Horsemanship in the show ring
1.
Horsemanship is an AMATEUR class only at breed shows. Often offered as an open class in local open shows.2.
Judged on the ability of the rider to perform various maneuvers in harmony with the horse.3.
Riders are given a working order at breed shows from the gate. Riders work individually then as a finals group on the rail in all three gaits in at least one direction.4.
Maneuvers required may include (at judges discretion): Walk, jog, extended jog, lope, extended lope, serpentines, circles, straight lines figure eights, stops, back up, turns, pivots, spins or roll backs on the haunch or forehand, side pass, two track, leg yield, lead changes (simple or flying) counter canter, drop stirrups. No mounting or dismounting.
Scoring
20
Excellent horsemanship
18-19
Generally excellent. One minor fault in appearance, position or performance
16-17
Generally good. One minor fault in execution of pattern or appearance and position
14-15
Average pattern. Obvious equitation flaw or 2 or 3 minor faults
12-13
One major fault or several minor faults. Less effective communication with the horse
10-11
Two major faults or many minor faults
6-9
Several major faults or one severe fault. Exhibitor demonstrates a complete lack of riding ability
1-5
One or more severe faults but completes the class to avoid disqualification
Faults
In appearance of horse and rider:
Loose, sloppy, dirty
Over cue-ing
Poorly groomed/conditioned
Ill fitting equipment
Excessive staring at the judge
Stiff, artificial, unnatural position
Reins too short/long
Loose leg
Toes pointed down
Straight arms
Looking down
Poor position
Performance
Wrong lead
Break gait
Counter-flexed
Poor circle shape
Stopping poorly
Backing poorly
Failure to maintain a pivot foot
Failure to complete pivot
Crooked horse
Resistance
Hesitation when not specified
Not standing still
Rough transitions
Imprecise pattern
Failure to change speed when requested
Severe faults in appearance
Touching horse
Grabbing saddle
Cueing with romal
Spurring in front of the shoulder
Severe faults of performance
Omission or addition of maneuvers
Turning the wrong way
Knocking a cone or working the wrong side of the cone
Kicking at horses, judge or other exhibitors
Severe disobedience or resistance not limited to rearing, bucking or pawing
Disqualifications
Not wearing correct or visible number
Willful abuse
Excessive schooling or training
Fall be horse or rider
Illegal use of hand on rein
Use of prohibited equipment
What I look for when I judge:
1.
This is a formal class. I like to see gloves and appropriate respect to the judge. FEET IN THE STIRRUPS! No toes only. Heel should be at the "home" position or at a minimum centered on the ball of the foot.
3.
Soft lower back. Over-arched back is a fault!
4.
Precision.
5.
10 full points (half the score) goes to appearance. The other ten are performance. Looks count!
6.
Pattern work counts more than rail work. I use rail work to settle any close scores.
7.
Light contact requiring only slight contact to move the horse.
8.
Performing the pattern briskly and with confidence.
9.
Watch where the cones are. Don't under/over shoot stops and transitions.WAIT for the judge to tell you to go and acknowledge the judge when you are through with the pattern.