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While attending Black Hawk College obtaining my degree in Equestrian Science, I took two semesters of Horse Evaluation. In this class we learned how to judge using the AQHA rulebook. In this article I am going to give you the differences between some of the core western and ranch classes and how the judge would decide how to place the competitors. While judging is complex, for this article I'm going to break it down into small, digestible pieces to give you the very basics that beginners can understand. At the end, we’ll discuss how judges can differ between sanctioned and open shows.
Confirmation Judging Criteria
Halter classes are judged a little differently than other classes. They are judged using these criteria and in order from one being considered first and five last. These criteria are important because they relate to, theoretically, how well the horse would do in a performance class. For example, if a horse has deviations in his legs such as calf knees (calf kneed horses are prone to bowed tendons), he may not perform as well as a horse with straight legs.
Soundness
Most importantly the horse must be sound before considering any other criteria.
Balance
This includes their topline and slope of their shoulder and hip. The best way to describe balance is to imagine a trapezoid over your horses body. Their shoulder, back, and hip should each be the same length. Their underline should be twice the length of their topline.
Quality
This refers to breed and gender characteristics. For example, in a mare class the judge wants to see a refined, feminine head. In a stallion class they want to see a more masculine head.
Structure
This is when the judge starts to consider their confirmation. They want to see straight legs and no deviations such as cow hocks, pigeon toes, or calf knees.
Muscling
Finally, the judge considers their muscling. They want to see a horse that looks strong and ready to compete. You can look for muscling on your horse on their forearm and gaskin. You can also look at the width of their chest and the width between their stifles.
Performance Classes Criteria
Performance classes also have judging criteria. However, it is a little bit different for each class and discipline. So for the purposes of this article and keeping it easy to understand, I am going to go over a few of the basic western and ranch classes with you, the basics of what the judge is looking for, and things to remember before walking into the show pen. Remember, the first criteria in any class is soundness.
Showmanship
judged on the exhibitor's ability to execute their horse through a pattern (on the ground, not mounted)
grooming and physical appearance of the horse is judged in this class
judged using a score system, the exhibitor starts at a score of 70 and earns or loses points in every maneuver
before walking in the show pen remember: in this class you want to appear confident and business like, stand up tall like you are proud of your horse, don't forget to take off your spurs!
Western Pleasure
walk/jog/lope rail class where they’re judging the horse on their quality of movement
judge wants to see a horse that looks like a “pleasure” to ride
horses should move forward in a quiet, collected, and relaxed manner
remember: the judge is watching for your correct gaits and leads, smooth transitions, how often you have to "handle" your horse, and the consistency of your horse's frame and speed
Horsemanship
pattern class where they’re judging the rider on their seat and ability to control their horse
judged using a score system, the rider starts at a score of 70 and earns or loses points in every maneuver
rail work after all patterns are complete
remember: the judge wants to see your pattern drawn exactly how it’s posted, hold your free arm in a "horsemanship" position, and focus on your seat
Reining
judged using a score system, the rider and horse start at a score of 70 and earn or lose points in every maneuver
judge wants to see that your horse is willingly guided and controlled with no resistance and that your pattern is drawn precisely
maneuvers include spins, circles, sliding stops, rollbacks, and lead changes
remember: the degree of difficulty of your maneuvers is what will raise your score and set you apart from the other competitors (the speed of your maneuvers while maintaining control)
Trail
put into beginner's terms- an obstacle course
pattern class using obstacles such as a gate, bridge, logs, etc.
judged using a score system, the rider and horse start at a score of 70 and earn or lose points in every maneuver
judge wants to see the horse pick their own way through the obstacles and willingly respond to the rider's cues
Ranch Rail Pleasure
walk/jog/lope rail class where they are judging the horse on their quality of movements
judge usually asks for extended gaits
judged similarly to western pleasure, however in this class the judge wants to see a horse that moves forward like they would on a working ranch
remember: you can sit, post, or stand in your stirrups for the extended jog, whichever shows your horse the best
Ranch Riding (Pattern)
Ranch riding can take on a different meaning depending on the show. For this article we are going to be talking about the AQHA pattern class.
judged using a score system, the rider starts at a score of 70 and earns or loses points in every maneuver
the purpose of this class is to show your horse's capability of performing ranch work so make sure to show your horse with their natural working appearance and speed
no braids, bands, hoof polish, or tail extensions
remember: the extended gaits in this class are important, make sure to show an extension in your horses stride when asked
From a beginner stand point, this can be very overwhelming and confusing. And what makes it frustrating from a coach's point of view is while this is how the classes should be judged, it's not always the case. At sanctioned shows like AQHA, APHA, NRHA, ARHA, etc., the judges have to go through training before getting a judge's card. This basically gives them a "license" to judge those events. However, at open shows anyone can be a judge. They do not have to pass any kind of tests or go through any kind of training. With this being said, sometimes they don't necessarily know all of the criteria for each class. While it can be frustrating, the best thing to do is to remember when showing at the open level it is all for fun and experience.
My favorite advice to give rider's who are just starting to compete is to show the horse that you have today. The show pen is not the place to school your horse on new things. Shows are the place to take notes on things to work on at home or at your next lesson.
If I were to write about single classes and go into more detail about how they are judged, what classes would you be interested in?
Showmanship
Western & Ranch Pleasure
Reining
Ranch Riding
You can vote for more than one answer.
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