PLANTATION WALKING
HORSES
OF
MARYLAND
SHOW
AND
HIGH POINT
GUIDE
REVISED - April 2014
All SHOWS RUN BY PWHM WILL BE GOVERNED BY THESE RULES.
ANYTHING NOT COVERED BY THESE RULES WILL DEFAULT TO NWHA
RULES OR TO DECISION OF THE SHOW CHAIRPERSON
HIGH POINT DIVISIONS
NO FEES or PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
Open Novice Rider 2 Gait
Open Trail Pleasure Racking
Adult Beginner
TWH Lite Shod 2 Gait
TWH Country Pleasure
English/Western
3 Gait Racking
TWH 3 Gait E/W – Any shoe size
Open Model
Show Versatility
TWH Trail Pleasure 2 Gait E/W
Open All Day Pleasure
English/Western
Spotted Saddle Horse 2 Gait
Youth Open 2- Gait
TWH Western 2 Gait
Further explanation of the above divisions can be obtained by contacting: Michelle Guinn via email
at theguinns4@comcast.net
*You must be a member of PWHM to participate in high point program.
You must show your horse in at least 2 PWHM pointed shows to qualify for a year end award and there
must be at least 2 horses in a division by the year end in order to give awards in that divisions. Show
placings will be gathered by the show committee chair at the end of each pointed show and high points will
be tallied based on show placings. The owner of each eligible horse who has achieved high point status by
end of year will be notified that they have qualified for a year end high point award.
Showing Your Walking Horse
One of the goals of our charter was to promote Flat-shod Tennessee Walking Horse classes in local shows
in the Central Maryland area. Over the last 30 years we have worked very hard to get classes in numerous
shows throughout Maryland. We wanted to offer opportunities to beginners, as well as experienced riders,
to show their Flat-shod Tennessee Walking Horses, and other gaited breeds, and enjoy lots of fun and good
competition. We also have a High Point Program to reward our outstanding horses. The best 4 shows, out
of the 6 shows that are pointed by the PWH of MD, will count for the High Point award. In case of a tie,
your best Harford County show will be used as the tie breaker. Our shows are open to members as well as
non-members, but you must be a current member at the time of each show for your points in that show to
qualify for our high point program.
2014 PWHM Pointed Horse Show Series*
April 26
May Day Gaited Classic – Diamond 7 Arena, Dillsburg, PA. Contact LISA GORSUCH,
middlefieldfarm@verizon.net
May 10
Mark Harrison Memorial Horse Show - Harford County Equestrian Center, Bel Air, MD. Contact
Jan Harrison 410-838-5976
June 28
PPWHA Fun Show – Dillsburg, PA - Details TBA
Sept 6
Quentin Riding Club Fall All Breed Show – Quentin, PA
Contact Bob Kleinfelter – announcer@hotmail.com
Sept 20
Candy Clopper Memorial Gaited Horse Show. Located at the Thurmont Riding Club in Thurmont,
Md. Contact: Michelle Guinn 443-722-2462
Oct 18
Fall Harford Show - Harford County Equestrian Center, Bel Air, MD. Contact Jan Harrison 410838-5976
*Check our website http://www.pwhm.net for class lists and entry forms
PLANTATION WALKING HORSES OF MARYLAND
CLASS DEFINITIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION
Please note – the below definitions may change, especially if a show is affiliated with one of the national
organizations such as FOSH, NWHA, or WHOA. Please check with those organizations’ rule books for
more information.
Cross entries allowed. Unless otherwise stated, all classes open to amateurs or professionals. Shoe sizes
will follow NWHA rules.
-Beginner Pleasure 2 Gait - This class is an Adult Only Class for anyone in their first year in the show
ring (exception-could have shown in up to two beginner classes in prior year) .. Neat attire requested.
Formal English/Western attire or tack is not required. Western riders may use two hands. Animation should
not be a factor.
