AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 105

Performing the obstacles other than in the specified order No attempt to perform an obstacle Equipment failure that delays completion of pattern Fall to the ground by horse or handler Failure to enter, exit or work obstacles from correct side or direction, including overturns of more than ¼ turn Failure to follow the correct line between obstacles Failure to work an obstacle in any manner other than how it‟s described by the course Third refusal on any obstacle Failure to demonstrate correct gait designated Hitting the horse with a lead line or any other object ½ POINT Each tick of log, pole or obstacle 1 POINT Each hit of or stepping on a log, pole, cone or obstacle Break of gait at walk or jog for two strides or less Both, front or hind feet in a single strided slot or space Skipping over or failing to step into required space Failure to meet the correct strides on trot over log obstacles Holding horse by halter rather than the lead 3 POINT Break of gait at walk or jog for more than two (2) strides Knocking down a cone, barrel, plant obstacle or severely disturbing an obstacle Stepping outside the confines of, falling or jumping off or out of an obstacle with one foot 5 POINT First refusal, baulk or attempt to evade an obstacle by shying or backing more than two (2) strides away Second refusal, baulk or attempt to evade an obstacle by shying or backing more than two strides away Letting go of the gate Failure to complete an obstacle Stepping outside the confines of, falling or jumping off or out of an obstacle with more than one foot Physically pushing horse in any direction b) Management, when setting courses, are to keep in mind that the idea is not to trap a horse, or eliminate it by making an obstacle too difficult. All courses and obstacles are to be constructed with safety in mind so as to eliminate any accidents. When the distances and spaces are measured between all obstacles, the inside base to inside base measurement of each obstacle considering the path of the horse and handler, will be the measuring point. Enough space must be provided for a horse to jog at least 9 metres, for the judge to evaluate the jog of the horse. c) If disrupted, the course will be reset after each horse has worked. In the case that a combination of obstacles is used, the course cannot be reset until the contestant finishes the entire course regardless of where any disruption occurs. Page 105