Scoring
The scoring method is very similar to that of reining. The scores will be on a scale of 0-100 with a 70 being an average score basis. Points are added or subtracted based on credits or faults observed.
- A contestant shall be penalized each time the following
occur: One-half (1/2) point
- (1) tick or light touch of log
- (2) hind legs skipping or coming together during lead change
- (3) non-simultaneous lead change (Front to hind or hind
to front)
One (1) point
- (1) hitting or rolling log
- (2) out of lead more than one stride either side of the
center point and between the markers
- (3) splitting the log (log between the two front or two hind
feet) at the lope
- (4) break of gait at the walk or jog up to two strides
Three (3) points
- (1) not performing the specific gait (jog or lope) or not
stopping when called for in the pattern, within 10 feet (3 meters) of the designated area
- (2) simple change of leads
- (3) out of lead at or before the marker prior to the designated
change area or out of lead at or after the marker after the designated change area
- (4) additional lead changes anywhere in pattern (except
when correcting an extra change or incorrect lead)
- (5) in pattern one and three failure to start the lope within
30 feet (9 meters) after crossing the log at the jog
- (6) break of gait at walk or jog for more than two strides
- (7) break of gait at the lope
Five (5) points
- (1) Out of lead beyond the next designated change area
(note: failures to change, including cross-cantering. Two consecutive failures to change would result in two five point penalties). 175
- (2) blatant disobedience including kicking out, biting,
bucking and rearing Disqualified - 0 score
- (1) illegal equipment
- (2) willful abuse
- (3) off course
- (4) knocking over markers
- (5) completely missing log
- (6) major refusal - stop and back more than 2 strides or 4
steps with front legs
- (7) major disobedience or schooling
- (8) failure to start lope prior to end cone in patterns #1 and #3
- (9) four or more simple lead changes and/or failures to
change leads
- (10) overturn of more than 1/4 turn
(11) Faults, which will be cause for disqualification, except in novice amateur or novice youth classes, which shall be faults scored according to severity:
- (A) Head carried too low (tip of ear below withers
consistently)
- (B) Over flexing or straining neck in head carriage so
the nose is carried behind the vertical consistently.
- (g) The following characteristics are considered faults and
should be judged accordingly in maneuver scores
- (1) opening mouth excessively
- (2) anticipating signals
- (3) stumbling
- (4) head carried too high
- (5) head carried too low (tip of ear below the withers)
- (6) over-flexing or straining neck in head carriage so the
nose is carried behind the vertical
- (7) excessive nosing out
Credit is given for
- (1) changes of leads, hind and front simultaneously
- (2) change of lead near the center point of the lead change area
- (3) accurate and smooth pattern
- (4) even pace throughout
- (5) easy to guide and control with rein and leg
- (6) manners and disposition
- (7) conformation and fitness
Read more about this topic: Western Riding (horse Show)