Tennessee Walking
Horse Shows of America
PO Box 238
Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068
Phone: 614-751-8525
Fax: 614-868-0165
Email: TWHSA@aol.com
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CHAPTER 5
DIVISION AND CLASS RULES
Note: . A horse can switch between the Performance and Pleasure division only once during the year and the switch cannot be made during the same show.
A. GENERAL CRITERIA
In all Tennessee Walking Horse classes, the horses must perform the true walking gaits of the breed.
1. Flat Walk: The flat walk is a bold, effortless, even, four-beat gait. The horse should drive with the rear legs and appear to pull with the front legs. The fore legs should move straight, breaking at the knees and reaching forward. The horse should be balanced in the degree of knee height to the amount of reach. The hind legs should reach up under the horse’s body with minimal hock action, overstepping the print left by the front foot on the same side. Each foot should leave and strike the ground independently, and the head and neck should have a pronounced vertical nod of the head and neck in rhythm with the footfall Head nod should come out of the shoulders as a result of timing of the back-end of the horse, and not from simple flexion at the poll. A pronounced head nod is highly desirable. Speed should be consistent and animation should not be preferred over gait quality, timing and consistency.
2. Running Walk: The running walk should have the same footfall, gait quality and general motion as the flat walk, but with additional speed and stride. The horse shall exhibit a smooth, free and easy, gliding, overstriding, four-beat gait, with greater stride and accelerated head motion. The tendency toward being trotty, fox trotting, racking or pacing should be penalized. Head motion must be maintained and form is not to be sacrificed for speed. Some horses will click their teeth and/or flop their ears in time with their head nod and should not be penalized for such. Horses with an exaggerated, hesitating way of going and/or a tendency to “point” must be penalized. Head tossing, going sideways, laboring and tail switching are not desirable. Transitions between gaits should be smooth and effortless. A distinct change in speed between the flat walk and running walk is mandatory.
3. Canter: The canter is a smooth, controlled and straight three-beat gait. The horse should not be walking behind, but cantering on both ends with a rolling, rocking chair motion. A horse that is on the wrong lead or cross cantering must be penalized. Excessive pulling or pumping the reins at the canter should be penalized.
4. Conformation: In general, the Tennessee Walking Horse should have a neat head with well-shaped ears, alert eyes and a tapered muzzle. The expression should be intelligent and kind. The neck should be long and graceful, rising from muscular, sloping shoulders. The horse should be deep in the girth and well ribbed and the chest should be well proportioned. The back should be short and well coupled at the lions. The croup should be sloping and the hips well muscled. The legs should be flat and cordy, with hoof enough to support the weight of the horse. The horse should be well balanced without extremes in any one component.
B. FLAT SHOD PLEASURE DIVISION
A flat shod pleasure horse performs the three gaits of the breed without pads, bands, boots, action devices, lubricants or braced tails
1. Plantation Pleasure Classes
a. The plantation pleasure horse should display show presence and brilliance while maintaining the four beat walking gaits of the breed in a collected, up-headed and stylish manner. The plantation pleasure horse should be well mannered and manageable on a light rein. He must perform all gaits without bumping and pumping of the reins and must stand quietly and back readily upon request.
b. Maximum shoe size is ½-inch thick and 1 ½ inches wide. The caulk cannot exceed a one-inch turnback. (See Chapter 4E, Shoeing, for detailed rules)
c. Suggested plantation pleasure classes:
· Plantation Pleasure
· Plantation Pleasure Specialty
· Amateur Owned and Trained Plantation Pleasure
· Plantation Pleasure, Riders 17 and under
· Plantation Pleasure, Riders 11 and under
· Junior Plantation Pleasure
· Two Year Old Plantation Pleasure
· Three Year Old Plantation Pleasure
· Western Plantation Pleasure
Classes may also be divided by size, sex of horse or rider, and may be divided by open and amateur riders.
