In all classes, exhibitors and judges should bear in mind that at all times entries are being judged on ability rather than personal attire. However, judges must penalize contestants who do not conform to tack and attire rules!
NOTE: In all classes, the judge shall have the authority to require removal or alteration of any piece of equipment which, in the judge’s opinion, is unsafe, would give a horse an unfair advantage, or is believed to be inhumane.
Western
Tack — Halter and Showmanship
- Tack should be neat, clean, in good condition and properly adjusted.
- Horses should be shown with a halter and lead shank. The halter may be made of leather, nylon, or rope, and adjusted to fit properly. A lead strap or rope with or without chain is permissible. Neat and strong leather horse halters are most popular with a leather lead strap and chain threaded through halter ring and snapped back into the head of the lead strap. Chains under the chin are permitted. Chains over nose, in mouth, are at the judge's discretion and may not receive as much credit but are still preferable to situations where the exhibitor is not in complete control.
- Artificially coloring horse's feet or body is permitted but not recommended.
- Tails may be lengthened by hair-to-hair attachment but not by any attachment to the tailbone.
Prohibited: Splint boots or any protective leg covering. Spurs of any type in halter and showmanship.



Tack — Performance
- Silver or fancy equipment shall not count over good working equipment.
- Horses shall be shown with a western/stock saddle. A western saddle is a common type of saddle distinguished by a large noticeable fork on which there is some form of horn, a high cantle and large skirts. Silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit. Western/stock saddle, blanket, etc., should be in good condition. Ropes or riatas are not carried on the saddle except in roping classes.
- Whenever this book refers to a bit in Western performance classes, it means use of a curb bit that has a solid or broken mouthpiece, has shanks and acts with leverage. When a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required, but must meet the approval of the judge. Curb chains cannot be tied to the bit with string or cord. A broken strap or chain is not necessarily cause for disqualification. Legal curb chains/straps are described in No. 4 below. Bosals or nosebands are not permitted with a bit. All curb bits must be free of mechanical devices and should be considered a standard western bit. A description of a legal, standard western bit includes:
- 8 1/2" (215 mm) maximum length shank to be measured as indicated in the diagram above. Shanks may be fixed or loose.
- Concerning mouthpieces, bars must be round, oval or egg shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal of 5/16" to 3/4" (8 mm to 20 mm) in diameter, measured 1" (25 mm) from the cheek. However, wire on the sway bars (above the bars and attaching to the spade) of a traditional spade bit is acceptable. They may be inlaid, but must be smooth or latex wrapped. Nothing may protrude below the mouthpiece (bar), such as extensions or prongs, including upward prongs on solid mouthpieces. The mouthpiece may be two or three pieces. A three-piece, connecting ring of 1 1/4" (32 mm) or less in diameter, or a connecting flat bar of 3/8" to 3/4" (10 mm to 20 mm) measured top to bottom with a maximum length of 2" (50 mm), which lies flat in the horse's mouth, is acceptable.
- The port must be no higher than 3 1/2" (90 mm) maximum, with rollers and covers acceptable. Broken mouthpieces, halfbreeds and spades are standard.
- Slip or gag bits, and donut and flat polo mouthpieces are not acceptable.
- A curb bit must be used with a curb strap or curb chain properly attached so as to make contact with the horse's chin.
- For speed and cattle events see Speed - Level 2 section for tack and attire.
- Curb chain/strap must be a minimum of one-half inch wide and lie flat against the jaw. Curb chain/strap may be leather, double-linked flat chain or extra wide flat hunter-type single link chain. No other metal/wire is permitted under the jaw, regardless of how padded (Nebraska 4-H Curbs image above).
- Whenever this book refers to a snaffle bits in western performance classes it means the conventional O-ring, egg-butt or D-ring with a ring no larger than 4" in diameter (100 mm). The inside circumference of the ring must be free of rein, curb or headstall attachments which would provide leverage. The mouthpiece should be round, oval or egg-shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal. It may be inlaid, but smooth or latex-wrapped. The bars must be a minimum of 3/8" (8 mm) in diameter, measured one inch (25 mm) in from the cheek with a gradual decrease to center of the snaffle. The mouthpiece may be two or three pieces. A three-piece, connecting ring of 1 1/4" (32 mm) or less in diameter, or a connecting flat bar of 3/8" to 3/4"(10 mm to 20 mm) measured top to bottom, with a maximum length of 2" (50 mm), which lies flat in the horse's mouth, is acceptable. Chin Strap of leather or nylon material attached below the reins on a snaffle bit is acceptable (no chain curb straps permitted). Split reins must be used, with two hands on the reins. See illustration of acceptable snaffle bits and hand position (diagram above).
