Winnebago County 4-H Horse and Pony Manual (Revised March 2012)

Winnebago County 4-H Horse and Pony Manual (Revised March 2012) SHOWMANSHIP (Manner in which animal is handled while being judged) Appearance of Animal 40 Appearance of Exhibitor 10 Showing Animal in Ring 50 A. Appearance of Animal 1. Condition and thriftiness 15 points 2. Grooming 15 points a. Coat clean and free of stains. Coat should be silky to show evidence of care. Hair dressing powder may be used sparingly. Bot eggs must be absent. b. Mane and tail clean and free of tangles. Tail extensions are allowed. c. Hoofs trimmed and shaped to enable animal to walk and stand squarely on all four feet. If shod, shoes must fit and not show undue wear. Clinches should be smooth. Hoof dressing permitted. 3. Trimming and Braiding 5 points a. Excess hair clipped or trimmed from fetlocks and around the head. Horse may be totally clipped or not, as exhibitor wishes. Horses should be clipped according to appropriate type or use. Clipper marks should not be evident. b. Braiding, if used should be neat and suitable for type of horse. 4. Tack 5 points a. Clean, neat, and in good repair. At no time will fancy show halters be given preference over clean, well fitted equipment. B. Appearance of Exhibitor 10 points 1. Clothes and person should be neat and clean. Suitable riding clothes required. See attire list. C. Showing Animal in the Ring 1. Leading 15 points a. It is customary to lead from the left (near) side with your hand approximately 8-12" from the halter on the lead shank. (Note: horses should be trained to be workable from both sides) A well trained horse will move readily and freely at a walk or trot with a minimum of urging. Hand may not be in contact with the chain portion of the shank if one is used. b. When leading, allow the horse to hold its head in a natural position without tension on the lead rope. 1

c. Make a neat loop with the excess lead and carry in left hand. A loose, flopping lead strap is a safety hazard. A neatly folded lead is also accepted. EXAMPLE of COIL EXAMPLE OF LOOP d. When leading, be in position on the left side of the horse between the head and shoulders. You will be asked to show your horse in action (way of going) at the walk and trot. Watch and listen to the ringmaster and judge for instructions. e. When asked to show your horse in action, MOVE YOUR HORSE IN A STRAIGHT LINE directly away from the judge. Allow the judge an unobstructed view of the horse s action. f. Be sure to continue back through the line of horses and then turn around, careful to not crowd the other horses. g. You and your horse should work as a team. The horse should respond to the slightest signals. h. Work calmly and quietly, but efficiently. i. Your actions should not draw the judge s attention away from your horse. j. If the horse is shown wearing a bridle, hard jerking on the reins not only looks bad, but could injure the horse s mouth. k. Chain may be placed under (preferred) or over the nose of the horse, but the use of a chain is not to mandatory. l. Western a halter must be used. Exhibitors must wear appropriate Western attire. See attire list. Spurs and chaps are not allowed in showmanship classes. m. Hunt Seat Suitable hunt seat attire. See attire list. Horses may be shown in bridle or halter. Hunters shown in a bridle must be exhibited in a snaffle, curb or pelham; no full bridles are permitted. Hunters can be fully braided (not mandatory,) and no tail sets or weighted shoes will be allowed. No spurs should be worn. n. Saddle Seat Suitable attire should be worn. See attire list. Horses may be shown with a halter or bridle. Those shown in a bridle may use a full bridle, curb or Pelham. No spurs should be worn. Whips are allowed, but should be no longer than four feet. Manes may be full or roached. No boots, rollers or bracelets are allowed. 2. Setting the Horse Up for Inspection 15 points a. When setting the horse up for inspection, stand toward the front facing the horse, but never directly in front of the horse, and always in a position where the judge can be seen. Do not obscure the view of the judge! b. Place the feet of the horse squarely and according to its type and use. (American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walking Horse, Morgan Horse and Show Shetlands are shown stretched). c. Leave at least five feet between horses. Do not crowd exhibitor in front when lined up head to tail. d. When changing position do not crowd other horses. e. Do most of the showing with reins or lead strap. Never touch or kick your horse when positioning the feet. f. Be natural, overshowing, undue fussing and maneuvering are objectionable. 2

