.. A square dressage saddle pad most often in black with white piping/edging or white with colored piping/edging is the most used. Standard shaped saddle pad is acceptable as well. The current style is to the dressage-style full bridle, although snaffle bridles are also seen. Manes are frequently braided with either the French-braid or smocking for full manes or a standard hunter braid job for pulled manes. Tails may also be braided but are usually left loose. Braids may be secured with yarn, tape, or rubber band, but decorations are not permitted. A checkerboard or other pattern is frequently brushed or clipped into the croup area of the horse. Unacceptable tack: breastplates, martingales, boots or bandages, colored browband or cavesson sets, or any other bridle types not acceptable in hunter or dressage, single-curb bridles, flash, drop, or figure 8 nosebands, decorations on braids. Horses performing upper level movements such a passage, pirouette, work on two tracks etc, are not performing to class specifications and must be dropped to the bottom of the class. |
The rule specifies informal hunt attire, except in evening classes or championships. Virtually all riders appear in full formal turnout of shad belly coat, white breeches, canary, buff or yellow vest, black boots, white stock tie, gloves and top hats. Whip and spurs are optional. |
| Other English Performance - Saddleseat |
Exhibitors to be judged on
hands, seat and legs and on their ability to ride and control a
horse properly. Hands should be held in an easy position, neither
perpendicular nor horizontal to the saddle, and should show
sympathy, adaptability and control.
Variation: Sidesaddle - American The general rule stated by AHSA is that a lady may ride sidesaddle in any class in which she is otherwise eligible to compete. Although some divisions restrict the sidesaddle, enough open classes are available to make any breed or type of horse or pony acceptable. Tack and equipment are strongly traditional, even in open shows, a knowledgable judge may penalize small errors in appointments. Sidesaddle entries requardless of the tack used should display perfect manners. Any horse which appears to be shying, spooking, above the bridle, overly excited, going crooked, or otherwise misbehaving should be strongly penalized. Note: Atabian sidesaddle classes are far more lenient in requirements for appointments, correct attire as outlined under the Modern section or fully-researched historical attire should be given perference, as directed by IAHA Judging Schools. Sidesaddle - European
A lady may ride sidesaddle in any class in which she is otherwise eligible to compete. Although some divisions restrict the sidesaddle, enough open classes are available to make any breed or type of horse or pony acceptable. Tack and equipment are strongly traditional, even in open shows, a knowledgeable judge may penalize small errors in appointments. Sidesaddle entries regardless of the tack used should display perfect manners. Any horse which appears to be shying, spooking, above the bridle, overly excited, going crooked, or otherwise misbehaving should be strongly penalized.
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Horses to be shown at a walk,
trot and canter both ways of the ring. To stand quietly and back
readily. It is the judge's option to require an exhibitor to back
his horse or to extend any gait. Horses must be brought to a
flat-footed walk before changing gaits. The trot should be brisk,
smart, cadenced and balanced without loss of form. Smoothness is
more essential than extreme speed. An extended trot may be called
for at the judge's option. The canter should be smooth, collected
and straight on both leads with the ability to push on if so
required. Light contact with horse's mouth must be maintained.
Horses to perform with natural animated, cadenced motion under
moderate collection; extremely high artificial action will be
severely penalized. Horses not to be stretched (parked).
Individual work must be
comprised of any of the following: |
Arena fence is required.
Entries shall be shown in full bridles. Either weymouth or pelham bits may be used in full bridle (double-reined bridle) with browband and cavasson - colored, silver or plain leather. Show, Cutback or Park type English saddles are to be used. Either web, cord, leather, or linen girths are permitted. All tack to be neat and clean. Spurs of the unroweled English type and crops are optional. Any deviation from required bits, bit converter straps, boots of any description, running or standing martingales, tie-downs or draw reins, dropped nosebands are not allowed. Artificial appliances, forward seat saddles with extreme knee rolls, western saddles, or side saddles are prohibited. Variation: Sidesaddle - American Saddle matches requirements for huntseat. Bridle should be accurate for the breed, type and class depicted. Saddle pads are not prohibited but not preferred and should be unnoticeable as possible if used. Colored girths as in cross-saddle classes for the same breed or type are appropriate. Plain English type sidesaddle, may have suede seat and pommels; or two pommels. Girths should be leather, not shaped. A breastplate is optional but preferred. Hunt attire also requires a combined sandwich case/flask which is carried on the offside of the saddle. A full double bridle is strongly preferred, although a Pelham is permissible (a snaffle bit is frequently seen in the ring in other than the hunter division, however, a double rein bridle is always preferred.) All leather must be flat and a cavesson noseband is required. Braided mane and tail required. Off-side saddles (with rider's legs on the horse's right side) do still exist, although they are rare. All requirements are otherwise the same.Fit of the saddle; The near side of the saddle extends farther forward than the right side, with the safe (the near-side skirt) allowing for the rider's right leg to rest on the horse's left shoulder while the off-side skirt is approximately in the normal saddle position. Girth should be in the normal position.
Sidesaddle - European (SSA 2005 Handbook) British hunting side-saddle, linen or serge lined
(or Wykeham pad) with safety stirrup fitting/stirrup. Threefold
leather or brown lampwick girth with central strap for full-length
balance girth (where fitted). Balance girth - full length or sewn to
girth - is optional. *Discreet* numnahs permitted. |
To obtain proper position,
exhibitor should place himself comfortably in the saddle and find
his or her center of gravity by sitting with a slight bend at the
knees, but without use of irons. While in this position adjust
leathers to fit. Irons should be placed under ball of foot (not toe
nor "home"), with even pressure on entire width of sole and center
of iron. Foot position should be natural (neither extremely in nor
out). Spurs are optional. Exhibitors to be judged on hands, seat and
legs and on their ability to ride and control a horse properly.
Hands should be held in an easy position, neither perpendicular nor
horizontal to the saddle, and should show sympathy, adaptability and
control. The height the hands are held above the horse's
withers is a matter of how and where the horse carries its head. The
method of holding the reins is optional except that both hands shall
be used and all reins must be picked up at one time. Bight of rein
should be on the off side. Rider Position in Motion: 1. Walk: Slight motion in saddle. 2. Trot: Slight elevation in saddle posting; hips under body, not mechanical up and down, nor swing forward and backward. 3. Canter: Close seat, going with horse. Exhibitors and judges should bear in mind that at all times entries are being judged on ability. Judges shall eliminate those contestants who do not conform. Judges must eliminate those competitors who do not conform to the following dress code: Informal (prior to 6:00 p.m.): Conservative colors are required (i.e. Herringbone, pin-stripes and other combinations of colors that appear to be solid. Solid colors include black, blue, grey, dark burgundy, dark green, beige or brown jacket with matching jodhpurs, derby hat and jodhpur boots. Formal (after 6:00 p.m.):
Even more conservative attire
is required for evening classes. Solid colors include dark grey,
dark brown, dark blue or black tuxedo-type jacket with collars and
lapels of the same color, top hat, jodhpurs to match and gloves or
dark-colored riding habit, accessories and jodhpur boots. Formal
riding habits are not to be worn before 6:00 p.m. Exhibitors
competing in Saddleseat Equitation have the option to wear formal
attire in an Equitation class as specified by the above rule. Variation: Sidesaddle - American Habit should be a color appropriate for the breed, type or class but more conservative colors are preferred. The coat is similar to a regular saddle seat coat in cut and length but may have a cutaway in the front skirts to allow a smooth line over the rider's right thigh. The coat length may reflect the current style. The apron should be smooth, without drape or gores; the hem should be horizontal and parallel to the ground. A derby or top hat as appropriate for the saddleseat style of riding. The rider should wear hunt-style breeches (color matching the apron under the apron.) and hunt boots beneath the apron (regular saddle seat boots are uncomfortable and can be dangerous in sidesaddle saddleseat) Vests, gloves, etc are appropriate for the breed, type and class. A whip is optional, but virtually essential; it should be carried in the right hand and be the same type as used is the equivalent cross-saddle classes.
Sidesaddle - European (SSA 2005 Handbook) Adult lady: |
| Other English Performance - Suitability for Dressage | Horses are judged (not the handler) individually on a triangle course. |
The horses approach the judging area and set up for inspection in an "open" position with all four legs visible by the judge standing on either side of the horse. At the judge's request the horse will then walk a small triangle ABCA. The horse will continue on at a trot following the larger ADEA. At the completion of the judging the handler will lead the horse away from he judging area. As one horse leaves the next one will enter the judging area promptly. When all horses in class have completed the triangle course they may be lined up for judge's to place, or "ringing" (walking in a large group circle around the judge) may used. |
Arena fence is required. English style bridle is optional on yearlings and younger horses and mandatory on older horses. Bridle must have egg butt, D-ring, O-ring or full cheek snaffle bit. The commonly used white lined dressage bridle with dropped nose band is permitted as well as a newmarket chain. Young horses show in plain leather or nylon halter. They may also show with a chiffey bit attached to the halter. The use of chain under the chin, over the nose or doubled and clipped back to lead is allowed. No chain lead is allowed to be clipped directly to the "O" ring under the chin on the halter. Pelham, kimberwick, twisted, twisted wire, roller or knife edge bits and any variety or inhumane mouthpiece are not allowed. Decorative bridles and silver halters are prohibited. |
The attire should permit free movement. Color may be chosen to complement the horse but should be conservative. Suitable recommended attire would be collared polo shirt, preferably white, vest, tie, and gloves are optional. Trousers should be loose enough to run in, jeans are not allowed. Running shoes or paddock boots are required. |
| Other English Performance - Leadline Equitation |
The class will enter the ring
at a flat-footed walk, as designated. In the line-up the judge may
ask the exhibitors to back up their horses to help him or her judge
the extent of the exhibitor's horsemanship. The exhibitor will be judged on his or her basic position in the saddle: Hand position, seat position, and back position. The horse must be led and controlled by an adult (over 18 years of age). A lead shank at least six feet long must be attached to the shank of the bit or to a halter that is under or over the bridle so that while the exhibitor is on the rail the horse is controlled by the adult. If the judge asks the exhibitor to back the horse in the line-up, the adult should not aid the exhibitor. The adult should only keep the horse under control. This class is limited to exhibitors 6 years old and under who do not participate in any approved class at that show except Showmanship and Halter. |
The class will be worked at a walk only both directions of the ring. |
Arena fence is required. Snaffle bit bridle and any English saddle may be used. |
Should be dressed in black, brown tweed, brown, dark green or navy blue hunt coat, light shirt with choker (stock pin optional, monograms fashionable) light-colored beeches (no white) with full boots or beige jodhpurs with jodhpur boots, hard hat and any long hair should be tied up in a bun or hairnet. |
Class DescriptionsShowmanship
Fitting a Donkey or Mule Halter
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Event |
Description |
Gaits, Movements and Patterns | Tack and Props | Doll (If Used) |
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Western Showmanship - Horse |
Handler is judged on their
ability to present the horse. The horse is merely a prop used to
show the ability of the handler. The horse should be clean,
well-groomed, attentive and in excellent physical condition and be
able to walk, trot stop and back as directed by the judge. The horse
must be kept posed and the handler must know where the judge is at
all times.