-Novice Classes – The novice rider cannot have won 3 blue ribbons. Blue ribbons won for Adult Beginner
pleasure are excluded. Proper attire required. Open to any gaited breed. The novice horse cannot have won
3 blue ribbons in prior season
-Schooling Classes – At the end of the class the Judge may give you tips on how to improve either your
horse or your riding. If you have questions, please wait until after the show to ask the judge as time will be
limited in the class.
-Open Classes – OPEN TO ALL BREEDS. Each breed will be judged on their breed specific slow gait and
intermediate gait.
-All Day Pleasure Western and Country Pleasure Western riders MAY use 2 hands. All other Western
classes must use one hand unless horse is under 4 yrs old and D ring snaffle is used.
-At the Harford County Shows, helmets required for 17 and under. Youths need permission slip and
concussion forms signed by parent or guardian.
-Amateur Owned and Trained(AOT)
1. Limited to amateur owners.
2. The exhibitor or a member of his immediate family must own the horse.
\
3. Horse shall have had no professional training within 90 days
-Amateur to Ride(ATR) -The rider must have amateur status. The horse may have professional
training.
-Youth Exhibitor: A youth Exhibitor is an individual who, on January 1st of the show year has not yet
reached their 18th birthday.
Description of Gaits
A. Trail Walk: The Trail Walk is a true walk with a loose rein and no appearance of strain on the part of
the horse or rider. The appearance should be that of a pleasure riding horse that is relaxed, content and
manageable.
B. Pleasure Gait: is to be performed at moderate speed and can be a variation of any saddle horse gait with
no preference given to any particular gait over another. The gait should be consistent and balanced and
should appear easy and comfortable to ride. Excessive speed is not a desired trait.
C. Flat Walk (TWH): The flat walk should be bold and four-cornered with an evenly timed 1-2-3-4 beat.
In the flat walk the horse should break at the knees, reaching and pulling with the front legs with that
movement originating from the shoulder. The horse should have impulsion and exhibit stride and drive
with the hind legs. There should be no wringing or twisting of the hocks, nor any excessive hock action.
The horse should demonstrate a loose way of going with plenty of motion. Overstride is important but
should be in accord with the conformation and length of the back and legs of the horse. A horse with a
good flat walk will naturally have a straight, up and down head motion timed with the overall rhythm of the
walk. Within the flat walk lies the foundation for a good running walk and it should be judged equally as
important as is the running walk. The flat walk should be a distinctive FLAT walk, not a slow running
walk, with each leg impacting the ground with distinction. The flat walk is more bold or purposeful in
movement than the running walk. Form should never be sacrificed for speed. Excessive “bumping or
jerking” of the reins at the flat walk is not considered good form and shall be penalized.
D. Running Walk (TWH): The running walk has the same beat or evenly timed footfall (1-2-3-4) as the
flat walk but is much smoother with greater stride, rhythm, and natural motion. The increased rear leg
stride and increased reach in the shoulder create this smoother ride and propel the horse at a faster speed
without changing the cadence of the leg motion. As with the flat walk, the horse will naturally have a
straight up and down vertical head motion timed with the overall rhythm of the running walk. A correctly
performed running walk is truly a gait of ease, producing a clearly heard and easily counted 4-beat tempo.
It should be straight and loose, 4cornered and exhibit over-all balance, without any trace or degree of a
rack, trot, fox trot, pace or stepping pace. There should be no excessive winging, crossing or rope-walking.
Horses exhibiting an exaggerated, hesitating way of going, with a tendency to point with the front hooves,
are not in form. The horse should reach and pull in the front with powerful shoulder movement and
demonstrate obvious impulsion behind, pushing and striding, setting its feet firmly on the ground. When
correctly engaged the horse will naturally drop its hip. Overstride is important but should be in accord with
the conformation and length of the back and legs of the horse. Speed at the running walk while
maintaining correct form is a positive attribute; however, form should NEVER be sacrificed for
speed. Consistency of correct gait shall be rewarded. Excessive “bumping or jerking” of the reins at the
running walk is not considered good form and shall be penalized.
