These guidelines are intended to help you organise, judge and compete in the individual classes. They follow the ECAHO Green Book with the execution that Partbreds of 25% Arabian blood and more may take part in the same class.
PART 1 Novice & Amateur
Part 2 Amateur Experienced
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PART 1 Classic Pleasure
PART 2 Hunter Pleasure
Part 3 Western Pleasure
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PART 1 Trail In Hand and Ridden
3 judges required, one from a foreign country. They must be chosen from the EAHSC A and B list of judges or from the National judges' list of an ECAHO Member organisation. Any Judges chosen from a non-ECAHO Member country must be selected from the judges' panel of a National Arab Horse Organisation.
25% or over Arabian blood Parts ands Anglos are eligible for the same class for inclusion in Aljassimya Amateur Challenge scoring.Every handler must obey the ring master at all times.
All communication between judges and competitors must be through the ring steward.
We ask that handlers are tidily dressed please - no jeans and no short sleeves or T shirts
We ask that all handlers of colts and stallions have practiced extensively in the company of other horses. - their behaviour can be much stronger than you expect in the company of strange horses in a place they do not know.
Please double check the maintenance of your show halter, chain and lead rein. We do not want any loose horses in any class, but colts and stallions are even more dangerous.
PART 1 Novice & Amateur
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They will halt and present their horse to the judge,. Standing still is of the utmost importance however we encourage you to present your horse at his best using the basic elements of a stood up pose,. All four feet must be flat on the ground, The hind legs should be split apart so the judge can see both hocks from each side, The front legs should be vertical, so the shoulder is seen at its optimal slope. We would like to see some arch in the throat but this may be high set or low set according to your horses conformation. We would also like to see the horse with a happy, open expression and ears forward. We do NOT want to see a poor imitation of professional handler with the head held too high creating an upside-down neck or an overstretched horse with hind legs stretched out behind,
If your horse is refusing to stand still you may be firmer with him or her to achieve this. You may if you wish use something you have brought in your pocket - edible or making a small crackling noise or pick up sand from floor to attract attention.
The horse then walks directly away and towards the judges for them to assess the straightness of action. In some countries the horse will be required to walk in a triangle so the walk can be assessed from the side. In Novice classes an additional pose may be permitted according to time constraints.
The horse finally trots in a straight line to the outer edge of the arena and makes a full circuit at trot. We prefer to see the horse trot all the way round without breaking into canter or circling. We are looking for a balanced trot with a good rhythm, the head in a straight-line and the tail up. Of course extra movement points will gained by those horses that also show extension and elevation; but we would like to the see handlers concentrate on getting the the building blocks of a correct trot in these classes. We do understand that slower handlers may require to pause for breath in the corners after a long side !
The horse presents at the pose one last time in front of the judges. For horses which stood very well the first time they may be dismissed very quickly - it just means the judges already assessed your horse. The last pose is often an opportunity for handlers whose horse was reluctant to stand still the first time to have another chance to get it right.
All horses must come forward for the prize giving unless excused by the ring master.
We ask that outside assistance and bagging is kept to a minimum in these classes. It often just disrupts the performance of your horse. and if it causes disturbance of other people's horses in the collecting you will be asked to stop completely.
This class is a stepping stone to Open C show classes and follows that format. The class will enter together at the trot in catalogue order. Each horse will complete three sides of the arena and wait in the bottom corner at a safe distance from other entrants. The ring master will sign you when it is your turn to enter. Some tactful outside assistance is permitted to achieve an animated trot. However if it disturbs the other horses in the collecting ring you will be asked to stop. You may not gallop through the entrance then turn in several circles to wind up your horse, You are expected to enter at a balanced, animated trot in a straight line and keep going to the far corner of the arena. Faster handlers should continue around the corners on the outside of their horse. Slower handlers who are dropping back behind the shoulder may use the corner to regroup and present down the next straight side in a balanced fashion. No handler may purposefully may run behind the rib cage of the horse where he can be kicked and anyone whose horse is overtaking him and putting him in that position should slow down and re take control.
After all horses have trotted the class will walk in catalogue order around the arena for one or two circuits at the judges discretion. Do not encourage your horse to jog for the whole circuit and do not swerve towards the judges, they want to see a natural free walk on a loose line.
After returning to the collecting ring each entrant will be signalled forward by the collecting ring steward and wait for the signal of the ring master to enter the ring for individual judging.
The horse will enter again at trot and complete one circuit with same expectations as detailed above. Remember you will loose points for any deviation and if you have an outside assistant make sure they are sensible and observant !
