Many of these specifications are still incomplete and will be updated at a later time
Because we accommodate such a wide variety of riding styles and breeds, it is impossible to cover every situation in this rule book. If your breed shows permit something that is not specified here, our general guidelines are:
1) Is it dangerous? 2) Is it cruel to the horse? 3) Does it give unfair advantage over other exhibitors?
If the answer to ALL THREE of these questions is "NO", then we will probably allow it.
WHEN IN DOUBT, PLEASE ASK.
Appointments:
Suitable headstall equipped with a throatlatch is mandatory. A show halter or headstall (bridle) with bit may be used. Whips or crops may be used (if that breed is normally shown with a whip) to the extent that such use does not interfere with other entries. Excessive use of the whip will be penalized. Attire and person must be neat and clean.
Halter -
Horses must be serviceably sound and horse must not show evidence of lameness. Entries are to be judged individually, standing, at a walk, and a trot or pleasure gait. Only one handler per horse. Horses to be judged on conformation, quality, substance, and soundness. Breed type shall receive consideration, but not over the above listed qualities. No preference shall be given to breed, color, or size. Transmissible weaknesses shall be considered a serious fault in breeding stock. Within the above specifications, horses may be shown to their breed or discipline standard in equipment, attire, turnout, and presentation style.
Halter Showmanship -
Suitable conservative attire must be appropriate to the manner in which the horse is shown (Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, or Western). If handler shows in Hunt attire, the horse's mane and tail may be braided. Boots or dress shoes; long sleeved shirt or blouse; and tie or scarf are mandatory. Sweater, vest or jacket are optional. Informal but neat attire should not be penalized. The handler's number must be worn on the back and must be clearly visible at all times. Hair must be neat and securely fastened so as not to cover the handler's number.
Judging Guidelines:
No preference shall be given to breed, color, or size. Handlers to be judged on the presentation, conditioning, grooming, and trimming of the horse, and neatness of exhibitor. Handlers should exhibit the style and techniques of showing appropriate for their horse's breed/discipline, presented correctly, safely, and elegantly. Handlers shall enter the ring in a counter clock-wise direction on the rail unless otherwise specified by the judge. To enter at the walk or trot according to the judge's instruction. Each handler shall correctly lead their horse to and from the judge and show his/her horse according to instructions from the judge. Handlers may be asked to perform additional tests at the judge's discretion. Any handler not having his horse under sufficient control must be dismissed from the ring by the judge. Patterns may be posted at judge's discretion.
SHOWMANSHIP 60 percent
a) LEADING - Recommended method is to lead on horse's left side holding the lead strap in the right hand at a distance from the horse allowing for maximum control and presentation of the horse. Handler's position when leading is midway between the head and the shoulder of the horse. The remaining portion of the strap should be held safely folded in the left hand, and not wrapped around the hand. Horse must work individually on the line at a walk and trot. Horse should lead readily. When making a 90 degree turn toward the judge or at the end of the walk or trot away from the judge, a left turn is appropriate. When making a turn of 180 degrees or greater, the horse should be turned to the right with the handler walking around the horse.
b) SHOWING - When showing the horse, the handler should stand toward the front, off the horse's shoulder, facing the horse. The handler should always be in a position where he/she can keep an eye on the entire horse. When the handler is showing to the judge, the shank should be held with the hand at a level appropriate to the height of the handler. As the judge moves around the horse, the handler should position her/himself so as to avoid obstructing the judge's view of the horse. Horses should stand square on all four feet or in the accepted manner of their breed. Crowding should be penalized. The handler should maintain a horse's length (8 to 10 feet) from the horse in front when leading in a line head to tail. When lined up side by side, there should be plenty of room between entries. A handler should not lead his horse between the judge and a horse the judge is observing.
c) POISE, ALERTNESS, ATTITUDE - The handler should be aware of the position of the judge during the entire class. The horse should be shown at all times quietly and effectively. Handlers must not show just themselves. The handler should respond quickly to requests from the judge and should be courteous and sportsmanlike at all times. The handler should not be distracted by persons and things outside or inside the ring.
PRESENTATION 40 Percent (Condition and Grooming)
Horse should be healthy, alert and in good condition with coat clean and free of stains. Excessive amounts of oils, fly spray and polish are discouraged. Mane and tail should be clean and free of tangles. Hoof dressing and/or polish may be used. Excess hair should be clipped or trimmed from fetlocks, face, ears, throatlatch and bridle path.
Additional Tests from which the Judge may choose:
Questions on relevant subjects such as: Parts of the horse, Judging requirements of breeding classes, Grooming, Basics of horse care, Proper attire. (If questions are asked, the same or similar questions must be used with each handler so tested.) Walk or trot horse to or from judge. Set horse up. Back horse. Movement of handler so as not to obstruct judge's view of the horse. Turn horse (90, 180, 360 degrees, etc.). Pick up horse's hoof. Trot down rail or around ring. Mouth horse. Move to different spot in line up.
Showmanship Faults:
Not follwoing the judge's instructions. Handler's not showing the horse, but just showing themselves. Crowding other competitors while leading the horse or in the line-up. Not lining up in front of the judge when walking or trotting. Turning the wrong direction in patterns. Standing in a position to obstruct the judge's view of the horse. Actions that may disturb other entries. Not holding the shank correctly or jerking the shank excessively. Excessive steady pressure on lead shank or draggin ght ehorse while moving. Improper attire or attire not clean and neat. Horse in poor condition, not clean or properly groomed. Improper tack or tack that is not clean. Number not worn or improperly displayed. Any handler not having his or her horse under sufficient control must be dissmissed by the judge.
