How to Score Western Equestrian
Reining & Level II Ranch Riding Riders are to be judged on proper symmetry of figures, definite changes of speed, direction, and size of circles; proper technical application of natural aids (voice, hands, seat, leg) in obtaining lead changes, stops, and turns; and reasonable working horsemanship. Emphasis is on precision, technical application, and the ability to show strange horse in a pre-assigned pattern (Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not necessarily to be considered more important than the methods used by the rider in obtaining them). A winning ride includes the following: Proper use of natural aids – voice, hands, seat, legs. Smooth, consistent figures and transitions. Efficient, well-placed changes of lead. Definite changes of speed at jog and lope. Completion of pattern as drawn and described. Proper use of the entire showing arena.
Horsemanship Riders will be judged on overall position as well as ability to control and show horse. Rider’s position should align in a straight line from the head, shoulder, hip, and heel. Collectively, a rider will be evaluated on their ability to use natural aids (voice, hands, seat, and legs) in communicating with their horse. Results as shown by performance of the horse are NOT to be considered more important than the method used by the rider in obtaining them. Class Routine - Riders shall enter the ring and show collectively on the rail at all required gaits in both directions prior to any individual testing. Riders will be asked to perform three gaits; walk, jog, and lope. Additional testing may include; halt and/or back, figure 8 at the job, 360-degree turn, lope and stop, figure eight at the lope demonstrating a simple change of lead, ride without stirrups, and counter-canter. A winning ride includes the following: Proper use of natural aids - voice, hands, seat, legs. Correct position of rider - rider should appear natural, balanced, and confident. Smooth, consistent gaits (walk, jog, and lope) – rider shall maintain horses speed at all times. Correct leads at lope – Right and Left. Proficiency during testing - testing is at the judge’s discretion.
Team Scoring Each College will designate a maximum of 7 Western riders, one from each class, to compete for points toward the Team Championship. Champion and Reserve Western teams shall be determined by totaling the scores of the top 6 of the 7 Western designated point riders from each team. Point riders in Western teams will be selected from any section of classes 11- 17. Only one rider may be selected from each class (A or B in class 12).
List of Classes Class 17 – Reining riders must be classified as Open Horsemanship riders and have had 6 months of professional reining instruction within the past year. Class 16 – Open Horsemanship riders are those who have finished in top five of an AQHA/APHA/NRHA/NSBA World/Congress Championship, Derby or NRHA affiliate finals in a scored Western pattern class. Class 15 – Level II Ranch Riding riders must be classified as Level II Horsemanship riders. This class serves as an introductory to Class 16, Open Reining, preparing riders for when they point into the division. Class 14 – Level II Horsemanship riders are those who have won more than 5 blue Western Horsemanship ribbons in classes of five or more riders in recognized competition; or competed at a high school equestrian National Finals in the highest level of Horsemanship or Reining on a random draw. Class 13 – Level I Horsemanship riders have competed in mounted classes in recognized competitions; have placed in the top 5 in State, Inter-State, or National 4H, or any high school equestrian association during Junior or Senior years, in Western Horsemanship or Reining. Class 12 – Rookie B Horsemanship riders for class 12B are those who have competed in non-recognized competitions which required them to lope or canter excluding games or speed events. Class 12 – Rookie A Horsemanship riders are those who have had more than 24 weeks of instruction. Excluding games or speed events, Rookie A riders have not competed in a mounted competition that required them to lope or canter. Class 11 – Beginner Horsemanship riders are those who have had no more than 24 weeks of mounted instruction and who have not competed in a mounted competition which required them to canter or lope.