Object and General Principles
The class is judged on the performance of the horse over the obstacles, with emphasis on manners, response to the handler and attitude. Credit is given to exhibitors negotiating the obstacles with style, expression and some degree of speed, providing carefulness is not sacrificed.
Tack and Attire
- Refer to Showmanship tack and attire requirements on pages 17-26.
Minimum obstacle dimensions:
- Walk overs (width) 16"
- Trot overs 20"
- Back throughs (width) 24"
- Cones should be set at least 6 feet apart
- Measurements to be taken from the inside width of poles, and on curved or fan type obstacles, the measurements should be taken from approximate center of the poles.
Scoring Procedure
A scoring will be on the basis of zero to infinity, with 70 denoting average performance. Each obstacle will receive an obstacle score that should be added or subtracted from 70. Each obstacle will be scored on the following basis, ranging from plus 1 ½ to minus 1 ½; -1 ½ extremely poor, -1 very poor, -1/2 poor, 0 correct, +1/2 good, +1 very good, +1 ½ excellent. Obstacle scores are to be determined and assessed independently of penalty points.
Penalties:
½ Point
- Each tick of log, pole, cone or obstacle
1 Point
- Each hit of, bite of or stepping on a log, pole, cone or obstacle
- Incorrect gait or break of gait at a walk or jog/trot for two strides or less
- Skipping over or failure to step into required space
3 Point
- Incorrect gait or break in gait at walk or trot for more than 2 strides
- Knocking down an elevated pole, cone, barrel, plant obstacle or severely disturbing an obstacle
- Stepping outside the confines of, falling, or jumping off or out of an obstacle with designated boundaries with only one foot
- First refusal, balk, or attempting to evade an obstacle by shying or backing more than 2 strides away
- Second refusal
5 Point
- Failure to follow the correct line between obstacles
- Overturns of more than a ¼ turn
- Letting go of or dropping gate
- Touching horse with hand to instill fear
- Dropping object required to be carried on course
- Blatant disobedience (kicking out, bucking, rearing, striking)
- Stepping outside the confines of, falling, or jumping off or out of an obstacle with designated boundaries with more than one foot
9 Point
- Failure of a handler to begin to negotiate an obstacle within 30 seconds of arrival at the obstacle
- Failure of handler to completely negotiate an obstacle in approximately one minute, unless the nature of the obstacle requires a longer time, i.e. complex back through
- Three refusals, regardless of the length of times
- If a handler commits any of the 9 point penalties, they will be asked to move to the next obstacle
Disqualification
- Baiting an animal to perform an obstacle
- Failure to follow the prescribed order of obstacles, including failure to stay inside the designated boundary markers
- Failure to enter, exit or work an obstacle from correct side or direction
- Fall to the ground of horse and/or handler
- No attempt to perform an obstacle
- Failure to complete three cumulative obstacles
- Failure to complete an obstacle
- Three refusals at an obstacle
- More than 30 seconds to begin negotiating each obstacle
- Failure to complete an obstacle in approximately one minute, unless the nature of the obstacle requires longer time