The horse is lead from the left side with the hand on the lead strap about 8 to 12" from the halter. Smaller exhibitors may need to use a longer hold on the lead strap. Hold the excessive lead strap in the left hand, either in a rounded or flatten (collapsed) figure 8 or in a round coil. All turns of the horse shall be to the right with the exhibitor walking to the right around the horse. If a judge is standing at the rear quarter of the horse the showman must be on the same side of horse as judge. If judge is standing at the front quarters of the horse the showman is on the opposite side of horse as judge. The showman never stands directly in front of horse but slightly off to one side, even when asking horse to back and reset. The exhibitor is only required to show the horse to the judge from the distance of one horse on either side of where the judge is standing but should keep in mind the audience is also viewing the class and should be attentive to the horse for the time they are in the arena. When lining up either head to tail or in the line up, the horse must be stood squarely on all four feet. The exhibitor will be required to travel his horse individually, leading the horse into whatever the pattern or request judge or ring steward asks for. Exhibitors must keep proper position in line and allow reasonable space of at least 5 feet between horses. |
Gaits are walk, trot stop and
back. Sample Patterns:
1 Jog from A to B.
Exhibitors will lead horses into
arena. Line up facing center.
1 Walk straight toward judge.
1 Jog from marker 1 to 3.
1 Trot to third marker. Stop.
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Arena fence
and comment line is required. State where horse is in pattern. Western style leather halter with silver most common. Silver is not to count over nylon or rope halter. Halter is adjusted to fit tight under throat latch. A leather, rope or nylon lead or rope lead is used. Lead should be about 6 to 7 feet long with a 12 to 18' chain attached to lead. The chain may be clipped under the chin, over the nose (a judge may not DQ for use of chain over the nose as a restraint but normally it is counted down and an unruly horse may be asked to leave the ring) or doubled through the "O' ring under the chin and fed back to the leather lead and attached to chain junction. This makes the chain lead look like a double chain. The chain is NEVER clipped directly with the snap end of chain to the "O" ring under the halter. This is for two reasons: 1) The lead would be too long for the proper hold of the handler hand's on the lead. 2) If the horse would pull back on the chain the direct pressure on the snap may cause the chain snap to break, freeing the horse in the arena to cause havoc. When the chain is doubled or looped under chin or over the nose the snap as no pressure on it so less likely to break. The handler's hand should be placed on the leather part of the chain junction. A judge will not penalize a youth for the use of a chain lead over the horse's nose or under the horse's jaw as a restraint. The use of this equipment will not be cause for disqualification. Hackamores and bridles shall not be used. No whips, bats, or quirts will be permitted. The
following are major faults during the class: |
Personal appearance of exhibitor should be neat, clean and well-groomed, attentive and courteous. The handler can wear a western equitation suit or pants, shirt, tie, hat, belt with buckle and gloves. Chaps and spurs are not allowed. |
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Western Showmanship - Pony |
Handler is judged on their
ability to present the horse. The horse is merely a prop used to
show the ability of the handler. The horse should be clean,
well-groomed, attentive and in excellent physical condition and be
able to walk, trot stop and back as directed by the judge. The horse
must be kept posed and the handler must know where the judge is at
all times.
The horse is lead from the left side with the hand on the lead strap about 8 to 12" from the halter. Smaller exhibitors may need to use a longer hold on the lead strap. Hold the excessive lead strap in the left hand, either in a rounded or flatten (collapsed) figure 8 or in a round coil. All turns of the horse shall be to the right with the exhibitor walking to the right around the horse. If a judge is standing at the rear quarter of the horse the showman must be on the same side of horse as judge. If judge is standing at the front quarters of the horse the showman is on the opposite side of horse as judge. The showman never stands directly in front of horse but slightly off to one side, even when asking horse to back and reset. The exhibitor is only required to show the horse to the judge from the distance of one horse on either side of where the judge is standing but should keep in mind the audience is also viewing the class and should be attentive to the horse for the time they are in the arena. When lining up either head to tail or in the line up, the horse must be stood squarely on all four feet. The exhibitor will be required to travel his horse individually, leading the horse into whatever the pattern or request judge or ring steward asks for. Exhibitors must keep proper position in line and allow reasonable space of at least 5 feet between horses. |
Gaits are walk, trot stop and
back. Sample Patterns:
1 Jog from A to B.
Exhibitors will lead horses into
arena. Line up facing center.
1 Walk straight toward judge.
1 Jog from marker 1 to 3.
1 Trot to third marker. Stop.
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Arena fence
and comment line is required. State where horse is in pattern. Western style leather halter with silver most common. Silver is not to count over nylon or rope halter. Halter is adjusted to fit tight under throat latch. A leather, rope or nylon lead or rope lead is used. Lead should be about 6 to 7 feet long with a 12 to 18' chain attached to lead. The chain may be clipped under the chin, over the nose (a judge may not DQ for use of chain over the nose as a restraint but normally it is counted down and an unruly horse may be asked to leave the ring) or doubled through the "O' ring under the chin and fed back to the leather lead and attached to chain junction. This makes the chain lead look like a double chain. The chain is NEVER clipped directly with the snap end of chain to the "O" ring under the halter. This is for two reasons: 1) The lead would be too long for the proper hold of the handler hand's on the lead. 2) If the horse would pull back on the chain the direct pressure on the snap may cause the chain snap to break, freeing the horse in the arena to cause havoc. When the chain is doubled or looped under chin or over the nose the snap as no pressure on it so less likely to break. The handler's hand should be placed on the leather part of the chain junction. A judge will not penalize a youth for the use of a chain lead over the horse's nose or under the horse's jaw as a restraint. The use of this equipment will not be cause for disqualification. Hackamores and bridles shall not be used. No whips, bats, or quirts will be permitted. The
following are major faults during the class: |
Personal appearance of exhibitor should be neat, clean and well-groomed, attentive and courteous. The handler can wear a western equitation suit or pants, shirt, tie, hat, belt with buckle and gloves. Chaps and spurs are not allowed. |
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English Showmanship - Horse |
Horses are judged in an In
Hand Class for conformation, temperament, movement, etc. In
English Showmanship it is the handler's ability to exhibit the
horse that is judged and the horse is merely a prop. In showmanship
a pattern is usually given to exhibitor to follow in the same manner
as a Western Showmanship class.
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In Hand Pattern:
Horses will be judged individually on the triangle (shown above) following a posted order. The horses will approach the judging area (A) and set up for inspection in the "open" position (i.e. with all four legs of the horse visible by the judge standing on either side of the horse). At the judge's request, the horse will then walk the small triangle ABCA. The horse will continue on at a trot following the large ADEA. At the completion of the judging, the handler will lead the horse away from the judging area. As one horse leaves the next one will enter the judging area promptly. When all horses in the class have completed the triangle, they may be lined up for judges to place, or "ringing" (walking in a large group circle around the judges) may be used. Sample Showmanship Patterns:
1 Trot from A to B.
Exhibitors will lead horses into
arena. Line up facing center.
1 Walk straight toward judge.
1 Trot from marker 1 to 3.
1 Trot to third marker. Stop.
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Arena fence is
required. Comment line stating whether In Hand or Showmanship
and movement being performed Required. Hunter/Stockhorse In Hand Bridle is optional on
yearlings and younger horses but mandatory on horses two and older.
Bridle must have egg butt, D-ring, O-ring or full-cheek snaffle bit.
For horses one year old and younger, the halter and lead must be a
halter of plain leather. The chain on the lead may be over the nose
or under the chin; however, no chains are
allowed in the horse's mouth and no lip chains are allowed.
Decorative
bridles and silver halters are prohibited.
