Western Halter Class Class Purpose: Animal judged on conformation,soundness, way of moving and general appearance. Hair: Exhibitor Tips: Can be up or down Clothing: You will see all kinds of clothing in this class. A sparkly "fancy" outfit is not required to compete in this class. Option #1 Notice the shirt is untucked and she should wear a hat. Option #2 Clean jeans with no rips, tucked in shirt, belt and hat. **see showmanship as well many wear same attire ** Exhibitor number worn on back of shirt ** Helmet does not need to be worn Option 1 Mane: Halter: Lead: Hooves: Tail: Ears: Grooming: Horse Tips: Braided or Banded optional Leather, nylon or rope halter (Silver is not required) With or without a chain Polished Free flowing Trimmed All whiskers should be removed from face and eye area *Mare and foal class will be shown in same attire with both animals being shown by 4-H members. Option 2 **May be asked to show the teeth of a mare--you may touch the horse to do this if asked by the judge
Western Showmanship Purpose: Exhibitor is judged on ability to fit, groom the animal at halter. (Animal is a merely a prop) Exhibitor Tips: Hair: Should be pulled up Patterned Class Clothing: Option #1 Option #2 You will see all kinds of clothing in this class. A sparkly "fancy" outfit is not required to compete in this class. Notice shirt is untucked A simple long sleeved show shirt and dress pants (shirt is typically tucked in with belt) Option 1 Mane: Halter: Lead: Hooves: Tail: Ears: Grooming: Horse Tips: Typically banded Leather, nylon or rope halter (Silver is not a requirement) With or without a chain Polished Free flowing Trimmed All whiskers should be removed from face and eye area Option 2 **You may not touch horse in this class
Western Pleasure Purpose: Show animal is sensible, easy moving, well mannered mount that provides pleasant ride. Hair: Exhibitor Tips: Hair can be up or down Clothing: Option #1 Option #2 You will see all kinds of clothing in this class. A sparkly "fancy" outfit is not required to compete in this class. Shirt should be untucked Chaps are optional Long pants, long sleeved shirt tucked in with a scarf Horse Tips: Option 1 Mane: Typically banded Tail: Free Flowing Tack: Western type saddle Western type bridle (Silver tack may be used but will not be given preference) Split Reins--ride with one hand Tail: Free Flowing Hooves: Polished Ears: Trimmed Option 2 *You may not touch the horse with free hand while showing **Free hand extends straight down or rests on the thigh
Western Horsemanship Purpose: Opportunity to display ability as a rider. (Judging combined performance of rider and animal) Patterned Class Option 1 Hair: Clothing: Option #1 Option #2 Option #3 Exhibitor Tips: Contained in braid or bun You will see all kinds of clothing in this class. A sparkly "fancy" outfit is not required to compete in this class. Long pants, western type shirt and chaps (Shirt is tucked in for this class) Jeans, western type shirt (want to be form fitting so can see posture) Long pants, blouse with scarf and chaps Mane: Tail: Tack: Horse Tips: Can be banded or not banded Free flowing Western Type saddle Western Type bridle Split reins--rode with one hand Option 2 Option 3 *You may not touch the horse with free hand while showing ** Free hand is up as though a plat is being carried between two hands
Contesting (Barrels/Poles/Speed and Action/Flags etc.) Patterned Class Purpose: Timed events that tests the ability of rider to safely maneuver their mount at speed around a course. Clothing: Tack: Optional: Exhibitor Tips: Jeans and long sleeve button up shirt Belt Boots with heel Western or English type saddle Western or English type bridle Closed reins allowed Protective leg wraps and boots Protective vest/shin guards Crops Horse Tips: Mane: Anything goes! Tail: Anything goes! Body Paint and Glitter allowed as well!
