Morgan Pleasure Driving

MGN 15.0 Morgan Pleasure Driving

1. Eligibility: Horses entered in the class must be registered Morgans, open to drivers in the professional, amateur and Juvenile Exhibitor divisions. Shoeing and toe length including pads cannot exceed 5 inches.

2. Attire: The driver typically wears formal driving attire, which may include 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 two wheel carriage or cart with a properly fitted harness appropriate for pleasure driving. The harness should be clean, well-maintained, and provide comfort and safety for the horse. The vehicle should also be clean and well-maintained. A driving snaffle with half cheek along with an over or side check is standard. One or two bits allowed. Martingales are not permitted.

4. Conformation and Movement: Judges assess both the conformation and movement of the horse. Morgans competing in pleasure driving classes should exhibit the breed's characteristic traits, including a well-arched neck, strong hindquarters, and fluid movement with good action and extension. The horse should move freely and willingly while pulling the carriage or vehicle.

5. Manners and Performance: The horse should demonstrate excellent manners, responsiveness to the driver's cues, and an overall pleasurable performance. This includes steady, consistent gaits, smooth transitions, and obedience to the driver's commands. In a Pleasure Driving class, horses typically perform at a controlled, steady trot. The pace should be suitable for an enjoyable drive and allow the horse to demonstrate its movement and style while maintaining proper carriage and frame.

6. Presentation: Presentation of both horse and driver is important. This includes grooming, turnout, and overall presentation of the turnout as a polished and harmonious team. The horse should be neatly groomed, with a clean and well-maintained appearance.

7. Judging Criteria: Judges evaluate various aspects including conformation, movement, manners, suitability as a pleasure driving horse, and the overall impression of the turnout. Emphasis is often placed on the horse's performance under harness, as well as the driver's skill and presentation. To be shown at a walk, pleasure trot and road trot. Horses are not asked to back. One attendant, without a whip, must head each entry.

● Open and Youth classes, horses to be judged on manners, performance with proper cadence and balance, quality, presence, and apparent ability to give a good pleasure drive 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Junior Horse classes, horses to be judged on manners, quality, performance with proper cadence and balance, presence, and apparent ability to give a good pleasure drive 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Juvenile Exhibitor classes, horses to be judged on manners, suitability, performance with proper cadence and balance, quality, presence, and apparent ability to give a good pleasure drive 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Ladies classes, horses to be judged on manners, suitability, quality, performance with proper cadence and balance, presence, and apparent ability to give a good pleasure drive 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Amateur classes, horses to be judged on manners, performance with proper cadence and balance, suitability, quality, presence, and apparent ability to give a good pleasure drive 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Championships to be judged 50% - 50%.