52 Questions
What is the purpose of the riding division?
To develop and further the art and sport of riding for pleasure
What must be posted no later than two hours prior to the start of any pattern-requiring class?
The patterns
Which of the following characteristics should a Gypsy Horse exhibit in this division?
Conformation standards, quiet manners, and perform gaits on a light rein
What is the minimum age requirement for riding horses in this division?
3 years old
Which type of saddle is NOT allowed in the Western classes?
Australian stock saddle
Which of the following bridle types is NOT allowed in the Western classes?
Nosebands
What is the ideal head carriage for a ranch riding horse at each gait?
Head should have a natural carriage
What is the minimum age for a horse to compete in the ranch riding class?
3 years old
Which of the following is NOT considered an optional maneuver in ranch riding?
Lope in both directions
What is the purpose of the extended trot and extended lope in ranch riding?
To simulate a horse covering long distances on a ranch
What is the purpose of the rear cinch in ranch riding appointments?
To improve the horse's balance and stability
What is the penalty for a horse breaking gait at the walk or jog for more than 2 strides?
3-point penalty
What is the penalty for a horse displaying 'blatant disobedience' such as kicking, biting, bucking, or rearing?
5-point penalty
Which of the following is considered an illegal equipment violation in ranch riding?
Hoof black
How is scoring determined in the ranch riding class?
Based on a scale of 0-100, with 70 being an average performance
What is the penalty for a horse being 'over-bridled' in the ranch riding class?
1-point penalty
According to the rules, which of the following is considered a severe penalty?
Disobedience, including bucking or rearing
In the Western Pleasure Gypsy Horse class, what will be considered when comparing animals that have successfully performed each gait?
The overall correctness, presentation, expression, softness of movement, length of stride, and willingness of the rider/horse pair
What is the correct procedure for reversing horses in the Western Pleasure Gypsy Horse class?
Horses are to be reversed to the inside away from the rail
In the Walk-Trot/Walk-Jog classes, what is not allowed?
Cantering or loping
What should the ranch pleasure horse's movement simulate?
A horse needing to cover long distances softly and quietly
How should the reins be held for the ranch pleasure class?
On a relatively loose rein with light contact
In the Leadline class, what is the maximum age allowed for the rider?
6 years old
Which gait(s) should be extended in the ranch pleasure class?
Only the jog
In the Leadline class, what is the requirement for the horse's lead?
The lead line should be at least 6 feet long and attached to the shank of the bit or a halter under the bridle
How should transitions between gaits be performed in the ranch pleasure class?
Smoothly and responsively without trotting between gaits
In the Leading Rein class, what is the maximum age allowed for the rider?
8 years old
Which statement best describes the ideal ranch pleasure horse?
Well-broke, relaxed, quiet, and soft in the bridle
According to the rules, which of the following is NOT allowed in any class?
Stallions
How should horses work in the ranch pleasure class?
Simultaneously, with horses working both on and off the rail
What should the head and neck position of the Gypsy Horse be in the Western Pleasure class?
Carried in a relaxed natural position, compatible with the overall Gypsy Horse conformation
In the Western Pleasure Gypsy Horse class, how should horses with naturally longer strides be judged?
They should NOT be penalized for passing other horses if performing the gaits correctly
What is the minimum width required for the curb strap or chain in standard curb bits?
1/2 inch
In Western classes, what does the term 'Hackamore' refer to?
A flexible, braided rawhide or leather bosal
When using split reins with a curb bit, how many hands can be used on the reins?
One hand
What is the purpose of having a bridge when using reins with a snaffle bit?
To keep both hands holding both reins
What is prohibited in a Western Pleasure Class regarding bits?
Twisted wire mouthpiece
What is required attire for Western Pleasure classes in terms of shirts?
Shirts with long sleeves and a collar
What should the overall impression of a rider's attire be in a Western Pleasure class?
'Conservative, well-coordinated, and neat'
What is the main emphasis when judging a Western Pleasure Gypsy's performance?
