Welcome to our no-pressure, no-bling, bring-your-hairy-horse kind of open show! This event is all about having fun, learning, and enjoying a great day with your horse and our community. Whether you’re coming to try a new class, build confidence, or just spend time in the arena, everyone is welcome. We keep things simple, relaxed, and rider-friendly—but don’t worry, we still have some awesome prizes up for grabs! We’re awarding buckles for the All-Around winner in each division, plus special prizes for All-Around Judged and All-Around Speed categories. AS WELL AS SADDLES FOR OUR HIGHPOINT YOUTH AND HIGHPOINT LEVEL 1 FOR ALL 3 SHOWS.  Come as you are, bring the horse you’ve got, and enjoy a fun, supportive show environment for all ages and levels.

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DIVISIONS

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Walk/Trot Youth

For any youth 18 & under who just want a fun, simple ride. Perfect for green horses, green riders, or anyone whose horse showed up a little extra hairy today. No lope required — just good manners, good vibes, and two solid gears.

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Walk/Trot Open

Open to riders of all ages. Great for horses who are still figuring out life… or riders who feel the same. Walk and trot/jog only — beca use sometimes that’s all the ambition we’ve got. Relaxed, friendly, and perfect for tuning up or trying something new.

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Open Youth-Saddle Division

Riders age 18& under

• Horses 5 & under can roll with a snaffle. 

• Horses 6 & over put on their big-kid bridle (shanked bit).
  Everyone judged the same — whether -. your horse is sleek and shiny or straight out of the pasture with a winter coat that could rival a wooly mammoth. 

Open

Open to riders of any age who want to lope and show off a little. Same snaffle/bit rules as the age divisions apply. Come as you are — fancy show saddle or well-loved ranch rig — we judge the ride, not the rhinestones.

Green Horse

For horses in their first year of showing or any horse 5 & under still learning the ropes. Snaffle, bosal, or shanked bit are all welcome. Expect some wiggly lines, big efforts, and plenty of “they’re trying, I promise!” moments. We’re here for it.​​

Inhand​​

Open to horses ages 5 & under and exhibitors of all ages. This division highlights groundwork, handling, and overall horse quality without riding. Great for young horses gaining experience in a relaxed, supportive environment.

L1 Adult- Saddle Division ​

The Level 1 Adult division is intended for adult exhibitors who are developing their skills and experience in the show pen. This division provides a welcoming and encouraging environment for riders to build confidence while competing against exhibitors of similar experience.

Professional horse trainers, riding instructors, and individuals who receive compensation for training or instructing horses or riders are not eligible to compete in the Level 1 Adult division.

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CLASS DESCRIPTIONS 

SHOWMANSHIP 

• Showmanship is designed to evaluate the exhibitor's ability to present their horse through a prescribed pattern. The class emphasizes the exhibitor's skill in handling, positioning, and showing the horse—not the horse's conformation.

• The horse should be well-groomed, attentive, and responsive while remaining under the exhibitor's control at all times. Exhibitors should demonstrate confidence, precision, and effective communication with their horse while maintaining a professional appearance and completing the pattern accurately.

Judging Criteria

• Horse and exhibitor will be evaluated on:

• Accuracy and precision of the pattern

• Exhibitor's position and presentation

• Effective communication with the horse

• Softness and responsiveness

• Smoothness and correctness of maneuvers

• Horse's willingness and attentiveness

• Grooming, cleanliness, and overall appearance

• Poise, confidence, and ring presence

• Overall partnership between horse and exhibitor

Class Procedures

• Each exhibitor will individually perform a designated showmanship pattern. Patterns may include, but are not limited to:

• Walk

• Jog

• Halt

• Back

• Pivots (90°, 180°, 270°, 360°, or as designated)

• Turns

• Set-up

• Inspection

• Straight lines

• Serpentines

• Cones and markers

• Exhibitors are expected to complete the pattern accurately while maintaining proper positioning, appropriate pace, and continuous control of the horse. Accuracy, precision, and overall presentation will be rewarded over speed. A willing, attentive horse and a confident, effective exhibitor should work together as a team to complete the pattern smoothly and correctly.

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LUNGE LINE

The Lunge Line class is designed to evaluate the young horse's potential as a future riding horse by assessing its movement, manners, responsiveness, and overall way of going while being shown on a lunge line.

Emphasis is placed on the horse's willingness, quality of movement, balance, cadence, and ability to move naturally and quietly in both directions. The horse should demonstrate a calm, trainable disposition while maintaining consistent forward motion and responding willingly to the exhibitor.

The exhibitor's ability to present the horse safely and effectively is also considered. Exhibitors should demonstrate good horsemanship through proper positioning, quiet handling, and effective communication while maintaining control of the horse throughout the class.

