HORSE SHOW RULES & REGULATIONS

Transcription

1 HORSE SHOW RULES & REGULATIONS Florida 4-H Area and State Horse Show Official Rules: Contest Rules, Regulations and Procedures are the official rules for this show and will apply to all classes. The Horse Show Committee and Suwannee River Fair (SRF) Board of Directors have the option of applying any additional rules and classes to meet SRF regulations. The complete Florida 4-H Area and State Horse Show Official Rules are available at your local County Extension Office or a copy can be obtained at The following are Suwannee River Fair Horse Show specific rules and excerpts from the Florida 4-H Area and State Horse Show Official Rules: 1. It is the responsibility of the contestant and their parent or guardian to check horse show entries to assure they are correctly filled out, especially the names and numbers of the classes entered. NO CLASS MAY BE ADDED AND NO CLASS CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED. No post-entries will be accepted. No refunds will be made after the entry deadline. 2. THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CLASSES A CONTESTANT MAY ENTER IS 5. If entering 5 classes 1 MUST BE SHOWMANSHIP; otherwise the maximum number of classes is 4. Contestant may enter only 1 HALTER CLASS and 1 SHOWMANSHIP CLASS. An exhibitor may show only one horse. More than 1 rider may exhibit a horse. When 2 people ride the same horse, the maximum number of classes for that HORSE is 6 and under no circumstance will a horse be allowed to compete in any class twice or run any timed pattern twice. 3. All exhibitors are REQUIRED to wear an SEI or SEI/ASTM approved safety equestrian helmet with fastened chin harness in all classes and all warm-up and makeup areas. Additionally, appropriate footwear and approved helmets must be worn, with harness fastened, at all times when mounted. This pertains to the entire show grounds from the time of arrival until departure. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. (SEI - Safety Equipment Institute, ASTM - American Society of Testing and Measures) (Adopted By Suwannee River Fair Board of Directors 16 July 2007). 4. The P.A. system is used to help the show move as smoothly as possible, but is only a courtesy. It is the responsibility of the contestants to know when they are required to be in the make-up area or arena. Not hearing or understanding gate calls, etc. is NOT an excuse for missing one s order of work, heat, or class. 5. Contestant numbers shall be worn on the exhibitor s back. 6. Stallions and Dogs are NOT permitted on the grounds. 7. The Horse Show Committee reserves the right to combine, split, or cancel any class(es). 8. The SRF and Livestock Association, County 4-H Clubs, County Extension Services, and Horse Show Committee members and volunteers will not be held responsible for any accident, incident or loss that may occur to any animal, person or property, nor damage to any vehicle. (SRF) 9. The Horse Show will be an open horse show or a show without riding style divisions. 43

2 Western, English (Saddle and Hunt Seat) and Timed Gymkhana classes will be offered and a contestant may choose any combination of classes that fit their riding abilities. The show will be divided by age into Junior and the Senior Divisions with a Grand and Reserve Championship awarded in each age division. (SRF) CHECK-IN PROCEDURES FOR PARTICIPANTS AND HORSES 1. Current (within 12 months) Negative Coggins on project horse required for entry on to fairgrounds. An inspector must visually check horse, for any signs of contagious or infectious disease before the animal is allowed to enter SRF grounds. (SRF) 2. Turn-in Completed Horse Project Summary. (SRF) ELIGIBILITY OF PARTICIPANTS AND HORSES 1. Open to all active members of 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters in Dixie, Levy and Gilchrist counties upon payment of the required insurance fee with initial entry form. (SRF) 2. All SRF horse projects will begin on December l of the year prior to the actual horse show date. (SRF) All other requirements and standards concerning ownership and replacement will follow the Florida 4-H Area and State Horse Show Official Rules are available at your local County Extension Office or a copy can be obtained at 3. All exhibitors must present a completed SRF Horse Project Summary or Record Book, on the horse to be shown, at time of entry on show date. (SRF) 4. Current State 4-H Age Requirements: Each contestant must be 8 years of age by September 1 of the current 4-H year and must not have passed his or her 19th birthday prior to September l of the current 4-H year or have graduated from High School, whichever comes first. 