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After the pose the horse will walk in a straight line away and towards the judges and do the second pose. Some countries may still require the walk in a triangle. You may leave when the ring master signals.
All horses are expected to attend the prize giving.
Some pointers to help you organise and take part in this class.
One judge for Pleasure classes with 6 or under entries, two judges for 7 entries or more. Judges should be chosen from the ECAHO Sports list.
Classes offered should include JUNIOR HORSE and ALL AGES HORSE
1) Novice Classic Pleasure Junior Horse 4 & 5 yr old Class
2) Novice Classic Pleasure, any age over 4 yrs Class.
Shows with over 10 previous entries may offer Advanced Pleasure Classes. Advanced classes will not be amalgamated or have a championship.
No horse may enter both classes.
If you have 3 entries in BOTH classes they will run separately. If there are less than 3 in EACH class it will be amalgamated back into one class.
There will NOT be a championship between Junior and All ages.
CLASS SPLITS permitted over 7 entries
You may also split a Pleasure class above the number of 7 according to safety considerations in your show arena.
The class must be divided into two evenly sized groups by whatever solution works to do this fairly according to your entries - sex or age of horse or age of rider.
CHAMPIONSHIPS. take place for each Pleasure division if there is a class split by entry number.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd will come forward for a Championship to compete for Paris ticket points for Gold Champion, Silver and Bronze.
25% or over Arabian blood Parts ands Anglos are eligible for the same class for inclusion in Aljassimya Amateur Challenge scoring.
All judgments of Novice / Advanced will be decided by the previous results of the COMBINATION of horse and rider entered, not the horse and rider separately.
Horses and riders who never rode in a Master (M) level together in any Pleasure class in an ECAHO recognized competition.
Horses and riders which have not won a class at Advanced (A) level together in Pleasure class in an ECAHO recognized competition in the previous 3 years (2018-2019-2020).
Horses and riders who have not already won 3 Medals or more during AJF / ECAHO Pleasure classes in the previous 3 years (2018-2019-2020) in the division they wish to enter. (3 wins in Western do not disqualify from entry in Hunter etc.)
Open for horses from the year they become 4yrs of age.
Looking for a smooth gaits, impeccable manners and superior tractability, making them a true pleasure to ride. In today’s showring Classic Pleasure horses must exhibit impeccable manners, obedience and suitability as a pleasure riding or driving horse. Transitions from one gait to the other should be smooth, prompt and effortless. Emphasis is placed on a true flat walk with special consideration being given to those entries that represent a true recreational type, general riding mount or driving horse. Entries should not exhibit extreme motions, speed or resistance of any type. Horse must stand quietly and back readily in the line-up.
Whips or crops optional but max. length 80 cm.
No martingales, tiedowns, bandages, boots or ear bonnets.
Judges may check on equipment and may disqualify competitors with incorrect equipment.
In case of hot weather ( 25° Celsius or more) riders can take of their riding jackets with no effect on their ranking or scoring, long sleeved shirt stays obligatory.
All entrants shown as a group class with all entries in ring together.
Expected paces include only:
Back a few paces one at a time in the line up.
Permitted: Passing is permitted on the inside track if the other entrants are not disturbed.
Not allowed: Circles, stops or diagonal change of rein. Additional manoeuvres lead to disqualification.
What the judge looks for
Competitors enter the ring in counter clockwise direction in Normal Trot Sitting.
Back: straight and fluent, without any resistance, to be performed on the centre line.
Judging starts at the moment the competitor enters the arena.
Penalized if wrong gaits are shown, kicking, bucking, biting, rearing, bolting, pulling, disturbing other competitors
Two judges on duty for a class of more than 6 entries, one judge for less. In a two judge class the call judge for the day will be selected by ballot before the classes start. The judges will stand apart in the ring.
The judges are in charge of the pattern shown in the class according to circumstances on the day, but a general guide is outlined below.
The three gaits will be asked for again, in any order after the change of direction.
The class must not last longer than 20 mins.
According to number of entries and size of arena the judges may use their discretion to do the final inspection and back up on the rail if they think it is more safe.
At the end of the competition each judge expresses his/her judgement through a placing and signs it. After the judges have finished their individual placings, their placings will be considered as points, added up. The competitor with the lowest points wins the competition. In case of a tie the Call Judge’s results will take precedence and his result will be the final result.
After the judging is complete the horses will be brought forward to accept their prizes in the final order.
Some pointers to help you organise and take part in this class.
One judge for Pleasure classes with 6 or under entries, two judges for 7 entries or more. Judges should be chosen from the ECAHO Sports list.