Judging Criteria

Horse and exhibitor will be evaluated on:

• Quality of movement

• Balance and self-carriage

• Cadence and rhythm

• Forward, willing attitude

• Responsiveness to the handler

• Manners and behavior

• Soundness and overall athletic potential

• Consistency in both directions

• Exhibitor's control and presentation

• Overall partnership between horse and handler

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• Each horse will be allotted 90 seconds to demonstrate its movement and way of going.

• At approximately 45 seconds, the judge will announce "Halfway," which serves as the exhibitor's cue to reverse directions.

• At 90 seconds, the judge will announce "Time," and the exhibitor should promptly and safely conclude their presentation.

• Within the allotted time, exhibitors should demonstrate the horse at the walk, jog/trot, and lope/canter in both directions. Exhibitors are encouraged to use the time wisely to showcase the horse's quality of movement, willingness, and responsiveness.

• The horse should remain under control at all times and be presented in a safe, workmanlike manner. While the "Halfway" announcement is intended as the cue to reverse, exhibitors are responsible for managing their time and ensuring all required gaits are demonstrated before time expires.

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WESTERN RAIL

• Western Rail combines the quality, manners, and consistency of a traditional Western Pleasure class with the forward expression and natural movement of Ranch Rail. This class is designed to evaluate the overall performance of the horse and rider as a team, rewarding willingness, quality of movement, softness, responsiveness, and effective communication.

• This is a versatility-based class. Horses will not be judged on whether they are presented in a ranch or traditional show style. Tack, attire, and style of travel appropriate for either discipline are equally acceptable. Exhibitors will not receive preference or penalties based on their chosen discipline.

• Judging will emphasize the quality of execution rather than the style of presentation. A naturally moving ranch horse and a more collected show horse are equally competitive when they demonstrate correct movement, willingness, smooth transitions, softness, and responsiveness. Likewise, riders will be evaluated on their effectiveness, timing, feel, and ability to communicate with their horse using quiet, soft, and nearly invisible cues.

Judging Criteria

Horse and rider will be evaluated on:

• Willingness and attitude

• Quality of movement appropriate to the horse

• Cadence, rhythm, and self-carriage

• Balance and consistency at each gait

• Softness and responsiveness

• Smoothness and correctness of transitions

• Rider effectiveness, timing, and communication

• Soft, unobtrusive use of aids

• Manners and suitability as a riding horse

• Overall partnership between horse and rider

• Natural movement appropriate to each horse and discipline is encouraged. Horses should travel willingly with a relaxed, balanced frame while remaining attentive and responsive to the rider. Riders should demonstrate quiet, effective horsemanship with minimal visible cueing. Excessive speed, artificial collection, exaggerated movement, or excessive cueing will not be rewarded over a correct, willing, and harmonious performance.

WORKING HORSEMANSHIP 

• Working Horsemanship combines the precision and rider effectiveness of traditional Horsemanship with the natural movement, forward expression, and practical maneuvers of Ranch Riding. This class is designed to reward a willing, responsive horse and an effective rider while encouraging versatility and quality horsemanship.

• Patterns may include maneuvers commonly found in both Horsemanship and Ranch Riding classes, creating a balanced pattern that evaluates the horse and rider as a team.

• This is a versatility-based class. Horses will not be judged on whether they are presented in a ranch or traditional show style. Tack, attire, and style of travel appropriate for either discipline are equally acceptable. Exhibitors will not receive preference or penalties based on their chosen discipline.

• Judging will emphasize the quality of execution rather than the style of movement. A naturally moving ranch horse and a more collected show horse are equally competitive when they demonstrate correct maneuvers, willingness, softness, smoothness, and effective communication with their rider.

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Judging Criteria

Horse and rider will be evaluated on:

• Willingness and attitude

• Rider effectiveness and communication

• Softness and responsiveness

• Quality of movement appropriate to the horse

• Cadence and rhythm

• Smooth, balanced, and effortless transitions

• Correctness and accuracy of maneuvers

• Forward expression with self-carriage

• Overall horsemanship and partnership

• Natural movement appropriate to each horse and discipline is encouraged. Horses should perform willingly with minimal visible cueing while maintaining balance, cadence, and correctness throughout the pattern. Excessive speed, artificial collection, or exaggerated movement will not be rewarded over a correct, willing, and responsive performance.

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TRAIL 

• The Trail class is designed to evaluate the horse's willingness, confidence, responsiveness, and ability to negotiate a variety of obstacles that may be encountered in both ranch and everyday riding situations. Courses may incorporate elements commonly found in Ranch Trail, City Trail, and traditional Show Trail classes to create a practical and versatile pattern.

• This is a versatility-based class. Horses will not be judged on whether they are presented in a ranch or traditional show style. Tack, attire, and style of travel appropriate for either discipline are equally acceptable. Exhibitors will not receive preference or penalties based on their chosen discipline.

• Judging will emphasize the quality of the horse's performance rather than its style of presentation.

