Lindsay Horsemans' Association :: CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

2-Handed Division:
This class is open to all ages of riders. It is to encourage either an inexperienced horse or the less confident rider to participate. All horses shown in the 2-handed classes must be shown in a snaffle bit. These horse and rider combinations may only show in this division for two years.

Barrel Race:
Two classes - one is for trot / jog and the other is for "open". The object is to get around all three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern and return to the finish line with the fastest time. This pattern can be taken to the left or right.

Carrot Race:
Two classes - one is for trot / jog and the other is for "open". The object is to get to the other end of the arena, dismount and try to get your horse or pony to drop his or her head and eat a carrot, without an interference - then run back with your horse in hand. The first back wins.

Command:
The object is to be the last rider pulled out of the ring. The judge gives commands such as walk, trot / jog, lope / canter, counter-canter, reverse, back-up (rein back), extended gait, hand gallop, dismount, etc. The rider that completes each command last is dismissed from the class.

Costume Class:
The competitor dresses himself / herself and the horse / pony in a costume and is judged on creativity, neatness and originality. Do not attempt something that could put you, your horse / pony or others at risk.

English Halter:
The horse / pony is to be shown in hand with an english bridle. The horse / pony should be clean and have a tidy appearance and good conformation. The handler is to be dressed in english show attire.

Equitation:
This class is judged 80% on the rider and 20% on the horse. The judge is looking for the ability of the rider to perform different maneuvers with his or her horse or pony in harmony. It is judged on the effect the rider has on his or her horse or pony. A pattern may be posted for the rider to demonstrate.

Equitation Over Fences:
The rider is judged on his or her ability over fences, not the horses. How a rider elects to ride the course, the pace and the approach to jumps are used to evaluate the riders judgment and ability. Position, style and attire are very important. Jumps in the hunter classes will be set at the specified range. 75% of all jumps in the course will be at the highest range.

Flag:
Two classes - one is for trot / jog and the other for "open". The object is to have the fastest time across the finish line. The rider is allowed a running start and may begin his or her run from the left or right side of the first barrel or pole. Start by crossing the centre line between the two upright markers. Pick up the pole from the first barrel and then proceed to the far end of the arena and go around the other barrel. Return to the first barrel and put the pole in it, then go across the finish line.

Horsemanship:
In this class the rider should sit in a balanced and relaxed manner. The rider should appear comfortable, at ease and flexible. Riders shall be judged on their seat, hands, body position and legs, as well as the ability to ride and control a horse correctly. Riders must dress in western attire with clean, serviceable western tack. Generally the class will be judge in two phases: (1) Pattern as selected by the judge, used to test each riders abilities. The pattern is scored, with points earned or lost, based on the execution of the patterns components. (2) The judge may have all riders, or just finalists, return to complete the rail portion of the class. The riders ability to exhibit his or her horse or pony at the walk, jog and lope are judged, with consideration given to appropriate horsemanship skills.

Hunter Over Fences:
The horse / pony should be suitable to purpose. Hunters should move with long, low strides reaching forward with ease and smoothness. Hunters should be obedient, have a bright expression and alert ears. Hunters should move into the fence with even strides, not rushing or balking at the jump. Jumps in the hunter classes will be set at the specified range. 75% of all jumps in the course will be at the highest range.

Hunter Under Saddle:
The horse / pony should be suitable to purpose. Hunters should move with long, low strides reaching forward with ease and smoothness, be able to lengthen strides and cover ground with relaxed and free-flowing movement. Hunters should be obedient, have a bright expression and alert ears.

Jumper Division:
The object is to have the horse / pony make a clear round. All competitors with a clear round go into a jump off to be tested on a clear round with the fastest time.

Keyhole Race:
Two classes - one is for trot / jog and the other is for "open". Ride to the other end of the arena and into the box and turn 360 degrees, either to the left or right. Do not touch the edges. Return to the start.

Pairs:
Two riders compete in unison at the walk / jog.

Pleasure:
The object of this class is to have the rider demonstrate that the horse or pony he or she is riding is a pleasure to ride. The horse or pony should move willingly with a bright attitude and alert ears. The stride should be long and sweeping, and the neck should be relaxed. The ride is pleasurable - smile!

Pole Bending:
Two classes - one is for trot / jog and the other is for "open". The object is to get down to the other end of the arena, then weave in and out of the poles down and back again, then head back to the finish line. The fastest time wins. You may start from the left or right.

Schooling:
This class is for riders not entering any other western / english classes. No judging. Riders may use warm-up rings.

Showmanship:
The horse / pony to be shown in hand with a leather halter. The handler is to be in western show attire. The class is judged strictly on the handler's ability to fit and show a horse / pony at halter. A pattern may be posted for the handler to demonstrate, showing confidence and the control the handler has over his / her "prop" (the horse / pony).

Sr. Western Halter:
The horse / pony is to be shown in hand with a leather halter. The horse / pony should be clean and have a tidy appearance, and good conformation. The handler is to be dressed in western show attire. Junior halter horse is 2 years and under as of January 1, 2010. Senior halter horse is 3 years and over as of January 1, 2010.

Steady Hands:
Similar to Command, the rider has to control his or her mount while carrying an egg in a spoon. The judge gives different commands and at the end of the class, the rider that still has the egg in their spoon wins.

Stirrup Race:
Similar to the Flag Race. Two classes - one is for trot / jog and the other for "open". The object is to have the fastest time across the finish line. The rider is allowed a running start and may begin his or her run from the left or right side of the first barrel or pole. Start by crossing the centre line between the two upright markers. Pick up the pole from the first barrel and then proceed to the far end of the arena and pick up a stirrup with the end of your pole. Return to the first barrel and drop the stirrup only in to it, then go across the finish line. While balancing the stirrup on your pole, you cannot allow the stirrup to touch your hand otherwise a penalty will be assessed.

Trail:
The object is to travel the course with the confidence of the horse / pony. There are many different obstacles one may be asked to do, including: the gate, bridge, mailbox, side-pass, back up around objects, ground tie, walk across tarps, etc. The rider to complete the course with very little problem is the winner. Horse and rider must be dressed in appropriate western attire.

Walk / Jog:
Open to riders of any age. Must wear western attire and confidently control the horse / pony around the ring at the walk and jog. Horse / rider combination cannot enter any other western classes requiring loping.