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You may use these tests for testing with the Academy, for schooling, lessons, clinics, practice shows, and other events
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Based on each discipline
1. 0 CREDIT UNITS = 1 score of 55+% CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT TITLE/level = 1 scores of 70+% TACK,TURN-OUT, AND ATTIRE Formal or evening attire is requested. Horses must be at least 5 years of age. Bits - Curb bits are request. The most common are broken (jointed), half-breed and spade. Some have rollers and/or covers. Other Western Performance equipment may be included. If a rope or riata is to be used, then it must be coiled and fastened to the saddle. Hobbles may also be attached to the saddle. * Protective wraps on bits are optional FORBIDDEN: Not allowed are Whips, blinkers, martingales, foregirths, bucking straps, bit guards, nose guards, cruppers and likewise. Two-way communication devices and other mechanical equipment are prohibited. The rider must not be fastened to the tack or horse in any way. The judge may disprove of some bits and make suggestions for better bits. Pessoas bits must not have a cheek piece greater than 16cm and a maximum of three rings. Hackamores cannot have a cheek piece greater than 17cm. Bitless bridles, hackamores are allowed without the addition of a bit. Cavessons (noseband type) must be flat, braided, leather or synthetic like leather. Both cavessons, bosals and hackamores must not have any metal pieces or cores. Breast plates and breast collars are allowed for side saddle or western saddle, but must match in color. |
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Remember for any show you can collect ribbons, aim for Championship rosettes, and also earn course credits for your Equine Science diploma.
For more information and help with these disciplines refer to International Rider I.
GAITS – cardinal rule “Not too low or slow!”
WALK – The horse must have a marching walk performed in a business-like manner. He must track up, meaning his hind legs must step into the hoof prints of his front legs.
JOG – A little slower than a trot. He does not need a lot of knee action or animation. He does need to travel long and low in frame, but not with his poll lower than the withers at any point in time. Or the horse may be able to travel more uphill and balanced with his quarters engaging underneath him. Smoothness is a higher priority than moving forward fast. The knees need to be kept flat, meaning that higher knee flexion is not desired. The only time a western rider will post is to extend the jog.
EXTENDED JOG – Horse must be willing, quick and show a clear definition of a lengthened stride between the two paces. The rider should post to help create the smooth extension.
LOPE – A little slower than a canter. The horse must be in a suitable frame that covers the ground with ease and the hindquarters engaging underneath to help impel the horse forward. In Western Pleasure Dressage excessive speed is prohibited, just as is the overly slow lope which may appear to have 4 beats to it. No horse should be canted, which means bent in toward the rail. The correct lead should be easily taken and held throughout the lope. The horse must be well-mannered and sensible in all gaits, but specially the lope and the changes of leg whether through the jog, simple changes or flying changes.
EXTENDED LOPE - must not speed up the number of strides, but instead stretch out to cover more ground with the same amount of strides. It is only called for in Ranch Pleasure.
WALK – The horse must have a marching walk performed in a business-like manner. He must track up, meaning his hind legs must step into the hoof prints of his front legs.
JOG – A little slower than a trot. He does not need a lot of knee action or animation. He does need to travel long and low in frame, but not with his poll lower than the withers at any point in time. Or the horse may be able to travel more uphill and balanced with his quarters engaging underneath him. Smoothness is a higher priority than moving forward fast. The knees need to be kept flat, meaning that higher knee flexion is not desired. The only time a western rider will post is to extend the jog.
EXTENDED JOG – Horse must be willing, quick and show a clear definition of a lengthened stride between the two paces. The rider should post to help create the smooth extension.
LOPE – A little slower than a canter. The horse must be in a suitable frame that covers the ground with ease and the hindquarters engaging underneath to help impel the horse forward. In Western Pleasure Dressage excessive speed is prohibited, just as is the overly slow lope which may appear to have 4 beats to it. No horse should be canted, which means bent in toward the rail. The correct lead should be easily taken and held throughout the lope. The horse must be well-mannered and sensible in all gaits, but specially the lope and the changes of leg whether through the jog, simple changes or flying changes.
EXTENDED LOPE - must not speed up the number of strides, but instead stretch out to cover more ground with the same amount of strides. It is only called for in Ranch Pleasure.
WESTERN PLEASURE (NATURAL)
Basically this is Western Pleasure, but with more natural movement. Horses must have a level topline or the poll can be higher than the wither, but never lower. Manners are important and the horse must look like a pleasure to ride with ease. Conservative or flashy tack and attire is allowed. The horse must have a 3 beat lope.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Extended Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
NOTES: The Western Pleasure horse is the same thing as that of the Western Dressage horse. Both of these terms refer to a western horse that appears to be a pleasure to ride for long amount of time. The purpose of the Western Pleasure tests are to confirm that the horse is suitable for long, easy rides across the fields. This stems from the great western experience and the birth of the North American cowboy, without all the other ranch work. A western pleasure horse is one who moves freely with a stride length appropriate to his conformation and muscle ability. He moves with smooth and effortless strides in a balanced, free-flowing motion. His head and neck must always be in a natural and relaxed position. His poll must never drop below the withers. It is carried either level or slightly above the withers pending breed. He is alert and pleasant while performing in the vertical, on the bit yet with light but consistent contact and fairly loose reins. His classical training will shine through as he will hold himself balanced, engaged and never heavy on the forehand, never too low, nor too high, never short striding or shuffling and responds quickly and readily to all of the rider’s cues and aids. He can collect, extend and give smooth transition making him appear to be an absolute pleasure to ride. Most of all, the western pleasure/western dressage horse is safe for the rider and appears to be athletic and very efficient for his purpose.
The Western Horse will be judged on performance by 80%, but will also have a conformation and condition aspect that will count for a minimum of 20% of his end mark.
