and supple allowing the hindquarters to reach under and work with moderate power and drive. The horse’s neck should be
relaxed and carried in a natural position for each individual’s conformation.
The class shall be judged on freedom, regularity and purity of the paces; harmony, lightness and ease of mov ements; lightness of the forehand and engagement of the hindquarters; acceptance of the bridle with submissiveness throughout, without
tension or resistance. Horses are judged on gaits, type and correctness, and manners consistent with United States Dressage
Federation (USDF) and Federation rules. Classes may be divided for Open, Amateur, Junior Exhibitor, Stallions, Mares,
Geldings and Junior Horses. Slight errors should not be penalized.
D
ressage Hack
1. The Dressage Hack class is open to any horse, however, once a horse has been entered and shown in a Dressage Hack class that horse may not thereafter be shown in
a Dressage Suitability Class.
2. Manes and tails may be braided, secured with thread, yarn or bands. Ribbons or other decorations are prohibited.
Qualifying Gaits:
1. Horses to enter at a working trot, in a counter clockwise direction. Horses will per- form working walk, working trot,
working canter, lengthened trot and lengthened canter both ways of the arena. Free walk and working trot on long rein with
horse stretching forward and down to be performed in at least one direction. Horses may be asked to back four (4) steps on
the rail as a group or individually in the lineup. Canter transitions may be called from a walk or trot.
2. Trot work to be ridden sitting or rising at the discretion of the rider.
1. Classes may be divided for Open, Amateur, Junior Exhibitor, Stallions, Mares and Geldings. If classes are divided, a Championship is recommended. A horse must have been entered, shown and judged in a qualifying class to be eligible for the
Champion- ship class.
2. In addition to objectives for the Dressage Suitability class, horses should begin to show more thrust (pushing power) and
show progression towards a degree of balance and throughness. Horse should be reliably on the bit. A greater degree of
straightness, bending, suppleness and throughness is required. There should be a clear distinction between the paces (working and lengthened). The horse’s ability as a Dressage mount is to be highly considered.
S
how Hack
1. A judge may not request that gaits be performed only on snaffle or curb.
2. The collected and extended gaits must be called for; i.e., collected walk, extended
walk, normal walk; collected trot, extended trot, normal trot; collected canter, extended canter, normal canter and hand gallop.
3. At the discretion of the judge, horses while on the rail may be asked to halt and back.
4. A Show Hack horse is not necessarily a Dressage horse, nor an English Pleasure horse. Elevation and high knee action are not to be emphasized. The Show Hack is a suitable section for
the well trained animal. Show Hacks must be balanced and show vitality, animation, presence, clean fine limbs and supreme
quality. Soundness is required.
5. Horses may show with a braided mane and tail. Braids maybe secured with tape, yarn or rubber bands.
6. Decorations are prohibited.
7. Excessive speed must be penalized.
Qualifying Gaits:
1. A Show Hack horse shall be able to perform all of the gaits with a noticeable transition between the normal, collected, and
extended gaits. The horse must be under complete control and easily ridden. Obedience to the rider is of prime importance.
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