Classes offered should include JUNIOR HORSE and ALL AGES HORSE
1) Novice Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse 4 & 5 yr old Class
2) Novice Hunter Pleasure, any age over 4 yrs Class.
Shows with over 10 previous entries may offer Advanced Pleasure Classes. Advanced classes will not be amalgamated or have a championship.
No horse may enter both classes.
If you have 3 entries in BOTH classes they will run separately. If there are less than 3 in EACH class it will be amalgamated back into one class.
There will NOT be a championship between Junior and All ages.
CLASS SPLITS permitted over 7 entries
You may also split a Pleasure class above the number of 7 according to safety considerations in your show arena.
The class must be divided into two evenly sized groups by whatever solution works to do this fairly according to your entries - sex or age of horse or age of rider.
CHAMPIONSHIPS. take place for each Pleasure division if there is a class split by entry number.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd will come forward for a Championship to compete for Paris ticket points for Gold Champion, Silver and Bronze.
25% or over Arabian blood Parts ands Anglos are eligible for the same class for inclusion in Aljassimya Amateur Challenge scoring.
All judgments of Novice / Advanced will be decided by the previous results of the COMBINATION of horse and rider entered, not the horse and rider separately.
Horses and riders who never rode in a Master (M) level together in any Pleasure class in an ECAHO recognized competition.
Horses and riders which have not won a class at Advanced (A) level together in Pleasure class in an ECAHO recognized competition in the previous 3 years (2018-2019-2020).
Horses and riders who have not already won 3 Medals or more during AJF / ECAHO Pleasure classes in the previous 3 years (2018-2019-2020) in the division they wish to enter. (3 wins in Western do not disqualify from entry in Hunter etc.)
Open for horses from the year they become 4yrs of age.
Horses are shown under saddle, no jumps
Posting in trot on the correct lead and two-position seat (hunter seat) in canter have to be shown
Direct contact (straight line from the rider ́s hand to the horse ́s mouth) but light contact with the horse ́s mouth must be maintained at all gaits.
Whip or crop optional (max length 80cm)
In case of hot weather ( 25° Celsius or more) riders can take of their riding jackets with no effect on their ranking or scoring, long sleeved shirt stays obligatory.
Riders are advised ( for their own benefit ) to use a hunter saddle, but a classical dressage saddle will be allowed in Novice level ONLY in the Aljassimya Challenge. We also encourage any entrants who want to get started for the first time not to feel excluded if they do not have exactly the correct equipment - so please join in if you want to !
No dressage saddles in Advanced level,.
No martingales, tie-downs bandages, boots or ear bonnets.
Judges may check on equipment and may disqualify competitors with incorrect equipment.
All entrants shown as a group class with all entries in ring together.
Expected Paces include only
Back a few paces one at a time in the line up.
Permitted: Passing is permitted on the inside track if the other entrants are not disturbed.
Not allowed: circles, stops or diagonal change of rein. Additional manoeuvres lead to disqualification.
What the judge looks for
The horse should give the impression of being a pleasure to ride and show a mannerly attitude. It should be shown in a more rectangular frame with the neck carried lower and in a relaxed manner. All gaits must be performed straight and willingly with ease, cadence and balance. Transitions should be smooth. They should stand quietly.
Canter: a three-beat gait, smooth, correct, straight with moderate collection on both hands, not hurried
Judging starts at the moment the competitor enters the arena.
Disqualifications according to FEI: fall off the horse, riding additional manoeuvres, wrong/not allowed equipment, blood, lameness
Penalized if wrong gaits are shown, kicking, bucking, biting, rearing, bolting, pulling, disturbing other competitors
Two judges on duty for a class of more than 6 entries, one judge for less. In a two judge class the call judge for the day will be selected by ballot before the classes start. The judges will stand apart in the ring.
The judges are in charge of the pattern shown in the class according to circumstances on the day, but a general guide is outlined below.
The three gaits will be asked for again, in any order after the change of direction.
The class must not last longer than 20 mins.
After all three gaits are judged on the clockwise rein the judges will ask the ring steward to bring the horses back to walk and to line up in any order down the centre of the arena facing the audience. The horses must stand quietly. Each horse will be asked individually to back up a few paces.
According to number of entries and size of arena the judges may use their discretion to do the final inspection and back up on the rail if they seen it more safe.
At the end of the competition each judge expresses his/her judgement through a placing and signs it. After the judges have finished their individual placings, their placings will be considered as points, added up. The competitor with the lowest points wins the competition. In case of a tie the Call Judge’s results will take precedence and his result will be the final result.
