OPEN SHOW Class Descriptions
Halter—The horse is judged based upon its conformation, being well groomed and showing soundness at a brisk trot past the judge.
Showmanship—Judged on the handler’s ability to fit and show a horse at halter. The pattern should be performed quickly, smoothly and with precision.
English Pleasure—Judged on quality and consistency of the horse’s movement.
English Equitation on the Rail—Judged on the ability of the rider to walk, trot, extended trot, stop, back and canter (unless marked Walk/Trot) in both directions on the rail. No pattern.
Hunt Seat Equitation—Judged on the ability of a rider to perform a posted pattern and walk, trot and canter with additional rail work.
Dressage Suitability—May be ridden in English or Western tack. The horse with the best gaits, conformation and general suitability to perform a training level dressage test will win. Pattern will be posted and timed.
Trail—Judged riders ability to calmly navigate a posted pattern with the horse over a minimum of six obstacles. Riders may show in Western or English tack.
Youth Jackpot Class—A cash prize class for youth that can include questions asked by the judge to test the rider’s equestrian knowledge. Open to any youth that has entered one class during the show that day. There is no charge for this class.
Jack Benny—Open to riders 39+ in English or Western Tack, judged on performing a pleasurable ride at a walk, trot and canter on the rail.
Discipline on the Rail—Judged on the rider’s ability to perform tasks requested by the judge. English or Western Tack. Tasks may include dropping stirrups, side pass, backing, or pivot turns.
Western Pleasure—Judged on quality and consistency of the horse’s movement.
Western Equitation on the Rail—Judged on the ability of the rider to walk, trot, extend the trot, stop, lope and back in both directions on the rail. No pattern.
Horsemanship—The ability of a rider to perform a posted pattern with the horse through subtle cues. Judged on the rider’s equitation throughout the pattern. Additional rail work may be required.
Ranch Horse Pleasure—Designed to show a ranch horse that is a pleasure to ride. Horses are required to work both ways in the arena at a walk, jog, and lope.
Reining—Perform one of the eleven AQHA patterns.
