Horse Committee: Jess Woodring – President & Reining Project Leader, Jessie Read – Vice President, Jennifer DeLeon – Secretary, Lewis Baeth – Treasurer, Sheila Smart – Jumping/Dressage Project Leader, Lisa Black – Colt to Maturity/Green Horse Project Leader, Scott Schuster – Working Ranch Horse Project Leader, Committee Members: Donna Baeth, Amy Weining, Julie Schumacher, Sandy Botz & Cora Baeth (junior member)

Horse & Pony Rules

All exhibitors are responsible for reading and understanding the rules and requirements for the show. * This includes the 4-H & FFA General Rules, Rules for Large Animals, Horse & Pony Rules, Fairground Rules, and all applicable contracts with the Horse Committee. If you need ANY clarification, contact the horse committee prior to fair!

  • Exhibitors must be enrolled Gallatin County 4-H Horse Project members.
  • If you feel that your horse(s) needs a break from fairground activity, you will be allowed to take your horse(s) off the fairground premises after 7 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, and you must return them before 8 am the following day.
  • Classes are open to fillies, mares, and geldings. AFTER JUNE 1ST, NO UNGELDED COLTS OF ANY AGE.
  • The Horse Committee will judge all Independent Study Horse Projects at a designated time.
  • DRESS CODE: Approved riding helmets are MANDATORY in all Western & English mounted classes.
    • Western - Long sleeve blouse or shirt, western type pants, clean riding helmets in good condition; cowboy hat for groundwork, cowboy boots that are clean and polished, belt must be worn if pants have belt loops; OPTIONAL: gloves, ties, vests, jackets, chaps and spurs. Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be contained in a net or braid.
    • Bareback Equitation-Western— Same as western except chaps, spurs and crops are prohibited.
    • Bareback Equitation-English - Long sleeve shirt must be worn without jacket, clean riding helmets in good condition required; chaps, spurs, and crops are prohibited.
    • Hunt Type - Hunt Coat (red, scarlet or pink coats prohibited unless exhibitor has earned them as a member of a recognized hunt), breeches, hunt boots, short or long sleeved English Style blouse or shirt in white or pale pastel colors or pring, clean riding helmets in good condition required; stocks, chokers or ties required; OPTIONAL: gloves, unroweled spurs and whip (crop or bat). Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be contained in a net or braid. Horse Committee may waive coats if over 85 degrees F.
    • Saddle Type - Jacket and Jodhpurs, Derby, helmet, Jodhpur boots, gloves, stock, chokers, or ties are required. Unroweled spurs and crops are optional. Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be contained in a net or braid
  • BITS:
    • Western - Horse 4 years and younger may be shown in a snaffle bit, hackamore, curb bit, half-breed or spade bit. Snaffle bits and bosals must be ridden 2 handed except when opening and closing gates. It is mandatory that horses 5 years and over are ridden in a curb bit, except for Green Horse Classes. Curb or shank bits must be ridden 1 handed. Flat chain(s) or flat leather chin straps ½” or wider are required with a curb or shank bit of any kind.
    • English - English snaffle (no shank), kimblewick, Pelham and/or full bridle (with 4 reins) all with cavesson nosebands and brow bands must be used. In addition, to be acceptable, bits must meet United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) requirements.
    • Snaffle Bit - A bit with no shanks, which works on the outside bars, lips and corners of the horse’s mouth. A standard snaffle bit is defined as a center jointed single, rounded, unwrapped smooth mouthpiece of 3/8” to ¾” diameter metal. There are also double-jointed and non-jointed bar type snaffle bits (mullen mouth snaffle). The rings may be from 2” to 4” outside diameter of the loose type, eggbutt, dee, full check, or center mounted without cheeks. If an optional curb strap is used it must be attached below the reins.
    • Curb Bit - A bit designed to put pressure on the bars of the horse’s mouth and poll. It may have a solid or broken mouthpiece, has shanks and acts with leverage. All curb bits must be free of mechanical device and should be considered a Standard Western Bit. A Standard Western Bit is defined as having a shank with a maximum length overall of 8 ½”. Shanks may be fixed or loose. The mouthpiece will consist of a smooth round metal bar 3/8” to ¾” in diameter. They may be inlaid smooth or latex wrapped. Nothing may protrude below the mouthpiece (bar), such as extensions or prongs on solid mouthpieces. The port must be no higher than 3” maximum, with rollers and covers acceptable. Broken mouthpieces, half-breeds, and spades are standard. Slip or Gag bits, and Donut and Flat Polo mouthpieces are prohibited. Roping bits with both reins connected to single rein at center of crossbar shall not be used, except in ranch horse and rodeo. Reins must be attached to each shank. A curb strap must be used with a curb bit. Curb straps must be at least ½” in width and lay flat against the jaw of the horse.
    • Bosal - A braided rawhide or leather bosal no larger than ¾” diameter at the cheek may be used rather than a snaffle bit. The bosal must be adjusted so that there is a minimum of a 1-finger space between the bosal and nose; absolutely no metal under the jaw or on the noseband in connection with the bosal. The bosal should be properly fitted relative to the horse’s size and conformation.

