Class Descriptions
BARREL RACING: is a timed event in which riders maneuver their horses around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. Riders may choose to circle to the right or left barrel first. Knocking down a barrel will cost the rider a 5 second penalty.
CALF ROPING: tests the horse's ability to pursue a calf at a high rate of speed and to give their rider the best opportunity to catch the calf. Horses will be judged on how well runs to the calf, rating of speed and position in order for the rider to rope the calf, and how well the horse works the rope in order to keep the slack out, but not drag the calf. One minute time limit.
CUTTING: Horse and rider team must move into a heard of cattle, cut one cow from the heard, drive chosen calf to the center of the arena and hold it there away from the rest of the herd. Scores are determined by the horse's ability to keep the cow from returning to the herd, their cow sense, atttentiveness and courage. Two and a half minute time limit.
DALLY TEAM ROPING: Judged rather than timed event where heading and heeling horses are judged individually. One minute time limit with each roper allowed two loops from one rope.
EQUITATION OVER FENCES: To be entered only by amateur and/or youth competitors as designated in the classlist. Tests the rider's ability to control and show their QH over fences. At least four obstacles must be present with a minimum of six jumps to be executed. Jumping faults are not to be taken into account unless it is the fault of the rider.
HUNT SEAT EQUITATION:Open only to amateurs and youth and to be judged on the ability of the rider as opposed to the performance of the horse. Riders will work a patter composed of maneuvers such as gait changes, figure-8s, backing, posting on correct diagonal, counter-cantering, etc. Rail work may also be required. Important skills are proper sitting position and control of the horse.
HUNTER HACK: This class is traditionally a transition between hunter under saddle and working hunter classes. Horses will be required to jump two fences, followd by rail work at the walk, trot, and canter to the left and right. Importance is placed on style over fences and way of going on the flat.
HUNTER UNDER SADDLE: is judged at the walk, trot, and canter on the flat. Importance lies in smoothness of gait, free-flowing stride, and a willingness to perform.
JUMPING: consists of at least four obstacles with a minimum of eight jumps executed. Contestants will be scored according to time and faults given when an obstacle is knocked down.
PLEASURE DRIVING: is an english rail class in which the horse pulls (or "drives") a 2-wheeled cart complete with driver along the rail. Gaits to be performed are the walk, park gait and road gait. The horses must exhibit straight, free movement as well as manners while remaining under the control of the driver. No cantering is permitted at any time during the class.
POLE BENDING: is a timed event that tests the speed and agility of the horse and rider. The pair must weave through a series of six poles placed 21 feet apart, circling the poles twice before racing to the finish line. The pattern must be strictly adhered to. A 5 second penalty is added to the pair's time for each pole knocked down.
REINING: is a competition in which the horse is judged on movements and mastery of the requested reining pattern. Manuevers to be performed include stops, spins, rollbacks, changes of leads, and circles at the lope. The rider should control the horse with as little resistance as possible.
SHOWMANSHIP AT HALTER: Judges the showmanship skills of the exhibitors based on grooming and fitting of the horse and the ability of the handler to present the horse to the judge. Participants must complete a pattern defined by the judge. Emphasis shall be placed on preciseness of pattern and degree of confidence in the showman. Conformation may also be assessed.
TRAIL: tests the maneuverability of the horse through what amounts to an "obstacle course." A gate to open, pass through and close is mandatory in every trail class. Scores will be based on the horse's willingness, ease and grace in completing the course. Riding over at least four logs or poles and at least one backing obstacle are also mandatory.
WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP: is open only to youth and amateur competitors. First, riders follow a pattern as defined by the judge with maneuvers at the walk, jog and/or lope. Finalists return for rail work at the walk, jog, and lope in both directions. Emphasis is placed on rider's body position and ability to control the horse.
WESTERN PLEASURE: is a class judged solely on the horse. A loose rein is to be maintained while riding the rail at the walk, jog, and lope to both directions. A reverse of direction is also neccessary. Horses should be quiet and calm and will be judged on quality of movement.
WESTERN RIDING: judges the ability of precise, easy lead changes of both the hind and front legs. Following a set pattern, horses and riders must change from a walk to a jog or a lope throughout the course. A log and series of pylons are parts of the course. Points are awarded for fluid changes that occur between the middle of the pylons in the pattern.
WORKING COW HORSE: Is a combination of reining and cutting as mentioned in previous class descriptions. This class test skills as apply to ranch work. The first part of the class is reined work while the second is actual cow work. Judges look for good manners, smoothness, ability to work the cows and ease of reining. During the cow working portion of the competition horses must hold a cow (released into the arena) at one end of the arena, make at least one turn each direction along the fence, and circle the cow both directions.
WORKING HUNTER: is an English event that exibits gracefulness while jumping a minimum of eight fences with at least four different obstacles. Judges' scores will reflect manners, style of jumping, flow of strides, blanace, and even hunter pace.