Friesian What is the Judge Looking For?
Appointments FR101.14: Judges may penalize contestants who do not conform to rules regarding appointments, tack and attire. Exception: Refer to appropriate division rules for Dressage, Carriage Pleasure Driving, Junior Exhibitor Equitation and Western Classes.
Friesian Standards Purebreds should be black, sun fading is permissible Mares and Geldings that are chestnut or brown are permissible, but not desirable and should be penalized accordingly Stallions that are chestnut or brown shall be severely penalized Small star on forehead and white spots as the result of an injury or rub permissible Natural tails: products or practices which alter or influence natural trail carriage are prohibited Feathering: for purebreds full feathering is required; part-breds may have feathering clipped Glitter is prohibited Artificial coloring of hide and hair results in elimination In Hand- no visual impairments Height: 15.1-17.3 hands
To Be Rewarded for All Horses Strong, powerful hind quarters A luxurious horse that is not too heavy but has ample power Long, sloping shoulder Hard, dry legs Light-footed movements with a moment of suspension Size neither too small nor too large. Sufficiently long and well muscled forearm and gaskin Strong smooth transition from loin to croup Long and well developed gluteal muscle Good, wide hooves with proper heels Good head/neck connection An honest character, eager to work and has stamina
To Be Penalized for All Horses General lack of development Disproportion between the regions and body dimensions, More undesirable are lengthened lines than the shorter lines Concave or ultra convex frontal nasal profiles Excessively voluminous head, ears too big, fallen, too closely set with abnormal movement Forehead too wide and flat Orbital arches protruding and eyes bulging or round Nose square and wide, nostrils round Thick cheek and with profile too angular
To Be Penalized for All Horses Neck too short, inserted too low or too compact at its union with the head Narrow trunk and little heart girth (depth) Low withers or not defined Narrow chest and overall collapsing Ribs smooth in the upper third or excessively round, horizontal, double or broken, flat, destroyed or broken of high back or delayed back; of a discontinuous profile Tail set too high or too loosely set Extremities with deviations from the plumb Pasterns too long or excessively short and vertical
Shoeing Hoof products: black or clear hoof products are permissible Shoeing: Max length of toe for barefoot is 5 shod with or without pad is 5½ Shoe may not exceed the dimensions of 1¼ wide and ½ thick A pad, if used, may be no thicker than 3/8 thick Shoe may not extend beyond the front or back of the hoof by more than ¼ Nothing, but packing material may be used between the pad and the hoof Clips must be 1 or less and maximum number of clips is three
Movement Two Types of Movement: Animated Type with high knee action Forward Type with forward reaching action Judges should not be biased toward or against either type of movement, providing the horse has good hind impulsion, pushes off from the hocks with great power, good suspension and even cadence. The walk should demonstrate impulsion from the hindquarters and over stride. 60% of Open in hand class is judged on movement 50% for Amateurs, Masters, and Junior Exhibitor classes
Friesian Performance Classes **Remember there are different specifications for each division, listed in order of importance. Always consult the class specs.
For Performance Classes Horse must possess sight in at least one eye (exception- In Hand, Western Trail, Hunter Hack and Combination Ride/Drive/Jump horse must have no visual impairment) Fall of horse and/or rider does not DQ competitor unless due to bad manners of horse Except in Show Hack, Western Pleasure and Trail requires elimination Stallions acceptable in all classes except Showmanship, Walk-Trot Equitation and Lead Line
Park Horse
Park Horse Subchapter FR-3 Frame is vertical. Energy directed toward animation rather than speed More animated than English Pleasure with a bit more attitude, drive and collection Horse should be obedient and pleasurable to ride
Park Horse Gaits Animated Walk- 2 or 4 beat gait, highly collected with good animation Animated Trot- highly collected, speed to be penalized Canter- collected, animated, true, smooth, unhurried, straight
English Pleasure Saddle Seat
English Pleasure Saddle Seat Sub Chapter FR-4 Frame is vertical. Energy directed toward animation rather than speed A bit less animation than Park. MUST FLAT WALK. Horse should be obedient and pleasurable to ride
English Pleasure Gaits Flat Walk- 4 beat, collected but with impulsive movement Animated Trot Strong Trot- faster, stronger and bolder, executed in a highly collected manner. Canter
Country English Pleasure Saddle Seat
Country English Pleasure Saddle Seat Sub Chapter FR-5 Still has a vertical frame, set up. Definitely an English horse. High action and extreme speed MUST be penalized Imperative that horse gives the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride Quiet and responsive, a volunteer Must halt on the rail, stand quietly, back and walk off on a loose rein at least one direction of the ring
Country English Pleasure Gaits Walk- 4 beat, flat-footed, ground covering Normal Trot- balanced, relaxed, easy-going, elastic, freedom of movement Strong Trot- faster with lengthened stride, maintaining balance and ease of movement Canter Hand Gallop- faster with lengthened stride, controlled, straight Jr. Horses, Jr. Exhibitors, Amateurs, Ladies, Gentlemen, and Masters do not hand gallop
Recap of English-Type Horses Park Horse English Pleasure Horse- A bit less animation than Park Country English Pleasure- High action must be penalized
English Pleasure Hunt Seat
English Pleasure - Hunt Seat Sub Chapter FR-6 Frame is more horizontal. Horse should be balanced and move freely forward with a longer, lower silhouette and reaching strides which allow him to cover more ground with minimum effort Manners are important
Hunt Seat Gaits Walk Trot Canter Hand Gallop (except Junior Exhibitors) *Horse should move freely forward with even, ground covering strides. Comfortable, balanced, consistent way of going while maintaining a frame suitable for a hunter.
