CHAPTER 7 Halter Classes Description of Format.

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

• In both Novice and Amateur classes the format will be the same. The class will enter together at the walk in catalogue order. They will walk one or two circuits at the judges discretion. Make sure you leave at least two horses length between you and the horse before.

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• 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 horses must enter the ring at walk and continue in a straight line to the judges panel.

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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,

• We do not want to see jerking of the chain, or excessive waving of the whip. You can take your time to present the horse.

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.

PART 2) Halter Class Format Amateur Experienced

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 !

• After one circuit the horse will walk towards the judges and present at the pose, Again we expect your pose to be closer to the open level and you should be able to set the legs split behind and ask for the front feet to step to the right to flatten the topline. You should consider your horse’s conformation in choosing how high to set his neck. An arch is always preferable to a straight line and shows off your horse much better. Again we do not want to see chain jabbing or threatening postures with the whip. Your horse may be asked to lean back and to step back if it came forward unasked but we do not want to see it backing away from you at all. While the horse must stand square on its feet and show some shape in the neck, we are looking for a more natural alert appearance. Extreme tension is not desired and will be penalised in the harmony section.

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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.

Chapter 8 Pleasure Classes Description of Format

Part 1 NOVICE CLASSIC PLEASURE- A guide

Some pointers to help you organise and take part in this class.

Part 1a) Judges.

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.

Part 1b) Classes

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.

Part 1c) Championships.

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.

Part 1d) Definition of Novice

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.)

Part 1e) Overview

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.

PART 1f) Rider’s & Horse’s Equipment

• A plain jacket in a dark colour.

• Pale jodhpurs.

• Knee length riding boots

• An FEI Approved Hat in a dark colour

• Spurs optional

• Gloves optional

Whips or crops optional but max. length 80 cm.

• A dressage or show saddle.

• Plain Numnah or Saddle cloth

• Preferably a snaffle bridle (pelhams also acceptable, double not encouraged in Novice)

• Noseband - Cavesson for all bits. Drop or Flash accepted with snaffle.

• Logos, etc. according to FEI rules

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.

PART 1g) Class instructions

All entrants shown as a group class with all entries in ring together.

Expected paces include only:

• Walk.

• Normal Trot. Sitting trot may be required,

• Canter

• Reverse at the rail. (NB Always to be reversed to the inside of the arena away from the rail)

• Stand still in line up at centre of arena

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. Transitions should be smooth. They should stand quietly.

Competitors enter the ring in counter clockwise direction in Normal Trot Sitting.

• Walk: a four-beat gait, brisk, flat-footed with good reach

• Normal Trot: a two-beat gait, performed at medium speed with moderate collection, mannerly, cadenced, balanced and free-moving.

• Canter: a three-beat gait, smooth, correct, straight with moderate collection on both hands, not hurried

Back: straight and fluent, without any resistance, to be performed on the centre line.

Part 1h) Judging.

Judging starts at the moment the competitor enters the arena.

• All gaits are judged equally.

• The rider itself will not be judged but, of course, influences the performance of the horse.

• 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

Part 1i) What happens in the class.

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 horses will enter at normal trot in a counter clockwise direction.

• Passing is permissible and should not be penalized as long as the horse maintains a proper and even cadence and rhythm.

• The judges will alternate on calling for the gaits via a speaker / ring steward.

• The Novice entrants must also show walk and canter, but there is no certain order for the gaits to be requested and the gaits can be repeated.

• When Judge calls for REVERSE: The rein will be changed at the requested gait (normally walk for Novice) on the rail by asking the horses to circle inwards and change direction 180”.

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 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.

Part 2 NOVICE HUNTER PLEASURE - A guide

Some pointers to help you organise and take part in this class.

Part 2a) Judges

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.

Part 2b) Classes

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.

Part 2c) Championships.

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.

Part 2d) Definition of Novice

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.)

Part 2e) Overview

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.

Part 2f)Rider’s & horse’s equipment

• Rider:
• Boots and hunting cap or protective headgear are mandatory

• Jacket of conservative colour, made of materials suitable for hunting, discreet patterns (tweeds, jacquard); Coats must be darker than breeches or jodhpurs.