2. Lite Shod Pleasure Classes
a. The lite shod pleasure horse must perform the four beat walking gaits of the breed in a relaxed manner with an alert and willing attitude. Natural action is desirable. The horse should display qualities necessary for pleasure riding on the trail or road, with good manners, responsiveness, and manageability on a light rein; and must stand quietly and back readily in the lineup.
b. Maximum shoe size is 3/8 inch thick and ¾ inch wide. The caulk cannot exceed 3/8 inch, and the turnback is limited to one inch. (See Chapter 4E, Shoeing, for detailed rules)
c. Suggested lite shod pleasure classes:
· Lite Shod Pleasure
· Lite Shod Pleasure Specialty
· Amateur Owned and Trained Lite Shod Pleasure
· Lite Shod Pleasure, Riders 17 and under
· Lite Shod Pleasure, Riders 11 and under
· Junior Lite Shod Pleasure
· Two Year Old Lite Shod Pleasure
· Three Year Old Lite Shod Pleasure
· Western Lite Shod Pleasure
Classes may also be divided by size, sex of horse or rider, and may be divided by open and amateur riders.
3. Trail Pleasure
a. The trail pleasure horse must display the correct four beat walking gaits with overstride in a manner geared toward covering ground, stamina and riding for long periods on a trail. Trail pleasure horses should be penalized for lack of stride and overstride. They should only be penalized for excessive back-end if it appears to be akin to the extreme driving back-end of a padded horse. Animation is not desirable in a trail pleasure horse. The head should be carried in a natural, relaxed position and must have a pronounced and cadenced head nod which comes out of the shoulders as a result of timing out of the back-end of the horse, and not from simple flexion at the poll. The canter must be relaxed and consistent without visible effort from the rider. The trail pleasure horse must be extremely well mannered, responsive and quiet at all gaits and in the lineup. A western trail pleasure horse should exhibit all of the foregoing characteristics, but should go with a slightly lower, more relaxed headset. It should go on a loose rein, and must neck rein. Gait is of greatest importance with other distinguishing characteristics such as light or loose rein being secondary.
b. Trail pleasure horses may be asked for a halt on the rail from any gait and may be asked for a trail walk on a loose rein, which is an ordinary relaxed “dog walk.” The trail pleasure horse should give an appearance of suitability for the rider, and horse and rider should work together effortlessly. Unless specified otherwise, trail pleasure is an optional tack class, that is, horses may be shown either English or western, but not a combination of both.
c. Horses entered in Trail Pleasure classes are not eligible to show in lite shod, plantation or country pleasure classes at the same show, but may show in halter and versatility classes.
d. Maximum shoe size is 3/8 inch thick and ¾ inch wide. The caulk cannot exceed 3/8 inch, and the turnback is limited to one inch. (See Chapter 4E, Shoeing, for detailed rules)
e. Suggested trail pleasure classes:
· Trail Pleasure
· Trail Pleasure Specialty
· Amateur Owned and Trained Trail Pleasure
· Trail Pleasure, Riders 17 and under
· Trail Pleasure, Riders 11 and under
· Junior Trail Pleasure
· Two Year Old Trail Pleasure
· Three Year Old Trail Pleasure
Classes may also be divided by size, sex of horse or rider, and may be divided by open and amateur riders, English and western.
4. Country Pleasure
a. The country pleasure horse must display a walk and a comfortable, easy, smooth intermediate gait without excessive speed. The horse should be the type of horse that would be taken out for a relaxing ride on a country road or trail. Horses entered in Country Pleasure classes are not eligible to show in lite shod, plantation or trail pleasure classes at the same show, but may show in equitation and versatility classes. Unless otherwise stated on the class sheet, Country Pleasure is an optional tack class and any neat, appropriate attire is allowed.
b. The shoe for the country pleasure horse must be no wider than 1 inch and no thicker than 3/8 inch. The caulk can be no thicker than 3/8 inch and the turnback is limited to one inch.
c. Horses entered in these classes are not eligible to compete in other Tennessee Walking Horse classes at the same show but may compete in versatility classes if other requirements are met.
