Non-Trotting Division Class Descriptions
This page is all based off of Tennessee Walking Horse classes, as they are the only
non-trotting breed currently competing in the RSHA. In the event that other breeds begin
showing, we will edit this page to reflect them.
Open and Show Pleasure Walking Horse classes are similar in what they require - the only difference is in the equipment. A show pleasure horse cannot wear a tail brace and horses do not cross enter between the two divisions within a show.
Horses compete both ways of the arena at the flat walk, running walk and canter.
Curb chains may be adjusted on the reverse. There are no restrictions on the shank length of the bit, but a gag bit with no shanks may not be used.
Horses must be shod with pads but are also allowed to use bands, action devices and lubricants. Pads must be a minimum of 1/2" thickness and made of leather, plastic or a similar material. Wedges must be made of similar material. Pads can be no larger than 1/2 of the natural hoof length. The actual metal shoe size can be no larger than 1.5" wide and 0.5" thick. The caulk can be no thicker than 1".
Again, these 2 divisions are similar and only differ in their shoeing requirements. Performance plantation horses are allowed to have a wedge between the shoe and the hoof and show with up to an 8 ounce action device.
Horses compete both ways of the arena at the flat walk, running walk, and canter. Entries will be required to back. In the western classes, entries may be asked to perform a pivot and/or back on the rail.
Shanks on bits may be no longer than 9.5" and gags without shanks are not allowed. In the western classes, horses must be neck reined and the hand controlling the reins may not be changed during the class.
Barefooted horses may compete in these divisions but shoes must be attached to the hoof only by nails and the maximum size of that shoe is 1" wide x 1/2" thick with a maxiumum 1" caulk. The shoe can not extend more than 1/2" beyond the toe. Shoes cannot weigh more than 2 pounds and hoof bands are prohibited.
Lite shod horses will compete both ways of the arena at the flat walk, running walk and canter. Entries will be required to back. In western classes, entries may be asked to perform a pivot and/or back on the tail. An unmannerly horse will be heavily penalized.
Shanks on bits may be no longer than 9.5". Snaffle bits are allowed. Gag bits without shanks are not permitted. In the western classes, horses must be neck reined and the hands controlling the reins may not be changed during the class.
Barefooted horses may compete in this division. Shoes can be no larger than 3/4" wide and 3/8" thick and must not extend more than 1/4" beyond the end of the toe. Shoes may weigh no more than 2 pounds. Hoof bands are prohibited.
Absolutely no action devices are permitted on lite shod horses on the show grounds or in the show arena
Lite shod horses may compete in plantation pleasure, as they meet the shoeing requirements, but typically do not do so because the plantation horses are typically more animated and have a "deeper" backend (see the images for comparison) and a lite shod horse cannot compete with that.
Trail pleasure horses will compete both ways of the arena at the flat and running walk. Entries will be required to back.
Entries can be exhibited in either western or english tack. If riding western, the entry must be neck reined and the hand on the reins cannot be changed during the class. Entries are not required to be a registered horses to compete.
Barefooted horses may compete in this class, and horses are only allowed a regular keg shoe in this division. Hoof bands and all action devices are prohibited. Horses can compete in the other "flat shod" divisions if they are registered horses but typically do not due to their more "natural" action.
A trail/country pleasure horse is one that you would enjoy riding on a trail. Poor manners are heavily penalized with a consistant and natural gait being heavily rewarded. An excessively animated trail pleasure horse should be penalized. Horses should have a natural headset