The horse’s conformation is the most important aspect in his overall performance, suitability and longevity in the sport. Most important, the western horse is relaxed and ready to work, conserving his energy for a long afternoon in the fields and possibly ranch work. He must move efficiently so as to conserve energy. Even though he travels long and low on a looser rein, he is ready for a change of pace or a sudden turn, such as what happens in the field, at work or on the trail.
The beautiful part of Western Pleasure is that is opens up the possibilities for horses of all breeds and includes the ones with less than perfect conformation, although good conformation is something that all breeders must strive for. The western horse must be wide and strong. The haunch’s triangle should be larger, but can be equal to the front triangle because the horse works with a fairly lever top-line. The more muscling, the easier it is for the horse to support his haunch and carry the rider for long periods. The front end should be lighter, so that the horse can carry more weight on the haunch thus saving his shoulders over the period of a lifetime. The neck should neither be too long, nor too short, but must counterbalance the horse’s body weight. The horse needs a decently sloped shoulder so that the gaits are neither choppy nor stretched out. If the shoulder is not sloped enough the strides will be shorter and he will look choppy. The idea is to create a pleasant picture as the rider rides around the arena. The ideal western horse has a little more muscling for endurance across the fields, trails and in a working ranch environment. He still needs to stand square and fit into a box, meaning that the legs are directly underneath him. His body can easily be divided into thirds. One third is the shoulder area, one third is the body and one third is the haunch. The withers and the point of croup are level. Longer back horses are weaker and may develop problem gaits over time. Overall, the horse needs symmetry and a smoothness of muscling blending together. He needs to appear like he can work easily, happily and for long hours in the saddle. * Ideal means in the top aspects of one discipline as there are very few horses who can enter multiple disciplines and be the top in their sport. However, there are many horses who can do multiple disciplines at a smaller level. In all of the gaits, the horse needs to appear natural. He must travel straight and even, being properly in all corners, turns and circles. The horse’s conformation is an important aspect in his overall performance, suitability and longevity, however his performance is more valuable. He must be relaxed and ready to work. He must move efficiently so as to conserve energy and not expend it all in one performance. He will travel with light contact and be suitable for the activity.
Basically this is Western Pleasure, but with more natural movement. Horses must have a level topline or the poll can be higher than the wither, but never lower. Manners are important and the horse must look like a pleasure to ride with ease. Conservative or flashy tack and attire is allowed. The horse must have a 3 beat lope.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Extended Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
NOTES: The Western Pleasure horse is the same thing as that of the Western Dressage horse. Both of these terms refer to a western horse that appears to be a pleasure to ride for long amount of time. The purpose of the Western Pleasure tests are to confirm that the horse is suitable for long, easy rides across the fields. This stems from the great western experience and the birth of the North American cowboy, without all the other ranch work. A western pleasure horse is one who moves freely with a stride length appropriate to his conformation and muscle ability. He moves with smooth and effortless strides in a balanced, free-flowing motion. His head and neck must always be in a natural and relaxed position. His poll must never drop below the withers. It is carried either level or slightly above the withers pending breed. He is alert and pleasant while performing in the vertical, on the bit yet with light but consistent contact and fairly loose reins. His classical training will shine through as he will hold himself balanced, engaged and never heavy on the forehand, never too low, nor too high, never short striding or shuffling and responds quickly and readily to all of the rider’s cues and aids. He can collect, extend and give smooth transition making him appear to be an absolute pleasure to ride. Most of all, the western pleasure/western dressage horse is safe for the rider and appears to be athletic and very efficient for his purpose.
The Western Horse will be judged on performance by 80%, but will also have a conformation and condition aspect that will count for a minimum of 20% of his end mark.
The horse’s conformation is the most important aspect in his overall performance, suitability and longevity in the sport. Most important, the western horse is relaxed and ready to work, conserving his energy for a long afternoon in the fields and possibly ranch work. He must move efficiently so as to conserve energy. Even though he travels long and low on a looser rein, he is ready for a change of pace or a sudden turn, such as what happens in the field, at work or on the trail.
The beautiful part of Western Pleasure is that is opens up the possibilities for horses of all breeds and includes the ones with less than perfect conformation, although good conformation is something that all breeders must strive for. The western horse must be wide and strong. The haunch’s triangle should be larger, but can be equal to the front triangle because the horse works with a fairly lever top-line. The more muscling, the easier it is for the horse to support his haunch and carry the rider for long periods. The front end should be lighter, so that the horse can carry more weight on the haunch thus saving his shoulders over the period of a lifetime. The neck should neither be too long, nor too short, but must counterbalance the horse’s body weight. The horse needs a decently sloped shoulder so that the gaits are neither choppy nor stretched out. If the shoulder is not sloped enough the strides will be shorter and he will look choppy. The idea is to create a pleasant picture as the rider rides around the arena. The ideal western horse has a little more muscling for endurance across the fields, trails and in a working ranch environment. He still needs to stand square and fit into a box, meaning that the legs are directly underneath him. His body can easily be divided into thirds. One third is the shoulder area, one third is the body and one third is the haunch. The withers and the point of croup are level. Longer back horses are weaker and may develop problem gaits over time. Overall, the horse needs symmetry and a smoothness of muscling blending together. He needs to appear like he can work easily, happily and for long hours in the saddle. * Ideal means in the top aspects of one discipline as there are very few horses who can enter multiple disciplines and be the top in their sport. However, there are many horses who can do multiple disciplines at a smaller level. In all of the gaits, the horse needs to appear natural. He must travel straight and even, being properly in all corners, turns and circles. The horse’s conformation is an important aspect in his overall performance, suitability and longevity, however his performance is more valuable. He must be relaxed and ready to work. He must move efficiently so as to conserve energy and not expend it all in one performance. He will travel with light contact and be suitable for the activity.
WESTERN RIDING
Pattern riding based on progressive levels of difficulty in the changes of leg as well as gait development.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope.