5. Junior and Senior Divisions: Juniors are 13 or under as of September l of the current 4- H year. Seniors must be 14 years old on or before September l of the current 4-H year. POINT SYSTEM 1. Each of the first 6 horses in a class will be given 1 point for each horse placing below it, plus 1 point. Points not to exceed 6 for first place. Horses not placing in the top 6 in a class will not receive points for that class. (SRF) 2. The number of horses in a class will be determined by the number actually shown. Under no circumstances shall a disqualified contestant receive points; however, all horses brought into the ring will constitute an entry and will be counted. TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES 1. CLASS TIES: Ties for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in judged events will be worked off. Ties for 1st, 2 nd, and 3rd place in timed events will be run off. In the event of a tie in a timed class, the contestant declared the winner in a runoff must run the pattern in not more than 44

3 two seconds over the original time or the runoff must be held again. Ties below 3rd place in any class will be broken at discretion of judge and show committee. For ties not broken by judge or run off, any points involved will be evenly split between contestants. 2. CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS: (SRF) In a case of ties, the following priority order will be used: 1. Most points earned in Showmanship Class or Class Placement of total horses in class. 2. Most points earned on Conditioning and Grooming Score Card. 3. The horse with the highest placings. 4. Total number of horses beaten in any one class. 5. Highest knowledge test score based on project summary. SUWANNEE RIVER FAIR CLASSES In-Hand Under-Saddle Timed Beginner Halter Mares Geldings Showmanship - Optional Conditioning & Grooming Equitation/Horsemanship Command/Obedience Pleasure Trail Cloverleaf Barrels Flags 1 or Flags 2 Jumping Figure 8 Pole Bending Pole Weaving Texas Barrels CONTEST RULES, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES 1. The judge's decision shall be final and may not be protested. Halter Walk-Trot Command Pleasure Equitation/Horsemanship Showmanship - Mandatory 2. All conflicts will be resolved at the discretion of the Judge or Superintendent. Any further grievances, shall be forwarded in writing, to the Horse Show committee and SRF Board of Directors, within 10 days of the horse show. (SRF) 3. The show will be held on the date scheduled barring a natural catastrophe. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor's parent or guardian to determine if he/she is able to compete safely. In case of inclement weather, all contestants must realize that the conditions and facilities are the best available as determined by the show management and show accordingly. Management reserves the right to stop or cancel a class in progress due to storm, accident, or other emergency (Ex: lightning storm). In the event of a class being stopped while in progress due to any of the above, the Florida 4-H Area and State Horse Show Official Rules will be followed. 4. Show management reserves the right to alter or modify any class procedures, obstacles, patterns, or rules in this book for safety concerns, show facility restrictions, or other mitigating circumstances. 5. Show management reserves the right to refuse an exhibitor entry into any class or event if they deem that entry unsafe for the exhibitor and/or other exhibitors or animals. With the exhibitor's safety in mind, any activity or situation deemed unsafe can and will be stopped by show management and may result in disqualification from that class. 45

4 6. In support of the SRF horse philosophy and to insure maximum acceptance of responsibilities through learning experiences, only the exhibitor is allowed to be riding the horse while on the show grounds. "Tuning-up" by persons other than the exhibitor is prohibited. Lunging (in a halter with no other tack or equipment on the animal) by someone other than the exhibitor is permitted. Failure to comply may result in disqualification of the contestant. 7. When an exhibitor or another person on behalf of an exhibitor is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct or misbehavior while on the show grounds, management may suspend such exhibitor's right to participate in future classes and/or shows as deemed appropriate. 8. Assistance or coaching of contestants while competing in a class may warrant penalties or disqualification. No electronic communication devices will be allowed by exhibitors while in the class. 9. An official of the show may check the appointments of any horse/rider combination throughout the duration of the show. It is the responsibility of the contestant to comply with all rules and regulations. The judge, at his discretion, may disqualify an exhibitor for inappropriate appointments or equipment. 