  • Western horses must be ridden in a western stock saddle. Tie-downs, martingales, and mechanical hackamores of any type are prohibited unless otherwise indicated in class description. Split or Romal reins are permissible, but roping reins are not allowed except in Ranch Horse & Rodeo.

  • Cross entries between Colt to Maturity and Green Horse may not be made.

  • Classes listed in this book are NOT in class order. There will be a show schedule printed prior to the show. Be sure to obtain one and refer to it for times and locations of your classes. Classes having less than 3 entries may be cancelled or combined.

  • Procedures and class criteria will follow the appropriate project manual and the United States Equine Federation (USEF) Rule Book. See Committee for USEF Rule Book.

  • Colt to Maturity members (horses) may enroll in the following projects and/or classes: Driving, Trail, Western/English Pleasure, Western Horsemanship/Hunt Seat Equitation, Performance Halter & Showmanship. If you are using more than one horse in any class, you must designate which is to be used for high point award if such award is given.

  • For the purpose of determining eligibility for competition, the age of the horse shall be computed by the calendar year starting on January 1st of the year foaled.

  • If showing in English and Western, you cannot be more than 1 level apart.

     

*   Grievance Procedure:  The Horse Committee will have a designated Show Manager who will hear all grievances and will take the information to the Horse Committee. If no resolution can be reached it will go to the County Extension Agent and County Grievance Committee whose decision will be final.

Horse Show Glossary

Appearance of Horse – Clean coat that emphasizes luster, count down for obvious added oils. Hair trimming should accentuate quality about head and legs and the characteristics of the specific breed. Hooves cleaned, properly trimmed and shaped. No preferences will be made for hoof dressing or coloring. Tack should be clean, neat, adjusted and should complement the horse. At no time does fancy attire or equipment take precedence over suitable, workmanlike attire and equipment.

Bareback Equitation – Class will be judged on manners, performance and style. Western or English type tack may be used but all exhibitors will show in the same class. English riders must wear a long sleeve shirt, no jacket. English riders must post the trot.

Colt to Maturity – Open only to members assessed to level 4 Horsemanship and enrolled in the Colt to Maturity project. This project is started with a yearling and taken consecutively until the horse reaches the end of its fifth year.

Driving – Pleasure: see Harness Driving Manual EM4881. The Pleasure driving horse should have basically the same general qualities as the pleasure saddle horse. Ground: The driver is not riding in a conveyance of any kind. The driver will walk or run in the arena while driving the horse. Cart: Driver is riding in the cart and controls the horse pulling it. Precision: This tests the skills of the driver, obedience and handiness of the animal and the accuracy with which the course is driven. Judged based on performance, manner and appropriateness of entry. Required to drive over a course consisting of 6-8 obstacles.

Equitation Class– This class is judged on the rider’s ability to ride and show the horse. He/she is judged on the use of hands, seat, and legs to influence his/her mount. May have to perform tests such as dropping stirrups, hand gallop, etc.

Faults – Mistakes made by the horse and rider combination in jumping. These include run outs, refusals, breaking gait, loss of the rein or stirrup, and a fall. Knockdowns are also called faults.

