Class Information
Hunter Under Saddle - This event is the preliminary class for the English riding disciplines. The competitors are asked to circle the arena at the walk, trot and canter in both directions with importance paid to the smoothness of gait, free flowing of stride and willingness to perform.
Exhibitors must wear traditional English attire including Hunt Coat, Breeches, Top Boots and Hunting Cap.
Western Pleasure - This is one of the more popular clases at a show. A good western pleasure horse should be as the name suggests: a pleasure to ride.
Competitors are asked to compete on the rail at walk, jog and lope in both directions at the judges directions.
Horses are ridden according to age with Junior Horses, 3-5 years of age, being ridden in a snaffle bit whereas a Senior Horse, 6 years and over, in a curb bit using only one hand.
Western Riding - This class judges the ability of a horse to change leasds on cue with both front and hind legs simultaneously. Contestants individually compete one of three patterns all involving a walk, jog and lope.
Western Horsemanship - Is a rider class designed to test the horsemanship abilities of the competitor using western tack. Each competitor completes a designated pattern which may ask for walk, jog, lope in circles, straight lines or even a pivot on either forehand or hindend. Once the patterns are coomplete the riders may be asked to copete on the rail while the judge pays close attention to the rider's body position and their ability to control the horse.
Trail - The manoeuvrability of the exhibitor through an obstacle course is how the trail class is judged. It is made from certain situations that could occur out on a trail ride like having to open and close a gate, cross over logs or walk over a bridge.
Scoring is based on thr horse's willingness, ease and grace in negociating the course.
Reining - Reinging is one of the more exciting classes to watch. Reining a horse is not only to guide him, but to also control his every movement.
Each competitor negotiates a set pattern which includes manoeuvres of loping small and large circles, flying changes, rollbacks, sliding stops and spins.
