202days until
Hall 4-H Equine Classic Horse Show

Divisions

WESTERN

Western Showmanship *
  • Open to all competitors regardless of division entered.
  • Horses should be shown in a clean, correctly adjusted halter,fancy halters shall not be given preference over a simple one.

Novice Western Division
  • Horse/rider pair must be in their first 4 years of showing.
  • Class will have a simple, walk-jog pattern.
  • Previous champions must move to the Open Division

Open Western Division
  • Open to all Horse/Rider pairs not entered in the Novice Western division. 
  • Once a Horse/Rider pair moves into this division, they are no longer allowed to compete in the Novice division.

Western Trail Class *

The trail class tests the maneuverability of horse through an obstacle course with emphasis on manners and response to the rider and quality of movement .  The course should be maneuvered at a reasonable speed.The course consists of a series of obstacles that might be encountered on a trail ride such as one in which the rider will open, pass through and close a gate, ride over at least four logs or poles and one backing obstacle, etc. Will be divided by ages 9-13 and ages 14-19. Class placings do not apply to Division awards.


HUNT SEAT

Novice, Short Stirrup, and Open Hunt Seat level riders may also compete in English Pleasure classes in addition to their riding level division.
 
All Hunter Over Fences classes will be judged on the horses performance, pace, jumping style, way of going (movement) and soundness.

Equitation On the Flat and Over Fences will be judged on the rider’s basic position, ability to control and the suitability of horse to rider.

Hunter Showmanship in Hand **
  • Open to all competitors regardless of division entered.
  • Horses should be shown in a clean, correctly adjusted hunter bridle. 
  • Halters, crops or bats not permitted. 
  • Points apply to division awards.

Beginner Walk-Trot Hunt Seat Division (walk,trot only an 18" crossrails in over fences)
  •  These classes are intended for riders with limited horsemanship ability in their 1st or 2nd year of showing that have advanced past the Pre-beginner level – They may have been riding longer than 1 year but have not shown in any class which canters or lopes.
  • Beginning riders are not permitted to cross enter any class that canters or lopes at this show. 
  • Equitation Over fences 18” should be ridden at a trot.   
  • Previous Division Champion riders move up to Novice division regardless or horse/rider pairing.

ENGLISH PLEASURE DIVISION 

All English Pleasure classes to be judged on the suitability of the horse as a pleasure mount, manners and performance.  The smoothness, obedience and consistency of the performance will be considered rather than the brilliance and animation.

 **Note: Riders/Horses may cross enter into Hunter Divisions for which they are eligible or may also cross enter into Western Pleasure. If there are over 10 entries in classes - After all entered, the judge will then divide the group into groups A and B based on level of horsemanship ability – Beginner or Advanced.


English Pleasure Walk Trot Equitation (with test)  Riders compete on the rail at a walk and trot both ways of the ring, line up and complete an individual workout. Riders will remain in the ring throughout the individual workouts.  

  • Horses will be shown at three gaits - walk, trot and extended trot. 
  • Test: The judge will ask rider/horse to walk from line up to first marker, then trot a serpentine around markers. From the last serpentine marker, they will be asked to extend the trot down the rail to marker on the wall, stop then walk back and line up.
  •  This class tests a youth’s ability to ride–not the performance of the horse. 
  • Emphasis is placed on ability to sit correctly, hold the correct riding posture and control the horse on a precise pattern.
  • All riders may enter this class.

Pleasure Hack shown at the walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring. The pleasure hack judges how quiet and calm a horse is.  The theory is that a pleasure horse should be a pleasure to ride.   

  • It should be safe and comfortable with easy transitions and a pleasant expression.  In each gait the judge is looking for a long, low stride with a relaxed carriage and the appearance of a smooth ride.  
  • The horse should be forward, but should not appear rushed or stressed in any way.  
  • A rider who is relaxed and who uses minimal aids can show off the pleasure horse in the best light.
  •  Non-beginner riders may enter this class.

ENGLISH PLEASURE (Continued)

Open English Pleasure (Walk Trot Canter )                          
  • Horses are to be shown at the walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring. 
  • Light contact with the horse’s mouth is required. 
  • Horses are to be judged strictly on performance and soundness. They should move freely. Any horse showing evidence of lameness will be refused an award.
  • Extreme speed will be penalized. If horses are hand galloped, there should be no more than eight performing at one time. 
  • Manners are to be emphasized. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the line.
  • Manners and suitability as a pleasure mount are paramount. 
  • Transition from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless. 
  • Horses must be obedient with prompt transitions.
  •  Non-beginner riders may enter this class.

HUNT SEAT 

Novice Hunt Seat Division 
  • Rider must be in their 1st or 2nd year of showing and have advanced past the beginner level. 
  • In Equitation with tests class, riders may be asked to perform equitation tests 1,3,5,8 one at a time.
  • Hunter under saddle on flat to be shown at a walk, trot or canter. Light contact with the horse’s mouth is required. 
  • Martingales are not permitted. 
  • Rider may not have shown above the 18" height in the past 4 years. 
  • Over fences classes may be trotted or cantered, cantering is encouraged.
  • Simple changes are not penalized.
  • Previous Division Champion Horse/rider pair must move up to Short/Long Stirrup Division. Rider may enter if on a different horse.

Short/Long Stirrup Division
  • Rider must be in their 1st 4 years of showing and have advanced past the Novice level.
  • Rider pair must be capable of cantering in a group while maintaining control both for their safety and the safety of others. 
  • Hunter Under Saddle on Flat to be shown over at least six fences at the required height. Judged on performance and soundness unless otherwise stated by judge. 
  • Short Stirrup class riders may be asked to perform equitation tests 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 14. 
  • Rider may not have shown above the 2’ height in the past 4 years
  • Rider cannot be penalized for simple changes however they can be penalized for trotting on course.
  • Previous Division Champion horse/rider pair must move up to Open Hunt Seat division. Rider may enter if on a different horse.

Open Hunt Seat Division
  • Open to any rider not competing in a lower division.
  • Hunter Under Saddle on flat to be shown over at least six fences at the required height. Judged on performance and soundness unless otherwise stated by judge.
  • Equitation class riders may be asked to perform any of the equitation tests 1-18.
  •  Riders will be penalized for trotting on course and for simple changes unless instructed to do so.

Equitation Tests

1. Halt (4-6 seconds) and/or back

2. Hand Gallop (no groups larger than 6)

3. Figure 8 at trot demonstrating correct change of diagonals

4. Figure 8 at canter on correct lead, demonstrating a simple change of lead.

5. Work collectively at the walk, trot and canter

6. Jump low obstacles at a trot as well as a canter

7. Jump obstacles on a figure 8 course

8. Answer questions regarding basic horsemanship, tack and equipment and conformation

9. Ride without stirrups, riders must have the option of crossing their irons

10. Jump low obstacles at a walk as well as a canter (maximum height and spread for a walk jump is 2’)

11. Dismount and mount individually

12. Turn on the forehand

13. Figure 8 at canter demonstrating a flying change of lead

14. Execute a serpentine at a trot or canter demonstrating proper change of diagonal/lead

15. Change leads on a line demonstrating simple or flying change of lead

16. Canter on counter lead (no more than 6 at a time)

17. Turn on the haunches from the walk

18. Demonstration ride of approximately 1 minute