Longe Line

The purpose of a longe line class is to demonstrate that the horse has the movement, manners/expression/attitude, and conformation to become competitive under saddle. Therefore, the purpose of the class is to reward:

1. Quality of Movement
2. Manners/Expression/Attitude,
3. Conformation suitable to future performance

The horse should be judged with its suitability as a future performer under saddle in mind. This class should define what it means to be a "western pleasure prospect" or "hunter prospect." Because these are young horses, they are not expected to demonstrate the behavior quality of a finished show horse, but only that performance necessary for reasonable presentation to the judge.

Tack

1. Horses are to be shown in a halter. Either a regular or show type halter is acceptable.
2. Exhibitors must provide their own equipment (longe line, whip and lead shank if desired).
3. For the longeing demonstration, the only attachment allowed to the halter is the longe line. The longe line may not exceed 30 feet in length with a snap attached to the halter. The longe line must hang free from the halter without touching any part of the horse. It is permissible to use a longe whip however, disqualification will occur if the exhibitor blatantly strikes the horse with the whip to cause forward or lateral movement at any time during the longeing demonstration.
4. No other equipment is allowed on the horse during the class. Mechanical or retractable longe lines are not allowed.
5. For the confirmation inspection, a lead shank, such as used in halter or showmanship classes may be exchanged for the longe line following the longeing demonstration.
6. Exhibitors are not to be penalized for using regular halters and plain longe lines, nor are they to be rewarded for using show halters and plain longe lines, nor are they to be rewarded for using show halters and show longe lines. Only movement, manners/expression/way of going, and conformation are being judged. The type of equipment used is not to be a consideration in placing the horse as long as the equipment meets the requirements stated above.

Prohibited: Use of splint boots or any protective leg covering.

Attire

Conventional Western attire is mandatory: except if a prospect is considered to be a Hunter prospect then conventional English attire is suggested. The type of attire worn by the exhibitor is not to be a consideration in placing the horse as long as the attire meets the requirements stated above.

Class Procedure

Longeing Judging: The longeing demonstration will begin at the sound of a whistle or other audible indicator when the horse has reached the perimeter of its circle. Time will not begin until the horse reaches this perimeter. When the "begin" signal is given, the exhibitor will be allowed 1 and 1/2 minutes (90 seconds) to present the horse at all three gaits in both directions. Show management has the option of adding a "half-way" signal if they choose. At the end of 1 1/2 minutes, the signal will be given to signify the end of the demonstration. The entry then retires to the rail for conformation evaluation. A lead shank, such as one used in halter or showmanship classes, may be exchanged for the longe line prior to the conformation judging.

Horses that show evidence of lameness may be excused at any time during the longeing demonstration and the entry will receive a white ribbon.

Conformation Judging: Conducted in the normal manner for halter classes at the judge's discretion. Each horse is to be inspected by the judge on conformation, proper equipment and for evidence of abuse, inhumane treatment, or violation of Nebraska 4-H rules. Horses will not be allowed to show in illegal equipment or if there is evidence of abuse, of inhumane treatment, or of rule violations.

Scoring

The Official NSBA (National Snaffle Bit Association) Longe Line Scoring sheet will be used in each class by the judge. Use of a scribe for each judge is recommended. The score sheet will be posted or a copy of the sheet will be posted at the end of the class. The horses with the highest scores are the winners, scoring will be on a basis of 0-infinity with 70 denoting an average performance. Each evaluated element will receive a score that will be added or subtracted from 70 and is subject to a penalty that should also be subtracted. The score reflects the horse's performance on that day. Conformation, Jog/Trot, Lope/Canter and Manners/Attitude will be scored on the following basis ranging from +3 Excellent, +2 Very Good, +1 Good, 0 Correct, -1Poor, -2 Very Poor, -3 Extremely Poor and the Walk and Use of Circle will be scored on the following basis ranging from +1 ½ Excellent, +1 Very Good, +1/2 Good, 0 Correct, -1/2 Poor -1 Very Poor, -1 ½ Extremely Poor. The judge(s) have the sole discretion to use their own personal preference to break any ties in total points. The score for each individual should be reflected on a component-by-component basis using an approved NSBA score sheet.

This score sheet represents the judge's report to an exhibitor of how a score was derived, and it is critical that this report to the exhibitor be accurate. Judges must sign every completed score sheet.

The show management is responsible for re-certifying all scores and totals. If errors in tabulation have occurred they should be immediately corrected and new placings announced at the event.

1. Walk. The walk will be scored on a scale of +11/2 to -11/2 in each direction, with 0 being average/correct. The horse must be walked long enough for the judge to have sufficient time to evaluate and score the walk. Lower gait scores should reflect stumbling in the gait.
2. Jog or Trot. The jog/trot will be scored on a scale of +3 to -3 in each direction, with 0 being average/correct. Using a 25' radius, the horse should jog or trot a minimum of 1/2 circle both directions of the ring. Lower gait scores should reflect stumbling in the gait.
3. Lope or Canter. The lope/canter will be scored on a scale of +3 to -3 in each direction, with 0 being average/correct. Using a 25' radius, the horse should lope or canter a minimum of one full circle both directions of the ring. Lower gait scores should reflect stumbling in the gait. 
4. Use of Circle. Scores for all gaits in both directions should reflect positive, consistent use of the 25' radius of the circle. Extra credit will be given for full, extended use of the circle on a slightly loose line. Lower gait scores should reflect lack of full use of the circle. (See Rule for rewarding or penalizing use of the circle.)