Western Riding Pattern
Walk, then jog, jog over log. Lope on the right lead and change leads via flying changes across the center line or in between the markers pending. Lope over log. Lope, Full Stop & rein-back 6-7 steps.
NOTES: The Western Riding patterns involve a great amount of difficulty for the horse and for the rider. The pattern involves lateral bending, precise transitions, fluid movement, pure gaits, perfect self-carriage, a balanced frame, and changes of the leading leg in the lope. These elements stem from ranch work, where a horse needs to work in harmony with his rider, have no resistance and to perform smoothly and effortless throughout a variety of working conditions during the day. Because all of the Western Riding patterns in the competitive world involve great skill for an athletic horse, there needs to be a developmental program with systemic training to create the sound horse regardless of conformation. All horses need to be able to work into their senior years. They need to be happy and healthy. The International Riding Academy has developed this program special for the Western horse. There are four levels the help the horse progress to the perfect Western Riding horse.
Penalty Points – 5: Out of lead beyond the next designated change area, Failure to change, Cross-cantering, Kicking out, Blatant disobedience, Holding the saddle. 3: Not performing the specific gait within 10 feet of designated marker, Not stopping within 10 feet of the designated area, Break of gait at lope, Break of gait at walk or jog for more than two strides, Wrong type of change of lead, Out of lead from one cone to the other, Additional lead changes when not required, Failure to start the lope within 30 feet after crossing the log. 1: Break of gait at walk or jog one or two strides, Hitting or rolling log, Out of lead for more than one stride, Splitting the log (log between the two front or two hind feet) at the lope. ½: Tick or light touch of log, Hind legs skipping or coming together during lead change, Out of lead from ½ to 1 stride, Non-simultaneous lead change
“Go slow & take your time. Horses are creatures of habit, & if you get in a bind by going too fast, it will take you much more time to undo it. If you make them light in the bridle, feel their rhythm, know where they’re putting their feet and align them correctly, you’ll be ready to do anything; you’ll always be riding a good horse.” ~ Johnny Brazil Jr.
The idea behind creating this program was not to belittle the competition horses in any way. The different levels are meant to allow green horses to develop slowly over time. If a trained horse can easily perform the flying changes at level one, it is still prohibited, as a well-trained horse should be able to make the changes when called for and not done out of training repetition in the pattern. The course is about developing the Western Riding horse and not necessarily about having the finished ‘product’. All green horses need to be given a place to start and a desire to perform well without the outside influences of having to create a perfect horse long before the horse is ready. The different patterns create variety and a little spice in to the Western horse’s training regime. The Western patterns will help the horse to excel and move into reining and other disciplines. It will also help improve the Western Pleasure performance by adding variety and more training.
Pattern riding based on progressive levels of difficulty in the changes of leg as well as gait development.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope.
Western Riding Pattern
Walk, then jog, jog over log. Lope on the right lead and change leads via flying changes across the center line or in between the markers pending. Lope over log. Lope, Full Stop & rein-back 6-7 steps.
NOTES: The Western Riding patterns involve a great amount of difficulty for the horse and for the rider. The pattern involves lateral bending, precise transitions, fluid movement, pure gaits, perfect self-carriage, a balanced frame, and changes of the leading leg in the lope. These elements stem from ranch work, where a horse needs to work in harmony with his rider, have no resistance and to perform smoothly and effortless throughout a variety of working conditions during the day. Because all of the Western Riding patterns in the competitive world involve great skill for an athletic horse, there needs to be a developmental program with systemic training to create the sound horse regardless of conformation. All horses need to be able to work into their senior years. They need to be happy and healthy. The International Riding Academy has developed this program special for the Western horse. There are four levels the help the horse progress to the perfect Western Riding horse.
Penalty Points – 5: Out of lead beyond the next designated change area, Failure to change, Cross-cantering, Kicking out, Blatant disobedience, Holding the saddle. 3: Not performing the specific gait within 10 feet of designated marker, Not stopping within 10 feet of the designated area, Break of gait at lope, Break of gait at walk or jog for more than two strides, Wrong type of change of lead, Out of lead from one cone to the other, Additional lead changes when not required, Failure to start the lope within 30 feet after crossing the log. 1: Break of gait at walk or jog one or two strides, Hitting or rolling log, Out of lead for more than one stride, Splitting the log (log between the two front or two hind feet) at the lope. ½: Tick or light touch of log, Hind legs skipping or coming together during lead change, Out of lead from ½ to 1 stride, Non-simultaneous lead change
“Go slow & take your time. Horses are creatures of habit, & if you get in a bind by going too fast, it will take you much more time to undo it. If you make them light in the bridle, feel their rhythm, know where they’re putting their feet and align them correctly, you’ll be ready to do anything; you’ll always be riding a good horse.” ~ Johnny Brazil Jr.
The idea behind creating this program was not to belittle the competition horses in any way. The different levels are meant to allow green horses to develop slowly over time. If a trained horse can easily perform the flying changes at level one, it is still prohibited, as a well-trained horse should be able to make the changes when called for and not done out of training repetition in the pattern. The course is about developing the Western Riding horse and not necessarily about having the finished ‘product’. All green horses need to be given a place to start and a desire to perform well without the outside influences of having to create a perfect horse long before the horse is ready. The different patterns create variety and a little spice in to the Western horse’s training regime. The Western patterns will help the horse to excel and move into reining and other disciplines. It will also help improve the Western Pleasure performance by adding variety and more training.
REINING
Reining is a pattern class of circles, spins and rollbacks, designed for the intense cattle horse. Levels progress and intensify in difficulty.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
Reining Test
1. Run past center marker & do a sliding stop. Back up to the center of the arena or at least 10’ (3m). Hesitate.
2. Complete 4 spins right. Hesitate.
3. Complete 4 ¼ spins left to face left side of arena. Hesitate.
4. Right lead, 3 circles to right: first 2 circles large & fast, third circle small & slow. Change leads at the center.
5. Complete 3 circles to left: first circle small & slow, next 2 circles large & fast. Change leads at center.
6. Begin a large fast circle right but do not close. Run down right side of arena past center marker & do a left rollback at least 20’ (6m) from end of arena – no hesitation.