Dressage Suitability and Dressage Hack Sub Chapter FR-8 and FR-9 Dressage Suitability- Horse should show suppleness and move freely forward with clear, steady gaits. Lightness on forehand and engagement of hindquarters. Dressage Hack- Horse should begin to show more thrust and progression towards balance and thoroughness. Should be reliably on the bit, very supple with a distinct distinction between the paces. **Refer to Dressage Chapter for directives in performance and judging these classes
Dressage Suitability Horses potential as a Dressage mount is to be considered. Judged: 70% on performance of gaits and transitions; 30% on rider s position, seat and effective use of the aids.
Dressage Suitability Gaits Medium walk Working trot Riders must post the trot. Working canter Transitions in and out of canter called for through working trot Free walk on long rein (horse stretching forward and down) at least one way
Dressage Hack Horse s ability as a Dressage mount is to be highly considered. Judged: 70% on performance of gaits and transitions; 30% on rider s position, seat and effective use of the aids.
Dressage Hack Gaits Medium walk Working trot Riders may sit or post the trot. Working canter Transitions in and out of canter called for through working trot. Extended trot Extended canter Extended gaits- horse covers as much ground as possible maintaining the same cadence. Lengthens his steps and frame as a result of great impulsion from the hindquarters Free walk at least one way Rein back of 4 steps
Hunter Hack Horse should move freely forward with even ground covering strides. Should exhibit a comfortable, balanced, consistent way of going while maintaining a frame suitable for a hunter Shown at walk, trot, canter and hand gallop both ways Horses required to jump two fences set at customary distances apart using increments of 12. Ground lines on the take-off side of the jumps are required. First fence is 2 3 and second is 2 6 After second fence- hand gallop one way of the ring, halt, back and stand quietly on a loose rein
Hunter Hack Judged: 30% on flat work on the rail; 70% on the work over fences Any faults incurred over fences shall be scored as in a Working Hunter Class Excessive speed at any gait will be severely penalized
English Show Hack
English Show Hack Sub Chapter FR-11 This is a class for the very well trained horse Not necessarily a Dressage horse nor an English Pleasure horse More vertical than the Hunt Seat horse, but not as much action as the Park horse Elevation and high knee action not to be emphasized. Balance and work off the hindquarters is very important. The ideal show hack performs willingly with light contact Falls = Elimination
Show Hack Gaits Shown at Normal, Collected, and Extended gaits (walk, trot, canter) Must be able to transition well between collected and extended gaits When asked to extend, the entire horse s frame lengthens, not merely the stride At collection, the entire body becomes round, resulting in shorter, higher strides Hand Gallop
Fine Harness Subchapter FR-12 Horse should possess all of the elegance and refinement of the ideal Friesian
Fine Harness Gaits Animated Walk- 2 or 4 beat, highly collected, much primp at a slow, regulated speed with good action and animation Park Trot- highly collected, speed to be penalized Show Your Horse - driver shows the horse to its best advantage at the trot, but speed will be penalized Not called for in Ladies, Jr. Exhibitor, Amateur, Owners and Amateur Owners classes.
