WEST MICHIGAN ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION
WMAHA Community Show
Show Rules and Regulations
GENERAL ENTRY REGULATIONS :
1. You do not have to be a WMAHA member to show at our community shows. Shows are open to members and non-members. However, in order to receive year end awards you must be a WMAHA member. WMAHA members (as of April 1) will automatically be entered in the year end high point program. This member list will be posted on the WMAHA website. If you are not on the list and believe you should be or if you wish to join WMAHA after April 1, YOU MUST notify Cary Van Spronsen at horsemom247@hotmail.com or (616)293-2962 in order to be in the year end points program.
2. In order to show you must have copies of BOTH of the following, if you do not present copies of these documents to the show office you will not be allowed to show:
a) Horses registration papers.
b) Current year negative coggins test (required for any horse that is a yearling or older).
3. If you are a member of AHA please also bring a copy of your AHA card so your points from the show can be counted in the AHA Community Show High Point program.
4. Stalling is available at all shows. We have a limited number of stalls, so call in advance to reserve your stall; contact Sherry Nugent at halsa91@aol.com.
5. Cash or open check will be the only accepted payment methods for all show fees. If you pay by open check please be sure to close it before leaving.
6. All classes must be entered either on an entry form or add/drop slip turned into the office. Any exhibitor riding a class not properly entered may be accessed a $10 penalty added to the entry fee.
7. All Drop/Adds of classes must be made at least 10 classes before the start of the class you wish to drop or add.
8. All Daily High Point awards will be calculated for one horse / one rider.
9. The age of each rider / handler will be determined as of December 1 (previous year).
10. A junior horse is 5 years of age and younger. The age of the horse shall be determined on the basis of a calendar year, starting January 1st of the year foaled.
11. All bounced checks will be subject to a $100 handling fee. Failure to pay this fee within 30 days from the check date will result in your suspension from WMAHA events until the fee is paid.
GENERAL SHOW RULES
1. All dogs MUST be kept on a leash.
2. Illegal appliances and substances will not be allowed on the grounds.
3. Food will be available on the grounds. .
4. Neither WMAHA nor the fairgrounds will be held responsible for any injuries, lost, damaged or stolen property.
5. Unruly horses will be excused from the show ring at the judge’s discretion.
GENERAL CLASS RULES:
1. Horses must place first or second in their respective halter class to be eligible for the halter championship class. It is not mandatory to show in the halter championship class. There is no fee for the halter championship class.
2. For safety reasons in all halter classes horses will enter the arena 10-ft apart, at a walk, to a designated trotting point.
3. Adults and Youths are permitted to show stallions, with the exceptions of the following classes: Leadline, Walk/Trot 10 & Under, Walk only.
4. Riders may enter the Hunter Pleasure Championship, Western Pleasure Championship, Showmanship Championship, Saddle Seat Pleasure Championship, Walk/Trot Championships and all Equitation Championships as long as the rider/horse combination has been judged in a qualifying class.
5. Headers may or may not be used in the final line-up for safety purposes in Walk-Trot classes and Walk Only Classes. Headers are to stand in front of the horse, but are not to obstruct the judge’s view. Headers may hold the horse ONLY in the case of a safety issue.
6. Appropriate sidesaddle attire and appointments may be used in all classes.
7. WMAHA has the right to split classes of more then 20 horses.
8. Any judging questions arising, and not covered in “class descriptions” rules, will refer to AHA (Arabian Horse Association) rules for final determination.
Class Descriptions
ARABIAN AND HALF- ARABIAN HALTER
Horses are to be shown in-hand at a walk and trot. The horse’s conformation, as pertains to the Arabian breed, is judged in this class. Emphasis is placed on conformation, type, quality, movement, substance, manners, and presence.
Appointments: A suitable headstall equipped with throatlatch is mandatory. Excessive use of whip or actions that may disturb other entries shall be penalized. For safety reasons, horses will enter the arena 10-ft apart, at a walk, to a designated trotting point. First and second place horses are eligible for the championship class.
PERFORMANCE HALTER
Horses shown in this class must also be entered and shown in a performance class at the show.
FITTING AND SHOWING
In this class, the horse is shown in hand. Conformation of the horse does not count. This class is judged on the exhibitor’s ability to fit and show the horse in halter. Any exhibitor/horse combo that has shown in a qualifying class is eligible for the championship class. Appearance and grooming counts for 40% of the score. This includes the condition of the horse (alert, healthy, serviceably sound). Horse’s coat, tail and mane should be clean, free from stains and/or tangles. Hooves should be trimmed and shaped, and if shod, shoes should fit and not show undue wear. Clear hoof polish and/or dressing may be used. Excess hair should be clipped/trimmed from fetlock, face, ears, throatlatch, and bridle path.