10. In concern for humane treatment of the horse, the judge, at his discretion, has the authority to excuse any horse from a class which is obviously lame. Obvious lameness is: consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances; marked nodding, hitching, or shortened stride; minimal weight-bearing in motion and/or at rest and inability to move. 11. The judge or designated show officials have the authority to require the removal or alteration of any piece of equipment which, in their opinion is unsafe, tends to give unfair advantage or is deemed inhumane. Inhumane treatment of a horse identified by the show committee at any time on the show grounds may result in disqualification, dismissal, and suspension from further participation in classes subject to approval of show, and/or appeals committee. Any horse receiving inhumane treatment while exhibiting may be dismissed upon the discretion of the judge or show official appointed by the show management committee. The standard by which conduct or treatment will be measured is that which the show management committee rules a reasonable person, informed and experienced in generally accepted equine training and exhibition procedures, would determine to be cruel, abusive, or inhumane. 12. Striking a horse in front of cinch with anything other than the open hand is a disqualification. Striking the horse with anything, including hand, in front of the throatlatch is a disqualification. 13. Chemical stimulants, depressants, and caustic agents are prohibited and can result in disqualification. All horses are subject to drug testing by the State of Florida Department of Agriculture whose rules will apply. 14. While performing in a class, if a horse steps one or more feet out of bounds or out of the arena, that entry is disqualified. 46

5 15. If shod, horses in all classes must be plain shod and will be allowed a maximum thickness of 1" of wedge or pad or combination of both. USDA rules will supersede this rule if they are more stringent. Excessive length of hooves is discouraged and may be penalized. 16. The management of the show reserves the right to determine the number of horses that will be brought back to any semifinals, finals, or workout unless that number has been previously determined. 17. An electric timer is preferred for timed events and will be used when available. In the absence of an electric timer, the average time from at least two stop watches will constitute the official time. In the event of a malfunction by the electric timer the contestant will be given a rerun. 18. No string, rubber bands, or other material to tie feet or legs in stirrups is allowed. 19. Bandages (leg wraps) are not permitted in any class. 20. Random bit checks may be conduced by the judge or show management. Examples of Legal and Illegal Bits can be found at the local County Extension Office or at BEGINNER DIVISION - Walk/Trot Only, Showmanship is Mandatory, Does not have an age division, Does not compete for Championship Trophies. (SRF) 22. IN-HAND APPOINTMENTS AND CLASSES 1. PERSONAL: Personal appearance of the club member: neat, clean, well groomed, attentive, courteous, and in appropriate attire as described in each division. All exhibitors are required to wear an SEI or SEI/ASTM approved equestrian safety helmet with fastened chin harness in every class. 2. TACK: Hunter: Clean, adjusted, and acceptable hunter bridle or halter. No crops or bats are permitted. Saddle Seat: Clean, adjusted halter or bridle (full, pelham, curb or snaffle). No whips. Western: Clean, adjusted halter to fit the horse. Fancy halters shall not be given preference over good working halters. No whips or bats. 3. All leading in classes will be done from the near side of the exhibited equine with the leadsman stationed approximately halfway between the nose and the shoulder of the equine. The lead shank or reins will be grasped in the right hand approximately 12 inches from the halter ring or the end of the shanks of the bit. The end of the lead shank will be folded neatly and carried in the left hand. Coiled leads and very small, tight folds of the lead shank will be penalized. Rein ends may be carried in the left hand without folding. The exhibitor s feet may not be used in posing the equine. The exhibitor may use his/her free hand in posing and backing. The exhibitor should never stand between his/her horse and the judge (unless leading) and should always pose with a 3/4 or full side view. 47

