Class descriptions and rules:
This is a collection of the rules and descriptions of the various classes. These rules may vary in different countries, provinces, circuits, or shows. For the purposes of this page, we are using Saskatchewan Horse Federation and/or Equine Canada rules, where they exist, and our own rules where they don’t. For any approved SHF classes with points towards year-end division awards, SHF rules will over-ride anything written on this page.
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Halter
Handler will lead horse. Horse will be judged on conformation, type, movement, turnout, and manners.
Tack: English bridle or halter, Western show halter.
Apparel: Handler should be neatly attired in either English or Western riding apparel, or dress pants and collared shirts. Juniors must wear approved safety helmet.
Not counted for circuit points.
Showmanship at Halter
Handler will lead horse, in-hand, through a pattern of maneuvers. Patterns are posted prior to the class start. Handler and horse are judged on turnout, execution of pattern, and manner of going.
Tack: English bridle (with bit) OR Western halter with lead shank, chain going under horse’s chin.
Apparel: Either appropriate English or Western riding apparel. Juniors must wear approved riding helmet.
SHF Points: Heritage – Showmanship/Equitation Division.
English Pleasure
The horse will be shown on the rail at the flat-footed walk, regular trot, and easy canter, and may also be asked to extend the trot or to perform a hand gallop. Horses are judged on their manners foremost, then performance, quality and conformation. The horse is to give the impression of being a pleasure to ride. The horse should be ridden with light contact on the bridle, but extreme contact will result in a penalty.
Tack: English bridle and saddle.
Apparel: English riding apparel.
SHF Points: Heritage – English Flat/Dressage Division
Road Hack
The horse will be judged on the rail at the flat-footed walk on a reasonably loose rein, trot, strong trot, and canter. The horse may also be asked to perform a hand-gallop. The strong trot is a more animated, bolder, trot with ground-covering strides while the horse’s frame remains rounded. The judge is looking for a forward, swinging gait, with a rounded frame, and manners suggesting the horse would be nice for riding down the road.
Tack: English bridle and saddle.
Apparel: English riding apparel.
SHF Points: Heritage – English Flat/Dressage Division
Show Hack
To be judged at a walk, trot, canter and hand gallop both ways of the ring. Collections and extensions of each gait, except hand gallop, must be called both ways of the ring. No more than 8 horses/ponies to hand gallop at one time. Riders may be asked to show that their horse can rein-back easily and will halt and stand quietly. The horse and rider are judged for smooth gaits, fluid transitions, and obedience. A more “dressage-like” frame is favoured.
Tack: English bridle and saddle.
Apparel: English riding apparel.
SHF Points: Heritage – English Flat/Dressage Division
Dressage
Horse and rider will execute series of maneuvers as per approved test patterns for each level. Each maneuver is scored by the judge, with the final score being a tally.
Tack: English bridle and saddle
Apparel: English riding apparel for this level.
SHF Points: Training Level I-IV, First Level I-IV, Second Level I-II points count towards Heritage – English Flat/Dressage Division. Higher levels fall under the Prairie Cup Circuit.
English Equitation – Hunt Seat or Basic Seat on Flat
Judged on “hand, seat, and legs.” (..)
SHF Points: Heritage – Showmanship/Equitation Division.
English Equitation – Dressage Seat
SHF Points: Heritage – Showmanship/Equitation Division.
English Equitation – Hunt Seat Over Fences
SHF Points: Heritage – Showmanship/Equitation Division.
Hunter over Fences – Crossrails, 2′0″, 2′3″, 2′6″
SHF Points: Heritage – Hunter Division
Handy Hunter
A test of the English horse and rider in the fox-hunting tradition. A series of obstacles including walk or trot poles, halt in specified area, reinback through a channel, open and ride through a modified gate, turns, carry an object from one post to another, execute gaits at specified points. Jumps will be modeled after natural or man-made obstacles one might encounter in a country field or park. Seperate classes for different jump heights, although jumps form only one portion of the pattern. The horse and rider are required to follow a posted pattern with horse and rider being judged on manners, ability to negotiate obstacles and general horsemanship. Full rules and pattern will be posted prior to show. Although this is modeled after a true “hunter” class, conformation is not judged, and neat turnout in the fashion of any of the jumping disciplines (hunter, jumper, cross-country) is acceptable.
