| WESTERN | |||
| Halter: | Conformation or breeding classes; horses are shown in only a halter (no other tack) and led into the arena by their handlers who line up and set the horse up standing squarely. Horses are judged comparatively to an ideal horse image. Classes are based upon horse age and gender. | ||
| Western Showmanship: | A performance halter class in which the handler is judged rather than the horse. Each participant leads his/her horse through a designated pattern followed by standing the horse up for inspection; judges consider how a horse and its handler fit together as well. | ||
| Western Pleasure: | A western riding class in which judges look for a horse who portrays the image of being a "pleasure" to ride. Gaits, balance, engagement, carriage are emphasized. Horses work in both directions at all three gaits before lining up at the center of the arena to demonstrate backingup. | ||
| Reining: | A western riding class in which the horse demonstrates athletic ability and responsiveness through performing a certain pattern. Patterns include spins, sliding stops, rundowns, rollbacks, and figure-eights. Scoring is based on each movement with each horse beginning at 70 points. Points (1 full or 1/2) are added or subtracted for well-executed and poorly executed maneuvers, respectively. | ||
| Trail: | A western riding class in which the horse demonstrates its handiness attitude (alert, energetic, interested), and personality through an obstacle course designed to test the horses abilities. Obstacles may include: gaits, bridges, rustling raincoats, pivots, ground tieing, etc.. Each obstacle is scored. | ||
| Western Riding: | A western riding class in which the horses' athleticism and accuracy are tested. Movements from both reining and trail classes are included in a designated pattern. The scoring system is the same as that used in reining except for the penalization of major faults (-5 points for each big mistake). | ||
| Working Cow Horse: | A western riding class in which the horse demonstrates its potential and ability to manage cattle. The class is broken down into two segments: 1.) "dry work" 2.) "cow work". A pattern similar to a reining patter is performed in the "dry work" section. In the "cow work" segment, the horse works a cow in both directions showing total control over the cow. Each horse has 2 minutes to work a cow. Scores range from 60-80 with penalties for losing or abusing the cow and excessive cueing from the rider. | ||
| Calf Roping: | In horse showing, judging is based upon a horses' performance in a four phase go-around. Judging begins as soon as the horse enters the roping box. Once the calf is released, the horse follows directly behind the calf while the rider throws the loop over the calf's head. The horse then slides to a stop and begins to back to keep tension in the rope. Once the roper throws the calf and remounts, the phase ends. The average score is 70 within a range of 60 to 80. | ||
| Dally Team Roping: | Two ropers work together to rope a steer. Even though two ropers participate, only one is judged (either the header or the heeler). The team is given one minute to rope the steer. The average score is 70 within a range of 60 to 80. | ||
| Team Penning: | A team consists of three riders who must separate three labeled cows from a herd (21-42 cows) at one end of the arena and place them in a pen. The team is given two minutes to pen their cows. The team with the fastest time wins. | ||
| Western Horsemanship: | A western riding class in which hte rider is judged. Each participant executes a specified a pattern according to rider ability. Judges look for a "natural and functional ride." Riders demonstrate their knowledge and ability to perform correct fundamentals. | ||
| Cutting: | A cutting horse demonstrates his talent by "working" a cow for two and a half minutes. The horse prevents the cow from returning to the herd at the end of the arena. Each entrant begins with 70 points and gains or loses points according to their judged performance. | ||
| Barrel Racing: | A barrel course consisting of three barrels placed in a triangular pattern tests the horses speed and agility. The barrels must be run in a cloverleaf pattern. The horse's trip is timed. Those with the lowest time wins the class. | ||
| Pole Bending: | A pole bending course consists of six poles set twenty-one feet apart. The horse must weave in and out down to the end and back. The fastest time determines the winners. | ||
ENGLISH | |||
| Hunters: | An English riding discipline derived from foxhunting. A course consisting of a variety of fences (jumps 2'9" - 3'9") resembling obstacles in a fox hunt is set up. In working hunter classes, only the horse is judged over fences. In under saddle classes, the horse's way of going judged on the flat. In equitation classes, only the rider is judged. | ||
| Jumpers: | A course of colorful fences (3'6 - 4' to start) is set up. Faults are given for knocking a rail down, refusals, or exceeding the allotted time. A clear round is desired. If more than one rider goes clear, a jump-off is used to break a tie. The fastest round with the lowest number of faults wins a jump-off. | ||
| Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat: | The riders are judged on their form, effectiveness, and control of their horse. Each rider executes a specified pattern including three different gaits. | ||
| Equitation Over Fences: | The rider maneuvers their horse over a hunter course. The riders' form over fences and around the course is evaluated. | ||
| Pleasure Driving: | Horse's pull a two-wheeled cart and perform at three gaits (walk, medium trot, and extended trot) in both directions of the arena. The horses' overall impression is judged. | ||
| Dressage: | Horse and rider work as a team to perform a series of movements in an arena marked by letters around its perimeter. Each movement is awarded a mark from 0 (not performed) to10 (excellent). The horse's impulsion and the rider's position are also scored. The horse and rider with the highest point total wins the class. | ||
| Combined Training: | Commonly called eventing, the sport tests the vesitility and endurance of every horse. The event is divided into three phases: dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping. A total score combining the three phases determines the winner. | ||