Appointments: A suitable headstall with throatlatch is mandatory. A BRIDLE MAY BE USED. Headstall is to match the style in witch the exhibitor is dressed. The exhibitor’s clothes must be neat and clean and appropriate to the manner in which the horse is being shown (Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, Western). Patterns are given at the discretion of the judge and will be posted prior to the start of the class. When leading the horse, exhibitor is on the horse’s left side holding the lead strap in the right hand. Excess strap is held in the left hand, in a figure-eight coil for safety. Horse should lead and back (when asked) readily and move willingly and calmly with the exhibitor. Exhibitor should be poised and alert, showing the horse until the entire class has been worked and judged. Judge should have an unobstructed view of the horse. Exhibitor must be courteous and sportsmanlike, to the judge and all other exhibitors at all times. Touching/pushing the horse into position is prohibited. Excessive use of whip/jerking the shank shall be marked as a fault.
LEADLINE
Rider is to be at least 2 years of age and no older than 6 years of age. Leadline must be attached to a halter or cavesson. Handler is to be 16 years of age or older. Handler and rider must dress according to seat shown in. Rider is not to show in any other performance class. Class is to be shown at the walk only both directions. Safety is paramount. No stallions will be permitted in the leadline class.
WALK/ TROT
This class is recommended for young or inexperienced riders. Rider’s attire must match seat shown. The riders/ horse will be judged at the walk and the trot (jog) both ways of the ring. Rider is not to show in any other performance class that calls for the canter. Headers are allowed only in the final line-up. No stallions will be permitted in the walk/ trot class.
WALK ONLY
This class is recommended for young or inexperienced riders 10 and under. Horse may be ridden any seat. Rider’s attire must match seat shown. The riders/ horse will be judged at the walk both ways of the ring. Exhibitor to be judged on ability to control horse, avoid traffic, turn horse, stay on rail and continue around ring as directed by the judge. The rider is not to show in any other performance class. Headers are allowed only in the final line-up. No stallions will be permitted in the walk class. Refer to general rules.
HUNTSEAT
Rider should have a workmanlike appearance. Seat and hands are light and supple, conveying the impression of complete control should an emergency arise. Horses which move in an artificial frame, are over-flexed and behind the bit, or carry their head such that the head is below the withers, shall be penalized. Horses may show with a braided mane, tail, and forelock.
Appointments: Riders should wear hunt coats (dark, conservative color), breeches (or jodhpurs), hunt boots and a conservative colored hunt hat. ASTM-SEI approved protective headgear with harness is mandatory for all riders 17 and under. Spurs and crops/bats (not to exceed 30” length) are optional. Hunt saddle/English forward seat type, or dressage saddle is required. Regulation snaffles, pelhams, kimberwicks, or full bridles with plain leather brow bands and noseband/cavessons are required. Martingales and/or tie-downs are prohibited.
Gaits: The walk is a true four-beat, ground covering gait. The trot is to be a two-beat, ground covering, balanced and free moving gait. Posting is required. Canter is a three-beat gait that should look smooth, unhurried and with moderate collection. Horse should travel straight and correct on both leads. Hand-gallop, optional in 18 & over classes only, is a controlled ground covering, free moving gait. A true lengthening of stride is to be shown. Extreme speed is to be penalized.
Pleasure: Horses will be judged on performance at each gait, both ways of the ring. Horse is to be judged on manners, performance, suitability as a hunter, quality and conformation.
Equitation: The eyes of the exhibitor should look up with shoulders back. Rider should have ankles flexed in, heels down and calves of legs, in contact with the horse slightly behind the girth. Hands should be over and slightly in front of the withers, slightly apart and making a straight line from horse’s mouth to rider’s elbow. All reins must be picked up at the same time; however, the butt of the reins may fall on either side. At the walk, sitting trot (if asked for) and canter, the body should only be a couple of degrees ahead of vertical. While posting the trot or galloping, the body is inclined forward. The judge may request riders in 14-18 and 19 & Over to drop their irons.
SADDLE SEAT
Exhibitors enter at a normal trot. Light contact must be maintained with all reins at all gaits. Judges are required to consider performance at each gait equally in judging this class.