7. Continue back around on previous circle but do not close. Run down left side of arena past center & do a right rollback at least 20’ (6m) from end of arena – no hesitation.
8. Continue back around previous circle but do not close. Run down right side of arena past center marker & do a sliding stop at least 20’ (6m) form end of arena. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern. *Rider must dismount and drop the bridle to the designated judge.
NOTES: Reining began with the vaquero cowboys of Mexico and in South America, as well as the North American cowboys. Fast horses that could spin on a dime, sprint forward, and perform quick halts were needed in every day ranch life. There were no fences, pens, buildings or any cattle handling facilities and a stockman needed a good horse in order to survive. From reining, other western disciplines have been derived, such as cutting, working cow and ranch pleasure.
As the sport of reining developed the focus was more on finesse and precision. Patterns were developed to show the horse’s abilities and training. The sliding stop and the spin were introduced. These are highly impractical in the ranch environment, but the sport grew with popularity. A special show, called a sliding shoe, was developed to help with the sliding stops.
Reining involves intense and agile with style and speed. The patterns involve circles at different speeds, run-downs, roll-backs, precise transitions, fluid movement, pure gaits, perfect self-carriage, a balanced frame, sliding stops, fast spins and changes of the leading leg in the lope. These elements stem from ranch work, where a horse needs to work in harmony with his rider, have no resistance and to perform smoothly and effortless throughout a variety of working conditions during the day. He needs to be versatile, have a good attitude and excellent movement. For this reason, reining is often referred to as being a form of western dressage, however finished reining horses must be ridden with one hand only. In reining competitions it is easier to be disqualified than it is in dressage. A reining freestyle division was created as well, and is ridden to music, just as the dressage kur is.
A reining horse is one who moves freely with a stride length appropriate to his conformation and muscle ability. He moves with smooth and effortless strides in a balanced, free-flowing motion. His head and neck must always be in a natural and relaxed position. His poll must never drop below the withers. It is carried either level or slightly above the withers pending breed. He is alert and pleasant while performing in the vertical, on the bit yet with light but consistent contact and fairly loose reins. His classical training will shine through as he will hold himself balanced, engaged and never heavy on the forehand, never too low, nor too high, never short striding or shuffling and responds quickly and readily to all of the rider’s cues and aids. He can collect, extend and give smooth transition making him appear to be an absolute pleasure to ride. Most of all, the Reining horse must be safe and sensible throughout the day and especially in his performance.
The National Reining Horse Association quotes,
“To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also to control his every movement. The best reined horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely. Any movement on his own must be considered a lack of control. All deviations from the exact written pattern must be considered a lack of or temporary loss of control; and therefore, a fault that must be marked down according to severity of deviation. After deducting all faults set here within, against execution of the pattern and the horse’s overall performance, credit should be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority of performing various maneuvers, while using controlled speed which raises the difficulty level and makes him more exciting and pleasing to watch to an audience.”
There are four levels the help the horse progress to the perfect the Reining horse. The Reining horse is given credit for having reasonable speed with free moving gaits, balanced and harmonized with the rider’s aids. It is different than Western Pleasure because you want a forward moving horse who is bright and alert.
Specialty Gaits and Pattern work
SMALL AND SLOW- refers to the size of the circle in the pattern and it is to be done at a slower paced lope. The lope must still be kept pure with three beats. It is still faster than the Western Pleasure lope.
LARGE AND FAST- circle in the pattern is to be done at a faster paced lope. The lope must still be kept pure with three beats. It is not to be developed into a hand gallop with four beats.
RUN – The Run is equivalent to the gallop, but the rider must be in complete control throughout.
Some movements asked for are:
BACK-UP – The back-up is a simple rein-back done with more animation and speed. It resembles the backing that a roping horse would do after the cow is roped; however the rider must have complete control of the movement.
ROLL-BACK – The roll-back is a pivot on the hind foot. The inside foot must be firmly planted as the horse swivels around in 180 degrees.
SPIN – The spin is equivalent to the turn on the haunches with a pivot around the inside hind foot. It is done with speed and precision, as a quarter turn too much or too little is penalized.
The horse needs to appear natural. He must travel straight and even, being properly in all elements especially the circles.
The horse’s conformation is an important aspect in his overall performance, suitability and longevity; however his performance is more valuable. He must be relaxed and ready to work. He must move efficiently so as to conserve energy and not expend it all in one performance. He will travel with light contact and be suitable for the activity.
Reining horses must have particular conformation. The gaskin needs to be strong and well developed in order to perform the sliding stops. The horse may be slightly cow-hocked, but not overly. The hocks may be slightly narrower in order to fit better between the front legs in the sliding stops. They need strong, larger bones, in order to avoid any break down of the body which may happen easy enough even with the best bred horses as reining stresses the horse’s joints and bones. These horses are naturally born to perform Reining better, but their conformation must not be so compromised so as to hinder their longevity. The Reining horse must be wide and strong to carry his rider, but smaller, shorter bones and more compact in order to be able to spin, roll and run. The haunch’s triangle should be larger, but can be equal to the front triangle because the horse works with a fairly lever topline. The more muscling, the easier it is for the horse to support his haunch and carry the rider for long periods. The front end should be lighter, so that the horse can carry more weight on the haunch thus saving his shoulders over the period of a lifetime. The neck should neither be too long, nor too short, but must counterbalance the horse’s body weight. The horse needs a decently sloped shoulder so that the gaits are neither choppy nor stretched out. If the shoulder is not sloped enough the strides will be shorter and he will look choppy. The idea is to create a pleasant picture as the rider rides around the arena. The ideal western horse has a little more muscling for endurance across the fields, trails and in a working ranch environment. He still needs to stand square and fit into a box, meaning that the legs are directly underneath him. His body can easily be divided into thirds. One third is the shoulder area, one third is the body and one third is the haunch. The withers and the point of croup are level. Longer back horses are weaker and may develop problem gaits over time. Overall, the horse needs symmetry and a smoothness of muscling blending together. He needs to appear like he can work easily, happily and for long hours in the saddle.
