25 - 2023 - Champ Show Special Edition www . wsca . org
handlers , however if an exhibitor must exit the arena prior to the placings another exhibitor properly attired and wearing the correct number may stand-in once the conformation and longeing presentation is complete .
The conformation inspection will occur as the horse is walked into the arena prior to the longeing demonstration at which the judge will evaluate the horse for conformation suitable for future under saddle performance . The judge may not discriminate for or against muscling , but rather look for a total picture , emphasizing balance , structural correctness , and athletic capability
Scoring The horses with the highest scores are the winners , scoring will be on a basis of 0-infinity with 70 denoting an average performance . Each evaluated element will receive a score that will be added or subtracted from 70 and is subject to a penalty that should also be subtracted . The score reflects the horse ’ s performance on that day . Conformation , Jog / Trot , Lope / Canter and Manners / Attitude will be scored on the following basis ranging from + 3 Excellent , + 2 Very Good , + 1 Good , 0 Correct , -1 Poor , -2 Very Poor , -3 Extremely Poor and the Walk and Use of Circle will be scored on the following basis ranging from + 1½ Excellent , + 1 Very Good , + 1 / 2 Good , 0 Correct , - 1 / 2 Poor , -1 Very Poor , -1½ Extremely Poor . The judge ( s ) have the sole discretion to use their own personal preference to break any ties in total points .
It is require that the the score for each individual go be reflected on a component-by-component basis .
Judges are to evaluate movement based on the gait descriptions found in Guidelines . A 25 ’ radius circle should be maintained at all gaits . a ) Walk . The walk will be scored on a scale of + 1 ½ to – 1 ½ in each direction , with 0 being average / correct . Using a 25 ’ radius , the horse must walk a minimum of two horse lengths for the judge to have sufficient time to evaluate and score the walk . Lower gait scores should reflect stumbling in the gait . b ) Jog or Trot . The jog / trot will be scored on a scale of + 3 to -3 in each direction , with 0 being average / correct . Using a 25 ’ radius , the horse should jog or trot a minimum of ½ circle both directions of the ring . Lower gait scores should reflect stumbling in the gait . c ) Lope or Canter . The lope / canter will be scored on a scale of + 3 to -3 in each direction , with 0 being average / correct . Using a 25 ’ radius , the horse should lope or canter a minimum of one full circle both directions of the ring . Lower gait scores should reflect stumbling in the gait . d ) Use of Circle . Scores for all gaits in both directions should reflect positive , consistent use of the 25 ’ radius of the circle . Extra credit will be given for full , extended use of the circle on a slightly loose line . Lower gait scores should reflect lack of full use of the circle .
Manners / Expression / Attitude will be scored on a scale of + 3 to -3 in each direction , with 0 being average / correct . Horses will be penalized for obvious signs of overwork and sourness such as ear-pinning , head-throwing , striking , tail-wringing , or a dull , lethargic manner of going . They will also be penalized for dangerous behavior such as excessive bucking , cutting into the circle , or running off . Additionally , incidental touching the horse with the whip , cross-cantering , balking , backing up on the longe line and excessive urging from the exhibitor should be penalized accordingly .
Conformation will be scored on a scale of + 3 to -3 , with 0 being average / correct . The horse will be judged on conformation suitable to future performance as a Western Pleasure or Hunter Under Saddle competitor . The judges should look for a total picture , emphasizing balance , structural correctness , and athletic capability .
Use of the circle . Consideration will be given to how well or how poorly the horse / exhibitor team uses the 25 ’ radius of the longeing circle . A separate box on the scorecard is available to indicate an overall score ( from + 1 ½ to -1 ½ with 0 being average / correct for use of the circle .
Circle Scores : A 25 ’ radius is the appropriate size of circle in which to show a longe liner . Exhibitor must complete at least ¼ circle at each gait . It is the judge ’ s responsibility to evaluate the circles and incorporate use of the circle in the gait scores based on the following scale :
+ ½ to + 1½ points ( Good to Excellent Use of the Circle ). Horse consistently stays on the perimeter of the circle with slight looseness in the line . Horse turns around on the circle perimeter
0 points ( Average / correct use of the circle ). Horse is only slightly inconsistent in using the 25 ’ radius of the circle
-½ to -1 ½ points ( Poor to Unacceptable use of the circle ) Horse is shown in a circle radius of less than 25 ’. Potentially dangerous slack in the line . Horse pulls exhibitor out of the circle