E. Canter: The canter should be consistent, smooth and straight on both leads, not walking behind, but
cantering on both ends with a rolling or rocking chair motion, comfortably collected, neck slightly arched,
head slightly tucked, giving the appearance of ease and grace. The horse should be relaxed, performing in
rhythm, with head motion in perfect harmony with leg movement. The canter is not too fast, with speed
somewhat dependent upon the individual horse’s conformation and size; this shall be considered in judging.
While in the canter, the horse should cover some ground; it should not rock up and down and go nowhere.
A horse that is on the wrong lead or cross-cantering must be penalized. “Pumping” or bumping of the reins
at the canter is not considered good form and shall be penalized.
F. Trail Pleasure Racking
1. Trail Pleasure racking horses must be lite shod or less (3/4 x 3/8 inch maximum). Whips are not
permitted. Horses shall enter the ring at a trail rack. The judge will call for a trail walk and trail
rack in both directions of the ring.
2. Trail Racking Horses should exhibit a true 4 beat gait with an effortlessness geared toward
encouraging stamina and longevity on the trails. Horses must walk and rack on a loose rein and be
extremely well mannered, responsive and quiet. Horses must stand quietly and back readily.
Animation and action are not desired in a trail racking horse.
G. Country Pleasure Racking
1. Whips are not permitted. Horses shall enter the ring at a slow rack. The Judge will call for a show
walk, slow rack, and a fast rack (country pleasure rack) both directions of the ring.
2. Country Pleasure Racking Horses should exhibit a true 4 beat gait with slightly more animation
than the trail racking horse. Horses should be well mannered and responsive. Quality of gait shall
not be sacrificed for speed. Horses must stand quietly and back readily.
CLASS and/or DIVISION DESCRIPTIONS*
Please note – the below definitions may change, especially if a show is affiliated with one of the
national organizations such as FOSH, NWHA, or WHOA. Please check with those organizations’
rule books for more information.
Model: Basic conformation is a must with balance, structural correctness, adequate
muscling, breed and sex characteristics being key components to provide athleticism, desired
movement, and image for the breed. Added to those components is a distinct style of conformation
which should include a neck that rises higher out of the shoulders than most breeds and more hip and
hock angulation than most breeds .The ideal Walking Horse should possess an attractive head, wellshaped and pointed ears; large, kind, clear and alert eyes; a tapered muzzle; long and graceful neck
with a refined throat latch; long, sloping shoulders; deep heart girth; chest width neither too wide nor
too narrow; short to medium length back with strong coupling at the loin; sloping croup with lower-set
tail; the hip is sloped and long from point of hip to hip joint, shorter from hip joint to stifle, long from
stifle to hock with muscular development extending down toward the hocks. The rear cannon bones are
short. The underline is longer than the topline. Extremes in any conformation component are not
desirable. Soundness of limbs should be of utmost importance. In all in-hand and model classes, all
horses should be free of genetic abnormalities such as parrot mouth, under-bite or any other incorrect
bite deviations. Additionally, all stallions three years of age and older should have two testicles
descended. Entries with genetic abnormalities should be severely penalized.
Showmanship at Halter
Showmanship is designed to judge the exhibitor's ability to present the horse. The exhibitor uses the
horse as a means to display his or her ability to properly fit and show. Exhibitors are judged on the
fitting, grooming, training, and showing of their horses.
• The horse's conformation is not to be considered in the judging of the class.
• The horse must be serviceably sound.
• Exhibitors must wear the correct attire for the division in which they are participating
• Whips are permitted with English attire only
• Patterns are at the judges’ discretion and may be different for different age levels. If a pattern is used
the exhibitors must be provided the opportunity to ask questions prior to the start of the class. Patterns
must be posted at least one hour prior to the beginning of the class.
Plantation Pleasure: The Plantation Pleasure Horse should represent the ultimate show horse
exhibiting a high-headed, proud carriage. The horse must perform true Walking Horse gaits. The
horse should be rewarded for correctness of head nod, reach, stride, overstride and consistency. High
frontend knee action without reach is to be penalized. The horse should be collected, readily respond
to the rider's signals to perform all gaits and be well balanced both front and rear. At all gaits bumping
or pumping of the reins must be penalized. The rider should be steady in the saddle with no bouncing
up and down or sideways movement. Failure to stand quietly and back readily must be penalized.