Light Breeds are generally shown in light breed halter with mandatory throat latch. Warmbloods In HandStallions are shown in a bitting rig (bridle, bitting reins attached to a surcingle and a crupper) or in a English bridle with snaffle with one of both reins, or in a English style bridle but without a cavesson and a snaffle bit.Gaited Horses In HandASB are normally shown with a breed appropriate bridle or leather show halter on a long lead. Halter chain may be placed any way, but usually seen over the nose. Snaffle bits used in younger horses, curbs used for horses 2 years and up with a single rein or full double bridle with both reins pulled down and lead jointly. MFT wear a show halter or bridle (regardless of gender or age) foals wear a show halter. Bridles should be of the browband type. Cavessons are optional, but it is customary to use one. Browband and nosebands typically match the color of the ribbons, currently white is the popular color used. When a bridle is used, grazing, snaffle, curb, and half-breed bits are permitted, but Walking Horse S-curbs are the most common. An occasional Western curb is seen. Curb chains are permitted. TWH wear a Walking Horse Bridle with a single rein. Colored browband are considered appropriate, but rhinestones are forbidden. Weanlings and yearlings are shown in a light breed show halter. NSH may or may not exhibit gaits. But usually a NSH with or without Saddlebred gaits is shown in a light breed show halter with chain under the jaw. English Showmanship English style bridle is optional on yearlings and younger horses and mandatory on older horses. Bridle must have egg butt, D-ring, O-ring or full cheek snaffle bit. Pelham, kimberwick, twisted, twisted wire, roller or knife edge bits and any variety or inhumane mouthpiece are not allowed. The reins will be held together approximately 6-10 inches below the horse's chin with the right hand, with the remainder of the reins held in the exhibitor's left hand. The commonly used white lined dressage bridle with dropped nose band is permitted as well as a newmarket chain. Young horses show in plain leather or nylon halter. They may also show with a chiffey bit attached to the halter. The use of chain under the chin, over the nose or doubled and clipped back to lead is allowed. No chain lead is allowed to be clipped directly to the "O" ring under the chin on the halter. Decorative bridles and silver halters are prohibited. No whips, bats, quirts or spurs. |
Hunter/Stockhorse In Hand Attire of the handler should permit free movement. Color may be chosen to complement horse, but should be conservative. Suitable attire shall be a collared polo shirt or collared dress shirt (solid colored and either white or another conservative color), vest, tie and gloves (optional). Trousers should be loose enough in which to run. Jeans are forbidden. Running shoes or paddock boots are required. Light Breeds In Hand Handlers wear conservative clothing of dark pants and white shirt or blouse and paddocks boots. Hat is not required. Warmbloods In Hand Male handlers generally wear dark pants, white long sleeved shirt with or without a vest and tie. Female wear dark pants and white long sleeved blouse. Paddocks boots are worn and hats are not required. English Hunt style clothing may be worn as well with conservative colored hunt coat and cap Gaited Horses In HandASB handlers should be dressed conservatively. Two handlers permitted at the trot (header and tailor.) MFT handlers typically wear suits, often with contrasting yokes and cowboy hats. Women typically wear slacks, dress shirt and a co-coordinating vest or short jacket. Whips are permitted. TWH handlers wear habits or suits. Foal handlers wear a collared shirt (long or short sleeves) and tie. Hats are recommended during evening performance, caps and hats are optional during the day. Handlers may carry a whip. NSH handlers wear conservative clothing of dark pants and white shirt or blouse and paddocks boots. Hat is not required. English Showmanship The exhibitor shall be attired in hunt seat attire which will consist of a hunt seat jacket (conservative colors), hunt seat britches or jodhpurs, hunt seat boots, gloves and hard hat, keeping in mind that personal appearance is important (neat, clean and well groomed). Saddleseat attire is not permitted in this class due to the difference in the "cut" of the clothes which can be distracting. |
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English Showmanship - Pony |
Horses are judged in an In Hand Class for conformation, temperament, movement, etc. In English Showmanship it is the handler's ability to exhibit the horse that is judged and the horse is merely a prop. In showmanship a pattern is usually given to exhibitor to follow in the same manner as a Western Showmanship class. |
In Hand Pattern:
Horses will be judged individually on the triangle (shown above) following a posted order. The horses will approach the judging area (A) and set up for inspection in the "open" position (i.e. with all four legs of the horse visible by the judge standing on either side of the horse). At the judge's request, the horse will then walk the small triangle ABCA. The horse will continue on at a trot following the large ADEA. At the completion of the judging, the handler will lead the horse away from the judging area. As one horse leaves the next one will enter the judging area promptly. When all horses in the class have completed the triangle, they may be lined up for judges to place, or "ringing" (walking in a large group circle around the judges) may be used. Sample Showmanship Patterns:
1 Trot from A to B.
Exhibitors will lead horses into
arena. Line up facing center.
1 Walk straight toward judge.
1 Trot from marker 1 to 3.
1 Trot to third marker. Stop.
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Arena fence is
required. Comment line stating whether In Hand or Showmanship
and movement being performed Required.
Pony In Hand Ponies are generally shown in light breed halter with mandatory throat latch.
Pony Showmanship Ponies are generally shown in light breed halter with mandatory throat latch but English style bridle is optional. Bridle must have egg butt, D-ring, O-ring or full cheek snaffle bit. Pelham, kimberwick, twisted, twisted wire, roller or knife edge bits and any variety or inhumane mouthpiece are not allowed. The reins will be held together approximately 6-10 inches below the horse's chin with the right hand, with the remainder of the reins held in the exhibitor's left hand. The commonly used white lined dressage bridle with dropped nose band is permitted as well as a newmarket chain. Young horses show in plain leather or nylon halter. They may also show with a chiffey bit attached to the halter. The use of chain under the chin, over the nose or doubled and clipped back to lead is allowed. No chain lead is allowed to be clipped directly to the "O" ring under the chin on the halter. Decorative bridles and silver halters are prohibited. No whips, bats, quirts or spurs.
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Pony In Hand Handlers wear conservative clothing of dark pants and white shirt or blouse and paddocks boots. Hat is not required. Pony Showmanship
The exhibitor shall be attired in hunt seat attire which will consist of a hunt seat jacket (conservative colors), hunt seat britches or jodhpurs, hunt seat boots, gloves and hard hat, keeping in mind that personal appearance is important (neat, clean and well groomed). Saddleseat attire is not permitted in this class due to the difference in the "cut" of the clothes which can be distracting. |
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Arabian Showmanship (Arena or Native Headstall) |
The horse is lead from the left side with the hand on the lead strap about 8 to 12" from the halter. Smaller exhibitors may need to use a longer hold on the lead strap. Hold the excessive lead strap in the left hand, either in a rounded or flatten (collapsed figure 8) or in a round coil. All turns of the horse shall be to the right with the exhibitor walking to the right around the horse. If a judge is standing at the rear quarter of the horse the showman must be on the same side of horse as judge. If judge is standing at the front quarters of the horse the showman is on the opposite side of horse as judge. The showman never stands directly in front of horse but slightly off to one side, even when asking horse to back and reset. The exhibitor is only required to show the horse to the judge from the distance of one horse on either side of where the judge is standing but should keep in mind the audience is also viewing the class and should be attentive to the horse for the time they are in the arena. When lining up either head to tail or in the line up, the horse must be stood squarely on all four feet. The exhibitor will be required to travel his horse individually, leading the horse into whatever the pattern or request judge or ring steward asks for. Exhibitors must keep proper position in line and allow reasonable space of at least 5 feet between horses. Arabian Showmanship Native HeadstallThe presentation of Arabian horses in their natural Arabian headstall in either an arena or natural setting. Arabian Showmanship Arena HeadstallThe presentation of Arabian horses in a light breed headstall in an arena setting.
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Sample Patterns:
1 Trot from A to B.
Exhibitors will lead horses into
arena. Line up facing center.
1 Walk straight toward judge.
1 Trot from marker 1 to 3.
1 Trot to third marker. Stop.
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Arena fence is
required for Arena Headstall. Native headstall entries may be
either in an arena or in a natural setting. State where horse
is in pattern.Arabian Showmanship Native HeadstallHeadstall may be of halter or bridle style. Bridle may have bit, hackamore or other suitable style. Bridle may have halter-type braided headstall with one rein that turns from the left only or ornate bit with two reins. May have tassels, chains or other embellishment on it. May be of Bedouin or any region of Middle East or of Hollywood Style. Arabian Showmanship Arena HeadstallArabian Showmanship requires an Arabian Light Breed style halter with a mandatory throatlatch. The chain goes under the chin and is clipped back to the lead. The length of the chain is normally about 12" so there is some double backed length that hangs down but not enough as to make it dangerous and allow a horse to rear and get a front from through the par t of the chain that hangs down. Throatlatches may be loose or tight but do not drape as much as in Native Arabian Headstalls.
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Arabian Showmanship Native HeadstallHandler is usually dressed in Arabian costume robe and can either male or female. Hollywood style attire is generally more flashy with brighter colors. Native middle east attire is more primary colors like red, blue, green yellow and black. Dogs, birds, cheetahs, and other props of Middle Eastern culture are often seen. Arabian Showmanship Arena HeadstallHandlers wear comfortable clothing, usually dark pants and white shirt. Males may dressed more formally with a cummerbund belt, tuxedo shirt and bow tie. Hats are not required. A short lounge style popwhip is normally carried to get the horse's attention and make the horse stretch his neck. |
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Draft Showmanship |
Handler is judged on their
ability to present the horse. The horse is merely a prop used to
show the ability of the handler. The horse should be clean,
well-groomed, attentive and in excellent physical condition and be
able to walk, trot stop and back as directed by the judge. The horse
must be kept posed and the handler must know where the judge is at
all times.
The horse is lead from the left side with the hand on the lead strap about 8 to 12" from the halter. Smaller exhibitors may need to use a longer hold on the lead strap. Hold the excessive lead strap in the left hand, either in a rounded or flatten (collapsed) figure 8 or in a round coil. All turns of the horse shall be to the right with the exhibitor walking to the right around the horse. If a judge is standing at the rear quarter of the horse the showman must be on the same side of horse as judge. If judge is standing at the front quarters of the horse the showman is on the opposite side of horse as judge. The showman never stands directly in front of horse but slightly off to one side, even when asking horse to back and reset. The exhibitor is only required to show the horse to the judge from the distance of one horse on either side of where the judge is standing but should keep in mind the audience is also viewing the class and should be attentive to the horse for the time they are in the arena. When lining up either head to tail or in the line up, the horse must be stood squarely on all four feet. The exhibitor will be required to travel his horse individually, leading the horse into whatever the pattern or request judge or ring steward asks for. Exhibitors must keep proper position in line and allow reasonable space of at least 5 feet between horses. |
Sample Patterns:
1 Trot from A to B.
Exhibitors will lead horses into
arena. Line up facing center.
