Halter Classes
These classes are to assess the horse’s build and conformation. Shots should be profile (side-long), clearly showing all 4 legs and hooves, if possible, with the head and neck straight (not looking at the camera).
Note:
- The Breed-specific Halter classes are only open to registered horses of that breed.
- The OPEN Halter classes are open to all breeds of horses. They are not available to donkeys and mules.
The “Type” classes are open to all breeds of horses. They are not available to donkeys and mules. Horses may be entered in only one type of halter class: stock type, hunter type or pleasure type. They may not cross-enter into multiple types of classes.
Stock Type: Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas, and other typically western type breeds should be shown in this class.
Hunter Type: Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, sport horses and other “hunter/jumper” type breeds should be shown in this class.
Pleasure Type: Arabians, Morgans, gaited breeds, etc. should be shown in this class.
For descriptions of the Morab-specific Halter classes, please click here.
Performance Classes
OPEN classes are available to all breeds of horses, miniature horses and ponies as well as mules and donkeys. The Breed-specific classes are only open to registered horses of that breed.
Pleasure: Horses are to be shown under saddle in these classes. The horse is being judged on how well s/he performs and appears to be a pleasure to ride. Action shots (at the walk, trot/jog, or canter/lope) are expected.
Equitation: Horses are to be shown under saddle. The rider is being judged on position and how well they appear to be handling the horse. A close profile photo clearly showing rider position (feet, legs, seat, hands, back, head) is expected. Action shots (at the walk, trot/jog, or canter/lope) are preferred.
English Pleasure / Equitation (huntseat or saddleseat): Horses may be shown with any style English tack (all purpose, close contact, dressage, or saddleseat saddle) and appropriate bridle. The rider’s attire is required to match the seat (huntseat or saddleseat style). Sidesaddle with appropriate attire is also allowed.
Western Pleasure / Equitation: Horses to be shown in western tack. Horses over five years of age (at the time of the photo) should have a curb bit. Those under five may be shown in a snaffle bit or bosal. Sidesaddle with appropriate attire is also allowed.
Ridden Arena Trail: Horses to be ridden and shown negotiating man-made obstacles such as ground poles, bridges, gates, waterboxes, back-throughs or other manoeuvres typically found in Trail classes. Horses may be shown under English or Western tack, sidesaddle, or even bareback if you like!
In-Hand Arena Trail: Horses to be led in-hand (halter) and shown negotiating man-made obstacles such as ground poles, bridges, gates, waterboxes, back-throughs or other manoeuvres typically found in Trail classes. This class is great for young horses and foals, miniature horses and donkeys, as well as older horses in training.
Working Trail: Photos of horses and riders participating in Endurance rides and Competitive Trail, as well as on pleasure trail rides, hacking down the road, playing at the beach. Any tack style is acceptable. Can be shown negotiating obstacles but this is not required.
Hunter / Jumper: Action shots over fences are expected for this class. Fences may be arena schooling, hunter, hunter hack or stadium jumper, or cross-country (eventing), or field hunting.
Dressage: Action shots of horses/ riders performing dressage are expected for this class. Ideally, if possible, try to show a movement, collection or extension indicating dressage training different from a pleasure level of walk/trot/canter.
Gymkhana: Action shots of horse and rider performing at Gaming events, or schooling (barrels, pole-bending, flag race, keyhole, etc.), Pony club games, etc.
Rodeo Horse: Action shots of horse and rider performing in cutting, reining, roping, steer wrestling or decorating, team-penning / sorting and other arena or rodeo-type events.
Working Ranch Horse: This is for the working horses out on the farm, ranch or range. Show them doing their jobs – herding cattle or other livestock, carrying calves, harrowing the arena, logging trees, ploughing or other field work, etc.
Driving
All classes are open to all breeds of horses, miniature horses and ponies as well as mules and donkeys. Any type of carriage, cart, wagon or sleigh is allowed. Harness should be in good condition, appropriate to the vehicle, and fit the horse well. The vehicle should be in good condition and fit the size of the horse(s). Driver’s attire and use of the whip should be appropriate to the style of driving. Entries may be singles, pairs or multiple hitches.
Pleasure Driving: Horses are to be shown put to a suitable vehicle. The horse is being judged on how well s/he performs and appears to be a pleasure to drive. Action shots at the walk or trot are preferred. Photos may be from a competition, training session, social drive, parade or other event.
Cross-country Driving: Horses are to be shown put to a suitable vehicle and performing out in the field or on the road. Photos showing natural or artificial obstacles (creeks, bridges, etc.) being navigated are preferred. Action shots are expected (walk, trot, canter, gallop). Turnout and appointments not to count.
Arena Obstacle / Utility driving: Horses are to be shown put to a suitable vehicle and negotiating man-made obstacles similar to a Trail class (such as bridges, cones, back-throughs, 180 degree turns) or other exercises to show manners and/or manoeuvrability. Turnout and appointments not to count.
Arena Obstacle – Ground driving: Horses to be ground-driven (long lines) and shown negotiating man-made obstacles, similar to a Trail class (such as bridges, poles, zig-zag cones, back-thoughs. This class is great for young horses, miniature horses and donkeys, as well as older horses in training.
Fun Classes
These are for everyone to have fun – both entrants and judges. Just about any type of shot is acceptable. All classes are open to all breeds of horses, ponies, miniature horses, donkeys and mules.
Youngster Leadline, 12 & under
This class is for children who are not quite ready to ride on their own. The shot should show the entire team – horse, rider and their handler/partner.
Hobby Horse / Stick Horse starter, Children 10 & under – Walk/Trot
Photos of a child “riding” their favourite hobby or stick horse toy – at a walk or trotting gait! To be judged on rider position and handling, as well as the manners of the “horse”.
Liberty
High-action shots are preferred – galloping, bucking, rearing, playing, rolling – having fun being a horse. Please, no tack, no people.
Costume Class
Dress-up your horse and yourself. Be original. Native Arabian costumes are beautiful and always welcome, but funny and creative costumes can be a lot more fun. Horse may be led, ridden or driven. Be sure the photo clearly shows all the work you put in.
“One Trick Pony” – horse demonstrating a special trick or talent
Does your horse shake hands, count, bow, open the barn door, drink soda from the can, play soccer, or let barn kittens sleep on his back? Show us!
Frisky Foals
Let’s see your cute, cuddly, funny, feisty, pesky, perky, sleepy, silly, fabulous foals!
Funny Face
Comical pictures of your horse. Anything goes!
“Spot the Pony” – unusual body or face markings
Does your horse have a “Misty of Chincoteague”-like map of America? A lightening bolt blaze? A maple leaf on his side? Unusual spot clusters or patterns? Show it off.
Horse / Owner Lookalike
They say good partners begin to take on the characteristics of each other over time. Let’s find out if this is true! Costumes allowed.
Horse and Human Family – Grandparents, children, parents
Photos of the family members together, having fun with the horse. Shows, trail rides, bathtime, eating apples, hanging out in the shade – whatever you do together.
Horse and other Animal Friends
Photos of your horse with the other animals in his life. The cuter or funnier, the better.
Other Animal Family (dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, etc.)
Photos of the other animals in your (and your horse’s) life. The horse does not need to be in the shot.
Truck / Trailer decorating
Dress up your trailer or truck for a holiday or special occasion (such as Christmas, Easter, a birthday, or a barn dance). Or show us the graphics you’ve applied to highlight your favourite breed or promote your farm.
“Fuzzy Horse”
Show us how this winter has treated your horse – if you can find him under all that hair! Picture must be current (from this winter – 2008/2009)