Reining Purpose: Not only guide the horse but control his every move. Hair: Clothing: Option #1 Option #2 Patterned Class Exhibitor Tips: Contained in ponytail, bun or braid Western style long pants, long sleeved shirt with collar and western boots with heel Jeans, Chaps, long sleeve western type Shirt Western type Pants and long sleeve Western type shirt and belt Option 1 Mane: Tail: Tack: Optional: Horse Tips: Free Flowing Free Flowing Western Saddle Western Style Bridle (Silver may be used but will not be given preference) Split reins or romel reins must guide with one hand Skid boots, splint boots, protective leg wraps Option 2 *You should not touch animal with free hand
Western Ranch Pleasure Class Purpose: Reflect versatility, attitude and movement of a working horse. (A Youth Western Pleasure horse is not eligible to be shown in this class) Exhibitor Tips: Hair: Contained in pony tail Patterned Class Clothing: Minimum requirements: Long pants/jeans with no holes Long sleeved Western Type Shirt Optional: Chaps Mane: Tail: Tack Horse Tips: Should not be banded or braided Free flowing Western type saddle Western type bridle Silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged Trail Purpose: Display ability of rider to navigate animal through obstacles encountered on a trail ride Exhibitor Tips: Hair: May be up or down Patterned Class Clothing: Option #1 Option #2 May use Western, Hunter, or Saddle Type attire for this class Western attire used in trail class Hunter attire used in trail class Mane Can be banded or not banded Option 1 Tail: Free Flowing Tack May use Western, Hunter or Saddle Type tack but it must match attire Split reins guided with one hand (English two hands) **Mini trail attire is same as above however the animal is lead through obstacles Option 2
Hunter over Fences/Hunter Hack Purpose: Test animal and rider over a course of obstacles. Hair: Clothing: Option #1 Option #2 Patterned Class Exhibitor Tips: Neat and contained in braid or hair net Knee -High hunt boots or jodhpur boots Hunt breeches or jodhpurs in traditional color (gray,buff, rust or canary) Tie stock or choker is required Long sleeve shirt or blouse Short sleeve shirt and hunt coat *Hunt coat is recommended but not required should be conservative color--never red! Mane: Tail: Tack: Horse Tips: Brided mane and tail is optional Free flowing Hunter or forward seat style saddle Bridle is to be hunter style Hunter Type Halter and Showmanship **see above photos for attire Animal is to be shown in halter or a bridle. Must be plain without decoration made of leather or nylon. Lead does not have to have chain. Chain may not be run through animals mouth.
English Performance Class/Halter Hair: Clothing: Optional: Exhibitor Tips: Should be restrained in braid or bun Minimum requirements: Tailored Long Pants, long sleeved shirt, with a tie and jodhpur boots. Coat is recommended. Gloves (recommended) Horse Tips: Mane: Banded Tail: Free Flowing Performance Class: Tack: Saddle must be flat English style Bridle must be English style with plain or decorative noseband Dressage Patterned Class Purpose: Skilled horsemanship foundation in communication and execution between rider and mount Exhibitor Tips: Hair: Should be restrained in braid or bun Clothing: Minimum requirements: Short riding coat of conservative color with tie, choker or stock tie. White or light colored breeches or jodhpurs Boots or Jodhpur boots Shirt should be white or pale color long sleeved without neckware Mane: Tail: Tack: Optional: Horse Tips: Typically Banded or Braided Typically Banded or Braided English type saddle with stirrups Saddle pad optional (white in color) Snaffle bridle Gloves of white or conservative color Spurs made of metal with curved or straight
Saddle Seat Purpose: Exhibit animals with plates only or with weighted shoes or pads. Hair: Clothing: Option 1: Option 2: Mane: Tail: Tack: Exhibitor Tips: Should be restrained in braid or bun Minimum requirements: Tailored long pants, long sleeved shirt or blouse with tie and jodhpur boots. Coat is preferred (may wear short sleeves) Traditional saddle suit is preferred Horse Tips: Braid appropriate to breed is acceptable Free Flowing Saddle must be flat English Style Bridle must be English type with plain or decorative browband and regular cavesson noseband Option 1 Option 2 Reins may be pelham or single set Pleasure Driving Purpose: Demonstrate the reinsmanship and the animals ability to provide driver with a pleasant drive Hair: Exhibitor Tips: Should match attire Clothing: Mane: Tail: Tack: Western, Hunter or Saddle Seat attire. Should be consistant with the style of vehicle. Horse Tips: Free flowing Free flowing Type of harness optional. Single animal hitched to a two or four wheeled vehicle.
Costume Purpose: To Have Fun!! Each year a costume "Theme" will be given to 4-Hers. You are encouraged to use creativity in your costume!
General Tips Riding Class: Helmet Showmanship/Halter: Hat Contained Hair: Should always be neat and tightly secured in a hair net or cover. Hat: Rain Gear: On a windy day always bobby pin hat in place Come prepared we show rain or shine and you do not want equipment/attire to get wet! Earrings: As a general rule should not be dangling--it can be distracting for judge to see movement Numbers: Should always be easily seen by judge Should be straight Should be secured by pins or magnets Each class may require different placement or multiple numbers on rider/horse be sure to check class requirements Numbers may be laminated to ensure they last longer and stay in good condition as you will use them throughout fair week. Riding class should have number on each side of saddle
Examples of Bits that are not to be used! Port is greater than 3 1/2 inch Prongs on Port Bit Converter Bit Convertor Donut Mouthpiece Cathedral Shank Length greater than 8 1/2 inches Bicycle Chain
SHOWTIME!! Quick Reference Guide to Attire* Checklist for Horse Show **THIS IS A QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE --ALWAYS CHECK YOUR HORSE AND PONY HANDBOOK FOR FULL OFFICIAL RULES OF EACH CLASS YOU ARE PARTICIPATING IN.