6 4. Halter (Conformation) Class: Halter class is defined as a class where the horse is judged based upon its conformation, ie. the physical appearance resulting from the arrangement of muscle, bone and other body tissues. Conformation is one of the largest influences to performance; as such halter class standards should stress the relationship of conformational attributes that enhance athletic performance. Therefore, the purpose of the class is to preserve breed or type by selecting wellmannered individuals that most closely resemble the breed ideal. Halter Class rankings are to be based upon objective evaluation of an adequately controlled horse exhibiting the most positive combination of balance, structural correctness, and degree and quality of muscling with correctness of movement along with appropriate breed and sex characteristics. All horses showing in conformation shall be individually inspected for conformational standards and evaluated for quality of movement. Lameness and unsoundness should be cause for disqualification. Any horse that exhibits disruptive behavior or becomes detached from its handler and is no longer under control by the handler will be disqualified and excused. The exception would be a horse becoming ill behaved (i.e. rearing, backing, falling into others, etc.) caused by another exhibitors horse s inappropriate behavior. In that case, only the initiating horse shall be disqualified and excused. The decision of the judge on these matters is final. 5. Showmanship Class: Walk, trot, turn, stop, back, and pose your horse as directed by the judge or ring steward. Lead from the left side of your horse with your right hand on the lead shank or bridle reins. When showing your horse at a walk, walk by his side - never directly in front of him. His head should be about even with your shoulder. When moving, keep your horse's neck, head, and body in a straight line and maintain precise control. Move him directly toward or away from the judge, unless the judge indicates that he wishes to see him from the side. Show the horse with a shank short enough to assure maximum control and responsiveness from the horse. The basic position of the exhibitor should allow constant observation of the horse's feet and also permit observation of the judge and ring officials. Never obstruct the view of the judge and do not stand directly in front of the horse. The following suggested guidelines of movement are meant to serve as an illustration of proper movement around the horse while showing in Showmanship, and are for exhibitor information. Imaginary lines divide the horse into four equal parts as seen in the figure below. (Note: The horse has been sectioned into four parts numbered I, II, III and IV for ease of identification.) One line runs across the horse just behind the withers. The other imaginary line runs from head to tail. When the judge is in I, the exhibitor should be in IV. As the judge moves to II, the exhibitor should move to I. When the judge moves to III, the exhibitor moves to IV. As the judges move up to IV, the exhibitor returns once more to I. This method is based on safety, as the exhibitor can keep the horse s hindquarters from swinging toward the judge should the horse become fractious. 48

7 6. Conditioning and Grooming Score: During the showmanship class the judge will look at the horse s appearance and overall condition of horse is considered, although conformation is not judged. The judge will score each animal based on a predetermined criteria and will make an overall comment concerning the condition and grooming of the class before placing the showmanship class. (SRF) Rules: Scored on the Modified Danish System of Blue, Red and White Ribbons. Points earned in this class will be used to determine Championship Trophies. Total score may be used to break ties for Championship Trophies. It is the Contestant s responsibility to Participate in this class during the designated time. Exhibitor # Points Conditioning and Grooming Score Card (Mandatory in Showmanship) Extra Effort Good Job Needs Improvement Coat Condition A clean properly brushed and fed horse will always have BLOOM to his hair coat. Mane & Tail Condition Properly maintained manes and tails should be neat, clean, tangle-free and in good condition. General Health Body Condition Muscle Structure Overall appearance of the horse should indicate a healthy parasite free horse. A horse that is fed a balanced ration (one with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals) to meet his activity level will not be to thin or fat. A horse that is regularly exercised will have adequate muscle tone, definition, and structure. Unsoundness Is the horse sound and free of blemishes that will hinder his performance. Is the horse properly trimmed or shod. Lack of proper hoof care can cause incorrect action or Hoof Care conformation. Blue (14-10) 3 Points; Red (9-5) 2 Points; White (4-0) 1 Point Total Score: 23. GYMKHANA (SPEED) APPOINTMENTS AND CLASSES 1. PERSONAL: Clothing should be clean and neat. Riders shall wear western boots (no tennis shoes or sport shoes are acceptable) and western dress pants or jeans. Shirts must have a collar and sleeves (long or short) or be appropriate show attire (i.e. slinky s, band collars, turtlenecks). All exhibitors are required to wear an SEI or SEI/ASTM approved equestrian safety helmet with fastened chin harness in every class. 