1 Walk straight toward judge.
1 Trot from marker 1 to 3.
1 Trot to third marker. Stop.
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Arena fence
and comment line is required. Comment line stating whether In
Hand or Showmanship and movement being performed Required. Stallions wear what is termed a "stud bridle" which is adjustable white leather with a snaffle bit and a chain under the chin. Mares, geldings, and foals are normally shown in draft breeds show halter with no bit. The chain runs under the bars of the jaw instead. However (there are always exceptions and different breeds are listed below.) A rope halter is allowable in some breeds for their mares, geldings and foals. The rope halter is one solid length of rope that makes up the halter and revolves into a lead. Some breeds display their stallions in stud tack (a surcingle usually made of leather and bridle with side reins with or without a crupper). The belt itself goes around the barrel where the girth of a saddle would fit and can be black, brown or white. This is not seen in Belgians or Percherons any longer. Mares are normally left natural, but in pulling contests the manes are soemtimes roached along with the forelock. Almost all American drafters have docked tails. Hoof black is used in most breeds except Clydesdales, even on horses with white feet. Long tails from horses in UK should not be penalized, but the tail should be plaited in some manner, not just hanging loose. Draft mares shown in hand only have their tails braided (no mane decorations) Male horses have their manes rolled and their tails braided for halter showing. The forelock is combed and left natural or can can braided into a single strand with a ribbon tied in a small bow at the end. The roll at the start of the mane following the bridle path and continues down the neck until just aobve the withers. The bunting can be long enough to almost reach the horse's elbow. Rosettes made of crete paper, ribbon, fake silk or plastic flowers (usually tulips or rosebuds) with floral wire "stalks" are placed in the mane roll. Seven rosettes is the norm, maybe 5 to 9 in certain cases, but always an odd number for symmetrical look. In England and especially on the Suffolk breed is the continental braid. The braid runs along the bottom of the mane and is the same as "french braiding" human hair. There is usually a light colored bunting that matches closely or complements the horse's mane color plaited into the braid. All tails are braided for showring in harness and halter. The tail of a correctly braided horse (docked version) looks like a woman's bun hairdo. The tail is then decorated with ribbons that match the mane decorations. England outlawed docking of horse's tails , so instead you will see the tail braided from the top down in a hunter fashion or the tail bone shaved except for a fringe a the dock which is braided in the traidtional tight bun and decorated with ribbons. Occasionally you will see a draft breed with long flowing tails with bows a the dock for onamentation. Rolled manes for harness for rolled shorter than halter or in hand showing. Referred to as "breaking off before the harness bed" Manes are decorated with 5 rosettes for harness reguardless of sex. It is common to see mares, geldings and stallions in 6 and 8 horses hitches, hence the need for uniformity. British Drafters are shown with a satin ribbon around the neck just before the shoulders with the horse's show number on it. British horses cannot have docked tails. Germany no longer allows tail docking and the Belgian horse society of Europe has also ruled against the practice. European and Canadian Draft Association and Dr. Sharon E. Cregier of the Equine Behaviour Forum would like to remind us of the cruelty associated with docking and its complete unnecessity. The tack is usually much more ornate than the USA as well. Percherons are normally shown in white leather. Stud tack is not used, black or tan is not used. Facial hair and lower legs are trimmed. hoof black is used. A show stick is permissable. White rope halters are allowed on foals, mares and geldings. Shires are shown in the "normal" fashion listed above with the exception that black, brown or fashionably trimmed tack is used and white is not seen in the show ring. Suffolks are shown in white tack and mane is rolled in plaited french braid. American Belgian shown in white leather and stallions do not use the surcingle. A tuft of hair is left at the ankle and down the pastern to the back of the hoof and rest of leg is trimmed. Show sticks allowed as are whippers (a second person who runs behind the horse to make it move out.) European Belgian/Brabant show in surcingle and white or black leather is used. Clydesdales are shown in a white rope, natural rope or leather halter or stallion bridle (white or tan) Stallions may show in surcingle. Leadlines should match halter. Mares, geldings and foals show in rope halters or leather draft halter. Mares and gelding may use a bridle as well. Muzzle and eye hairs are trimmed, long hair under jaw and on belly not trimmed. A bridle path is not required. Any horse over 2 years old is shod. Stallions/geldings have rolled manes and tails, mares and foals with tail braids only. Mare's mane is uaully plaided for the Royal show in Toronto but this is the only show i which they are so decorated. No hoof blacking allowed. No show sticks or whips or whippers allowed. |
Handlers wear dark pants and white shirts (no flashy clothes) |
| Foal Showmanship |
Western: Handler is judged on their ability to present the horse. The horse is merely a prop used to show the ability of the handler. The horse should be clean, well-groomed, attentive and in excellent physical condition and be able to walk, trot stop and back as directed by the judge. The horse must be kept posed and the handler must know where the judge is at all times. The horse is lead from the left side with the hand on the lead strap about 8 to 12" from the halter. Smaller exhibitors may need to use a longer hold on the lead strap. Hold the excessive lead strap in the left hand, either in a rounded or flatten (collapsed) figure 8 or in a round coil. All turns of the horse shall be to the right with the exhibitor walking to the right around the horse. If a judge is standing at the rear quarter of the horse the showman must be on the same side of horse as judge. If judge is standing at the front quarters of the horse the showman is on the opposite side of horse as judge. The showman never stands directly in front of horse but slightly off to one side, even when asking horse to back and reset. The exhibitor is only required to show the horse to the judge from the distance of one horse on either side of where the judge is standing but should keep in mind the audience is also viewing the class and should be attentive to the horse for the time they are in the arena. When lining up either head to tail or in the line up, the horse must be stood squarely on all four feet. The exhibitor will be required to travel his horse individually, leading the horse into whatever the pattern or request judge or ring steward asks for. Exhibitors must keep proper position in line and allow reasonable space of at least 5 feet between horses. English: Horses are judged in an In Hand Class for conformation, temperament, movement, etc. In English Showmanship it is the handler's ability to exhibit the horse that is judged and the horse is merely a prop. In showmanship a pattern is usually given to exhibitor to follow in the same manner as a Western Showmanship class. |
Sample Patterns:
1 Trot from A to B.
Exhibitors will lead horses into
arena. Line up facing center.
1 Walk straight toward judge.
1 Trot from marker 1 to 3.
1 Trot to third marker. Stop.
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Arena fence
and comment line is required. Comment line stating whether
Western, In Hand or English Showmanship and movement being
performed Required. See Individual descriptions above to find specific halter requirements. |
See Individual descriptions above to find specific attire requirements. |
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Mule/Donkey/Zebra/Other Showmanship |
Handler is judged on their
ability to present the
Mule/Donkey/Zebra/ect.
The
Mule/Donkey/Zebra/ect
is merely a prop used to show the ability of the handler. The
Mule/Donkey/Zebra/ect
should be clean, well-groomed, attentive and in excellent physical
condition and be able to walk, trot stop and back as directed by the
judge. The horse must be kept posed and the handler must know where
the judge is at all times.
The animal is lead from the left side with the hand on the lead strap about 8 to 12" from the halter. Smaller exhibitors may need to use a longer hold on the lead strap. Hold the excessive lead strap in the left hand, either in a rounded or flatten (collapsed) figure 8 or in a round coil. All turns of the Mule/Donkey/Zebra/ect shall be to the right with the exhibitor walking to the right around the animal. If a judge is standing at the rear quarter of the animal the showman must be on the same side of horse as judge. If judge is standing at the front quarters of the animal the showman is on the opposite side of horse as judge. The showman never stands directly in front of animal but slightly off to one side, even when asking the animal to back and reset. The exhibitor is only required to show the Mule/Donkey/Zebra/ect to the judge from the distance of one horse on either side of where the judge is standing but should keep in mind the audience is also viewing the class and should be attentive to the animal for the time they are in the arena. When lining up either head to tail or in the line up, the animal must be stood squarely on all four feet. The exhibitor will be required to travel his animal individually, leading the horse into whatever the pattern or request judge or ring steward asks for. Exhibitors must keep proper position in line and allow reasonable space of at least 5 feet between animals. |
Sample Patterns:
1 Trot from A to B.
Exhibitors will lead horses into
arena. Line up facing center.
1 Walk straight toward judge.
1 Trot from marker 1 to 3.
1 Trot to third marker. Stop.
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Arena fence
and comment line is required. State whether showing English or
Western and where in pattern animal is. Mules and donkey (and zebra for the BMHR shows) typically show in plain leather stock halters but silver is also allowed. Leads are usually leather with a chain lead that is placed under the chin, over the nose or doubled and clipped back to lead. Jacks must show in a stallion halter with chain over nose. They may also be shown in English snaffle bridles. Other (Fantasy/Decorator) Any Fantasy/Decorator model can compete in this showmanship class. Tack must be appropriate for specific showmanship class you are showing them as (western, English, etc) Must also state in comment line which you are showing as.
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Handlers wear clean levis or
pants, boots, western style long sleeves shirt, tie and hat if
showing Western.
Handlers wear conservative clothing of dark pants and white shirt or blouse and paddocks boots if showing English. Hat is not required. Other (Fantasy/Decorator) Attire should be appropriate for the head stall being used.
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Class DescriptionsCostume |
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Event |
Description |
Gaits, Movements and Patterns | Tack and Props | Doll (If Used) |
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Arabian Costume |
It is suggested that you list
your entry as either Arena or Historical/Non-Arena (Historical
includes recreation scenes) and the style of the costume Hollywood
or Native.
TYPES: Hollywood Costume Style: Costumes are extensive and very elaborate with use of metallic tassles. The tassles are usually longer and flashy with all combinations of colors and are more numerous than found in Native. Native Costume Style: These are usually smaller and less flashy with bright primary colors like red, blue, green, yellow, black and earth tones. Tend to have fewer tassels.
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Arena Arabian Costume: Horses to walk, canter or hand gallop and back. Trotting is not normally allowed, if you are using a trotting model PLEASE use your comment line to explain why the horse is trotting or state the rule/association that allows trotting to avoid disqualification. (Historical/Non-Arena) Native Arabian Costume: If horse is exhibiting a trot explanation needs to be supplied with entry otherwise the judge most most likely consider it an Arena Entry and disqualify the horse.
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Arena Arabian Costume:
Arena fence is required. Bridle with bit, hackamore or other suitable headstall. Saddle must have girth and stirrups. (Historical/Non-Arena) Native Arabian Costume: Native costumes vary by region, some use a halter type braided headstall and one rein on the left side and turn their horses by circling to the left until they face the correct direction. Other regions use heavy ornate bits and two reins. Braided and tasseled breast collars are common, and may or may not match headstall and drape in color or style. Arena Arabian Costume: Martingales, tie-downs, bandages and boots are forbidden. Look for: In Scale tassels they should not be longer than the horse's cannons. The drape should not hang so low as to trip the horse or be stepped on while the horse is in movement. Heavy costumes in native scenes would be too bulky and might cause heat exhaustion. Extra Credit: Should be given if research or verification is listed with the entry. |
Arena Arabian Costume:
Rider's costume requires a cape or coat, pantaloons, headdress, scarf or sash, spurs, whip or crop optional. (Historical/Non-Arena) Native Arabian Costume: Rider's costume will vary depending upon tribe/region it is based upon. |
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Native American Costume |
It is suggested that you list
your entry as either Arena or Historical (Historical includes
recreation scenes) and the gender of the costume if no doll rider is
present.
