American Dutch Harness - Pleasure Driving

ADH 11.0 American Dutch Harness - Pleasure Driving The American Dutch Harness Horse Pleasure Driving entries should possess quality, ease, and style. The horses should look pleasurable and comfortable, giving the clear impression it is a joy to show. Manners are paramount and a true flat walk is a must with transitions appearing effortlessly. Entries must be penalized for tail switching, tossing head, going sideways or laboring action. Pleasure Driving Divisions - Offered to the following Amateur, Juvenile, Youth, Maiden, Limit and Novice. Amateur and Juvenile Championships should be offered as separate classes. Maiden, Limit and Novice Championship may be combined. Pleasure Driving Attire - Appropriate show or english driving suites. Dinner or sports jackets are appropriate for men with optional homburg felt hats. Hats are optional for women. Leather show or driving gloves are recommended as well as protective eyewear. Jeans, sneakers or casual wear is not permitted in the show ring. Pleasure Driving Appointments - Driving horses shall be shown in a two-wheeled pleasure cart, harness with blinkers, martingale, snaffle bit, half cheek or bar bit and overcheck (overcheck bit is optional). Full cheek bits are not permitted. Bell boots are not allowed. Open Pleasure driving allows one attendant in the line up. The header may not have a whip, stand two paces (2 ½ feet) back from the horse, and only be allowed to touch the horse for safety. Horses are to remain checked and will allow an adjusted check. Pleasure Driving Gaits Performed - Pleasure Driving Horses are to be shown at flat foot “Walk”, with special emphasis on the a straight and true flat foot walk; “Trot”, which is pleasurable, natural, and with ease; and an “Extended Trot.” Entries should enter the ring at a “Trot” in the counterclockwise direction. Horses should show all gaits in both directions of the ring. Horses must stand quietly in the line-up and back readily when asked. Manners are paramount and the flat walk is of the utmost importance. Pleasure Driving Judging Specifications - Qualifiers and Championships To be judged on Manners, Performance, Presence, Quality and Conformation. Championships - To be eligible horses must be entered, shown and judged in any other single performance class in this section.