2. TACK: Western-type saddles will be used. A mechanical hackamore or other type bridles may be used. Use of two hands on the reins is allowed in speed events. Judge or appointed equipment official may prohibit the use of bits or equipment deemed too severe. Use of martingales, tie-downs and nosebands is permitted in these classes. Draw reins are not allowed in speed events. Bandages (leg wraps) are not permitted in any speed event class. 3. BITS: IMPORTANT - Examples of Legal and Illegal Bits can be found at the local County Extension Office or at 4. These contests are strictly timed events. The contestant is allowed a running start. Timing shall begin as soon as the horse's nose crosses the starting line and will be stopped when the horse's nose passes over the finish line. Horses must be started and stopped in the arena. Horse must be under the control of the rider upon entrance and exit of arena. No horse or rider will be assisted inside the arena. Failure to comply will result in disqualification. 49

8 5. Show management reserves the right to refuse an exhibitor entry into any class or event if they deem that entry unsafe for the exhibitor and/or other exhibitors or animals. With the exhibitor's safety in mind, any activity or situation deemed unsafe can and will be stopped by show management and may result in disqualification from that class. 6. An electric timer is preferred for timed events and will be used when available. In the absence of an electric timer, the average time from at least two stop watches will constitute the official time. In the event of a malfunction by the electric timer the contestant will be given a rerun. 7. A clearly visible starting line shall be provided. Times will be announced at the completion of each contestant's run. 8. No string, rubber bands, or other material to tie feet or legs in stirrups is allowed. 9. No rerun will be given to any contestant if handicapped by failure of personal equipment or accident to horse or rider. 10. Loss of helmet from head while in arena will result in disqualification. 11. Failure to follow or complete course is disqualification. 12. Touching barrels or poles with hand(s) is disqualification. Contestant should leave no doubt as to whether or not they touched barrel or pole with hands. This may be accomplished by keeping hands completely away from these objects. Hands should be on the reins, some part of the saddle or holding a bat and completely away from the barrels and poles. 13. Striking a horse in front of cinch with anything other than the open hand is a disqualification. Striking the horse with anything including hand, in front of the throat latch is a disqualification. 14. Classes: Cloverleaf Barrels is a timed pattern to be run around three barrels. Size of course will be determined by available space. First and second barrel should be at least 20 feet from fence The contestant will run to barrel number 1 and complete a slightly more than 180 degree turn around it; then go to barrel number 2, pass to the right of it, and complete a slightly more than 180 degree turn around it; then go to barrel 3, and turn approximately 180 degrees around it; and then sprint to the finish line passing between barrels 1 and 2. Each barrel knocked equals 5 second penalty. Jumping Figure 8 is a timed pattern event where contestants pass the starting line, jump the pole and complete a double figure eight around the barrels, return and jump pole, and cross the finish line. A plastic pole (12 foot minimum) is set on standards, a minimum of 12 inches and a maximum of 18 inches off the ground and 21 feet beyond the starting line. Three barrels are placed parallel to the starting line. Barrels are to be 21 feet apart. 50

