be used on the reins and the hand must not be
changed.
Exception: To work a trail obstacle a rider may change
hands on the reins but the index figure only must be
between the reins.
e) Whenever this rule book refers to romal, it means an
extension of braided material attached to closed reins.
This extension will be carried in the free hand with
40cm spacing between the reining hand and the free
hand holding the romal. When using romal reins, the
rider‟s hand will be around the reins with the wrists kept
straight and relaxed, the thumb on top and the fingers
closed lightly around the reins. When using a romal, no
fingers between the reins are allowed. In reining and
working cow horse (reined work) use of the free hand
while holding the romal to alter the tension or length of
the reins from the bridle to the reining hand is
considered to be the use of two hands and a score of
zero (0) will be applied, except during the hesitation or
settling of the horse;
f) The romal will not be used forward of the cinch or to
signal or cue the horse in any way. Any infraction of this
rule will be penalised severely by the judge;
g) Entries ridden in a snaffle bit must be shown with both
hands on both reins. Reins must be bridged with the
tails of the reins on the opposite side of the neck. The
rider’s hands will be carried near the pommel and no
further than approximately 30cm apart. Rider‟s hands
must be steady with very limited movement. Failure to
comply with this rule will result in disqualification;
h) In all western classes, horses must be shown in a
western saddle. NB: A treeless saddle is not
acceptable. Silver equipment does not count over a
good working outfit. Horses five-years-old (5) and
younger may be shown in a snaffle bit, hackamore, curb
bit, half-breed or spade bit. Horses six-years-old (6) and
older can only be shown in a curb bit, half-breed or
spade bit. When a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb
chain is required, but must meet the approval of the
judge, be at least 12.5mm in width and lie flat against
the jaw of the horse. A broken strap or chain is not
necessarily cause for disqualification.
82.2 Optional equipment
a) Rope or riata; if used, the rope or riata must be coiled
and attached to the saddle;
b) Hobbles attached to saddle;
c) Tapaderos, except in working cow horse where they are
not allowed;
d) Protective boots, leg wraps and bandages are allowed
in reining, working cow horse, team penning, pole
bending, figure eight and cutting;
e) Tie-downs for roping, speed classes and team penning.
f) Running martingales for speed classes and team
penning;
g) Western Spurs; not to be used forward of the cinch.
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