SHOW EVENTS
The purpose of this page is to give everyone an idea what each class is about.
Our purpose here is for everyone to try their best, but have fun as well.
It is all about the horse and rider learning to compete together.
Perfecting and practicing here may lead to bigger and better shows if one chooses to do so.
A complete description of events follows the dress codes.
Dress Code
Dress is based on AQHA rules, but since our shows our “Fun Shows”, we tend to be a little more relaxed.
This means we do not require fancy, high-dollar outfits.
We do require boots, jeans and modest shirts with appropriate body coverage – we are a family event.
The following are some suggestions:
| •Long-sleeved western shirt |
| •Nice jeans |
| •Cowboy hat or helmet |
| •Cowboy boots (slip on or lace up) |
Tennis shoes will not be permitted at anytime for safety reasons
We do not require long-sleeved western shirts when the temperatures in the summer are extreme, but we cannot promise how the judge will rule when it comes down to a close ride.
Speed Attire
We do not require hats, but helmets are highly suggested.
Nice T-shirts can be worn – again appropriate body coverage is a must.
Jeans and boots
Appropriate Attire for Horses
Yes, believe it or not, there are some things a horse can and cannot wear.
We try to follow AQHA guidelines, but since our shows are “Fun Shows” and some may use these shows as training sessions, we are a little flexible, but again, we cannot promise how the judge will rule.
Your equipment does not have to be fancy or expensive.
It does need to be safe.
Pleasure and trail—saddle, bridle. NO tie downs, martingales, draw reins or sport boots.
Reining- sport boots are legal, but no tie downs, draw reins or martingales
Speed & egg and spoon—saddle, bridle, optional: martingales, tie downs, & sport boots.
Horses 5 and under may show with a bosal or snaffle bit and rider may show two-handed.
Horses 6 and older must be shown with a curb bit that has a solid or broken mouthpiece and shanks. The rider must show one-handed.
Description of events
| Stick Horse Classes |
| These classes are for children ages 6 and under. The children compete on a stick horse. The judge will ask them to walk, trot, canter, and reverse, stop, and maybe back up. This is a cute class and a fun way to get the little ones involved. A child may bring their own stick horse to use or they can use one provided by the saddle club. |
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| Pony Halter / Horse Halter |
| The pony/horse is judged based upon its conformation and condition. Exhibitor will walk his/her pony/horse to the judge one at a time. The pony/horse will be asked to trot and line up in the center of the arena. Western attire may be used. The pattern for this class is at the discretion of the Judge. A person may show only one pony/ horse in this class. Pony’s have a separate class from horses in this event. |
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| Showmanship |
Judged strictly on the exhibitors’ ability to fit and show a horse at halter. Clothes and person are to be neat and clean and the horse must be well groomed. The horse is merely a prop to demonstrate the ability and preparation of the exhibitor. The exhibitor must lead the horse on the horses left side, holding the lead in the right hand, with the end of the lead loosely coiled in the left hand. The exhibitor's hand must not be on the snap or chain portion of the lead. A 360 degree pivot may be required. This is a turn on the front while leaving the right hind foot in place. Ponies and horses may show together in this class. A person may show only one animal in this class.
A pattern will be posted prior to the show. |
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| Lead Line |
| A child (6 years or under) is led by another person of any age at the walk only. Matching attire is not required, but some people like to do this. In this class the rider is being judged. The rider should have a back number and the points go to the rider. The rider may be asked to back his/her horse. The horse should have a bridle with the child holding the reins and the leader should have a lead. Ponies or Horses may be used. The judge may ask the rider questions about his or her pony or horse. |
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| Western Pleasure |
| This class will be judged on the performance, condition and conformation of the horse. Horses will work both ways of the ring at all three (3) gaits (walk/trot/canter) to demonstrate their ability with different leads. Riders may be asked to back the horse. Western attire should be worn. Ponies show in their own western pleasure class. |
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| Walk-Trot |
| Same as Western Pleasure except riders will not be asked to canter. Western attire should be worn. A horse can be entered in both Western Pleasure and Walk Trot in the same age group. |
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| Country Pleasure |
| This is the same as walk/trot. In the JR/ PEEWEE class, ponies will be allowed in arena with the horses at the discretion of the exhibitor’s parents/guardians. |
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| Egg & Spoon |
| The rider will hold the egg in a spoon while riding around the arena. Rider may hold onto the egg until instructed to remove thumb from the egg. From that point on, the rider may not touch the egg, hold their thumb over the egg, or hold their finger under the bowl of the spoon. When asked to change gaits, the rider must do so immediately. |
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| Ranch Horse Pleasure |
| This class shows the horse's ability to move at a working speed with a rider. Horses will be shown at three gaits - walk, trot and lope - in each direction of the arena. Horses also will be asked to change directions while on the rail, stop and back. A horse will be given credit for traveling with his head in a normal position, ears alert and moving at a natural speed for the gait requested. Horses will be asked to extend the lope and the trot in at least one direction. Credit also will be given for making a smooth transition between the gaits, for keeping the correct lead and for maintaining the gait until the judge asks for a change. |
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| Horsemanship |
| This class is designed to judge the riders ability to execute a set of maneuvers prescribed by the judge. The pattern will be posted before the show begins. The following maneuvers are acceptable in a pattern: walk, jog, trot, extended trot, lope in a straight line, curved line, serpentine, circle, or figure 8 or a combination of these gaits, as well as stop, back, turn or pivot. Exhibitors will work individually but all may be asked to do rail work when individuals are finished. At our fun shows we try to keep it simple yet challenging. |
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| Working Ranch Horse |
| This class includes a series of modified reining maneuvers as well as obstacles that you might encounter on the ranch. The reining maneuvers may include one or two spins to the left or right, roll-backs, stops, back-up, lead changes, etc. The obstacles may include a bridge, a gate, dragging a log, ground tying, etc. |
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| Trail |
| This class is judged on the performance of the horse over obstacles with emphasis on manners, and responsiveness to the rider’s cues. All three gaits may or may not be used. Obstacles may include small logs, a gate, a low bridge. There may be cones or logs for a back through. There may be logs used for a side pass. A rain coat, or a bucket may need to be transported a short distance. A mail box may need to be opened, mail taken out, put back in, and closed. Logs may be placed in the shape of a box in which a turn will be executed. The judge is to post the pattern before the show. |
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| Pole Bending |
| The course contains six (6) poles set 21 feet apart. Time will begin and end as the horse’s nose crosses the timer line. An exhibitor may start either to the right or the left weaving through each pole. Knocking over a pole will result in a five (5) second penalty for each pole knocked down. Failure to follow the course shall result in disqualification. |
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| Barrel Racing |
| Three barrels make up the course. You may start either to the right or left and run to form a cloverleaf. Knocking over a barrel results in a five (5) second penalty for each barrel knocked down. Failure to follow the course shall result in disqualification. |
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| Gaited Country Pleasure |
| This class is for gaited classes only. The horse and rider will be asked to walk, trot and favorite gait. Gaited horses may enter other horse classes, but where it is required to lope/canter, the horse and rider will be expected to do so. |
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