Some pointers to help you organise and take part in this class.
One judge for Pleasure classes with 6 or under entries, two judges for 7 entries or more. Judges should be chosen from the ECAHO Sports list.
should include JUNIOR HORSE and ALL AGES HORSE
1) Novice Western Pleasure Junior Horse 4 & 5 yr old Class
2) Novice Western Pleasure, any age over 4 yrs Class.
3) Shows with over 10 previous entries may offer Advanced Pleasure Classes. Advanced classes will not be amalgamated or have a championship.
No horse may enter both classes.
If you have 3 entries in BOTH classes they will run separately. If there are less than 3 in EACH class it will be amalgamated back into one class.
There will NOT be a championship between Junior and All ages.
CLASS SPLITS permitted over 7 entries
You may also split a Pleasure class above the number of 7 according to safety considerations in your show arena.
The class must be divided into two evenly sized groups by whatever solution works to do this fairly according to your entries - sex or age of horse or age of rider.
Championships. take place for each Pleasure division if there is a class split by entry number.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd will come forward for a Championship to compete for Paris ticket points for Gold Champion, Silver and Bronze.
25% or over Arabian blood Parts ands Anglos are eligible for the same class for inclusion in Aljassimya Amateur Challenge scoring.
All judgments of Novice / Advanced will be decided by the previous results of the COMBINATION of horse and rider entered, not the horse and rider separately.
Horses and riders who never rode in a Master (M) level together in any Pleasure class in an ECAHO recognized competition.
Horses and riders which have not won a class at Advanced (A) level together in Pleasure class in an ECAHO recognized competition in the previous 3 years (2018-2019-2020).
Horses and riders who have not already won 3 Medals or more during AJF / ECAHO Pleasure classes in the previous 3 years (2018-2019-2020) in the division they wish to enter. (3 wins in Western do not disqualify from entry in Hunter etc.)
Open for horses from the year they become 4yrs of age.
If there are more than 16 competitors in a class, the class must be divided into groups. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd will come forward for a AAC only Championship to compete for Paris ticket points for Champion, Reserve and Bronze.
Western style for rider.
FEI Approved Helmet. In all classes for safety reasons, all riders must wear a ( FEI approved ) helmet instead of a western hat.
In case of hot weather ( 25° Celsius or more) riders can take of their riding jackets with no effect on their ranking or scoring, long sleeved shirt stays obligatory.
Three bridle options.
Romal reins may be used. (An extension of braided or round material attached to closed reins). This extension shall be carried in the free hand with a 16-inch (40 cm) spacing between the reining hand and the free hand holding the romal. When using romal reins, the rider’s hand shall be around the reins with the wrists kept straight and relaxed, the thumb on top and the fingers closed lightly around the reins. When using a romal, no fingers between the reins are allowed.
All entrants shown as a group class with all entries in ring together.
Expected Paces include only
Back a few paces one at a time in the line up.
Permitted: Passing is permitted on the inside track if the other entrants are not disturbed.
Not allowed: circles, stops or diagonal change of rein. Additional manoeuvres lead to disqualification.
What the judge looks for
The horse should give the impression of being a pleasure to ride and show a mannerly attitude. All gaits must be performed straight and willingly with ease, cadence and balance. The horses should be balanced in all aspects and create the appearance they enjoy their job. Good pleasure horses have a brisk, animated stride that allows them to comfortably move forward with grace and elegance. The breed characteristics of the Arabian horse should be recognizable. It is particularly important to pay attention to an elegant supporting neck, which should be worn in a light natural elevation. The horses should carry their weight on the hind legs and reach far under the body. The frontline of the head should not be behind the vertical line. Transitions should be smooth and correct.
Back: straight and fluent, without any resistance, to be performed on the centre line
Judging starts at the moment the competitor enters the arena.
The rider itself will not be judged but, of course, influences the performance of the horse.
Disqualifications: fall of the horse or rider, riding additional manoeuvres, wrong/not allowed equipment, blood, lameness
Penalized if wrong gaits shown, kicking, bucking, biting, rearing, bolting, pulling, disturbing other competitors
No back up on the rail
Two judges on duty for a class of more than 6 entries, one judge for less. In a two judge class the call judge for the day will be selected by ballot before the classes start. The judges will stand apart in the ring.
If there are more than 16 competitors in a class, the class must be divided into groups. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd will come forward for a AAC only Championship to compete for Paris ticket points for Champion, Reserve and Bronze.
The judges are in charge of the pattern shown in the class according to circumstances on the day, but a general guide is outlined below.
The three gaits will be shown on both reins, in any order after the change of direction.
