2020 RULE UPDATES
1. Exhibitor must use only the right hand on the lead where the chain begins, and lead on the horse’s left
side. A chain may be used under the chin or hanging from the halter.
Exhibitor must use only the left hand to carry the excess lead, looped loosely except when:
a. Carrying an object from one part of the arena to another.
b. Dragging an object from one part of the arena to another.
c. Opening/closing a gate, left hand gate only. In these cases, the right hand can also carry the excess
lead.
d. Side-passing. In this case, the lead at the chain and the excess lead can be held in the hand at the
horse’s head.
2. Exhibitors should be poised, confident, courteous and sportsmanlike at all times. The exhibitor should
continue showing the horse until the class has been placed or excused.
3. Any stops should be straight, smooth and responsive with the horse’s body remaining straight. Backing
and turning should be performed from the left side of the horse. The exhibitor should face the horse
when backing. Exception: When negotiating a gate, the exhibitor is not required to face the horse. The
horse should back up readily with the head, neck and body aligned in a straight or curved line as instruct-
ed.
4. When executing a turn to the right, the exhibitor should face the horse and move the horse away from
them. On turns of less than 90 degrees, it is acceptable to lead the horse toward them. On turns of 90
degrees or greater, the horse should pivot on the right or left hind leg while stepping across with the
front legs.
The exhibitor should be positioned at the horse's left should er while leading. The obstacle is performed by
sending rather than dragging or pulling the horse.
The horse should move forward as directed, correctly and smoothly. When backing, th e exhibitor may turn
and face the horse.
Stops should be smooth with the horse's body straight.
Judging
1. Judges should consider the overall appearance of the horse, conditioning and grooming, and the equip-
ment (dirty, ill-fitting or ragged equipment) in their overall scores. Also to be considered is the correctness
of the horse while being led. Drifting to the side, leading or stopping crooked, failure to maintain a pivot
foot in a turn, leading or turning sluggishly should be considered and evaluated in the horse's maneuver
scores and reflected in his overall score. Handlers should be discouraged from excessive verbal cues and
excessive stiff or unnatural movements around horse or when leading. For safety reasons, those handlers
continuously holding the chain on the lead, tightly coiling lead shank around hand, or dragging the lead
shank should be penalized.
NWHA NATIONAL NEWS │ MARCH ISSUE 44