Penalties: 0.5 Point: Poor maneuver, Out of frame, Gait too slow, Gait too fast, Mouth gaping, Delayed change of lead by one stride, Wrong type of change of lead, Start circle with jog, Exit rollback at jog 2+ strides, Too close to wall (within 20 feet), 1/8 turn too much or too little. 1 point: Wrong lead, Each quarter of a circle on wrong lead, Each quarter of the end circle around on wrong lead, 1/4 turn too much or too little. 2 points: Break gait, Freezing in rollback or spins, Loping in to middle of arena at start, Failing to hesitate before starting or stopping, No lope before first marker, Stopping before marker, Jogging 2+ strides but less than ½ circle or ½ arena length, Holding wrong lead (1/2). 5 points: Holding saddle, Spurring in front of cinch, Using hand for praise or to instill fear, Disobedience (kick, rear, bite, buck, strike, etc)
Reining is a pattern class of circles, spins and rollbacks, designed for the intense cattle horse. Levels progress and intensify in difficulty.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
Reining Test
1. Run past center marker & do a sliding stop. Back up to the center of the arena or at least 10’ (3m). Hesitate.
2. Complete 4 spins right. Hesitate.
3. Complete 4 ¼ spins left to face left side of arena. Hesitate.
4. Right lead, 3 circles to right: first 2 circles large & fast, third circle small & slow. Change leads at the center.
5. Complete 3 circles to left: first circle small & slow, next 2 circles large & fast. Change leads at center.
6. Begin a large fast circle right but do not close. Run down right side of arena past center marker & do a left rollback at least 20’ (6m) from end of arena – no hesitation.
7. Continue back around on previous circle but do not close. Run down left side of arena past center & do a right rollback at least 20’ (6m) from end of arena – no hesitation.
8. Continue back around previous circle but do not close. Run down right side of arena past center marker & do a sliding stop at least 20’ (6m) form end of arena. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern. *Rider must dismount and drop the bridle to the designated judge.
NOTES: Reining began with the vaquero cowboys of Mexico and in South America, as well as the North American cowboys. Fast horses that could spin on a dime, sprint forward, and perform quick halts were needed in every day ranch life. There were no fences, pens, buildings or any cattle handling facilities and a stockman needed a good horse in order to survive. From reining, other western disciplines have been derived, such as cutting, working cow and ranch pleasure.
As the sport of reining developed the focus was more on finesse and precision. Patterns were developed to show the horse’s abilities and training. The sliding stop and the spin were introduced. These are highly impractical in the ranch environment, but the sport grew with popularity. A special show, called a sliding shoe, was developed to help with the sliding stops.
Reining involves intense and agile with style and speed. The patterns involve circles at different speeds, run-downs, roll-backs, precise transitions, fluid movement, pure gaits, perfect self-carriage, a balanced frame, sliding stops, fast spins and changes of the leading leg in the lope. These elements stem from ranch work, where a horse needs to work in harmony with his rider, have no resistance and to perform smoothly and effortless throughout a variety of working conditions during the day. He needs to be versatile, have a good attitude and excellent movement. For this reason, reining is often referred to as being a form of western dressage, however finished reining horses must be ridden with one hand only. In reining competitions it is easier to be disqualified than it is in dressage. A reining freestyle division was created as well, and is ridden to music, just as the dressage kur is.
A reining horse is one who moves freely with a stride length appropriate to his conformation and muscle ability. He moves with smooth and effortless strides in a balanced, free-flowing motion. His head and neck must always be in a natural and relaxed position. His poll must never drop below the withers. It is carried either level or slightly above the withers pending breed. He is alert and pleasant while performing in the vertical, on the bit yet with light but consistent contact and fairly loose reins. His classical training will shine through as he will hold himself balanced, engaged and never heavy on the forehand, never too low, nor too high, never short striding or shuffling and responds quickly and readily to all of the rider’s cues and aids. He can collect, extend and give smooth transition making him appear to be an absolute pleasure to ride. Most of all, the Reining horse must be safe and sensible throughout the day and especially in his performance.
The National Reining Horse Association quotes,
“To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also to control his every movement. The best reined horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely. Any movement on his own must be considered a lack of control. All deviations from the exact written pattern must be considered a lack of or temporary loss of control; and therefore, a fault that must be marked down according to severity of deviation. After deducting all faults set here within, against execution of the pattern and the horse’s overall performance, credit should be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority of performing various maneuvers, while using controlled speed which raises the difficulty level and makes him more exciting and pleasing to watch to an audience.”
There are four levels the help the horse progress to the perfect the Reining horse. The Reining horse is given credit for having reasonable speed with free moving gaits, balanced and harmonized with the rider’s aids. It is different than Western Pleasure because you want a forward moving horse who is bright and alert.
Specialty Gaits and Pattern work
SMALL AND SLOW- refers to the size of the circle in the pattern and it is to be done at a slower paced lope. The lope must still be kept pure with three beats. It is still faster than the Western Pleasure lope.
LARGE AND FAST- circle in the pattern is to be done at a faster paced lope. The lope must still be kept pure with three beats. It is not to be developed into a hand gallop with four beats.
RUN – The Run is equivalent to the gallop, but the rider must be in complete control throughout.
Some movements asked for are:
BACK-UP – The back-up is a simple rein-back done with more animation and speed. It resembles the backing that a roping horse would do after the cow is roped; however the rider must have complete control of the movement.
