Country English Pleasure

COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE

Prepared By The

Education/Evaluation Commission and Judges & Stewards Commissioner 10805 E. Bethany Drive Aurora, Colorado 80014-2605 (303) 696-4539

COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE

Light contact must be maintained with all reins Table of Contents at all gaits. DESCRIPTION: ...... 2 GAITS ...... 2 The Country English Pleasure horse’s carriage APPOINTMENTS ...... 4 and way of going is based on key elements that ATTIRE ...... 4 combine to make the ideal pleasure horse. To CONDUCT ...... 4 determine what is ideal, it helps to understand COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE the requirements and criteria of the Country SPECIFICATIONS ...... 5 English Pleasure horse. CREDITS OF THE COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE HORSE ...... 7 GAITS FAULTS OF THE COUNTRY ENGLISH It is imperative that the horse give the distinct PLEASURE HORSE ...... 9 appearance of being a pleasure to ride. A CAUSES FOR ELIMINATION ...... 10 quiet, responsive mouth is paramount. All gaits must be performed with willingness and DESCRIPTION: obvious ease, cadence, balance and Good Country English Pleasure horses have a smoothness. Judges are required to consider free-flowing stride that allows them to the performance of each gait equally in comfortably and calmly move forward with adjudicating this class. In Park, English grace and style. Ideally, their gaits should Pleasure, Country English Pleasure, result from a balanced, cadenced motion that Combination and Saddle Seat Equitation emanates from moderate impulsion created classes, the transition from the trot to canter is from the hindquarters. Their natural not permitted. conformation allows them to carry the head and neck in a relaxed, upright position, and Walk - a four-beat gait. To be true, flat- serve as a balance arm. They are bright and footed, and ground covering. alert while remaining attentive and responsive At the walk, the horse must propel itself to the rider. forward from behind with long reaching steps. The horse’s head and neck are relaxed as the The attitude of the ideal Country English horse moves from one foot to the other with Pleasure horse is pleasant, confident, no period of suspension. The walk should be responsive and obedient. These horses even and relaxed. The sequence of foot falls perform all the gaits correctly in an are (1) left hind, (2) left fore, (3) right hind, (4) unassuming, unforced fashion while under right fore. light contact. They are totally balanced individuals with exemplary manners. These horses have a genuine desire to please their riders, a quiet nature to do their tasks willingly, and the physical ability to do them easily. They have the discipline of a well trained horse and the finesse of an athlete while giving the appearance they enjoy their job, which makes Normal trot - a two-beat gait. To be an them pleasing to watch. Ultimately, these overall balanced, relaxed, easy-going trot horses instill a great deal of confidence in with elasticity and freedom of movement. those who ride or watch them and give the High action MUST be penalized. Posting is impression of being a true pleasure to ride. required.

Country English Pleasure effective 12/1/19 2 collection), degree of impulsion (energy) and The trot is a two-beat diagonal gait in which zealous spirit (attitude). opposite fore and hind feet hit the ground together. The trot must be balanced, Canter - a three-beat gait; smooth, unhurried, cadenced, free-moving and easy, with rhythm straight and correct on both leads. and drive. The trot should show power and elegant carriage with strength from the The canter must show impulsion balance and hindquarters while moving in an easy, ground engagement. The horse’s back must be supple covering, natural manner. The trot should and relaxed allowing the hindquarters to reach never look forced, labored or artificial. The under and work with moderate power and sequence of footfalls are (1) left hind and right drive. The horse’s neck should be upright, fore, (2) right hind and left fore. appropriate for the horse’s conformation. The canter should be uninhibited, showing long, reaching steps, not short, chopping, high or overly collected steps. The canter should be moved into easily and be smooth and comfortable for both the horse and rider. The canter should never be stiff or lack rhythm and energy. The sequence of footfalls for a canter Strong trot - a two-beat gait. To be faster on the right lead are (1) left hind, (2) right hind with lengthened stride, maintaining balance, and left fore, (3) right fore. ease and freedom of movement. High action MUST be penalized. Posting is required.

