HORSE
LIGHT HORSES
Purple, $4; Blue, $3; Red, $2; White, $1.50
An exhibit in this class shall be a bona fide project animal, enrolled as a project before June 15 of the current year. No stallions may be shown.
See 4-H 373 for instructions on working procedure, appointments, faults, riders, instructions, etc. This show will follow the standards as set forth in 4-H 373 available from the county Extension Office. An exhibitor or horse will be allowed in an event only once. Exception: Exhibitor and/or same exhibitor-same horse may enter both English equitation and western horsemanship, western pleasure and English pleasure, English pleasure and 2- and 3-year-old western pleasure class (open) or 2- and 3-year-old western pleasure class (state), freestyle reining and reining. Only one pleasure, one horsemanship/equitation, one halter, or one reining class will count for premium (Ranch Riding not included). Premium class must be designated at the time of entry. Hi-Point Award will be calculated with the following point system:
Champions 6 points
Reserve Champions 5 points
Purple Ribbons 4 points
Blue Ribbons 3 points
Red Ribbons 2 points
White Ribbons 1 point
Exhibitor will select 6 classes for premium; one mandatory class being showmanship. These classes will be scored for hi-point competition. Ties will be broken using showmanship placings. (Additional classes may be entered as show size permits but will not receive premiums or count toward outstanding horse exhibitor.)
The dress code rules in 4-H 373 will be strictly enforced at district, state, and county 4-H horse shows.
a. NOTE — Boots with waffle-type tread greater than or equal to 1/8 inch will not be allowed in riding classes. Photos of these boots can be found at: animalscience.unl.edu/horse/dresscode.htm.
b. Shirts and blouses must be all white, including buttons, thread, etc., with convertible collars (one that is meant to be folded at the seam line and may or may not be buttoned at the base of neck). Tuxedo, turtleneck or other stand-up collars are not permitted. No national, county or club emblems, medals, etc. are permitted. Sheer or see-through blouses are inappropriate and not permitted. Decisions will be at the discretion of show management.
c. Dark blue denim jeans must be worn and a belt is recommended.
Exhibitor may show a maximum of three horses. Horses younger than age two as of January 1 are exempt from the three-horse rule. No individual horse may be shown more than once in each event.
Exhibitors must complete Level I to exhibit at county fair. All Level certification must be in the Extension Office at time of pre-fair entry.
The three-call rule will be strictly enforced. Exhibitors will be called three times to the arena. After the third call the gate will be closed and the judging will begin. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to be on time or let the gate man know if there is a problem.
TWO- AND THREE-YEAR-OLD WESTERN PLEASURE OPEN
1. 4-H’er must have passed Level II.
2. This class is for 2- or 3-year-old horses that are not shown currently in the member-trained class.
3. This class will be judged as a Western Pleasure class. Two hands are allowed on reins when using a snaffle or a bosal.
4. The 2- or 3-year-old horse shown in this class cannot be shown in any other western pleasure class during the Buffalo County Fair.
5. Any outside help is acceptable. Horses which receive outside help are not eligible to show in the 2- or 3-year-old Western Pleasure Class at the State 4-H Horse Show.
6. Proper tack will include a training snaffle, rawhide bosal and other selections that follow 4-H pleasure rules for tack.
TWO- AND THREE-YEAR-OLD WESTERN PLEASURE BUFFALO COUNTY MEMBER-TRAINED CLASS
1. All Buffalo County 4-H 2- and 3-year-old Western Pleasure Horses will be 2 or 3 years old by the calendar year starting January 1 of the year foaled.
2. The 2- or 3-year-old horse shown in this class cannot be shown in any other western pleasure class during the Buffalo County Fair.
3. 4-H’er must have passed Level II.
4. All horses shown in this class cannot have been shown under saddle in any show prior to Memorial Day weekend of their 2-year-old year.
5. Nominated 2- or 3-year-old horses may be shown by the 4-H’er prior to the County Fair.
6. A 4-Her may seek advice and counsel on training techniques from outside sources. It is preferred that all riding is done by the 4-H’er (for the safety of the youth, outside intervention is allowed, but it must be noted in the journal). If any outside riding does occur, that horse would not be eligible for the State Horse Show.
7. 4-H members must meet ownership requirements as outlined on page 5 of the Horse Show and Judging Guide.
