AQHA Queen Quiz: Show Rules 200+

Additional rules pertaining to AQHA's World Championship shows can be found...

Mailing address: PO Box [blank_start]200[blank_end], Amarillo, Texas [blank_start]79168[blank_end]

Overnight deliveries: [blank_start]1600[blank_end] Quarter Horse Drive, Amarillo, Texas [blank_start]79104[blank_end]

Phone Number: [blank_start]806[blank_end]-[blank_start]376[blank_end]-[blank_start]4811[blank_end]

Show management is not responsible for the condition of show premises including arena, exercise, and stall areas.

As an express condition of the [blank_start]privilege[blank_end] to participate at an AQHA-approved show or event, each owner of an American Quarter Horse, [blank_start]exhibitor[blank_end], trainer and [blank_start]participant[blank_end] assumes the risks of [blank_start]participation[blank_end], and releases and discharges AQHA, its officers, [blank_start]directors[blank_end], representatives and employees from any and all liability, whenever or however arising, as to [blank_start]personal[blank_end] injury or property [blank_start]damage[blank_end] occurring as a result of participation in an event conducted by the show or on the show grounds thereof.

As 2 year old cannot be shown before [blank_start]July[blank_end] 1, except halter and showmanship.

Geldings still listed as stallions according to AQHA records at the time the show results are processed will be [blank_start]disqualified[blank_end]

If 65+, and AQHA Professional Horseman can immediately become an amateur.

Upon revocation of amateur membership because of ineligibility, all earned amateur points from the time of violation of eligibility shall be revoked.

Level 1 (Novice) eligibility point ranges will be eastablished once every [blank_start]3[blank_end] years for each class. Class point ranges are based on the cumulative average of all Level 1 exhibitors, per class, during the [blank_start]3[blank_end] immediate previous calendar years. Level 1 eligibility point cap will be the greater of [blank_start]25[blank_end] points or the [blank_start]90[blank_end]th percentile.

For AQHA purposes, the spring semester will be from [blank_start]January[blank_end] 1 - [blank_start]July[blank_end] 30 of the current year and the fall semester will be from [blank_start]July[blank_end] 1 - [blank_start]December[blank_end] 31 of the current year.

Open halter & cattle classes: points are on the exhibitor, not the horse.

Rookie level halter classes must be all-age.

When exhibitor equipment failure causes a delay or a run to be discontinued, the judge will disqualify the entry, except in _______ and ________.

Reruns ____ not be allowed in instances of equipment failure.

Western bit max port

Western bit max shank length

Illegal western bits: [blank_start]prong[blank_end] bit, [blank_start]donut[blank_end] bit

The diameter of a western bit's mouth piece can be 5/16" to 3/4"

Snaffle bits in western performance classes mean the conventional O-ring, egg-butt or D-ring with a ring no larger than [blank_start]4[blank_end]” in diameter (100 mm).

slip or gag bit is permitted in speed events

Junior horses competing in junior western pleasure, western horsemanship, reining, working cow horse, boxing, ranch horse riding, western riding and trail that are shown with a hackamore or snaffle bit may be ridden with one or two hands on the reins.

Romal reins: what is the spacing between the reining hand and the free hand holding the romal

When using a romal, you should have 1 finger between the reins

Classes where closed reins may be used with snaffle bit:

Classes with "Western type equipment": roping, speed events, team penning, ranch sorting and cowboy mounted shooting.

The use of slip on (easy care) horse boots or related footwear are not considered as protective boots and are permissible to be worn in all classes.

Protective boots, leg wraps and bandages are prohibited in western pleasure, trail, halter, western riding, and showmanship,

English maximum port height

The only english class where protective boots or leg wraps are allowed are hunt seat equitation on the flat and equitation over fences.

Pleasure driving mandatory equipment:

Obvious lameness: 1. consistently observable at [blank_start]trot[blank_end] under all circumstances 2. marked nodding, [blank_start]hitching[blank_end], or shortened stride 3. minimal [blank_start]weight[blank_end]-[blank_start]bearing[blank_end] in motion and/or at rest and inability to move

Western classes: The walk The walk is a natural [blank_start]flat[blank_end] footed, [blank_start]four[blank_end]-beat gait. The horse must move straight and true at the walk. The walk must be [blank_start]alert[blank_end], with a stride of reasonable length in keeping with the [blank_start]size[blank_end] of the horse.