Free Style Reining – Western Event, rider creates a program to music using standard reining maneuvers. A pattern and personal music must be submitted prior to riding. There are required maneuvers – see USEF rulebook.

Green Horse – Classes open only to horses enrolled in that project, similar to Colt to Maturity classes with different skill levels. Designed for horses that do not qualify for the Colt to Maturity project. Patterns based on levels will be posted.

Halter Class– Halter Class is defined as a class in which the horse is judged upon its conformation. Conformation is defined as the physical appearance due to the arrangement of muscle, bone and other body tissues. Judging conformation depends upon an objective evaluation.

Hunter Over Fences – Classes to be judged 50% on horse, 50% on rider. To be shown over a course of 8 obstacles. Off course cause for elimination. If horse refuses obstacle, rider may only jump the refused obstacle. No practice jumping on the jump course allowed while jump courses are being set up prior to each class. 

Horseless Horse – For members in Horseless Horse Project only who may or may not own a horse.

Hunt Seat – Hunt seat classes are ridden in a forward seat or jumping saddle. Hunt type dress is required.

Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat – A hunt seat equitation class is judged on the rider’s ability. Exhibitors work in the arena at the trot and walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop in both directions and do not jump any fences.

Musical Kur – Rider creates a dressage program to music using standard dressage maneuvers according to test levels. A pattern and personal music must be submitted prior to the class.

Performance Halter – This class is similar to a showmanship class. The handler leads the horse over and through a series of obstacles. The class is judged on how well the horse and handler perform the obstacles. Classes will be judged 80% on performance and manner of animal, 10% on appointments of animal and handler, and 10% on conformation.

Pleasure Class– This class is judged on the horse’s performance, manners, presence, and suitability to purpose and sometimes conformation. The gaits required include walk, jog or trot, lope or canter, and perhaps extended gaits. English: Judged on the horse’s ability to be a pleasure to ride. The horse is shown at a walk, trot, and canter in each direction and may be asked to extend gaits. Horses are required to back easily and stand quietly. Western: Judged on the horse’s ability to be a pleasure to ride. The horse is shown at a walk, jog, and lope in both directions. Horses are required to back easily and stand quietly.

Rail Class– A class ridden around the perimeter of the show arena.

Reinsmanship – This class is designed to test the driver’s knowledge and ability. Rail work and test required. TEST: Back, drive a circle, drive a figure 8, drive at an extended trot, negotiate a simple obstacle, pivot back between 2 markers and drive at the extended flat footed walk. Judged as an equitation class based on hands, proper harnessing and hitching and correct driving – 75% on handling of reins and whip, control, posture and overall appearance of driver, 25% on proper harnessing and hitching, condition of horse or pony, harness and vehicle and neatness of attire.

Saddle Seat – Classes are ridden in an English type saddle; usually a cut back saddle. A forward seat saddle is not permitted. Horse performs at a walk, trot, extended trot, canter, and hand gallop.

Showmanship – Refer to Project Manual. Showmanship at halter is a class in which the handler is judged on his/her ability to show a halter horse. It requires polish and thorough preparation. Judges base their decisions on the following: 50% showing of horse, 40% appearance of horse and 10% appearance of exhibitor.

Trail – The horse is shown over a series of obstacles.

Walk – Trot – Rider and horse will only perform at the walk and the trot. They may be asked to back up in the line-up. Horse and rider combination showing in Walk-Trot classes may not enter a canter/lope class (this doesn’t include Walk-Trot Dressage classes or Jumping Level 1 classes).

Western Horsemanship – In Western Horsemanship the rider is judged on his/her ability to ride, the proper use of the aids, and execution of the tasks designated by the judge. Patterns will be posted and consist of maneuvers based on the requirements in the Horsemanship project levels. Classes are ridden in a (stock seat) western saddle. Refer to Project Manual and pages 35-39 of the AQHA rulebook.

Hunter Over Fences- Class Descriptions:

Beginning Rider- Course of 8 obstacles to include slanted poles and/ or cavallettis. Course may be walked and/or trotted.

Short Stirrup- Course of 8 obstacles to include 12” cross bars. Course may be walked, trotted, or cantered.

