Appointments: Bridle may be any western type headstall without noseband in conjunction with any standard western bit with shank no longer than 8 1/2" and smooth metal mouthpiece 5/16" to 3/4" in diameter measured one inch in from the shank. Curb chains or and flat leather curb straps must be at least 1/2" in width and lie flat against the jaws of the horse. A light lip strap is permissible. Split reins or romal reins are equally acceptable. Only one hand may be used on reins and hands must not be changed except to negotiate an obstacle in a Trail Horse Class. Hand to be around reins. When ends of split reins fall on side of reining hand, one finger between reins is permitted. When using romal or when ends of split reins are held in hand not used for reining, no finger between reins is allowed. Rider may hold romal or end of split reins to keep them from swinging and to adjust the position of the reins provided it is held at least 16" from the reining hand. Hackamore bits, cavesson type nosebands, martingales and tie-downs are prohibited. Bosal or standard snaffle are permitted in on horses five years old and under. If a curb strap is used with a snaffle bit, it must be attached below the reins. A horse shown in either a hackamore or snaffle must never have been shown in any Western event in a bridle. Two hands may be used on Bosal and Western snaffle reins. Attached reins may be of hair, rope, or leather. Both hands must be visible to the judge. Any standard stock saddle is permissible, but silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit. Saddle should fit the rider and the horse. Tapaderos may not be used. Rope, reata and/or hobbles are optional. Clothing shall be clean, workmanlike, and neat. Riders shall wear Western hat, long-sleeved shirt with any type collar, trousers or pants (one piece long sleeved equitation suit is acceptable provided it includes a collar), and boots. Chaps, shotgun chaps, or chinks are optional. A vest, jacket, coat, and/or sweater may also be worn. Spurs are optional, but if worn, must be have blunt, free-spinning rowells. No boots or bandages permitted unless specifically allowed in individual class specification.
Western Horsemanship -
Riders will be judged on seat, hands, legs, ability to control and show horse. Results as shown by performance of horse are NOT to be considered more important than the method used by the rider in obtaining them. All horses are to enter the ring at a jog trot or pleasure gait and be judged at a jog or pleasure gait, walk, and lope. They shall be worked both ways of the ring. The reverse is to be executed away from the rail.. After the horses have been worked in a group, they are to be lined up in the enter of the ring. The judge may ask those he or she considers placing to do individual work. The individual work may include taking a lead from a stop; and figure eights as well as other routines requested by the judge. Rider should sit in the saddle with legs hanging straight to slightly forward in the stirrups. The stirrups should be just short enough to allow the heels to be lower than the toes. Body should always appear comfortable relaxed, and flexible. Rider should sit to the jog or pleasure gait and should not post. At the lope, he or she should be close to the saddle. All movements of the horse should be governed by the use of imperceptible aids. Exaggerated shifting of the rider's weight is not desirable. Both hands and arms shall be held in a relaxed easy manner with the upper arms to be in a straight line with the body. The arm used in reining shall be bent at the elbow. Free hand shall be partially closed and relaxed. Reins are to be carried immediately above or slightly in front of the saddle horn. Only one hand is to be used for reining (unless bosal or snaffle is appropriately used). Rein hand may not be changed.
Western Pleasure -
Horses are to be shown at a walk, jog or pleasure gait, and lope. To be judged on manners, performance, and ability to give good pleasure ride. To be shown with a reasonably loose rein. Judge may ask finalists for additional workouts. Judge may ask for the reverse at the walk and trot or pleasure gait. The reverse shall not be called for at the lope. It is the judge's option to extend any gait.
WORKING WESTERN DIVISION
Appointments - As described above for "Western Division" with the individual exceptions listed for each class.
Trail -
Western Riding -
