AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 123

a) The following points have equal consideration in judging the class: Exhibitor's poise. Exhibitor's hands. Use of aids. Ability to follow directions and instructions. Ring etiquette and safety. Sportsmanlike conduct. Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important than the manner used in obtaining them. b) Class Procedure - All exhibitors must work as a group (or in groups) of ten (10) or less. Exhibitors will enter the ring to the right one by one and line up at the Judge's or Ring Steward's direction. The horse handler will take a place on the rail directly behind their respective exhibitor's horse. Each exhibitor will execute either pattern #1, #2 or #3 as posted by the Judge at least one (1) hour before the class. Judges are not permitted to alter the patterns in any manner and they may not ask for other work from an exhibitor. Judges may ask the exhibitors to repeat any or the entire pattern. Exhibitors will remain in the ring throughout the class. No exhibitor will be disqualified except for safety reasons at the Judge‟s discretion. Exhibitors going off pattern will be penalized. After the class has been judged and the judges' card turned in, the handlers should join their exhibitor in the line and are allowed to snap onto the exhibitor's horse to receive their awards and retire from the ring. 98. SHOWMANSHIP AT HALTER Available only in the Amateur/Select and Youth divisions. The showmanship class will be judged strictly on the exhibitor‟s ability to fit and show a horse at halter. The horse is merely a prop to demonstrate the ability and preparation of the exhibitor. The ideal showmanship performance consists of a poised, confident, neatly attired exhibitor leading a well groomed and conditioned horse that quickly and efficiently performs the requested pattern with promptness, smoothness, and precision. The showmanship class is not another halter class and is not to be judged as such. 98.1 It is mandatory that the judge post any pattern(s) to be worked at least one (1) hour prior to the commencement of the class. Pattern(s) are to be designed to test the showman‟s ability to effectively present a horse to the judge. All ties will be broken at the judge‟s discretion. 98.2 Class Procedures All exhibitors may enter the ring and then work individually or each exhibitor may be worked from the gate individually. When exhibitors are worked individually from the gate, a working order is required. The following manoeuvres are considered acceptable: lead the horse at a walk, jog, trot or extended trot, or back in a straight or curved line, or a combination of straight and curved lines; stop; and turn 90 (1/4), 180 (1/2), 270 (3/4), 360 (full turn) Page 123