Rules in this book will have precedence over all other rules. US Equestrian Federation (USEF) formerly, AHSA, rules will be used for any saddle seat rules not covered in this book. English pleasure horses and ponies will be combined unless participation numbers warrant dividing classes into a separate horse and pony division in which there is to be no cross-entering. If participation warrants, there will be an English Pleasure-Type Horse Class in which horses will not have set tails or be wearing weighted shoes, pads, or wedges. Tails of English Pleasure Class horses must be carried naturally and must not be gingered or put in a tail set in preparation for the show. The fact that a horse’s tail has once been set does not exclude participation in Pleasure Horse classes. The Park Pleasure will be open to horses having set tails, wearing weighted shoes, pads, wedges, or both pads and wedges, or having set tails and wearing any of these items. It will also be open to English Pleasure-Type horses who must be exhibited plain shod with natural tails. Action devices are prohibited on the show grounds.

Exhibitors in the Southern Regional Horse Championships must conform to Southern Regional rules that maybe different. Contact the Extension Horse Husbandry Office for a copy of the rules.

III-A.2. Appointments

III-A.2.a. Personal Appointment
Clothing must be clean, neat, and appropriate saddle seat attire (informal or formal). Riders shall wear a saddle suit with matching jodhpurs, tie, derby or soft hat, and jodhpur boots. Spurs of the unroweled type, whips,and crops are optional. Long whips are prohibited. Use of US Equestrian Federation (USEF)-approved protective headgear of any riding style (with fastened harness) is permitted and encouraged. The dress code will be strictly enforced unless show management makes pre approved changes.

III-A.2.b. Tack
Flat, English-type saddles are required. Hunter, forward seat, and dressage saddles are prohibited. Horses must be shown in full bridles (curb and snaffle) or pelham with two reins. Snaffle bridles will only be allowed in English Pleasure, Showmanship, and Conformation classes. Draw reins, martingales, hackamores, and similar equipment are prohibited.

III-A.2.c. Conformity
The above appointments must be used by all exhibitors participating in classes outlined in the English (Saddle Seat) Division unless noted differently in the specific class requirement.

III-A.3. Position

III-A.3.a. General Appearance
The proper equitation seat should not be exaggerated but should be thoroughly effective and most comfortable for riding the type of horse called for at any gate and for any length of time. Riders should convey the impression of effective and easy control. Good riders will show themselves to their best advantage when riding. Ring generalship will be taken into consideration by the judge.

III-A.3.b. Basic Position
The seat is erect and appears comfortable and balanced. The rider's head should be up and shoulders back with a slight bend at the knees. The stirrup should then be adjusted in the position with the irons placed under the ball of the foot (not on the toe or "home") with even pressure on the entire width of the sole. Foot position should be natural (neither extremely in or out).

III-A.3.c. Hands
Hands should be held in an easy position (neither perpendicular nor horizontal to the saddle) and should show sympathy, adaptability, and control. The height at which the hands are held above the horse's withers is a matter of how and where the horse carries his head. The method of holding the reins is optional, except that both hands shall be used and the reins must be picked up at one time. Bight of reins must fall on the off side of the horse.

III-A.3.d. Mounting and Dismounting
To mount, take up the reins with your left hand and place your hand on the withers. Stand facing the rear of the horse, grasp stirrup leather with your right hand, insert your left foot in the stirrup, and mount. To dismount, you may step down or slide down.

III-A.4. Class Routines

III-A.4.a. English Showmanship In-Hand Class

Refer to the standard showmanship class procedures and score card for ring and judging procedures.
Exhibitors should show horses with a curb rein when using a full bridle.

III-A.4.b. English Breeding or In-Hand Classes

Horses or ponies are judged on conformation, soundness, transmissible weaknesses, quality, breed character, and movement.
Horses or ponies will be shown in an acceptable English bridle or halter. Arabians must have a throat latch. Horses must be shown and handled by only one club member. No bats of any kind will be allowed; whips, however, will be permitted.
Horses or ponies will enter the ring in a counterclockwise direction at a walk or at the judge’s directions. Horses or ponies will be judged individually and on the line at a walk and trot. Class procedure will be as directed by the judge, the ringmaster, or both.
When the top 10 animals have been placed, they will be lined up in order of placing by the ringmaster so that the public may see how the animals placed.

III-A.4.c. Saddle Seat Equitation Class

The rider’s performance and skills are being judged in this class. The riders’ basic position, use of hands and legs, and their ability to control and show their horses are important. The horse’s and the rider’s performance and execution, however, must be considered.

Riders will enter the ring in a counterclockwise direction and proceed at least once around the ring at each gait (walk, trot, and canter) and, on command, reverse and repeat each gait. The riders may be requested to perform additional tests.

Each rider will individually perform a given pattern within a set time period. The pattern may be composed of any combination of maneuvers listed in the optional list of tests listed later in this chapter. Failure to execute or complete the pattern will not result in disqualification but will be scored accordingly. Scores may be posted on completion of the class.

The pattern to be used should be posted 1 hour in advance. The pattern should test the rider’s skill and be completed within 30 seconds. The pattern will be performed after the rail work.

The following is an optional list of tests for saddle seat riders. These optional tests are from the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Rulebook, Equitation Article 2219:

Circle at a trot.
Performance on rail.
Performance around ring.
Feet disengaged from stirrups. Feet engaged. In the lineup only.
Change of diagonals down center of ring or on the rail.
Execute serpentine at a trot. A series of left and right half-circles off center of imaginary line where correct diagonal must be shown.
Back for no more than eight steps.
Figure-eight at a trot demonstrating change of diagonals. Unless otherwise specified, it may be started either facing the center or away from the center. If started facing the center, it must be commenced from a halt. At left diagonal, rider should be sitting the saddle when left front leg is on the ground. When circling clockwise, rider should be on left diagonal; when circling counterclockwise, rider should be on right diagonal.
Execute serpentine at a canter on correct lead demonstrating a simple change of lead.This is a change whereby the horse is brought back into a halt or walk and restarted into a canter on the opposite lead.
Circle at the canter on the correct lead.
Figure-eight at canter on a correct lead demonstrating simple change of lead. (This is a change whereby the horse is brought back into a halt or walk and restarted into a canter on the opposite lead.) Unless specified, it can be started either facing the center or away from the center. If started facing the center, it must be commenced from a halt. Figures are commenced in center of two circles so that one lead change is shown.
Change leads down center of ring or on the rail demonstrating simple change of lead. The judge must specify exact lead changes to be executed and the beginning lead. In a simple change of lead, the horse is brought back to a halt or walk and restarted into a canter on the opposite lead from the halt or walk.
Ride without stirrups for a brief period of time, no more than 1 minute at the trotting phase. Riders may be asked to engage stirrups at a halt or walk.

III-A.4.d. English Pleasure Class

Horses and ponies will be shown at a flat walk, trot, and canter at least once around the ring in each direction. The reverse may be executed by turning the horse toward the rail or the center.
Horses and ponies will be judged on manners, action, and presence. All horses must be serviceably sound.

III-A.4.e. Park Pleasure Class

Horses being shown in this class may be exhibited with set tails, weighted shoes, pads or wedges.
Horses will be shown at a walk, trot, extended trot, canter, and hand gallop at least once around the ring in each direction. Horses may be reversed by turning toward either the rail or the center of the ring.
Horses will be judged on their manners and way of going. All horses should stand quietly and back readily.
A maximum of only eight horses will gallop at one time. More than that number is considered to be unsafe.
Horses exhibiting in this class are not eligible to show in Three-Gaited Park or Three-Gaited Park Pleasure classes if they are offered.

III-A.4.f. Academy Classes

Horses and ponies will compete in the same classes. Junior and Senior riders will also compete in the same classes. Exhibitors in Academy classes will not be eligible to compete in other Saddle Seat Division classes. Horses and ponies must be shown in proper Saddle Seat Division tack and attire with these exceptions: Vests are optional, and hats and coats are prohibited. These are invitational classes; exhibitors will not be eligible to compete at the Southern Regional Horse Show. (These classes may not be offered on an annual basis.)

Academy Showmanship Class
Exhibitors will be judged in accordance with the general showmanship-at-halter rules.

Academy Walk-Trot Equitation Class
To be judged on the rider’s performance and horsemanship skills with emphasis on the proper use of hands, legs, and seat. Individual workouts may be requested from the approved Saddle Seat Class equitation tests listed earlier in this chapter under item III-A.4.c but cannot require a canter.

Walk, Trot, and Canter Equitation Class
To be judged on the rider’s performance and horsemanship skills with emphasis on the proper use of hands, legs, and seat. Individual workouts may be requested from the approved Saddle Seat Class equitation tests listed above under item III-A.4.c.

Walk, Trot, and Canter Pleasure Class
Exhibitors will be judged in accordance with the general rules for the Park and English Pleasure classes listed earlier in this chapter under items III-A.4.d and III-A.4.e.

III-A.4.g. Hunter Pleasure- English-Type Class

The class is open only to English-type horses and ponies, including Arabians, Morgans, Saddlebreds, and crossbreds from the above-mentioned breeds. Hunter and stock-type horses and ponies are ineligible. This class is a point class in the Saddle Seat Division for the Trotting Class breeds. There is to be no cross-entering between this class and the Non-Trotting classes.

Horses entered in this class are to be plain shod with natural tails.

Junior and Senior riders compete in the same class.

Horses will be required to walk, trot, and canter in both directions of the ring. Horses and ponies may be required to reverse direction at any gait except the canter.

Horses and ponies will be required to back up on request and stand quietly.

For appointments, refer to the Hunter Division appointments listed later in this chapter under III-C.2.a to III-C.2.d.

III-A.4.h. Western Pleasure- English-Type Class

The class is open only to English-type horses and ponies, including but not limited to Arabians, Morgans, saddlebreds, and crossbreds from the above mentioned breeds. Hunter and stock-type horses and ponies are ineligible. This class is a point class in the Saddle Seat Division for the Trotting Class breeds. There is to be no cross-entering between this class and the Non-Trotting Classes.

Horses entered in this class are to be plain shod with natural tails.

Junior and Senior riders compete in the same class.

Horses and ponies will be required to walk, jog-trot, and lope-canter in both directions of the ring. Horses and ponies may be required to reverse directions at any gait except the lope-canter.

Horses will be judged on their manners and way of going. All horses should stand quietly and back readily.

For appointments, refer to the Western Division rules listed later in this chapter under items III-E.2.. (Note: Only one hand is permitted on the reins if the entrant is riding with a curb bit.)