d. Suggested country pleasure classes:
· Country Pleasure
· Amateur Country Pleasure
· Amateur Owned and Trained Country Pleasure
· Country Pleasure, Riders 17 and under
· Country Pleasure, Riders 11 and under
5. Western Classes
a. In all classes that specify “western”, the entry should emphasize the suitability of the Tennessee Walking Horse as a western working horse with qualities suitable for ranch work. The western horse must work quietly on a loose rein with a relaxed and natural head position. The western pleasure horse must be exceptionally smooth with a flowing, free and easy motion without excessive action and animation. The western horse must perform the correct four beat walking gaits with pronounced and cadenced head motion. Head tossing, going sideways, laboring and tail switching are not desirable, and transitions between gaits should be smooth and effortless. A distinct change in speed between the flat walk and running walk is mandatory. High headedness and heads behind the vertical are not desirable.
b. In western classes, horses must reverse away from the rail (toward center ring) and must stand quietly and back readily in the line up.
c. Horses may be asked for a halt on the rail from any gait. The horses should respond quickly to the signal to stop and come to a halt without shaking of the head or opening of the mouth. The horses must stand quietly on a loose rein until the judge asks the entries to perform the next gait
d. Horses may be asked to perform a 360-degree neck reined turn to either the right or left during the line up. The turn should be a pivot on the hindquarters with the body relatively straight and the pivot (inside) foot well under the body and remaining in the same spot during the turn. The horse should turn willingly, without tossing or shaking the head or opening the mouth.
e. In western classes, reins must be held in one hand and cannot be changed during the class.
f. When using split reins, the reins should come over the hand with the thumb resting on top and the rein ends coming out the bottom of the hand and falling free on the same side as the hand holding the reins. One finger may be placed between the reins.
g. When using rommel reins, the reins should enter the bottom of the hand with the excess rein coming out the top of the hand and the thumb resting on top of the reins. A finger between the reins is not allowed with romal reins. The extension is carried in the free hand, falling either straight or neatly coiled. The hand holding the romal must be at least 18 inches away from the rein hand. The rommel may not be used forward of the cinch or used to signal or cue the horse in any way.
h. If a rider uses two hands on the reins of a western horse at any time, the entry will be eliminated. The exception is when using a bosal or ring snaffle on a junior horse, the rider may use both hands on the reins. When using both hands, the reins should be crossed with the ends falling on either side of the horse.
6. Pleasure Driving Classes
a. Pleasure driving is judged on the horse, not the equipment turnout. The horse must perform the true four-beat walking gaits of the breed and should exhibit the same general qualities as in any flat shod pleasure class. Horses shall be worked on the rail at the flat walk and the running walk. When asked to reverse, entries should cut across the arena, taking care not to interfere with another exhibitor. Good manners are of utmost importance in a pleasure driving horse, and the horse must stand quietly and back readily.
b. A header may be called in during the lineup and is allowed to loosen or unfasten the overcheck and wipe the horse off, but may not hold the horse unless it becomes necessary for reasons of safety.
c. The judge will excuse an uncontrollable horse or an entry with unsafe equipment immediately.
d. Show management may offer pleasure driving classes such as lite shod, trail pleasure, period costume, drive and ride, etc.
7. Versatility Classes
a. Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association versatility rules will be followed. Detailed rules are available in their current versatility handbook, available from TWHBEA, P.O. Box 286, Lewisburg, Tennessee 37091.
b. Classes include
· Barrel Racing
· Basic Reining
· Competitive Riding
· Dressage
· Endurance Riding
· English Pleasure
· Good Seat & Hands
· Judged Pleasure Ride
· Model
· Pleasure Driving
· Pole Bending
· Showmanship at Halter
· TWH over Fences
· Trail Obstacle
· Two Gaited TWH Pleasure
· Versatility Driving
· Water Glass
· Western Pleasure
· Western Riding
C. HALTER DIVISION
1. General rules and procedures
a. The class sheet should specify whether a given class is for performance or pleasure horses.
b. Emphasis in halter classes will be placed on conformation, type, substance, quality and condition. Entries should exemplify the best in conformation as described in the general criteria. Transmissible weaknesses and/or unsoundness must be penalized. Minor blemishes may be considered but are not necessarily penalized. Entries should be in good flesh and immaculately groomed.
c. Entries may be asked to line up side by side or head to tail at the discretion of the judge
d. Entries should park with all feet under them with ears forward and be alert but stand quietly.
e. Entries showing obvious outward signs of being sedated or tranquilized must be excused by the judge.
f. No ginger or other medication may be applied to any entry.
g. Any exhibitor who, in the opinion of the judge, abuses an entry with a whip or other equipment will be excused from the class.
h. If, in the opinion of the judge, an entry’s behavior poses a threat or obstacle to other entries, that entry may be excused from the class.