While maintaining the same cadence, balance and ease of movement, the strong trot is faster, showing a lengthening of stride. The horse should not pull down on the rider’s hands or lose balance or rhythm. The NOTE: High Action at the canter or trot must brilliance of the strong trot depends on an be penalized. High action is defined as an energetic thrust from the hindquarters and a intensified and ambitious manner of moving distinct forward swinging movement of the forward with collection in an upright frame shoulders. This is not a flinging of the feet, but with balance created by a round, supple back a true swing from the shoulder with good with substantial engagement of the hind reach. The ground covered will vary between limbs. There is a raising of the front end of the horses due to differences in natural length of horse’s torso as a result of the hind limb thrust stride and conformation. Speed and high knee which propels the horse upward and forward action are not determining factors; however, energetically with determination and the quality of the strong trot, balance front to deliberate power. rear end and cadence are factors. The strong trot must never look forced, labored or Hand-gallop - to be a faster gait, lengthened artificial. stride and controlled, straight and correct on

both leads. Extreme speed MUST be Although an elevated knee should always penalized. result from the power and drive of this engagement of the hind limbs; it is not The hand-gallop should show a longer stride exclusive to “high action.” High action is the due to greater impulsion or thrust from the result of frame (conformation and extent of hindquarters, propelling the horse forward. The horse should show a willingness to go

Country English Pleasure effective 12/1/19 3 forward while remaining light, calm and  High action at the canter or trot must be maintaining cadence and balance. penalized. Rider must post the trot.  Extreme speed at the canter or trot must APPOINTMENTS be penalized. a. Bridle shall be light, show type; either single curb, single snaffle, curb and The halt should be obedient, smooth and bridoon or pelham bit. Junior Horse classes balanced. The horse must not pull down on require a light, show type bridle; either the rider’s hands, throw it’s head and neck out, single curb or single snaffle (defined as a plant its front feet abruptly or take an smooth, rounded snaffle bit that is at least excessively long time to stop. The horse 3/8” in diameter as measured 1/2” from should respond to the rider softly and quietly the ring, half cheeks permitted. The snaffle by giving to the bridle, stepping under behind, bit may be wrapped with Guardtex, Latex, softening in the back and executing a smooth, Sealtex or similar materials), curb and easy stop or halt. bridoon or pelham bit. No martingales or tie-downs. When asked to back, the horse should give to b. English-type saddle. No forward seat the bridle and the rider’s legs and step saddles allowed. backwards comfortably with even, unhurried steps. ATTIRE a. Informal saddle seat attire is required; no A true flat walk must be demonstrated on a hunt attire. Suggested are conservative loose rein with horse’s neck relaxed and head colors such as black, blue, grey, beige or slightly lowered. Failure to demonstrate a true brown jacket with matching jodhpurs. Day flat walk MUST be penalized. The walk off on coat with jodhpurs also permitted. Boots a loose rein should not be hurried, but relaxed and derby, soft hat or protective headgear and pleasant with long, even steps. This is the required. Protective headgear may be horse’s opportunity to stretch its back and worn without penalty. Contrasting hats, neck a little, take a deep breath and chew or vests and/or ties are acceptable. readjust its mouth on the bit. b. Spurs, whip or crop optional, at the exhibitor’s discretion. The rider should not throw away or let go of the reins completely, showing total lack of CONDUCT contact and loss of control. The horse should  Competitors enter the ring in a not pull or jerk the reins from the rider’s hands counterclockwise direction, at the normal nor should the horse turn its head and neck trot. upside down in a camel-like fashion.  Light contact must be maintained with all reins at all gaits. The rider should give the horse some actual  It is imperative that the horse gives the slack in the reins, allowing the horse to relax distinct appearance of being a pleasure to and stretch to meet and even chew the bit a ride and display a pleasurable attitude. little.  All gaits must be performed with willingness and obvious ease, cadence, As the rider gathers the reins, the horse should balance and smoothness. obediently, softly, and quietly accept the  It is mandatory that horses be asked to contact, connect to the bit by stepping under halt on the rail, stand quietly, back and from the hindquarters, elevating the forehand walk off on a loose rein at least one and resume the tasks at hand. direction of the ring.

