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A western riding class in which judges look for a horse who portrays the image of being a "pleasure" to ride. Gaits, balance, engagement, carriage are emphasized. Horses work in both directions at all three gaits before lining up at the center of the arena to demonstrate backingup. |
Reining A western riding class in which the horse demonstrates athletic ability and responsiveness through performing a certain pattern. Patterns include spins, sliding stops, rundowns, rollbacks, and figure-eights. Scoring is based on each movement with each horse beginning at 70 points. Points (1 full or 1/2) are added or subtracted for well-executed and poorly executed maneuvers, respectively. |
A cutting horse demonstrates his talent by "working" a cow for two and a half minutes. The horse prevents the cow from returning to the herd at the end of the arena. Each entrant begins with 70 points and gains or loses points according to their judged performance. |
Conformation or breeding classes; horses are shown in only a halter (no other tack) and led into the arena by their handlers who line up and set the horse up standing squarely. Horses are judged comparatively to an ideal horse image. Classes are based upon horse age and gender. |
A western riding class in which the horses' athleticism and accuracy are tested. Movements from both reining and trail classes are included in a designated pattern. The scoring system is the same as that used in reining except for the penalization of major faults (-5 points for each big mistake).. |
A western riding class in which the horse demonstrates its handiness attitude (alert, energetic, interested), and personality through an obstacle course designed to test the horses abilities. Obstacles may include: gaits, bridges, rustling raincoats, pivots, ground tieing, etc.. Each obstacle is scored.. |