8. Tack/Attire and General Regulations will follow the rules as outlined on pages 62 and 63 of the Horse Show and Judging Guide.
9. Two- and 3-Year-Old Western Pleasure Class — A journal of training, care and management of the horse shall be kept for a judges review prior to competition and will count as 25 percent of the competitors total score. This journal is due at or before 5 p.m. on the Tuesday of the 4-H Horse Show timed events at the Buffalo County Fair.
10. An obstacle course will be a requirement of the class and constitute 25 percent of the total score. The obstacle course will be comprised of four or five obstacles to test the horse’s maneuverability under saddle. All obstacles will be simple tasks requiring the horse to side pass, back, pivot, walk and trot over poles.
11. The pleasure class will constitute the remaining 50 percent of the score.
INTERVENTION RIDES: The purpose of intervention rides as it pertains to Buffalo County Member-Trained 2- and 3-Year-Old Project is to help solve a specific training issue the 4-H trainer is having and is not able to solve without help from a more experienced trainer. It is not intended for the more experienced trainer to be majority rider or trainer of the horse beyond specific problems. The older, more experienced rider should explain by demonstration or discussion how to solve the specific problem and work with the young trainer to attain this goal. Intervention rides are not intended or allowed to be used as the sole training method of the horse. When intervention rides are used, they must be documented, and the 4-H’er must identify the problem for which the intervention ride was needed and explain what was done to solve the problem in the journal.
Intervention rides are difficult and nearly impossible to regulate. The abuse or non-abuse of the intervention ride rule will depend on the integrity and honesty of the 4-H member and his/her trainer. The end goal of this project is the desire to learn how to humanely train a young horse to be usable, safe, well mannered, trusted individual. This project is for the experienced 4-H’er who has the desire to take on the challenge and responsibility of training a young horse.
YEARLING/2-YEAR OLD IN-HAND TRAIL
GENERAL REGULATIONS
1. This class is for yearlings and 2-year olds.
2. 4-H members can compete in the yearling/2-year-old in-hand trail class and the riding class; however, only one class will count towards premiums.
3. 2-year olds can complete in only one trail class riding or in-hand, not both.
4.Yearlings and 2-year olds will be shown in the same class, however, as an added degree of difficulty, the 2-year olds should be carrying a saddle.
The following rules pertain only to the Buffalo County Horse Shows.
TACK AND ATTIRE
Refer to Western, Hunter, or Saddle Seat Tack and Attire for Halter and Showmanship on pages 14-20 of the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide.
JUDGING PROCEDURE
1. Judged on performance. This class will be judged on the performance of the horse over the obstacles, with emphasis on manners and way of going. Credit will be given to horses negotiating the obstacles with style, without hesitancy and willingly responding to the handler’s cues. Each obstacle or maneuver is generally scored on a 10-point basis. Failure to complete an obstacle shall not be a disqualification but shall be scored accordingly.
2. Suggested Penalties: See page 60 of the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide.
Disqualification (must not be placed):
1. Horse escapes from exhibitor.
2. Any physical abuse of the horse.
3. Excessive schooling or training.
4. Loss of control or severe disobedience that endangers others.
5. Leading on the wrong side of the horse.
MANEUVERING THE COURSE
Gaits: The course must be designed to require each horse to demonstrate walk and trot somewhere between the obstacles as part of the working course. Enough space must be provided for the judge to evaluate the gaits. The horse’s way of going should be appropriate for trail horse.
Add or Subtract Points: Points may be added or subtracted from a horse’s total score on the obstacles based on his attitude, manners, style, and way of going, manner of travel.
Refusals: After three refusals on an obstacle, exhibitor must move on to the next obstacle. The judge(s) have the authority to motion an exhibitor to the next obstacle. The judge’s decision shall be final and is not subject to protest.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Use care in setting up course. Care must be exercised to avoid the setting up of any of these obstacles in a manner that may be hazardous to the horse or handler. Obstacles should be placed in such a manner that they flow from one to the other quickly and efficiently.
