C
ountry English Pleasure
1. A judge may not request that gaits be performed only on the snaffle or curb.
2. It is mandatory that horses be asked to halt on the rail, stand quietly, back and walk
off on a loose rein, at least one direction of the arena.
3. It is imperative that the horse gives the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride. A
quiet, responsive mouth is paramount.
4. Horses must be brought back to the walk before being asked to make the transition from
the trot to the canter.
5. Excessive speed at any gait must be penalized.
Qualifying Gaits:
1. All gaits must be performed with willingness and obvious ease, cadence, balance and smoothness.
2. Walk - A four-beat gait. To be true, flat-footed and ground covering.
3. Normal Trot - A two-beat gait. To be an overall balanced, relaxed, easy going trot with elasticity and freedom of movement. High action MUST be penalized. Posting is required.
4. Strong Trot - A two-beat gait. To be faster with lengthened stride, maintaining balance, ease and freedom of movement.
High action MUST be penalized. Posting is required.
5. Canter - A three-beat gait. To be smooth, unhurried, straight and correct on both leads. 6. Hand Gallop - To be a faster
gait, with a lengthened stride. It should be mannerly and controlled, straight and correct on both leads.
E
nglish Pleasure Hunt Seat
1. Manes and tails may be braided.
2. Excessive speed at any gait must be penalized.
Qualifying Gaits:
1. It is imperative that the horse give the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride and
display a pleasurable and relaxed attitude. The neck should be carried lower than that of an
English Saddle Seat horse with the head in a more relaxed manner with less bend at the poll.
2. Walk - A four-beat gait. Straight, true and flat-footed. Regular and unconstrained with
good reach.
3. Trot - A two-beat gait. Straight and regular. The trot should be mannerly, cadenced and balanced. To be performed at a
medium speed with a free-moving, ground-covering stride, with rider posting.
4. Canter - A three-beat gait. Even, smooth, unhurried, correct and straight on both leads.
5. Hand Gallop - To be a faster gait, with a lengthened stride. It should be mannerly and controlled, straight and correct on
both leads.
D
ressage Suitability
1. Exhibitors may be asked to lengthen or shorten strides, walk on a loose rein, halt,
stand quietly and back.
2. Horses should give the appearance of having the potential to become a dressage horse.
Horses which have competed above First Level Dressage are not eligible to com- pete in Dressage Suitability. Slight errors should not be penalized.
3. Trot work to be ridden sitting or rising at the discretion of the rider.
Qualifying Gaits:
1. Walk - A four-beat gait. Straight, flat-footed and ground covering. Irregularity of gait should be penalized.
2. Trot - A two-beat gait. The trot should be free, forward and balanced. The hocks well flexed with the hind legs stepping
over the foot print of the front foot. Speed is not a factor; the trot should never be hurried.
3. Canter - A three-beat gait. The canter should show impulsion, balance and engagement. The horse’s back must be relaxed
66
26