TYPES: Arena Native American Costume: The same for both Ladies and Men's Class; horses work at walk and trot only. In a Native American ARENA class, a travois (the poles behind the equine for carrying things) is prohibited. This is for safety reasons. Horses are required to jog and so there would be the danger of another horse getting its leg caught. It logically follows that dogs and other equines would also not be allowed to accompany an entrant. If your context is historical/NON-ARENA, then of course the woman can have a travois behind her horse
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Gaits are walk and trot/jog. |
Arena Native American
Costume: Arena fence is required. Curb chains are permissible lying flat against the jaw. Arena Native American Costume or Historical/Non-Arena: The Warrior Horse: Basic trappings consist of a frame saddle or robe pad held in place with a wide surcingle, over covered with an animal skin (buffalo, mountain lion, wolf, coyote) hair side out. Usually stirrups or toe holds of some kind. A bridle, rawhide hackamore or war bridle, breast collar or horse necklace, neck collar or brass bells, feather decorations on mane, tail or chin. The use of iron bits is permissible. Optional equipment include a crupper, a mask made of skin, trade cloth or canvas, or other face decoration, a scalp hanging, tail tied for war, a hair rope braided into the withers and tied under the neck, bells or beaded anklets while on parade. Woman's Horse: Woman's frame saddle with high front and back or white man's saddle, bridle or rawhide hackamore, breast collar or horse necklace, saddle blanket, saddlebags, cape and quirt. The use of iron bit permitted. Optional equipment include a cradleboard fastened to front of saddle or to rider's back, drinking horn, medicine bag, parfleches (if saddlebags-cape not used) saddlebags, a crupper, a travois, mane decoration or mane cover, a mask of trade cloth or canvas or other face decoration, sometimes gewgaws were tied on the ankles. A woman traditionally carried the man's lance case on her horse in a horse ceremonial. However, most times, it actually didn't have the lance in it. Otherwise the man would store his lance in the case on a tripod outside the teepee. Arena Native American Costume or Historical/Non-Arena: Hackamore bits, mechanical hackamore and wire curbs prohibited equipment. The Warrior Horse: Prohibited equipment no female items such as travois, beaded bags, cornhusk bags, woman's saddle, dance bustle, or fan type feather decoration on tail. Woman's Horse: Prohibited equipment include any male article such as war bridle, weapons, feathered war bonnet. Horses were not painted and not allowed to wear feathers on head or tail.
Extra Credit: Should be given if research or verification is listed with the entry. |
Arena Native American
Costume or Historical/Non-Arena: Warrior (Men's) Costume: Rider: Headdress, choker necklace, arm bands, wide bracelets, breechcloth, leggings, belt with knife and scabbard, quirt, moccasins, face and or body paint of Native American significance. War shirt, braids with decorations, hair ornaments, earrings, breast necklace or breastplate. For a modern period he can also wear a dark shirt - navy, black or maroon with fancy vest and big reservation felt hat. Optional items include war club, a shield, a tomahawk, bow and arrows with or without a case, rifle, powder horn, shot bag, cuffs or gauntlet gloves, sashes, a lance, a banner, a coup stick, a staff, a hand drum, a rattle, a pipe bag, a strike -a - light bag, a feather fan, a flagolet (flute) a mirror board, a drinking horn and a robe. Woman (Ladies) Costume: Rider: Dress of either parade or dance. The basic costume includes a dress of trade cloth or skin, belt, belt pouch, moccasins, leggings, braid decoration, necklace, handbag (cornhusk, beaded, or yarn) shawl or blanket, basket hat or headscarf or headband with or without feather (s). Optional items include awl case, knife, scabbard, personal jewelry, earrings, rings, bracelets, red face paint of silver dollar size on each cheek.
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Parade Costume |
Parade entries are classified
in two ways. Show Parade and Street Parade.Show ParadeA beautiful stylish animal displaying refinement and personality and representing eye-appeal. The show parade horse may be of any color or combination of colors, of any breed or combination of breeds but usually they are of American Saddlebred type and conformation. Tails may be set or braced, manes may be braided with ribbons. A significant exception is the Morgan Parade Class, which bars set or braced tails and ribbons in the mane and tail. Ponies may be shown only by junior exhibitors. Parade Horses are judged on performance, manners, and conformation and then on appointments of horse and rider. Show Parade Horses are shown at an animated walk and a parade gait, defined as a slow, high actioned trot not more than 5 miles an hour. Standing horses are generally shown stretched, although there is no rule to that effect. Excessive speed and bad manners are penalized. Street ParadeStreet Parade entries may portray any entry in a parade event. Horses can be any horse breed or pony or any color. Horses should be clean and well-turned-out, as a parade is a show off event. Horse should demostrate good manners and should be penalized for appearing shy, startled or otherwise behave in a manner which might endanger rider or spectators. Remember parade mounts travel on slick paved roads so no high or fast action. Drill team entries are permitted as are theme-oriented entries. |
Show Parade
Show Parade Horses are shown
at an animated walk and a parade gait, defined as a slow, high actioned trot not more than 5 miles an
hour. Standing horses are generally shown stretched, although there
is no rule to that effect. Excessive speed and bad manners are
penalized. Both manes and tail may be dusted with glitter. Hooves are painted silver or gold or may be covered with glitter. Front hooves are often built up as on a three-gaited horse. Morgans maximum hoof length is 5 and 3/4" including the pads and the shoe. Street Parade Any safe slow gait may be used but should be appropriate to the costume used. Remember parade mounts travel on slick paved roads so no high or fast action. |
Show ParadeStock saddle with silver, Mexican or other appropriate equipments. A saddle-type horse carrying silver-mounted tack, often with a crupper consisting of either silver mounted leather hip drops or a decorated fabric serape. Breastplates are heavily silver mounted, bridle usually includes a chain and silver face plate. Reins may be split or rein and romal, both silver mounted. A striped "corona" or saddle pad; most often red and white or black and white is used. Mane braids include colorful or metallic ribbons with butterflies and or flowers, tails may be decorated with flowers. Show ParadeForbidden tack: tie-downs, martingales, draw reins, boots or other appliances. The leg wraps or bandages common in street parade outfits and drill team attire are not permitted in show parade classes and are grounds for disqualification. Street Parade Western or Mexican equipment is customary, usually silver-mounted, English tack is permitted if appropriate to the entry. Any bit, any style reins and any accessory is permitted, including breastplates, martingales/tie-downs, serapes, tapaderos, etc. Standard girth and curb chain or strap as appropriate for the bit used must be included. A stock saddle with silver mounting (gold-washed also seen), western bridle with silver, other decorations. Some paraders may have parade saddles and tack, while others will use their regular equipment with added embellishments such as colored leg wraps, flowers, fringe, colorful fabric serapes or hip drapes, etc. |
Show ParadeRiders shall wear attire that is both colorful and typical of the Old West, of American, Mexican or Spanish origin, consisting of fancy cowboy suit, hat and boots. Spurs guns, serapes, tapaderos, and breastplates; etc are optional. Street Parade Riders may wear parade-class attire or" special occasion" western wear, hats are customary. |
|
Other Real Costume |
Other costumes such as Circus, Period costumes that don't have their own classes, historical tack (example: early sidesaddles, cavalry, Celtic, etc) etc. Extra credit given for research and verification/documentation. Remember all costumes need a cinch, stirrups, and bridle or some other means of controlling the horse. | |||
|
Fun/Fantasy Costume (Anything Goes) |
What ever your imagination comes up with that doesn't fit in the classes listed above. Cinches, stirrups, etc not required. | |||
Class DescriptionsHarness(Vehicle NOT required but traces should look like they are attached to a wagon out of the photo frame.)
How to Measure and Fit a Harness Measure and Fit Buggy Harness and Cart Names of Standard Team Harness Parts Names of Single Buggy Harness Parts
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||||
Event |
Description |
Gaits, Movements and Patterns | Tack and Props | Doll (If Used) |
|
Draft Harness |
Open to Heavy draft horses and
other breeds that are shown in a full draft style collar (like
Fjords, Haflingers, Draft Mules) May be hooked to cart or wagon in
singles, Team ( 2 horses) Unicorn (3 horse) Pairs (4 horse) Four-Up
and Six-Up Hitches. Judged on manners, obedience and should walk
energetically, but calmly and perform with even and moderate gaits.
A flat-walk, active trot, teams should balance and ability to work
together. Turn out of horse is rolled tails and braided manes,
ornaments of ribbons, poms and flowers are often used.
|
Perform with even and moderate gaits such as a flat-walk and active trot. |
Required harness equipment:
Scotch-peaks collar with hames are preferred BUT NOT required (AHSA
Rules), traces, girth pad with loops, backstrap, breeching (for a
shaft vehicle and for the wheelers of a hitch). A bridle with
blinkers, driving bit and lines, Liverpool, Buxton, and Elbows used
as Draft show-harness require a curb chain. A show harness is
required in all AHSA classes except Farm Team. Single harness horses
may show with either breeching or cart harness with crupper.