ROLL-BACK – The roll-back is a pivot on the hind foot. The inside foot must be firmly planted as the horse swivels around in 180 degrees.
SPIN – The spin is equivalent to the turn on the haunches with a pivot around the inside hind foot. It is done with speed and precision, as a quarter turn too much or too little is penalized.
The horse needs to appear natural. He must travel straight and even, being properly in all elements especially the circles.
The horse’s conformation is an important aspect in his overall performance, suitability and longevity; however his performance is more valuable. He must be relaxed and ready to work. He must move efficiently so as to conserve energy and not expend it all in one performance. He will travel with light contact and be suitable for the activity.
Reining horses must have particular conformation. The gaskin needs to be strong and well developed in order to perform the sliding stops. The horse may be slightly cow-hocked, but not overly. The hocks may be slightly narrower in order to fit better between the front legs in the sliding stops. They need strong, larger bones, in order to avoid any break down of the body which may happen easy enough even with the best bred horses as reining stresses the horse’s joints and bones. These horses are naturally born to perform Reining better, but their conformation must not be so compromised so as to hinder their longevity. The Reining horse must be wide and strong to carry his rider, but smaller, shorter bones and more compact in order to be able to spin, roll and run. The haunch’s triangle should be larger, but can be equal to the front triangle because the horse works with a fairly lever topline. The more muscling, the easier it is for the horse to support his haunch and carry the rider for long periods. The front end should be lighter, so that the horse can carry more weight on the haunch thus saving his shoulders over the period of a lifetime. The neck should neither be too long, nor too short, but must counterbalance the horse’s body weight. The horse needs a decently sloped shoulder so that the gaits are neither choppy nor stretched out. If the shoulder is not sloped enough the strides will be shorter and he will look choppy. The idea is to create a pleasant picture as the rider rides around the arena. The ideal western horse has a little more muscling for endurance across the fields, trails and in a working ranch environment. He still needs to stand square and fit into a box, meaning that the legs are directly underneath him. His body can easily be divided into thirds. One third is the shoulder area, one third is the body and one third is the haunch. The withers and the point of croup are level. Longer back horses are weaker and may develop problem gaits over time. Overall, the horse needs symmetry and a smoothness of muscling blending together. He needs to appear like he can work easily, happily and for long hours in the saddle.
Penalties: 0.5 Point: Poor maneuver, Out of frame, Gait too slow, Gait too fast, Mouth gaping, Delayed change of lead by one stride, Wrong type of change of lead, Start circle with jog, Exit rollback at jog 2+ strides, Too close to wall (within 20 feet), 1/8 turn too much or too little. 1 point: Wrong lead, Each quarter of a circle on wrong lead, Each quarter of the end circle around on wrong lead, 1/4 turn too much or too little. 2 points: Break gait, Freezing in rollback or spins, Loping in to middle of arena at start, Failing to hesitate before starting or stopping, No lope before first marker, Stopping before marker, Jogging 2+ strides but less than ½ circle or ½ arena length, Holding wrong lead (1/2). 5 points: Holding saddle, Spurring in front of cinch, Using hand for praise or to instill fear, Disobedience (kick, rear, bite, buck, strike, etc)
TRAIL HORSE
Trail is a mounted discipline where horse and rider complete various obstacles in a progressive manner intensifying in difficulty.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
NOTES: A trail horse is a sensible horse that can easily and safely negotiate obstacles that are found in the natural landscape. The trail course is a challenge for both horse and rider to test their skills and training through the progressive levels of this course. These obstacles can add some spice to the pair's training regime. Each obstacle itself is a visual aid, where the rider must visualize, understand and cue the horse to perform. Rider error can cause a mistake even for the best trail horse.
Judgement is placed upon the successful negotiation to the varying degree of difficulty. The horse must not shy, hesitate, panic, or spook. He must obey and understand what is being asked of him and perform with ease, grace and fluidity, never faltering or resisting. His classical training will shine through as he will hold himself balanced, engaged, and never heavy on the forehand or inverted.
Each horse must be able to walk, jog, and lope, with excellent carriage, meaning that the poll never dips lower than the wither, in each level. The gaits are pure, where the walk is a fluid, 4-beat gait, the jog is a slow, 2-beat gait, with legs moving in diagonal pairs, and the lope is a graceful, 3-beat gait, covering ground with each stride. Emphasis is on the horse's manners and the team is penalized for any delay due to hesitation, fear, or resistance, with the rider aiding with the least amount of cues.
Trail is a mounted discipline where horse and rider complete various obstacles in a progressive manner intensifying in difficulty.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
NOTES: A trail horse is a sensible horse that can easily and safely negotiate obstacles that are found in the natural landscape. The trail course is a challenge for both horse and rider to test their skills and training through the progressive levels of this course. These obstacles can add some spice to the pair's training regime. Each obstacle itself is a visual aid, where the rider must visualize, understand and cue the horse to perform. Rider error can cause a mistake even for the best trail horse.
Judgement is placed upon the successful negotiation to the varying degree of difficulty. The horse must not shy, hesitate, panic, or spook. He must obey and understand what is being asked of him and perform with ease, grace and fluidity, never faltering or resisting. His classical training will shine through as he will hold himself balanced, engaged, and never heavy on the forehand or inverted.
Each horse must be able to walk, jog, and lope, with excellent carriage, meaning that the poll never dips lower than the wither, in each level. The gaits are pure, where the walk is a fluid, 4-beat gait, the jog is a slow, 2-beat gait, with legs moving in diagonal pairs, and the lope is a graceful, 3-beat gait, covering ground with each stride. Emphasis is on the horse's manners and the team is penalized for any delay due to hesitation, fear, or resistance, with the rider aiding with the least amount of cues.
