Re-Defined Beginner Division: The Beginners shall be allowed to ride with a snaffle bit and 2 hand (1 rein in each hand) regardless of the age of the horse. If using a leveraged bit they must ride with 1 hand.
IN-HAND 2 Yr Old Horse & Under Division This Divison was created to offer to competitors to show their young horses that have never been shown under saddle. The competitors can gather points in Halter, Fitting & Showmanship & In-Hand Trail. It will be the competitors responsibility to have documentation for proof of the horses age. i.e. registered papers or current coggins.
Open Lunge Line: The purpose of this class is to demonstrate movement, manners, expression and attitude as a western pleasure horse or hunter under saddle. The handler will be signaled when judging is to begin and will be allowed 60 seconds to present the horse at all three gaits. At the end of 60 seconds a signal will be sounded to signify time to turn the horse and present the horse in the opposite direction for a total of 2 minutes. The only attachments allowed to the halter (leather or nylon) is a lunge line (not to exceed 30 ft) with no chain. The lunge line must hang free from the halter without touching any part of the horse. It is permissible to use a lunge whip however, disqualification will occur if the exhibitor blatantly strikes the horse with the whip to cause forward or lateral movement at any time. (No rope halters, shanks, chains, side reins, tie-downs, boots of any sort allowed). Western Pleasure prospect pointed with VSA.
Appearance of Exhibitor: Proper attire should include, but not be limited to, a western hat (ASTM/SEI approved helmets encouraged), long sleeve shirt, western riding boots, long pants, belt. Gloves and accessories (i.e. ties, broach, pins, and jewelry) are optional. Clothing must be clean, workmanlike and neat.
Fitting and Showmanship: To be judged on showmanship with horse in hand. The ideal showmanship performance consists of a poised, confident, neatly attired exhibitor leading a well-groomed and conditioned horse that quickly and efficiently performs the requested pattern with promptness, smoothness and precision. Proper attire is required. Conformation not to count. It is suggested that the judge announce whether they are judging on the quarter or half system. Horses will be shown in halter with lead only. Silver equipment not to count over good working equipment.
Equitation/Horsemanship Classes: To be judged on hands, seat, position and ability to control mount. The position of the riders free hand shall be optional but should indicate a balanced, relaxed attitude and kept free of horse and equipment. The rein hand(s) shall be in an upright position, with the body forming a straight line continuing from the ear, shoulder, hip and heel with a slight bend in the knee. The heel should be slightly lower than the toe. Chaps and spurs are optional. Riders may be asked to perform individual tests at the judges discretion.
Pleasure Classes: Horses to be shown on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. Horses must work both ways of the ring at all required gaits. They will be expected to carry their heads in a natural position according to conformation. Horses will not be asked to extend the lope, but at the judges discretion may be asked to extend the jog. Horses are to be asked to back easily and stand quietly.
Trail Class: To be judged on the performance of the horse over obstacles, with emphasis on manners, response to the rider, and quality of movement. Rail work may be performed at the judges discretion.
Lead Line Class: Lead Liner must be shown with a lead line attached to the headstall with a competent person leading the horse. Proper attire is encouraged. May be asked to walk, jog, stop and back. At judges discretion may be asked questions.
Green Horse: Horses may work with a bosal/ ring snaffle (non-leverage bit) ridden two-handed. Not eligible to canter/lope in Open or Game classes. Horse of any age, may compete for awards for 2 years only, unless beginning as a 2 year old, in which case may be competed throuh its 4th year of age.
Adult Walk/Jog: Formally known as Novice Rider - Rider must be 19 yrs. old and over. (Walk & jog only). Not eligible to show in any walk/jog/lope classes. If a rider competes in any walk/jog/lope class or game, they may not point any further in the Adult Walk/Jog division for the remainder of the current show season. Rider aged 13 years and older. Junior Horse: A Junior Horse (5 years old and under) that is competing in the Open Classes may work in a bosal/ ring snaffle (non-leverage bit) with the option of the rider to use a hand on each rein. It will be the riders responsibility to have documentation for proof of the Junior Horse age. I.e. registered papers or current Coggins.
Horses using a Leveraged Bit: One hand is to be used for reining using a leveraged bit and that hand shall be above or slightly in front of the horn with the excess reins on the same side with the exception being the use of romal reins in which the excess reins are held in the free hand with at least 18" between hands. Beginners/ Green Horse/ Adult Walk/Jog: A participant will be disqualified if caught cantering outside of judging pen for that day and earn no V.S.A. points. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.
