western pleasure mult state judges school nov 2009
DESCRIPTION
This presentation discusses the positive attributes of the western pleasure horse and how evaluation of these horses occurs during a horse show. Download full version with embedded video: http://tinyurl.com/WPJudgesSchool2009TRANSCRIPT
Judging WESTERN PLEASURE
Ashley Griffin, KentuckyAPHA, PTHA, and PHBA Approved
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Flowing Balanced and Willing Horse that gives the
appearance of being Fit and a Pleasure to Ride.
Proper Attire:Western Hat
Long Sleeve Collared Shirt
Long pants
Boots
Chaps and Spurs optional
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Proper Equipment:Western Bridle and Saddle
Snaffle Bits: O-ring, egg-butt or D-ring – max. 4“Round, oval or egg-shaped, smooth and
unwrapped metal. May be inlaid but smooth or latex wrapped.
5/16” bars 1” inward from cheekOptional curb below the reins
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Proper Equipment:Curb Bits:
Solid or broken mouthpieceRound, oval or egg-shaped, smooth and unwrapped
metal. May be inlaid but smooth or latex wrapped. 5/16” to 3/4” bars 1” inward from cheekNo prongs protruding above or below the
mouthpiecePorts no higher then 3 1/2” Shanks no longer then 8 1/2”Curb straps must lay flat and be 1” or more in width
Inspect for blood on horse’s belly, nose and mouth
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Factors to be Considered:Consistency
Correctness of GaitFlat-footed 4 beat Walk
- May ask to Extend the WalkSmooth, ground-covering 2 beat Jog
- Moderate Extension at the JogEasy, rhythmical 3 beat LopeBack
Cadence
CollectionEngaged HocksLevel neck and nose slightly in front of vertical
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Lameness:Check for Lameness from the moment
horses enter the arena
Obvious Lameness is:Consistently observable at a trot at all
timesMarked nodding, hitching or short
stridingMinimal weight-bearing in motion and/or
at rest inability to move
Judge may excuse horses that are deemed unsound
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Pleasure & Saddle TypesPleasure Type:
Rounded, medium stridesFlexed neck and poll higher than withersDisplay forward reach and flexion with the
knees and hocks
Saddle Type:Move with more energyHigher head carriageMarked flexion with the knees and hocks
May not be asked to Back
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The WalkW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
The WalkW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
The JogW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
The JogW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
The JogW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
The JogW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
The LopeW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
The LopeW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
The LopeW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
The LopeW
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Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com
Faults:Canted when Loping
Circling unnecessarily
Not performing the gait specified Standing on the railStopping periodicallyWrong leadLack of stride lengthening when called
Excessive use of reins & Out of control
Two handing, excessive cueing, grabbing saddle horn, equipment failure, fall of horse & rider
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Judges ResponsibilityAllow adequate time for each gait
In mixed breed classes, judge against the ideal
Lameness should be excused from the arena discretely with assistance from ring steward
If you check one bit you must check them all Bits vs Bosals
Judge each horse each time they show
Prospect for tomorrow is not your winner today
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Positive Factors:Consistency
Correctness of Gait
Cadence
Collection
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Ride
Reese Ann & Price BallardTO
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