Western classes: The jog is a smooth [blank_start]ground[blank_end] covering [blank_start]two[blank_end]-beat diagonal gate. The horse works from one pair of diagonals to the other pair. The jog should be [blank_start]square[blank_end], balanced and with straight forward movement of the feet. Horses walking with their back feet and trotting in the front are not considered performing the required gait. When asked to [blank_start]extend[blank_end] the jog, it moves out with the same smooth way of going.

The lope is an easy, rhythmical [blank_start]three[blank_end]-beat gait. Horses moving to the left should lope on the left lead. Horses moving to the right should lope on the right lead. Horses travelling at a four-beat gait are not considered to be performing at a [blank_start]proper[blank_end] lope. The horse should lope with a natural stride and appear [blank_start]relaxed[blank_end] and smooth. It should be ridden at a speed that is a natural way of going. The head should be carried at an angle which is natural and suitable to the horse's [blank_start]conformation[blank_end] at all gaits.

Priority of evaluation for western gaits

The jog: [blank_start]Extremely poor[blank_end] jog: cannot perform a two-beat gait and has no flow or balance in the motion. [blank_start]Very poor[blank_end] jog - hesitates in the motion, does not keep an even and balanced motion or a level top-line. May appear to shuffle. [blank_start]Poor[blank_end] jog - average motion but has negative characteristics such as walking with the hind legs, dragging the rear toes, or taking an uneven length of stride with the front and rear legs. [blank_start]Correct or average[blank_end] jog - has a two-beat gait, a level topline, and a relaxed appearance. [blank_start]Good[blank_end] jog - has an average motion with positive characteristics such as balance and self- carriage while taking the same length of stride with the front and rear legs. [blank_start]Very good[blank_end] jog - is comfortable to ride while having a consistent two-beat gait. The horse guides well, appears relaxed and has a level topline. [blank_start]Excellent[blank_end] jog - effortless and very efficient motion. Swings the legs yet touches the ground softly. Confident yet soft with its motion while being balanced and under control. Moves flat with the knee and hock and has some cushion in the pastern. Has a bright and alert expression and exhibits more lift and self-carriage than the very good jog.

Moderate extended jog: [blank_start]Poor[blank_end] extended jog - never lengthens the stride and may appear rough to ride. [blank_start]Average[blank_end] extended jog - moves up in its pace and appears smooth to ride. [blank_start]Good[blank_end] extended jog - has an obvious lengthening of stride with a slight increase in pace while exerting less effort and appears smooth to ride.

The lope: [blank_start]Extremely poor[blank_end] lope: does not have a three-beat gait. Has no flow, rhythm or balance. Uncomfortable to ride. [blank_start]Very poor[blank_end] lope: appears to have a three-beat gait but has no lift or self-carriage. The horse shuffles, has no flow and bobs his head, giving the appearance of exerting a great deal of effort to perform the gait. Also may appear uncomfortable to ride. [blank_start]Poor[blank_end] lope: has an average motion but exhibits negative characteristics like head bobbing, not completing the stride with the front leg and leaving the outside hock well behind the horse's buttocks. [blank_start]Average[blank_end] lope: has a true three-beat gait with a level topline and very little head an neck motion. He is relatively straight (not over-canted), guides well and has a relaxed appearance. [blank_start]Good[blank_end] lope: has an average motion but exhibits positive characteristics in his performance like self-carriage, a steady topline, relaxed appearance and is responsive to the rider's aids. [blank_start]Very good[blank_end] lope: has more lift and flow than the average horse. He has a strong but smooth drive from behind. He may bend his knee slightly yet still has a level top-line while exhibiting self-carriage with a relaxed appearance. Appears comfortable to ride. [blank_start]Excellent[blank_end] lope: has a round back with an effortless strong, deep stride with the rear legs and a flat swing with the front legs. He keeps a level topline, a relaxed yet alert and confident appearance and is correct but soft. A special horse with a great degree of lift and self carriage.