'Manners and self-carriage'
How should a horse's walk ideally be characterized in Western Pleasure classes?
'Comfortable, soft, and ground covering'
'Pinned ears, gaping mouth, and swishing tail' are considered signs of what in Western Pleasure classes?
'Unwillingness'
What is the minimum age requirement for an adult to lead a youth exhibitor in a Leading Rein class?
18 years old
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the exhibitor's attire and equipment in a Leading Rein class?
The exhibitor must wear a helmet.
What is the purpose of the lead line in a Leading Rein class?
To allow the adult to control the horse if needed.
What type of horses are NOT permitted in a Leading Rein class?
Stallions
In the Western Pleasure class, what percentage of the judging is based on the condition, fit, and appropriateness of the tack?
20%
Which of the following is NOT a penalty in the Western Pleasure class?
Wearing the wrong attire
What is the purpose of the Ranch Riding class?
All of the above
Which of the following statements about transitions in the Western Pleasure class is correct?
Transitions should be smooth and completed within three strides.
What is the correct head position for a horse in the Western Pleasure class?
Both a and b are incorrect head positions.
In the Ranch Riding class, what should the horse's movement reflect?
The movement of a working ranch horse outside of an arena
Study Notes
Western Pleasure Class
- Horses must be shown in standard curb bits with a curb strap or chain at least 1 inch wide that lies flat against the jaw when activated.
- Hackamores are allowed with a flexible, braided rawhide or leather bosal.
- Core reins can be split reins or romal reins.
- One hand can be used on the reins when using a curb bit, and the free hand can be placed with enough slack to not be used to adjust the reins.
Prohibited Equipment in Western Pleasure Class
- Nosebands
- Protective boots or leg wraps
- Bare metal over the nose or poll
- Mechanical hackamores
- Wire curb straps or chin straps thinner than 1/2 inch
- Martingales and tie-downs
- Certain bits (twisted wire mouthpiece, 3-piece, slip gag, donut, prong, or flat polo mouthpiece)
- Ports higher than 3 inches, shanks exceeding 8 inches in length
- Whips, bats, or crops
Western Attire
- Riders must wear suitable western attire, including boots, hat, and shirts with a collar and sleeves.
- Conservative, well-coordinated colors and fabrics are preferred.
- The overall impression should be clean and neat.
- Chaps and chinks are optional.
- Dress rules may be relaxed due to weather conditions, and judges must penalize contestants who do not conform.
- Spurs are optional, but excessive spurring is not allowed.
Gaits in Western Pleasure Class
- Walk: a four-beat gait that is soft, comfortable, flat, and ground-covering.
- Jog: a two-beat gait that is soft, relaxed, and comfortable, with a clean lift in the motion.
- Lope: a three-beat gait that is easy, rhythmical, and natural.
- Back: horses must back quietly, willingly, and easily in a straight line without resistance.
Judging Western Pleasure Class
- Horses are judged on overall consistency of gaits, willingness to perform, self-confidence, and balance.
- Correctness of gaits is determined by the ability to perform each respective gait.
- Quality of gaits is considered in judging, including overall correctness, presentation, expression, softness of movement, length of stride, and willingness of the rider/horse pair.
Other Classes
- Walk-Trot/Jog classes: judged similarly to Western Pleasure classes, except no canter/lope is required.
- Leadline Class: for riders 6 years of age or younger, with an adult leading the horse.
- Leading Rein Class: for riders 8 years of age or younger, with an adult leading the horse.
- Ranch Riding Class: measures the horse's versatility, attitude, and movement as a working ranch horse.
- Ranch Pleasure Class: evaluates the horse's ability to be a pleasure to ride while performing working ranch tasks.
Learn about the riding division which aims to develop and enhance the art and sport of riding for pleasure, emphasizing the importance of following rules and exhibiting proper conformation standards. Understand the requirements for the Gypsy Horse in terms of behavior and performance.
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