III-B. ENGLISH DIVISION—NON-TROTTING DIVISION

III-B.1. Overview

These classes are designated for non-trotting horses and ponies such as walking horses, racking horses, Rocky Mountains and Paso Finos. There will be no cross-entering into Trotting Division classes in the Saddle Seat Division. Horses and ponies will compete in the same class. Horses will be required to perform gaits appropriate to their respective breed. Non-Trotting Division championships include points accumulated in all Non-Trotting Division classes. The Non-Trotting Division classes are open to padded horses. Refer to shoeing guidelines as outlined by the National Horse Show Commission. Action devices are prohibited on the show grounds. All Non-Trotting Division entries are subject to inspection by a designated qualified person (DQP) prior to the class. Class winners are required to report to the DQP immediately after the class. Exhibitors failing a DQP inspection will not be permitted to show. Exhibitors in the Southern Regional Horse championships must conform to Southern Regional rules that may be different. Contact the Extension Horse Husbandry Office for a copy of the rules.

III-B.2. Appointments

III-B.2.a. Personal Appointment
All Non-Trotting Class exhibitors may show in Western, Hunter, or Saddle Seat Class attire as it conforms to the standards of the non-trotting breed they are exhibiting. Mixing of attire is prohibited. Exhibitors should follow attire rules as outlined according to their respective breed associations. The rider’s attire should be appropriate for the time of day and should be conservative and well fitting. Riders are permitted and encouraged to wear the protective headgear of any riding style (with fastened harness) that is approved by US Equestrian Federation (USEF). The dress code will be strictly enforced unless the show managers make pre-approved changes.

III-B.2.b. Tack
All Non-Trotting Class exhibitors may show in Western, Hunter, or Saddle Seat Class tack as it conforms to the standards of the non-trotting breed they are exhibiting. Mixing of tack is prohibited.

III-B.3. Position

III-B.3.a. General Appearance
The proper equitation seat should be relaxed and supple, yet erect in the saddle and in tune with the horse’s natural motion. Any excessive motion in the saddle or swinging of the arms and legs should be penalized. An artificial or unnatural appearance in the saddle also should be penalized.

III-B.3.b. Basic Position
The rider’s basic seat should be deep in the saddle with back erect and legs in line with the body. The arms should be relaxed with hands in a natural position that will allow maximum use of the hands as an aid to the horse. Reins should be held in the crossed-closed position. A rider should not be penalized for using the legs as an aid in executing gaits, but any excessive motion or pumping should be penalized.

III-B.4. Class Routines

III-B.4.a. Non-Trotting Showmanship At Halter Class
Refer to the standard Showmanship Class procedures and score card for ring and judging procedures (item II.B.)

III-B.3.b. Non-Trotting Mares And Geldings In Hand Class

Horses or ponies are judged on conformation, soundness, transmissible weaknesses, quality, breed character, and movement.
Horses or ponies will be shown in appropriate equipment as indicated for their respective breed being exhibited. Horses must be shown and handled by only one club member.

III-B.3.c. Non‑Trotting Equitation Class

To be judged on the rider’s performance and horsemanship skills with emphasis on the proper ruse of hands, legs, and seat. Junior and Senior riders will compete in the same class.
Individual workouts may be required at the discretion of the judge but will be limited to those tests described earlier in this chapter for the Saddle Seat Equitation Class, item III-A.4.c (tests 1, 2, 3, and 5); a test designed by the judge; or both. All tests must test appropriate gaits for the breeds entered.

III-B.3.d. Go-As-You Please and Other Non-Trotting Horses' Class

To be judged as a pleasure class based on manners, consistency, and way of going.
Horses will be required to work both ways of the ring at a walk or at a gait appropriate to their breed. Horses will be required to stand quietly and back.
Walking and racking horses are ineligible to compete in this class. Junior and Senior riders will compete in the same class.

III-B.3.e. English Non-Trotting (Two Gait) Class

To be judged as a pleasure class based on manners, consistency, and way of going.
Horses will be required to work both ways of the ring at a walk and one other breed-appropriate gait. (A canter is not allowed.) Horses may be required to stand quietly or back, or both.
Junior and Senior riders will compete in the same class.

III-B.3.f. Western Non-Trotting (Two Gait) Class

To be judged as a pleasure class based on manners, consistency, and way of going.
Horses will be required to work both ways of the ring at a walk and one other breed-appropriate gait. (A canter is not allowed.) Horses may be required to stand quietly or back, or both.
Junior and Senior riders will compete in the same class.

III-B.3.g. Walking Horse Pleasure (Three Gait) Class

To be judged as a pleasure class based on manners, consistency, and way of going.
Horses will be required to work both ways of the ring at a flat walk, running walk, and canter. Horses will be required to stand quietly and back.
Junior and Senior riders will compete in the same class.

III-B.3.h. Racking Horse Pleasure (Three Gait) Class

To be judged as a pleasure class based on manners, consistency, and way of going.
Horses will be required to work both ways of the ring at a walk, slow rack, and fast rack. Horses will be required to stand quietly and back.
Junior and Senior riders will compete in the same class.

III-B.3.i. Other Non-Trotting Horse Pleasure (Three Gait) Class

To be judged as a pleasure class based on manners, consistency, and way of going.
Horses will be required to work both ways of the ring at a walk, appropriate gait, and extended gait. For example, Paso Finos will be required to walk, corto, and largo. Horses will be required to stand quietly and back. Walking and racking horses are ineligible to compete in this class.
Junior and Senior riders will compete in the same class.

III-C. HUNTER DIVISION

III-C.1. Overview

The rules in this book will have precedence over all other rules. US Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules will be used for any hunt seat rules not covered in this book. Protective hard hats approved by US Equestrian Federation (USEF) with a fastened chin-strap and harness are required in all classes and when schooling over fences.

Hunter classes are divided into Horse and Pony divisions. All animals must be serviceably sound. The Horse Division is open only to animals that measure more than 14.2 hands. The Pony Division includes all hunters that measure 14.2 hands or less. The Pony Division is divided into three additional sections, depending on the pony’s size. Small ponies are a maximum height of 12.2 hands; medium ponies are over 12.2 hands but do not exceed 13.2 hands; and large ponies are larger than 13.2 hands but do not exceed 14.2 hands. All ponies will compete in the same class but may by judged over a different size fence that will be determined by the ponies’ sizes (i.e., only one set of awards for small, medium, and large ponies). Horses and ponies will not be allowed to cross-enter between divisions or sections. All ponies entered in the Hunter Pony divisions must be measured at their respective district shows unless the exhibitor can provide show management an USEF permanent pony card, which will be honored. Ponies showing exclusively in the Short-Stirrup Division are not required to be measured.

III-C.2. Appointments

III-C.2.a. Personal Appointment
Protective headgear approved by US Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be required in all Hunt Seat classes and when schooling over fences. Exhibitors showing in the Hunt Seat division must wear approved hard hats with a fastened harness. Clothing must be clean, neat, and appropriate for hunter classes. Riders must wear coats, boots, breeches, and hunting caps. Clean shirts with stock and pin or ratcatcher and choker are preferred. The coat should be any tweed of melton acceptable for hunting (including conservative wash jackets in season). Breeches should be in traditional shades of buff, gray, rust, beige, or canary (jodhpur included), and high English boots or jodhpur boots should be worn. Black, dark-blue, or brown hunt caps or derbies are required. Spurs of the unroweled type, gloves, crops, or bats are optional. Gloves are preferred in the equitation class and should be heavy wash or brown leather. Safety or flack vests are considered optional attire or equipment in all divisions and classes and may be worn either over or under approved riding attire. The dress code described will be strictly enforced unless the show managers make pre-approved changes.

III-C.2.b. Tack
Clean English forward-, hunting-, or dressage-type saddles. Saddles may have suede seats or suede inserts on the skirts. Regulation snaffle and pelham or full bridle, all with a caveson noseband, are required. Breast plates are optional. Martingales are optional in over-fences classes. Martingales are not allowed in any under-saddle classes, including the flat portion of the Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences classes. Draw reins and hackamores are all prohibited. Boots and bandages are prohibited with the exception of Hunt Seat Equitation classes. The judge, at his or her own discretion, may penalize a horse with non-conventional bits, nosebands, or equipment.

III-C.2.c. Sidesaddles
Sidesaddles are considered appropriate with proper saddle attire for ladies. Refer to US Equestrian Federation (USEF) guidelines for proper attire specifications.

III-C.2.d. Applicability
The above appointments must be used by all exhibitors participating in classes described in the Hunter Division unless noted differently in a specific class requirement.

III-C.3. Position

III-C.3.a. General Appearance
Riders should have a workmanlike appearance, with a light, supple seat and hands that convey the impression of complete control should any emergency arise.

III-C.3.b. Basic Position
The eyes should be up and shoulders back. Toes should be out at an angle best suited to the rider’s conformation, ankles flexed in, heels down, and calf of leg in contact with the horse and slightly behind girth. Stirrup iron may be either under the toe, under the ball of the foot, or slightly behind the ball of the foot.

III-C.3.c. Position in Motion
At the walk, sitting trot, and canter, the rider’s body should be a couple of degrees in front of the vertical; at posting trot, inclined forward; and at galloping and jumping, at the same inclination as the posting trot.

III-C.3.d. Hands
Hands should be over and in front of the horse’s withers, knuckles 30 degrees inside the vertical with hands making a straight line from horse’s mouth to rider’s elbow. Hands should not be held tightly together. Method of holding reins is optional, and the bight of the reins may fall on either side, but it is more acceptable for the bight of the reins to lie on the off side. The rider should maintain light contact with the horse’s mouth at all times except when standing still.

III-C.3.e. Reins
The rein of a snaffle bridle may be held either outside the little finger or between the third and little finger. The snaffle rein of a pelham or full bridle should be held outside the little finger and curb rein between the third and little finger or between the second and third fingers. In either case, reins should be picked up at the buckles by the right hand, then straightened and separated in correct order by the fingers of the left hand, then pulled taut and adjusted to even pressure in both hands.

III-C.3.f. Mounting and Dismounting
To mount, take up the reins in your left hand and place your hand on the withers. Grasp stirrup leather with your right hand, and insert left foot in stirrup and mount. To dismount, either step down or slide down.The rider’s size must be considered.

III-C.4. Class Routines

III-C.4.a. Hunter Showmanship Class

The class procedure and judging will be as outlined in this manual for the uniform Showmanship Class procedure and scorecard (items II-B.3 and II-B.4). The horse’s conformation will not be considered in the judging or scoring.

Hunters may be shown in an acceptable hunting bridle or halter. A hunting bridle is preferred.
Horse’s manes and tails should be braided or shown unbraided. All manes and tails should be neat and properly thinned. If the mane is braided, however, the tail should also be braided.
Horses will be asked to walk and trot on the line. All horses should stand squarely or in the traditional hunter stance. The method of posing horses should remain uniform throughout the class.
Exhibitors must wear the proper hunting attire when showing.
Hooves should be clean and treated with a good hoof dressing that will give the appearance of a healthy foot (use of hoof black is discouraged).

