AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 88

a) Only loose ring snaffle, half cheek snaffle, liverpool, elbow driving bit and bradoon overcheck bits are acceptable. Mouthpieces must be of the same dimensions as required in Rule 81. If a curb chain is used, it must be at least 12.5mm in width, and be flat against the jaw of the horse; b) The exhibitor will be the only person permitted in such cart while the horse is being exhibited, and no pets will be allowed in such cart during such exhibition; c) The cart will be a pleasure type two-wheel single horse cart with seats for one or two persons. All carts must be basket-type, equipped with 60cm to 120cm cart wheels. Stirrup-type carts or sulkies are not allowed. Dash and basket cover optional. d) Optional equipment Blinders Breaching, shaft keepers or thimbles Running martingales Cavesson nosebands e) Prohibited equipment i) wire chin straps, regardless of how padded or covered; ii) excessive ornamentation on harness, bridle or cart will be penalised. f) Pleasure Driving The following terminology will apply to pleasure driving: Walk - a natural, flat foot, four beat gait. Loss of forward rhythmic movement will be penalised; Park gait - a forward, free flowing, square trot with impulsion. Loss of forward, rhythmic movement or jogging will be penalised; Road gait - an extended trot showing a definite lengthening of stride, with a noticeable difference in speed. Short, quick, animated strides and/or excessive speed will be penalised. g) Pleasure Driving Attire - The exhibitor is to be neatly attired. A coat, tie and hat of choice may be worn. If female exhibitor is attired in a short dress, a lap robe is required. Exhibitor may wear rainwear or inclement weather apparel if weather conditions require. 82. WESTERN 82.1 Equipment a) References to a hackamore mean the use of a flexible, braided rawhide or leather, or rope bosal, the core of which can be either rawhide or flexible cable. A hackamore must use a complete Mecate rein which must include a tie-rein. Absolutely no rigid material is permitted under the jaws, regardless of how padded or covered. Horse hair bosals are prohibited. This rule does not refer to a so-called mechanical hackamore; b) References to snaffle bits in western performance classes mean the conventional O-ring, egg-butt or Dring. The diameter of Snaffle bit rings must be a minimum of 50mm and a maximum of 100mm. The inside circumference of the ring must be free of rein, curb or headstall attachments which would provide leverage. Concerning mouthpieces, bars must be round, oval or egg shaped, smooth and unwrapped Page 88