Breed and Showing Guidelines
Please read these carefully and adhere to them. They are taken from the USEF Rulebook, beginning with section SB102.American Saddlebred Type and Conformation
The American Saddlebred is the epitome of the show horse. He carries himself with an attitude that is elusive of description—some call it “class”, presence, quality, style, or charm. This superior air distinguishes his every movement.The ideal American Saddlebred is well-proportioned and presents a beautiful overall picture. The animal should be in good flesh, with good muscle tone and a smooth, glossy coat. Masculinity in stallions and femininity in mares are important and should be taken into consideration.
The average height is 15 to 16 hands and the weight 1,000-1,200 pounds. Any color is acceptable; the most prominent are chestnut, bay, brown and black with some gray, roan, palomino and pinto.
Conformation
Head: Well-shaped with large, wide-set expressive eyes, gracefully shaped ears set close together on top of the head and carried alertly. A straight face line with a relatively fine muzzle and large nostrils and a clean and smooth jaw line.
NECK: Long, arched and well-flexed at the poll with a fine, clean throatlatch.
WITHERS: Well defined and prominent.
SHOULDERS: Deep and sloping.
BACK: Strong and level with well sprung ribs.
CROUP: Level with a well carried tail coming out high.
LEGS: The front leg should set well forward under the shoulder. The line of the hind leg, in a natural stance, should be vertical from the point of the buttock to the back edge of the cannon bone. The forearms and hindquarters are well muscled to the knees and hocks. Legs are straight with broad flat bones, sharply defined tendons and sloping pasterns.
HOOVES: Good and sound, open at the heel, neither toed in or toed out.
TO BE PENALIZED: Lack of Saddlebred type, coarse or plain head, roman nose, round jaws, lop ears, wide ears, small eyes (pig eyes), short neck, straight neck, ewe neck, thick throatlatch, flat withers, swayback, roached back, hollow chest, straight shoulders, crooked legs, calved knees, over at the knee, bow legs, rough joints, round bones, straight pasterns, splay feet or pigeon toes, contracted heels, base stance too wide or too narrow, sickle hocks, cow hocks, dished feet, lack of muscle tone, thinness, obesity, rough coat or overall lack of conditioning or carrying a crooked tail. These and any other defects attributable to heredity must be penalized. With the natural variations of type within the breed, some horses do not conform to the ideal but are perfectly suitable for various kinds of competition. If they meet all other requirements for a particular event, they should not be penalized too severely, except in stripped classes, Harness classes and In-Hand classes where extremely low backed horses must be severely penalized.
General Gait Requirements
The American Saddlebred has clean, rhythmic and fluid action which is straight and true. Winging, interfering, traveling wide behind, mixing of gaits and loss of form are undesirable.All horses must be serviceably sound. In In-Hand classes for sires and dams or prospective sires and dams, transmissible unsoundness only shall be considered. Horses must not show evidence of lameness, broken wind or complete loss of sight in both eyes.
Horses may be shown in any class with unset tails.
All horses shall be worked both ways of the ring at all required gaits as directed by the judge(s). All horses chosen for a workout must be worked both ways of the ring in front of each judge, at any gait except the walk. An exhibitor is entitled to request only one five minute time out per class.
To be penalized: Mixed gaits; unbalanced action; pulling; fighting the bit; tossing the head; carrying head to one side or going sideways; leaving hocks behind; strung out; wrong lead or cross-cantering; breaking of gait; winging; interfering; traveling wide behind; loss of form due to excessive speed; bad manners; exaggerated opening of mouth; carrying sour ears; bucking; rearing; balking; kicking or not being under control.
*Please see the individual division requirements for what gaits are required in a specific division. This is an overview of all gaits.
The standard of excellence of the American Saddlebred is beauty, symmetry and balance. Balance features coordinated motion, with straight true folding action of the front legs with flexing hocks carried close together, producing a clean, rhythmic and fluid way of going. In addition, the American Saddlebred possesses animation, brilliance and extreme grace of movement.
UNDESIRABLE: Winging, interfering, traveling wide behind, mixing of gaits, shackled look and loss of form.
FLAT WALK: The flat walk should be an elastic, ground covering and collected four beat gait maintaining proper form and consistency in stride. It should be executed in a brisk manner that is compatible with the type of class. It should display the horse’s good manners, type of stride and attitude. The flat walk is relaxed.
ANIMATED WALK: The animated walk is a highly collected gait, exhibiting much “primp” at a slow, regulated speed, with good action and animation. It should have snap and easy control. It can be either a two beat or four beat gait. It is performed with great style, elegance and airiness of motion.