 A quiet responsive mouth is paramount

Country English Pleasure effective 12/1/19 4 COUNTRY ENGLISH PLEASURE SUITABILITY OF HORSE TO RIDER: SPECIFICATIONS Suitability of horse to rider is the horse’s appropriateness for that rider for Country ATTITUDE: English Pleasure. It is the horse’s obedience to Attitude is the horse’s mental approach to the rider with safety being all important. performing, willingness to perform, relaxed, pleasant approach to performing the class AR138 Country English Pleasure Class requirements. Attitude is expressed by soft Specifications eyes, alert ears, quiet mouth and tail, and a 1. OPEN. To be shown at a walk, normal trot, pleasant look. The Country English Pleasure strong trot, canter and hand gallop. To be horse should be the most relaxed, easy going judged on attitude, manners, performance, of the saddle seat type pleasure horses. A quality and conformation. pleasant, willing-to-do attitude is of prime 2. AMATEUR . To be shown at a walk, normal importance. trot and canter. To be judged on attitude, manners, performance, quality, conformation MANNERS: and suitability of horse to rider. Manners is the conduct or behavior with which 3. LADIES, GENTLEMEN. To be shown at a walk, the horse performs. Obedience and normal trot and canter. To be judged on responsiveness to the rider, safety being of attitude, manners, performance, quality, utmost importance, and the willingness to be conformation and suitability of horse to rider. guided and controlled exemplify them. 4. JUNIOR HORSE. To be shown at a walk, Acceptance of the surroundings and other normal trot and canter. To be judged on horses in the arena also contributes to attitude, manners, quality, and performance. manners. Performance Classes - General PERFORMANCE:  The following provisions shall apply for Performance is the physical act of doing all of only the classes in the following sections: the required gaits, transitions from one gait to Park Section, English Pleasure Section, another, the execution or accomplishment of Country English Pleasure Section, Carriage carrying out all the requirements of the class. Pleasure Driving Section, Formal Driving Section, Pleasure Driving Section, Country QUALITY: Pleasure Driving Section, Roadster Section, Quality is determined by the degree of and Combination Class Section. excellence, condition, presence, carriage, o When the judge calls for the lineup, athleticism, balance and strength required to exhibitors must continue in the same perform effortlessly and with finesse. A horse direction the class is working when that is pleasing to the eye has quality. bringing their entries to the lineup. Horses must come to the lineup at the CONFORMATION: gait requested. Judges must penalize Conformation is the horse’s correct structural entries that do not comply. form as it relates to the functions and performance of a Country English Pleasure horse.

Country English Pleasure effective 12/1/19 5 COUNTRY GOOD MINOR FAULT MAJOR FAULT ELIMINATION PLEASURE GENERAL CHART ITEMS

WALK RELAXED, A FEW HESITANT JIGGING, ANXIOUS, BLOOD IN THE FLAT FOOTED, STRIDES NOT WALKING, MOUTH, CHIN, MOVING FORWARD STANDING OR SHOULDER OR CONSISTENT FLANKS (AR105.6) CIRCLING IN A CORNER LAME (AR105.1 – must be serviceably TROT CADENCED, A FEW MISSED BREAK OF GAIT, sound) UNHURRIED, STEPS, AGGRESSIVE GAIT, MODERATE SHIFT OF VARIED SPEED EXTREME SPEED, WHIP MARKS BALANCE POINT EXTREME SHIFT OF (AR105.6) BALANCE POINT. HIGH ACTION, I.E. ABUSIVE CONSISTENTLY TREATMENT TROTTING OVER (AR105.4) LEVEL FALL OF HORSE OR CANTER STRAIGHT AND TRUE CROOKED CHARGY, WRONG RIDER, IF DUE TO VARIED SPEED LEAD, CROSS BAD MANNERS OF CANTERING, HORSE (AR109.1-2) HIGH ACTION DANGEROUS HAND GALLOP TRUE CHANGE OF MINIMAL CHANGE CROSS CANTERING TO OTHER GAIT OF STRIDE CHANGE OF LEAD, EXHIBITORS LONGER STRIDE EXTREME SPEED (AR105.5)

STOP, BACK STRAIGHT SQUARE CROOKED HALT, ANTSY OR NO REARING, RUNNING WALK ON A HALT, STRAIGHT PREMATURE BACK, HALT, REFUSAL TO BACKWARDS, LOOSE UNHURRIED BACK, CROOKED BACK, BACK, FORCED BUCKING, OUT OF REIN RELAXED WALK HESITANT WALK, BACK, NO LOOSE CONTROL (AR105.5 - WITH LOWERED SLIGHT RESISTANCE REIN, CHARGY OR these would be FRAME. RELAXED TO THE GATHERING NO WALK, NO examples of GATHERING OF THE OF REINS LOWERED FRAME, dangerous to others REINS. NO RELAXED and possibly to rider LOWERED FRAME MAJOR RESISTANCE TO THE GATHERING OF THE REINS

UNNATURAL TAIL CARRIAGE (AR105.2)

It is the directive of the EEC that horses with unnatural tail carriage be placed either last on the card or eliminated from judging consideration and not placed in the class.