RANCH PLEASURE
Much like the other three disciplines, Ranch Pleasure is designed to include a little bit of everything! This is a working class, therefore conservative tack and attire is requested. The horse must look like a pleasure to ride and work. Training is progressive.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
Ranch Pleasure Pattern
Jog serpentine, then Lope left lead around the end of the arena and then diagonally across the arena. Change leads (flying) and lope on the right lead around end of the arena and Extend lope on the straight away and around corner to the center line. Extend jog around corner of the arena. Collect to a jog, jog over poles. Stop, do 360° turn each direction (either direction 1st) (L-R or R-L). Walk.
NOTES: Ranch Pleasure involves movements from western pleasure dressage, trail, western riding and reining into one test. The patterns involve lateral bending, precise transitions, fluid movement, pure gaits, perfect self-carriage, a balanced frame, full stops, fast turns and changes of the leading leg in the lope. These elements stem from ranch work, where a horse needs to work in harmony with his rider, have no resistance and to perform smoothly and effortless throughout a variety of working conditions during the day. He needs to be versatile, have a good attitude and excellent movement.
A ranch horse is one who moves freely with a stride length appropriate to his conformation and muscle ability. He moves with smooth and effortless strides in a balanced, free-flowing motion. His head and neck must always be in a natural and relaxed position. His poll must never drop below the withers. It is carried either level or slightly above the withers pending breed. He is alert and pleasant while performing in the vertical, on the bit yet with light but consistent contact and fairly loose reins. His classical training will shine through as he will hold himself balanced, engaged and never heavy on the forehand, never too low, nor too high, never short striding or shuffling and responds quickly and readily to all of the rider’s cues and aids. He can collect, extend and give smooth transition making him appear to be an absolute pleasure to ride. Most of all, the ranch riding horse must be safe and sensible throughout the day and especially in his performance. There are four levels the help the horse progress to the perfect Ranch Pleasure horse.
The Ranch Pleasure horse is given credit for having reasonable speed with free moving gaits, balanced and harmonized with the rider’s aids. It is different than Western Pleasure because you want a forward moving horse who is bright and alert.
Much like the other three disciplines, Ranch Pleasure is designed to include a little bit of everything! This is a working class, therefore conservative tack and attire is requested. The horse must look like a pleasure to ride and work. Training is progressive.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
Ranch Pleasure Pattern
Jog serpentine, then Lope left lead around the end of the arena and then diagonally across the arena. Change leads (flying) and lope on the right lead around end of the arena and Extend lope on the straight away and around corner to the center line. Extend jog around corner of the arena. Collect to a jog, jog over poles. Stop, do 360° turn each direction (either direction 1st) (L-R or R-L). Walk.
NOTES: Ranch Pleasure involves movements from western pleasure dressage, trail, western riding and reining into one test. The patterns involve lateral bending, precise transitions, fluid movement, pure gaits, perfect self-carriage, a balanced frame, full stops, fast turns and changes of the leading leg in the lope. These elements stem from ranch work, where a horse needs to work in harmony with his rider, have no resistance and to perform smoothly and effortless throughout a variety of working conditions during the day. He needs to be versatile, have a good attitude and excellent movement.
A ranch horse is one who moves freely with a stride length appropriate to his conformation and muscle ability. He moves with smooth and effortless strides in a balanced, free-flowing motion. His head and neck must always be in a natural and relaxed position. His poll must never drop below the withers. It is carried either level or slightly above the withers pending breed. He is alert and pleasant while performing in the vertical, on the bit yet with light but consistent contact and fairly loose reins. His classical training will shine through as he will hold himself balanced, engaged and never heavy on the forehand, never too low, nor too high, never short striding or shuffling and responds quickly and readily to all of the rider’s cues and aids. He can collect, extend and give smooth transition making him appear to be an absolute pleasure to ride. Most of all, the ranch riding horse must be safe and sensible throughout the day and especially in his performance. There are four levels the help the horse progress to the perfect Ranch Pleasure horse.
The Ranch Pleasure horse is given credit for having reasonable speed with free moving gaits, balanced and harmonized with the rider’s aids. It is different than Western Pleasure because you want a forward moving horse who is bright and alert.
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COWBOY DRESSAGE
This class has a set arena with different patterns that increase with difficulty. Training is progressive. Even though this class is labelled dressage, it is still considered a "Stock" discipline. Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop. Arena: The Cowboy Dressage arena is a bit different than any other dressage arena. The quarter-lines are marked at each end. The total size of arena is only 20x40 meters. Letters are marked ever 5 meters. There is also the ground poles placed on the quarter-lines between H & S, and M & R, with pylons in the specific areas in the top corners and on each side of the centerline, and the octagon in the middle. NOTES: Cowboy Dressage is much the same as the other Western disciplines, and can be done in the same tack, turn-out, and attire. |
WORKING EQUITATION - Maneability (Ease-of-Handling)
Description: Working equitation is basically field work on the farm through a variety of obstacles that increase with difficulty. Founding countries were Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, but it is no longer limited.
You design your course.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
Credits: 1.0 credits upon scoring 55%
Title of Achievement: score of 70+%
12 Obstacles:
Canter a figure eight between drums with a flying change
Canter the livestock pen
Canter single slalom with flying changes
Gate with right or left open
Trot or Canter the Bell Corridor
Remove a pole at the canter
Canter to hit a target
Replace the pole at canter
Trot or Canter to sidepass
Walk or Trot to Reinback
Canter pirouettes with flying changes
Canter Double Slalom with flying changes
Canter over a jump
Lasso an object and drag it
Bridge
Ditch
Bank
Move a glass
Jug
Dismount, walk around, and remount
NOTES: “The discipline of Working Equitation was created with the aim of promoting the different types of equitation employed in countries that use the horse to work on the farm. The aim is to preserve and perpetuate not only this type of equitation in each country but also the various traditions, riding attire and tack that constitute part of the intrinsic cultural tradition of each country. The four founder countries of Working Equitation are Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. Each country has its own rules for Working Equitation competitions. The countries have come together to establish the rules for the international competition.” ~ Working Equitation UK
This program combines different disciplines into one category that has been around since man first starting using the horse for work, pleasure, military and transportation. Horses had to be versatile and the same horse used for work in the fields, had to be used around the ranch, and in the manegé (riding arena performance). Riding used to be a lifestyle in fieldwork and has since changed to be a luxurious hobby. The classical, baroque methods of riding and training, mixed with today's science and technology, leads us to this program. Horses were the "all-around horse" quick, obedient and skilled. The purpose is to show that both the horse and rider are capable of precisely, calmly, with harmony perform obstacles that may be encountered at work. Working Equitation is comprised of four trials: Dressage (Flatwork), Ease of Handling or Maneability (Obstacle work with style), Speed (Obstacle course with precision) and Cow (no longer offered by the Academy). Classifications: Team Championship – where each country submits a team of four riders, selected nationally and representing the tradition equitation of the country. Individual Championship – based on performance in the first three trials. Cow Trial – independent, collective classification only for the result of the cow trial test.