WALK (FOR HUNTERS). A four beat gait, straight, true and flat-footed. Regular and unconstrained with good reach.
TROT: A natural, two beat diagonal gait in which the front foot and the opposite hind foot take off from the ground in unison and land simultaneously. A balanced trot features coordinated motion with straight, true, shoulder motion of front legs, with flexing hocks carried close together. It is executed in a highly collected manner and should display the horse’s athletic ability.
FIVE GAITED TROT: The trot of the Five-Gaited horse should show speed in form. The desired speed is the maximum rate at which the horse can trot while still maintaining proper form, control and balance.
PARK TROT: The park trot in Three-Gaited and Fine Harness classes is executed in a highly collected manner, speed to be penalized. The horse’s energy should be directed toward animation rather than speed.
WESTERN JOG-TROT: The jog is primarily a Western Pleasure gait used for long distance riding. It should generate very little motion in the saddle with a minimum of control from the rider. The rate of speed is just beyond that of a flat walk and the action is free, easy ground covering and uniform.
TROT (FOR HUNTERS): A two beat gait, straight and regular. The trot should be mannerly, cadenced and balanced. It is to be performed at a medium speed with a free-moving, ground-covering stride, with the rider posting.
EXTENDED TROT: The extended trot is faster, stronger and bolder; with a fuller extension of stride to obtain desired speed. It is executed in a highly collected manner.
EXTENDED TROT (FOR HUNTERS): A two beat gait that is bold, energetic, balanced and ground covering with definite lengthening of stride. This should result in an increase in speed without a sense of racing or scurrying. The mouth must remain light and the horse must demonstrate complete acceptance of control without resistance at all times.
“SHOW YOUR HORSE”: At this command the driver has the privilege of showing the Fine Harness horse to its best advantage at the trot but speed will be penalized.
CANTER: Relatively slow, lofty and fluid with a definite three beat cadence. High action, a good way of going and proper collection are paramount. It is a restrained gallop in which two diagonal legs are paired, the single beat falls between the successive beats of the other two unpaired legs. The unpaired legs act independently—the foreleg with which the horse leads and its diagonal hind. The propulsion is in the hindquarters with the leading foreleg sustaining the concussion of the final third beat. There is a brief interval when all four feet are off the ground. It is an ambidextrous gait, executed on the lead which is toward the center of the ring to relieve stress and aid in balance.
It is acceptable, although not encouraged, for the horse to have a bolder, strong canter in those classes where manners are not paramount or where speed at a qualifying gait is desired. Ease of control, rate of speed and collection may vary according to the class specifications. Where manners are paramount, a slow, consistent rate of speed must be maintained with little obvious effort from the rider.
CANTER (FOR HUNTERS): A three beat gait, even, smooth, unhurried, correct and straight on both leads.
HAND GALLOP: The hand gallop is performed with a long, free, ground-covering stride. The amount of ground covered may vary between and among horses due to difference in natural length of stride. A decided lengthening of stride should be shown while the horse remains controlled, mannerly, correct and straight on both leads. The hand gallop is not a fast collected canter.
LOPE: The lope is the western version of the canter. It should be easy riding with good motion that is consistent and steady; neither too slow nor too fast and performed equally well on either lead. It should give the appearance of being a comfortable gait with a definite three beat cadence that avoids trotting behind.
SLOW GAIT: A four beat gait with each of the four feet contacting the ground separately. In the takeoff, the lateral front and hind feet start almost together but the hind foot contacts the ground slightly before its lateral forefoot.
The slow gait is a highly collected gait with most of the propulsion coming from the hindquarters, while the forequarters assist in the pull of the final beats. The slow gait is not a medium rack.
The slow gait is a restrained four beat gait, executed slowly but with true and distinct precision. Speed is to be penalized. It is high, lofty, brilliant and restrained denoting the style, grace and polish of the horse.
TO BE PENALIZED: Any tendency to become “trotty”, “pacey” or “hitchy gaited”.
In Pleasure classes, there is more emphasis on the way of going as a pleasure gait with only moderate speed required. Where manners are paramount, there is more emphasis on the ease by which it is performed by the rider.
General Judging Criteria
The specific type of class being judged determines the importance of each criterion in the final judging outcome. The order in which each is listed in the class specifications determines where the emphasis should be placed. For example: A horse placed first in a class judged on performance, presence, quality, manners and conformation could justifiably be unplaced against the same horses if the class were judged on manners, presence, quality, performance and conformation. The criteria considered are: performance, manners, presence, quality and conformation.OPEN, JUNIOR, THREE-YEAR-OLD, TWO-YEAR-OLD: Classes are judged on performance, presence, quality, manners and conformation. The OPEN horse should be the ultimate representative of the breed. It should be as nearly perfect as possible; performing all gaits with animation, brilliance and extreme action at both ends. Performance is paramount in these classes; next is presence, quality, manners and conformation.
