and lateral in a diagonal direction with the horse‟s body held
straight or bent in the direction the horse is moving.
A simple or flying change of lead should be executed
precisely in the specified number of strides and/or at the
designated location.
A simple change of lead is performed by breaking to a walk
or trot for one (1) to three (3) strides. Flying changes should
be simultaneous front and rear. All changes should be
smooth and timely.
Position of the exhibitor and performance of the horse and
rider on the rail must be considered in the final placing.
103.4 Faults
Faults will 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 is to be placed below all other exhibitors that 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 if the infraction(s) merits.
Faults in the Overall Appearance of Exhibitor and Horse
include:
Loose, sloppy, dirty, or poor fitting clothing or hat; or loss of
hat
Over-cueing with reins and/or legs
Poorly groomed, conditioned or trimmed horse; or poorly or
ill fitted equipment
Excessive staring at judge, head held crooked, or severe
turning of the head
Stiff, artificial or unnatural body, leg, arm, and/or head
position
Reins too long or short, or uneven
Loose leg with open knee, or toes pointed down
Shoulders held crooked or arms held in a straight unbent
position
Exhibitor looking down to check leads or falling forward
when stopping
Poor position of exhibitor in saddle, legs too forward or back
Faults of the Performance include:
Wrong lead or break of gait for a few strides
Oblong or flat sided circles, or horse dropping shoulder
(counter arc) when circling
Stopping rough, crooked, or dropping a hip out when
stopping
Backing sluggishly or crooked
Failure to maintain a pivot foot or stepping behind with the
front legs when turning, or failure to complete entire 90,
180, 270, or 360 degree turn
Horse holding the head and/or neck excessively crooked
when moving in straight lines or when stopping or backing
Showing resistance when cued or reined
Hesitation during any manoeuvre unless specified
Failure of horse to stand still in pattern
Imprecise pattern work or rough transitions
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