Entries may be shod not to exceed 1 1/2 inch in width nor 1/2 inch in thickness with no bare plate or
other weight inside the shoe. The caulk must not exceed a one inch turn back and the shoe must not
extend more that 1/4 inch beyond the hoof at the toe. The heel of the shoe must not extend beyond the
bulb of the horse's heel when a perpendicular line is drawn from the bulb of the horse's heel to the
ground.
Lite-Shod Plantation Pleasure: The Lite-Shod Plantation Pleasure horse should epitomize the
natural Plantation Walking Horse, with an alert and willing attitude. Horses must perform the true
Walking Horse Gaits. Horses should be rewarded on the basis of reach in front, head nod, length of
stride, overstride and consistency in their gaits. Horses may be collected but should be worked on a
light and easy rein. At all gaits bumping and pumping of the reins must be penalized. Manners are
extremely important: any horse exhibiting bad manners, failure to respond readily to rider's
commands, failure to stand quietly or failure to back readily must be severely penalized. The lite-shod
shoe must not exceed 3/8 inch in thickness or 3/4 inch in width with the exception of the caulk, which
must be no thicker than 3/4 inch. The turn back shall not exceed one inch, and the shoe must not
extend more than 1/4 inch beyond the hoof of the toe. The shoe is not to extend beyond the bulb of
the horse's heel when a perpendicular line is drawn from the bulb of the horse's heel to the ground.
All Day Pleasure: The All Day Pleasure division is open to all gaited breeds and may be may be
ridden English or Western (as determined by the class description), but not a combination of both. Neat
attire is required and should include a collared shirt, long pants, and heeled boots. Exhibitors wearing
show attire shall not be favored by the judge. If an ADP horse is exhibited in Western tack, the rider
may use two hands on the reins, but both hands shall remain on the reins the duration of the class.
Braided manes or forelocks are not required. Exhibitors are not required to hold Amateur cards. These
classes will allow up to a 3/4” wide by 3/8” thick shoe and will be judged as Pleasure classes. All Day
Pleasure classes may be Youth, Amateur, Amateur Owned and Trained or Open as determined by
show management. Classes are judged on the horse/rider team that exhibits a true, natural, smooth ride
that one would want to ride “all day.” Manners, calmness, obedience, and a smooth, consistent gait are
paramount in the All Day Pleasure classes. The All Day Pleasure horse must be ridden with a light or
relaxed rein contact.
Western Pleasure: The entry shall reflect the suitability of the Tennessee Walking Horse as a
western working horse, exhibiting qualities suitable for ranch work. The western horse generally has a
shorter coupling and stockier build, and works quietly exhibiting an exceptionally smooth ride without
action or animation. A western pleasure horse should exhibit true consistent, four beats, walking gait
with a cadenced nod while being ridden on a loose rein. There should be a definite transition between
the flat walk and running walk, the lope should be controlled with any pumping to result in
elimination. A western pleasure horse that fails to stand quietly must be penalized and a halt on the rail
may be called. The horse should back freely with head in a normal position with mouth closed. A horse
traveling with an open mouth at any gait must be severely penalized. The headset should be that of a
Tennessee Walking Horse used as a western working horse.
TWH Trail Pleasure: The Trail Pleasure Horse must perform the true walking gaits efficiently
and with effortlessness geared toward encouraging stamina and longevity as a pleasant, working saddle
horse. The horse should exhibit a true, four beat walking gait with pronounced and cadenced head nod.