LADIES: Classes are judged on manners, quality, presence, performance and conformation. A ladies horse should be outstanding in refinement and elegance with suitability of horse to rider taken into consideration. Expression is paramount and quality is a prime consideration. The execution of gaits should be performed with brilliance on command. The horses should walk and stand quietly.
JUNIOR EXHIBITORS, AMATEUR: Classes are judged on manners, performance, presence, quality and conformation. Manners are paramount in these four classes but there is a difference in the way in which horses are judged in each. The Junior Exhibitor horse should be mannerly, willing and expressive with balanced action. The execution of gaits should be performed with brilliance on command. The horses should walk and stand quietly. Amateur horses can be a bit stronger and perform in a bolder manner. More action and animation are desired and less emphasis can be put on manners than in Ladies and Junior Exhibitor classes.
Championships
Championship Classes are judged in the same manner as the qualifying classes. Horses competing in open classes are to be stripped and judged on conformation. In stripped classes, Harness classes and In-Hand classes extremely low backed horses must be severely penalized.
Attention getting devices &/or other noisemakers (including but not limited to tape measures, blow horns, bamboo poles, explosives, fire extinguishers, baby powder, whips longer than 6', etc.) are not allowed in and around the make up and competition rings during scheduled competition sessions. All such items will be confiscated and offenders will be reported to the USEF.
Division/Class Requirements
*In classes designated "performance", the horses should be the epitome of the division standards.FIVE GAITED (Performance)
*Horses shown in this division may not cross enter into any other division besides In Hand or Model.
The Five-Gaited Saddlebred should possess beauty, brilliance, elegance and refinement but its energy should be directed toward speed in an animated form. Entries shall be shown with a full mane and tail and with quarter or bell boots on the front hooves.
Gait Requirements and Judging Specifications
Qualifying gaits are animated walk, trot, slow gait, rack and canter. (See descrpitions in "General Gait Requirements for complete explanations.)
OPEN, JUNIOR HORSE (Four-Year-Olds & Under), THREE-YEAR-OLDS, TWO-YEAR-OLDS: Judged on performance, presence, quality, manners and conformation.
LADIES OPEN: Judged on manners, quality, presence, performance and conformation.
JUNIOR EXHIBITORS, AMATEURS (Ladies and/or Gentlemen): Judged on manners, performance, presence, quality and conformation. Stallions prohibited.
THREE GAITED (Performance)
*Horses shown in this division may not cross enter into any other division besides In Hand or Model.
The Three-Gaited Saddlebred should be the epitome of beauty, brilliance, elegance, refinement and expression. Its gaits are collected and its energy directed toward animation and precision. It is shown with a roached mane and tail. Two-Year-Olds may be shown with a full mane and tail. Roached or full tails are permitted.
Gait and Judging Specifications
To be shown at an animated walk, park trot and canter. (See descrpitions in "General Gait Requirements for complete explanations.)
OPEN, JUNIOR HORSE (Four-Year-Olds & Under), THREE-YEAR-OLDS, TWO-YEAR-OLDS: Judged on performance, presence, quality, manners and conformation.
LADIES OPEN: Judged on manners, quality, presence, performance and conformation. JUNIOR EXHIBITORS, AMATEURS (Ladies and/or Gentlemen): Judged on manners, performance, presence, quality and conformation. Stallions prohibited.
FINE HARNESS (Performance)
*Horses shown in this division may not enter any other division besides In Hand or Model.
The Fine Harness horse should possess all of the elegance and refinement of the ideal American Saddlebred and its energy should be directed toward animation rather than speed. It is shown with a full mane and tail.
Gait and Judging Specifications
Horses are to enter ring at park trot. Qualifying gaits are animated walk, park trot, “show your horse”. Exception: “show your horse” is not called for in Ladies, Junior Exhibitor or Amateur. (See descrpitions in "General Gait Requirements for complete explanations.)
An attendant may stand the entry on its feet but must remain at least two paces from the head when that entry is being judged. Only one standard riding crop is permissible for an attendant to carry.
OPEN, JUNIOR HORSE (Four Years Old & Under), THREE-YEAR-OLDS, TWO-YEAR- OLDS:Exhibited at an animated walk; Park trot(speed to be penalized) and “show your horse”, to stand quietly. Judged on performance, presence, quality, manners and conformation.
