10.1 Categories
Available in Walk/Jog, Novice Rider, Amateur, Open and all Youth divisions and Little Britches and all horse classes.
10.2 Prohibited Equipment
- Wire curbs regardless of how padded or covered.
- Any chin/curb strap narrower than 1/2".
- Mechanical hackamores.
- Martingales, nosebands and tie-downs.
- Draw reins.
- Crop or quirts.
- Protective boots, leg wraps or bandages.
10.3 Optional Equipment
- Rope or riata. If used, the rope or riata must be coiled and attached to the saddle.
10.4 This class will be judged on the performance, condition and conformation of the horse; however, a minimum of 20 per cent of the judging shall be based on condition and conformation. Entries will be penalised for excessive speed or being on wrong leads.
10.5 Horses to be shown at a walk, jog and lope on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint.
- Horses must work both ways of the ring at all three gaits to demonstrate their ability with different leads. At the option of the judge, horses may be asked to extend the walk, jog or lope, one or both ways of the ring. The judge may ask all or just the top 15 horses to extend at the jog; however, never more than the top 15 horses may be asked to extend at the lope. Riders should sit at the extended jog. Horses are required to back easily and stand quietly. Passing on the inside is permissible and should not be penalised so long as horses being passed are not interfered with and the horse maintains a proper, even cadence and rhythm.
- Horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from the rail). They may be required to reverse at the walk or jog at the discretion of the judge but shall not be asked to reverse at the lope. On completion of the 'reverse' competitors should continue at the same pace being performed when asked to reverse.
- The judge may ask for additional work of the same nature from any horse. The judge is not to ask for work other than that listed above.
- The rider shall not be required to dismount except in the event the judge wishes to check equipment.
- In the event of a large entry to this class the Judge may ask for go-rounds to ensure the safety of the competitors. In the event of go-rounds the Judge must select the top 10 horses overall for the final to be worked on the rail together.
A good pleasure horse has a flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation. He should cover a reasonable amount of ground with little effort. Ideally, he should have a balanced, flowing motion. He should carry his head and neck in a relaxed, natural position. He should not carry his head behind the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a resistant appearance. His head should be level, with his nose slightly in front of the vertical, having a bright expression with his ears alert. He should be shown on a reasonably loose rein, but with light contact and control. He should be responsive, yet smooth in transitions when called for. When asked to extend, he should move out with the same flowing motion. Maximum credit should be given to the flowing, balanced and willing horse which gives the appearance of being fit and a pleasure to ride.
10.7 FAULTS
A. To be scored according to severity.
- Being on wrong lead.
- Excessive speed (any gait).
- Excessive slowness in any gait; losing forward flow in his motion.
- Breaking gait.
- Failure to take the appropriate gait when called for.
- Head carried too high.
- Touching horse or saddle with free hand.
- Head occasionally carried too low.
- Occasional over flexing or straining neck in head carriage so the nose is carried behind the vertical.
- Excessive nosing out.
- Opening mouth excessively.
- Stumbling or falling.
- Use of spurs or romal forward of the cinch.
- If horse appears sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated, drawn, or overly tired.
- Quick, choppy or pony strided.
- If reins are draped to the point that light contact is not maintained.
B. To be cause for disqualification.
- Changing hands on reins or two hands on reins (except when showing with a hackamore or snaffle bit).
- More than one finger between reins.
- Head consistently carried too high.
- Over flexing or straining neck in head carriage so the nose is consistently carried behind the vertical.
- Performing a complete circle at any time during the class.
- Fall to the ground by horse or rider.
- Head consistently carried too low (tip of ear below the withers).