Country English Pleasure effective 12/1/19 6 CREDITS OF THE COUNTRY ENGLISH recognize what the horse and rider must PLEASURE HORSE do to achieve it.  The following two quotes explain it from SUITABILITY: the perspective of the horse and then the  These horses have a genuine desire to rider. please their riders. “The horse gathers himself for action by  A horse that can easily perform the engaging his hindquarters, shifting his requirements of the class with the balance backward and lightening his necessary carriage and finesse will forehand. His back rounds in a bascule generally be suitable. However, this horse and his neck arches and rises, especially at must not only have the physical ability to the base. His head is carried high and he do these tasks, it must also have the flexes at the poll, which is the highest manners and attitude appropriate to point of the horse. His movement perform willingly. becomes light and mobile, with shorter,  Their natural conformation allows them to higher strides and active hindquarters, carry the head and neck in a relaxed, and he is able to shift his balance instantly upright position and serve as a balance in any direction. Collection implies that arm. the horse’s mechanism is “cocked”; he  The Country English Pleasure horse should has great impulsion at his command and be an upright horse with a relatively awareness; in nature it is seen in natural high set neck and carriage, moments of excitement.” Susan Harris; breaking over easily at the poll to allow the Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement head to be carried easily in position.  This horse must not have high action, but “Collection is by pushing the seat and should give the appearance of strength, both legs up against the reins which are comfortable ease of motion and elegance. held equally in both hands. By driving the  Strides should be fluid and ground hind legs more under, the body of the covering while being cadenced, balanced horse will become shorter and his neck front end to rear end, showing elasticity will be more beautifully shaped. Without and freedom of movement. Even in any further action on the part of the rider, minimal collection, there is some raising of the horse will raise his forehand by the forearm that results in varying degrees lowering his hindquarters. In this way, of knee elevation, depending on the necessary balance is achieved for an conformation, suppleness and elasticity of impressive pace; the activity of the hind the front limbs. This type of front limb legs will be stimulated; and the correctly motion should not be used with “high arched back will be made to swing action.” (See description of “high action” harmoniously…” Col. Alois Podhajsky – – page 3). Complete Training to the Horse and Rider MOVEMENT:  These horses perform all the gaits WILLINGNESS AND OBVIOUS EASE: correctly, in an unassuming, unforced  A quiet nature to do their task fashion while under light contact. willingly, and the physical ability to  All gaits must be performed with do them easily. willingness and obvious ease, cadence,  Willingness and obvious ease balance and smoothness. This cannot be means the horse is naturally and achieved in the Country English Pleasure athletically capable of doing the horse without some degree of collection. requirements of the class easily. To understand collection, one must The horse should not have to be should be proper engagement and urged and prodded continually to impulsion from the hindquarters go forward, nor should the rider to carry the horse. continually need to restrain the horse with a tight hold or a BALANCE AND CADENCE: constant bumping on the bridle.  Ideally their gaits result from a  The horse should have the balanced, cadenced motion. strength and balance necessary to  Balance and cadence are propel itself forward with strong, sacrificed and gaits become reaching, ground-covering strides, impure and inconsistent when the reaching well up underneath its horse is pushed or forced to belly, using its back and collect or elevate beyond its own hindquarters for impulsion. The natural capabilities. horse’s shoulders should be elevated, steps free-moving with SMOOTHNESS: reach. The overall expression of  Have a free-flowing stride that the horse should be pleasing. causes them to comfortably and calmly move forward with grace CADENCE: and style.  Cadenced motion that emanates  Smoothness comes from a from moderate impulsion created relaxed, supple back and the from the hindquarters. horse’s own easy way of going. A  Cadence expresses the quality of relaxed back allows the horse to locomotion in which steps follow propel itself upward and forward each other in uniform sequence, from the hindquarters without rhythm, and measure. resistance in the neck and back.  Cadence is the sequence of well-  Resistance results in making the regulated steps. The steps are horse stiff. If the horse’s gaits are resolute, lively, even and uneven, stiff, short or choppy, the progressive in purpose. mouth rigid and the neck stiff, the  When strides are cadenced, they horse’s back is stiff and there is are pronounced, clear, decisive tension between the rider and the and elastic. They are even and horse. regular. RELAXATION: BALANCE:  Relaxation in the back allows the  They are totally balanced horse to step under the push from individuals the hindquarters reaching with  Balance is the horse’s bodily poise, cadence and balance. This also the state of equilibrium or equal allows the horse to move with relationship front to rear, the free, easy steps. equality of movement between  Relaxation, ease of movement and the front and rear end. The suppleness in the back and neck Country English Pleasure horse allow smoothness in the gaits and must never give the impression of transitions. traveling downhill or on the forehand.  The shoulders should be light and free with easy motion. There