• Brocades, raised patterns, or glossy/metallic/shiny fabrics or materials are not suitable for hunting.

• Ornamentation other than a stock or lapel pin, tie clip or tack, or monogram are not allowed on any item of attire.

• Gloves optional (conservative colour);

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.

• Horse:
• Bridles/browband/cavessons must be of hunter type (no ornamentations).

• Preferably a snaffle bridle (pelhams also acceptable, double not encouraged in Novice)

• Noseband - Cavesson for all bits. Drop, Flash or Mexican accepted with snaffle.

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,.

• Spurs, jumping whips or crops, breastplate or breast collar optional.

• Braided mane and/or tail is allowed but not required

• Logos, etc. according to FEI rules

No martingales, tie-downs bandages, boots or ear bonnets.

Judges may check on equipment and may disqualify competitors with incorrect equipment.

PART 2g) Class instructions

All entrants shown as a group class with all entries in ring together.

Expected Paces include only

• Walk.

• Normal Trot Rising, posting in correct diagonal.

• Canter in Normal Seat

• Canter in Hunter Forward Seat.

• Reverse at the rail. (NB Always to be reversed to the inside of the arena away from the rail)

• Stand still in line up at centre of arena

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.

• Competitors enter the ring in counter clockwise direction at normal trot.

• Walk: a four-beat gait, straight, brisk, regular, flat-footed with good reach.

• Normal Trot: a two-beat gait, straight, regular, performed at medium speed with moderate collection, mannerly, cadenced, balanced and free-moving; exaggerated action must be penalized.

Canter: a three-beat gait, smooth, correct, straight with moderate collection on both hands, not hurried

Part 2h) Judging

Judging starts at the moment the competitor enters the arena.

• All gaits are judged equally.

• The rider itself will not be judged but, of course, influences the performance of the horse.

• Correct hunter frame and movement must be credited

• High headed horses and horses behind the vertical must be penalized

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

Part 2i) What happens in the class.

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 horses will enter at normal trot in a counter clockwise direction.

• Passing is permissible and should not be penalized as long as the horse maintains a proper and even cadence and rhythm. · Passing other competitors is allowed on the 2nd track without disturbing the other entrants

• The judges will alternate on calling for the gaits to change via a speaker / ring steward.

• The riders must show a normal trot posting and canter with rider in two positions (normal and forward hunter seat) but there is no certain order for the gaits to be requested and the gaits can be repeated.

• When Judge calls for REVERSE: The rein will be changed at the requested gate on the rail by asking the horses to circle inwards and change direction 180”.

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.

PART 3 NOVICE WESTERN PLEASURE - A Guide

Some pointers to help you organise and take part in this class.

Part 3a) Judges.

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.

Part 3b) Classes offered

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.

Part 3c) Championships

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.

Part 3d) Definition of Novice

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.)

Part 3e ) Overview

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.

Part 3f) Rider’s & Horse’s Equipment

• Rider:

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.

• Horse:
• Pleasure bridle/saddle/seat and attire

Three bridle options.

• Snaffles may be used (according to the rules for Western bits in ECAHO Green Book).

• If snaffle is used rider may use both hands.

• With a snaffle bit, brow band and throat latch are obligatory and earpieces are not allowed.

• Western bits (within the regulations at the end of the Green Book) may be used.

• With a Western bit one hand must be used.

• The rider must hold the reins in the same single hand for the entirety of the class.

• Bosal permitted.

• With a bosal one hand must be used.

• The rider must hold the reins in the same single hand for the entirety of the class.

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.

PART 3g) Class instructions

All entrants shown as a group class with all entries in ring together.

Expected Paces include only

• Walk.

• Jog

• Lope

• Reverse at the rail. (NB Always to be reversed to the inside of the arena away from the rail)

• Stand still in line up at centre of arena

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.

• Competitors enter the ring in counter clockwise direction at the Walk

• A natural, flat-footed Walk, a comfortable, smooth Jog and a flowing, smooth Lope are required

Back: straight and fluent, without any resistance, to be performed on the centre line

Part 3h) Judging

Judging starts at the moment the competitor enters the arena.