Show Pleasure Driving
Show Pleasure Driving Sub Chapter FR-13 Frame is vertical, similar in style to the English Pleasure and Park Horse Balanced, driving from behind, looking through the bridle Well mannered and stylish
Show Pleasure Driving Gaits Walk - Four beat, flat footed Trot balanced, relaxed, easy going with elasticity and freedom Strong Trot faster with lengthened stride, maintaining balance, ease and freedom of movement
Country Pleasure Driving Subchapter FR-14 Horse gives the impression of being a pleasure to drive and displays pleasurable attitude All gaits must be performed with willingness and obvious ease, cadence, balance and smoothness
Country Pleasure Driving Gaits Walk- Four beat, brisk, true, flat-footed Normal Trot- Two beat, medium speed and moderate collection Strong Trot- Lengthened stride, powerful and reaching. Rate may vary, must not be strung out behind (Jr. Horses not shown at strong trot) All gaits are to be mannerly, cadenced, balanced and free-moving Excessive knee action penalized Excessive speed penalized
Traditional Sjees Show Driving Sub Chapter FR-15 Sjees is two wheeled sleigh-like vehicle Traditional harness is black with white padding and white rope reins and traces. Driver and passenger must wear traditional Friesian Costume.
Sjees
Sjees Gait Extended Trot controlled extended reaching movement with power and drive from behind, maintaining balance and freedom Excessive speed or break of gait will be penalized Head set should be high, yet controlled
Carriage Driving Subchapter FR-16 Refer to Chapter CP Exception: In Drive and Ride classes, an entry may be driven and ridden by different exhibitors in all sections unless an exception is printed in the prize list.
Carriage Pleasure Driving Turnout
Pleasure Driving Pairs
Sport Pleasure Driving Subchapter FR-15 Sport Pleasure Driving FR168 General This section is intended for the Friesian Horse that as an under saddle mount is suitable for Hunter Pleasure and Western sections. FR169 Appointments Harness and bits in all Friesian driving classes should be appropriate to the horse and vehicle according to tradition and safety. Sidechecks and overchecks are permitted when appropriate to a class or vehicle. 1. To be Shown to a suitable two or four wheel vehicle in light or heavy harness as appropriate.
Sport Pleasure Driving FR170 Qualifying Gaits Harness and bits in all Friesian driving classes should be appropriate to the horse and vehicle according to tradition and safety. Sidechecks and overchecks are permitted when appropriate to a class or vehicle. 1. To be shown both ways of the arena at the walk, trot, and strong trot. Horses will reverse at the walk. Horses should stand quietly in the lineup and may be asked to back. Headers permitted. High action and excessive speed in this division must be penalized. 2. To be Shown to a suitable two or four wheel vehicle in light or heavy harness as appropriate.
Western Pleasure
Western Pleasure Sub Chapter FR-17 Horse s frame should be relaxed and consistent with his size and conformation. Natural head position is desired. Vertical head carriage not to be penalized. Pleasurable to ride, moving with balance and ease Light hand contact with horse s mouth must be maintained at all gaits without undue restraint. Only one hand may be used around reins except when using a snaffle or hackamore. Reins may not be switched back and forth between hands
Western Pleasure Gaits Must have a true, ground covering flat footed walk A free, square moving horse; slow and easy at both the jog and lope Judges may ask for extended gaits except in Junior Horse, Amateur, Amateur-Owner and Junior Exhibitor Classes Falls = Elimination
Romal Reins Riders hand is to be around reins No fingers allowed between reins May only rein with one hand and may not switch hands.
