In Hand and Model Division

ASB 9.0 In Hand and Model Division In-Hand classes, including open and futurity categories, are governed by specific regulations. Additional guidelines apply for Pleasure In-Hand and Youth Showmanship classes. Only two individuals per animal are allowed in the ring. Handlers and attendants must be neatly attired in clean, well-fitted clothing. Each may carry or use a whip not exceeding 6 feet, including the lash, which should remain unaltered except for the attachment of no more than two ribbon streamers, each eight inches or less in length. The whip must adhere to standard specifications. Tack & Apparel Entries are required to be led into the ring and presented either in bridle or halter, without the use of quarter boots, blinkers, blindfolds, or any other appliances. Specifically prohibited for weanlings and yearlings are curb bits and tail sets. The use of artificial appliances or devices such as chains, shackles, rubber bands, or blindfolds on weanlings and yearlings is strictly forbidden both before and during competition. Smooth, round leather straps are permissible prior to entering the competition ring. Blinker hoods with half cups mounted in a vertical position, allowing forward vision, are permitted on weanlings and yearlings before entering the competition ring. Weanlings and yearlings must exhibit with unset tails; the use of tail sets and bustles on the competition grounds, in preparation for the event, is explicitly prohibited for weanlings. However, bustles are permitted on yearlings. Any entry found with prohibited equipment will be disqualified, resulting in the forfeiture of all entry fees and winnings for that competition. Gaits Entries are evaluated based on the standards for the walk and trot. Each entry enters the ring individually, trotting upon entry. They are judged individually while standing, walking, and trotting on the lead. Horses should stand squarely on all four feet, with the front legs perpendicular to the ground. While the rear legs may be slightly positioned backward, handlers may be requested to adjust the hind legs for inspection if necessary. Standards of Judging Conformation and finish contribute 50% of the total score. All entries are assessed based on the standards for the ideal American Saddlebred/Half American Saddlebred type and conformation. Defects and undesirable traits are to be penalized accordingly. The way of going and natural action also account for 50% of the total score, with severe penalties for any signs of labor. If a judge decides to conduct a second workout, selected horses must perform a walk and trot on the lead.

IN HAND CLASSES OFFERED Open and Amateur For horses that are weanlings, colts and/or fillies. Yearlings For horses that are colts, geldings and/or fillies. Two-Year-Olds For horses that are colts, geldings and/or fillies. Three-Year-Olds For horses that are; Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited/Fine Harness, Stallions & Geldings and/or Mares. Four-Year-Olds and Over For horses that are; Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited/Fine Harness, Stallions & Geldings and/or Mares. Stallions Suitable to Get For Three-Year-Olds and over Sire & Get Stallion to be shown with two or more of Get Get of Sire Two or more of Get to be shown without Sire Broodmares May be divided into mares that have produced foals and mares that have been bred but have not produced Dam and Produce Mare to be shown with two or more of produce. Produce of Dam Two or more of produce to be shown without Dam. Model In Model classes, entries are exclusively evaluated based on conformation and finish, with no assessment of movement while on the line. The way of going is not taken into consideration. For Three-Gaited classes, entries are to have a roached mane and are led into the ring wearing either a bridle or halter, without the use of quarter boots. In Fine Harness and Five-Gaited classes, entries are required to have a full mane and tail and are led into the ring wearing either a bridle or halter, without the use of quarter boots.