2. Model Classes
a. Entries are judged on conformation, condition and presentation, including show ring presence.
b. Entries are led into the ring, lined up as directed and judged.
3. In-Hand Classes
a. Entries are led into the ring and proceed counterclockwise until instructed to reverse. Entries are normally lined up head to tail for final judging.
b. Entries are judged on overall way of moving, presentation and conformation.
c. In Mare and Foal classes, entries will be judged 50% on the mare and 50% on the foal.
d. In Get of Sire classes, the stallion is shown in hand with as many as three but not more than five of his get. The class is judged on the get.
e. In Produce of Dam classes, a mare shall be shown at halter with at least 2 and no more than 5 horses of any sex or age that have been foaled by that mare.
f. Weanlings and yearlings are shown in hand at a walk, reversed and walked, lined up and judged.
D. EQUITATION AND SHOWMANSHIP DIVISION
In equitation and showmanship classes, the rider/handler is judged rather than the horse. The term “equitation” means “The art of riding horseback.”
1. General provisions
a. Horses used in this division should be well groomed and properly tacked.
b. While entries are judged at all times on ability, exhibitors in this division must conform to the requirements for personal appointments, which are based on good taste, and judges will penalize those not properly appointed.
c. The judge will dismiss any exhibitor who does not have his or her mount under sufficient control.
d. No attendant will be allowed in the ring except at the judge’s request. The exception is Lead line Equitation, which is a class in which young riders are judged on their horsemanship skills while their mount is led by a handler at a walk only.
e. Exhibitors should be familiar with the parts of the horse and the use and parts of the tack.
f. In championship classes, exhibitors may be asked to mount and dismount and/or change horses, at the discretion of the judge.
g. Stallions may be shown in adult equitation classes, but not in youth classes.
2. Walking Seat Equitation
a. To be shown in English tack and attire as described in Chapter 4
b. Classes may be restricted to performance horses, flat shod horses or a combination of both. It is strongly suggested that equitation classes be restricted to either performance or pleasure horses. Horses may be from any division including but not limited to trail pleasure, lite shod, performance, show pleasure, etc.
c. The basic appearance of the equitation rider should be in no way exaggerated but must be calm, comfortable, balanced, effective and controlled. The rider should display good ring showmanship of the horse. A complete picture of the whole entry is of major importance.
d. The rider should sit straight and square on the horse. Humping of the upper back, excessive arch in the lower back, sitting too far forward or back in the saddle, or sitting off to one side will be penalized. Cues to the horse should be subtle with little change in the rider’s form. The rider should maintain calm if his horse misbehaves or does not perform a movement correctly. Excessive body movement when cueing the horse, hitting or kicking the horse in anger or frustration, and yanking on the reins will be severely penalized.
e. The rider’s head should be held high and look forward. The shoulders should be square, the waist supple, and the seat deep, in the deepest part of the saddle. Thighs and knees should be in close contact, with toes pointing forward. The ball of the foot should rest squarely on the stirrup iron with the heel lower than the toe. When the foot is out of the stirrup, the iron should hit the rider just below the ankle. The arm should fall naturally from the shoulder with the elbow on the vertical or slightly forward. The forearm should be parallel to the ground or slightly angled upward. The hands and forearm should form a “V” when viewed from above. They should be held over the withers so that the thumbs almost touch when extended. When the rider is in correct position, one should be able to draw a vertical line through the ear, shoulder, hip and heel.
f. Each rein should be held between the thumb and index finger with the remaining fingers closed lightly around the rein. Reins should be crossed and the bight should be on the right side.