III-C.4.b. Hunter Horses and Hunter Ponies In-Hand Classes

Horses are judged on conformation, soundness and transmissible weaknesses, quality, condition, breed character, and way of going at the judge’s discretion.
Horses will be shown in an acceptable hunting bridle or a suitable halter. Horses must be handled and shown by only one club member. No whips or bats of any type will be allowed.
Horses will enter the ring in a counterclockwise direction at a walk or at the direction of the judge. Subsequent procedures will be as directed by the judge, ring steward, or both. Horses will be examined and judged individually and then at a walk and trot in hand.
When the top 6 to 10 horses have been placed, they will be lined up in order of placing by the ringmaster so that the public may view the results.

III-C.4.c. Hunt Seat Equitation On the Flat Class

Each rider’s performance and skills are being judged. The rider’s basic position, use of hands and legs, and his or her ability to control and show the horse are important. But the horse’s and the rider’s performance and execution of tests must be considered. Riders will be tested on the rail only. No individual patterns.

The judge will evaluate each rider on his or her individual skills and execution of the tests.

The final riders will be required to work on the rail to determine final placings. Riders shall enter the ring at a walk in a counterclockwise direction. The riders will proceed at least once around the ring at each gait (walk, trot, and canter) and, on command, reverse and repeat. The riders may be requested to gallop in safe groups (of eight horses or less) and perform additional tests. The reverse may be executed by turning either toward or away from the rail.

Riders will not be required to jump.

All riders will be tested on the rail only. The following optional tests may be used for Hunt Seat Class riders:

Answer any question on horses, tack, or riding.
Execute a working trot sitting, working trot rising, or a working trot showing a lengthening of stride (either sitting or rising).
Walk back.
Walk from a gallop with the emphasis on the rider’s hands.
Halt from a canter.
Dismount and remount in the lineup.
Ride without stirrups.
Maintain a counter-canter.
Demonstrate a half turn on forehand, a half turn on the haunches, or both.

III-C.4.d. Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences Class

Riders will be judged on hands, seat, use of aids, and control. Each entry will individually execute a course consisting of 6 to 10 jumps with a minimum of four obstacles.

Except for jumping disobediences, jumping faults of the horse are not to be considered unless they are the rider’s responsibility. Three cumulative disobediences; fall of the horse, rider, or both; or going off course will result in automatic elimination. Eliminated riders will leave the ring immediately unless given permission to take one schooling jump when leaving.

The course should be designed by the show committee or qualified horseman and must meet the approval of the judge. The course diagram should be posted 1 hour before the class is called and should contain at least one change of direction.

The maximum heights of fences shall be the following:

Senior riders on hunter horses: 3 feet 3 inches, and the distance between the in and out should be 26 feet.
Junior riders on hunter horses: 3 feet, and the distance between the in and out should be 26 feet.
Short-Stirrup riders: 2 feet.
Large ponies: 2 feet 9 inches, and the distance between the in and out should be 24 feet.
Medium ponies: 2 feet 6 inches, and the distance between the in and out should be 22 feet.*
Small ponies: 2 feet 3 inches, and the distance between the in and out should be 20 feet.*

*The jumps for small and medium ponies may need to be 2 feet, 6 inches if that is the lowest height the fences can be set.

Following the jumping performance, any or all of the entries may be called back to perform at a walk, trot, and canter on the rail and to execute any appropriate test included earlier in this chapter under III-C.4.c.

Fences must conform to those listed for working hunters. The first fence must be vertical (brush or post and rail) and can be set 3 inches lower than the other fences, except in Short-Stirrup Division classes.

III-C.4.e. Working Hunters and Working Pony Hunters Over Fences Classes

Horses will be judged on performance, manners, hunting pace, style of jump, and way of moving as well as suitability for actual use in the hunting field.

All horses must be serviceably sound. Horses must be placed on performance before being considered for soundness. Finalists will be jogged in hand past the judge for soundness in order of performance. Any horse showing lameness, impaired wind, or impaired vision shall be refused an award at the judge’s discretion. It is suggested that the judge call the top eight horses back.

Each horse will individually negotiate a course consisting of at least eight jumps with a minimum of four obstacles. At least one change of direction is recommended. The course diagram should be posted 1 hour before the class is called. Judging will start when the horse enters the arena and end when the horse leaves the arena.

Management must provide at least one practice jump. This jump should be in a warm-up ring or arena. The use of additional practice jumps is encouraged.

Pony hunter classes will be combined for small, medium, and large ponies with the same course and one set of awards being used. The ponies may jump different size fences as outlined in these rules.

The maximum heights of fences are as follows:

Working Hunters, Senior Riders: 3 feet 3 inches
Working Hunters, Junior Riders: 3 feet 0 inches
Green Working Hunters, Senior Riders; 2 feet 6 inches
Green Working Hunters, Junior Riders: 2 feet 6 inches
Large Pony Hunters: 2 feet 9 inches
Medium Pony Hunters: 2 feet 6 inches
Small Pony Hunters: 2 feet 3 inches *

*The lowest jumps for small ponies may need to be set at 2 feet 6 inches if that is the lowest the fence standard permits.

Hunter Courses:

Selected Jumps:

Brush
Post and rail
Chicken coop
Gate
Stone wall
White board fence
Ascending oxers (Back element must be 3 inches higher and preferably 6 inches.)

Chicken coops hinged at the top and free at the bottom, hogbacks, triple bar jumps, striped rails, parallel bars, square oxers and targets are prohibited.

Suggestions:

The first jump must be a brush or vertical set 3 inches lower than the rest (brush preferred). In-and-outs and oxers are prohibited as the first jump.
The course should include one in-and-out. The distance should be changed for small, medium, and large ponies. In-and-out distances: Small Pony: 20 feet; Medium Pony: 22 feet; Large Pony: 24 feet.
All jumps should appear solid. Adequate poles and cups are needed to fill in blank spaces.
Ground lines should be placed on the ground in front of all fences.

When designing a working hunter course, the jumps should be spaced a minimum of 48 feet apart, but all intervals must be in multiples of 12 feet (for example, 48 feet, 60 feet, 72 feet, or 84 feet) from the base of the fence on the landing side of the first obstacle to the base of the fence on the take-off side of the second obstacle in the line.

Faults:

An even hunting pace is required for a good performance. Faults such as excessive speed, breaking gaits, and wrong leads will be penalized.
Jumping form and style will be considered. Unsafe jumping will be penalized, regardless of whether the jump was cleared.
Light touches are not to be considered in the jumping but may be recorded for reference in extremely close competition. Touching brush only on a brush jump is not to be scored as a touch.
When a horse makes two faults at an obstacle, only the major fault on the top element will be scored. Disobediences are cumulative and count in addition.
When an obstacle contains more than one jump, faults are scored on each jump.
In case of refusal or run-out on an obstacle that contains more than one jump, entry may rejump previous as well as remaining jumps.
Three cumulative disobediences, a fall of horse or rider, or going off course disqualifies the entry. Dismissed contestants will exit promptly.

The following faults are scored according to the judge’s opinion and, depending on severity, may be considered minor or major faults:

Minor or major faults

Showing an obstacle to a horse
Spooking
Missing a lead change
Jumping out of form
Kicking out
Jumping into corners of obstacles

Major faults

Knockdown of any part of an obstacle
Bucking
Refusals
Trotting while on course when it is not specified
Circling while on course
Stopping for loss of shoe or broken equipment
Dangerous jumping

Elimination faults

Three refusals
Bolting from the ring
Going off course
Fall of horse or rider
Jumping a fence before it is reset

The following may or may not be considered faults, depending on their severity and frequency:

Light rubs
Excessive show of animation
Swapping leads in a line
Adding or eliminating a stride in a line
Late lead changes

III-C.4.f. Horse and Pony Hunters Under Saddle Class

Horses and ponies are to be judged on performance, way of going, manners, and suitability of horse and rider at the judge’s discretion. All animals will be shown both directions of the ring at a walk, trot, and canter. The judge may request any or all animals to hand gallop in groups that will be safe for mounts and riders. Emphasis will be placed on the mount’s performance and way of going.
Mounts must back easily and stand quietly.
Mounts should perform without undue restraint, but light contact with the mouth should be maintained. Mounts should be under control at all times.
Large numbers in this class may necessitate elimination heats to accommodate all entries. It is suggested that no more than 25 horses compete per heat, regardless of arena size.

III-C.4.g. Bridle Path Hack Class

Horses will be judged on their ability to give a pleasurable ride, manners, performance, and suitability to purpose. Emphasis will be placed on ability to give a pleasurable ride and manners.
Horses enter the ring at a trot and are shown on the flat at a walk, trot, or canter on a reasonably loose rein without loss of contact with the horse’s mouth.
Horses must work both ways of the ring at all gaits to demonstrate their ability with different leads. Horses may be required to go from one gait to another gait or extend any gait at the judge’s discretion.
The judge may ask finalists to hand gallop, but never more than a safe number of horses should gallop at one time (a suggested maximum of eight).
Horses will be required to back easily and stand quietly.
Any portion of a class or heat may be placed on the rail for extra work by the judge at any time. Any extra rail work must be conducted in both directions.
Entries shall be penalized for being on wrong lead but not necessarily disqualified. Excessive speed, breaking gait, tossing of head, and going sideways are to be penalized.

III-C.4.h. Hunter Hack Class

Horses and ponies will first be required to negotiate two jumps, with a minimum of 48 feet between jumps. Jump distances may be set greater than 48 feet apart but must be in increments of 12 feet. Minimum jump heights will be 2 feet for ponies and 2 feet, 6 inches for horses.
A minimum of the top 15 horses and ponies and all ties will be selected by the judge to be judged on the rail, according to Hunter Under Saddle Class rules. The judge will have the option to work horses and ponies both directions of the ring; however, only one direction will be required.

III-C.4.i. Hunt Seat Equitation Medal Class

This class is offered to Junior and Senior 4‑H members, exhibiting either a horse or pony, who placed either first or second at the district show in the Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences Class (horse or pony).
This class does not offer points towards Southern Regional qualification.
Courses will consist of two changes of direction and at least one combination fence (in and out).
Fence heights will be set according to the recommended horse and pony heights set forth in this manual.
The class will be judged as an equitation class over fences first, followed by equitation on the flat.
A minimum of the top 10 riders and all ties may be selected from the fence work to return for flat work on the rail.