Country English Pleasure effective 12/1/19 8 QUIET, RESPONSIVE MOUTH:  It is imperative that the horse give  Giving the appearance they enjoy the distinct appearance of being a their job, which makes them pleasure to ride. Attitude is the pleasing to watch. horse’s mental approach to the  The mouth is quiet and responsive job at hand and expression shown when the horse and rider are through behavior and conduct. relaxed and working together  While performing the criteria of rather than against each other. A the class, it should do so in a quiet, responsive mouth shows pleasant, willing manner. The the horse’s willingness to be horse should be prompt without guided and controlled and shows anticipating, relaxed without the horse is comfortable doing the being dull, willing to perform and required tasks. must be attentive to the rider.  A quiet, responsive mouth does  Good attitude is reflected in a soft not mean the horse cannot move eye, alert ears, relaxed back, a its mouth or lips, or for that willingness to perform, a quiet matter, even open its mouth mouth and tail and a generally slightly, on occasion, to soften in pleasant look. the jaw or create saliva for softness and comfort. PRESENCE:  Normal movement or loosening of  Ultimately, these horses instill a the jaw is acceptable and great deal of confidence in those desirable for response and who ride or watch them and give softness. the impression of being a true  We do not want to see a horse pleasure to ride. gapping, gnawing, chomping,  Presence is the manner in which a locking its jaw or neck and jaw out horse carries itself or its bearing. and pulling on the bridle. Nor do It is in a word, “style.” we want to see a horse whose mouth is locked, rigid, or stiff in FAULTS OF THE COUNTRY ENGLISH the jaw or locked into a head PLEASURE HORSE position with the bit. Nor do we want to see the horse drop behind BAD ATTITUDE: the vertical, behind the bit or be  Bad attitude includes sour ears, intimated by the bridle. swishing tail, avoiding contact  There should be light contact with with the bit, fussy mouth, rigid the horse showing acceptance of mouth, not performing with ease, the bit as a means of smoothness and confidence, communication. The horse should stress, agitated or showing look comfortable in the bridle with resistance. a soft responsiveness to the rider’s  A bad attitude must be severely hands. penalized as it shows the horse’s unwillingness to perform and be a ATTITUDE: pleasure to ride.  The attitude of the ideal Country  A good attitude is of utmost English Pleasure horse is pleasant, importance, for a good Country confident, responsive and English Pleasure horse. obedient.

Country English Pleasure effective 12/1/19 9 BAD MANNERS: CAUSES FOR ELIMINATION  Bad manners includes wringing 1. Showing (horse) aggression or tail, pinned ears, cutting to center discontent toward rider or any of arena, balking, bolting, kicking, other person in the arena. bucking, gapping on the bit, not 2. Whip marks. NOTE: Judge responding to the rider. must excuse from the ring, not just eliminate from POOR PERFORMANCE: consideration.  Poor performance includes wrong 3. Clear evidence of fresh blood leads, breaking gait, resistance, in the mouth, nose, chin, rough or abrupt transitions, heavy shoulder, barrel, flank, or hip on the rider’s hands, or lack of areas. response to rider’s aids. 4. Illegal Equipment/Appointments. HORSE NOT SUITABLE TO RIDER: 5. Unnatural Tail Carriage  A horse that is not suitable to the (AR105.2) It is the directive of rider is too much for the rider to the EEC that horses with control, a horse not willingly unnatural tail carriage be guided or controlled, that spooks placed either last on the card or bolts, rears or bucks, and or eliminated from judging jeopardizes the rider’s safety. consideration and not placed in the class. UNTRUE GAITS: 6. The use of glitter on or in the  Untrue gaits include uneven gaits, mane, tail, hair or hooves. skipping and pacing, including 7. Violations of shoeing forced or too high knee action, regulations. quick, short or choppy strides, 8. Any horse leaving the ring clunky, too fast, falling out of without the exhibitor’s balance or form, stiff-legged volition is deprived of an movement, or rough gaits. award in that class. 9. Failure to be serviceably sound and in good condition (horse). 10. Horses shown with artificial appliances. 11. Abuse.

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