Brasses to be found at the face, blinkers, chest, back (kidney flap) and trace carrier at the breeching, sometimes they appear on the collar peak. Crupper is used if there is some type of breeching otherwise it should be omitted. Side checks of chain or leather are common, they fasten at the cheek ring or sometimes to the bit (for more control over green or active horse). Over checks are in current fashion in addition to more usual side checks. The trace ends with a chain link hooked onto to vehicle. Don't be fooled by: Snaffle bits, flanks straps for single horse (for wheelers on a multi hitch) Bells are not used on modern draft harness. Two hip straps are unusual but they do appear especially in Russian and Fancy harness of foreign countries. Extra Credit Given: Matching color schemes, carried out with ribbons, clothles, vehicle colors, felt pads under harness saddle or collar. |
Clothes should be neat; with a jacket and slacks or suit for men and long dress, slack suit, dress suit, dress or blouse and skirt for ladies. Bare shoulders are considered inappropriate. Whip, hats, gloves, aprons and lap robes optional for both sexes. One attendant is required for a pair, a tandem, unicorn, or a team of 4 or 6 and is optional for single horse. At least 1 person may stand at the head of any single or hitch. They are required to stand 2 paces from the horse's head and must be attired with the standard dress code. |
|
Work Harness |
Any draft harness horse team or single that work in harness for a living as opposed to show-ring harness. Entries are shown in all manner of work but not using the Scotch Peaked Collar. Includes but not restricted to: Farm teams, Farm Mules, Plow Horses, Logging, Circus Baggage Stock, Street Vendors, Central Park Vis a Vis, Ice Wagons, Military Service, and Stage Coaches. | Entries are shown in all manner of work but not using the Scotch Peaked Collar. Farm harness is very versatile and can have New England style breeching or crupperless mule harness. Entrants are encouraged to document unusual harness styles and performances. Historical entries are encouraged. | Collar harness or breast collar, girth, backstrap, traces, breeching (for shaft vehicle and for wheelers of a hitch). A Bridle with blinkers, snaffle or driving bit and driving lines (usually brown in color regardless of harness color due to sweat from driver's hands and discoloration of leather dye) | |
|
Pleasure Harness |
All breeds are eligible and
can be exhibited as a show ring, street scene or field entry. All
vehicles are permitted Single horse or any combination of hitch
allowed. If a hitch is used the horses should be well matched in
breeding and action (not matching in color) and should move in
unison. Full collar or breast collar harness is permitted in
multiple hitches. Braided manes are allowed. Fancy etched buckles
are used on historic harness by the wealthy and royalty. Types: Show Arena A pleasure driving horse should carry himself in a natural balanced position with a relaxed head and neck. His poll should be level with, or slightly above the level of the withers. Pleasure Class Variation: Vintage Carriage Harness: All breeds are eligible. All vehicles are permitted Single horse or any combination of hitch allowed. If a hitch is used the horses should be well matched in breeding and action (not matching in color) and should move in unison. Full collar or breatcollar harness is permitted in multiple hitches. Braided manes are allowed. Fancy etched buckles are used on historic harness by the wealthy and royalty. |
Pleasure Class Horses shall enter the ring
to the right at a normal trot. Each horse shall then be exhibited at
the following gaits: |
If your photo is in a Show Ring setting, an arena fence and comment
line is needed. Breast collar, traces, pads with turrets, backstrap, shaft loops and girth, bridle with throatlatch and browband and lines. Style of harness is open and varied. Over checks is used should not interfere with the horse's head set. Horses shown in a snaffle may use a running martingale. Four wheeled (wooden) cart or two wheeled (wooden or wire cart) suited to the breed of the horse. Breast collar harness used with a lighter vehicle, full collar used with a heavier vehicle. Breeching should be used with a Meadowbrook cart. (Saddlebreds to be shown only hitched to a two wheeled jog cart. Driver to dress conservatively and horses shown at the walk, trot and extended trot only.) Boots of any kind. Artificial tail sets. Look For: Blinkers on the bridle, breeching, crupper, noseband. Hanress hardware all the same color. Passengers and or grooms in the vehicle. Overcheek or sidecheek. Points off for: Flank straps (not needed for a single horse) and different colored buckles from the color of the bit. Pleasure Class
Equipment to be used shall
include a whip suitable to the cart, light horse breast collar
harness to include surcingle with shaft tie
downs or quick hitch and crupper and standard bridle with acceptable
snaffle or curb bit. If a curb bit is used, the chain must be at
least one-half inch in width, must be flat against the jaw of the
horse and must meet with the judge's approval. Judge to inspect
equipment and vehicle prior to entering the arena. Judge must
disqualify unsafe (broken or damaged) harness or vehicle. Vintage Carriage Harness: Breatcollar, traces, pads with terrets, backstrap, shaft loops and girth, bridle with throatlatch and browbands and lines. Style of harness is open and varied. Overcheeks is used should not interefer with the horse's head set. Horses shown in a snaffle may use a running martingale. Look For: Blinkers on the bridle, breeching, crupper, noseband. Hanress hardware all the same color. Passengers and or grooms in the vehicle. Overcheek or sidecheek. Points off for: Flank straps (not needed for a single horse) and different colored buckles from the color of the bit. Vehicle include but not limited to: Phaetons, Victorias, Meadowbrooks, Road Coach, and Queen Ann Carriage. |
Clothes should be neat; with a
jacket and slacks or suit for men and long dress, slack suit, dress
suit, dress or blouse and skirt for ladies. Bare shoulders are
considered inappropriate. Whip, hats, gloves, aprons and lap robes
optional for both sexes.
Vintage Carriage Harness: Clothes should be neat; with a jacket and slacks or suit for men and long dress, slack suit, dress suit, dress or blouse and skirt for ladies. Bare shoulders are considered inappropriate. Whip, hats, gloves, aprons and lap robes optional for both sexes. |
|
Fine/Park Harness |
Fine Harness showcases elegance, animation, high action of gaits and light breeds. |
Gaits used are walk, trot, "show your horse" strong trot. At the trot horse's knees should reach or break level (level is considered when the forearm is parallel to the ground.) no other gaits permitted. |
Narrow breast collar, single
neckstrap and traces, a small pad with turrets and cheek hook, shaft
loops with over girth or French tugs, backstrap and crupper,
blinkered bridle, snaffle bit, over cheek or side check and lines.
Breeching is not used. The harness is made to be as fine and
unobtrusive as possible, as is the vehicle. Check different breeds
below for variations. Typical includes 4 wheel fine harness buggy (side-bar buggy or road wagon), wire wheels and shallow flat body; the viceroy, a smaller vehicle with 4 wire wheels and a curved frame, used with ponies and "bikes" or wire wheeled carts with a basket or other lining for the driver's feet and two wheels; painted finish or wood varnished. Saddlebreds, Morgans and Arabs are used with 4 wheel carts or 2 wheeled bikes and ponies are used with viceroys or bikes. Breeching on the harness, martingale used with a Liverpool bit, inappropriate vehicle for the breed shown. Boots on any breed except Saddlebred. Look for: Running martingales are typical. Browband, noseband and pad are often decorated with a fine line of color. The overcheek bit is separate, sidecheek bit is optionally separate. Color of harness hardware often matches the vehicle trim. Rolled patent leather elements on the harness, handloops at the end of reins. Breed Variations: Arab, Anglo-Arab: Must show with a 4 wheelcart. Hackney Horse/Pony: Shown with a viceroy or side-wheel cart; must shown in a sidecheek with a Liverpool bit set at the halfcheek. Morgan: Shown with a full mane and natural tail, no ribbons or boots,. May be shown in a Liverpool bit with a sidecheck (if cdriven in the half cheek) but no running martingale. Horse must be shown with a 4-wheel cart. Saddlebreds: Shown with a full mane and set or unset tail, braided ribbons in the forelock and top of the mane. Quarter boots or bell boots are also used on the front legs. Saddlebreds are shown at the walk and the trot; they do not rack under harness. Vehicle is usually a small buggy with 4 wire wheels but without top. Shetland Ponies: Shown with a sidecheck. High tail cruppers permitted. Shown without a martingale or boots, blinkers are round. Pony used with a viceroy. |
Only one person to the cart. Clothes should be neat. A man wears conservative saddle suit without a lap robe, hat, whip with a short lash and gloves. Ladies may wear a saddle suit or a long dress, evening attire for both sexes is formal use and skirt for ladies. Bare shoulders are considered inappropriate. One person may stand at the head while in the lineup but must stand 2 paces from the horse's head and must be attired with the standard dress code. |
|
Driving Competition/Competitive Driving (Dressage Driving, Marathon Driving and Obstacle Driving) |
Is made of up three driving
disciplines. Dressage Driving, Marathon Driving and Obstacle
Driving. Entrants can drive either ponies, horse or light draft,
rarely heavy draft horses are used. Horses are shown as singles,
pairs, tandems, or as a four in hand.
Dressage DrivingThe emphasis is based on the evenness of pace, collection, good impulsion and correct positioning while performing a dressage test driving pattern. The competition is held in a dressage arena similar to riding arena and with low fence rails, flower/decorations and letters. The event is not timed but judged on accuracy.Marathon DrivingA kin to cross country riding this performance is a test of stamina and fitness of the horse. Obstacle Driving:Obstacle driving is equated to show jumping in that it tests the horse's fitness, obedience, and suppleness after finishing the marathon phrase. This in not a timed event but judged on accuracy. |
Gaits used during the dressage
test are: halt, walk, collected trot, working trot, extended trot,
and rein back. Canter is not acceptable.
Dressage Driving Tests:
Marathon Driving The test is made up of five different sections and designated gates: A free; B walk; C trot; D walk; E trot. Hazards (E) seems to be the favorite among model horse exhibitors. It has eight hazards made from natural terrain, hills, sharp turns, water, trees, and man made obstacles. The hazards are sturdy, non movable, and made of natural materials like wood planks and telephone poles. Each hazard has a number (#1 through #8) and each gate within the hazard has a letter (A, B, C...) Gates are pairs of red and white leathered markers (red on right) Each gate must be "cleared" in alphabetical order. No gate may be driven through in either direction unless already cleared. The horses are timed upon entry into the penalty zones around each hazard and until exiting the penalty zone after completion of the gates. Gaits are restricted to walk and trot in section A-D; section E is a trot except within a hazard, where any gait is acceptable (including a canter) in order to complete the hazard within the 5 minute time limit. Obstacle Driving:
It is done in an arena silghtly larger than the dressage ring with only sandy or grass footing. It is judged on faults, in this case balls are placed on the top of standard orange traffic cones and if the entry knocks off the ball while passing the come it is a fault. The balls are standard tennis balls or sometimes blocks of wood are used. Each obstacle is numbered with a pair of red and white markers (red on right). If the obstacle is a multiple one, having up to three sections, each section should be lettered (A, B, C..) with a red A on the right and a white marker placed to the left of the marker's cone. A multiple obstacle may be L or U shaped made of jump crossrails, a serpentine or zig-zag of cones, or a low wooden bridge with cones marking the entry and the exit. Gaits are trotting at a reasonaly fast pace is usual for the cones phase. A few canter srides may be permitted. |
3 photos
needed, one photo for each: Dressage Driving, Marathon Driving
and Obstacle Driving with appropriate tack and props.
Dressage Driving The harness can be either breast collar or full collar, matching to the vehicle. Black harness for dark or black trimmed vehicle and dark brown or russet for natural wood vehicles. Side checks are allowed. Breeching is optional. Harness must have blinkered bridle with noseband, collar or breastplate, shaftwraps or tugs and crupper. Brass hardware is preferred over stainless steel or silver. Standard bits used are Liverpool with curb chain; elbow bit; half-cheek snaffle; and sometimes others. Traces may be buckled or sewn down. The traces should run between the shaftwrap/tugs and the horse's body, then through the breeching strap. The breastplate should be at or just above the horse's point of the shoulder but not too high as to the press against the horse's windpipe. If breeching is used, it should hang level just below the rounded part of the horse's rump. It must not hang loose.
