Morgan In Hand

MGN 12.0 Morgan In Hand

1. Eligibility: Horses entered in the class must be registered Morgans. In-hand classes can include various categories such as weanling, yearling, two-year-old, three-year-old, mares, stallions, or geldings. Open to professionals, amateurs or Juvenile Exhibitors. Shoeing and toe length requirements are 5 and ¾ inches including pads. Unless specified otherwise, horses are shown in English saddle seat bridles with curb bits only. Curb bits are prohibited for weanlings and yearlings.

2. Handler Attire: Handlers usually wear attire that is neat, clean, and appropriate for showing horses in-hand. This often includes conservative attire such as dress pants or khakis, a collared shirt or blouse, and closed-toe shoes. Some handlers may opt for more formal attire, particularly in championship or higher-level competitions.

3. Horse Presentation: The horse should be presented in-hand, meaning it is led by a handler (typically on a lead shank) rather than ridden. The handler should maintain proper position and present the horse to the judge in a professional manner. The horse's mane and tail should be neatly groomed, and any excess hair may be trimmed for a tidy appearance.

4. Conformation: Judges assess the horse's conformation, looking for structural correctness, balance, breed type, and overall quality. This includes evaluating the horse's proportions, angles, muscling, bone structure, and movement.

5. Manners and Temperament: The horse should display good manners and a cooperative temperament while being presented in-hand. It should stand quietly for inspection and move freely and smoothly when asked by the handler.

6. Foot Handling: In some in-hand classes, judges may inspect the horse's feet and legs for correctness, soundness, and quality of hoof care. The horse should be comfortable with having its feet handled and stand quietly for this examination.

7. Presentation to the Judge:

The presentation of the horse to the judge is crucial, occurring at the appropriate moment and location within the show ring. This positioning enables the judge to thoroughly evaluate the horse from various angles and perspectives. Handlers must exhibit courtesy and attentiveness to the judge's directives.

8. Upon the judge's discretion, horses shall enter the ring and align themselves. Entries undergo individual assessment, initially while standing, then proceeding to a walk and trot on the line. Throughout, horses must demonstrate serviceable soundness. While standing, they should position themselves squarely on all four feet, ensuring the front legs are perpendicular to the ground. Though the rear legs may be slightly back, horses must not appear stretched, as they will also be judged in this state during the class.

9. Evaluation primarily centers on type and conformation, with a secondary focus on the horse's ability to move correctly while led. Unnatural tail carriage warrants penalization.

10. Handlers: Only two handlers are permitted in the ring per horse. Each handler may carry one whip without appendages.

11. Judging Criteria: Judges evaluate various aspects of the horse's presentation, including conformation, movement, manners, breed type, and overall presence. Horses are typically scored based on how well they conform to the breed standard and their performance relative to other entries in the class. Shown standing and at the walk and trot. Judged: Type and conformation; with consideration given for the horse’s ability to move correctly on the lead.