Tack: English bridle and saddle (any style). Horses may wear protective boots.
Apparel: English style breeches, tall boots or half-chaps and paddock boots, collared shirt. Jacket optional. Helmet mandatory.
Not an SHF class.
Article: How to Ride in a Handy Hunter Class
Pairs
Two horses, two riders. Rail class. Each pairing of horses/riders will be judged on their similarity, and contrasts, in appearance, conformation, turnout, tack & dress, and way of movement. Riders will be asked to proceed at the walk, trot/jog, and canter/lope if space permits.
Tack & Apparel: English or Western tack and apparel, as would suit any riding discipline. Sport boots and coloured saddle pads, or coloured tack, may be used. Although some additional effort can be made to accessorize horses and riders to match, this is not a costume class.
Not an SHF class.
Command
Rail class. At the “command” of the announcer, the horse has to perform the required gait. One stride is allowed for a transition. Counter canter and flying lead changes may be requested. Failure to perform the “command” eliminates the horse. Class will be placed in reverse order of elimination. Last horse remaining that performs all “commands” wins the class.
Tack & Apparel: English or Western
Not an SHF class.
Leadline
Rail class. Horses should be well-mannered on the lead. Horse, rider, and handler should present a calm, tidy, and safe picture and will be judged on turnout and attitude. Safety is paramount. All riders must wear helmets that fit, and appropriate footwear. Handler must be able to control the horse. Rider must be comfortable in the saddle, and able to hold the reins. Saddle should be appropriate to the rider’s size, without compromising the horse. Horse may be lead by halter or bridle. Classes judged at the walk only. At the Judges discretion any or all riders may be required to execute any appropriate commands for each riding style. May not cross-enter in any other classes/divisions.
Tack & Apparel: English or Western. Jacket and breeches not required for English rider. All riders must wear a helmet regardless of age. No whips allowed.
Not an SHF class.
Walk/Trot on Rail
Rail class. Riders must be able to control the horse at the walk and the jog or trot, and able to turn the horse and halt. Riders will be judged on ability to execute the maneuvers, as well as turnout, calm demeanor, and equitation. Tack should be appropriate and clean. Horse is judged on turnout (grooming) only. May not cross-enter in any other classes/divisions except “Give it a go” classes.
Tack & Apparel: English or Western. Jacket and breeches not required for English rider. Chaps not required for Western rider. All riders must wear a properly fitting helmet regardless of age.
Not an SHF points class.
Western Pleasure
SHF Points: Heritage – Western Performance Division.
Western Horsemanship
SHF Points: Heritage – Showmanship/Equitation Division.
Western Riding
SHF Points: Heritage – Western Performance Division.
Reining
SHF Points: Heritage – Western Performance Division.
Western Trail
SHF Points: Heritage – Western Performance Division.
Barrel Racing
SHF Points: Heritage – Western Speed Division
Keyhole Racing
Horses run a prescribed pattern for best time. An exhibitor is disqualified if Horse steps on or out of the chalk in keyhole, or goes off course in any pattern.
SHF Points: Heritage – Western Speed Division
Links for more information:
The SHF Heritage Rule book is available to order from the SHF: http://www.saskhorse.ca
SHF Heritage Rules: Age Categories, Junior Horse
http://www.saskhorse.ca/pages/heritage/show_info.php
SHF Prairie Cup Rules:
http://www.saskhorse.ca/pages/prairie_cup.php
Equine Canada Show Rules, Progression Charts, etc.
http://www.saskhorse.ca/pages/equine_can.php
Equine Canada Forms:
http://www.equinecanada.ca/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=276&Itemid=365
Equine Canada Rulebook:
http://www.equinecanada.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&id=579&Itemid=466&lang=en-GB