- Whenever this book refers to bosals/rawhide or leather hackamores (excluding mechanical hackamores) in Western performance classes, it means the use of a flexible, braided rawhide or leather bosal, the core of which may be either rawhide or flexible cable. A hackamore must use a complete mecate rein, which must include a tie-rein. Absolutely no rigid material will be permitted under the jaws regardless of how padded or covered. There must be a minimum of one finger-space between the bosal and animal's nose. Bosals must be used with two hands on the reins. See illustration of bosal and acceptable hand positions. This description DOES NOT refer to a mechanical hackamore.
- Whenever this refers to romal, it means an extension of braided or round material attached to closed reins. This extension shall be carried in the free hand with at least 16-inch (40 cm) spacing between the reining hand and the free hand holding the romal. When using romal reins, the rider's hand shall be around the reins with the wrists kept straight and relaxed, the thumb on top and the fingers closed lightly around the reins. When using a romal, no fingers between the reins are allowed. During reining, the use of the free hand while holding the romal to alter the tension or length of the reins from the bridle to the reining hand is considered to be the use of two hands and a score of 0 will be applied, with the exception of any place a horse is allowed to be completely stopped during a pattern. In all other classes, including the reined portion of working cow horse, the free hand may be used to adjust the rider's length of rein.
- The romal shall not be used forward of the cinch or to signal or cue the horse in any way. Any infraction of this rule shall be penalized severely by the judge.
- Junior horses are 5 years old or younger and senior horses are 6 years old or older.
- Junior horses (5 years old and younger) may be shown in a snaffle bit, bosal, curb bit, half breed, or spade bit (Exception: Read specific rules for 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure and 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure classes). Senior horses (6 years old and older) may only be shown in a curb bit, half-breed, or spade bit with one hand on the reins.
- Junior horses competing in western pleasure, ranch pleasure, western horsemanship, reining, western riding and trail that are shown with a hackamore or snaffle bit may be ridden two hands on the reins. The tails of the reins must be crossed on the opposite side of the neck when riding with two hands on split reins. Closed reins (example mecate) may not be used with a snaffle bit, except in working ranch horses, working cow horse and reining, where a mecate is permitted
- Split reins or closed, braided reins (if used with a romal) are required in Western classes (Exceptions: Roping, timed events, or for hackamore/snaffle bit classes or junior horses shown with hackamore/snaffle bit). Reins are to be held in one hand and not to be changed except in Trail when it is permissible to change hands when negotiating an obstacle, such as the gate. Split reins must fall on the same side as the rein hand. Hand is to be around reins. Only one finger is permitted between split reins. Violation of this rule is automatic white ribbon.
- In Pleasure, Horsemanship, Reining, or Trail classes: hackamore bits, gag bits, unorthodox or severe mouthpieces, or pressure headstalls are not permitted.
- In timed events ONLY (roping, barrel race, pole bending) mechanical hackamore and gag bits are permitted in addition to that listed above and if used must have enough play to permit three fingers to pass between the chin and curb strap/ chain. Closed braided reins may be used.Tie downs and martingales are permitted. Bats, crops, quirt, or whips (may not exceed 2 ft in length or less than ½ inch in width) may be used on the horse only behind the girth. At the judge's discretion, a contestant may be disqualified for excessive use of a bat, crop, quirt, or whip or for the use of equipment that is considered abusive or inhumane. The use of the reins or hands as a whip shall be cause for disqualification. Over and under ropes are not permitted.
- Standard horse shoes are recommended, but sliding plates of moderate width (3/4-inch to 1 1/4-inches wide) may be used on the hind feet.
- Fresh blood in or on mouth, nose, chin, or sides of the body will be penalized in judging.
Optional Equipment:
- Hobbles attached to saddle.
- Protective boots, leg wraps and bandages are allowed in reining, working ranch horse, ranch riding, barrel racing, pole bending, jumping, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, dally team roping — heading, dally team roping — heeling. The use of slip-on (easy care) horse boots or related footwear are not considered as protective boots and are permissible to be worn in all classes.
- Tie-downs/martingales for roping and speed events.
- Running martingales for speed events.