LADIES OPEN: Shown at a park trot and an animated walk, to stand quietly. Judged on manners, quality, presence, performance and conformation.
JUNIOR EXHIBITOR, AMATEUR (Ladies and/or Gentlemen): Shown at a park trot and an animated walk, to stand quietly. Judged on manners, performance, presence, quality and conformation. Stallions prohibited in Junior Exhibitor.
PARK (Performance)
*Horses shown in this divison may not enter any other division besides Fine Harness, In Hand or Model.
The Saddlebred Park Horse should be stylish with finish and quality and well-mannered. The performance should be animated and graceful in all gaits
Gait and Judging Specifications
To be judged on performance, manners, presence, quality and conformation.
To be shown at an animated walk or flat walk, trot and canter. Horses to stand quietly.
THREE-GAITED PARK (Full Mane and Tail): Divisions include Open, Amateur and Junior Exhibitor. Stallions are permitted in Open classes only. Shown at a walk, trot and canter.
PARK PLEASURE
*Horses in this division may not enter any other division (besides In Hand, Model, or Equitation), but may cross enter into Park Pleasure Driving
The Saddlebred Park Pleasure Horse should be stylish with finish and quality and well mannered. The performance should be animated and graceful at all gaits. This section is open to professionals and amateurs. Classes in the Park Pleasure division are open to mares and geldings only.
In Park Pleasure classes entries must be shown with a full mane and tail. Horses showing in the Park Pleasure division may wear tailsets or bustles, but may not show with the tail gingered, tied or braced and unset tails will not be penalized. The use of artificial appliances or devices such as chains, shackles, rubber bands, blinkers (except when driving) or blindfolds are prohibited on the grounds before or during the show. Any animal with prohibited equipment must be disqualified from further competition at that show and forfeit all entry fees and winnings.
Class Specifications
PARK PLEASURE THREE-GAITED (mares and geldings only): Shown at a flat walk, trot, and canter. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the line-up. Judged 75% on manners, performance, presence and quality; 25% on total conformation.
SHOW PLEASURE (Also includes Show Pleasure Driving)
*Horses in this division may not enter any other division( besides In Hand, Model, or Equitation), but may cross enter into Show Pleasure Driving.
The Show Pleasure horse generally has less animation than the Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited and Fine Harness Performance horse but should be alert and responsive. High, natural, free-moving action is desirable. Laboring action due to excessive weight of shoes or length of foot is penalized.
Entries must be shown with full mane and tail. Quarter boots are permitted only in Five-Gaited classes. Horses showing in the Show Pleasure division may wear tailsets or bustles, but may not show with the tail gingered, tied or braced, and unset tails will not be penalized. Braids (ribbon) and inconspicuously applied hair in mane and tail are permitted. Shoe bands and pads are permitted.
Gait Requirements
To be shown at a flat walk, trot and canter plus slow gait and rack in Five-Gaited classes. In Driving classes, the gaits are flat walk, trot and extended trot.
Judging
Manners and suitability as a Pleasure mount are paramount. Transitions from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless. Light contact with the horse’s mouth must be maintained. Special emphasis is placed on a true flat walk. Entries must stand quietly and back readily in the line-up.
TO BE PENALIZED: Pulling, head tossing, laboring action, going sideways and tail-switching.
Class Specifications
THREE-GAITED ENGLISH SHOW PLEASURE: Shown at a flat walk, trot and canter. Judged 75% on manners, performance, presence and quality; 25% on total conformation.
FIVE-GAITED SHOW PLEASURE. Shown at a flat walk, trot, slow gait, rack at moderate speed and canter. Judged 75% on manners, performance, presence and quality; 25% on total conformation.
DRIVING SHOW PLEASURE: Shown to a two-wheeled jog cart with driver only. Shown at a flat walk, trot and extended trot, speed to be penalized. Light harness with snaffle and separate overcheck bit is required. Judged 75% on manners, performance, presence and quality; 25% on total conformation.
COUNTRY PLEASURE(Also includes Western Pleasure, Hunter and Country Pleasure Driving)
*Horses in this division may not enter any other division (besides In Hand, Model, or Equitation), but may cross enter in Hunter, Western or Country Pleasure Driving.