Appointments: Informal saddle suit attire (no hunt) is required. Conservative colors (black, gray, dk. green) with matching jodhpurs are suggested. Herringbone, pin stripe, etc. that appear solid are permitted. Day coats with jodhpurs are permitted in saddle seat pleasure. Clothing is to include a tie, Jodhpur boots, and derby or soft hat. Spurs, whips, or crops are optional.
Tack: Flat English- type saddle is required. No martingales or tie-downs are permitted. Horses will be shown in a full-bridle (curb & snaffle) or pelham bit. A junior horse (5 years and under) may be shown in a snaffle bit.
Gaits: The rider will be asked to walk, trot, and canter both directions of the arena. Strong trot may be called for at the judge’s discretion. Hand gallop may be asked, in 18 & Over classes only, at judge’s discretion. Extreme speed is to be penalized. It is imperative that the horse gives the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride and displays favorable attitude. Horses are to perform gaits willingly and with cadence, balance, and smoothness. Horses will be judged on manners, performance, quality and suitability of horse to rider.
Equitation: Exhibitor should convey the impression of effective yet easy control. The complete picture of horse and rider is most important. Rider’s hand should be held in an easy, yet controlled position. The height of the rider’s hands above the withers shall depend on where the horse carries its head, but should form a straight line from the horse’s mouth to the rider’s hands. All reins must be picked up at the same time, using two hands. The bight of the reins should fall on the off side. Rider should sit comfortably in the saddle with a slight bend to the knees; ankles flexed and heels down. Riders should show only slight movement in the saddle at a walk. As the rider posts the trot, there should be a slight elevation from the saddle, hips aligned under the body, not swinging forward and backward, or moving up and down in a mechanical motion. At the canter the rider should maintain a close seat. In the 14-18 and 19 & Over division riders may be asked to drop irons at the judge’s discretion.
WESTERN
Tack: A standard western saddle (or sidesaddle) is to be used. A western type headstall without noseband is to be used. Any standard western bit with shanks and curb chain, or flat leather curb strap must be used on horses 6 years and older. Horses 5 years and younger may be ridden in a bosal or snaffle bit. Two hands may be used only when riding with a bosal or a snaffle. Split reins or closed reins with romal are equally acceptable. Rope, reata, hobbles or breast collar are optional. Hackamore bits, tie-downs, martingales, or draw reins are prohibited.
Appointments of Rider: Riders must wear a western hat or protective headgear, boots, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. If pants have belt loops, a belt must be worn. Chaps and spurs are optional. A vest, jacket or sweater may also be worn. Hair is to be neat and fastened as so not to obstruct the exhibitor’s back number.
Gaits: Horses will be asked to walk, trot/jog, canter/lope and hand gallop (in 19 & Over classes only - at judge’s discretion). Horses should stand quietly in the line-up and back readily when asked.
Pleasure: The horse’s stride should be free flowing and ground covering in keeping with the horse’s conformation. Excessive slowness is to be considered a fault.
Equitation: The rider should sit in the saddle and appear comfortable, relaxed and flexible. The heels should be lower than the toes. The upper arms should be in a straight line with the upper body, the one holding the reins, bent at the elbow. Hands are permitted to be around the reins, one finger is permitted to be between split reins. The hand not holding the reins should be kept free from touching the horse and equipment. The reins are to be directly above or slightly in front of the saddle horn. Only slight movement is acceptable. The rider is to sit the jog (not post). At the lope the body should remain close to the saddle. All movements of the horse should come from imperceptible rider aids.
MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME
Riders must maintain control of the horse at all times. Extreme speed is to be penalized. The class will be judged at a walk, canter, and hand gallop both directions of the ring. Horses are to stand quietly in the final line-up, preferably head to tail. Bridle may consist of a bit, hackamore, or other suitable headgear keeping safety of utmost importance. Martingales or tie-downs are prohibited. Spurs, whips or crops are optional. Costume shall be native (Bedouin) type including a flowing cape or coat, pantaloons, headdress, scarf or sash. Decorations in keeping with colorful desert regalia may be added to the equipment. Performance and manner shall count as 75% of the score; appointments will be 25%.
OPTION CLASS - TBA
The option class may be purchased by contacting the show manager and submitting payment. Show manager reserves the right to refuse any requested option class. Cost of the class is $20 and includes one entry. Any entries after the class is purchased will be at $6 per exhibitor/horse for single judged show/$12 for a double judged show. Class call will be in compliance with AHA rules.
