AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 101

60-69 Fair pattern that lacks quickness or precision. Rider has obvious position and/or appearance faults that prevents effective equitation. A good rider that commits two minor faults in the performance of the pattern. 50-59 One (1) major fault or multiple minor faults in the performance. A rider that demonstrates a lack of riding ability and knowledge of correct body position. 40-49 Severe fault, two or more major faults or multiple minor faults in the performance or the exhibitor that demonstrates a lack of riding ability and knowledge of correct body position. 10-39 The rider commits more than one severe fault or multiple major faults in performance, exhibits poor riding skills, but completes the class and avoids disqualification. 89. HUNTER HACK a) The purpose of hunter hack is to give horses an opportunity to show their expertise over low fences and on the flat. The class will be judged on style over fences, even hunting pace, flat work, manners and way of going. The poll should be level with, or slightly above the withers, to allow proper impulsion behind. The head should not be carried behind the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a restraint appearance. b) Horses are first required to jump two fences, 60cm to 85cm in height. Jumps do not have to be set on a line. However, if the jumps are set on a line they must be set 14.5 or 18 metres, or in increments of 3.5 metres, but no less than 11 metres. A ground line is recommended for each jump. c) Horses being considered for a placing are then to be shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring with light contact. d) At the discretion of the judge, contestants can be asked to hand gallop, pull up and stand quietly following the last fence. e) When necessary to split large classes by running more than one go-round, finalists must both be re-jumped and reworked on the flat. f) Placing for the class will be determined by allowing a minimum of 70% for individual fence work and a maximum of 30% for work on the flat. g) Faults, to be scored accordingly but not necessarily cause disqualification during the rail work, include: i) being on wrong lead and/or wrong diagonal at the trot; ii) excessive speed (any gait); iii) excessive slowness (any gait); iv) breaking gait; v) failure to take gait when called; vi) head carried too low or too high; vii) nosing out or flexing behind the vertical; viii) opening mouth excessively; ix) stumbling. Page 101