The Trot: [blank_start]Extremely Poor[blank_end] Trot - This is a horse that cannot seem to do a two beat gait and appears very uncomfortable in his attempt to accomplish it. He does not have any flow or balance in his motion and appears uncomfortable to ride. He may be weak and sloppy in his hocks causing a loss of forward motion or use his hocks loosely or too far back causing a loss of cadence and rhythm. This also could be a horse that is misbehaving and is unwilling to perform the gait properly and therefore is not exhibiting acceptable motion. [blank_start]Very Poor[blank_end] Trot - This is a horse that may have an uneven cadence or be unwilling to go forward. He may not keep an even and balanced motion with a level top line. This horse may appear quick legged or seem to move in an up and down fashion or may be on the muscle looking nervous and tense or he may be on a loose and sloppy rein causing a lack of collection or to travel heavy on the forehand. He may cover the ground by taking more frequent steps instead of correctly increasing the length of the strides. [blank_start]Poor[blank_end] Trot - This is a horse with an average motion, exhibiting negative characteristics in their performance. For example, this horse may have an average trot gait but have a dull, unhappy or resentful expression. SHW332.2.4 [blank_start]Correct or Average[blank_end] Trot - This horse has a two beat diagonal gait in which the left front and right hind foot touch the ground simultaneously and the right front and left hind do so also. This is the standard trot and a horse MUST have a true two beat gait to be “average” or any of the levels higher than “average”. He has a level top line, with a relaxed appearance and pleasant expression, is shown on light contact and appears to go in a forward, obedient manner. [blank_start]Good[blank_end] Trot - This is a horse with an average motion, exhibiting positive characteristics in their performance. For example this horse may have an average trot gait but have excellent manners and expression with ears forward and appearing bright but relaxed and calm. [blank_start]Very Good[blank_end] Trot - This is a horse that appears very comfortable to ride, always has a consistent rhythmic cadenced two beat gait, is guiding well and has a relaxed and level top line. He has a good forward stride with balance and impulsion. Compared to the excellent horse he may not have as much stride as he may not have the degree of drive off the hindquarters or as much reach with his shoulders. He may bend his knees or flex his pasterns a little but he is still obviously soft, smooth and relaxed. He has an attentive and calm appearance with a pleasant expression and maintains light bit contact. [blank_start]Excellent[blank_end] Trot - This horse’s motions seem effortless and efficient. He utilizes his top line by rounding his back and driving evenly off his hind legs creating impulsion and suspension while still remaining soft and controlled. He takes long ground covering steps with deliberate full strides and stays close to the ground. He reaches from his shoulder and is flat with his knee and extends his leg forward and seems to enter the ground toe first, even though it actually lands flat. His drive from his hocks allows his hind leg to step into or in front of where his front foot left the ground using full extension of the stride. This horse is balanced, has a level top line and has an even rhythm and cadence. He has excellent manners and great expression appearing relaxed and happy, soft in his poll, jaw and mouth and is shown on light contact.