g. When in motion, rider should use light bit contact with required leg aids and correct speed. There should be very little motion in the saddle and no obvious movement of the hands. Starts and stops should be gradual and smooth with no kicking or jerking. The flat walk and running walk should be smooth and square with head motion. The canter should be smooth, slow and straight on both leads. The rider should initiate the canter with outside leg pressure slightly behind the girth and the inside leg at or slightly in front of the girth. In saddle seat equitation, the horse should reverse toward the rail in a well-collected manner. Light pressure should be applied with the legs to cue the turn and even rein pressure should be used after the turn to set the head in the correct position for the gait required. When lined up, the horse should stand on all four feet with head up and jaw flexible.
h. Entries will enter the ring to the right at a flat walk and continue in a counterclockwise direction for all gaits. On command, entries will reverse and repeat the gaits. Entries should line up for individual judging. The judge may ask each exhibitor to address the reins, back their horse, drop and pick up stirrups or answer questions about the anatomy of the horse, the tack or equitation. Performance horses will not be asked to back in the lineup. A pattern may be required by the judge and must be both publicly announced and posted before show time. Suggested patterns are:
· Circle performed at any or all gaits
· Straight line performed at any or all gaits
· Serpentine performed at any or all gaits, must have a minimum of 2 half circles
· Figure eight performed at any or all gaits
· Ride without stirrups at any or all gaits
· Change of canter lead
i. Suggested classes in Walking Seat Equitation:
· Walking Seat Equitation, riders 18 and over
· Walking Seat Equitation, riders 17 & under
· Walking Seat Equitation, riders 15-17 years
· Walking Seat Equitation, riders 12-14 years
· Walking Seat Equitation, riders 11 & under, 2 gait
· Lead line Equitation, riders 6 & under
· Walking Seat Equitation Championship
3. Stock Seat Equitation
a. Flat shod horses from any division may be shown in this division.
b. Horses are shown in western tack and attire as described in Chapter 4.
c. The performance of the horse is not to be considered more important than the method used in obtaining the results.
d. The general rules and provisions of Walking Seat Equitation will apply to Stock Seat Equitation. The gaits and rules of the Western Pleasure division will apply to Stock Seat Equitation.
e. The basic appearance of the rider should be in no way exaggerated but must be calm, comfortable, balanced, and relaxed. The rider should display good ring showmanship of the horse. A complete picture of the whole entry is of major importance.
f. The rider should sit straight and square on the horse. Humping of the upper back, excessive arch in the lower back, sitting too far forward or back in the saddle, or sitting off to one side will be penalized. Cues to the horse should be subtle with little change in the rider’s form. The rider should maintain calm if his horse misbehaves or does not perform a movement correctly. Excessive body movement when cueing the horse, hitting or kicking the horse in anger or frustration, and yanking on the reins will be severely penalized.
g. The rider’s head should be held high and look forward. The shoulders should be square, the waist supple, and the seat deep, in the deepest part of the saddle. Thighs and knees should be in close contact, with toes pointing forward. The ball of the foot should rest squarely on the stirrup with the heel lower than the toe. Consideration should be given to the width of the stirrup, which may vary on western saddles. When the foot is out of the stirrup, the stirrup should hit the rider just below the ankle. When the rider is in correct position, one should be able to draw a vertical line through the ear, shoulder, hip and heel.
h. Arms are in a straight line with the body, the one holding the reins bent at the elbow. Reins may be held in either hand but may not be switched during the class. With a split rein, the rider may place only the index finger between the reins and the bight of the rein must fall on the same side as the hand holding the reins. The remainder of the rein must not be touched by the off hand during the class. The hand holding the reins should be placed slightly in front of the horn at about the horn level. The position of the hand not holding the reins is options but must be free of the horse and equipment and held in a relaxed manner. Elbows should be quiet and close to the rider’s side.
i. With rommel reins, the reins may be held in either hand with the remainder of the rein coiled neatly in the off hand. There should be approximately 16 inches between the hands with the off hand behind the cinch. No fingers are allowed between romal reins and the hand should be held in a fist position just in front of the saddle horn.