III-C.4.j. Restricted Working Hunter Over Fences Class

The class is offered to Junior and Senior 4-H members exhibiting horses and ponies.
Fence heights will be a maximum of 2 feet 3 inches for horses and 2 feet for ponies.
The class will be judged according to the Working Hunter Class rules.
Exhibitors are ineligible to compete in the Short-Stirrup Division. Each horse and rider may earn points toward Southern Regional's by competing in the other Junior and Senior Division point classes (Working Hunter Under Saddle, Hunter Hack, and so forth). They may also participate in the Baby Novice Combined Training Class (if offered) but may not cross-enter into the Working Hunter Over Fences or Equitation Over Fences classes.
This class does not offer points towards Southern Regional qualification.

III-C.5. Suggested Hunter Class Courses

Hunter Courses

III-C.6. Acceptable Hunter Class Fences

Legal Hunter Fences

III-C.7 Illegal Hunter Class Fences

Illegal Hunter Fences

III-D. SHORT-STIRRUP DIVISION

III-D.1. Overview

Rules in this book will have precedence over all other rules. US Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules will be used for any hunt seat rules not covered in this book. Refer to the Hunter Division rules in this chapter for a description of appointments, positions, and additional information on class routines (III-C).

Classes in the division are open to 4-H members age 9 to 12 who are in their first two years of showing over fences. Verification of a youth’s eligibility is required by a volunteer leader. This division is a qualifying division at the district shows. Entries in this division at the State Show must have qualified in this division at their respective district show; however, Short-Stirrup Division exhibitors will not be eligible to compete in the Southern Regional Horse Show or any non-Short-Stirrup Division class, with the exception of Showmanship at Halter Class, Pleasure Pairs Class, One Halter (Conformation) Class, any Dressage Class test, Baby Novice Combined Class test and the Costume Class. The division is specifically designed for inexperienced Junior riders in the Hunt Seat Division. Short-Stirrup Division exhibitors are not restricted from qualifying in Western Division, Speed Events Division, Dressage, or Saddle-Seat Division classes, but may not cross over into Junior Hunt Seat Division classes. Four-H members showing (qualifying) exclusively in Short-Stirrup Division classes may not compete in the Versatility Class.

III-D.2.Class Routines

III-D.2.a. Short-Stirrup Showmanship Class
This class is open to horses and ponies exhibited in accordance with rules listed under Chapter II of this manual.

III-D.2.b. Short-Stirrup Working Hunter Over Fences Class

This class is open to horses and ponies exhibited in accordance with rules listed earlier in this chapter under III-C.4.e.
Jump heights may not exceed 2 feet.

III-D.2.c. Short-Stirrup Working Hunter Under Saddle Class
This class is open to horses and ponies exhibited in accordance with rules listed earlier in this chapter under III-C.4.f..

III-D.2.d. Short-Stirrup Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences Class

Horses and ponies may compete in accordance with the rules listed earlier in this chapter under III-C.4.d..
Jumping heights may not exceed 2 feet.

III-D.2.e. Short-Stirrup Hunt Seat Equitation On the Flat Class

This class is open to horses and ponies exhibited in accordance with the rules listed earlier in this chapter under III-C.4.c.
The optional list of equitation tests will be restricted to tests listed earlier in this chapter under items III-C.4.c.. Use of optional equitation tests is at the judge’s discretion.

III-E. WESTERN HORSES AND PONIES DIVISION

III-E.1. Overview

Rules in this book will have precedence over all other rules. American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) rules will be used for any Western Division rule not covered in this book. Western‑type horses and ponies will be shown in proper western tack with the riders dressed accordingly. Western hats and boots will be required in all classes. All horses must be serviceably sound. Western Division ponies are 14.2 hands and under (58 inches), and Western Division horses are more than 14.2 hands. All ponies entered in the Western Pony divisions must be measured at their respective district shows unless the exhibitor can provide show management with an USEF permanent pony card. Ponies showing exclusively in Speed Events and Little Britches divisions are not required to be measured. The use of medications, drugs, and other substances will be governed according to US Equestrian Federation Rules.

III-E.2. Appointments

III-E.2.a. Personal Appointment
Clothing must be neat and clean. Riders shall wear western hats and boots. Long-sleeve shirts with a collar are required. Appropriate neckwear is preferred. Halter-tops or other shirts without sleeves or collars are inappropriate and will result in automatic disqualification of entry. Spurs, chaps, or similar equipment are optional in riding classes. Use of protective headgear for any riding style (with fastened harness) as approved by US Equestrian Federation (USEF) is optional and encouraged. Safety or flack vests are considered optional in all divisions and classes and may be worn either over or under approved riding attire. The dress code described will be strictly enforced unless the show managers make pre-approved changes.

III-E.2.b. Tack
The saddle must be a western type and must fit the rider. Exhibitor numbers are required on both sides of the saddle pad. A hackamore, snaffle, or curb bit may be used. Silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit. Reins may be split or romal. Curb straps or chains must be flat and not less than ½-inch wide. Tie-downs, draw reins, and martingales are prohibited. Carrying of rope, hobble, slicker, or similar equipment is optional. Mechanical hackamores and tie down straps are prohibited except in Speed Events Division classes. A mechanical hackamore is considered to be any hackamore with metal under the jaw or metal used in a leverage action. The judge or show officials may disqualify any entry using equipment that they deem too severe or request the alteration of such equipment. Refer to the information on suggested acceptable and unacceptable equipment later in this chapter under III-F..

III-E.2.c. Junior horses or ponies, age 5 or younger, may be shown with a snaffle bit or bosal, using two hands on the reins in accordance with the following rules:

Horses are to be shown in plain headstall, standard stall, or silver headstalls (browband, shaped ear, or split ear). Only smooth ring snaffles are permitted with a broken mouthpiece (conventional O-ring, egg butt, or D-ring) with a ring no larger than 4 inches and no smaller than 2 inches. A loose leather curbstrap, attached below the reins, is optional.
A braided rawhide or leather bosal may be used in lieu of a snaffle bit no larger than 3/4 inch in diameter at the cheek. There must be a minimum of two finger spaces (approximately 1 1/2 inches) between the bosal and nose. Absolutely no metal under the jaw or the noseband in connection with the bosal will be permitted.
Standard, leather, or woven split reins are mandatory. Reins must be attached above the curb strap and held close to the pommel within 4 inches of the saddle horn. Reins held tight (in a straight line from the bit to the hands) or excessively loose will be penalized.
Exhibitors may not enter the show arena with any kind of training device, tack, or equipment. Training devices include any equipment not described above. Martingales, tie-downs, and nosebands are prohibited.
Head carriage should be quiet and natural. Horses will be penalized for carrying their heads excessively low, behind the vertical or nosing out.
Age-eligible horses exhibited in 4-H shows in snaffle bit classes are not to have been shown in curb bits during that calendar year or previous year.
Horses meeting the above requirements are eligible to participate in all Western Division classes.

III-E.2.d. The above appointments (III-E.2.) will be required by all exhibitors entering classes in this division unless specifically exempted.

III-E.3. Position

III-E.3.a. General Appearance
Riders shall convey a neat, workmanlike position with complete and easy control over their horses.

III-E.3.b. Seat and Position of Hands, Legs, and Feet

Basic Position
The rider should sit in a comfortable, balanced, relaxed, and flexible manner. The rider should sit in the middle of the saddle with thigh, knee, and upper calf in contact with the horse. Lower legs may hang straight down from the knee forward to the stirrup or with a slight bend in the knee, depending on the type of saddle. In either position, stirrups should be just long enough for heels to be lower than the toes. Feet should be placed in stirrups with boot heels touching stirrups or on the balls of the feet. Riding with one’s weight on the toes will be penalized. 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. When in proper position, the rider should maintain a straight line from the shoulders through the hips and along the back at a trot.

Arms and Hands
Arms and hands should be held in an easy, relaxed manner. Upper arms should be held in a straight line with the body. Only one hand is to be used for reining, and hands shall not be changed on reins. One hand should be around the reins with one finger between split reins. Use of romal reins is permitted without a finger between the reins. Reins are to be carried immediately above to slightly in front of the saddle horn. Reins should be gathered such that light contact in the horse’s mouth is maintained. The tails of the reins should fall on the same side of the horse as the reining hand. At a walk, the free hand and lower arm may hang naturally to the side or be carried parallel to the belt. At a trot and lope, the free arm and hand should be kept quiet and relaxed. (Arms should not be rigid and unnatural, but excessive jumping with the free arm will be penalized.)

III-E.3.c. Position in Motion
The rider shall sit to the trot and not post. At the lope they should be close to the saddle. The rider should lean forward with increasing speed, keeping the upper part of the body parallel with the horse’s line of thrust. All movements of the horse should be governed by the use of imperceptible aids. Exaggerated shifting of the rider’s weight is not desirable and will be discriminated against in the judging.

III-E.3.d. Mounting and Dismounting

Control the horse by taking up the reins in your left hand and adjusting them to feel the bit, and hold the horse steady.
It is preferred that the rider stand on the horse’s left side with his or her back to the horse’s head, twisting the near stirrup with the right hand and placing the left foot in the stirrup. The left hand will hold the reins with light contact maintained on the horse’s mouth, resting in front of the wither with the right hand on the saddle horn. The rider should spring up with the right leg, keeping his or her body close to the horse and settling easily into the saddle. Riders may mount facing toward the horse’s head and stepping up into the saddle without discrimination or penalty, but horses must stand quietly and be under control.
Slip the right foot into the off stirrup, and assume basic position.
The horse should stand while mounting until given the signal to move out.
To dismount, reverse the above procedures and step down, facing the horse’s head.

III-E.4. Class Routines

III-E.4.a. Western Showmanship at Halter Class

Exhibitors will follow the procedures outlined in the uniform showmanship score card described in this manual (II-B.).
All horses will be shown in an acceptable halter and lead. Exhibitors will wear western attire. Chaps and whips are prohibited.
Horses may be shown with a thinned mane, or the mane can be roached. If the mane is roached, a lock should be left on the withers. Tails should be combed and thinned to an appropriate length for the respective breed.
Western horses should stand squarely on all four feet when being posed.

III-E.4.b. Western Stock-Type Horses or Ponies At Halter Class

Horses will be judged on conformation, soundness and heritable weaknesses, condition, quality, breed character, and way of going at the judge’s discretion. Emphasis will be placed on structural correctness, soundness, and the relationship of form to function.
Horses must be shown in a clean, properly fitted halter. Horses must be shown and handled by only one club member. No whips or bats of any type are allowed.
Horses will enter the ring at the judge’s discretion and walk and trot on the line. Subsequent procedures will be as directed by the judge or ringmaster. Horses will be examined and judged individually.
Upon completion of class placing, the judge will line up the top 6 to 10 horses in order of placing for public viewing.