The horse should be well balanced, in that not one element of the horse should stand out from all other
qualities when considering gait, form, rhythm or conformation. A horse exhibiting a crampy or gimmicky
way of going must be excused. Animation and action are not desired in a Trail Pleasure Horse; front legs
should not break higher than 45 degrees from the vertical. The ideal Trail Pleasure Horse will reach out
in front and pull with its shoulders. The front legs can move close to the ground as long as the power is
coming from a loose shoulder and the horse has head shake and is square and on four corners. The Trail
Pleasure Horse should be on the bit and not strung out in frame. It should carry its head in a natural and
relaxed position. The horse must be extremely well mannered, responsive and quiet. The horse must be
manageable on a light rein at all gaits. The horse must stand quietly and back readily on command. Trail
Pleasure horses may be asked to stop on the rail at any time during the class to demonstrate manners and
a willing attitude. The Trail Pleasure Horse’s canter should be relaxed and consistent with no sign of
effort from the rider. Additionally, if specified on the class list, Trail Pleasure horses will be asked to do
a Trail Walk as the last gait called for both ways of the ring. The Trail Walk is a true walk with a loose
rein and no appearance of strain on the part of the horse or rider. The appearance should be that of a
pleasure riding horse that is relaxed, content and manageable.
TWH Country Pleasure: The Country Pleasure TWH should display true pleasure qualities,
along with the natural gaits of the Tennessee Walking Horse; a Country Pleasure horse should never have
a tendency to rack, pace or trot. Front leg animation (lift) is not desirable and headshake is not required to
be as deep as that of the other Walking horse divisions. The Country Pleasure horse should exhibit a
balanced, smooth, four-cornered, gliding flat walk and the running walk. The canter should be relaxed
and consistent with no sign of effort from the exhibitor. Manners are paramount in this division. The
Country Pleasure horse must be ridden with a light or relaxed rein contact. The Country Pleasure horse
should stand quietly in the lineup. The Country Pleasure horse may be ridden English or Western (as
determined by the class description), but not a combination of both. Riders may use two hands with
English or Western, but must then maintain 2-hand rein hold throughout duration of class. Cavessons are
allowed in English classes only.
Spotted Saddle Horse: The Spotted Saddle Horse may be ridden English or Western. The rider
may use a caveson and two hands. The gaits for this class are show walk and show gait.
Trail Racking: The Trail Racking Horse shall not be required to have qualities such as high head
or high front leg lift, but should be the ultimate of a trail type horse, and should be collected in his gaits.
He shall stand quietly and back readily and will be required to perform two gaits: (I) Trail Walk and (2)
Trail Rack. In no instance will speed be considered a factor in judging. He will be flat shod and lightly,
but not loose, bitted. Trail Racking Horses shall enter the ring at a trail rack prior to initial judging ofthe
class. Two gaits will be called for, beginning with the Trail Walk, after all entries have entered the ring
prepared for being judged.
Three Gait Racking:
A.Country Pleasure: The Country Pleasure horse shall be shown with a light rein: Both
horse and rider must be relaxed and comfortable. He shall not be required to maintain a high head but
should be alert in the bridle. He shall not be required to maintain a high front leg lift, but should exhibit a
smooth stride behind. The horse will be required to perform three gaits: (1) Country Pleasure Show
Walk, (2) Country Pleasure Slow Rack and (3) Country Pleasure Fast Rack. The Country Pleasure horse
shall stand quietly and must back readily.
B.Pleasure Racking: The Pleasure Racking horse shall display a natural headset. Front
leg lift shall be less than the Country Pleasure horse yet more than the Trail Racking horse. At no time
shall a horse breaking level or near level be considered for placement. The horse shall exhibit a deep
set, over striding, exaggerated rear stride to be considered for placement. The Pleasure Racking horse
will be required to perform three gaits: (1) Brisk Walk, (2) Slow Rack, (3) Extended Rack. The horse
shall stand quietly and must back readily. Horses shall enter the ring at a slow rack prior to the initial
judging of the class. After all entries have entered the ring they will be judged in the three gaits,
beginning with the walk.
Western Pleasure Racking: Entries should exhibit qualities needed for ranch or farm work. The
horse should work quietly in a smooth gait without excessive action. The head should have a natural set.