j. When in motion, rider should use light bit contact with required leg aids and correct speed. There should be very little motion in the saddle and no obvious movement of the hands. Starts and stops should be gradual and smooth with no kicking or jerking. The flat walk and running walk should be smooth and square with head motion. The canter should be smooth, slow and straight on both leads. The rider should initiate the canter with outside leg pressure slightly behind the girth and the inside leg at or slightly in front of the girth. In saddle seat equitation, the horse should reverse toward the rail in a well-collected manner. Light pressure should be applied with the legs to cue the turn and even rein pressure should be used after the turn to set the head in the correct position for the gait required. When lined up, the horse should stand on all four feet with head up and jaw flexible.
k. Entries will enter the ring to the right at a flat walk and continue in a counterclockwise direction for all gaits. On command, entries will reverse and repeat the gaits. The judge may ask for a halt during any gait. Riders should respond quickly and quietly without altering the basic position. Entries should line up for individual judging and back at the judge’s request. Judges may ask entries to back out of the lineup and execute a 360 neck reined turn before returning to the lineup. A pattern may be required by the judge and must be both publicly announced and posted before show time. Suggested patterns include:
· Circle performed at any or all gaits
· Straight line performed at any or all gaits
· Lope and halt
· Lead change
· Figure 8 performed at any or all gaits
· Rollback to left or right
l. Suggested classes for Stock Seat Equitation
· Stock Seat Equitation, riders 18 and over
· Stock Seat Equitation, riders 17 & under
· Stock Seat Equitation, riders 15-17 years
· Stock Seat Equitation, riders 12-14 years
· Stock Seat Equitation, riders 11 & under, 2 gait
· Stock Seat Equitation Championship
4. Showmanship at Halter
a. To be judged on the handler’s skill in preparing and showing a flat shod conformation horse. No consideration is given to the horse other than his grooming and fitness
b. Horses must be 2 years old or older.
c. Tack and attire can be either western or English as described in Chapter 4, but not a combination of the two.
d. Primary consideration will be given to the performance of the handler in showing the horse. Handlers must walk on the horse’s left side, with handler’s shoulder even with the horse’s throatlatch, holding the lead shank in the right hand near the halter. The remainder of the lead shank is held neatly and safely in the left hand. A tightly coiled or rolled lead shank or one with fingers through the coils will be considered a fault. The horse should lead easily at the flat walk and running walk with his head held at a height appropriate for his conformation. Exhibitors should never crowd other entries, whether lined up head to tail or side by side. Always leave a horse’s length between you and the next horse.
e. Each exhibitor will be expected to perform a pattern, either posted prior to the class or announced at the beginning of the class. When moving the horse, the exhibitor must be sure the judge has a clear, unobstructed view of the horse’s action. The horse should move freely in a straight line with his head carried at a height appropriate for his conformation. In turning the horse, always turn to the right, with the horse turning directly over his hocks with the hind feet staying nearly in place.
f. If the exhibitor is asked to back the horse, he should back smoothly, one step at a time, as straight as possible for as many steps as required. Do not change hands on the lead shank and use a press and release technique to ask the horse to back. Do not touch the horse.
g. When posing the horse, the exhibitor should stand toward the front facing the horse with his toes pointed toward the horse’s neck. The exhibitor should never stand directly in front of the horse. He should always be a position to keep an eye on the horse and an eye on the judge. Keep alert and do not be distracted by activity outside the ring. The exhibitor should do most of the showing with the lead shank, not touching the horse with a hand, changing hands on the lead shank or kicking the horse’s leg into position.
h. When the judge is examining an exhibitor’s horse, the exhibitor should pretend the horse is divided into four quadrants. Draw one imaginary line down the horse’s back and another across the middle. When the judge is looking at either hindquarter of the horse, the exhibitor should be on the same side as the judge, with his toes pointed toward the horse’s eye or neck. When the judge looks at either front quarter, the exhibitor crosses to the opposite side of the horse to allow the judge an unobstructed view. See TWHBEA Versatility Handbook for additional information.