3. Show the Animal to its Best Advantage 10 points a. Exhibit the animal to overcome conformation faults. 4. Poise, Alertness, and Attitude 10 points a. Exhibitor should watch the animal carefully and be aware of the position and the judge at all times. Continue showing until the entire class has been placed, and the judge has given his reasons. b. To show your horse to its best advantage, it is essential that you know and can perform with your horse using the Quarter System of Showmanship. The quarter method of showing is essentially a way to make sure that the judge always has an unobstructed view of the horse in the ring. When moving forward, the handler is always on the left side, as is "correct" in any situation (getting the horse accustomed to working from both sides is a good thing, too, in schooling in hand). When standing still, however, the horse is to be between the handler and the judge. They system divides the horse into quarters, with a line from muzzle to tail, and a line crossing the withers. The handler never stands in the II or III quarters, but moves from I and IV as the judge inspects the horse. Every time the judge crosses an imaginary line, the handler switches sides. For example: The horse is standing square, and the judge begins to circle the horse and inspect the grooming job. He is in I, and you (the handler) are in IV. When the judge crosses the wither line, into III, you step from IV into I. When the judge passes the tail line, you step back from I into IV. When the judge crosses from III into IV, you go back to I. When the judge crosses directly in front of the horse, you cross in front of him back to IV. c. Use good sportsmanship WIN WITH A GRIN, LOSE WITH A SMILE. 3

Western Horsemanship (Rider being judged) Hands 10 Seat 10 Mounting and Dismounting 10 Suitability 10 Appointment of Animal 5 Appointment of Rider 5 Performance of Rider 50 A. Hands 10 points 1. Soft hands on reins, neck rein with hand reining straight across on horizontal plane, reasonably loose rein without undue restraint; arms are in straight line with body, the one holding the reins bent at elbow. Only one hand is to be used for reining, and hands shall not be changed. Hand to be around reins. When split reins fall on near side, one finger between rains is permitted. When using romal reins, no finger between reins permitted. Rider may hold romal to keep from swinging and adjust the position of reins provided it is held 16 inches from reining hand. Hands are not to touch the saddle or the horse. B. Seat 10 points 1. Rider sits with knees slightly bent and weight directly over balls of feet. Stirrups should be just short enough to allow heels to be lower than toes. Body should appear comfortable and relaxed. Rider sits to jog. C. Mounting and Dismounting 10 points 1. To mount, take up reins in left hand and place hand on horse s neck in front of withers, with end of reins on near side. Grasp stirrup with right hand, place left foot in stirrup, then grasp saddle horn with right hand and mount. If romal is used, it should be placed on the off side after mounting. If using split reins, they should remain on the same side as the rein hand. To dismount, reverse above procedure and step down, then face forward. The rider has the option when using split reins whether to leave the right rein up or take it down. The size of the rider is to be taken into consideration. D. Suitability 10 points 1. Rider should fit the horse, and the spirit of the horse should be equal to the rider s ability. Horse must be serviceably sound. E. Appointment of Animal 5 points 1. Western tack and saddle should fit horse and rider. Standard Western bits must be used. (Bosals or Snaffle bits can be substituted for Standard bit on Jr. Horse 5 years and under ONLY). Silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit. Chain curbs are permissible, but must be at least one half inch in width, and must lie flat against the jaw of the horse. Neither wire curbs, regardless of how padded or covered, nor any chin strap narrower than one half inch will be permitted. 4

F. Appointment of Rider 5 points 1. See attire list. G. Performance 50 points 1. Walk, jog, lope and reverse inside only (away from the rail) and neck rein. Rider should be able to perform other routines. Results, as shown by performance of the horse, are not to be considered more important than the method of obtaining them. H. Individual Tests the Judge May Choose (Tests may be performed either collectively or individually - Instructions to be announced.) 1. Individual performance on the rail 2. Figure 8 at the jog 3. Lope and stop 4. Figure 8 at lope on correct lead demonstrating correct change of lead. Figures commence in center of two circles so that one lead change is shown. 5. Ride without stirrups 6. Dismount and mount 7. Change leads down center of ring demonstrating simple change 8. Answer questions judge may ask 9. Execute 360-degree turns 10. Roll backs (180 0 turn) 11. Stop and stand (settle) at any gait 12. Other tests may be chosen by judge. Saddleseat Equitation (Rider being judged) Position 30 Performance of Rider 50 Attire and Equipment 10 Suitability 10 A. Position 30 1. Establish and maintain a secure seat thoroughly efficient and most comfortable for riding the type of horse at any gait and for any length of time. The method of holding the reins should be consistent with the type of equipment used, except that both hands shall be used, and reins must be picked up at one time. Bight of rein (excess rein) should be on the off side, hands in line with bit and elbows; weight of rider resting on balls of feet, in the stirrup, heels down. No swaying of legs should be noticeable. B. Performance 50 points 1. Walk, trot and canter both ways of ring, back, pose, dismount and mount. Horses are to be reversed to the rail. Members may be asked for individual workouts. Posting on the correct diagonal, showing correct lead at the canter and changing of lead or diagonals may be required. Voice, hands and legs are important in the use of aids for desired gait or maneuver. 5

C. Attire and Equipment 10 points 1. Cut back, show or park seat saddle. Horses are to be shown under English tack with full bridle or Pelham. Curb chains are permissible, but must be at least one-half inch in width, and must lie flat against the jaw of the horse. Neither wire curbs, regardless of how padded or covered, nor any chin strap narrower than one-half inch will be permitted. Spurs are optional. See attire list. D. Suitability 10 points 1. Horse to rider. Manner equal to rider s ability. Horse must be serviceably sound. E. Saddle Seat Equitation 1. To mount, take up reins in left hand, and place hand on withers. Stand facing rear of horse, grasp stirrup leather with riding hand, and insert left foot in stirrup and mount. In mounting and dismounting the size of the rider is to be taken into consideration. To dismount, rider may either step down or slide down. Irons should be placed under ball of foot (not toe) with even pressure on entire width of sole and center of the iron natural (neither extremely in nor out). The height the hands are held above the horse s withers is a matter of how and where the horse carries his head. F. Position in Motion 1. Walk Slight motion in saddle. 2. Trot Slight elevation in saddle, posting to correct diagonal. 3. Canter close seat, going with the horse. G. Individual Tests the Judge May Choose 1. Pick up reins (addressing reins) 2. Dismount and mount. The size of the rider is to be taken into consideration 3. Back 4. Individual performance on rail 5. Individual performance around ring 6. Figure 8 at trot, demonstrating change of diagonals. At left diagonal, rider should be sitting the saddle when left front leg is on the ground; at right diagonal, rider should be sitting saddle when right front leg is on the ground. When circling clockwise, rider should be left diagonal; when circling counterclockwise, rider should be on right diagonal. 7. Figure 8 at canter. Full stop compulsory on each change of lead, figures commence in center of two circles so that one change is shown. 8. Change leads down center of ring, stopping at each change. 9. Ride without stirrups 10. Answer questions the judge may ask Hunt Seat Equitation (Rider being judged) Position 30 Performance of Rider 50 Attire and Equipment 10 Suitability 10 6

