CL-070 LIBERTY CLASS
The Liberty class is a demonstration of the natural beauty of
the Miniature Horse. Horses are to be judged on style, grace,
animation, gaits, presence, music suitability and ease of catching.
Movement, action, carriage, charisma, boldness, enthusiasm and
exuberance, will be the basis for judging the class. (Amended 0212, effective 01-13)
A. The Liberty class may only be offered at shows where
facilities include a closed arena and where the conditions
would not be hazardous to horse or exhibitor.
B. Horses will be judged beginning when halter is removed
by the exhibitor (the individual wearing the number) and
until caught by the exhibitor. Time of Liberty shall be 1 1/2
minutes; time to catch shall be 1 1/2 minutes.
C. Only the exhibitor and one handler will be allowed in the
arena with horse. Whips and shaker bottles are allowed, but
touching the horse during performance with aids or hands
will result in disqualification.
D. Horse must be caught and haltered by exhibitor within 1 1/2
minutes or be disqualified.
E. Music is required. Suitability of horse’s movement to the
chosen music must be evaluated.
F. No assistance from outside of the arena will be permitted.
Elimination will result unless the judge feels that the outside
action was taken in an attempt to cause the exhibitor’s horse
to be disqualified. Announcement is to be made prior to the
class to specify that no outside assistance is allowed.
G. All horses e ntered in the Liberty class must be at least one
year old.
H. Exhibitor and handler must be properly attired.
J. The standard AMHA scoring sheet should be used for
judging Liberty classes. The following point ratings must
be used when judging Liberty: Style and Grace-30 points,
Animation and Presence-30 points, Gaits-20 points, Music
and Suitability-10 points, and Catch-10 points. A total of
100 possible points.
K. Baiting of horses to encourage an animal to perform is not
129
SHOW RULES
I. Horses should work both directions of the arena, use the
entire arena and demonstrate an ANIMATED gallop and
elevated trot. The duration (time frame) of either gait is not
critical as long as both gaits are well demonstrated. Horses
which perform without encouragement, other than a signal
to change direction, are highly preferred. (Amended 02-12,
effective 01-13)