III-E.4.c. Stock Seat Equitation Class

The rider’s performance and horsemanship skills will be judged. The riders basic position, use of hands and legs, and ability to control and show a horse are important, but the horse and rider’s performance and execution of a pattern must be considered.
Each entry will first, individually, execute a posted pattern within a 30-second period and be scored. Failure to execute or complete the pattern within the designated time will not result in disqualification but will be scored accordingly. Individual scores will be posted upon completion of the class.
The pattern to be used should be posted at least 1 hour before the class begins. The judge and show committee should work together to design a pattern that will objectively test the rider’s skill. The optional list of tests listed later in this section, item III-E.4.c.(6), should be used as a guide in designing a pattern. Tests may be combined.
The judge will use the above scores in determining which riders will be given additional individual or rail work.
Entries that are selected for rail work will enter the ring in a counterclockwise direction. Riders will proceed at once around the ring at each gait (walk, jog or appropriate gait, and lope), and, on command, reverse and repeat. Entries may be requested to gallop in safe groups (maximum of eight entries) and perform additional work. Judges may request riders to perform an upward or downward transition to or from any gait. Horses will be requested to reverse only at a walk or trot. The finalists must be given rail work before final placing.
The optional tests for Stock Seat Class riders are as follows:
- Answer any questions about horses, tack, or equitation.
- Back.
- Dismount and mount.
- Execute a figure eight at a jog.
- Lope and stop.
- Execute a figure eight at a lope on the correct leads, demonstrating a simple change of lead. A simple change of lead is when the horse is brought back into a walk or jog at the center of the circle and restarted into a lope on the opposite lead.
- Ride without stirrups.
- Execute a figure eight at a lope, demonstrating a flying change of leads.
- Change leads down a straight line, demonstrating a simple change of leads.
- Demonstrate a rollback.
- Demonstrate a sliding stop.
- Execute a180-degree turn.
- Execute a360-degree turn or spin.
- Execute an extended trot or hand gallop.
- Execute a sidepass.
- Pivot- both ways.
- Lope circles of varying sizes and at varying speeds.

III-E.4.d. Western Riding Class

The horses will be judged on riding quality of gaits (walk, trot, and lope), change of leads, response to rider, manners, disposition, and intelligence. Entries will be judged according to AQHA rules.
The Western Riding class is a competition on the performance of a sensible, well‑mannered, and easy moving ranch horse that has the athletic ability and handiness to do a variety of ranch jobs as well as give its rider a pleasant ride over trails or in open country. This competition is not a race or a stunt and should not be confused with equitation classes in which the rider is judged.
Each horse and rider will perform the Western Class riding patterns and routines individually. If the pattern is changed, the contestants should be notified and the pattern to be used should be posted 1 hour before the class is called. The pattern specifications are as follows:
- The eight small circles represent pylon markers, which are recommended. These should be separated by a uniform measured distance of not less than 30 feet nor more than 50 feet on the sides with five markers (see pattern illustrations below). In Pattern I, the three markers on the opposite side should be set adjacent to the appropriate markers. It is recommended that markers be set a minimum of 15 feet from the fence and with a 50- to 80-foot width in the pattern, as the arena permits.
- A solid log or pole should be used that is a minimum of 8 feet in length.
- The long serpentine line indicates the direction of travel and gaits at which each horse is to move. The recommended lead changing point is equal to ½ stride length before or after the center point between the markers. The shaded area represents the lead changing area between the markers. The dotted line (...) indicates walk, the dash line (---) jog, and the solid line (__) lope; the squiggly line (zzzz) indicates the back.
Western Riding Patterns:

Pattern I

Western Riding Pattern II

Western Riding Pattern III

Western Riding Pattern IV

III-E.4.d. (Western Riding Class, continued)

Scoring the Western Riding Class patterns
Maneuvers will be scored on both quality and accuracy. Factors influencing quality include smoothness, speed, and manners. Accuracy involves the precision with which the maneuver is executed. Quality and accuracy points are calculated into an overall (final) score. According tot he AQHA Official Handbook of Rules & Regulations (45th Ed., 1997), the scoring system should range from 0 to 100 with 70 points denoting an average performance. Maneuver points are added or subtracted from the overall score on the following basis with points ranging from plus 1.5 to minus 1.5:

-1.5	= Extremely Poor
+1.5	= Excellent
-1	= Very Poor
+1	= Very Good
- .5	= Poor
+ .5	= Good
0	= Average

Maneuver scores are subjective to the judge's opinion and may vary from judge to judge. Maneuver scores are to be determined independently of penalty points for accuracy

Credits: The following are examples of credits for which points may be added to the maneuver score:

Clean simultaneous lead changes
Precision in changing leads near the center point of the lead change area
Accurate and smooth pattern
Slower pace while maintaining a collected frame with a consistent footfall pattern
Ease of guidance and control with rein and leg
Manners and disposition
Smooth, level lead changes
Smooth, clean stop and back, backing readily off diagonal pairs

Faults: The following are examples of faults that may require deductions from the maneuver score:

Excessive opening of mouth, pinning of ears, or wringing of tail by the horse
Anticipation of lead changes
Rough or elevated lead changes
Rough stop, rough back, or both
Excessive stumbling
Propping lead changes (whereby the horse drops a shoulder and elevates on the forehand into the lead change)
Appearance of charging in the lead changes, rushing, or being inconsistent in pace.

Penalties: The following are penalty points that have a specific point deduction as outlined by the American Quarter Horse Association. These penalties are not subjective to the judge's preference. Judges should familiarize themselves with the following point deductions prior to the class.

5-Point Penalties

Being out of lead beyond the next designated change area (for example, failures to change, including cross-cantering. Two consecutive failures to change would result in two 5-point penalties.)
Kicking out
Blatant disobedience (such as bucking)

3-Point Penalties

Not performing the specified gait (jog or lope) or stopping when called for in the pattern, within 10 feet of the designated area
Break of gait at the lope
Simple change of leads
Being out of lead at or before the marker prior to the designated change area, or out of lead at or after the marker after the designated change area
Additional lead changes anywhere in pattern (except when correcting an extra change or incorrect lead)
In Patterns I and III, failure to start the lope within 30 feet after crossing the log at the jog
Break of gait at walk or jog for more than two strides

1-Point Penalties

Break of gait at walk or jog up to two strides
Hitting or rolling the log
Being out of lead for more than one stride either side of the center point and between the markers
Splitting the log (log between the two front or two hind feet) at the lope (The horse may accrue, two 1-point penalties if both the front and hind are split.)

½ -Point Penalties

Tick or light touch of log
Hind legs skipping or coming together during lead change
Non simultaneous lead changes (front to hind or hind to front)

Disqualifications (resulting in a 0 score)

Four or more simple lead changes, failures to change leads, or both
Illegal equipment
Willful abuse
Being off course
Knocking over markers
Completely missing log
Major refusal- stop and back two strides or four steps with front legs
Major disobedience- rearing or schooling
Failure to start lope prior to end cone in Patterns I and III
Failure to follow the correct pattern
No tie-downs or martingales will be allowed on the horse

III-E.4.e. Western Pleasure- Senior Horse and Pony Class

Horses will be judged on manners, performance, and suitability for giving a pleasurable ride. This point class may be subdivided by age of exhibitor as necessary.
Horses are shown at a walk, jog, and lope on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. Horses must work both ways of the ring at all three gaits, demonstrating their ability with different leads.
Horses must back easily and stand quietly. At the judge’s discretion, only the finalists may be requested to back.
Horses should be reversed to the inside of the ring. The judge may request the horses to reverse at a walk or trot.
The judge may request an exhibitor to change from any gait to any other or extend the jog. Horses will not be required to hand gallop.
Judges may request any horse(s) to perform additional rail work of the same nature.
Martingales, nosebands, draw reins, and tie-downs are prohibited. Spurs, chaps, ropes, and riata are optional and may be used at the rider’s discretion.

III-E.4.f. Western Pleasure- Junior Horse and Pony Class

Exhibitors must be primarily responsible for the training of horses being shown in this class. This point class has been added to give youths who have raised a project horse or purchased a young, untrained horse an opportunity to train and show their project horses in a friendly and competitive environment.
Horses must be less than 6 years old.
Horses may be shown in a bosal hackamore or traditional western bit according to the rules noted earlier in this section (III-E.2.c.).
Horses will be judged on manners, performance, and suitability for giving a pleasurable ride. Young horses are expected to make mistakes that will be penalized but will not eliminate horses from consideration.
Horses are shown at a walk, jog, and lope on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. Horses must work both ways of the ring at all three gaits, demonstrating their ability with different leads. Horses may not be asked to extend either the jog or lope.
Horses must back easily and stand quietly. At the judge’s discretion, only the finalists may be requested to back.
Horses should be reversed to the inside of the ring. The judge may request the horses to reverse at a walk or trot.
The judge may request any rider and mount to change from any gait to any other gait.
The judge may request any rider and mount perform additional rail work of the same nature.
Mechanical hackamores, martingales, nosebands, draw reins, and tie-downs are prohibited. Spurs, chaps, ropes, and riata are optional and may be used at the rider’s discretion.

III-E.4.g. Reining Class

Each horse will be judged individually on neatness, dispatch, ease, calmness, and speed with which it performs the required pattern. Entries will be judged according to AQHA rules.

Horses should rein and handle easily, fluently, effortlessly, and with reasonable speed. Any horse not following the pattern will be disqualified. Horses will be penalized if they do not keep the figure eights within the markers or otherwise follow the patterns outlined exactly.

A judge may require any contestant to repeat his performance of any or all of the various parts of the pattern.

Only one hand may be used on the reins (unless showing a Junior horse in a snaffle or hackamore), and that hand cannot be changed while riding the pattern. A rider may untangle excess rein, where excess rein may prevent the rider from continuing the pattern, where said excess can be straightened without affecting the performance of the horse, only during hesitations, or when settling a horse; the rider’s free hand may be used to hold the romal in the normal fashion.

The pattern to be used should be designated and posted at least 1 hour before the class is called.

Faults against the horse (to be scored accordingly but not to cause disqualification) are listed below. Refer to the AQHA Rulebook for specific penalty faults used in scoring:

Opening mouth excessively when wearing bit
Excessive jawing, mouth-opening, or head-raising on stop
Lack of smooth, straight stop on haunches (bouncing or sideways stop)
Refusing to change leads
Anticipating signals
Stumbling
Backing sideways
Knocking over markers

Faults against the rider (to be penalized accordingly but not to cause disqualification) are as follows:

Losing stirrups
Giving unnecessary aid (such as excessive spurring, talking, quirting, and jerking on the rein

Patterns will be scored according to current AQHA rules. Scores will range from 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an average performance.

