SQHA Show Classes

WHAT CLASSES ARE HELD AT SQHA SHOWS?

Halter
Horses are exhibited at halter and judged on their correct structure, breed type, muscling, soundness and manner in which they travel. These factors are fundamental requirements of a good horse whether it is used for breeding, performance in the arena or work on a property. Halter points reflect credit to the horses sire and dam, add immeasurably to the value of its offspring and vastly increase the value of the horse.

Showmanship a Halter
Showmanship is a popular event among the youth and amateur divisions. The exhibitor is judged on his or her ability to exhibit the horse at halter.

Hunter Under Saddle
Horses in this class are ridden with English tack and judged on presence, manners, conformation and suitability for travelling through hunt country following hounds. Horses are required to walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring.

Western Pleasure
One of the simplest classes, western pleasure is also one of the best tests of the Quarter Horse in practical use. As the name implies, horses are ridden as they would be on a "pleasure" ride at a walk, jog and lope to demonstrate a horses calm disposition, smoothness of gaits and response to the rider's commands.

Western Horsemanship
The western horsemanship class is divided into two sections. The first section is an individual pattern performed by each contestant. Later, the contestants are called back into the arena to perform rail work to determine the winners of the class. The purpose of the western horsemanship class, offered to youth and amateur divisions, is to determine the riding ability of the rider and not the actual performance of the horse.

Hunt Seat Equitation
The hunt seat equitation class also is designed to determine the riding ability of the rider and not the actual performance of the horse. Each contestant is required to complete a predetermined pattern which is posted one hour prior to the start of the class. Following individual work-outs, the top riders are called back into the arena for rail work at the walk, trot and canter. Horses are shown in English tack and this class is offered to youth and amateur competitors.

Trail
In this class, a horse's ability to give the rider a quiet pleasurable ride on the trail is measured. Obstacles such as wooden bridges, logs and gates, plus other obstacles which might be encountered on the trail are used to judge the horses ability.

Western Riding
Western riding is designed to test the all-round disposition and ability of the Quarter Horse. The horse is required to perform his natural gaits giving a quiet, comfortable pleasant ride through and over obstacles. This event evaluates the performance of a sensible, well mannered, free and easy moving horse.

For more information see also An Amateur's Guide To Western Performance Riding by Mary Gale

Results

25th July, 2004

19th September, 2004

30th October, 2004

Winderadeen Classic, 20th & 21st November, 2004

16th January, 2005

20th February, 2005

2005 Show Calendar

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