Western Horsemanship Riding Division: Rider's Position & Horse Evaluation Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the riding division?

To teach riders how to control their horses strictly

To showcase the most extreme and flashy riding styles

To prepare horses for high-level competition

To develop and further the art and sport of riding for pleasure (correct)

What must be posted no later than two hours prior to the start of any pattern-requiring class?

The order of go

The patterns (correct)

The list of judges

The class rules

Which of the following characteristics should a Gypsy Horse exhibit in this division?

Use of unsafe or unsound equipment

Refusal to stand quietly or back readily

Conformation standards, quiet manners, and perform gaits on a light rein (correct)

Extreme action and being heavy on the bit

What is the minimum age requirement for riding horses in this division?

3 years old Signup and view all the answers

Which type of saddle is NOT allowed in the Western classes?

Australian stock saddle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bridle types is NOT allowed in the Western classes?

Nosebands Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal head carriage for a ranch riding horse at each gait?

Head should have a natural carriage Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age for a horse to compete in the ranch riding class?

3 years old Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an optional maneuver in ranch riding?

Lope in both directions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the extended trot and extended lope in ranch riding?

To simulate a horse covering long distances on a ranch Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the rear cinch in ranch riding appointments?

To improve the horse's balance and stability Signup and view all the answers

What is the penalty for a horse breaking gait at the walk or jog for more than 2 strides?

3-point penalty Signup and view all the answers

What is the penalty for a horse displaying 'blatant disobedience' such as kicking, biting, bucking, or rearing?

5-point penalty Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an illegal equipment violation in ranch riding?

Hoof black Signup and view all the answers

How is scoring determined in the ranch riding class?

Based on a scale of 0-100, with 70 being an average performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the penalty for a horse being 'over-bridled' in the ranch riding class?

1-point penalty Signup and view all the answers

According to the rules, which of the following is considered a severe penalty?

Disobedience, including bucking or rearing Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

In the Walk-Trot/Walk-Jog classes, what is not allowed?

Cantering or loping Signup and view all the answers

What should the ranch pleasure horse's movement simulate?

A horse needing to cover long distances softly and quietly Signup and view all the answers

How should the reins be held for the ranch pleasure class?

On a relatively loose rein with light contact Signup and view all the answers

In the Leadline class, what is the maximum age allowed for the rider?

6 years old Signup and view all the answers

Which gait(s) should be extended in the ranch pleasure class?

Only the jog Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

How should transitions between gaits be performed in the ranch pleasure class?

Smoothly and responsively without trotting between gaits Signup and view all the answers

In the Leading Rein class, what is the maximum age allowed for the rider?

8 years old Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the ideal ranch pleasure horse?

Well-broke, relaxed, quiet, and soft in the bridle Signup and view all the answers

According to the rules, which of the following is NOT allowed in any class?

Stallions Signup and view all the answers

How should horses work in the ranch pleasure class?

Simultaneously, with horses working both on and off the rail Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum width required for the curb strap or chain in standard curb bits?

1/2 inch Signup and view all the answers

In Western classes, what does the term 'Hackamore' refer to?

A flexible, braided rawhide or leather bosal Signup and view all the answers

When using split reins with a curb bit, how many hands can be used on the reins?

One hand Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having a bridge when using reins with a snaffle bit?

To keep both hands holding both reins Signup and view all the answers

What is prohibited in a Western Pleasure Class regarding bits?

Twisted wire mouthpiece Signup and view all the answers

What is required attire for Western Pleasure classes in terms of shirts?

Shirts with long sleeves and a collar Signup and view all the answers

What should the overall impression of a rider's attire be in a Western Pleasure class?

'Conservative, well-coordinated, and neat' Signup and view all the answers

What is the main emphasis when judging a Western Pleasure Gypsy's performance?

'Manners and self-carriage' Signup and view all the answers

How should a horse's walk ideally be characterized in Western Pleasure classes?

'Comfortable, soft, and ground covering' Signup and view all the answers

'Pinned ears, gaping mouth, and swishing tail' are considered signs of what in Western Pleasure classes?

'Unwillingness' Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement for an adult to lead a youth exhibitor in a Leading Rein class?

18 years old Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the lead line in a Leading Rein class?

To allow the adult to control the horse if needed. Signup and view all the answers

What type of horses are NOT permitted in a Leading Rein class?

Stallions Signup and view all the answers

In the Western Pleasure class, what percentage of the judging is based on the condition, fit, and appropriateness of the tack?

20% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a penalty in the Western Pleasure class?

Wearing the wrong attire Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Ranch Riding class?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about transitions in the Western Pleasure class is correct?

Transitions should be smooth and completed within three strides. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct head position for a horse in the Western Pleasure class?

Both a and b are incorrect head positions. Signup and view all the answers

In the Ranch Riding class, what should the horse's movement reflect?

The movement of a working ranch horse outside of an arena Signup and view all the answers

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.

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Description

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.

XVIII - Riding Division

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