Horse Show

HORSE SHOW DESCRIPTIONS/RULES

1. Showmanship

Showmanship focuses on the exhibitor's ability to fit and show a horse at halter. Judges evaluate the

grooming and fitting of the horse and the expertise of the exhibitor in presenting the horse to the best

of his or her ability. Contestants must work a predetermined pattern consisting of maneuvers such as

walking, trotting, pivoting, backing and setting up. Showmanship does NOT count towards Daily

High Point Awards.

2. English Pleasure / English Equitation

a. English Pleasure is the preliminary class for English riding disciplines, and judges evaluate the

way of going of a hunter-type horse on the flat, at a walk, trot and canter. Horses circle the

perimeter of the arena, performing each gait called at the judge's discretion.

b. English Equitation evaluates the rider, not the performance of the horse. Riders will also be

judged on the rail, performing gait changes at the judge's discretion. Emphasis is placed on the

rider's ability to sit in the saddle correctly, hold the correct riding posture and control the horse.

3. Hunter Hack

Hunter Hack is the transitional English class between hunter under saddle and working hunter. It

requires a horse to move freely and easily while jumping small fences. Horses are required to first

jump two fences. After completing the jumps, the horses are then shown at a walk, trot and canter

along the rail in both directions. Horses are judged on manners and way of going, both on the flat

and over fences. Walk/Trot Hunter Hack will show over ground poles. Other Divisions will show

over cross rails or fences no higher than 2 foot 3 inches.

4. Western Pleasure / Western Equitation

a. Western pleasure horses should be as the name implies - a pleasure to ride. Contestants compete

simultaneously, traveling around the perimeter of the arena. Horses are judged on functional

correctness, quality of movement including consistency of their gaits, and attitude.

b. Western Equitation evaluates the rider, not the performance of the horse. Riders will also be

judged on the rail, performing gait changes at the judge's discretion. Emphasis is placed on the

rider's ability to sit in the saddle correctly, hold the correct riding posture and control the horse.

5. Trail

Just as a decathlete must train in several events, trail horses must also be accomplished in numerous

obstacles such as passing through gates and crossing bridges. Trail judges focus on the skill of the

horse to handle certain situations that might occur on an outdoor trail ride. Scoring is based on the

horse's willingness, ease and grace in negotiating the course.