Single horses are hitched to either a two wheeled Meadowbrook or a road cart. Formal four wheel vehicles are acceptable if not too large for the single horse to pull if it and it appears he can really pull it. Formal four wheeled vehicles are normally pulled by pairs, four in hand and tandems. Styles may vary and can include phaetons and wagonettes. If the harness does not have a breeching the vehicle must have a brake. The four wheeled vehicle must have carriage lamps and rear lights or reflectors. Pneumatic tires are not permissible except at training level.
Extra Credit: Carrying a spares kit, complete with hoof pick, hole punch, trace and rein splices, and a knife. Braided manes with loose tails, harness number and wagon number, crocheted ear net.
Marathon Driving Usually black harness of sturdy construction with a breastcollar and breeching is usually seen. The hardware may be brass or stainless steel. The bridle should have blinkers and brown or half brown reins. A noseband of any type is required. Pads under the breeching, breastcollar and or backpad are acceptable. Any form of leg protection (boots, bandages) and tail wraps are accpetable. Liverpool bits with a curb chain are customary, but other bits (butterfly, half cheek snaffle, elbow, wilson) are acceptable. Buckled on traces are preferred but not required. Extra Credit: Placing a referee next to driver, a groom on the back (leaning with weight of vehicle in a turn a real plus!) Safely vest or helmets. Number on the harness and the vehicle. "Greased" legs and chest of horse to prevent "hang ups." Leg protection. Written course illustrations shown hazards and gates. Using a "knock down" within a hazard. Carrying a spares kit
Obstacle Driving:
Similar to that in dressage or either breast collar or full collar style. Must be uniform in appearance if two or more horses are used. Conservative leg protection is allowed.
Extra Credit: When using a bridge having fan-shaped wings at the entrance. Numbers on harness and vehicle. Showing multiple cone obstacles marked correctly. Cone courses sketched out or attached. Crocheted ear net.
Dressage Driving
Check reins are not allowed. Things to Look for: Head carriage set to high or too low. Protective leg equipment of any type is forbidden. Horses working in unison. Harness hitched with no bridle, martingales of any type attached to bridle or reins and cantering horses are all faults. "Presentation" may be put in the division and is not really a "working" part of the test but a preliminary section of the test where the entry is judged on correctness of the attire of the driver, cleaniness/neatness of entry, and uniformity and fit of hanress and vehicle. Marathon Driving Faults are not having at least one lettered gate in a hazard. Horse(s) not hitched properly. Gates not wide enough for a vehicle to pass thorugh. Flimsy vehicle or harness, no whip in driver's hand especially when negotiating the penalty zone of a hazard. Horses wearing check reins. Obstacle Driving: Either a two wheeled or four wheeled is allowed, similar to dressage vehicles; slightly less formal styles are permitted as well. Carriage lamps and reflectors are not required. Wire wheels prohibited except at reining level. Look for: Knocking down balls or rails. Horses showing too much resistance or disobedience. Vehicle or horse placed to close to obstacle so that a knock down will occur. |
Dressage Driving Drivers are dressed in formal attire (dark suit or dress), gloves, hat, driving apron and must carry a whip at all times. Whip must be long enough to reach all four horses at their shoulders. A driver sits on the right side of either the two or four wheeled vehicle. A groom can accompany the driver if a four wheeled vehicle and sits behind the driver. Marathon Driving Optional clothing suitable for the outdoors. Helmet is not required but advisable. Must be carrying a whip and the reins. May be seated on the right with optional referee on the left and must have a groom/assistant standing on t he back of the vehicle. Obstacle Driving: May be formally dressed as in the dressage phase. Should be carrying a whip and holding the reins. A groom may be seated behind the driver in a two wheeled vehicle and next to driver in a single seat. Driver is always on the right and a groom may not assist the driver. |
|
Other Harness - Putting-To Class |
This class is designed to test the
skills and efficiency of the
The unhitching/hitching box is marked off with lime, chalk,
sawdust or other appropriate
* The Hostler may not enter the
arena until the coach is completely within the unhitching
The horses are unhitched by the driver, groom(s) and hostler.
When the horses are rehitched and the driver in place, the
passengers and grooms
The driver is in place only after reassuming his/her place on the
box, properly attired, with
lines and whip completely in hand.
Passengers may not assist in any way. They must dismount before
any unhitching may
begin and must remount only after the driver is in place. Grooms must remain in complete livery when unhitching/rehitching. The judge may inspect the turnout to be sure the horses have been rehitched properly. |
Sequence to Unhitch/Hitch - Four-In-Hand/Unicorn
Sequence to Unhitch/Hitch - Pair
Sequence to Unhitch/Hitch - Tandem
Sequence to Unhitch/Hitch - Single |
Penalties
4. Unfastening any part of harness before vehicle is stopped and
passengers are
|
Varies with different harness types. |
| Other Harness - Pleasure Marathon |
A kin to cross country
riding this performance is a test of stamina and fitness of the
horse. Drivers are
encouraged to carry a groom/navigator who may assist in pointing out
the route, but may
The judge may, at his discretion, appoint assistants to be placed
at strategic spots on the
Rules of the road must be
obeyed, unless a uniformed police officer directs otherwise. Fitness
may be checked at the
conclusion of the drive by a vet or, in his absence, by the judge
and may be considered
accordingly. Variations:
Pleasure Marathon - Timed
Allow the driver to compete against ideal time at both
the walk and the trot in
a setting similar to that of a combined driving marathon. Simulated
obstacles, not timed,
may be added.
|
The drivers
are given the opportunity to turn out in their finest
while competing in a
The recommended gait is a trot, but the competitor may walk at his pleasure. Cantering is not permitted. 1. Marathon courses must be carefully measured and the times
accurately calculated. Variations:
Pleasure Marathon - Timed To be driven over a prescribed, measured course of any length
(suggested length 3-6 Pleasure Marathon - Pace To be driven over a marked course of any length (suggested length
3-6 miles or 5-10 km). |
Sample
Spares and appointments
must be carried on |
Optional clothing suitable for the outdoors. Helmet is not required but advisable. Must be carrying a whip and the reins. May be seated on the right with optional referee on the left and must have a groom/assistant standing on t he back of the vehicle |
| Other Harness - Obstacle Driving - Cross-Country |
To be driven over a prescribed course of natural and artificial
obstacles designed to
simulate those that might be encountered on a country drive (i.e.
bridges, water, log pile,
farm animal pens, etc.) Obstacles should be designed to be easily
driven and are not to
simulate Combined Driving Obstacles. Obstacles must be clearly
numbered.
The suggested length of course is approximately 1 kilometer or .6
miles. The suggested
time allowed should be calculated based on a speed of 12-14 kph
(7.2-8.4 mph).
After passing through the starting line, the driver shall proceed
through each obstacle, in
order, keeping within the limits of the designated course markers
and passing through the
designated finish markers. Placings will be determined on a low fault basis. Time faults and course faults are added together for a total score. Time will decide ties. If a tie occurs in both faults and time for first place, the winner will be decided by a drive-off. |
To be driven over a prescribed course of natural and artificial obstacles designed to simulate those that might be encountered on a country drive (i.e. bridges, water, log pile, farm animal pens, etc.) Obstacles should be designed to be easily driven and are not to simulate Combined Driving Obstacles. Obstacles must be clearly numbered. | May be formally dressed as in the dressage phase. Should be carrying a whip and holding the reins. A groom may be seated behind the driver in a two wheeled vehicle and next to driver in a single seat. Driver is always on the right and a groom may not assist the driver. | |
| Other Harness - Obstacle Driving - Pick Your Route |
To be driven over a course of obstacles (paired markers) with no
set route. The number of
obstacles to be proportionate to the dimensions of the driving area.
Not to exceed 20
obstacles.
Typically obstacles in this type of class are not measured for
each entry, but are set at 2.5
After passing the starting line, the driver shall proceed through
each obstacle to the
designated finish line, choosing his own route. Each obstacle is to
be negotiated once and
only once, but may be approached from either direction. |
It is done in an arena silghtly larger than the dressage ring with only sandy or grass footing. It is judged on faults, in this case balls are placed on the top of standard orange traffic cones and if the entry knocks off the ball while passing the come it is a fault. The balls are standard tennis balls or sometimes blocks of wood are used. Each obstacle is numbered with a pair of red and white markers (red on right). If the obstacle is a multiple one, having up to three sections, each section should be lettered (A, B, C..) with a red A on the right and a white marker placed to the left of the marker's cone. A multiple obstacle may be L or U shaped made of jump crossrails, a serpentine or zig-zag of cones, or a low wooden bridge with cones marking the entry and the exit. Gaits are trotting at a reasonaly fast pace is usual for the cones phase. A few canter srides may be permitted. | May be formally dressed as in the dressage phase. Should be carrying a whip and holding the reins. A groom may be seated behind the driver in a two wheeled vehicle and next to driver in a single seat. Driver is always on the right and a groom may not assist the driver. | |
| Other Harness - Obstacle Driving - Double Jeopardy |
To be driven over a prescribed course of obstacles (paired
markers) by an entry
consisting of horse(s), vehicle and two drivers. 8-10 obstacles are
recommended as a
course length, but the number can be adjusted to be proportionate to
the dimensions of the
driving area.
After passing the starting line, the first driver shall proceed
through each obstacle to the
designated finish line. At this point, the reins are passed to the
second driver who must
drive the course in reverse order. |
It is done in an arena silghtly larger than the dressage ring with only sandy or grass footing. It is judged on faults, in this case balls are placed on the top of standard orange traffic cones and if the entry knocks off the ball while passing the come it is a fault. The balls are standard tennis balls or sometimes blocks of wood are used. Each obstacle is numbered with a pair of red and white markers (red on right). If the obstacle is a multiple one, having up to three sections, each section should be lettered (A, B, C..) with a red A on the right and a white marker placed to the left of the marker's cone. A multiple obstacle may be L or U shaped made of jump crossrails, a serpentine or zig-zag of cones, or a low wooden bridge with cones marking the entry and the exit. Gaits are trotting at a reasonaly fast pace is usual for the cones phase. A few canter srides may be permitted. | May be formally dressed as in the dressage phase. Should be carrying a whip and holding the reins. A groom may be seated behind the driver in a two wheeled vehicle and next to driver in a single seat. Driver is always on the right and a groom may not assist the driver. | |
| Other Harness - Obstacle Driving - Fault and Out |
To be driven and timed over a course of numbered obstacles.
