Horse Show and Games Day

Tentative Agenda

Show Events - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

1. Showmanship at Halter

This event 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.

2. Trail Class

The trail class tests the maneuverability of a 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.

3. Western Pleasure

One of the most popular show events is western pleasure. Contestants compete simultaneously, traveling the perimeter of the arena, and at the discretion of the Judge are asked to walk, jog, lope and reverse the direction of the horse. Horses are evaluated on quality of movement while staying quiet and calm, traveling on a loose rein.

4. Western Horsemanship

Designed to test the horsemanship abilities of riders using western tack. Riders follow a prescribed pattern of maneuvers at a walk, jog or lope. Judging focuses on the rider’s body position, seat in the saddle and ability to control the horse. Judge may require rail work.

5. Command Class

Exhibits the abilities of a well trained responsive horse. Riders can be asked to do a variety of maneuvers which may include some of the following: walk, jog, lope, side pass, counter canter, mount and dismount ect.

Fun Events - 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

6. Flag Race

Speed event in which riders pick up a single flag from the far end of the arena and returns it to the barrel at the finish line. Dropping a flag or missing the barrel will result in disqualification

7. Keyhole Race

Horse and rider run through chute into a circle and turns a 180, then races back to finish line. Must stay inside pattern. Stepping outside of the circle and or walking over or on the line will result in disqualification.

8. Barrel Racing

An exciting race against the clock in which exhibitors follow a course consisting of three barrels in triangular “cloverleaf” pattern. Riders choose to circle either the right or left barrel first, race to the opposite barrel and complete the course after circling the third barrel and racing down the center of the three barrels to stop the timer. 5 second penalty for knocking over a barrel. Going off pattern or crossing the start/finish line before finishing the pattern will result in disqualification.

9. Pole Bending

A timed event in which the speed and agility of the horse are tested as horse and rider weave through a course of six poles spaced evenly apart. twice circling end poles before turning and racing to the finish line. The pattern must be followed exactly.