For this reason, the International Riding Academy only offers the Maneability tests with the following penalties:
Description: Working equitation is basically field work on the farm through a variety of obstacles that increase with difficulty. Founding countries were Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, but it is no longer limited.
You design your course.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
Credits: 1.0 credits upon scoring 55%
Title of Achievement: score of 70+%
12 Obstacles:
Canter a figure eight between drums with a flying change
Canter the livestock pen
Canter single slalom with flying changes
Gate with right or left open
Trot or Canter the Bell Corridor
Remove a pole at the canter
Canter to hit a target
Replace the pole at canter
Trot or Canter to sidepass
Walk or Trot to Reinback
Canter pirouettes with flying changes
Canter Double Slalom with flying changes
Canter over a jump
Lasso an object and drag it
Bridge
Ditch
Bank
Move a glass
Jug
Dismount, walk around, and remount
NOTES: “The discipline of Working Equitation was created with the aim of promoting the different types of equitation employed in countries that use the horse to work on the farm. The aim is to preserve and perpetuate not only this type of equitation in each country but also the various traditions, riding attire and tack that constitute part of the intrinsic cultural tradition of each country. The four founder countries of Working Equitation are Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. Each country has its own rules for Working Equitation competitions. The countries have come together to establish the rules for the international competition.” ~ Working Equitation UK
This program combines different disciplines into one category that has been around since man first starting using the horse for work, pleasure, military and transportation. Horses had to be versatile and the same horse used for work in the fields, had to be used around the ranch, and in the manegé (riding arena performance). Riding used to be a lifestyle in fieldwork and has since changed to be a luxurious hobby. The classical, baroque methods of riding and training, mixed with today's science and technology, leads us to this program. Horses were the "all-around horse" quick, obedient and skilled. The purpose is to show that both the horse and rider are capable of precisely, calmly, with harmony perform obstacles that may be encountered at work. Working Equitation is comprised of four trials: Dressage (Flatwork), Ease of Handling or Maneability (Obstacle work with style), Speed (Obstacle course with precision) and Cow (no longer offered by the Academy). Classifications: Team Championship – where each country submits a team of four riders, selected nationally and representing the tradition equitation of the country. Individual Championship – based on performance in the first three trials. Cow Trial – independent, collective classification only for the result of the cow trial test.
For this reason, the International Riding Academy only offers the Maneability tests with the following penalties:
- Each tick or touch of obstacle by horse = -0.5 mark,
- Horse lost rhythm of gait or gaits or immobility at halt = -1 mark,
- Horse lost impulsion = - 1 mark,
- Horse loses suppleness and/or shows tension = -1 mark,
- Horse shows resistance (no contact/no submissiveness) = -1 mark,
- Horse's head lowers below the wither or is inverted and back hollow = -1 mark,
- Horse does not travel straight/evenly/square under the rider's aids = -1 mark,
- Horse's loses balance = -1 mark,
- Poor transition = -1 mark,
- Each step on an obstacle by horse = - 1 mark,
- Improper leg sequence = -1 mark,
- Wrong leading leg with correction or break of gait= -1 mark,
- Stepping outside an obstacle = -4 marks,
- Knocking an obstacle down = -4 marks,
- Dropping an object = -5 marks,
- First refusal (balk, shy or 2+ backward steps) = -5 marks,
- Horse is disobedient = -5 marks,
- Wrong leading leg without correction = -5 marks,
- Obstacle incomplete = -5 marks,
- Second refusal of same obstacle = -5 marks,
- Severe disturbance to an obstacle = -5 marks,
- Fall off or out of an obstacle = -5 marks.
VAQUERO DRESSAGE or DOMA VAQUERA
This class is similar to Working Equitation in tack and attire, however it is just flat work done in an arena similar to the dressage arena. Even though this discipline is labelled as dressage, it is still considered a "Stock" discipline.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
Requirements of your test of choice:
NOTES: Vaquero Dressage can be done with the same tack, turn-out and attire as Working Equitation.
This class is similar to Working Equitation in tack and attire, however it is just flat work done in an arena similar to the dressage arena. Even though this discipline is labelled as dressage, it is still considered a "Stock" discipline.
Gaits: Walk, Jog, Lope, Hand Gallop.
Requirements of your test of choice:
- Enter at canter, halt, salute.
- Walk straight 10m minimum.
- Pirouette left and right.
- Half pass left and right at walk.
- Trot 3 Loop Serpentine.
- Trot leg yield left and right for at least 10m.
- Medium trot minimum 15m.
- Trot to halt and Rein-back 6-10 steps. Proceed collected canter.
- Extended canter 20m circle left and right.
- Medium canter 15m circle left and right.
- Collected canter 10m circle left and right.
- Canter pirouette left and right.
- Canter 4 Loop Serpentine with flying changes. Extended canter to halt and salute.
NOTES: Vaquero Dressage can be done with the same tack, turn-out and attire as Working Equitation.