AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 135

101.9 If a tie occurs, for first place only, then it will be decided upon by obstacle tie breakers. 102. WALK JOG/TROT – Youth only 5 to 10 years as at 1st August. This class is designed for the very inexperienced competitor who is capable of riding without assistance of an adult leading them. Most of these youngsters are just beginning to compete in youth classes and may not be capable of riding with more experienced contestants. a) It is mandatory that show management designate two (2) adults (other than Judge & Ring Steward) to be in the arena during the class to help any contestant who might need assistance. b) The two (2) adults are to be stationed so as to avoid disrupting the class. If in the opinion of the Judge, he feels the ability of the contestant’s merits, he may request the contestants to extend the jog (trot), the position of a rider’s free hand is optional. c) The class will enter the ring at a flat footed walk turning to the right and proceeding in a counter clockwise direction on the rail. The class will be worked at a walk and trot (jog) both directions of the ring. d) In the line-up the Judge may ask the riders to back their horses to help him Judge the extent of the riders horsemanship. e) The rider will be judged on his basic position in the saddle, hand position, leg position, seat position and back position. The contestant will also be judged on his ability to govern, control and properly exhibit the horse they are riding. f) This class can be English or western or combined. g) The horses gear must be Western or English, and the rider must wear corresponding attire to the gear used on the horse. h) Contestants will not be asked to Lope or Canter. If the rider is riding two (2) handed then the horse must be in a snaffle (regardless of horses age) i) that no 2 or 3 year old horses can be used in a Youth Walk & Jog/Trot classes j) No rider entering this class can enter any other ridden class on the program. 103. WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP Available only in the amateur/select and youth divisions. a) The western horsemanship class is designed to evaluate the rider‟s ability to execute, in concert with their horse, a set of manoeuvres prescribed by the judge with precision and smoothness while exhibiting poise and confidence, and maintaining a balanced, functional, and fundamentally correct body position. The ideal horsemanship pattern is extremely precise with the rider and horse working in complete unison, executing each manoeuvre with subtle aids and cues. b) 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; however, if the judge requires additional work of exhibitors for consideration of final placing, the pattern may be posted. Pattern(s) Page 135