Morgan Park Harness

MGN 13.0 Morgan Park Harness

1. Eligibility: Horses entered in the class must be registered Morgans. The class may have divisions based on age, gender, or other criteria. Open to professionals, amateurs and Juvenile Exhibitors. Shoeing and toe length of horse with pads may not exceed 5 ¾ inches.

2. Attire: The driver typically wears formal attire, including a suit or jacket, tie, gloves, and a driving hat. Attire should be conservative, neat, and in good condition.

3. Tack: The horse should be hitched to a suitable harness and four wheeled vehicle appropriate for park harness classes. The harness should be clean, well-fitted, and include all necessary components for safe and effective driving. The vehicle should also be clean and well-maintained. One attendant, without a whip, must head each entry. Bridle should consist of driving snaffle and half cheek configured with an overcheck or side check. A liverpool bit with side check configuration is permitted if used with half cheek. Running martingales to be used ONLY when the horse is driven in a snaffle bit.

4. Conformation and Movement: Judges assess both the conformation and movement of the horse. Morgans competing in park harness classes are expected to exhibit the breed's characteristic traits, including a well-arched neck, strong hindquarters, and fluid movement with good action and extension. The horse should demonstrate energy, animation, and presence while being driven.

5. Manners and Performance: The horse should demonstrate excellent manners, responsiveness to the driver's aids, and an overall pleasurable performance. This includes steady, consistent gaits, smooth transitions, and obedience to the driver's commands.

6. Judging Criteria: Judges evaluate various aspects including conformation, movement, manners, suitability as a park harness horse, and the overall impression of the turnout. Emphasis is often placed on brilliance, animation, style, and performance under harness. Shown at a park walk, park trot and “show your horse.”

● Junior Horse, Open and Youth classes, horses to be In all Ladies, Amateur and Juvenile Exhibitor classes, the horses are to be shown at a park walk and park trot.

● Open and Youth classes, horses to be judged on performance with proper cadence and balance, presence, quality, manners, and suitability as a stylish harness horse 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Junior Horse classes, horses to be judged on quality, performance with proper cadence and balance, presence, manners, and suitability as a stylish harness horse 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Juvenile Exhibitor, Ladies and Amateur classes, horses to be judged on manners, suitability, quality, and performance with proper cadence and balance 60%; type and conformation 40%. ● Championships to be judged 50% - 50%.