Judging Criteria

Horses will be evaluated on:

• Willingness and attitude

• Confidence while negotiating obstacles

• Accuracy and correctness through each obstacle

• Quality of movement appropriate for the horse

• Cadence and rhythm

• Smoothness and flow throughout the pattern

• Softness, responsiveness, and willingness to the rider's cues

• Rider effectiveness and communication

• Overall horsemanship and partnership

Natural movement appropriate to each horse and discipline is encouraged. The horse should complete each obstacle calmly, willingly, and with minimal resistance. Excessive speed or artificial collection is not rewarded.

 

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BARRELS 

Barrel Racing is a timed event that tests a horse's speed, athleticism, and control. Riders will complete the standard cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. Contestants may begin by turning either the first barrel to the right or left but must complete the remainder of the pattern accordingly. The fastest clean run wins.

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• Start line to 1st and 2nd barrels: 60 feet

• Distance between 1st and 2nd barrels: 90 feet

• Distance from 1st and 2nd barrels to 3rd barrel: 105 feet

• 3rd barrel to back fence: Minimum of 25 feet (30 feet preferred)

• 1st and 2nd barrels to side fence: Minimum of 18 feet

• Barrel size: Standard 55-gallon barrels

Rules

• Riders may begin by turning either the right or left barrel first but must complete the cloverleaf pattern correctly.

• The pattern must be completed exactly as designed. Failure to complete the correct pattern results in a No Time (NT)/Disqualification.

• Knocking over a barrel: 5-second penalty for each barrel knocked over.

• Touching a barrel is allowed as long as the barrel remains standing.

• The run begins and ends when the horse crosses the start/finish line.

• The fastest adjusted time wins.

POLES

Pole Bending is a timed event designed to test a horse's speed, agility, and responsiveness. Riders may begin on either the right or left side of the first pole. The horse will run to the far end of the line of poles, turn around the last pole, weave through all six poles to the first pole, circle the first pole, weave back through the poles to the last pole, circle the last pole, and sprint back across the finish line. The fastest clean run wins. 

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• 6 poles

• Poles spaced: 21 feet apart

• Start/finish line to first pole: 21 feet

• Pole height: 6 feet

• Pole base: Approximately 14 inches in diameter

Rules

• Riders may start on either the right or left side of the first pole but must complete the remainder of the pattern accordingly.

• The pattern must be completed exactly as designed. Failure to follow the pattern results in a No Time (NT)/Disqualification.

• Knocking over a pole: 5-second penalty for each pole knocked down.

• Touching a pole is permitted, provided the rider does not intentionally alter the course by holding or pulling the pole.

• The horse must maintain forward motion throughout the run.

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SCRAMBLE- AUGUST 15

Contestants will begin at the start line and weave through the three poles. After completing the poles, riders will continue to the jump, cross the obstacle, then proceed to the barrel. Riders will make one complete turn around the barrel (either direction), return over the jump, weave back through the poles in the opposite direction, and cross the finish line.

The fastest clean run wins.

Penalties

• 5 seconds for each knocked-over pole.

• 5 seconds for knocking over or refusing the jump (if applicable).

• 5 seconds for knocking over the barrel.

• Off-pattern or failure to complete the course results in a no time (NT).

The measurements above make for a fun, flowing pattern without feeling cramped and fit comfortably in most standard riding arenas.

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Event set up: 

Pattern Measurements

• Start line to Pole 1: 30 feet

• Pole 1 to Pole 2: 21 feet

• Pole 2 to Pole 3: 21 feet

• Pole 3 to Jump: 40 feet

• Jump to Barrel: 50 feet

• Barrel: 55-gallon barrel

• Jump Height: 12–18 inches for Open, L1 Adult, and Youth divisions

Division Notes

• Walk-Trot Division: The jump pole will be placed on the ground.

• Green Horse Division: Riders will decide at the show whether the jump will remain on the ground or be set as a small jump. If the majority of exhibitors prefer the pole on the ground, it will remain on the ground for the class.​​​​

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NEWSPAPER RACE 

Contestants will start at one end of the arena and race to a barrel with a newspaper on top. While contestants are running toward the barrel, the announcer will call out a page number. Upon reaching the barrel, contestants must find and tear out the announced page from the newspaper. Once the correct page has been removed, contestants will race back across the finish line (on foot or mounted, depending on the class rules). The first contestant to return with the correct page wins.

Rules:

• Contestants may not begin searching the newspaper until they reach the barrel.

• Only the announced page may be removed.

• If the wrong page is torn out, the contestant must continue searching until the correct page is found.

• The correct page must be carried across the finish line.

• Fastest time with the correct page wins.

LEADLINE 

Riders will compete in Western Rail, Trail and Barrels. All riders who compete in all three classes at all three shows will receive a custom award at our last show! We will have prizes for every participant at each show. 

• We will have walk/trot options in our Rail and Trail class. You will not be penalized for not trotting or awarded more points for trotting in the class. It is just an option for those who would like to trot.