Suggested reining patterns are illustrated on the pages that follow:

Pattern I (AQHA Pattern #1)

Reining Pattern I

Run at speed to the far end of the arena past the end marker and do a left rollback with no hesitation.
Run to the opposite end of the arena past the end marker and do a right rollback with no hesitation.
Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up to center of the arena or at least 10 feet (3 meters). Hesitate.
Complete four spins to the right.
Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that horse is facing left wall or fence. Hesitate.
Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left: the first circle large and fast; the second circle small and slow; the third circle large and fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.
Complete three circles to the right: the first circle large and fast; the second circle small and slow; the third circle large and fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.
Begin a large fast circle to the left but do not close this circle. Run straight up the right side of the arena past the center marker and do a sliding stop at least 20 feet (6 meters) from wall or fence. Hesitate to demonstrate the completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

Printable PDF for Reining Pattern I (AQHA #1)

Pattern II (AQHA Pattern #2)

Reining Pattern II

Horse must walk or stop prior to starting this pattern.

Begin at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence.

Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the right: the first circle small and slow; the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.
Complete three circles to the left: the first circle small and slow; the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.
Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top of the circle, run down the middle to the far end of the arena past the end marker and do a right rollback with no hesitation.
Run up the middle to the opposite end of the arena past the end marker and do a left rollback with no hesitation.
Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up to the center of the arena or at least 10 feet (3 meters). Hesitate.
Complete four spins to the right.
Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate to demonstrate the completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

Printable PDF for Reining Pattern II (AQHA #2)

Pattern III (AQHA Pattern #4)

Reining Pattern III

Horse must walk or stop prior to starting this pattern.

Begin at the center of the arena facing the left wall or fence.

Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the right: the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow. Stop at the center of the arena.
Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.
Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left: the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow. Stop at the center of the arena.
Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate.
Beginning on the right lead, run a large fast circle to the right, change leads at the center of the arena, run a large fast circle to the left, and change leads at the center of the arena.
Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top of the circle, run down the middle to the far end of the arena past the end marker and do a right rollback with no hesitation.
Run up the middle to the opposite end of the arena past the end marker and do a left rollback with no hesitation.
Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up to the center of the arena or at least 10 feet (3 meters). Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge

Printable PDF for Reining Pattern III (AQHA #4)

Reining Pattern IV (AQHA Pattern #7)

Run at speed to the far end of the arena past the end marker and do a left rollback with no hesitation.
Run to the opposite end of the arena past the end marker and do a right rollback with no hesitation.
Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up to the center of the arena or at least 10 feet (3 meters). Hesitate.
Complete four spins to the right.
Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that horse is facing left wall or fence. Hesitate.
Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the right: the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow. Change leads at the center of the arena.
Complete three circles to the left: the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow. Change leads at the center of the arena.
Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle. Run straight down the right side of the arena past the center marker and do a sliding stop at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.

Rider may drop bridle to the designated judge.

Printable PDF for Reining Pattern IV (AQHA #7)

Reining Pattern V (AQHA Pattern #10)

Reining Pattern V

Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up to the center of the arena or at least 10 feet (3 meters). Hesitate.
Complete four spins to the right.
Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that the horse is facing the left wall or fence. Hesitate.
Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the right: the first two circles large and fast, the third circle small and slow. Change leads at the center of the arena.
Complete three circles to the left: the first circle small and slow, the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.
Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle. Run down the right side of the arena past the marker and do a left rollback at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence with no hesitation.
Continue back around the previous circle but do not close this circle. Run down the left side of the arena past the center and do a right rollback at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence with no hesitation.
Continue back around previous circle but do not close this circle. Run down the right side of the arena past the center marker and do a sliding stop at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.

Rider may dismount and drop the bridle to the designated judge.

Printable PDF for Reining Pattern V (AQHA #10)

III-E.4.h. Trail Classes

These classes will be open to Juniors and Seniors riding Western Division horses and ponies and will be point classes towards the Western Division championships. Each horse will individually work through an obstacle course designed to test the manners, performance, and intelligence of a good trail riding horse in the following classes:

Western Trail- Senior (Horse and Pony)
Western Trail Junior (Horse and Pony)

Tack and appointments used must meet the same requirements that apply to the Western Division. Mixing of tack and attire is prohibited.

The course shall consist of six obstacles. Three of the six obstacles will be mandatory,and the others should be selected from the optional list. The gait between obstacles shall be optional or determined by the judge. A 1-minute time limit per trail obstacle will be enforced.

No dangerous objects will be used as an obstacle or part of an obstacle. Rider safety is of utmost importance and must be considered first.

The following are unacceptable obstacles:

Tires
Animals
Hides
PVC pipe
Dismounts
Ground Tie
Jumps
Rocking or moving bridges
Water box with floating or moving parts
Flames, dry ice, fire extinguishers, and similar items
Logs or poles elevated in a manner that permits them to roll

Mandatory obstacles are as follows:

Open, pass through, and close a gate (only if a gate that will not endanger horse or rider is available)
Ride over logs or rails
Back through an obstacles

Optional obstacles are as follows:

Back through an L-shaped obstacle
Walk through a water obstacle
Ground-tie or hobble your horse (rider ’s option)
Lead your horse over an obstacle at least 12 inches high but not more than 24 inches high
Put on and remove a slicker
Carry or drag an object from one area of the arena to another. (Use only objects that are usually found or carried on a trail. No live animals or objects that might endanger a horse or rider are allowed)
Remove and replace materials from a mailbox
Back through and around three markers set either in a triangle or a line
Execute a side pass
The obstacles should consist of four logs or rails, each 5- to 6-feet long, laid in a square as shown below. Each contestant will enter the square by stepping over a log or rail at the designated side.When the mount ’s four feet are inside the square, the rider should execute a 360-degree turn (right or left), pause, and depart by stepping over the log or rail opposite the side of entry

Back through obstacles as shown below. Beginning on either the right or the left of the center of the pole, each rider will back across the starting line, proceed through the center line poles, turn without touching the baseline, and back through the center poles and across the finish line on the side opposite the side of entry

Backing Through Obstacles Diagram

The course diagram should be posted at least 1 hour before the class is called.

More than one judge may be used in judging the horse’s performance over the obstacle. This would allow for two youths to be in the riding ring at the same time.

Each entry will be allowed a maximum of 1 minute or three attempts (which ever is first) to complete each obstacle. Failure to follow the course shall cause disqualification. Failure to complete an obstacle shall not be a disqualification but will be severely penalized. Show management has the option to impose additional time restraints, if announced before the start of the class. If the obstacle has not been completed, the individual will be asked to move to the next obstacle.

Trail class exhibitors will not be worked on the rail. Each entrant’s quality of movement at the walk, jog, and lope will be evaluated while on course.

III-E.4.i. Stock Seat Equitation Medal Class

This class is offered to Junior and Senior 4-H members, exhibiting either a horse or pony, who placed first or second in a Stock Seat Equitation Class at their district qualifying show.

The class will be judged on the riders’ equitation in accordance with Stock Seat Equitation Class rules stated earlier in this chapter under items III-E.3. and III-E.4.c..

Exhibitors will be scored on their horsemanship skills while individually performing Pattern V (AQHA Pattern #10). The riders’ equitation and ability to control their horses throughout the pattern will be evaluated. The horse’s performance will not be scored. This is not a reining class.

The judge will use the above scores to select a minimum of 10 riders to be judged on their equitation on the rail. Riders will be worked both directions on the rail.

The final placing will be the cumulative placing of the pattern work (50 percent) and the rail work (50 percent).

III-E.4.j. Stock-Type Hunter Under Saddle Class

This Western Division Class is limited to horses and ponies of stock-type breeds to be exhibited by either Junior or Senior riders.

Horses must be exhibited in proper hunt seat tack and attire as described earlier in this chapter (items III-C.2.).

Hunters under saddle should be suitable to the purpose. They should move in a long, low frame and be able to lengthen their stride and cover ground, as in traversing hunt country following hounds. They should be obedient, alert, and responsive to their riders. Quick, short strides should be penalized. Horses that move in an artificial frame and are overflexed and behind the bit should also be penalized. Horses should be serviceably sound. Judges should emphasize free movement and manners.

Horses are to be shown under saddle.

Horses are to be shown at a walk, trot, and canter, both ways of the ring. Horses should back easily and stand quietly.

Horses may change gaits at the flat-footed walk or the trot at the judge’s discretion. Light contact with the horse’s mouth is recommended.

Faults are to be scored accordingly, but not necessarily cause disqualification during the rail work:

Being on wrong lead
Excessive speed (any gait)
Excessive slowness (any gait)
Breaking gait
Failure to take the called-for gait when called for
Carrying head too low or too high
Nosing out or flexing behind the vertical
Opening mouth excessively
Stumbling or falling

At the judge’s option, all or just the top 12 horses may be required to hand gallop one or both ways of the ring. Never more than 12 horses will hand gallop at one time. At the hand gallop, the judge may ask the group to halt and stand quietly on a free rein (loosened rein).

III-E.4.K. Western Show Hack

Horses and ponies will be judged on manners, performance, and suitability for giving a pleasurable ride. Exhibitors will demonstrate their ability with different leads and variation in collection and impulsion. When asked to extend a gait, emphasis will be placed on an extension of stride length, not increased speed. This point class may be subdivided by age of exhibitor as necessary.

Horses are shown at a normal walk, collected walk and extended walk, normal jog, collected jog and extended jog, and normal lope, collected lope and extended lope on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. Horses must work both ways of the ring and exhibit all nine gaits. However, all nine gaits must be exhibited only once in the class.

Horses must back easily and stand quietly. At the judge’s discretion, only the finalists may be requested to back.

Horses should be reversed to the inside of the ring. The judge may request the horses to reverse at any of the walk or jog gaits.

The judge may request an exhibitor to change from a jog gait to a lope gait or a lope gait to the jog gait..

Judges may request any horse(s) to perform additional rail work of the same nature.

Martingales, nosebands, draw reins, and tie-downs are prohibited. Spurs, chaps, ropes, and riata are optional and may be used at the rider’s discretion.

III-F. ACCEPTABLE EQUIPMENT

III-F.1. Suggested Acceptable Bridles and Bits

Acceptable Equipment

III-F.2. Some Acceptable Curb Chains

Acceptable Curb Chains

III-F.3. Unacceptable Bit

Unacceptable Bit

III-G. CLOVERBUD DIVISION

III-G.1. Overview

The rules in this book will have precedence over all other rules. United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules will be used for any hunt seat or saddle seat rules not covered in this book. American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) rules will be used for any Western or Speed Events Division rule not covered in this book. Refer to the Hunter, English, or Western Division rules in this chapter, depending on exhibitor’s tack and attire, for a complete description of appointments, position, and additional information on class routines. The use of protective headgear approved by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is strongly encouraged.

Classes in this division are open to those who have reached age 6 and who have not reached age 9 as of January 1 of the current year. All classes within this division are offered on a noncompetitive basis. Exhibitors will not be ranked as first- through sixth-place (or tenth-place) winners but will receive participation ribbons. Youths competing in Cloverbud Division classes are not eligible to participate in other classes or the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Show. Horses and ponies will participate in the same class.