Hopeful Hunter- Course of 8 obstacles to include 18” to 2’jumps. Course may be trotted or cantered. Obstacles to include things such as poles, gates, and picket fences.

Special Hunter- Course of 8 obstacles to include 2’3”jumps. Course may be trotted or cantered. Obstacles to include things such as poles, gates, brush box, panel, flower box, and picket fences.

Working Hunter – Course of 8 obstacles to include 2’6” jumps. Course may be trotted or cantered. Obstacles to include things such as poles, gates, pickets, brush box, panel, flower box, and barrel jumps.

Department: Horse 

Interview and Showmanship are required of all members attending fair. Showmanship is not required for the Ranch Horse Project, Packing Horse Projects, Dressage or Jumping, Colt to Maturity, or Green Horse. Every effort has been made to separate Green Horse and C2M classes from the horsemanship classes, but classes will be combined at the discretion of the horse committee. Members enrolled in Horsemanship and Green Horse and/or C2M may not double enter the same horse in Horsemanship and the appropriate special division in any class. If the member has one project for horsemanship, and another for Green Horse or C2M, the member may enter more than one CLASS per class.

DIVISION 300: SHOWMANSHIP

Open to enrolled Horse Project members, will follow the Horse Project Manual. Handler judged on his/her ability to show a halter horse.

CLASS 1   Novice (First Year in Project)

CLASS 2   Junior (Ages 8-13)

CLASS 3   Senior (Ages 14 & Up)

CLASS 4   Colt To Maturity Yearling Horse

CLASS 5   Colt To Maturity 2 Year Old Horse or Green Horse

DIVISION 301: COLT-TO-MATURITY HALTER  

Open to members enrolled in C2M project only, must be Level 4 Horsemanship, refer to project manual. Horses will be judged on conformation.

CLASS 1  Level 1 – yearling halter

CLASS 2  Level 2 – two year old halter

CLASS 3  Level 3 – three year old halter

CLASS 4  Level 4 – four year old halter

CLASS 5  Level 5 – five year old halter

DIVISION 302: COLT-TO-MATURITY FREESTYLE

Groundwork Only- Open to members enrolled in C2M project only, must be Level 4 Horsemanship, refer to project manual. This class is designed for all Colt-to- Maturity members to display their colt skills other than showmanship and performance halter. Each entry will have approximately 2 minutes to demonstrate elements such as picking up hooves, lunging, ground work other than showmanship, etc.

CLASS 1    Level 1 Freestyle

CLASS 2    Level 2 Freestyle

CLASS 3    Level 3 Freestyle

CLASS 4    Level 4 Freestyle

DIVISION 303: BAREBACK EQUITATION

Open to members with horses age 4 years and older. Western or English type tack may be used but all exhibitors will show in the same class. English riders will post the trot. No saddle pads, chaps, spurs, whips or crops allowed.

CLASS 1   Novice (First Year/Walk Trot)

CLASS 2   Junior (Ages 8-13)

CLASS 3   Senior (Ages 14 & Up)

DIVISION 304: TRAIL

Open to all horse project members, English or Western tack may be used.  Horses will be expected to side pass, turn on forehand, turn on the haunches, move each foot independently upon request, back easily, step over different heights, jump, and calmly approach odd smelling, sounding, or looking objects.

CLASS 1   Horsemanship Level 1

CLASS 2   Horsemanship Level 2

CLASS 3  Horsemanship Level 3

CLASS 4  Horsemanship Level 4

CLASS 5   Horsemanship Level 5

CLASS 6  Horsemanship Level 6

CLASS 7  Horsemanship Level 7

CLASS 8  C2M L1 - Trail In Hand

CLASS 9   C2M L2 & GH L1

CLASS 10   C2M L3 & GH L2

CLASS 11  C2M L4 & GH L3

DIVISION 305: WESTERN - PLEASURE

Open to all horse project members. Refer to Horse Project Manual and Glossary for descriptions.

