Morgan Sport Horse

MGN 21.0 Morgan Sport Horse

1. Eligibility: Horses entered in the class must be registered Morgans. Sport Horse classes may have divisions based on age, gender, or specific disciplines. Open to Professionals, Amateurs and Juvenile Exhibitors.

2. Attire: Riders typically wear attire appropriate for their specific discipline within the sport horse category. This may include dressage attire, hunter/jumper attire, eventing attire, or other discipline-specific clothing. Attire should be neat, clean, and in good condition.

3. Tack: The horse should be equipped with suitable tack for its discipline, such as a dressage saddle, jumping saddle, or eventing saddle. The bridle should be appropriate for the discipline and include a bit suitable for the horse's comfort and control. Tack & Apparel should be clean, well-maintained, and properly fitted.

4. Conformation and Movement: Judges assess both the conformation and movement of the horse. Morgans competing in sport horse classes should exhibit the breed's characteristic traits, including a well-arched neck, strong hindquarters, and balanced movement. The horse's movement should be suited to its discipline, whether it be dressage, jumping, eventing, or another sport.

5. Performance: The horse should demonstrate skill, athleticism, and responsiveness to the rider's aids. This includes correct and balanced movement, proper form over jumps (if applicable), and willingness to perform the required tasks of the discipline. The pace varies depending on the specific discipline within the sport horse category. For dressage, horses perform at various gaits including walk, trot, and canter. In jumping and eventing, horses may perform at a controlled trot or canter with variations in speed and collection depending on the course requirements.

6. Presentation: Presentation of both horse and rider is important. This includes grooming, turnout, and overall presentation as a polished and harmonious team.

7. Judging Criteria: Judges evaluate various aspects including rider position and effectiveness, control of the horse, and overall presentation. Emphasis is often placed on the horse's athleticism, willingness, and suitability for its chosen discipline.

● Horse Suitability - Shown on the triangle or on the rail at the walk and trot. Judged on proper movement, conformation and manners, and suitability as a Sport Horse. Gaits to be evaluated in terms of purity, quality, and correctness.

● Under Saddle Qualifier - Shown: Walk, trot, and canter both directions. Judged: Performance (purity and quality of gaits), manners, conformation, suitability as a Sport horse and quality.

● In Hand - Shown: Approach one at a time at a walk to apex of triangle. Lead horse on perimeter of triangle at walk and trot, returning to the apex. When presented to the judge, shown in "open position". Judged on type and conformation, with consideration given for the horse’s ability to move correctly on the lead.

● Sport Championship – To have completed the qualifier class. Judged on performance (purity and quality of gaits), manners, conformation, suitability as a Sport horse, and quality. EQU: Equitation SSE: SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION