CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Halter: Horses are shown in a halter before the judge so that lameness and quality of movement can be evaluated.Horses are judged on balance, structural correctness, breed and sex characteristics and degree of muscling. Horses will be shown at the walk and trot/jog and will be stood to their best advantage or breed standard for the judge to evaluate conformation.
Showmanship: Horses are shown in halter. The judge evaluates the showmanship skills of the exhibitor. Judges evaluate the grooming and fitting of the horse and expertise of the exhibitor in presenting the horse. Each exhibitor is required to perform a pattern with emphasis on preciseness of pattern and degree of confidence exhibited by the exhibitor.
Leadline: This class is for children 6 & under. Helmets are required. The horse is led in the ring by an adult or older child. If the rider holds the reins--which is not always the case--the handler is responsible for the actual control of the horse. Riders are judged on equitation at a walk only, and may be asked simple questions about their horse or horsemanship.
English Pleasure: English Pleasure horses give a distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride and display a pleasurable attitude. They are ridden in any English discipline at a walk and trot both directions for walk/trot classes and at the walk, trot, and canter both directions for the walk/trot/canter classes. Horses will enter at the trot.. English Pleasure horses are judged on manners, performance, attitude, quality and conformation.
Hunter Under Saddle: Showcases a horse's suitability for hunting, emphasizing its natural carriage, movement, and responsiveness to the rider. The focus is on demonstrating the horse's potential as a hunter without jumping, focusing on gaits (walk, trot, canter, hand gallop) and transitions. Horses will be shown at the walk and trot both directions for walk/trot classes and at the walk, trot, and canter both directions for the walk/trot/canter classes. Horses may be asked to extend the trot or hand gallop.
Western Pleasure: Contestants compete on the rail and are asked to walk and jog both directions for the walk/jog classes and at the walk, jog and lope both directions for the walk/jog/lope classes. Horses are evaluated on quality of movement while staying quiet and calm, traveling on a loose rein.
English or Western Equitation: Classes containing this word in the title means that they will be judged on the rider’s skills, form, balance, and control. Contestants compete simultaneously, traveling the perimeter of the arena, and at the discretion of the judge, are asked to walk, trot or jog, and, where appropriate, canter or lope and reverse the direction of the horse. Judges may factor in rider poise, cleanliness and polish of horse and rider, and proper tack.
Ranch Riding Rail Classes: Contestants compete simultaneously, traveling the perimeter of the arena, and at the discretion of the judge, are asked to walk, jog, lope and reverse the direction of the horse. The judge may call for the extension of any gait. The horse should reflect the versatility, attitude, and movement of a working horse. The horse's performance should simulate a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and that of a working ranch horse. This class should show the horse's ability to work in a forward, working speed while under control by the rider. Light contact should be rewarded and the horse shall not be shown on a full drape of reins. The overall manners and responsiveness of the horse while performing the maneuver requirements and the horse's quality of movement are the primary considerations.
Ranch Riding: Horses show individually, performing a set pattern. Judges are looking for relaxed, responsive horses with soft and cadenced gaits. The horse should make timely transitions in a smooth and correct manner, and the horse should be soft in the bridle and yield to contact.
Arena Trail: This class is judged on the performance of the horse over obstacles, with emphasis on manners, response to the rider and quality of movement. At least six obstacles will be used, 3 of which are mandatory: opening and passing through a gate, ride over at least 4 logs or poles, and a backing obstacle. Other obstacles may include but are not limited to, carry object from one place to another, ride over wooden bridge, put on and remove slicker, remove and replace objects from mailbox, and a side pass obstacle.