The IDEAL ROADSTER HORSE shall be shown with contact on the reins at all times . Stride should be “ flowing ”, exhibiting knee action and / or reach with hock action . The horse should be in the bridle with neck carriage comfortable with the poll being the highest point and flexion to fit the horse ’ s conformation . Roadster to be judged on performance , quality , speed , manners , attitude , conformation and appearance ; IN THAT ORDER
A Roadsters shall be shown to a Bike ( a two-wheeled cart with stirrups and no basket ). Wheel covers are permitted . Shall be shown in Light Harness which consists of a bridle with reins attached to the bit only and passed through the saddle terrets and martingale if used . Also required , are blinders , a throatlatch and a noseband or cavesson . The bridle must have an overcheck or sidecheck attached from the bit to the saddle . A martingale and / or separate check bit are optional . All martingales and un-weighted bell boots are optional . The exhibitor must wear colors ( cap and jacket to match , patterned after racing silks , no sequins or glitter ). All youth exhibitors may choose to wear a helmet instead of a cap . Braiding of a horse ’ s forelock and first section of mane hair with ribbon optional . ( Amended 2-21-03 , effective 01-04 ) ( Amended 02-12 , effective 01-13 ).
PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY ARE PARAMOUNT PERFORMANCE
QUALITY
Presence and elevation with forward impulsion , steady in each gait with definite gait changes .
A bold picture , demonstrating freedom of movement , while in the bridle , in a collected manner displaying the horse ’ s athletic ability with forward impulsion at a Jog Trot . At the Road Gait , the horse exhibits more power , speed and motion . The Drive On Trot is performed with a lengthening of stride but no decrease of collection or loss of form .
SPEED A lengthening of stride with no decrease of collection or loss of form . MANNERS Horse should appear willing to work and under control at all 3 gaits . ATTITUDE Settled in the bridle with smooth gait transitions . CONFORMATION Form to function . APPEARANCE Of both equipment and driver ’ s attire .
B . Judging procedure : Roadsters must enter the ring clockwise at a Jog Trot , then show at the Road Gait , turn counterclockwise at the Jog Trot , show at the Road Gait and Drive On Trot . Roadster horses should have animation , brilliance , and show ring presence . At all speeds they should work in form with head set and legs working beneath them . At speed the trot should be in balance with long reaching action in front with straight true movement . Pacey or mixed gaited horses that pace or rack will be penalized . Horses should be shown on the rail at all times except when passing . Performance at all three ( 3 ) gaits should be considered . When horses are lined up , driver shall not leave his / her vehicle except for necessary adjustments .
C . Gait requirement : The principal gait requirement for roadsters in the Trot at three ( 3 ) different speeds – the slow Jog Trot , the Road Gait , and at a full extended Drive-On Trot . Horses must not be asked to rein back . A horse that has not demonstrated distinct gaits and smooth transitions ( change of gaits ) should not be placed over a horse that has demonstrated greater ability but has had a minor or incidental break in gait .
DECEMBER 2016 Miniature Horse World 83