9 Flags-1 is a timed event in which the contestant crosses the start-finish line, races to the barrel, picks up a flag, turns barrel and races to the start-finish line. Dropping of flag or knocking over barrel is a disqualification. Flags-2 is a timed event to be run around 3 barrels. Go through the start-finish line to the 1 st barrel, pick-up a flag, proceed to the 2 nd barrel and pass behind, proceed to the 3 rd barrel and plant flag in bucket of sand, proceed to the start finish line. Dropping of flag or knocking over barrel is a disqualification. Texas Barrels is a timed pattern run around 3 barrels. A horse may start either to the right or to the left of the first barrel and then run the remainder of the pattern accordingly. Pole Bending is a timed pattern run around 6 poles. A horse may start either to the right or to the left of the first pole and then run the remainder of the pattern accordingly. Go through starting line, go along either side of the poles to the last pole, turn around last pole, pass successive poles on alternate sides, turn around first pole, continue to pass successive poles on alternate sides, turn around last pole and go along the side of the poles to the timing line. Knocking over a pole constitutes a 5 second penalty. Pole Weaving is a timed pattern run around 6 poles. A horse may start either to the right or to the left of the first pole and then run the remainder of the pattern accordingly. Go through the timing line, pass the first pole on either side, pass the successive poles on alternate sides, turn the last pole and return, passing each pole on alternate sides. Knocking over a pole constitutes a 5 second penalty. 24. WESTERN APPOINTMENTS 1. PERSONAL: Clothing must be clean and neat. Riders shall wear western boots (no tennis shoes or sport shoes are acceptable) and western dress pants or jeans. Shirts must have a collar and long sleeves or be appropriate show attire (i.e. slinky s, band collars, turtlenecks). Spurs, chaps, and similar equipment are optional. All exhibitors are required to wear an SEI or SEI/ASTM approved equestrian safety helmet with fastened chin harness in every class. 2. TACK: Horse shall be shown with a stock saddle; silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit. Martingales, tie-downs, nose bands, or draw reins are prohibited. No wire curbs, regardless of how taped or padded, nor curb strap narrower than 1/2" will be permitted. A nonmechanical hackamore may be used in any class but only by junior horses (5 years of age and under). Mechanical hackamores are prohibited except in timed events. Carrying of a rope is optional. A judge shall have the authority to require the removal or adjustment of any piece of equipment which in his opinion would give a horse an unfair advantage or constitute excessive harshness or cruelty. 3. BITS: IMPORTANT - Examples of Legal and Illegal Bits can be found at the local County Extension Office or at 51

10 25. SADDLE SEAT APPOINTMENTS 1. PERSONAL: Clothing must be clean, neat, and appropriate attire (informal or formal). Formal attire is not worn prior to 6 p.m. Day coats are not permitted in Saddle Seat Equitation. Riders shall wear a saddle seat suit or saddle seat coat with saddle seat jodhpurs, tie, and jodhpur boots (no tennis shoes or sport shoes are acceptable). Pasos will be shown in their appropriate breed specific attire (not costume). All exhibitors are required to wear an SEI or SEI/ASTM approved equestrian safety helmet with fastened chin harness in every class. Spurs of the unroweled type and regulation saddle seat whips less than 3 feet in length are optional. Long whips (over 3 feet in length) are prohibited. Whips are measured from tip to tip inclusive of popper. 2. TACK: Flat English type saddles are required for trotting horses; hunter, forward seat, and dressage type saddles are prohibited. Dressage or breed specific saddles are required for non-trotting horses. Horses must be shown in full bridles (curb and snaffle) or pelham with two reins, standard walking horse bit, or bit appropriate for breed. Snaffle bridles will only be allowed in Saddle Seat Pleasure, Showmanship, and Conformation classes. Bits with shanks over 8" in length are not permitted. Draw reins, martingales, hackamore, and similar equipment are all prohibited. (Pasos may show in hackamores as approved by PFHA for Pleasure classes.) Set tails, boots and/or artificial appliances including chains and rollers (pertaining to legs) are prohibited. 3. BITS: IMPORTANT - Examples of Legal and Illegal Bits can be found at the local County Extension Office or at HUNTER APPOINTMENTS 1. PERSONAL: All exhibitors are required to wear an SEI or SEI/ASTM approved equestrian safety helmet with fastened chin harness in every class. Clothing must be clean, neat, and appropriate for hunter classes. Rider must wear coat, boots (no tennis shoes or sport shoes are acceptable), and breeches. Spurs of the unroweled type, gloves, crops, or bats are optional. Gloves are preferred in the equitation class. 2. TACK: Clean English forward, hunting, or dressage type saddles. Saddles may have suede seat and/or suede inserts on the skirts. Snaffle, pelham, kimberwick, or full bridles (Weymouth) are permitted. A caveson noseband is required. Pelham bridles must have two sets of reins attached (pelham connectors not allowed). Breast plates are optional. Martingales are optional in over fence classes including jumping phase of Hunter Hack. Martingales are not allowed in any under saddle flat classes. Draw reins and hackamores are not permitted. No boots below the fetlock will be permitted in any class. Boots confined to the cannon area will be permitted only in equitation over fences classes. No figure 8, flash, or drop nose bands allowed in Hunter Classes. 