A. Position 30 points 1. The method of holding reins should be consistent with type of equipment used. However, all reins must be picked up at same time. Ankles flexed in, heels down, calf of leg in contact with horse and slightly behind girth. B. Performance 50 points 1. Walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring, back, stand, dismount and mount. Horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from the rail). Members may be asked for an individual workout. Posting on the correct diagonal, showing correct lead at the canter, changing of lead or diagonals may be required. Voice, hands, and legs are important in the use of aids for desired gait or maneuver. C. Attire and Equipment 10 points 1. Forward seat or park seat saddle. Horses are to be shown under English tack with Pelham or snaffle bit. The Kimberwicke or Weymouth bits are also acceptable. Chain curbs are permissible, but must meet the approval of the judge, must be at least one-half inch in width and must lie flat against the jaw of the horse. Neither wire curbs, regardless of how padded or covered, nor any chin strap narrower than one-half inch will be permitted. Riders shall wear appropriate attire for an English class, see attire list. D. Suitability 10 points 1. Horse to rider. Manner equal to rider s ability. Horse must be serviceably sound. E. Hunt Seat Equitation 1. To mount, take up reins in left hand and place hand on withers. Grasp stirrup and mount. To dismount, rider may either step down or slide down. Hands should be over and in front of horse s withers. Iron may be either on ball of foot or home. F. Position in Motion 1. Walk and slow trot Body should be vertical. 2. Posting trot Inclined forward. 3. Canter Half way between the posting trot and walk. G. Individual Tests the Judge May Choose 1. Back 2. Dismount and mount 3. Canter and pull up 4. Figure 8 at trot, demonstrating change of diagonals. At left diagonal, rider should be sitting the saddle when left front leg is on the ground; at right diagonal, rider should be sitting the saddle when right front leg is on the ground; when circling at a trot, clockwise, rider should be on left diagonal, when circling counterclockwise; rider should be on right diagonal. 5. Figure 8 at canter on correct lead with flying or simple change of lead. Figures to be commenced in center of two circles so that one change of lead is shown. 6. Ride without stirrups. 7

7. Change leads down center of ring, stopping at each change. 8. Execute serpentine at a trot on the correct diagonal or at a canter on correct lead. This is a series of left and right half circles off center of imaginary line where correct diagonal or lead change must be shown. Example of Serpentine: 9. Answer questions the judge may ask. Western Stock Seat Pleasure Performance (Performance of animal being judged) Performance and Manner of Animal 80 Appointments of Animal and Rider 10 Conformation 10 A. Performance 80 points 1. Walk, jog, and lope on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint; however, excessive slack is to be discouraged. 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. Horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from the rail). They may be required to reverse at the walk or trot at the discretion of the judge, but shall not be asked to reverse at the lope. Judge may ask that horses be backed. Judge has the privilege to ask for additional work of the same nature from any animal. He is not to ask for work other than listed in Western Horsemanship. Rider shall not be required to dismount for any reason. B. Appointments of Horse 5 points 1. Western tack and saddle should fit horse and rider. Standard Western bits may be used. Silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit. Chain curbs are permissible. But must be at least one-half inch in width, and must lay flat against the jaw of the horse. Neither wire curbs, regardless of how padded or covered, nor any chin strap narrower than one-half inch will be permitted. C. Appointments of Rider 5 points 1. See attire list. D. Conformation 10 points 1. Suitable to the rider, serviceably sound. 8

Bareback Equitation (Riders should not enter unless they are skilled in bareback horsemanship) A. Bareback Equitation 1. No saddles, bare-back pads, cinches or surcingles may be used. 2. Emphasis will be put on the uses and position of the seat, legs and hands as well as being able to adequately cue the horse. 3. Bareback riders must be attired properly for their style of riding. No chaps allowed. 4. Rider may be asked to back their horses or other individual tests. 5. Riders will not be asked to mount or dismount. Saddleseat and Hunt Seat Pleasure (Performance of animal being judged) Performance and Manner of Horse 80 Appointments 10 Conformation 10 A. Performance and Manner of Horse 80 points 1. Horse to be shown at flat-footed walk, square trot (with rider posting), and canter on a reasonably light rein. Horses are to be worked both ways of the ring at all three gaits. They may be asked to extend the trot and/or canter. Hunter horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from rail). Saddle seat horses are to be reversed to the outside (towards the rail). They may be required to reverse at the walk or trot at the discretion of the judge, but shall not be asked to reverse at the canter. The judge may ask the rider to back his/her horse. Horses are to stand quietly and back readily. Rider shall not be asked to dismount for any reason. B. Appointments of Horse 5 points 1. Flat English saddle or hunt saddle to be shown under English tack with full bridle, Pelham, snaffle bit or curb bit. C. Appointments of Rider 5 points 1. See attire list. D. Conformation 10 points 1. Suitable to the rider. Serviceably sound. 9