- Spurs are permissible but must be dull and if roweled must be free moving; not to be used forward of the cinch.
Prohibited Equipment:
- Protective boots, leg wraps and bandages are prohibited in western pleasure, western horsemanship, ranch pleasure, hunter under saddle, saddle seat, hunter seat equitation, trail, halter, western riding and showmanship.
- Wire curbs straps, regardless of how padded or covered.
- Any curb strap narrower than one-half inch.
- Martingales and draw reins, except for speed events.
- Nosebands and tie-downs, except for roping and speed events. However, these cannot have any bare metal in contact with the horse's head. Chain, wire, or metal tie-down or bonnets are prohibited, regardless of how padded or wrapped.
- Jerk lines.
- Tack collars.
- In roping and speed events western type equipment must be used. Use of a hackamore (including mechanical hackamores) or other type of bridles is the optional choice of the contestant; however, the judge may prohibit the use of bits or equipment they may consider severe.
Note: Additional optional and prohibited tack pertaining to specific classes is noted in rules for that class.
Attire
- 1. A western hat or helmet must be worn and should stay on during the performance. Hats are optional only in barrel racing and pole bending. A hat must stay on in barrel racing and pole bending if rider enters the arena wearing a hat (two-second fine for losing hat). Helmets are highly recommended to be worn while competing in speed events but not required. In speed events, if hats are not worn, a plain white or green headband may be worn for rider's hair control if band is 3 inches or less in width. Feathers, if present, may not protrude beyond the outer edge of the brim nor above the top of the crown.
- Shirts and blouses must be all white, including buttons, thread, etc., with convertible collars (one that is meant to be folded at the seam line and may or may not be buttoned at the base of neck). Tuxedo, turtleneck, or other stand-up collars are not permitted. National, county, or club emblems, medals, etc., are not permitted at state shows or rodeos. No rhinestones, silver collar tips, or similar embellishments on blouses are permitted. Sheer, see-through blouses are inappropriate and not permitted. Sleeveless shirts or blouses are not permitted. Long sleeves are recommended, although short sleeves are permitted. Rain or cold weather may alter dress code when approved by show management and the judge.
- Dark blue denim jeans must be worn and a belt is recommended. Heavy contrasting threading and fringes are not permitted. Minimal white or tan thread on the rear pockets is permitted. No rhinestones, silver studs, or similar embellishments are permitted.
- Color of hat, gloves, boots, chaps, etc., is optional.
- Hard-soled shoes or cowboy boots are considered safe and appropriate. Boots with waffle-type tread greater than 1/8 inch will not be allowed in riding classes.
- A 4-H armband is required in State and Rodeo 4-H shows. Armband is to be worn on the left arm above the elbow, with the stem of the clover pointed downward. Failure to wear an armband will result in receiving a white ribbon.
Optional: Protective headgear (helmets); chaps in Reining, Ranch Riding, Western Riding, Western Dressage, and Trail; gloves in any class; tie or scarf.
Prohibited: Ball caps or hats other than western; medals, emblems, large feathers, etc. on hats; Spurs are not to be worn in Showmanship and Halter classes. Decisions will be at the discretion of show management. Note: Additional optional and prohibited attire and/or equipment pertaining to specific classes are noted in the rules for that class.
Hunter
Tack — Halter and Showmanship
- Animal is to be shown in either a halter or a bridle.
- The halter or bridle must be plain and without decoration, made of leather, nylon or rope, and adjusted to fit properly. A lead strap or rope with or without chain is permissible.
Prohibited: Splint boots or any protective leg covering. Spurs of any type in halter and showmanship.
Tack — Performance
- Regulation smooth snaffles, pelhams, Kimberwick and full bridles, all with cavesson noseband are recommended. Smooth mouthpieces are preferred in all snaffle bits, whether used alone or in combination.
- In reference to mouthpieces, nothing may protrude below the mouthpiece (bar). Solid and broken mouthpieces must be between 3/8" to 3/4" (8 mm to 20 mm) in diameter, measured 1" (25 mm) from the cheek and may have a port no higher than 1 1/2" (40 mm). They may be inlaid, synthetic wrapped, including rubber or plastic or incased, but must be smooth. On broken mouthpieces only, connecting rings of 1 1/4" (32 mm) or less in diameter or connecting flat bar of 3/8" to 3/4" (10 mm to 20 mm) measured top to bottom with a maximum length of 2" (50 mm), which lie flat in the horse's mouth, are acceptable. Snaffle bit rings may be no larger than 4" (100 mm) in diameter. Any bit having a fixed rein requires use of a curb chain. Smooth round, oval or egg-shaped, slow twist, corkscrew, single twisted wire, double twisted wire mouthpieces and straight bar or solid mouthpieces are allowed.
