Breed Show Classes
A Quick Guide to Andalusian
Lusitano
Guide/ to
Breed Show Classes
Source: USEF.org
With show season underway, we though it would be a good time to explain what is expected and required for the variety of
classes offered at breed shows. In this quick guide, the most common classes are mentioned, but it is not a comprehensive
guide to all classes offered. What is the difference between dressage hack and show hack? Read on to find out….
If you have questions about tack and attire, please read “A Quick Guide to Appropriate Tack and Attire” published in the
December issue of AndalusianWorld Magazine.
Note: The following guidelines are intended as general advice only. Be sure to carefully study the rules for the show you are attending. Rules for IALHA / USEF classes can be found at: https://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2014/04-AL.pdf
H
alter Classes
Horses enter the arena at a walk in a counter – clockwise direction and strike a trot
after 5 or 6 steps. They are required to trot in hand the length of the arena, before
taking their place in line. Horses are shown to the judge one by one at a walk and trot in a
determined pattern and then are presented to the judge. The horse should stand still while
being judged. At the conclusion of judging, the horse returns to the rail at a trot and makes
another lap of the arena to resume their place in line.
Emphasis shall be placed on type, conformation, quality, way of going, substance and
manners. Half Andalusians will be judged on conformation, quality, way of going, substance
and Andalusian type, in that order.
**Please note, Purebred Stallions 5 years old and older entered in their respective halter class- es must compete in a ridden
functionality test which counts as 25% of the horse’s total conformation score. In functionality, horses are shown at working
gaits of the walk, trot/jog and canter/lope. Lengthening of gaits may be called for by the judge(s).
B
est Movement Classes
To be judged on movement only and not conformation.
1. Horses are to be shown In-Hand as they would in a halter class.
2. Four-beat walk showing as much overstep of the front hoofprint by the hind hoof- print as
possible.
3. Animated trot with emphasis on extension, suspension and a balanced cadence with impulsion.
Horses are shown at walk and trot both directions of the arena, according to the best movement pattern, which can be found in the USEF rule book and will also be posted at shows.
E
nglish Pleasure: Formal Saddle Horse
1. Horses must be brought back to the walk before being asked to make the transition from the trot to the canter.
2. The judge may not request that gaits be performed only on the snaffle or curb.
Qualifying Gaits:
1. Animated Walk – A lively, animated and graceful walk that could be loosely termed a four-beat gait, but which does not
give the appearance of being a jog or a prance. It should be judged as a separate entity and not merely as a transition gait.
2. [