Hooves should be properly trimmed and if shod, the shoes
should fit correctly and clinches should be neat. Hooves
must be clean and may be painted black or with hoof
dressings, or shown naturally.
Tack should fit properly and be neat, clean and in good
repair.
98.6 Faults
Faults can be classified as minor, major or severe. The
judge will determine the appropriate classification of a fault
based upon the degree and/or frequency of the infraction. A
minor fault will result in a 1/2 to 4 point deduction from the
exhibitor‟s score. A major fault will result in a deduction of 4
1/2 points or more from the exhibitor‟s score. An exhibitor
that incurs a severe fault avoids elimination, but will be
placed below all other exhibitors that do not incur a severe
fault and do not complete the pattern correctly. A minor
fault can become a major fault and a major fault can
become a severe fault when the degree and/or frequency of
the infraction(s) merits.
Faults in the Overall Appearance of Exhibitor and Horse
include:
Poorly groomed, conditioned or trimmed horse
Dirty, ragged, or poorly or ill-fitted halter or lead
Poor or improper position of exhibitor
Excessively stiff, artificial, or unnatural movement around
horse or when leading
Continuous holding of the chain portion of the lead, or lead
shank tightly coiled around hand or dragging the ground
Changing hands or placing both hands on the lead, except
when preparing to show the horse‟s teeth
Faults of the Performance include:
Drifting of horse while being lead
Horse stopping crooked or dropping a hip out when
stopping, setting up, or standing
Backing, leading, or turning sluggishly or crooked
Horse not set up squarely or excessive time required to set
up
Failure to maintain a pivot foot during turns or stepping
behind right front leg with left front leg when turning to the
right
Horse holding head and/or neck crooked when leading,
stopping, or backing
Failure to perform manoeuvres at designated markers, but
horse is on pattern
Severe Faults
Of the Overall Appearance of Exhibitor and Horse
(avoids disqualification but will be placed below other
exhibitors that do not incur a severe fault) include:
Leading on the off or right side of the horse
Complete failure to move around horse by exhibitor and
obstructing judge‟s view.
Exhibitor touching the horse or kicking or pointing their feet
at the horse‟s feet during set up
Standing directly in front of the horse
Exhibitor wearing spurs or chaps
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