CLASS 1   Horsemanship Level 1

CLASS 2   Horsemanship Level 2

CLASS 3  Horsemanship Level 3

CLASS 4  Horsemanship Level 4

CLASS 5   Horsemanship Level 5

CLASS 6  Horsemanship Level 6

CLASS 7  Horsemanship Level 7

CLASS 8   C2M L2 & GH L1

CLASS 9   C2M L3 & GH L2

CLASS 10  C2M L4 & GH L3

 

 

DIVISION 305: WESTERN -HORSEMANSHIP

Open to all horse project members. Refer to Horse Project Manual and Glossary for description.

CLASS 11   Horsemanship Level 1

CLASS 12   Horsemanship Level 2

CLASS 13  Horsemanship Level 3

CLASS 14  Horsemanship Level 4

CLASS 15   Horsemanship Level 5

CLASS 16  Horsemanship Level 6

CLASS 17  Horsemanship Level 7

CLASS 18   C2M L2 & GH L1

CLASS 19   C2M L3 & GH L2

CLASS 20   C2M L4 & GH L3

DIVISION 306: REINING 

Open to all horse project members. One of the National Reigning Horse Association patterns will be used. Refer to Horse Project Manual for detailed information. Skid and Splint boots are permitted.

CLASS 1   Short Stirrup Reining (Level 1-3)

CLASS 2   Reining NRHA Patterns (Level 4-7)

CLASS 3   Reining Freestyle (Level 4-7) Rider must provide music on IPod or CD and give the judge a copy of his/her pattern before the class. Costumes are permitted but must not compromise safety.

DIVISION 307: ENGLISH - PLEASURE

Open to all horse project members. Horses will enter the arena at the trot.

CLASS 1   Horsemanship Level 1

CLASS 2   Horsemanship Level 2

CLASS 3  Horsemanship Level 3

CLASS 4  Horsemanship Level 4

CLASS 5   Horsemanship Level 5

CLASS 6  Horsemanship Level 6

CLASS 7  Horsemanship Level 7

CLASS 8   C2M L2 & GH L1

CLASS 9   C2M L3 & GH L2

CLASS 10  C2M L4 & GH L3

DIVISION 307: ENGLISH - HORSEMANSHIP

Open to all horse project members. Horses will enter arena at a trot; refer to Glossary for description.

CLASS 11   Horsemanship Level 1

CLASS 12   Horsemanship Level 2

CLASS 13  Horsemanship Level 3

CLASS 14  Horsemanship Level 4

CLASS 15   Horsemanship Level 5

CLASS 16  Horsemanship Level 6

CLASS 17  Horsemanship Level 7

CLASS 18   C2M L2 & GH L1

CLASS 19   C2M L3 & GH L2

CLASS 20   C2M L4 & GH L3

DIVISION 308: JUMPING

Open only to members enrolled in the jumping project. Members must have attended a minimum of two project clinics to be eligible to participate in jumping at Fair.

Hunt Seat Equitation over Fences – Judged on rider’s correctness of position and precision of ability over the fences, not the horse’s. Only the effect the rider has on a horse is to be considered. How a rider elects to ride the course, the pace and approach to the jumps are used to evaluate the rider’s judgment and ability. Judged over a course of 8 to 12 fences.

Working Hunter – Representative of the type of horse used in the hunt field. He should possess manners, jumping ability, style, pace and quality. The working hunter must be able to demonstrate his ability to furnish the rider with a smooth comfortable and safe ride. Judged over a course of 8 to 12 fences.

Hunter Hack – The hunter hack horse should move in the same style as a working hunter. The class will be judged on style over fences, even hunting pace, flat work, manners and way of going. It has two components. Fence work will represent 70% of the score and will be over 2 fences with 2 to 5 strides between. Rail work will represent 30% of the score and will consist of walk, trot and canter. Only offered for Jumping levels 3 and 4.

CLASS 1  Jumping Level 1 – Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences – Ground Rails – To be ridden at a trot

CLASS 2  Jumping Level 1 – Working Hunter – Ground Rails – To be ridden at a trot

CLASS 3  Jumping Level 2 – Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences – 18” – May be ridden at a trot and/or canter

CLASS 4  Jumping Level 2 – Working Hunter – 18” – May be ridden at trot and/or canter

CLASS 5  Jumping Level 3 – Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences – 2’

CLASS 6  Jumping Level 3 – Working Hunter – 2’

CLASS 7  Jumping Level 3 – Hunter Hack 2’

CLASS 8 Jumping Level 4 – Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences – 2’6”

CLASS 9  Jumping Level 4 – Working Hunter – 2’6”

CLASS 10  Jumping Level 4 – Hunter Hack 2’6”

There will be a high point and reserve high point Jumping rider for each level. Any ties will be broken with Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences Placings.

