Cart Class Question
- Thread starter MyMiniGal
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Max's Mom
Well-Known Member
It depends on the type of show you went to, whether it is AMHR or AMHA, though they are similar, or (less likely given you describe it as a mini show) an ADS competition. Isn't that fun-- so many letters...
Probably your best bet is to read the rules from the organization that put on the show. I know that the AMHA rules describe in detail what each class is and what the judges are looking for. You can find those rules on their website. You might also want to check out the rules for AMHR, which I assume are also online. The mini breed show driving is different from the VSE (very small equine) driving you see at American Driving Society competitions. They have different rules and requirements.
fourluckyhorseshoes
Well-Known Member
This was on WCMHR's website--- I will try to post more info later regard Western/Country/Classic/Single Pleasure
Pleasure Driving - This event is judged primarily on the suitability of the horse to provide a pleasurable drive. To be shown both ways of the arena at a walk, slow trot and strong trot. Drivers will be asked to come into the center of the ring and line up. Each Driver will then be asked to reign back. Headers may enter the ring when the line up begins. Headers are required for youth 12 and under.
Obstacle Driving - The course will be set with five obstacles. Driver is allotted 60 seconds per obstacle. After passing the starting line, the driver shall complete as many obstacles as possible before the five minutes is up or before reaching the Finish Line. Each obstacle is to be negotiated only once, but may be approached from either direction. Penalties will be deducted from the Driver’s overall time: Knocking down or dislodging obstacles - 5 seconds, Driving through an obstacle again - 10 seconds, Missing an obstacle - elimination. Obstacles will include various designs using cones and an obstacle to which the horse is backed to touch, but not knock down the obstacle.
Roadster Driving - The roadster may be of any type; usually, a two-wheeled vehicle without a basket and stirrups in which to place the feet. The principal gait for the roadster vehicle is the trot, the slow jog trot, the faster road gait, and then a full extended drive on trot. If a horse that has demonstrated the three gaits should suddenly break the trot, the horse will not be penalized. Under no circumstances should a horse that has not demonstrated the various trot be placed under a horse that has not demonstrated the three distinctive gaits successfully. Headers may be used when roadsters are lined up. Headers are required for youths under 12. Drivers will not be asked to reign back. The Driver shall stay on the rail at all times unless passing. Drivers shall enter the ring clockwise and turn and reverse when asked by the Judge.
Pleasure Driving - This event is judged primarily on the suitability of the horse to provide a pleasurable drive. To be shown both ways of the arena at a walk, slow trot and strong trot. Drivers will be asked to come into the center of the ring and line up. Each Driver will then be asked to reign back. Headers may enter the ring when the line up begins. Headers are required for youth 12 and under.
Obstacle Driving - The course will be set with five obstacles. Driver is allotted 60 seconds per obstacle. After passing the starting line, the driver shall complete as many obstacles as possible before the five minutes is up or before reaching the Finish Line. Each obstacle is to be negotiated only once, but may be approached from either direction. Penalties will be deducted from the Driver’s overall time: Knocking down or dislodging obstacles - 5 seconds, Driving through an obstacle again - 10 seconds, Missing an obstacle - elimination. Obstacles will include various designs using cones and an obstacle to which the horse is backed to touch, but not knock down the obstacle.
Roadster Driving - The roadster may be of any type; usually, a two-wheeled vehicle without a basket and stirrups in which to place the feet. The principal gait for the roadster vehicle is the trot, the slow jog trot, the faster road gait, and then a full extended drive on trot. If a horse that has demonstrated the three gaits should suddenly break the trot, the horse will not be penalized. Under no circumstances should a horse that has not demonstrated the various trot be placed under a horse that has not demonstrated the three distinctive gaits successfully. Headers may be used when roadsters are lined up. Headers are required for youths under 12. Drivers will not be asked to reign back. The Driver shall stay on the rail at all times unless passing. Drivers shall enter the ring clockwise and turn and reverse when asked by the Judge.
Thank you...it really wasn't just a mini show. I was just mainly meaning the part I was watching. The driving was just for mini's, so was the jumping, and obstacle, then after all the mini's did their thing, I guess the bigger horses did it. But I didn't stay for that. The driving I saw judged was Pleasure driving, in different age groups, I guess. It was sponsored by the Pinto Association.
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fourluckyhorseshoes
Well-Known Member
Here is a link to most classes you will see at a mini show:
http://www.wcmhr.com/showrules.html
http://www.wcmhr.com/showrules.html
targetsmom
Well-Known Member
The pinto classes are a bit different (they have Ideal Pinto Driving and Disciplined Rail Driving for example) in addition to pleasure driving and obstacle (similar to above). Rules are at www.pinto.org.
The "pleasure" driving class at AMHR or AMHA is different and refers to the horse's action and head set. AMHR and AMHA have three different driving classes (with slightly different names) for minis with high action and headset (Pleasure), somewhat lower action and headset (Country pleasure), and the last one is flat kneed and poll is only slightly higher than withers (Classic or Western Country pleasure)..
The "pleasure" driving class at AMHR or AMHA is different and refers to the horse's action and head set. AMHR and AMHA have three different driving classes (with slightly different names) for minis with high action and headset (Pleasure), somewhat lower action and headset (Country pleasure), and the last one is flat kneed and poll is only slightly higher than withers (Classic or Western Country pleasure)..
Ok, thank you. From a newbie's perspective, I couldn't tell what they were really judging. It just looked like the same thing over and over again. Same people were in several of the classes. Was still a pleasure to watch though.
rabbitsfizz
Well-Known Member
And then you have to go to an ADS show- different again!!