The horse should be ridden with a loose rein. Reins must be held in one hand and cannot be changed
during performance. With split reins, the index finger only is permissible between the reins, but at no
time should the free hand touch the reins. Exception to this would be the use of Rome I Reins. When the
horse is moving, the rider's hands are clear of horse and saddle. Western tack and attire, including boots,
hat and long sleeved shirt, are mandatory. Chaps and spurs are optional. Australian stock saddles are not
permitted. The horse should wear western bridle with no cavesson. No whips are allowed. At no time
should silver mounted or embossed equipment count over good working equipment. Braids, martingales,
nosebands and tie downs are not allowed. Two gaits will be called, Western Pleasure Walk and Slow
Rack.
Versatility : These classes must be at a pointed Plantation Walking Horses of Maryland Show.
Points will be given for the following classes: Model, Water Glass, Pairs, Ribbon Race, Egg and Spoon,
Rail to Trail, 2 Riders to Ride, Barrels and Poles and any other similar type class that may be offered.
Classes will be marked with a “V” on the show program for PWHMD shows. Also included may be an
Open Breed Pleasure Driving Class in which the horses will be asked to perform at a walk and pleasure
gait. Horses may also be asked to back. Headers are recommended.
All versatility horses must also earn performance points at a pointed PWHMD show. Up to 14
performance points per show can be earned.
All points are awarded on the horse, not horse and rider combination
Youth Assisted Command: This class/division is for individuals who have not reached their 13th
birthday as of January 1st of the current show year. The exhibitor is allowed an assistant on the ground to
walk alongside the horse with or without a leadline. The judge will penalize “assistant help” ie tight
leadline, verbal assistance. The assistant is for safety only. The class will be judged on the child’s control
of the horse, not the talent of the horse. Each exhibitor will be asked to perform on the rail at a walk and
show walk. The judge will then ask each exhibitor to execute a command, ie backing the horse,
maneuvering cones etc. The exhibitor will then be asked to leave the line up ride to the judge. The judge
will ask the exhibitor a basic horsemanship question. Judge will be based as follows: rail – 30%,
command – 50%, knowledge -20%. This class will be tied 1st – 6th .
*Not all classes offered at all shows. Divisions may change from year to year.
ATTIRE AND EQUIPMENT
Please note – the below definitions may change, especially if a show is affiliated with one of the national
organizations such as FOSH, NWHA, or WHOA. Please check with those organizations’ rule books for
more information.
English tack and attire are mandatory in all classes except those which
specifically require or permit otherwise.
Correct English attire for walking horse presentations consists of:
• English Riding Habit
• English Spurs (optional).
• Polished Shoes or Boots.
• Pant’s tie downs, or underpasses.
• Gloves (optional).
• Safety helmets are allowed in all divisions and judges will not penalize riders for wearing them.
Youth, ages 11 and under, are required to wear approved helmets.
• Snap brim hat or derby is optional for lady riders in English attire. Hats are suggested for
gentleman riders. Top hat should only be worn with formal habit in championship classes.
• Exhibitor’s hair must be neat and well groomed. Long hair must be styled so the back number
can be seen easily.
Correct Western attire for walking horse presentations consists of:
• Western style long pants
• Western style long sleeve, collared shirt
• Western hat
• Western boots.
Optional western attire includes
• Western spurs
• Gloves
• Chaps
• Coat, vest, and/or jacket
• Western tie, bolo or scarf
English or western tack/attire, but not a combination of both, is permitted in the following
events unless show management specifies otherwise:
• Trail Pleasure
• Trail Obstacle
• Model (Versatility)
• Water Glass
• Showmanship at Halter
Saddles
Permitted:
• English saddles are standard equipment, unless specific class requirements indicate otherwise.
• Side saddles are permitted in flat shod pleasure and versatility classes.
• Any standard Western saddle may be used in classes which permit Western tack. Silver tack
may be used but shall not be given preference over good working equipment.
• Prohibited:
o Australian stock saddles may not be used in any event (exception: disabled riders and open
breed
classes.)
o Dressage saddles are prohibited in Walking Seat Equitation
Bridle, Bit, Curb: Severe bits are discouraged and bleeding of the mouth or muzzle will
be penalized in the final judging. Judges may excuse entries wearing equipment he/she
considers too severe.