SHW332.4 The Canter SHW332.4.1 [blank_start]Extremely Poor[blank_end] Canter - This is a horse that does not have a true three beat gait. He has no cadence, no rhythm, and no balance, appears out of sync and obviously is not comfortable to ride. This may also be a horse that is misbehaving and unwilling to perform the gait properly and therefore is not exhibiting acceptable motion. SHW332.4.2 [blank_start]Very Poor[blank_end] Canter - This is a horse that may appear to have a three beat gait but lacks self carriage. He may be flat in that he has either not rounded his back, or failed to engage his hindquarters and therefore lacks drive, impulsion and suspension. He may be weak hocked causing him to pull himself forward with his front end or he may not be balancing off his hindquarters causing him to be heavy on his forehand. This horse may lack forward motion, smoothness of gait, or consistency of speed. He may not use his shoulders properly causing excessive knee action. He may be showing on loose reins and be strung out and lacking collection or be nervous and on the muscle causing a shortening or quickening of stride. SW332.4.3 [blank_start]Poor[blank_end] Canter - This is a horse with an average motion, exhibiting negative characteristics in his performance. For example, this horse may have an average canter but be lacking in expression or lack consistency in his top line. SHW332.4.4 [blank_start]Correct Or Average Canter[blank_end] - This horse has a true three beat gait with a level top line, and a comfortable motion. This is the standard canter and a horse MUST have a true three beat gait to be considered “average” or any of the levels higher than “average”. He is shown on light contact and is responsive to his rider and has a relaxed appearance with a pleasant expression. SHW332.4.5 Good Canter - This is a horse with an average motion, exhibiting positive characteristics in his performance. For example, this may be a horse with an average canter gait but has great expression, consistency and lovely manners. SHW332.4.6 [blank_start]Very Good[blank_end] Canter - This is a horse that has more style, drive, impulsion and suspension than the average horse. He has a strong but smooth drive from behind. He may bend his knee a little or not have quite the length of stride of the excellent horse, yet he still has a level top line and relaxed appearance, is correct and appears to be comfortable to ride. He has a pleasant expression and is responsive to his rider and shown with light bit contact. SHW332.4.7 [blank_start]Excellent[blank_end] Canter - This is a horse that utilizes his top line by rounding his back, engaging his hindquarters to drive his hind legs deep underneath him creating impulsion and suspension in his motion. He has a strong, deep, forward stride behind and an equally forward, flat-kneed reach with his front legs. He appears effortless and totally in control of his motion with great self carriage. He creates energy yet stays soft and responsive to his rider. His weight is distributed properly onto his hindquarters and he moves with long, slow strides. He gives the appearance that, if asked, he could easily lengthen his stride and correctly perform a hand gallop. This horse has a great degree of suspension, impulsion and elasticity to his movement. He has great expression with ears forward and is consistent, relaxed and confident with light bit contact. SHW332.4.8 [blank_start]Hand Gallop[blank_end] - should be a definite lengthening of stride with noticeable difference in speed. Horses should be under control at all times and be able to pull-up (not a sliding stop). If asked to pull-up, after the halt, riders must relax the reins and the horse must stand quietly

SHW333.1 [blank_start]Walk[blank_end] - a natural, flat-footed, four-beat gait. Loss of forward rhythmic movement shall be penalized. SHW333.2 [blank_start]Park gait[blank_end] - a forward, free-flowing, square trot with impulsion. Loss of forward, rhythmic movement or jogging shall be penalized. SHW333.3 [blank_start]Road gait[blank_end] - an extended trot showing a definite lengthening of stride, with a noticeable difference in speed. Short, quick, animated strides and/or excessive speed shall be penalized.

Judging halter is based on 4 characteristics:

Balance is influenced almost entirely by skeletal structure.

Spayed mares can only be shown in performance halter and ranch halter. Not eligible for the grand and reserve.

[blank_start]90-100 Excellent[blank_end] showmanship, including body position and presentation of horse. Completes pattern accurately, quickly, smoothly and precisely; demonstrates a high level of professionalism. [blank_start]80-89 Very good[blank_end] performance in execution of the pattern as well as correct showmanship and presentation of horse. Excellent showman that commits a minor fault. [blank_start]70-79 Good[blank_end] pattern execution and average showmanship; lacking adequate style and professional presentation to merit elevating to the next scoring range. [blank_start]60-69 Fair[blank_end] pattern that lacks quickness or precision. Horse with consistently unwilling attitude or handler with obvious position and/or presentation faults that prevents effective showmanship. A good showman that commits one minor fault or excellent showman that commits a major fault. [blank_start]50-59[blank_end] One major fault or multiple minor faults in the performance or presentation or position of the exhibitor that demonstrates a lack of handling ability and knowledge of correct body position. [blank_start]40-49[blank_end] Severe fault, two or more major faults, or multiple minor faults in the performance or the execution of the pattern and demonstrates a lack of handling ability and knowledge of correct body position. [blank_start]10-39[blank_end] Exhibitor commits more than one severe fault or multiple major faults in performance or position but completes the class and avoids disqualification.

Showmanship: an exhibitor should not be penalized if their horse performs the pivot on the left hind leg, but the horse who performs it correctly should receive more credit.