EXHIBITOR REQUIREMENTS
Exhibitor must use only the right hand on the lead where the chain begins, and lead on the horse’s left side. A chain may be used under the chin or hanging from the halter. Exhibitor must use only the left hand to carry the excess lead, looped loosely except when:
1. Carrying an object from one part of the arena to another.
2. Dragging an object from one part of the arena to another.
3. Opening/closing a gate, left hand gate only. In these cases, the right hand can also carry the excess lead.
4. Side passing. In this case, the lead at the chain and the excess lead can be held in the hand at the horse’s head.
Exhibitor is not allowed to touch the horse, except when side passing.
Exhibitors should be poised, confident, courteous and sportsmanlike at all times.
Any stops should be straight, smooth and responsive with the horse’s body remaining straight. Backing and turning should be performed from the left side of the horse. The exhibitor should face the horse when backing. Exception: When negotiating a gate, the exhibitor is not required to face the horse. The horse should back up readily with the head, neck and body aligned in a straight or curved line as instructed.
When executing a turn to the right, the exhibitor should face the horse and move the horse away from himself. On turns of less than 90 degrees, it is acceptable to lead the horse toward himself. On turns of 90 degrees or greater, the horse should pivot on the right or left hind leg while stepping across with the front legs.
MANDATORY OBSTACLES
Complexity of courses may increase throughout the calendar year, keeping in mind that this class is designed to expose the yearling/2-year old horse to trail obstacles, not end up with a finished trail horse at the end of its first two years.
1. Walk-over/Trot-over: An obstacle of at least four poles either on the ground or raised up. These can be in a straight line, curved or zigzag. Handler may remain outside or inside the poles.
2. Gate: The gate must be set up so that the exhibitor can open from his/her left side. It is permissible to carry excess lead in the right hand while negotiating the gate. Handlers losing control of the gate while passing through shall be penalized and scored accordingly.
3. Bridge: Handler should walk beside the bridge.
OPTIONAL OBSTACLES
1. Side-pass: An object of a safe nature and length may be used to demonstrate the responsiveness of the horse to signals at the side. The obstacle should be in the course design such that the horse comes up to it, but does not cross or straddle it while completing the side pass. The obstacle should be designed to require the horse to side pass, to the right or left, off pressure or signal, on or near its side. The exhibitor is allowed to touch the horse on the side during the side pass.
2. Square, minimum 8-foot sides: Lead into the square. While all four feet are confined in the square, make a 360 degree or less turn and lead out. Handler’s feet should remain in square also.
3. Back through/Walk through/Jog through shall consist of either:
Poles: Straight L, double L, V, U or similar shaped obstacle. Handler may remain outside or inside the poles.
Barrels or Cones: Minimum of three. Handler and horse can pass between barrels or cones together.
4. Water Box: Simulated water is permissible. Handler should walk to left of box while horse passes through box.
5. Carrying Object: Any object other than animal or fowl and of a reasonable size or weight may be carried to a specific point.
6. Drag or Pull: Any object other than animal or fowl which can reasonably be pulled or dragged by the exhibitor. This obstacle should be in the course design such that the item to be dragged is on the handler’s left side. The excess lead may be carried in the handler’s right hand.
7. Mailbox: Remove and/or replace items. Side pass is optional.
Note: For obstacles 5 through 7, if the object will be picked up/put down or opened/closed on the horse’s right side, the handler is allowed to hold the horse and the excess lead in his/her left hand while negotiating the obstacle.
WALK-TROT RULES FOR LEVEL I RIDERS
1. Walk-Trot classes are intended for beginners of all ages to help build rider confidence and provide foundational experience before progressing to more advanced classes. These classes welcome young and less experienced riders, offering a low-pressure environment to learn about horse shows.
2. Walk-Trot will be offered in English Pleasure, English Equitation, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship and Trail. Other classes available to the walk/trot entrant will be Halter, Showmanship, Barrels, Poles, and Dummy Roping.
3. Walk-Trot counts towards Walk-Trot High Point.
FREESTYLE REINING GUIDELINES
1. All 4-H rules about proper tack apply, with the exception that the rider may show with two hands, regardless of bit.
2. Contestants must provide a CD with a recording of the music that they are going to show to, not to exceed 4 minutes. Music must be family appropriate.
3. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves (and horses) in appropriate costume. Legal 4-H footwear will be worn.