• Shanks in excess of 9 1/2 inches in length are prohibited. Shanks are measured from the very
top of the metal to the very bottom of the metal, including the rings to which the cheeks and reins
are attached.
• A gag bit with no shanks is not considered a standard walking horse bit and is prohibited.
• Curb chains or curb straps, if used, must lie flat against the jaw and be at least 1/2 inch wide.
• Cross chain cavessons are prohibited.
• Snaffle, Kimberwick or Pelham bit is required in WH Over Fences.
• Bosal may be used in Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Trail Obstacle and on junior horses.
Reining and Western Riding Classes.
• Bosals or ordinary ring snaffles may be used on four-year-old or younger western flat shod
horses. (When using a bosal or snaffle on a junior horse, the rider may use two hands on the
reins.)
• Hackamores are prohibited in all classes except Barrel Racing or Pole Bending.
• Any standard walking horse single rein bridle and bit may be used.
Braids are appropriate and required in all Under Saddle Rail classes where English tack and
attire are used. They are prohibited in western events.
SHOWING YOUR WALKING HORSE;
FIRST STOP: THE DPQ STATION
WHAT IS A DQP?
The DQP (Designated Qualified Person) is the person assigned by show management to inspect horses
before they enter the show ring in accordance with the regulation of the HPA (Horse Protection Act).
WHAT IS THE DQP STATION?
The DQP station is the area set aside (usually near the show ring) for exhibitors to present their horses
to the DQP for inspection. At some shows, there is a holding area (usually a riding ring) in which the
inspected horses wait before entering the show ring.
WHEN ARE THE HORSES INSPECTED?
Each show has its own rule. Some shows require inspection before each class entered and some shows
ask exhibitors to see the DQP once before the AM classes (before lunch) and once before the PM classes.
Some shows require the first or the first and second place winners to report back for inspection after the
class. If winners are required to report back after the class, they must return to the inspection station
immediately upon leaving the show ring.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE DQP STATION?
At the DQP station, you will present your horse to the DQP or Vet in hand. Your saddle must be
removed from the horse for inspection. Do not carry anything in your hands, including a whip. Hold
your horse’s head with a fairly loose rein while the DQP evaluates the horse. The DQP will pick up each
front foot (in the same manner you would use to clean a hoof) and palpate the pastern area with his/her
thumbs. He/she may also pull the horse’s leg forward and inspect the front of the pastern area above
the coronary band. He/she also can inspect the rear feet. Sometimes the DQP will ask you to lead your
horse around cones in a figure 8 before doing the manual exam.
WHAT IS THE DQP LOOKING FOR?
He/she is looking for scars, hair loss, flinching to palpation, dry/scruffy skin, blood, foreign substances
and shoe size (appropriate for the class you entered). If you have been asked to lead your horse, he/she
is looking for unsoundness in the gait.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE YOUR HORSE FOR INSPECTION AT SHOWS?
At home, practice picking up your horse’s feet while he/she stands quietly. Use your thumbs and press
gently on those areas the DQP will check so your horse will become accustomed to being handled. Also
practice pulling the horse’s front leg out, as the farrier does to clinch nails, so the horse will be
comfortable with that position too.
After trail riding, schooling, trailering and pasture turnout examine your horse’s ankles for any scrapes
or cuts. Pay attention to these abrasions and treat them appropriately to prevent scaring. Simple
things, such as scratches or schooling in wet stone dust can cause breaks in the skin or scruffy skin that
will be a problem. Keep you horse’s ankles as clean as possible at all times. If you use any ointment or
oils to keep the skin soft or to treat injury, make sure no residue is left when you visit the DQP
GAIT CALLS
Not all classes are offered at all shows and calls may vary. Check the individual show rules.
All horses in Under Saddle Rail Classes shall enter the ring and go to the right, after which the
Judge shall call for gaits as described below: In Walking Horse rail classes a second running walk
may be called for the last way of the ring as the last gait at the Judge’s discretion.
