Disciplines Explained
While measuring in at 38 inches or under, the American Miniature horse is incredibly versatile. Just like larger equines, they excel in many different disciplines. The Miniature Horse Association of Arizona and the AMHA AMHR celebrate this versatility by offering a wide variety of events for horse enthusiasts of all ages. These events can include Parades, Breed Shows, therapy visits and more. The Miniature Horse has something to offer for everyone. A brief overview of some of the most popular classes offered at mini horse shows are below.
For more details please the American Miniature Horse Association and The American Miniature Horse Registry.
HALTER & STOCK HALTER
There are three main halter divisions. They are Halter, Stock Halter and Draft. These halter classes are judged on the miniature horse’s beauty and confirmation.
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IN HAND TRAIL
In this class, the miniature horse and it’s handler negotiate a series of predetermined obstacles according to a pattern provided by the show. These patterns generally include walking, trotting, backing and side passing. The equipment required for the horse is simply a halter and lead rope. There can be a wide range of obstacles from poles, water trays, gates, bridges and may include a teeter-totter and anything else you might imagine. The In Hand Trail Class is always a popular class for all ages of exhibitors.
DRIVING OBSTACLE
This class is very similar to In Hand Trail, but in this class, the horse is harnessed to a cart. Just like In Hand Trail, the Driver will navigate the horse and cart through a series of predetermined obstacles according to a pattern provided by the show. The equipment required is a harness, cart, whip and appropriate apparel for the exhibitor. Driving obstacles can be varied and generally include cones, bridges, poles, backing, trotting, walking, pivots and precision placement of the cart. This is another very popular class for both Youth and Adults.
IN HAND HUNTER & IN HAND JUMPER
These two classes showcase the miniature horses’ astonishing ability to jump. The Hunter Class is all about harmony, beauty, form and partnership while jumping a predetermined pattern of jumps. In the Jumper Class, style is not as important, and the emphasis is on jumping clear and fast. In the event of a tie, the jumps are raised for a jumpoff. The equipment required for the horse is just a halter and lead rope. Just like full size horse, the styles of jumps may include cross rails, oxers, In and Outs, roll tops, walls and more!
SHOWMANSHIP
In this class, only the handler is judged on his or her ability to present their horse in hand to the best of their ability while negotiating a pattern. Precision, smoothness, timing and partnership with your horse is esstional for success in this class. The equipment required for the horse is a halter and lead rope.
DRIVING - WESTERN, CLASSIC, COUNTRY, PLEASURE, ROADSTER & CARRIAGE
There are a wide variety of driving disciplines offered Worldwide for both single and multiple hitches. Driving styles can be showcased in breed shows such as: Western, Classis, Country Pleasure, Single Pleasure, Roadster, Carriage, Draft, Park and chariot racing. Additionally, Combined Driving and Arena Driving Trials are available as well. These classes are judged on the horses movement and manners while performing the various gaits such as a walk, trot and extended trot.
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LIBERTY
A "Liberty Class" refers to a horse show competition where a horse performs movements in an arena without a rider or any physical restraints, meaning it is completely "free" to move around, demonstrating its training and responsiveness to the handler's cues solely through body language and voice commands; essentially, it's a test of a horse's ability to work "at liberty" in a controlled environment.
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