Show Rules and Regulations
GENERAL ENTRY REGULATIONS :
1. You do not have to be a WMAHA member to show at our community shows. Shows are open to members and non-members. However, in order to receive year end awards you must be a WMAHA member. WMAHA members (as of April 1) will automatically be entered in the year end high point program. This member list will be posted on the WMAHA website. If you are not on the list and believe you should be or if you wish to join WMAHA after April 1, YOU MUST notify Cary Van Spronsen at horsemom247@hotmail.com or (616)293-2962 in order to be in the year end points program.
2. In order to show you must have copies of BOTH of the following, if you do not present copies of these documents to the show office you will not be allowed to show:
a) Horses registration papers.
b) Current year negative coggins test (required for any horse that is a yearling or older).
3. If you are a member of AHA please also bring a copy of your AHA card so your points from the show can be counted in the AHA Community Show High Point program.
4. Stalling is available at all shows. We have a limited number of stalls, so call in advance to reserve your stall; contact Sherry Nugent at halsa91@aol.com.
5. Cash or open check will be the only accepted payment methods for all show fees. If you pay by open check please be sure to close it before leaving.
6. All classes must be entered either on an entry form or add/drop slip turned into the office. Any exhibitor riding a class not properly entered may be accessed a $10 penalty added to the entry fee.
7. All Drop/Adds of classes must be made at least 10 classes before the start of the class you wish to drop or add.
8. All Daily High Point awards will be calculated for one horse / one rider.
9. The age of each rider / handler will be determined as of December 1 (previous year).
10. A junior horse is 5 years of age and younger. The age of the horse shall be determined on the basis of a calendar year, starting January 1st of the year foaled.
11. All bounced checks will be subject to a $100 handling fee. Failure to pay this fee within 30 days from the check date will result in your suspension from WMAHA events until the fee is paid.
GENERAL SHOW RULES
1. All dogs MUST be kept on a leash.
2. Illegal appliances and substances will not be allowed on the grounds.
3. Food will be available on the grounds. .
4. Neither WMAHA nor the fairgrounds will be held responsible for any injuries, lost, damaged or stolen property.
5. Unruly horses will be excused from the show ring at the judge’s discretion.
GENERAL CLASS RULES:
1. Horses must place first or second in their respective halter class to be eligible for the halter championship class. It is not mandatory to show in the halter championship class. There is no fee for the halter championship class.
2. For safety reasons in all halter classes horses will enter the arena 10-ft apart, at a walk, to a designated trotting point.
3. Adults and Youths are permitted to show stallions, with the exceptions of the following classes: Leadline, Walk/Trot 10 & Under, Walk only.
4. Riders may enter the Hunter Pleasure Championship, Western Pleasure Championship, Showmanship Championship, Saddle Seat Pleasure Championship, Walk/Trot Championships and all Equitation Championships as long as the rider/horse combination has been judged in a qualifying class.
5. Headers may or may not be used in the final line-up for safety purposes in Walk-Trot classes and Walk Only Classes. Headers are to stand in front of the horse, but are not to obstruct the judge’s view. Headers may hold the horse ONLY in the case of a safety issue.
6. Appropriate sidesaddle attire and appointments may be used in all classes.
7. WMAHA has the right to split classes of more then 20 horses.
8. Any judging questions arising, and not covered in “class descriptions” rules, will refer to AHA (Arabian Horse Association) rules for final determination.
Class Descriptions
ARABIAN AND HALF- ARABIAN HALTER
Horses are to be shown in-hand at a walk and trot. The horse’s conformation, as pertains to the Arabian breed, is judged in this class. Emphasis is placed on conformation, type, quality, movement, substance, manners, and presence.
Appointments: A suitable headstall equipped with throatlatch is mandatory. Excessive use of whip or actions that may disturb other entries shall be penalized. For safety reasons, horses will enter the arena 10-ft apart, at a walk, to a designated trotting point. First and second place horses are eligible for the championship class.
PERFORMANCE HALTER
Horses shown in this class must also be entered and shown in a performance class at the show.
FITTING AND SHOWING
In this class, the horse is shown in hand. Conformation of the horse does not count. This class is judged on the exhibitor’s ability to fit and show the horse in halter. Any exhibitor/horse combo that has shown in a qualifying class is eligible for the championship class. Appearance and grooming counts for 40% of the score. This includes the condition of the horse (alert, healthy, serviceably sound). Horse’s coat, tail and mane should be clean, free from stains and/or tangles. Hooves should be trimmed and shaped, and if shod, shoes should fit and not show undue wear. Clear hoof polish and/or dressing may be used. Excess hair should be clipped/trimmed from fetlock, face, ears, throatlatch, and bridle path.
