If the horse exhibits clear transitions in a balanced and level manner, appearing to be giving a comfortable and pleasurable
ride, he is performing correctly for this class.
2. Walk - A four-beat gait. Straight, true and flat-footed. Normal Walk: Regular and unconstrained, moving energetically
and calmly forward. Collected Walk: Strides are shorter and higher than at the normal walk. The head approaches the vertical, but should never move behind it. Pacing is a serious fault. Extended Walk: The horse is al- lowed to lengthen frame and
stride while rider maintains light rein contact. The horse should cover as much ground as possible without rushing.
3. Trot - A two-beat gait. Free-moving, straight, rider maintaining light contact with horse’s mouth at all times. Normal Trot:
Light, crisp, balanced and cadenced. Collected Trot: The horse’s stride is shorter and lighter, maintaining balance and impulsion. The neck is more raised and arched than at the normal trot as head approaches the vertical line, never moving behind
it. Extended Trot: Maintaining the same cadence and per- forming at medium speed, the horse lengthens its stride as a result
of greater impulsion from the hindquarters. Horse should remain light in rider’s hand as it lengthens its frame. Trot work to
be ridden sitting or rising at the discretion of the rider.
4. Canter - A three-beat gait. Straight on both leads, smooth. Normal Canter: Light, even strides, should be moved into
without hesitation. Collected Canter: Marked by the lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, the
collected canter is characterized by supple, free shoulders. Neck is more raised and arched than in normal canter as the head
approaches the vertical line, never moving behind it. Ex- tended Canter: Maintaining the same cadence, the horse lengthens
its stride as a result of greater impulsion from the hindquarters. Horse should remain light in rider’s hand as it lengthens its
frame.
5. Hand Gallop - To be a faster gait, with a lengthened stride. It should be mannerly and controlled, straight and correct on
both leads.
W
estern Pleasure
1. Horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from the rail) and will not be
asked to reverse at the lope.
2. Light hand contact with the horse’s mouth must be maintained at all gaits without undue
restraint.
3. Only one hand may be used around the reins, and hands must not be changed. Two hands
may be used when a Junior Horse is being shown in a snaffle bit or hackamore. 4. The horse
must be ridden with the horse’s eyes generally at or above the withers in all gaits.
5. Excessive speed at any gait must be penalized.
Qualifying Gaits
1. Horses are to be shown at a walk, jog-trot and lope on a reason X