AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 133

iv) use of either hand to instil fear or praise v) stepping outside the confines of, falling or jumping off or out of an obstacle with more than one foot vi) blatant disobedience (kicking out, bucking, rearing, striking) vii) second refusal, baulk, or attempting to evade an obstacle by shying or backing more than two strides away viii)failure to complete obstacle 101.3 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. If difficult courses are set, junior trail is to be less difficult. When the distances and spaces are measured between all obstacles, the inside base to inside base measurement of each obstacle considering the normal path of the horse, will be the measuring point. Enough space must be provided for a horse to jog [at least 9 metres] and lope [at least 15 metres] for the judges to evaluate these gaits. 101.4 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. 101.5 Obstacles - At least six (6) obstacles must be used, three (3) of which must be from the mandatory list of obstacles and at least three (3) different others selected from the list of optional obstacles. Mandatory obstacles: a) Opening, passing through, and closing gate. (Losing control of gate is to be penalised.) Use a gate which does not endanger horse or rider. If the gate has a metal, plastic or wooden support bar under the opening, contestants must work the gate moving forward through it. One hand only must be on the reins at all times whilst working the gate. Height is to be between 1400mm and 1500mm, gate opening to be between 1400mm and 1500mm, the latch or chain to be a minimum of 1300mm measured from the ground. b) Ride over at least four (4) logs or poles. These can be in a straight line, curved, zigzag or raised. The space between the logs is to be measured and the path the horse is to take will be the measuring point. Jogovers and lopeovers cannot be elevated in novice classes. All elevated elements must be placed in a cup, notched block, or otherwise secured so they cannot roll. The height will be measured from the ground to the top of the element. Spacing for walkovers, jogovers, and lopeovers will be as follows or increments thereof: i) Walkovers -The spacing for walkovers will be 40cm to 60cm between the poles and may be elevated to 30cm. Elevated walkovers are to be set at least 55cm apart. ii) Jogovers - The spacing for jogovers will be 90cm105cm between the poles and may be elevated to 20cm. Page 133