Appointments: A suitable headstall with throatlatch is mandatory. A BRIDLE MAY BE USED. Headstall is to match the style in witch the exhibitor is dressed. The exhibitor’s clothes must be neat and clean and appropriate to the manner in which the horse is being shown (Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, Western). Patterns are given at the discretion of the judge and will be posted prior to the start of the class. When leading the horse, exhibitor is on the horse’s left side holding the lead strap in the right hand. Excess strap is held in the left hand, in a figure-eight coil for safety. Horse should lead and back (when asked) readily and move willingly and calmly with the exhibitor. Exhibitor should be poised and alert, showing the horse until the entire class has been worked and judged. Judge should have an unobstructed view of the horse. Exhibitor must be courteous and sportsmanlike, to the judge and all other exhibitors at all times. Touching/pushing the horse into position is prohibited. Excessive use of whip/jerking the shank shall be marked as a fault.
LEADLINE
Rider is to be at least 2 years of age and no older than 6 years of age. Leadline must be attached to a halter or cavesson. Handler is to be 16 years of age or older. Handler and rider must dress according to seat shown in. Rider is not to show in any other performance class. Class is to be shown at the walk only both directions. Safety is paramount. No stallions will be permitted in the leadline class.
WALK/ TROT
This class is recommended for young or inexperienced riders. Rider’s attire must match seat shown. The riders/ horse will be judged at the walk and the trot (jog) both ways of the ring. Rider is not to show in any other performance class that calls for the canter. Headers are allowed only in the final line-up. No stallions will be permitted in the walk/ trot class.
WALK ONLY
This class is recommended for young or inexperienced riders 10 and under. Horse may be ridden any seat. Rider’s attire must match seat shown. The riders/ horse will be judged at the walk both ways of the ring. Exhibitor to be judged on ability to control horse, avoid traffic, turn horse, stay on rail and continue around ring as directed by the judge. The rider is not to show in any other performance class. Headers are allowed only in the final line-up. No stallions will be permitted in the walk class. Refer to general rules.
HUNTSEAT
Rider should have a workmanlike appearance. Seat and hands are light and supple, conveying the impression of complete control should an emergency arise. Horses which move in an artificial frame, are over-flexed and behind the bit, or carry their head such that the head is below the withers, shall be penalized. Horses may show with a braided mane, tail, and forelock.
Appointments: Riders should wear hunt coats (dark, conservative color), breeches (or jodhpurs), hunt boots and a conservative colored hunt hat. ASTM-SEI approved protective headgear with harness is mandatory for all riders 17 and under. Spurs and crops/bats (not to exceed 30” length) are optional. Hunt saddle/English forward seat type, or dressage saddle is required. Regulation snaffles, pelhams, kimberwicks, or full bridles with plain leather brow bands and noseband/cavessons are required. Martingales and/or tie-downs are prohibited.
Gaits: The walk is a true four-beat, ground covering gait. The trot is to be a two-beat, ground covering, balanced and free moving gait. Posting is required. Canter is a three-beat gait that should look smooth, unhurried and with moderate collection. Horse should travel straight and correct on both leads. Hand-gallop, optional in 18 & over classes only, is a controlled ground covering, free moving gait. A true lengthening of stride is to be shown. Extreme speed is to be penalized.
Pleasure: Horses will be judged on performance at each gait, both ways of the ring. Horse is to be judged on manners, performance, suitability as a hunter, quality and conformation.
Equitation: The eyes of the exhibitor should look up with shoulders back. Rider should have ankles flexed in, heels down and calves of legs, in contact with the horse slightly behind the girth. Hands should be over and slightly in front of the withers, slightly apart and making a straight line from horse’s mouth to rider’s elbow. All reins must be picked up at the same time; however, the butt of the reins may fall on either side. At the walk, sitting trot (if asked for) and canter, the body should only be a couple of degrees ahead of vertical. While posting the trot or galloping, the body is inclined forward. The judge may request riders in 14-18 and 19 & Over to drop their irons.
SADDLE SEAT
Exhibitors enter at a normal trot. Light contact must be maintained with all reins at all gaits. Judges are required to consider performance at each gait equally in judging this class.