If all the obstacles are completed before the lapse of the
allowed time, the competitor
shall start around the course again, but is not required to pass
through the starting markers
again.
A disobedience (refusal, run-out, circle) will be scored as a
dislodgment of the obstacle at |
It is done in an arena silghtly larger than the dressage ring with only sandy or grass footing. It is judged on faults, in this case balls are placed on the top of standard orange traffic cones and if the entry knocks off the ball while passing the come it is a fault. The balls are standard tennis balls or sometimes blocks of wood are used. Each obstacle is numbered with a pair of red and white markers (red on right). If the obstacle is a multiple one, having up to three sections, each section should be lettered (A, B, C..) with a red A on the right and a white marker placed to the left of the marker's cone. A multiple obstacle may be L or U shaped made of jump crossrails, a serpentine or zig-zag of cones, or a low wooden bridge with cones marking the entry and the exit. Gaits are trotting at a reasonaly fast pace is usual for the cones phase. A few canter srides may be permitted. | May be formally dressed as in the dressage phase. Should be carrying a whip and holding the reins. A groom may be seated behind the driver in a two wheeled vehicle and next to driver in a single seat. Driver is always on the right and a groom may not assist the driver. | |
| Other Harness - Obstacle Driving - Progressive |
To be driven at the trot with a set time over a course of six
numbered obstacle which will
be adjusted to the following clearances: #1 - 20”, #2 -16”, #3 -12”,
#4 - 8”, #5 - 4”, #6 - 2”.
In Progressive Obstacles, walking by any or all horses in the
entry constitutes a break in
|
To be driven at the trot with a set time over a course of six numbered obstacle which will be adjusted to the following clearances: #1 - 20”, #2 -16”, #3 -12”, #4 - 8”, #5 - 4”, #6 - 2”. | May be formally dressed as in the dressage phase. Should be carrying a whip and holding the reins. A groom may be seated behind the driver in a two wheeled vehicle and next to driver in a single seat. Driver is always on the right and a groom may not assist the driver. | |
| Other Harness - Obstacle Driving - Gambler's Choice |
To be driven over a course of unnumbered obstacles each carrying
a specific point value. |
It is done in an arena silghtly larger than the dressage ring with only sandy or grass footing. Balls are placed on the top of standard orange traffic cones and if the entry knocks off the ball while passing the come it is considered "disturbed". The balls are standard tennis balls or sometimes blocks of wood are used. . If the obstacle is a multiple one, having up to three sections, each section should be lettered (A, B, C..) with a red A on the right and a white marker placed to the left of the marker's cone. A multiple obstacle may be L or U shaped made of jump crossrails, a serpentine or zig-zag of cones, or a low wooden bridge with cones marking the entry and the exit. Gaits are trotting at a reasonaly fast pace is usual for the cones phase. A few canter srides may be permitted. | May be formally dressed as in the dressage phase. Should be carrying a whip and holding the reins. A groom may be seated behind the driver in a two wheeled vehicle and next to driver in a single seat. Driver is always on the right and a groom may not assist the driver. | |
| Other Harness - Pleasure Driving - Reinsmanship. |
A pleasure driving
class in which |
To be shown at a walk, slow trot, working trot and
strong trot. Drivers shall be required to rein back. All drivers
chosen for a workout may be worked at any gait requested by the judge and may be asked to execute a figure of eight and/or perform other appropriate tests. |
Clothes should be neat; with a jacket and slacks or suit for men and long dress, slack suit, dress suit, dress or blouse and skirt for ladies. Bare shoulders are considered inappropriate. Whip, hats, gloves, aprons and lap robes optional for both sexes. | |
| Other Harness - Miscellaneous |
A chuckwagon race will consist of two to
four wagons, with two to four outriders per wagon. An individual chuckwagon race is referred to as a HEAT. Each wagon will start on the right side of its starting barrel, with the hub of the real wheels in line with any part of the barrel closest to the racetrack (Bottom barrel). A gun or horn (Klaxon) is used as a starting signal for a chuckwagon race. When a race has been started, outriders must load the stove and the tent poles into the back of the wagon. Each wagon must cut a figure 8 pattern around their respective barrels only. Outriders must cut a figure 8 pattern around their respective barrels only. Chuckwagons and outriders then run around the racetrack in a counter clockwise direction. A chuckwagon’s RUNNING TIME will be determined when the nose of its first horse crosses the finish line. Each outrider must finish within 150 feet of its wagon or they will be determined LATE. A chuckwagon’s TOTAL TIME will be determined by adding its RUNNING TIME to any PENALTIES it may have incurred during the course of the race. |
Chuck Wagon Team Harness | ||
Class DescriptionsHead Study |
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Event |
Description |
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Head Study - All Breed Classes |
This class is to show off your
model's photogenic qualities of the head, throat latch and neck. The
desired photo should show a close up of the horse's head and neck
and "not" extend into the horse's shoulder. The top of withers
should not be visible, nor the topline of the back or any part of
the horse's chest. Only the first 50% of shoulder can be in the
picture (Imagine an "x" in the center of the shoulder of the horse
and do not include the back portion of the "x". The eye should be
clearly visible with no shadow cast upon it or the horse's face For models that are hard to photograph the head without getting too much of the shoulder/back/chest, etc in the photos, here is a trick: Photograph the horse using pieces of cloth or paper the same color as your background to cover up the parts of the horse that should not be in the photo. |
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Class DescriptionsMiscellaneous Events |
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Event |
Description |
Tack and Props | Doll (If Used) | |
|
Liberty Performance |
Liberty is a class that was
designed to demonstrate the natural beauty of the horse
when it is free of any restraints. The horse is judged by it's
natural style, grace, action, spirit, and ease of catching. The
liberty horse is judged on its trot and canter, but any bucking
certainly adds to the performance! Essentially, the horse is led
into the ring alone by its handler and the handler's assistant.
At
NO TIME is the assistant ever allowed to touch the horse. The
exhibitor waits until their selected music starts, and the halter is
slipped from the horse's head. At that time, both the exhibitor and
assistant encourage the horse to trot and canter and are allowed to
use either whips or shaker bottles. At no time is the horse allowed
to be touched when it is running free, even by the tip of the whip.
Also, if the horse falls, the entry is disqualified. After
one-and-one-half minutes of music, the music is stopped, and the
exhibitor must then catch the horse and re-halter it within two
minutes or be disqualified. Horses must be at least one year old to
compete The ideal liberty horse is one that likes to show off... they have spunk and attitude. When turned loose normally, the horse enjoys bucking, leaping, and flag their tails in the air. The horse must also posses a powerful trot and canter with smooth, floating gaits. The horse must be self-confident enough to run around a strange arena, and use the whole arena space. The horse must also be easily caught! When showing the horse at liberty, it helps to have good "chasing" techniques. A shaker bottle may be used. To make a shaker bottle, you can use anything from coffee cans to soda bottles, and simply fill with marbles or small rocks. Others use whips, which can be altered by tying some sort of "flag" to the whip's lash. They do work well as they are obvious to the horse. It helps if the assistant and the exhibitor are used to chasing horses, and can read the horse's body language. They must know if the horse is going to stop, slow down, change directions, or even roll! Some horses are so tired of being clean at the show they just can't resist rolling in the dirt! It is important to make the horse show trotting and cantering... to get a horse to slow from a canter to a trot try reversing their direction. This can take practice and teamwork. |
Either whips or shaker bottle can be used. | Usually wear black pants with a ling sleeved white shirt. | |
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Racing/Training |
Flat racing (dirt or turf), steeplechase, harness racing, chariot racing, ridden trotter, training for any type of racing (morning work out, etc), winner's circle, breaking out of the starting gate/crossing finish line, etc. | Varies depending upon type of race, workout or scene. | Varies depending upon type of race, workout or scene. | |
|
Bronc Riding |
Saddle Bronc
Modern saddle bronc riding
is much the same with only a few modifications, mainly in equipment.
Saddle Bronc saddles are lightweight and have no saddle horn. Along
with the bronc saddle the cowboys use a long thick rein, known as a
hack rein, attached to a halter on the horses head. In contrast to
the bareback and bull riding, saddle bronc riding relies less on
strength and more on timing, finesse and skill. It's a very hard
event to master. Cowboys are judged on control, spur motion, and timing. Saddle broncs are judged on their bucking ability. Bareback Bronc
To stay aboard the horse,
a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to
meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a
suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse's withers and
secured with a cinch.
Saddle bronc and bareback riders dismount with the help of a pick-up man who rides up on a horse and helps them to the ground. Saddle bronc riding often appears effortless because of the enormous skill of the cowboys competing in the event. Judges score the horse's bucking action, the cowboy's control of the horse and the cowboy's spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse's shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort. |
State whether saddle or bareback. | Blue jeans, long sleeved shirt, chaps, spurs, protective vest and hats. | |
| At Pasture | Group photoa allowed. Horse(s) need to be "contained" within some type of enclosure whether it's a paddock, pasture, back yard, etc. The idea is to show a domestic horse doing it's thing at leisure (running the fence, playing with other horses/animals, being with it's owner, etc.) No performance class Liberty pictures. | |||
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In The Wild |
Group photoa allowed. Horse(s) need to be "wild". Please choose your backgrounds carefully! The idea is to show a wild horse doing it's thing (running across the prairie, at the water hole, protecting the herd, avoiding the roundup, etc.) No performance class Liberty pictures. | |||
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Scene – Real |
Scene set ups such as Indian Camp, Checking The Fence, Camping, Branding Day, Christmas, Ride On The Trail With The Dogs, Stuck In A Blizzard, etc. Be creative, as long as it's "real" and doesn't have it's own class it's usually fair game! | |||
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Scene - Fun/Fantasy |
Scene set ups such as Fairy With Unicorn, Armageddon, Pegasus And Trainer, Horse Dressed As Santa, etc. Let your imagination run wild! | |||
| Links | ||||
| American Indian Horse Show Rules | AQHA Rulebook | |||
| British Show Jumping Association | ||||
| Eastern Ontario Team Penning Association | ||||
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Make your Dressage, Cross Country or Show Jumping Entry Look Correct |
International Sidesaddle Federation | |||
| National Reining Horse Association | ||||
| United States Pony Club Mounted Games Page | ||||
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