The IDEAL Country Pleasure Horse shall be shown with contact
on the reins at all times. Stride should be “flowing”, exhibiting
knee action and/or reach with hock action while not showing
excessive motion (as described in gaits). The horse should be
in the bridle with neck carriage comfortable with poll being the
highest point and flexion to fit horse’s conformation.
A. Country Pleasure Driving is a single horse driving class,
hitched to a two wheel show cart with either wooden or metal
spoke wheels. A basket and side check or over check are
mandatory, a boot is optional. To be judged on the following
criteria, in the listed order:
ATTITUDE AND MANNERS
ARE PARAMOUNT
ATTITUDE
Settled in the bridle,
with smooth gait
transitions.
MANNERS
Horse should appear
willing to work with a
quiet mouth.
PERFORMANCE
Steady in each gait with
definite gait changes.
QUALITY A “pleasant” picture demonstrating
freedom of movement, in the bridle,
with impulsion while relaxed and easy
going at the pleasure trot. Excessively
high action (defined as breaking at the
knee level or above) must be penalized.
At the working trot the horse exhibits
a lengthening of stride resulting in
an increase of speed without loss of
collection or form.
B. Class requirements:
Horse is to be shown both directions in the arena at the
Walk, Pleasure Trot, and the Working Trot. Horse will
enter counter clockwise at the Pleasure Trot. Horse will
be required to stand quietly and back readily.
C. Gait requirements:
It is imperative that the horse give the appearance of
being a pleasure to drive. A quiet responsive mouth is
paramount. All gaits to be performed with willingness,
balance and smoothness as per each gait description.
1. Walk: A four beat, flat-footed and ground covering
gait.
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SHOW RULES
CONFORMATION Form to function.
APPEARANCE Of both equipment and
drivers attire.