Appointments: Informal saddle suit attire (no hunt) is required. Conservative colors (black, gray, dk. green) with matching jodhpurs are suggested. Herringbone, pin stripe, etc. that appear solid are permitted. Day coats with jodhpurs are permitted in saddle seat pleasure. Clothing is to include a tie, Jodhpur boots, and derby or soft hat. Spurs, whips, or crops are optional.
Tack: Flat English- type saddle is required. No martingales or tie-downs are permitted. Horses will be shown in a full-bridle (curb & snaffle) or pelham bit. A junior horse (5 years and under) may be shown in a snaffle bit.
Gaits: The rider will be asked to walk, trot, and canter both directions of the arena. Strong trot may be called for at the judge’s discretion. Hand gallop may be asked, in 18 & Over classes only, at judge’s discretion. Extreme speed is to be penalized. It is imperative that the horse gives the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride and displays favorable attitude. Horses are to perform gaits willingly and with cadence, balance, and smoothness. Horses will be judged on manners, performance, quality and suitability of horse to rider.
Equitation: Exhibitor should convey the impression of effective yet easy control. The complete picture of horse and rider is most important. Rider’s hand should be held in an easy, yet controlled position. The height of the rider’s hands above the withers shall depend on where the horse carries its head, but should form a straight line from the horse’s mouth to the rider’s hands. All reins must be picked up at the same time, using two hands. The bight of the reins should fall on the off side. Rider should sit comfortably in the saddle with a slight bend to the knees; ankles flexed and heels down. Riders should show only slight movement in the saddle at a walk. As the rider posts the trot, there should be a slight elevation from the saddle, hips aligned under the body, not swinging forward and backward, or moving up and down in a mechanical motion. At the canter the rider should maintain a close seat. In the 14-18 and 19 & Over division riders may be asked to drop irons at the judge’s discretion.
WESTERN
Tack: A standard western saddle (or sidesaddle) is to be used. A western type headstall without noseband is to be used. Any standard western bit with shanks and curb chain, or flat leather curb strap must be used on horses 6 years and older. Horses 5 years and younger may be ridden in a bosal or snaffle bit. Two hands may be used only when riding with a bosal or a snaffle. Split reins or closed reins with romal are equally acceptable. Rope, reata, hobbles or breast collar are optional. Hackamore bits, tie-downs, martingales, or draw reins are prohibited.
Appointments of Rider: Riders must wear a western hat or protective headgear, boots, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. If pants have belt loops, a belt must be worn. Chaps and spurs are optional. A vest, jacket or sweater may also be worn. Hair is to be neat and fastened as so not to obstruct the exhibitor’s back number.
Gaits: Horses will be asked to walk, trot/jog, canter/lope and hand gallop (in 19 & Over classes only - at judge’s discretion). Horses should stand quietly in the line-up and back readily when asked.
Pleasure: The horse’s stride should be free flowing and ground covering in keeping with the horse’s conformation. Excessive slowness is to be considered a fault.
Equitation: The rider should sit in the saddle and appear comfortable, relaxed and flexible. The heels should be lower than the toes. The upper arms should be in a straight line with the upper body, the one holding the reins, bent at the elbow. Hands are permitted to be around the reins, one finger is permitted to be between split reins. The hand not holding the reins should be kept free from touching the horse and equipment. The reins are to be directly above or slightly in front of the saddle horn. Only slight movement is acceptable. The rider is to sit the jog (not post). At the lope the body should remain close to the saddle. All movements of the horse should come from imperceptible rider aids.
MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME
Riders must maintain control of the horse at all times. Extreme speed is to be penalized. The class will be judged at a walk, canter, and hand gallop both directions of the ring. Horses are to stand quietly in the final line-up, preferably head to tail. Bridle may consist of a bit, hackamore, or other suitable headgear keeping safety of utmost importance. Martingales or tie-downs are prohibited. Spurs, whips or crops are optional. Costume shall be native (Bedouin) type including a flowing cape or coat, pantaloons, headdress, scarf or sash. Decorations in keeping with colorful desert regalia may be added to the equipment. Performance and manner shall count as 75% of the score; appointments will be 25%.
OPTION CLASS - TBA
The option class may be purchased by contacting the show manager and submitting payment. Show manager reserves the right to refuse any requested option class. Cost of the class is $20 and includes one entry. Any entries after the class is purchased will be at $6 per exhibitor/horse for single judged show/$12 for a double judged show. Class call will be in compliance with AHA rules.