Manners/Expression/Attitude will be scored on a scale of +3 to -3 in each direction, with 0 being average/correct. Horses will be penalized for obvious signs of overwork and sourness such as ear-pinning, head-throwing, striking, tail-wringing, or a dull, lethargic manner of going. They will also be penalized for dangerous behavior such as excessive bucking, cutting into the circle, or running off. Additionally, incidental touching the horse with the whip, cross-cantering, balking, backing up on the longe line and excessive urging from the exhibitor should be penalized accordingly.

Conformation will be scored on a scale of +3 to -3 in each direction, with 0 being average/correct. The horse will be judged on conformation suitable to future performance as a Western Pleasure or Hunter Under Saddle competitor. The judges should look for a total picture, emphasizing balance, structural correctness, and athletic capability.

Use of the circle. Consideration will be given to how well or how poorly the horse/exhibitor team uses the 25' radius of the longeing circle. A separate box on the scorecard is available to indicate an overall score (from +1 ½ to -1 ½ with 0 being average/correct) for use of the circle.

Circle Scores: As described earlier, the NSBA has determined that a 25' radius is the appropriate size of circle in which to show a longe liner. It is the judge's responsibility to evaluate the circles and incorporate use of the circle in the gait scores based on the following scale:

• +1/2 to +1½ points (Good to Excellent Use of the Circle). Horse consistently stays on the perimeter of the circle with slight looseness in the line. Horse turns around on the circle perimeter.
• 0 points (Average/correct use of the circle). Horse is only slightly inconsistent in using the 25' radius of the circle.
• -1/2 to -1½ points (Poor to Unacceptable use of the circle). Horse is shown in a circle radius of less than 25'; potentially dangerous slack in the line or horse pulls exhibitor out of the circle.

Other scoring considerations: This class should be looked upon as a class that defines what it means to be a "pleasure prospect" or "hunter prospect" suitable to become a future performer under saddle. Therefore, attitudes and attributes that contribute to becoming a future performer will be rewarded within the gait scores. Higher gait scores will reflect:

1. Above average to exceptional manners, expression, alertness, responsiveness, and pleasant attitude,
2. Above average to exceptionally smooth transitions between gaits,
3. Above average to excellent cadence and consistency at all three gaits.

Penalties and disqualifications.

1. Five (5)-point penalties will occur per directions:
   1. Failure to walk less than two horse lengths
   2. Failure to jog/trot a minimum of 1/4 (quarter) of a circle
   3. Failure to demonstrate the correct lead for a minimum of 1/4 (quarter) of a circle
2. Disqualification will occur in the following instances:
   1. Evidence of lameness - judge will immediately excuse horse from the arena
   2. Blatant striking horse with the whip during the longeing demonstration that will cause forward or lateral movement
   3. Fall to the ground by horse. A horse is deemed to have fallen when its shoulder and/or hip and/or underline touches the ground
   4. Horse steps over or becomes entangled in the longe line
   5. Improper equipment, evidence of abuse, or other violation of Nebraska 4-H Rules
   6. Failure to show at all three gaits in both directions
   7. Loss of control of the horse to the point that the horse is loose in the arena
   8. Exhibitor disrespect towards the judge(s)

Judging

1. Judge(s) will be outside the longeing circle. The exhibitor will enter the arena and await the audible start signal. When the signal is given, the exhibitor will be allowed 1 1/2 minutes (90 seconds) to present the horse. At the end of the 1 1/2 minutes, a signal will be given again to signify the end of the demonstration. Show management has the option of adding a "half-way" signal if they choose. (The signal may be a bell, whistle or announcement.)
2. Once an exhibitor has entered the show arena, a horse warming up prior to their go may only warm up at the walk.
3. The horse will be scored at all three gaits in both directions. Western Pleasure prospects are to show at the walk, jog, and lope. Hunter Under Saddle prospects are to show at the walk, trot and canter. Any horse that does not exhibit these gaits in each direction will be disqualified from the class.
4. Additionally, judges shall immediately excuse any horse who exhibits obvious lameness at any time during the class. (See scoring.) Exhibitors may begin work in the direction of their choice (counter or clockwise).
5. At the end of the 1 1/2 minutes, the signal will be given and the exhibitor shall at the request of show management, retire from the longeing area to the rail. The horses are to stand quietly on the rail while the other exhibitors present their horses.
6. The horses are to be judged on movement (34 points), Manner/Expression/Attitude (14 points), Conformation (6 points) suitable to their purpose and use of circle (6 points). Judges should judge the movement of the horse for functional correctness and quality of movement. Functionally correct, high quality moving horses should be rewarded.
7. If the horse is playing on the longe line, it shall not count against the horse. The judge will, however, penalize the horse for excessive bucking, or running off, stumbling, or displaying attitudes that are uncomplimentary to pleasure horses. Falling down will constitute disqualification. (see Scoring and Manners/ Expression/Attitude).
8. Exhibitors are encouraged to exhibit their horse making full use of a 25' radius circle, as they will be scored on this.
9. The conformation inspection will occur as the horse is walked into the arena prior to the longeing demonstration at which the judge will evaluate the horse for conformation suitable for future under saddle performance. The judge may not discriminate for or against muscling, but rather look for a total picture, emphasizing balance, structural correctness, and athletic capability.