English Country Pleasure Division
ASB 6.1 English Country Pleasure Division The English Country Pleasure horse may possess less showiness compared to the Show Pleasure horse but should still embody the typical characteristics of the breed. Easy, ground-covering action is preferred, with the emphasis on showcasing the best quality specimens of the American Saddlebred breed. Shoeing - English Country Pleasure horses must be plain shod or unshod. Permissible shoeing includes a shoe inclusive of caulks, which may be thicker at the heel. Toe clips and side clips are allowed. An eggbar shoe is also permissible. A ¼” thick leather rim pad, no wider than the shoe, is allowed to maintain the integrity of the hoof wall. Not allowed as are full pads of any kind, wedges, bands, bars, lead, springs, any addition below the bottom of the shoe, and any foreign substance not named as permitted. The entire sole and frog of the foot must be visible. Horses with prohibited shoeing will be disqualified from further competition at that show and forfeit all entry fees and winnings. Five-Gaited classes allow quarter boots and bell boots. Mane & Tail - Horses to be shown with a full mane and tail. Entries are eligible if their tails have been previously set, but they may not put in any device that modifies their carriage ability on show property. Artificial manes and braids are prohibited, however discreetly added hair in the tail is acceptable. Tack & Apparel For Saddle Seat classes:
● Bridle: A double bridle consisting of both a snaffle and curb is preferred and must be suitable for the horse. Horses are not permitted to be shown with only a snaffle bit, breastplate, tie-down, or martingale. Exception: 2-Year-Olds may be shown in a snaffle bridle with a running martingale if such is specified in the prize list.
● Saddle: The saddle should an English-type flat saddle with either a leather or web girth.
● Attire: Riders are required to wear informal saddle seat attire with a coat and hat or protective headgear. It is advised to avoid loud or flashy colors. For driving classes:
● Entries are to be shown to a two-wheeled jog cart with only the driver..
● Light show harness with blinkers, a martingale, and a snaffle bit (straight or jointed) are required. An overcheck or sidecheck is also necessary, with the overcheck or sidecheck bit being optional.
● The driver is expected to dress conservatively and avoid wearing period attire. Gaits In classes, horses are to be shown at a flat walk, trot, extended trot, and canter, with the addition of slow gait and rack in Five-Gaited classes. A flat walk, trot, and extended trot are called for in Driving classes.. Standards of Judging Manners and suitability as a pleasure mount are of utmost importance. Smooth and effortless transitions between gaits are expected, with horses being agreeable and showing prompt transitions between gaits. There is a special emphasis on a true, flat walk. Entries must be asked both ways of the ring to halt and stand quietly on the rail. In the line up, entries must stand quietly and back readily. Penalties will be applied for head tossing, pulling, laboring action, sideways movement, and tail-switching.
ENGLISH COUNTRY PLEASURE CLASSES OFFERED Three Gaited - English Country Pleasure The class requires horses to be shown at a flat walk, trot, extended trot, and canter. Judging will be based on 75% on manners, performance, presence, and quality, with 25% on total conformation. Driving - English Country Pleasure In this class, horses are to be presented to a suitable two-wheeled jog cart with only the driver. Light show harness with blinkers, a martingale, and a snaffle bit (straight or jointed) are required. Additionally, an overcheck or sidecheck is necessary, with the overcheck or sidecheck bit being optional. The driver should dress conservatively, avoiding period attire. Horses are to be shown at a flat walk, trot, and extended trot, with penalties for excessive speed. Judging will be based on 75% on manners, performance, presence, and quality, with 25% on total conformation. During any workout, headers are permitted for those not participating on the rail. Five Gaited - English Country Pleasure The class entails presenting horses at a flat walk, trot, extended trot, slow gait, rack at moderate speed, and canter. Evaluation criteria include 75% on manners, performance, presence, and quality, with 25% on total conformation. Trail - English Country Pleasure In this class, horses will be required to navigate through a minimum of five obstacles while maintaining a flat walk, trot, and canter on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. Judging will be based on 75% on manners, performance, presence, and quality, with 25% on total conformation. English Pairs In this class, horses are to be exhibited at a flat walk, trot, and canter. Judging will be based on 75% on manners, performance, presence, quality, and conformation, with an additional 25% on the uniformity and neatness of attire. English Combination In this class, horses will be presented both in harness as a driving horse and under saddle as a Three-Gaited horse, using English equipment. There will be a change of equipment made in the ring between the two phases of the competition. Each phase of the competition will count for 50% of the overall score. The prize list should specify whether the driver and rider must be the same individual for both phases of the class. English & Western Versatility In this class, horses will be presented first with Western Equipment at a flat walk, jog-trot, and lope in both directions of the ring. Then, they will be shown with English Equipment at a flat walk, trot, extended trot, and canter in both directions of the ring. There will be a change of equipment for both horse and rider made in the ring between the two phases of the competition. Each phase of the competition will count for 50% of the overall score. The prize list should specify whether riders must be the same individual for both phases of the class.