|
REINING
In Reining competitions, the horses are judged individually as they
complete one of ten specific patterns, each of a varying degree of difficulty. Each pattern includes small slow
circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360 degree spins and the exciting sliding stops
that are the hallmark of the reining horse. Penalties points are subtracted from the score for incorrect performance.
The reining horse must be willfully guided. Deductions should be applied for gagging, excessive head raising, stopping or
backing sideways, refusals, anticipation, stumbling or falling and disobedience. Credit should be given for smoothness, finesse,
willing attitude and accuracy. Controlled speed during the pattern raises the level of difficulty so should be rewarded with
higher scores provided the maneuvers are still performed correctly. Reining horses may perform with individual style according
to their conformation. The sport of Reining is open to all breeds and is exciting and pleasing to watch.
CALF ROPING
This is an event
that features a calf and a mounted rider. The calves are moved through
narrow pathways leading to a chute with spring loaded doors. A 50 foot rope is fastened around the calf's neck which is used
to ensure that the calf gets a head start. On one side of the chute will be the calf roper who will attempt to rope and
tie the calf. The calf roper is behind a taut rope fastened with
an easily broken string which is fastened to the rope on the calf. When the roper is ready he calls for the calf and the chute
man trips a lever opening the doors. The suddenly freed calf breaks out running. When the calf reaches the end of his rope,
it pops off and simultaneously releases the barrier for the roper. The roper must throw his rope in a loop around the calf's
neck. Once the rope is around the calf's neck, the roper signals the
horse to stop suddenly while he simultaneously steps off the horse and runs to the calf. The horse will back away from the
calf to maintain a steady pull on the rope. When the roper reaches the calf he picks it up and drops the calf on its side.
With calves weighing 200-300 pounds this takes a bit of effort. Once the calf is on the ground the roper ties three of the
calf's legs together with a pigging string. The traditional tie is called two wraps and a hooey. The roper returns
to his horse, mounts, and moves the horse forward releasing the tension on the rope. An official will now time six seconds.
If the calf is still tied at the end of the six seconds, an official time for the event is taken. The official time starts
when the gate opens and ends when the roper finishes tying the calf, usually signaled by the throwing of hands into the air.
CAMPDRAFTING
Campdrafting is thought to
have developed in outback Queensland among the stockmen and drovers in informal competitions to prove horse skills. It is
an unique Australian Western Event that showcases horse and rider working with cattle.
In the competition, a rider on horseback
must "cut out" one beast from the mob of cattle in the yard or "camp" and block and turn that beast at least two or three
times to prove to the judge that they have the beast under control; then push it out of the yard and through a course around
pegs involving right and left hand turns in a figure eight, before guiding it through two pegs known as "the gate". The sport
requires consummate skill and horsemanship, and the skill in selecting a beast from the mob that will run well. Great prestige
is bestowed on the winning rider and horse of the competition.
PLEASURE
A good pleasure horse has a flowing stride of a reasonable length in keeping
with his conformation. He should cover a reasonable amount of ground with little effort. He should be shown on a reasonably
loose rein, but still have light contact and control. He should be responsive, yet smooth, in transitions when called for.
Maximum credit should be given to the flowing, balanced and willing horse which gives the appearance of being fit and a pleasure
to ride.This class will be judged on the performance, condition and conformation of the horse, however, a percent of the judging
should be based on condition and conformation. Entries are be penalised for excessive speeding or being on wrong leads.
EQUITATION
Competitors are required to ride one of the three set patterns. The
class is designed to show the calm, easy paces of the horse and its ability to be correctly balanced at all times. Western
riding is neither a stunt nor a race, but it should be performed with reasonable speed. The horse will be judged on quality
of gaits, changes of leads, response to the rider, manners, disposition, and intelligence.Credit shall be given for the emphasis
placed on smoothness, even cadence of gaits (i.e. starting and finishing the pattern with the same cadence), and the horse’s
ability to change leads precisely and easily at the rear and the front at the centre point between markers. The horse should
have a relaxed head carriage showing response to the rider’s hands, with a moderate flexion at the poll.
COMMAND
Riders are judged on seat, hands, ability to control and show the horse.
Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important than the method used by the rider.
A series of commands are given to the horse, credit awarded for instantaneous and correct reaction,
deductions made for hesitation or resistance. Horses should perform the manouvers with seemingly no indication from the rider,
be on loose rein with little contact, supple in their body movements with good flexion throughout the neck and poll.
TRAIL & OBSTACLE COURSE
These classes requires horse and rider to negotiate a series of obstacles
placed on the arena surface. The horse is marked on its attitude on approaching and dealing with each element of the course.
Obstacles include a gate, walking, trotting or loping over poles and backing between poles or around cones. Other obstacles
can be four poles forming a square of between 5 and 6ft in which the horse must turn 360 degrees, sidepassing over, in front
of, or between poles in both directions, and carrying an object from one point to another.
Trail is considered the novice/beginner class, where judging is more lenient, while the obstacle
course is the more challenging class for the confident amateur and advanced horse and rider.
SHOWMANSHIP
In this
class it is the handler that is being judged. Conformation of the horse is not taken into account although grooming, condition
and trim is. The majority of the points are gained from leading the horse, posing the horse for inspection, and the general
manner in which the competitor presents their charge for inspection.
BARREL RACING
Barrel Racing is an event that
features the horse and rider running a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels in a triangular arrangement. The rider
will take up a gallop and ride towards the first barrel. They must make a complete loop around the barrel then accelerate
toward the second barrel. At the second barrel, they will again make a complete loop, which means they will make the turn
on the other lead then accelerate toward the third barrel. At the third barrel they will again make a complete loop
and then run back to the start. The racers will pass through an electronic timer entering and leaving the barrel arrangement
and the elapsed time is the time for the event.
It is permitted to touch the barrels but not to knock them over. Knocking
a barrel over adds a 5 second penalty to the time. Since going wide around a barrel is slower, a delicate balance of speed
and control must be made to achieve the fastest times.
POLE BENDING
Pole Bending is an event that
features a horse and one mounted rider, running a weaving or serpentine path around six poles arranged in a line. The rider
will take up a gallop and ride past all the poles turning at the last pole. The rider and horse will make a serpentine
path through the poles, that is passing on alternating hands and leads through the poles. When the last pole is reached, the
horse and rider continue in a mirror pattern through the poles back to the first one. When the pattern is completed the horse
and rider then gallop back past the poles and through the timer.
CUTTING
Cutting is an event that highlights the
"cow sense" prized in stock breeds. In the event the horse and rider select and separate a calf out of a small group.
The calf then tries to return to its herdmates; the rider loosens the reins and leaves it entirely to the horse to keep the
calf separated, a job the best horses do with relish, savvy, and style. Points are awarded for the ability and talent the
horse shows in keeping the calf separated without direction from the rider, while deductions are made if the calf can manage
to return to the herd or close the distance between him and his herdmates.
Definitions & Information on other Western
Events Coming Soon
|