III-G.2. Class Routines

III-G.2.a. Cloverbud Showmanship at Halter Class

This class will be judged according to the general showmanship rules listed in this manual under the English, Hunter, or Western Division rules.

Youths are permitted to exhibit inappropriate hunt seat, saddle seat, or western attire in accordance with the governing appointments in each of the respective divisions. Mixing of tack or attire is prohibited.

III-G.2.b. Cloverbud Equitation Class

Exhibitors will be judged according to the equitation rules for their specific style of riding as listed under the appropriate riding division.

Horses will be required to walk, trot, stop, stand quietly, and back. Horses will not be requested to lope or canter.

Youths may participate in hunt seat, saddle seat, or western attire, but tack and attire may not be mixed.

III-G.2.c. Cloverbud Pleasure Class

Exhibitors will be judged according to the pleasure rules and attire for their respective division.

Exhibitors will exhibit their horses or ponies in either hunt seat, saddle seat, or western attire at a walk and jog-trot both directions of the ring. Horses and ponies will be required to stop, stand quietly, and back up upon request.

Exhibitors will not be requested to lope or canter

III-H. LITTLE BRITCHES DIVISION

III-H.1. Overview

The rules in this book will have precedence over all other rules. American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) rules will be used for any Western or Speed Events Division rules not covered in this book. Refer to the Western Division rules in this chapter for a description of appointments, position, and additional information on class routines.

Classes in the division are open to youths, ages 9 to 12, who are in their first two years of showing, excluding Cloverbud Classes. Verification of a youth’s eligibility is required by a volunteer leader. This division is a qualifying division at the district shows. Entries in this division at the State Show must have qualified in this division at their respective district shows; however, Little Britches Division exhibitors will not be eligible to compete in the Southern Regional Show or any non‑Little Britches Division class, with the exception of Showmanship at Halter, Pleasure Pairs, and One Halter (Conformation) class. Four-H members showing (qualifying) exclusively in Little Britches or Short-Stirrup Division classes may not compete in Versatility Class. The division is specifically designed for inexperienced Junior riders.

III-H.2. Class Routines

III-H.2.a. Showmanship Class
This class is open to horses and ponies exhibited in accordance with rules listed under Chapter II of this manual.

III-H.2.b. Walk-Jog Western Pleasure Class

This class is open to horses and ponies exhibited in accordance with rules listed in this chapter for the Western Horses and Ponies Division, items III-E.4.e. and III-E.4.f.

Exhibitors will not be requested to lope.

III-H.2.C. Walk-Jog-Lope Western Pleasure Class

This class is open to horses and ponies exhibited in accordance with rules listed in this chapter for the Western Horses and Ponies Division, under items III-E.4.e. and III-E.4.f.

Exhibitors will be required to walk, jog, and lope in both directions of the ring.

III-H.2.d. Walk-Jog Stock Seat Equitation Class

This class is open to exhibitors showing horses or ponies in accordance with rules listed in this chapter for the Western Horses and Ponies Division, under items III-E.2.

Exhibitors will not be required to lope, dismount, or mount. Riders in this class will be required to perform an individual pattern prior to rail work.

The rider’s performance and horsemanship skills will be judged. The rider’s basic position, use of hands and legs, and his or her ability to control and show a horse are important, but the horse and rider’s performance and execution of rail work must be considered.

III-I. SPEED EVENTS DIVISION

III-I.1. Overview

Current American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) rules will be used in the Speed Events Division for any questions not covered in the Western Division rules or these rules. All rules concerning appointments, including tack and attire, as listed in the Western Division will apply to Speed Events Division classes. The Western Division judge or a declared Speed Events Division judge must be present during the Speed Events Division classes. Speed Events Division classes may be divided into Horse and Pony divisions. The Horse Division is open to animals that measure more than 14.2 hands. The Pony Division includes all animals that measure 14.2 hands (58 inches) or less. Horses and ponies will not be allowed to cross-enter between divisions. Junior and Senior riders will compete in the same class.

III-I.2. General Rules

III-I.2.a. Riders and horses will be required to use western attire and equipment that is described earlier in this chapter. Tie-downs and mechanical hackamores may be used, but draw reins are prohibited. All equipment must be considered safe and humane by the judge or the show steward.

III-I.2.b. Riders should dress neatly. The use of protective headgear approved by US Equestrian Federation (USEF) is mandatory for the Speed Events Division classes.

III-I-2.c. An electric timer should be used for all classes when possible. Otherwise, at least two stopwatches shall be used with the average time of the watches to be official.

III-I-2.d. If a rerun is declared for an exhibitor, that exhibitor will be given the option of running immediately or at the end of the class.

III-I.2.e. All exhibitors must have their horses under complete control at all times. Horses must be mounted when entering the ring. No assistance to either horse or rider is permitted past the arena gate. After completing the course, each rider must have his or her horse under complete control before the gate is opened. Failure to adhere to this rule shall result in disqualification.

III-I.2.f. Spurring, striking, or beating the horse in any manner whatsoever forward of the cinch shall result in disqualification. (Touching the horse shall not be considered striking or beating the horse.) Excessive use of spurs, bats, crops or whips,or cruel treatment will result in disqualification.

III-I.2.g. Contestants must start and stop inside the ring. Horses will exit into a closed arena. Timing shall 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. (This rule is subject to change for safety concerns, depending upon facilities).

III-I.2.h. In the event of a tie in a timed class, the contestant declared the winner in the run off must run the pattern in not more than 2 seconds over his original time, or the runoff must be held again.

III-I.3. Class Routines

III-I.3.a. Barrel Race

Knocking over a barrel shall carry a 5-second penalty. Failure to follow the exact course as drawn and described in the AQHA Rulebook, and below shall be cause for disqualification. A contestant may touch the barrel with his or her hands in barrel racing without penalty.

The course must be measured exactly. If the course is too large for the available space, then the pattern should be reduced equally by 5 yards until the pattern fits the arena.

The course is to be set so that a horse may have ample room to run and stop. (First and second barrels need to be at least 18 feet from the fence. At least 25 yards are needed for a stopping area.)

At a signal from the starter or timer, such as the word “go,” the contestant will go to barrel number one, pass to the left of this barrel, complete a 360-degree turn, then proceed to barrel number two, this time passing to the right with another 360-degree turn. At barrel number three, the same passage to the right and a 360-degree turn are accomplished.

This barrel course also may be run to the left. For example, the contestant will start to barrel number two, turning to the left around this barrel; then proceed to barrel number one, turning to the right; then to barrel number three, turning to the right, and followed by the final sprint to the finish line.

Barrel Racing Pattern:

Barrel Racing Pattern

III-I.3.b. Pole Bending

The pole-bending pattern is to be run around six poles. The poles are to be 21 feet apart, and the first pole must be 21 feet from the starting line. Each pole should be at least 6 feet in height.

At least 25 yards are needed beyond the finish line for stopping the horses.

Knocking over a pole shall carry a 5-second penalty. A contestant may touch the pole with his or her hand without penalty. Failure to follow the course and maintain forward motion shall be cause for disqualification.

The pole-bending contest pattern is illustrated below:

Pole Bending Pattern

III-I.3.c. Stake Race

Two poles are set 80 feet apart at opposite ends of the course with two markers designating the start-finish line set 20 feet apart at the midway point between the two end poles.

The contestants must start between the two center poles and run a figure eight around the two end poles. The first turn may be either to the left or right.

The contestants must start and finish between the center markers.

Failure to start the course between the center markers or knocking over any of the two poles or two markers will result in disqualification.

The stake-race pattern is as follows:

Stake Race Pattern

III-I.3.d. Texas Barrels

Three barrels are placed in a straight line, 60 feet apart, the first barrel being 30 feet from the timing line, which is 20 feet long. (Measurements are to the center of barrels.)

The exhibitor shall cross the timing line, pass the first barrel on either side, pass succeeding barrels on alternate sides, turn around the third barrel, and return in the same manner to cross the timing line.

Knocking over a barrel shall carry a 5-second penalty. Failure to follow the course shall cause disqualification. A contestant may touch the barrel with his or her hands.

The course must be measured exactly. If the course is too large for the available space, the pattern should be reduced by 5 feet between each barrel until the pattern fits the arena. At least 60 feet are required for a stopping area.

The Texas Barrels pattern is as follows:

Texas Barrel Pattern

III-I.3.e. Flag Race

One barrel is positioned 150 feet from the start or finish line. A bucket filled with sand is placed on top of the barrel.

Two different colored batons (with or without flags attached) will be used during this event.

Riders will start from behind the start or finish line with a baton, run to the barrel at the far end of the arena, and switch batons in the bucket. Riders will return to the start or finish line with the new baton in hand.

The baton must be deposited inside the bucket, in an upright position. Failure to maintain the baton in an upright position, switch batons, run behind the barrel, or place the baton in the bucket will result in disqualification.

Knocking over a barrel will result in disqualification.

Any route may be used to and from the finish line. The exhibitor must make a complete pass, but is not limited to one pass around the barrel.

The flag race barrel, bucket, and baton are illustrated below:

Flag Race Setup

III-J. SPECIAL INVITATIONAL DIVISION

III-J.1. Pleasure Pairs Class

III-J.1.a. Pairs may be shown in either hunt seat, saddle seat, or western tack and attire in accordance with the rules of the pleasure class in the respective riding divisions.

III-J.1.b. Class entry will consist of two horses or ponies and two exhibitors.

III-J.1.c. Junior and Senior exhibitors will compete in the same class.

III-J.1.d. Entries are to be shown abreast at a walk, jog or trot, and lope or canter, both ways in the ring. Horses may be asked to back and stand quietly. Judges may request additional tests.

III-J.1.e. The use of leg wraps, splint boots, and similar accessories are prohibited.

III-J.2. Dressage Division Classes

Please consult the N.C. 4-H Horse Program Basic Dressage Manual and Dressage Manual Supplement.

III-J.3. Versatility Class

The Versatility Class is composed of four events, with each event counting equally toward the overall placement. Each event will be run in accordance to the rules governing that event, unless otherwise specified.

III-J.3.a. General Rules

Separate classes will be held for Junior and Senior members.

A fall by a horse or rider will result in a disqualification from the Versatility Class,and the horse and rider will be excused from the ring.

Anything resulting in a no-score or no-time from any one event will result in 0 points or no placement in that event, but will not eliminate the entry from placement in other events in the class (for example, going off pattern in the precision pattern or receiving a no-time in the games portion).

In the Versatility Class, attire must appear to be in accordance with the rules of the event with the exception of boots. (Western chaps or jeans over hunt seat boots or jodhpurs with straps over western boots are acceptable). USEF-approved headgear with a fastened harness of any riding style is approved for any class or riding division. Note: USEF-approved headgear with fastened harness remains mandatory for all Hunt Seat and Speed Events Division classes.