3. BITS: IMPORTANT - Examples of Legal and Illegal Bits can be found at the local County Extension Office or at UNDER-SADDLE CLASSES Command/Obedience Class: An elimination contest where any rider not executing the judge s exact commands promptly and correctly will be eliminated. Individuals may be stationed at various points in the ring to aid in observing and eliminating contestants. Awarding of ribbons is 52

11 to be based on the order of elimination of final contestants. The judge may ask contestants to walk, jog or trot, canter or lope, reverse, halt, back, to go from any gait to any other gait and to canter or lope in a counter lead. It is recommended that all judges establish in advance what is to be considered a fault. Trail Class: Riders will be attired appropriately for the type of horse and tack shown. Tack (bridle/saddle) must be acceptable for use in Pleasure classes. No tie downs, martingales or mechanical hackamores. This class will be judged on the performance of the horse at three gaits and performance over or through the obstacles with emphasis on manners, response to the rider, and attitude. Credit will be given to horses negotiating the obstacles with style and some degree of speed, providing carefulness is not sacrificed, and to horses showing the capability of picking their own way through course when obstacles warrant it, and willingly responding to rider's cues on more difficult obstacles. Horses shall be penalized for any unnecessary delay while approaching the obstacles. Horses with artificial appearance over obstacles should be penalized. Class Procedure: The trail course will be closed until the start of the class (no practice on the obstacles). The period in which the obstacle course will be open will be posted and announced. It will be the responsibility of the exhibitor to arrange to work the obstacle course during this open period. Riders must take obstacles in order. Missing an obstacle or taking an obstacle out of order constitutes a disqualification. Failure to complete an obstacle once attempted does not constitute a disqualification but should be scored accordingly. A maximum of 3 refusals will be allowed on any 1 obstacle. (SRF) PLEASURE CLASSES: Western: Judged on the horse s ease on going. Horses will be shown at three gaits walk, trot/jog and lope/canter in each direction of the arena. A good pleasure horse has a free flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation. He should cover a reasonable amount of ground with little effort. Ideally, he should have a balanced, flowing motion. He should carry his head and neck in a relaxed, natural position, with his poll level with or slightly above the level of the withers. He should not carry his head behind the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a resistant appearance. His head should be level with his nose slightly in front of the vertical, having a bright expression with his ears alert. He should be shown on a reasonably loose rein, but still have light contact and control. He should be responsive, yet smooth, in transitions when called for. When asked to extend, he should move out with the same flowing motion. Hunter Under Saddle: The class will be judged on the horse's way of going, manners, and suitability. Conformation of the horse may only be considered in extremely close competition. Horses enter the ring at a trot and are shown on the flat at a walk, trot, and canter while maintaining light contact with the horse's mouth. Horses must work both ways of the ring at all gaits to demonstrate their ability with different leads. The judge may ask finalists to extend the fast and/or hand gallop but never more than a safe number of horses to gallop at one time. Horses should back easily and stand quietly. Saddle Seat: Class will be judged on manners, suitability, and performance of horse at the discretion of the judge. Conformation of the horse may be considered in situations only of extremely close performance. Horses are shown at a walk, trot, or natural gait as appropriate for breed and canter or third gait both ways of the ring with light contact being maintained with the horse's mouth. Extreme highly animated action is not desired. Horses must back easily and stand quietly. Judge has option to ask exhibitor to extend any gait or request any additional work. 53

