Odessa Horse & Pony Club
Halter
All competitors are in the ring at the same time and line up along the rail, either side by side or nose to tail (the ring steward will instruct you). You will walk and jog/trot your horse/pony in a straight line as instructed by the ring steward. The judge will also inspect each horse/pony, while it is standing still.
The judge is judging conformation and quality of movement. Behaviour is also considered.
Showmanship
All competitors are in the ring at the same time and line up along the rail, either side by side or nose to tail (the ring steward will instruct you). When it is their turn, they perform a pattern. The pattern may include: going in straight lines, curved lines, serpentine, circle, figure 8, turning on the haunches, stopping and backing up. The judge will also inspect each horse/pony, while it is standing still.
The judge is judging the competitor's ability to execute the pattern with poise and confidence, with emphasis on preciseness of the pattern.
Halter & Showmanship
Where to stand is described as the quartering system.
It is preferred for Western competitors to wear a cowboy hat (but they can wear a helmet)
It is preferred for English competitors to show their horse/pony in a bridle (but they can use a halter).
Pleasure
All competitors are in the ring at the same time and are on the rail. They are asked to walk, jog/trot and lope/canter in both directions when the announcer calls out these gaits. At the end, everyone lines up in the centre of the ring side by side. The judge may also ask them to back up.
The judge is judging the horse/pony's quality of movement and behaviour/temperament).
The Walk/Jog Pleasure classes are similar except they are not asked to lope/canter.
Chaps are optional.
Pleasure Stake is for money, not ribbons or points.
Equitation
Competitors either line up in the ring or wait their turn outside the ring. When it is their turn, they perform a pattern. The pattern may include: riding in straight lines, curved lines, serpentine, circle, figure 8, turning on the haunches, stopping and backing up.
The judge is judging the rider's body position and ability to control the horse.
Horses/ponies will walk, jog/trot and lope/canter, except the Walk/Jog will not be asked to lope/canter.
Chaps are optional.
Trail
There are 6 obstacles that the horse and exhibitor must navigate. The 3 mandatory obstacles are: going over at least 4 poles, a backing up obstacle and the gate (open, pass through and close). The 3 other obstacles can be virtually anything that one might encounter on a trail, that do not endanger or trap the horse/pony. Mark, Tanya, Marissa and Kaitlin Kimmett kindly made and donated a bridge, mailbox and the gate. We greatly appreciate this and usually always use them at each show. Some examples of other possible obstacles include: serpentine; carry an object from one part of the ring to another; put on and take off a coat; side pass; 360 degree turnaround box.
Horses/ponies will walk, jog/trot and lope/canter, except the Walk/Jog, Leadline and In Hand classes will not lope/canter.
The judge is judging the horse/pony's willingness, ease and grace in negotiating the course.
If you are unable to successfully navigate an obstacle after 3 tries, it is a courtesy to move on to the next obstacle.
Chaps are optional.
Trail In Hand - the horse/pony is led, not ridden. Each horse/pony and competitor can only enter in one Trail class. You can show one horse/pony in the In Hand class and a different horse/pony in one of the riding Trail classes.
Command
This is a speed elimination class. All riders are in the ring together on the rail. The announcer will call out commands. If you don't do the command quick enough, you are eliminated and wait in the center of the ring. Examples of commands are walk, jog/trot, extended jog/trot, lope/canter, stop, back up, change direction (at various gates). Sometimes they get creative, for example, wave to the spectators with your right hand.
Last person eliminated wins. Placings are to 5th place.
Leadline
Riders may be passively riding, just hanging on, while the person leading the horse/pony is controlling it. The goal is for the rider to work towards being the one controlling the horse/pony, and the person who is "leading" is acting as a "security blanket".
The horse/pony must be wearing a bridle and halter. The lead rope must be clipped to the halter for the entire class/run.
Leadline Trail: rules are the same for Walk/Jog Trail. The person leading is supposed to also be in show clothes.
Leadline Games classes: rules are the same for the other gaming classes. Down and Back is the same pattern as Dash for Cash. The person leading does not have to be in show clothes, however, they must wear proper footwear (boots or running shoes, no open toe shoes).
All gaming classes:
If a barrel or pole is knocked over, 5 seconds is added to your time. If you go off pattern, you are disqualified.
Barrel Race aka Barrels
Barrel Race is a cloverleaf pattern. You choose which barrel you want to go around first, right or left.
Barrels Exhibition
This class is exactly the same as Barrels except it is a practice run. It is not for ribbons or points.
Flag Race aka Flag
The first barrel will have a "flag" (pole like a broom handle) in it. You choose if you are going on the right or the left of the first barrel. You will indicate to the ring crew which side you want the flag on, ie if you go on the right side, he will lean it to the right. When you ride by, you grab the flag, go to either side of the end barrel and around it, then when you ride by the barrel you took the flag from, you put it back in and continue to the finish line.
Dash For Cash & Down and Back
Ride down and around the barrel, then head back to the finish line. You choose which side of the barrel you want to go around, right or left.
Dash for Cash is for money, not ribbons or points.
Down and Back is for leadliners.
Pole Bending aka Poles
You go down the the end pole, weave down, weave up and then head back to the finish line. You choose if you want to start on the right or left.
Keyhole Race aka Keyhole
You ride through all 4 barrels, turn around (you can turn right or left), pass back through the 4 barrels and head to the finish line. Your horse/pony can do a sliding stop and spin on its haunches or you can just turn in a little loop.
Fun classes
Pleasure Pairs
You have to stay with your partner while performing various maneuvers without dropping or breaking your streamer. Streamers are provided. If you drop it or it breaks, you are eliminated and wait in the center of the ring. If there is enough entries, we can do 2 separate classes, one that includes loping and another for walk/jog/trot and leadline entrants. Examples of maneuvers are walk, jog/trot, extended jog/trot, lope/canter, stop, back up, change direction (at various gates). Sometimes they get creative, for example, ride in a small circle. If you do not have a partner but still want to try it, go ahead and enter, often there is someone else looking for a partner.
Videos can be seen on our Facebook Show #3 2023 event page.