E. PERFORMANCE HORSE DIVISION
1. Performance
a. A performance horse is one that uses pads and action devices to exaggerate the natural gaits of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Performance horses show in pads as described in Chapter 4, Section E. They also wear chains, rollers, boots or collars as described in Chapter 4, Section E. Performance horses are shown with braced tails, either Walking Horse or humane type, caps and switches optional. Action and animation are never to replace overall gait quality, consistency and timing, and a change in speed must be noticeable between the flat walk and running walk. Performance horses are not required to back in the lineup but should stand quietly. Entries are shown in appropriate English tack and attire as specified in Chapter 4.
b. Suggested performance horses classes:
· Two Year Old, No Canter (Maximum 10 minutes total workout time)
· Three Year Old, No Canter
· Four Year Old
· Five Year Old and Over
· Fine Harness
· 15.2 and under Class
· Championship Class
· Walking Horse Stake
Classes may be further divided into open and amateur, by gender of horse and/or rider, age of rider, novice or any other way show management may devise.
2. Show Pleasure
a. The show pleasure horse is allowed the use of acceptable action devices and pads, as described in Chapter 4. Braced and humane tails are prohibited. The horse should exhibit natural animation and give the appearance of an easy, pleasurable ride. Manners, responsiveness and suitability to the rider in all gaits are emphasized. Entries are shown in appropriate tack and attire and described in Chapter 4.
b. Horses in a show pleasure driving class are shown in an appropriate two or four wheeled cart. Fine harness buggies are not appropriate in show pleasure division. The horse should exhibit good manners and present an appearance of ease and responsiveness to the driver.
c. Suggested show pleasure classes:
· Junior Show Pleasure
· Open Show Pleasure
· Show Pleasure Driving
· Show Pleasure, Riders 17 & under
· Show Pleasure Championship
Classes may be further divided into open and amateur, by gender of horse and/or rider, age of rider, novice or any other way show management may devise.
3. Park Performance
a. Shoe size is limited to a maximum of 1 ½ inches by ½ inch with a 1 inch turnback with a maximum of 1 inch pad measured at the heel and an action device of no more than 6 ounces. Bands are optional. Braced tail and rock back pads are prohibited.
b. Cross chain caveson are prohibited, and bit length maximum is 9 ½ inches measured from
c. Action and animation are never to replace overall gait quality, consistency and timing, and a change in speed must be noticeable between the flat walk and running walk. Park Performance horses are not required to back in the lineup but should stand quietly. Entries are shown in appropriate English tack and attire as specified in Chapter 4.
d. Horses in a park performance driving class are shown in an appropriate two or four wheeled cart. Fine harness buggies are not appropriate in the park performance division. The horse should exhibit good manners and present an appearance of ease and responsiveness to the driver.
e. Suggested park performance classes:
· Open Park Performance
· Junior Park Performance
· Park Performance, Riders 17 and under
· Park Performance Driving
· Park Performance Championship
4. Park Pleasure
a. Shoe size is limited to a maximum of 1 ½ inches by ½ inch with a 1 inch turnback Bands are optional. Braced tail and pads are prohibited.
b. Cross chain caveson are prohibited, and bit length maximum is 9 ½ inches measured from
c. Action and animation are never to replace overall gait quality, consistency and timing, and a change in speed must be noticeable between the flat walk and running walk. Park Pleasure horses are not required to back in the lineup but should stand quietly
d. Horses in a park pleasure driving class are shown in an appropriate two or four wheeled cart. Fine harness buggies are not appropriate in the park pleasure division. The horse should exhibit good manners and present an appearance of ease and responsiveness to the driver.
e. Suggested park pleasure classes:
· Open Park Pleasure
· Junior Park Pleasure
· Park Pleasure, Riders 17 and under
· Park Pleasure Driving
· Park Pleasure Championship
F. SPECIAL CLASSES
Special classes can take any form decided by show management or the sponsoring organization. They would be open to exhibitors and horses in keeping with the general requirements in Chapters 4 and 5. Such classes are not limited to but might include:
· Antebellum Costume Class
· Game Classes such as Egg and Spoon, Musical Sacks, Back to Back, etc.
· Heritage Driving or Carriage Driving
· Drive and Ride
· Go As You Please Class
· E-Z Rider Class
· Leadline