12 Horses are to be reversed at a walk or trot but not at the canter. Entries shall be penalized for being on wrong leads, excessive speed and/or breaking gaits. Equitation/Horsemanship Class This may be a combined class consisting of both English Equitation and Western Horsemanship, but contestants will still be evaluated on the criteria for their respective class. Riders will be asked to perform individual patterns. The patterns will consist of a combination of maneuvers that will test the equitation/horsemanship skills of the rider. All individuals, or finalists from the individual workouts, may be asked to enter the ring and work on the rail. Western Riders will be judged on basic position in saddle; position and use of hands, legs and feet; ability to control and show the horse; and suitability of horse to rider. The rider s ability to execute maneuvers correctly shall be considered more important than the horse s performance. The rider should sit in a comfortable, balanced and relaxed manner while maintaining an erect upper body with eyes up and looking forward. The rider s legs should have a slight bend in the knee and hang beneath the rider such that when viewed from a profile, a straight line (approximately) can be drawn through the rider s ear, shoulder, hip and heel. Depending on the stirrup type, feet may be placed in the stirrups with weight on the ball of the foot, or may be placed in the stirrup with boot heel touching stirrup. The rider s heel should always be lower than the toe. Toes should be turned only slightly out, with ankles flexed in toward the horse in a comfortable position. The lower legs and feet should be kept close to the horse s body, but not in contact except when applying aids. Arms and hands should be held in a comfortable, relaxed manner with the upper arms held in a straight line with the body. The elbow is bent such that the lower arm and hand is in a straight line to the bit. Riders will maintain contact with the saddle at all gaits. Exaggerated shifting of the rider s weight when cueing is not desirable and will be discriminated against in the judging. The judge may use any combination of maneuvers such as: 1. Walking, trotting, and/or loping a straight line. 2. Circles of varying size and speed. 3. Stops from any gait. 4. Backing either in a straight line, an L or a circle º turn or spin. 6. Turns of 90, 80, or Rollbacks and pivots. 8. Picking up leads from a stand still, walk or trot. 9. Simple lead changes on a straightaway. 10. Sidepass. 11. Counter canter. 12. Figure 8 at a jog, and figure 8 at a lope with either a simple change of lead or a flying lead change. English Rider should have workmanlike appearance, seat and hands should be light and supple, conveying the impression of complete control should an emergency arise. The rider should sit in a comfortable, balanced, and relaxed manner while maintaining an erect upper body with eyes up and looking forward. The rider s legs should have a slight bend and hang beneath the rider such that when viewed from a profile, a straight line (approximately) can be drawn through the rider s ear, shoulder, hip and heel. The irons should be placed under the balls of the feet and not under the toe or against the heel. Toes should be turned only slightly out, with ankles flexed in toward the horse in a comfortable position. The lower leg should be held such that light contact is maintained with the horse. At the walk and slow trot, body should be vertical with slight motion in the saddle. At a posting trot, the body should be inclined forward with slight elevation in the saddle. At the canter, the body should be halfway between the posting trot and the walk. At the gallop and while jumping, the body should be at a similar inclination as when at a posting trot. Arms and hands should be held in a comfortable, relaxed manner with upper arms held in a straight line with the body. The elbow is bent such that the lower arm and hands are in a straight line to the bit. Hands should be slightly over and in front of the withers with knuckles 30 inside the vertical. The judge may use any combination of maneuvers such as: 1.Walking, slow sitting trot, posting trot, extended trot. 2. Circles of varying size and speed. 3. Back 4. Hand gallop and halt. 5. Figure 8 at trot, demonstrating change of diagonals. 6. Figure 8 at canter on correct lead demonstrating simple change of lead or flying lead change. 8. Ride without stirrups or drop and pickup stirrups. 9. Change leads down center of ring, demonstrating simple change of lead. 10. Canter in counter lead - Maintain a counter-canter. 11. Execute serpentine at a trot and/or canter on correct lead. Half circles should be symmetrical off center of an imaginary line where changes of diagonal or lead (simple or flying as designated by judge) must be executed. 12. Turns on the forehand or hindquarter. 54