HANDOUT
Topic # 3061
TERMS: JUDGING THE PERFORMANCE HORSE
Tracey Hoffman
HUNTER TERMS
Swept down the rail showing greater extension from shoulder and stifle
Went straighter down the rail in a more precise manner
Brisker moving horse that maintained more extension of stride at all gaits
Longer, more ground-covering, purposeful stride
Bolder moving horse that showed more length of stride as well as more impulsion and
drive off the hocks
Moved forward more willingly, without hesitation into the trot, with more hindquarter
impulsion
Longer, lower stride, showing more brilliance as he moved down the rail
Drove out flatter and freer strided up front
Moved in the most natural frame
WESTERN PLEASURE TERMS
Was more vertical in his headset and traveled on a looser rein, emphasizing his softer,
more collected way of going as he floats down the rail
Was more natural and correct in his headset
Moved with more directness, power, and precision
Showed more expression while working, exemplified by greater alertness of the eyes and
ears
Was rounder in his frame, moving in a more collected way at a more ideal speed
GENERAL TERMS
Traveled with a more pendulum like motion, allowing him to travel with a flatter, more
desirable, ground covering stride
Slipped across the ground, staying lower and leveler, showing greater reach of forearm at
the walk, trot and canter
Moved in a more rhythmic way with more brilliance and style
Showed more response to his rider, picking up the ________ quickly and more correctly,
going both ways in a quieter fashion
Showed to be a more athletic horse having greater length of stride as well as softness
EVEN MORE TERMS!
Elegance
Brilliance
Stylish
Graceful
Commanding presence
Cadenced and free moving
Powerful and reaching
Freer shoulders
Spring and animation
Driving with the hocks
PERFORMANCE CLASS NAME:
WALK
TROT
CANTER
BACK
TRANSITIONS
HORSE 1
HORSE 2
HORSE 3
HORSE 4
DISQUALIFICATION
S OR PENALITIES
WHY
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GRANT
CRITICIZE
MISC