- Saddles must be black and/or brown leather of traditional hunting or forward seat type, knee insert on the skirt is optional. Saddle pads should fit size and shape, except when necessary to accommodate numbers on both sides, for which a square pad or suitable attachment may be used. Saddle pads and attachments shall be white or natural color with no ornamentation.
Optional Equipment:
- Spurs of the unrowelled type that are blunt, round or that include a smooth rolling rubber ball and no longer than one inch
- Crops or bats
- Gloves
- English breast plate
- Braiding of mane and/or tail in hunt style
- Standing or running martingales in working hunter, jumping and equitation over fences only
- Protective boots, leg wraps and bandages are allowed in hunt seat equitation on the flat and hunt seat equitation over fences.
- Colored saddle pads can be used in jumping only.
Prohibited Equipment:
- Bits of any style (Pelham, snaffle, kimberwick) featuring mouthpieces with cathedrals, donuts, prongs, edges or rough, sharp material shall be cause for elimination. Square stock, metal wrapped or polo bits shall be cause for elimination. If a curb bit is used, the chain must be at least ½" (15 mm) in width and lie flat against the jaw of the horse.
- Draw reins
- Rowelled spurs
- Standing or running martingales except in working hunter, jumping and equitation over fences
- Figure 8 or flash cavessons except in jumping
- Protective boots, leg wraps and bandages are prohibited in hunter under saddle and boots of any description (except outdoors during inclement weather) in hunter hack. The use of slip on (easy care) horse boots or related footwear are not considered as protective boots and are permissible to be worn in all classes.
- Rubber reins (except jumping)
- Slip on spurs
Note: Additional and prohibited tack pertaining to specific classes is noted in rules for that class.
Attire
- Hunt coats of traditional hunter seat style and colors such as navy, grey, black, brown or dark green. Coats may be optional on very hot days at the judge's discretion, but the 4-H armband is required.
- Shirts and blouses worn under a hunt coat may be white or of light conservative color. Sheer, see-through shirts and blouses are inappropriate and not permitted.
- Breeches (or jodhpurs) of traditional shades of buff, khaki, canary, light grey, white, or rust.
- English boots or paddock (jodhpur) boots of black or brown and half chaps.
- Safety helmet of traditional colors (black, navy, or brown). ASTM/SEI approved safety helmet with properly fitted harness is required in ALL hunt seat classes. Hunting cap or derby is NOT acceptable in hunter under saddle or hunter seat equitation.
- Hair must be neat and contained (as in a net or braid).
- Correct exhibitor number must be visibly displayed on exhibitor or on saddle pad.
Optional: Gloves
Saddle Seat
Tack — Halter and Showmanship
- The animal is to be shown in a halter or bridle.
- The halter may be of leather, nylon or rope, or may be a show halter. The lead strap or rope may be equipped with a chain.
- The bridle may be a headstall with a bit and throat latch or bridle with bit and cavesson as is appropriate to the breed. If using a double bridle, the snaffle rein is across the withers, and the animal is led with the curb rein.
Optional: A whip no longer than 48 inches including the snapper or lash. Added plastic or ribbon on the whip is not allowed.
Prohibited: Aids, such as noisemakers, clickers, quarter boots, blinders, and other appliances. Splint boots or any protective leg covering. Spurs of any type in halter and showmanship.
Tack — Performance
- Saddle must be flat English-type and may be cutback.
- Entries shall be shown in full bridles. Light snaffles (bradoons) used in a full bridle are preferred with smooth mouthpieces.
Optional: Whips or crops; spurs of unrowlled type; saddle pad.
Prohibited: Forward seat or Western saddle; dropped nosebands, martingales or similar tie downs, leg chains.
Attire
- Wear conservative and informal solid-color jacket and matching jodhpurs, derby, soft hat, and jodhpur boots. Solid colors include a black, blue, gray, green, beige, or brown jacket with matching jodhpurs (white jacket in season).
- Coats may be optional on very hot days at the judge's discretion but the 4-H armband is required.
- Correct exhibitor number must be visibly displayed on exhibitor or on saddle pad.
Optional: Gloves