Morgan Park Saddle

MGN 14.0 Morgan Park Saddle

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

2. Attire: Riders usually wear traditional park saddle attire, which includes a formal show coat, light-colored jodhpurs or breeches, tall boots, a derby or appropriate headgear, and gloves. Attire should be neat, clean, and in good condition. Formal attire after 6pm is most appropriate.

3. Tack: The horse should be equipped with a suitable park saddle and bridle. Saddle must be saddle seat styled. The full English bridle should be clean, well-fitted, and include a suitable curb bit and bridoon for the horse's comfort and control. Spurs and whips permitted, martingales, bell boots, braided main or action devices are not.

4. Conformation and Movement: Judges assess both the conformation and movement of the horse. Morgans competing in park saddle classes are expected to exhibit the breed's characteristic traits, including a well-arched neck, strong hindquarters, and animated, high-stepping movement with good extension. The horse should move with energy, brilliance, and collection.

5. Manners and Performance: The horse should demonstrate excellent manners, responsiveness to the rider's aids, and an overall pleasurable performance. This includes steady, rhythmic gaits, smooth transitions, and obedience to the rider's commands. In a Park Saddle class, horses typically perform at a collected, high-stepping trot and canter. The pace should showcase the horse's athleticism, presence, and ability to perform in a showy manner.

6. Presentation: Presentation of both horse and rider is important. This includes grooming, turnout, and overall presentation of the turnout as a polished and harmonious team. The horse should be neatly trimmed and braided if appropriate.

7. Judging Criteria: Judges evaluate various aspects including conformation, movement, manners, suitability as a park saddle horse, and the overall impression of the turnout. Emphasis is often placed on brilliance, style, and presence. Shown at the park walk, park trot, and canter both ways of ring. Horses are not asked to back. Judged: 60% performance with proper cadence and balance, presence, quality, manners; 40% type and conformation. Championships judged 50/50 with open and junior horses to be stripped.

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

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

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