CORRECT SEQUENCE FOR GAITS TO BE CALLED:
A. All Day Pleasure Two Gait: Enter at the Pleasure Gait. Pleasure Gait, Trail Walk, reverse and
repeat. Line up
at the Pleasure Gait. A halt MUST be called by the Judge at some time during the class.
B. All Day Pleasure Three Gait: Enter at the Pleasure Gait. Pleasure Gait, Trail Walk, Canter,
Trail Walk, reverse, Pleasure Gait, Trail Walk, Canter, Trail Walk. Judge may ask to enter the
line up at the Pleasure Gait. A halt MUST be called for by the judge at some time during the
class.
C. TWH Country Pleasure Two Gait: Enter the ring at a Flat Walk. Flat Walk, Running Walk,
reverse, repeat, and line up. A Trail Walk and/or a Halt may be called for during the class at the
discretion of the judge.
D. TWH Country Pleasure Three Gait: Enter at the Flat Walk. Flat Walk, Running Walk, Flat
Walk, Canter, reverse and repeat. A Trail Walk and/or a halt may be called for during the class at
the discretion of the judge.
E. Trail Pleasure, Lite Shod, Park Lite Shod or Plantation Two Gait: Enter at Flat Walk. Flat
Walk, Running Walk, Flat Walk and Reverse. Repeat the sequence. Line up. Back up at Judge’s
direction.
F. Trail Pleasure Two Gait with Trail Walk: Enter at Flat Walk. Flat Walk, Running Walk,
Flat Walk, Trail Walk and Reverse. Repeat the sequence. Line up. Back up at Judge’s direction.
G. Trail Pleasure, Lite Shod, Park Lite Shod or Plantation Three Gait: Enter at Flat Walk.
Flat Walk, Running Walk, Flat Walk, Canter, Flat Walk and Reverse. Repeat the sequence. Line
up. Back up at Judge’s direction.
H. Trail Pleasure Three Gait with Trail Walk: Enter at Flat Walk. Flat Walk, Running Walk,
Flat Walk, Canter, Flat Walk, Trail Walk and Reverse. Repeat the sequence. Line up. Back up at
Judge’s direction.
I. Spotted Saddle Horse Two Gait: Enter at Show Walk. Show Walk, Show Gait, Show Walk
and Reverse. Repeat the sequence. Line up. Back up at Judge’s direction.
J. Spotted Saddle Horse Three Gait: Enter at Show Walk. Show Walk, Show Gait, Show Walk,
Canter, Show Walk and Reverse. Repeat the sequence. (The SSH must always be in gait and
never does a Trail Walk.) Line up. Back up at Judge’s direction.
K. Racking Trail Pleasure: Enter at the Trail Rack. Trail Pleasure Walk, Trail Pleasure Rack,
Trail Pleasure Walk and Reverse. Repeat the sequence. Line up. Back up at Judge’s direction.
L. Country Pleasure Racking: Enter at the Country Pleasure Slow Rack. Country Pleasure
Show Walk, Country Pleasure Slow Rack, Country Pleasure Fast Rack, Country Pleasure Show
Walk and Reverse. Repeat the sequence. Line up. Back up at Judge’s direction.
M. Western Pleasure Racking: Enter at the Western Pleasure Rack. Western Pleasure Walk,
Western Pleasure Rack, Western Pleasure Walk and Reverse. Repeat the sequence. Line up. Back
up at Judge’s direction.
N. Style Racking: Enter at a Style Rack. Show Walk, Style Rack, Show Walk and Reverse.
Repeat the sequence. No Back required. Line up. Style Racking horses are not required to
back.
O. Speed Racking: Enter at a Slow Rack. Show Walk, Slow Rack, Fast Rack and Reverse.
Repeat the sequence. No Back required. Line up. Speed Racking horses are not required to
back. As the horses enter the ring, the Judge must observe their way of going, and if the Judge
finds that an entry is a bad image as set forth in the Rules, the entry must be excused
immediately.