All horses and riders will remain in the arena for the entire class. Horses and riders will not be permitted to leave the arena between events or before the class is dismissed. Failure to follow this policy will result in disqualification from the versatility class. Large classes will be split in accordance with 4-H Horse Program rules. Horses not competing in a round of the finals of a split class will be maintained in a specified holding area and must not be spoken to or assisted by non-horse-show personnel. Unauthorized assistance at any time will result in disqualification from the class.

Exhibitors disqualified from the Versatility Class may keep any awards earned in previous Versatility Class events, but all points will be forfeited. Should an exhibitor be disqualified, points will not be redistributed.

Ribbons will be awarded to first- through tenth-place entrants in each event and overall, depending on the number of entries.

Two grooms per horse will be permitted in the ring at a designated time between events. The function of the groom is to assist the rider in changing tack and attire. Use of wheelbarrows or motorized vehicles during tack changes is prohibited. Grooms will not be permitted in the arena during the judging of the event and may only enter the arena when so designated by the announcer per their instructions. At the announcer’s direction, the grooms will first be lined up down the middle of the ring at the cones; and, at the specified time, the grooms will be instructed to WALK to their respective exhibitor. There is a 5-minute limit for each tack and attire change. Failure to complete the tack and attire changes within the time limit will result in disqualification from the class.

Points accumulated in this class will not be used in the determination of Southern Regional qualification.

Only one rider per horse will be permitted. Points will be awarded for first- through tenth-place entrants in each event in the following order:

Versatility Class Awarding of Points

	Points Awarded by Competition Placement
Number of Horses in Class	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
1	1
2	2	1
3	3	2	1
4	4	3	2	1
5	5	4	3	2	1
6	6	5	4	3	2	1
7	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
8	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
9	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
10	10	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1

Ties will be broken according to the following rules:

The horse and rider placing in the most events will win the tie.

The horse and rider with the highest finish in any one event will break the tie.

The final tiebreaker will be the fastest time accumulated in a barrel race according to the Barrel Racing Rules listed for the Speed Events Division rules listed in this chapter.

III-J.3.b. Events

Western Pleasure
Horses will be judged according to the Western Pleasure Class rules listed in this chapter for the Western Horses and Ponies Division (items III-E.4.e. and III-E.4.f.). Separate classes will be held for Junior and Senior exhibitors. Tack must correspond to that listed in this chapter for the Western Horses and Ponies Division (item III.E.2.) except as noted above in the general rules for Versatility Class, III-J.3.a.

English Pleasure
Horses will be judged as an open Pleasure Class entry at a walk, trot, other appropriate gait, and canter, both ways of the ring. Horses may be shown in either Hunt Seat or Saddle Seat Division attire. Tack must be in accordance with rules for appointments listed in this chapter for the Hunt Seat (III-C.2) and Saddle Seat (III-A.2) divisions, except as above in the general rules for Versatility Class (III-J.3.a.).

Precision Pattern
Horses will be judged on their ability to perform a prescribed equitation-type pattern with emphasis placed on execution of movements, manners, responsiveness to the rider, precision, and exactness of pattern. Cones will be used to denote movements within the pattern. A pre-announced time limit will be imposed on all patterns. Horses will not be required to do flying lead changes.

Riders equitation will not be evaluated.

Horses may be exhibited in either Western, Hunt Seat or Saddle Seat Division tack and attire, but a mixture of tack and attire is prohibited, with the exception noted above in the general rules for Versatility Class, III-J.3.a. Entries must conform to appointment rules for their respective divisions.

Texas Barrels
Horses will be judged according to the rules in the Speed Events Division (III-I.3.d.) except that failure by an exhibitor to follow the course will be given a no-time instead of a disqualification.

III-J.4. Costume Class

III-J.4.a. Non-point classes open to all exhibitors on horses and ponies who have qualified to show at the State 4-H Horse Show. Ribbons will be awarded according to NC State 4-H Horse Show Rules

III-J.4.b. Judging to be based upon the originality to the costume and consistency of the theme as evidenced in the exhibitors attire and horses tack and equipment.

III-J.4.c. Participants will compete and be awarded in one of the following classes:

Originality
Historic
Comedy
Prettiest

Participants must designate the appropriate class on their entry form.

III-J.4.d. Participants in these classes may show mounted or dismounted (shown in hand) and no carts are allowed. Each entry will be allowed one handler in the ring. If mounted, the rider’s seat must be in direct contact with the horse or saddle. No person may be tied to the horse.

III-J.4.e. The classes may be split at fifteen entries upon Show Management’s discretion.

III-K. ADAPTIVE RIDING DIVISION

III-K.1. Objective
To provide an educational and therapeutic opportunity for physically or mentally handicapped 4-H members to demonstrate their horsemanship skills.

III-K.2. General Rules
Exhibitors in this division must meet the following requirements:

III-K.2.a.    They must be eligible members in a 4-H adaptive riding program. Participation is to be verified by an agent. The minimum participation age is 9.

III-K.2.b.    They are not eligible to participate in classes other than those offered in the Adaptive Riding Division. This is an Invitational Division.

III-K.2.c.    They are exempt from the management and ownership of project animals. Show management reserves the right to approve the suitability of all animals entered in this division.

III-K.2.d.    They will submit:

a medical information form (TRD-1)

a Parent Release form (TRD-2)

and the Therapeutic Riding Division Form (TRD-3)

(Forms are available from the coordinator of the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Programs).

III-K.2.e.    They must wear protective headgear approved for use in the N.C. 4-H Horse Program Hunt Seat Division Rules.

III-K.2.f.    Riders with Downs Syndrome may not compete if they have a positive diagnosis for atlantoaxial subluxation or atlantoaxial instability.

III-K.3. Classes

III-K.3.a. All classes offered under this division are invitational. Previous qualification at a district show is not required. Divisional championships will not be awarded.

III-K.3.b. In riding classes, the following will be offered as separate levels.

Level 1: Riders require a horse handler and one to two side walkers. A horse handler is an individual who is positioned at the horse’s head for safety. The side walkers may assist the rider during mounting and dismounting.

Level 2: Riders require a horse handler during the trotting phase of the class only. The use of a side walker is optional.

Level 3: Riders must ride independently. Assistance is prohibited. Unauthorized assistance will be penalized at the judge’s discretion.

III-K.3.c. Riders will not be permitted to cross-enter riding levels.

III-K.3.d. Aides may not give commands to the rider or the mount nor provide extra physical prompting, except in case of emergency. Special consideration, however, will be given to the visually impaired, hearing impaired, or severely disabled rider.

III-K.3.e. Riders will be ranked in 1st through 10th places, depending on class entries as described in this manual. Class winners will receive an award and ribbon. Second- through tenth-place winners will receive ribbons.

III-K.4. Clothing and Equipment Requirements

III-K.4.a. Apparel
Riders are encouraged to use appropriate tack and wear correct riding apparel.

Jeans or other long pants and hard-soled shoes or boots are acceptable. Attire must be neat.
Tank tops and halter-tops are not permitted by riders, horse handlers, or side walkers.
Sneakers or other soft-soled shoes may be worn only with written permission of a physician

III-K.4.b. Tack

Style of tack is optional.
Adaptive equipment may be used, but in no way may the rider be attached to the horse or saddle.
Safety stirrups are advised.

III-K.4.c. Special Equipment

(such as a mounting ramp, mounting, and block)

Riders and their respective club leaders are responsible for assuring that proper and safe special equipment is on hand to facilitate safe mounting procedures at all shows.

Riders will enter the arena mounted in all performance classes.

III-K.4.d. Class Tack and Attire
Consult this manual for a complete description of proper tack and attire for the Western, Hunt Seat, and Saddle Seat Division classes.

III-K.5. Class Routines

III-K.5.a. Walk-Trot Equitation Class

This class will be offered at three different riding levels.

Each rider’s equitation will be judged on position, balance, use of natural aids, and control of the mount. Emphasis will be placed on each rider’s ability to safely and independently control the horse.

Riders may be accompanied by horse handlers and one or two side walkers in Levels 1 and 2. Handlers and side walkers may assist only to assure the rider’s safety. Continued or unnecessary assistance from aides will be penalized by the judge in all levels.

Class Routine

Riders will enter the arena at a walk in a counterclockwise direction.
At the direction of the announcer, riders will walk, jog, or trot; reverse at a walk, jog, or trot; stop; back.
Riders will perform at a sitting trot, posting trot, or jog unless medically unable.

III-K.5.b. Showmanship at Halter Class

Exhibitors will be judged on their ability to exhibit a horse in accordance with showmanship-at-halter rules listed in this rulebook (Chapter II).

Entries will be judged solely on showmanship ability. Factors like grooming and trimming will not be considered.

Exhibitors in wheelchairs may exhibit with the assistance of a side walker pushing the wheelchair. Only the exhibitor, however, may use the lead shank to control the horse. Unnecessary assistance from the side walker that directly affects the control of the horse will be penalized by the judge.

Class Routine

Exhibitors will enter the ring at a walk in a counterclockwise direction. Exhibitors will line up at the direction of the ringmaster.

When acknowledged by the judge, exhibitors will perform the following individual pattern:

walk to the judge

pose for inspection

when excused, complete a180-degree turn to the right; trot back to the line up

complete a 180-degree turn to the right and pose your horse

The judge may require additional pattern work.

Special considerations may be made depending upon medical information submitted on the TRD-1 form.

See the Appendix to this manual for sample registration, release, and medical history forms.

III-K.5.c. Trail Class

This class is open to all levels of exhibitors as described under the general rules for Trail Classes in this chapter (III-E.4.h.).

The class will be judged in accordance with the Trail Class rules listed in this manual (III-E.4.h.).

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North Carolina 4-H Horse Program Rulebook- Chapter III

The North Carolina 4-H Horse Program Rules and Regulations Manual

CHAPTER III. SHOW DIVISIONS AND CLASSES

III-A. ENGLISH DIVISION (SADDLESEAT)—TROTTING DIVISION

III-B. ENGLISH DIVISION—NON-TROTTING DIVISION

III-B.1. Overview

III-C. HUNTER DIVISION

III-D. SHORT-STIRRUP DIVISION

III-E. WESTERN HORSES AND PONIES DIVISION

III-E.1. Overview

III-F. ACCEPTABLE EQUIPMENT

III-G. CLOVERBUD DIVISION

III-H. LITTLE BRITCHES DIVISION

III-I. SPEED EVENTS DIVISION

III-J. SPECIAL INVITATIONAL DIVISION

III-J.1. Pleasure Pairs Class

III-K. ADAPTIVE RIDING DIVISION

CHAPTER III.

SHOW DIVISIONS AND CLASSES