4. Riders may perform required maneuvers in any order.
5. Other maneuvers than those required are optional and encouraged (extra spins, circles, rundowns, stops, etc.).
FREESTYLE REINING - REQUIRED MANEUVERS
SENIORS (ages 15-18):
1. One small slow circle and one large fast circle in each direction.
2. One flying lead change in each direction.
3. One spin in each direction, at least 360 degrees each.
4. One rundown, stop, back and hesitate for 10 seconds.
5. Ride to the judge for inspection after ride.
JUNIORS (age 14 and younger):
1. One small slow circle and one large fast circle in each direction.
2. One lead change in each direction, flying preferred but not required.
3. One spin each direction, at least 180 degrees each.
4. One rundown, stop, back and hesitate for 10 seconds.
5. Ride to the judge for inspection.
HALTER CLASS
4-H’er may show one halter horse per class. 4-H’er must show one horse in performance class if entered in two or more classes with a horse over the age of two.
G090001 Weanling filly class
G090002 Junior mares (one- to three-year-olds)
G090003 Senior mare (four years and older)
G090004 Weanling colt class
G090005 Junior geldings (one- to three-year-olds)
G090006 Senior geldings (four years and older)
PERFORMANCE CLASS
G090007 Walk-Trot English Pleasure (all ages)
G090008 Junior English Pleasure (8-11)
G090009 Intermediate English Pleasure (12-14)
G090010 Senior English Pleasure (15 and older)
G090011 Walk-Trot English Equitation (all ages)
G090012 Junior English Equitation (8-11)
G090013 Intermediate English equitation (12-14)
G090014 Senior Equitation (15 and older)
G090015 Hunter hack (all ages)
G090016 Yearling & Two-Year-Old In-Hand Trail (all ages)
G090017 Walk-Trot Trail Class (all ages)
G090018 Junior Trail Class (8-11)
G090019 Intermediate trail class (12-14)
G090020 Senior trail class (15 and older)
G090021 Walk-trot western pleasure, horses 14.2 hands and under (all ages)
G090022 Walk-trot western pleasure, horses over 14.2 hands (all ages)
G090023 Junior western pleasure, horses 14.2 hands and under (8-11)
G090024 Junior western pleasure, horses over 14.2 hands (8-11)
G090025 Intermediate western pleasure, horses 14.2 hands and under (12-14)
G090026 Intermediate western pleasure, horses over 14.2 hands (12-14)
G090027 Senior western pleasure, horses 14.2 hands and under (15 and older)
G090028 Senior western pleasure, horses over 14.2 hands (15 and older)
G090029 2- and 3-year-old western pleasure (state) — Must have passed Level II (all ages)
G090030 2- and 3-year-old western pleasure (open) — Must have passed Level II (all ages)
G090031 Walk-Trot Western Horsemanship (all ages)
G090032 Junior Western Horsemanship (8-11)
G090033 Intermediate Western Horsemanship (12-14)
G090034 Senior Western Horsemanship (15 and older)
G090035 Ranch Riding – Must have passed Level II (8-18) For rules, refer to page 72 of the rule book.
G090036 Western riding — Must have passed Level III (8-18)
G090037 Junior Reining (8-11)
G090038 Intermediate Reining (12-14)
G090039 Senior Reining (15 and older)
G090040 Free Style Reining (8-14). Music must be turned in at registration time on show day. Music must be family appropriate.
G090041 Free Style Reining (15-18). Music must be turned in at registration time on show day. Music must be family appropriate.
G090042 Junior pole bending (8-11)
G090043 Intermediate pole bending (12-14)
G090044 Senior pole bending (15 and older)
G090045 Junior barrel racing (8-11)
G090046 Intermediate barrel racing (12-14)
G090047 Senior barrel racing (15 and older)
ROPING
Dummy Roping Rules
Exhibitor cannot be entered in another roping event. Heading only – standard heading dummy. Three loops per contestant, the line will be 12’ behind the dummy. Only legal head catches count. In case of a tie, the line will be moved back 2 feet, sudden death elimination. Grand champion will be the contestant with the most legal head catches.
G090048 Dummy Roping (all ages)
HORSE SHOWMANSHIP
Purple, $3; Blue, $2; Red, $1.50; White, $1
Each showman must show his own animal and will enter the class corresponding to his age. The judge has the right to ask showman to exhibit abilities to fit animal.
G090052 15 and over (4-H age) Senior
G090053 12-14 years (4-H age) Intermediate
G090054 8-11 years (4-H age) Junior