Introducing walk-trot classes for riders ages 9 and under.
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The Classes
Small-fry classes are offered in showmanship, western horsemanship, western pleasure, trail, ranch riding, hunt seat equitation and hunter under saddle.
Showmanship is designed to judge the showmanship skills of the exhibitors. Judges evaluate the grooming and fitting of the horse, and expertise of the exhibitor in presenting the horse. Each exhibitor is required to perform a pattern designed by the judge with emphasis on preciseness of pattern and degree of confidence exhibited by the showman.
Western horsemanship tests the horsemanship abilities of riders while using western tack. Divided into two sections, riders first follow a prescribed pattern of maneuvers at a walk and trot. Finalists ride as a group around the perimeter of the arena. Judging focuses on the rider’s body position, seat in the saddle and ability to control the horse.
Western pleasure requires contestants to compete simultaneously, traveling the perimeter of the arena, and at the discretion of the judge, are asked to walk, jog, and reverse the direction of the horse. Horses are evaluated on quality of movement while staying quiet and calm, traveling on a loose rein.
Trail tests the maneuverability of an horse through an obstacle course. Mandatory obstacles include one in which the rider will open, pass through and close a gate. Scoring is based on the horse’s willingness, ease and grace in negotiating the course. The other two mandatory obstacles are riding over at least four logs or poles and one backing obstacle.
Ranch riding simulates a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working horse. The class is judged on the horse's ability to work at a forward, working speed while performing the required and optional maneuvers.
Hunt seat equitation an English riding class that tests the rider's ability to perform a predetermined pattern consisting of maneuvers such as changing gaits; travel in a figure-8 pattern; backing up as well as posting on correct diagonal. Top riders return to be judged as they travel the perimeter of the arena performing gait changes at the judge’s discretion. Emphasis is placed on ability to sit correctly, hold the correct riding posture and control the horse on a precise pattern.
Hunter under saddle an English riding class in which judges evaluate a hunter-type horse on the flat at a walk and trot. Emphasis is placed on smoothness of gait, free-flowing stride and willingness to perform. Exhibitors must wear traditional English attire.
The Rules
These are walk-trot classes, available for exhibitors 9 years old and younger who are Level 1 eligible. Exhibitors are not required to own their horses, Level 1 ownership rules apply.