The class must not last longer than 20 mins.
The horses will be asked to back up individually and will not be asked to back up on the rail.
At the end of the competition each judge expresses his/her judgement through a placing and signs it. After the judges have finished their individual placings, their placings will be considered as points, added up. The competitor with the lowest points wins the competition. In case of a tie the Call Judge’s results will take precedence and his result will be the final result.
After the judging is complete the horses will be brought forward to accept their prizes in the final order.
Some pointers to help you organise and take part in this class. We ask that you also familiarise yourself with the ECAHO Green Book rules astray are the basic guide.
Trail Classes - Two judges required. We recommend at least one National Federation or FEI or AQHA or NRHA judge who really knows the topic. You may choose judges from the ECAHO Sport list.
In hand Trail
Ridden Trail.
(Shows with over 10 entries in Trail classes in previous years may offer Advanced Trail)
Classes may be split over 12 entries
No championship happens.
Horses and riders who never rode in a Master (M) level together in any Pleasure class in an ECAHO recognized competition.
Horses and riders which have not won a class at Advanced (A) level together in Pleasure class in an ECAHO recognized competition in the previous 3 years (2018-2019-2020).
Horse and riders which did not compete together in an Open Western class
Horses and riders who have not already won 3 Medals or more during AJF / ECAHO Trail classes in the previous 3 years (2018-2019-2020).
Part 1d) Overview
Trail In Hand: Open for horses from the day they become 1 year of age.
Trail Ridden: Open for horses in the year they become 4 yrs old
A horse may be presented by more than one handler, but no more than twice.
The show organiser must post the trail course 10 days before the show online. The judge can alter it where necessary on the day if they consider any element unsuitable or unsafe in the days conditions.
We also strongly recommend an FEI approved helmet riding hat for Junior In hand handlers, .
FEI hat is mandatory for Ridden even if otherwise in Western attire.
.In case of hot weather ( 25° Celsius or more) riders can take of their riding jackets with no effect on their ranking or scoring, long sleeved shirt stays obligatory.
Trail In Hand Horse: Suitable halter (leather preferred), with or without silver trim, leather lead (with or without a chain) to be used. Rope Parelli style halters are not allowed. If a chain is used with the lead it must not be run through the horse’s mouth. (recommended length: lead 1,20m chain 0,80cm, no longer). Whip in dressage style max. length 1,10 m with a short tassel or without is allowed. The whip should be only used to show the horse the commands and is not allowed to touch the horse. No bits.
Trail Ridden Horse: Western tack if you have it. Classic will be accepted.
Novice Trail will consist of a minimum of 6 obstacles, easy transitions and no combined obstacles.
Advanced Trail will consist of a minimum of 8 obstacle, 2 combinations and 4 raised poles.
-The horse may be asked to negotiate a serpentine course through cones.
PLEASE NOTE - no touching of the horse during the presentation including a rewarding pat !
One judge awards the point score and the penalties. The second person present is the scribe who notes the scores down. If your judges are not official Western judges qualified to judge Trail it is possible for one judge to award the points score and one judge the penalties. We ask that all judges really familiarise themselves with the scoring system beforehand and that they have a printed copy of the penalty score with them in case of doubt,
There are two sections of points / penalties awarded by the judge for each obstacle / transition.
i) POINTS.
Every horses starts with 70 points.
For each obstacle the judge awards - or takes away points, according to his / her opinion of the smoothness and harmony of the performance. They evaluate whether the horse continued at a regular speed with a relaxed carriage and remains at the same distance from his handler on a light rein.
-1.5 Extremely Poor
These points will be added or subtracted from the original 70 .
ii)) PENALTIES
Set penalties are awarded to each mistake made by the horse.
MINUS 0.5 POINTS
0.5 Each touch of a pole, or cone by the horses hoof
MINUS 1 POINT
-1 Each time a horse either skips a space between trotting poles or puts two feet down in the gap designed for one. Any failure to meet the prescribed steps between adjacent poles.
MINUS 3 POINTS
-3 Stepping off the bridge with one foot
MINUS 5 POINTS
-5 Failing to complete obstacle.
DISQUALIFICATION (OVERALL POINT SCORE ZERO)
Falling
All exhibitors are should walk the course first, usually with the judge who may give helpful pointers if all competitors are new to the class.
Each horse enters the ring alone and waits at the start for judge to nod.
Each handler rider follows the course as set out in the pattern as carefully and smoothly as possible. You may take your time and are advised not to rush but stopping for a very long time before each obstacle will loose points.
The points awarded will be available to view after the class