Harness Horse or Pony (Performance of animal being judged) Performance and Manners 80 Appointments 10 Conformation 10 A. Performance and Manners 80 points 1. The animal shall be worked both ways of the ring at all required gaits as directed by the judge. The commands are walk, park gait (jog), and road gait (which designates an extended trot). Excessive speed is not required, nor desired. Reversing is done by cutting the diagonal of the ring, usually at the judge s direction. B. Appointments of Animal and Driver 10 points 1. All animals in harness are to be exhibited to an appropriate vehicle. Animals shall be shown without artificial appliances except for inconspicuously applied hair in mane or tail, a tail brace or mouth control (caveson). C. Conformation 10 points 1. Serviceably sound. Barrel Race (Timed event) A. Western type equipment and clothing must be used. Use of hackamore or other types of bridles is permissible but not encouraged. Curb chains and tie downs are permissible; however, they must be approved by the judge. B. The contestant must complete a courtesy circle, being careful not to cross the starting line. Timing will begin as soon as the horse s nose reaches the starting line and will be stopped when the horse s nose passes over the finish line. C. 1. Strictly a timed event. The top third of your class will receive A s, the second third of your class B s, the bottom third C s, with the fastest time receiving grand, and the second fastest receiving reserve or at the judge s discretion. 2. Any animal not following the exact pattern will receive the lowest ribbon placing in the final standing. 3. A five-second penalty will be assessed for each barrel that is knocked over. 4. The division will be broken into two sections animals 56 and under and animals 57 and over. D. Barrel rider rides to and makes a right turn around barrel #1, then rides to barrel #2 and makes a left turn around the barrel, then rides to barrel #3 and makes a left turn around the barrel, and rides back across the finish line, passing between barrel #1 and #2, which sprinting for the finish line. A horse may run to the left or right of the barrel first, but the clover leaf pattern must be maintained. Either pattern is permissible. E. In the event of a tie, the horse declared the winner in the runoff must rerun the pattern. 10

Pole Bending (Timed event) A. Rider enters at running start, turns the 6 th pole, runs weaving pattern alternating sides of poles, turns 1 st pole and weaves back through poles, turns around the end pole 6 th and rides back across the finish line. B. If one or more poles are knocked down, the contestant will receive a five-second penalty per pole. C. 1. Strictly a timed event. The top third of the class will receive A s, the second third will receive B s, and the bottom third will receive C s, with the fastest time receiving grand, and the second fastest time receiving Reserve, or at the judge s discretion. 2. Any animal not following the exact pattern will receive the lowest ribbon placing in the final standings. 3. The division will be broken into two sections animals 56 and under and animals 57 and over. Flag Race (Timed event) A. Rider rides to first barrel, picks up flag, rides around and in back of end barrel to opposite barrel and places flag in the sand. B. The end of the flag (staff) must be deposited in the sand. A missed flag or flag that falls out of sand pail will cause rider to receive a five-second penalty. C. Knocking over any marker or pail will cause disqualification. D. Riders may run clockwise or counterclockwise. E. Maintain forward motion. Rider may stop to pick up flag, but do not go backwards or around the barrel. F. 1. Strictly a timed event. The top third of the class will receive A s, the second third receiving B s and the bottom third receiving C s with the fastest time receiving Grand, and the second fastest time receiving Reserve, or at judge s discretion. 2. Any animal not following the exact pattern will receive the lowest ribbon placing in the final standings. 3. The division will be broken into two sections animals 56 and under and animals 57 and over. Plug Race (Timed event) A. Rider rides down and round the end barrel and runs back to finish line. B. Knocking over barrel will result in a five second penalty. C. 1. Strictly a timed event. The top third of class will receive A s, the second third will receive B s and the bottom third will receive C s with the fastest time receiving Grand and the second fastest time receiving Reserve, or at judge s discretion. 2. Any animal not following the exact pattern will receive the lowest ribbon placing in the final standings. 3. The division will be broken into two sections animals 56 and under and animals 57 and over. 11

Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences (Performance of animal and rider) A. The class shall be held over at least 6 normal fences. Types of jumps shall be left to the management but shall be hunter type. Jumps shall be a minimum of 2 feet 6 inches and a maximum of 2 feet 9 inches for ponies; a minimum of 2 feet 9 inches and a maximum of 3 feet and 3 inches for horses. Wings are recommended whenever available. A change of hand (lead) and a combination are recommended in any equitation class. The suggested distance for an in and out for horses when used in a ring is 24 to 26 feet and on an outside course, 26 to 28 feet. B. The performance begins when the horse enters the ring or is given the signal to proceed after entering the ring. Except for refusals, jumping faults of the horse are not to be considered unless it is the result of the rider s ability. Each contestant may circle once if desired before approaching the first jump. He shall then proceed round the course, keeping an even pace throughout. Three cumulative refusals will eliminate the rider. A refusal shall be any time the horse runs out and crosses the line of the jump or circles. If a refusal occurs in a double or triple, riders will rejump all elements of the combination. A fall by the horse or rider will constitute disqualification. Any or all contestants may be asked to perform a walk, trot, and canter or execute any appropriate test at the discretion of the judge. Trail Class (Performance of animal being judged) A. Appointments of Horse and Rider 1. May be ridden English or Western B. 1. 10 points per obstacle, minimum of 8 obstacles C. Optional Obstacles List 1. Pass between two close obstacles barrels. 2. Cavaletti. 3. Wooden bridge. 4. Mounting and dismounting (either side). 5. Plastic or canvas (cross over). 6. L-Shaped (walk in and back out or back in and walk out). 7. Carry bucket from one point to another. 8. Rain Slicker drag and shake over horse. 9. Gunny Sack pulled to horse and over (filled with cans). 10. Ground tie (dismount and mount). 11. Ride by calf or goat. 12. Lead horse over low jump (18 inches or less). 13. Side passing (open gate, passing through). 14. Trailer load (unsaddled). 15. Three barrels (backward figure 8). 12

Attire and Tack List Check this list to see that you have everything that is required, and do not use any of the prohibited equipment. CLASS REQUIRED ATTIRE OPTIONAL ATTIRE PROHIBITED ATTIRE English Hunt Seat Equitation Shirt-rat Catcher, Coat, Breeches, Boots (English type rubber or leather), Hard Hat (strap must be Spurs, Crop Martingale, Tie-down, Drop Nose Band Western Horsemanship or Stock Seat Equitation Saddleseat Equitation Pleasure Driving (Horse or Pony) Barrels, Flags, Plug and Pole Bending Equitation Over Fences Trail Class down) Western Saddle, Western Bit, Western Hat, Longsleeved Shirt, Western Boots, Pants or Dress Jeans Man-style Shirt, Coat (solid color), Bootsjodhpurs, Derby (soft), Long Men s Tie, Full Bridle or Pelham Bit, Flat English-type Saddle Two or Four Wheel Cart, Vehicle Harness for Driving, Clean Appropriate Attire Western Attire and Tack See English Hunt Seat Equitation Attire, Harness Type Chin Strap is Recommended English or Western Attire and Tack Spurs, Curb Chain, Jacket, Vest, Chaps Spurs, Curb Chain, Whip, Crop (For Horse) Keg Shoes or Barefoot Hooves Leg Guards, Hackamore, Tie-down, Curb Chain Bell Boots, Running or Standing Martingale Martingale, Tie-down, Hackamore, Hackamore Bit, Draw Reins, Nosebands, Tapaderos Martingale, Tie-down, Drop Nose Caveson Trotting Boots, Martingale, Weighted Pads or Weighted Shoes Hard or Hinged Boots, Leg Bandages Crops and any other prohibited equipment listed for the type of riding. Any questions regarding attire, tack or patterns need to be addressed to the Ringmaster. The Ringmaster will check with the Judge prior to class. 13