2025 Additional Rule Updates
9.1.3 LITE SHOD SHOE
Divisions: Lite Shod, Trail Pleasure, All Day Pleasure and Trail Pleasure Racking
The Lite Shod shoe must not exceed ¾ inch in width or 3 / 8 inch in thickness with the exception of the caulk, which must be no thicker than¾ inch. The turn back shall not exceed one inch, and the shoe must not extend more than ¼ inch beyond the hoof at the toe. The shoe i s not to extend beyond the bulb of the horse’ s heel when a perpendicular line is drawn from the bulb of the horse’ s heel to the ground.
1. The use of borium is permitted. 1 ½” wide at toe and on the caulks of the Lite Shod shoes, but the thickness of the shoe and caulk with the borium must not exceed 7 / 8 inch. Welded on clips are not permitted on flat-shod horses. Clips that are drawn from the shoe itself are permitted. No additional weight shall be allowed on or in the hoof, other than the shoe and nails.
2. The Lite Shod shoe must not exceed 1 pound 8 ounces in weight
9.1.4 KEG SHOE Divisions: Country Pleasure
The keg shoe must be a factory-made non draft breed, stamped shoe( poured or cast) hot or cold-rolled steel or aluminum shoe. Only flat or heeled keg shoe options are allowed. Keg shoes manufactured with grabs or weighted toes are prohibited. Only dips drawn from the shoe itself are permitted. No additional material can be added or removed from the keg shoe. The keg shoe shall not extend past the toe. The shoe is not to extend beyond the bulb of the horse’ s heel when a perpendicular line is drawn from the bulb of the horse’ s heel to the ground.
1. Poured or cast clips are permitted if poured in the original cast( may not be welded on). Poured or cast heels( caulks) are permitted if poured in the original cast( may not be welded on). Keg shoes shall be allowed in all divisions.
2. The use of borium is permitted. 1 ½” wide at toe and spots no greater than 1 / 8” spot on each heel.
NWHA Rulebook: 8.4 Western 4. Reins
a. Split reins- a hand around the reins or index finger between reins is permitted, but the free hand is not allowed to touch the reins.
b. Romal reins- an extension of braided material attached to closed reins. This extension is allowed to be carried in the free hand with approximately 16 inches of spacing between the reining hand and the free hand holding the Romal. The Romal shall not be used forward of the cinch or used to signal or cue the horse in any way. When using the Romal a hand should be around the reins, but a finger between the reins is not permitted. Romal Reins are not permitted in a pattern class that includes a ground tie or ground tie type obstacle.
NWHA Versatility Rulebook 13.3 Trail Obstacle Class Specifications
a. Exhibitors perform a course over and through obstacles on a reasonably loose rein. Exhibitors are judged on performance and way of going, with emphasis on manners. Exhibitors perform a course over and through at a Walk, Flat Walk or Slow Gait, Running Walk or Fast Gait, Canter or Lope, depending on the difficulty of the class.
b. Rider’ s hands shall be clear of horse.
c. Competitors may use English or Western tack and attire but not a combination of both.
For complete descriptions of tack and attire, see NWHA Rule Book Chapter 8.
d. Exhibitors are penalized for any unnecessary delay while approaching obstacle. If a horse takes excessive time at an obstacle, the judges are encouraged to advance it on to next obstacle.
e. Obvious unsoundness must be disqualified with no prize awarded.
f. No time outs will be allowed.
g. In western attire, the exhibitor must hold reins in one hand and may not change hands during the performance. Exception: Five year old and under may be reined in a basal or snaffle, but the rider must use two hands on the reins. Any rein that cannot be split( such as Romal Reins or Round Rein) are not permitted in a pattern class that includes a ground tie or ground tic type obstacle.
July 2025 | NWHA National Newsletter | 3