The western riding horse should move with the same style, frame, and quality of movement as the western pleasure performer.  However, this class requires horses to perform a predetermined pattern that calls for the horse to jog and lope over a log and complete a series of lead changes.  The high quality western riding horse is a good mover and performs leads changes precisely and simultaneously while maintaining the same rhythm throughout.

Maneuvers:
Walk
Jog
Lope
Line (side) lead changes
Crossing lead changes
Log
Stop
Back

Judged categories:
Functional Correctness –follows prescribed pattern; executes flying lead changes within designated area
Quality of Movement –cadence and speed of gaits; precision of lead changes; body frame; head carriage and head set
Attitude – general mannerisms and response to rider’s cues

Scoring
Scores range from 0 to infinity, with scores of 70 denoting an “average” performance.  Each maneuver is scored: 1 ½ = excellent, 1 = very good, ½ = good, 0 = average, - ½ = poor, -1 = very poor, -1 ½ = extremely poor.  Maneuver scores are added to or subtracted from 70 to get a composite score, and penalty points are recorded.

Final score = Composite score - Penalties

Reference: Youth and Collegiate Horse Judging Leader Guide

Links:
4-H Rules and Regulations
AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations
NRHA Handbook: By-Laws Rules and Regulations

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Intro Video
2-Horse Video (May Video)
4-Horse Video (May Video)

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