At a jumping clinic prior to June 15th, all riders will be assessed into one of the Jumping Levels for safety and success at fair. Colt to Maturity and Green Horses will also be assessed into a jumping level.

Please refer to the USEF rule book. We will be implementing these rules as a guideline.

https://www.usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/rulebook

Please call the jumping project leader with any questions or concerns. Our goal is to ensure the safety and development of our members.

DIVISION 309: DRESSAGE

Open to all horse project members.

Dressage - French term meaning “training”. Its purpose is to strengthen and supple the horse while maintaining a calm and attentive demeanor. This training offers riders a progressive and interrelated system through which to develop the horse over time.

For simplicity, members may choose to ride the same dressage test for Class A and Class B in their level. Tests will be ridden in a small 20x40m arena. Please contact dressage leader prior to June 15 so leader can give recommendations for each member as to which tests to ride.

CLASS 1Level 1 Dressage Class A

CLASS 2Level 1 Dressage Class B
Level 1 Dressage open only to Horsemanship Level 1 members. Choose between 2019 USDF Intro Level Test A or B, or 2017 WDAA Intro Level A or B

CLASS 3Level 2 Dressage Class A

CLASS 4Level 2 Dressage Class B
Choose between 2019 USDF Intro Level Test C, 2019 USEF Training Level Test 1, or 2017 WDAA Basic Level Test 1 or 2

CLASS 5 Level 3 Dressage Class A

CLASS 6Level 3 Dressage Class B
Choose between 2019 USEF Training Level Test 2, 2018 USEF Novice Test A, or 2017 WDAA Basic Level Test 3 or 4

CLASS 7Level 4 Dressage Class A

CLASS 8Level 4 Dressage Class B
Choose between 2018 USEF Training Test B, 2018 USEF Modified Level Test A, or these tests ridden Western for Western Dressage (appropriate level WDAA tests are ridden in a 20x60m arena so better to use other tests)

There will be a high point and reserve high point Dressage rider for each level. High Point based off highest score in the 2 classes for each level.

https://www.usdf.org/downloads/forms/index.asp?TypePass=Tests

https://www.mayidesign.com/dressagetests/

https://www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/eventing/eventing-dressage-tests

https://westerndressageassociation.org/wdaa-tests/

Please refer to the USEF rule book. We will be implementing these rules as a guideline.

https://www.usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/rulebook

DIVISION 310: RANCH HORSE PROJECT

Open only to members enrolled in Ranch Horse project, must attend a minimum of 3 Ranch Horse 4-H workshops. Refer to project manual for tack and gear descriptions.

CLASS 1   Ranch Horse Trail Level 1/2

CLASS 2   Ranch Horse Trail Level 3/4

CLASS 3   Cut and Rope Level 1/2

CLASS 4   Cut and Rope Level 3/4

CLASS 5   Sorting Level 1/2

CLASS 6   Sorting Level 3/4

Gallatin Twister Members

Come see us present colors at the horse show on Monday and Tuesday morning.  Look for us around the fairgrounds if you have any questions about 4-H and what we do!  Good luck at fair and have fun!

Who we are:   A brand new group of horse project members representing the diverse opportunities 4-H offers, promoting 4-H while at the same time presenting our horse project members with another fun and valuable learning opportunity.


Goals:

  • Promote 4-H
  • Provide more great learning opportunities for horse project members
  • Provide horse project members something specific to work toward
  • Provide the more advanced riders another horse opportunity and another reason to continue through the riding skill levels.

Riders must:

  • be in riding level two or above
  • complete an application
  • attend an interview and try-outs
  • earn a place on the team and continue to demonstrate throughout the season that they deserve to keep it
  • be able to work well with a group
  • have a good attitude and be respectful
  • have a history of finishing what they start
  • love 4-H