Illegal Rein Holds for Romal Reins
One finger is permitted between reins when the end of the reins falls on the side of the reining hand Split Reins
Trail Subchapter FR-18 To negotiate a course with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 obstacles English or Western appointments, but not mixed Entries to be evaluated on responsiveness, willingness and general attitude Judged on performance, manners, way of going and conformation For scoring refer to WS124 Falls = Elimination Off Course = Elimination
Trail in Hand Subchapter FR-19 To negotiate a course with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 obstacles Must perform a walk and a jog Horses may be shown with a split lead but not shown with a chain and gag, and twisted bits are prohibited
Showmanship Subchapter FR-20 Judged on exhibitor s ability to prepare and present the horse safely, elegantly and in correct format Conformation not to be judged Ideal - poised, confident, appropriately attired exhibitor leading a well groomed and conditioned horse Efficiency of movement with promptness, smoothness and precision is required. Unsoundness not to be penalized unless severe enough to impair required performance See rules for tests from which judge must choose
Quarter System
Equitation Subchapter FR-21 Rider s position, seat, hands and correct use of aids are to be judged. Refer to Equitation Chapter. Saddle Seat Hunter Seat English Equitation- All Seats Western Seat Junior Exhibitor Equitation Adult Equitation Walk-Trot Equitation FR199 Lead Line Equitation FR200-201
Saddle Seat Equitation Basic Position: Efficient and comfortable, not exaggerated Hands held in easy position, neither perpendicular nor horizontal to saddle Foot position should be natural (neither extremely in nor out) with heels down
Saddle Seat Position
Hunter Seat Equitation Basic position: Body should be a couple degrees in front of vertical Eyes up and shoulders back Hands over and in front of withers- straight line from elbow to wrist to horse s mouth Heels down, calf in contact with horse and slightly behind girth- straight line from hip to heel
Hunt Seat Position
Western Seat Equitation Position Straight line from shoulder-hip-heel Stirrup adjusted to the proper length to allow heels to be lower than toes with a slight bend in the knee and calf close to horse Body should always appear comfortable, relaxed and flexible Upper arms in line and close with body, one hand holding reins bent at elbow Hand holding reins to be above or slightly in front of horn and as near to it as possible Free hand can hold the end of the reins, if at least 16 inches of slack rein between hands, otherwise its position is optional and held in a relaxed manner with the elbows close to the body and rider s body straight at all times Often see free hand held at same level as other hand when using split reins, and holding end of reins resting on thigh when using romal reins
Western Position
Costume Subchapter FR-22 Classes judged on creativity, authenticity to period, suitability of costume to horse and rider and manners Walk and trot both ways of the ring
Costume Period Costume- emphasis on authenticity to the period of turnout weighted as follows: 30% horse tack 50% rider costume 20% horse movement, manners and quality Fantasy Costume- emphasis on creativity and originality of the turnout to be weighted as follows: 40% horse ornamentation 40% rider ornamentation 20% horse movement, manners and quality Armor Costume- emphasis on authenticity to the period and type of armored turnout weighted as follows: 40% horse tack/armor 40% rider costume/armor 20% horse movement, manners and quality Use of ancillary appointments such as banner, protective devices and secured weapons appropriate to the turnout are to be additionally rewarded
Tandem Riding Subchapter FR-23 Imperative that horses give the distinct appearance of being pleasurable to ride and drive. Safety is paramount and obedience to the rider is of prime importance Shown both ways at walk, trot and extended trot. Light hand contact must be maintained
Walk-Trot Subchapter FR-24 Seats may be combined or separated Competitions are encouraged to divide the walk-trot classes by seat and/or by age of rider and/or classification Equipment, attire and presentation should match the discipline being ridden To be shown at a walk and trot/jog-trot. Will not be asked to back
Walk/Trot Class FR214 Walk Trot. 4. Specifications: a) WALK-TROT, PLEASURE No horse and rider combination may have shown in a class requiring a canter or lope at that same competition. To be judged on manners, performance, type, quality and conformation. b) WALK-TROT JUNIOR HORSE (three to five years of age) is open to any junior horses. Horses may not show in any class that requires a canter or lope at the same competition. To be judged on quality, type, performance, conformation and manners.
Liberty
Liberty Subchapter FR-24 To be shown in a halter or snaffle bridle without reins Music commences/horse is turned loose for 1½ minutes Music ends- horse must be caught within 2 minutes Shakers/Whips allowed though cannot touch horse Assistant can help during performance but may not catch horse. No baiting to catch horse To be judged on movement, style, type, and quality. Consideration to be given to how the horse performed. Horses willing to show off and keep moving are preferred over those that need constant pushing from exhibitor.
Reining Subchapter FR-25 Conducted in accordance with the current NRHA Handbook as modified by the following Friesian exceptions. Where Friesian rules are silent NRHA Rules prevail. There is no restriction on the number of horses a rider may show in a class. See FR179 for appointments. Breed restricted competitions not required to have video instant replay available Judges must choose from patterns in the NRHA Handbook
Western Dressage Subchapter FR-26 Conducted in accordance with Western Dressage Division (Chapter WD)
Part Bred Friesians No color preferences are given nor should deviation from Purebred color standards be penalized Overall presentation and conformation should be correct and appealing Height may vary without penalty Feathering is not required and lack of should not be penalized
USEF would like to thank Rick Osteen, Kelly Kenneally, Laurel Obee, and Mystical Photography for the use of their show proofs for this presentation. All photos are copywrited and should not be reproduced. Credits