• All gaits are judged equally.

• The horses are judged on manners, performance, suitability as a pleasure horse, quality and conformation.

• The horses will be judged in the following order: 1. correctness of gait, 2. quality of gait, 3.degree of difficulty

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

Part 3i) What happens in the class.

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 horses will enter at walk in a counter clockwise direction. The judges will alternate on calling for the gaits via a speaker / ring steward.

• The Novice entrants must also show jog and lope but there is no certain order for the gaits to be requested and the gaits can be repeated.

• The rein will be changed at the walk on the rail by asking the horses to circle inwards and change direction 180”.

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.

• After all three gaits are judged on the both reins the judges will ask the speaker / ring steward to bring the horses to line up in any order down the centre of the arena facing the audience. The horses must stand quietly.

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.

CHAPTER 9 NOVICE TRAIL IN HAND / RIDDEN

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.

Part 1a) Judges

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.

Part 1b) Classes to offer

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.

Part 1c) Definition of Novice

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

• Open to handlers from 8 years up. Handlers from 8-12 must have an experienced adult standing out of arena doing their round to assist if necessary.

• A handler / rider may present more than one horse, but no more than two.

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.

Part 1e) Handler / Rider’s & horse’s equipment

• Trail In Hand Handler:   tidily dressed please, in normal show attire or Western if you have it. (no chaps or spurs)

We also strongly recommend an FEI approved helmet  riding hat for Junior In hand handlers, .

• Trail Ridden Rider:: Western attire if you have it. Classic attire will be accepted if you don' t have it. Western

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.

• Trail In Hand: Handler tidily dressed please, in normal show attire or Western if you have it. (no chaps or spurs).

• Trail Ridden: Western attire if you have it. Classic attire will be accepted if you don' t have Western
• .

Part 1f) The Course

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 In Hand Trail horse will have to display both walk and trot (and halt) at the prescribed location.

• The Ridden Trail horse may also be asked to canter around part of the arena but not over any obstacles.

• The obstacles will consist mainly of poles to be walked or trotted over without touching them.

• The horse may be asked to turn a tight 360” circle inside a square of poles.

• The horse may be asked to reverse between two line of poles both in a straight line or around a 90 ‘ corner.

• The horse also may be asked to side pass down the length of a pole with front feet in front and hind feet behind the rail for the whole length of the manouevre.

• The horse may be asked to walk onto an unfamiliar surface - a bridge or solid piece of wood.

• The handler/rider may be asked to open a rope gate and manoeuvre the horse through and close the gate - always holding the rope in the same hand.

• -The handler/rider may be required to carry an item from place in the arena to another.

-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 !

Part 1g) Judging.

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 Excellent.

• + 1. Very Good

• +0.5 Good

• 0 Correct

• -0.5 Poor

• =1 Very Poor

-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 treads on or hits and obstacle hard.

• -1. Each time a horse breaks out of the prescribed pace for under two strides.

-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 Each time a horse breaks out of the prescribed pace for more than two strides.

• -3 Wrong lead at canter for Ridden

• -3 Knocking over any cones.

-3 Stepping off the bridge with one foot

MINUS 5 POINTS

• -5 Failing to stick to the course direction (eg napping / spooking and swerving, circling)

• -5 Dropping a carried object

• -5 First Refusal or evasion

• -5 An additional minus score for a second refusal or evasion

• -5 Loss of control at the gate - dropping rope

• -5 Using wrong hand on gate.

• -5 Stepping / jumping off bridge with two feet

• -5 Blatant disobedience

-5 Failing to complete obstacle.

DISQUALIFICATION (OVERALL POINT SCORE ZERO)

• Performing obstacles in the wrong order

• No attempt to perform an obstacle

• Failure to enter, exit or work through an obstacle in designated place (including making a quarter turn too far on the turn requests)

• Failure to work through the obstacle in the described manner

• Leaving the arena

• Third refusal of any obstacle

• Failing to ever reach the gait required.

• Equipment failure

• Excessive touching of horse

Falling

Part 1h) What happens in the class.

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