The Country Pleasure horse may be less showy than the Show Pleasure horse but should still be typical of the breed. Easy, ground covering action is desired. In Western Equipment and Trail classes, a less elevated head carriage should not be penalized. The Western Equipment horse should have more substance, especially in the quarters, be close-coupled and have well-defined withers. The Saddlebred Hunter Country Pleasure Horse must give the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride and display a pleasurable and relaxed attitude. It should be in a generally longer frame than that of other Saddlebred Country Pleasure Horses. The neck should be carried lower and the head should be carried in a more relaxed manner with less bend at the poll. High headed horses and horses behind the vertical must be penalized. As in all Saddlebred divisions, the best quality specimens of the breed should prevail.
Country Pleasure horses must be plain shod. Permissible as plain shod shall be a shoe (inclusive of caulks), which may be thicker at the heel and may include toe clips and side clips. Also permissible is an eggbar shoe. Not permissible as plain shod: bands, bars, pads of any kind, wedges, lead, springs, any attachment that extends below the bottom of the shoe, and any foreign substance not specified as permissible. The sole and entire frog of the foot must be visible. Any animal with prohibited shoeing must be disqualified from further competition at that competition and forfeit all entry fees and winnings.
Entries must be shown with full mane and tail. Tails must not be gingered or put in any device (i.e., tailset, bustle or brace) which alters their carriage while on the grounds. The fact that a horse’s tail has once been set does not exclude participation. Braids (ribbon) and artificial manes are prohibited. Inconspicuously applied hair in the tail is permitted.
There shall be no discrimination against any standard Western bit. The bars may be inlaid but must be smooth or latex wrapped. Nothing may protrude below the mouthpiece (bar) such as extensions, prongs or rivets designed to intimidate the horse. Rollers attached to the center of the bit are acceptable, and may extend below the bar. Jointed mouthpieces are acceptable and may consist of two or three pieces and may have one or two joints. Jointed mouthpieces, half-breeds and spade bits are standard. Slip or gag bits, rigid donut mouthpieces and flat polo mouthpieces are prohibited. Roping bits with both reins connected to a single rein at center of cross bar shall not be used. Reins must be attached to each shank. Any rein design or other device which increases the effective length and thereby the leverage of the shank of a standard western bit is prohibited. Standard snaffle bits are permitted in any class on horses four years old and under that have never been shown in any Western event in a curb bit bridle. If a curb strap is used it must be attached below the reins.
Hackamores are permitted in any class on horses four years old and under that have never been shown in any Western event in a curb bit bridle. A hackamore includes a bosal rounded in shape and constructed of braided rawhide or leather and must have a flexible nonmetallic core attached to a suitable headstall. Attached reins may be of hair, rope or leather. No other material of any kind is to be used in conjunction with a bosal, i.e.; steel, metal or chains (Exception: smooth plastic electrical tape is acceptable).
Horses may not switch from a curb bit to a snaffle or hackamore.
Hunter pleasure horses shall be shown with hunter-style equipment, including a forward or balance seat saddle and snaffle, pelham, kimberwicke bits or a full bridle (curb and snaffle). If a full bridle is used, it must be of hunter style and excessive length of curb shank shall be penalized. Breast plates are permissible, but martingales are prohibited.
Shadbellies are prohibited.
Junior riders shall wear headgear with protective harness attached when mounted.
Gait Requirements
To be shown at a flat walk, trot, extended trot and canter. In Driving classes, the gaits are a flat walk, trot and extended trot.
JUDGING
Manners and suitability as a pleasure mount are paramount. Transitions from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless. Horses must be obedient with prompt transitions. Special emphasis is placed on a true, flat walk. Entries must be asked both ways of the ring to halt and stand quietly on the rail. Horses must stand quietly (Hunter horses are not to be stretched) and back readily in the line-up.
TO BE PENALIZED: Pulling, head tossing, laboring action, going sideways and tail-switching. For American Saddlebred Hunter Country Pleasure Horses, competitors enter the ring in a counterclockwise direction at the trot. Light contact with the horse’s mouth must be maintained at all gaits. Judges must consider the performance at each gait equally in adjudicating the class. Horses may show with a braided mane and tail. Horses may not be penalized for showing with a full, unbraided mane and tail.
Class Specifications
THREE-GAITED ENGLISH COUNTRY PLEASURE: Shown at a flat walk, trot, extended trot and canter. Judged 75% on manners, performance, presence and quality; 25% on total conformation.
THREE-GAITED WESTERN COUNTRY PLEASURE: Shown at a flat walk, jog-trot and lope on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint (ridden with one hand on reins). Judged 75% on manners, performance, presence and quality; 25% on total conformation.
HUNTER COUNTRY PLEASURE: To be shown at a walk, trot, extended trot, canter and hand gallop both ways of the ring. For safety reasons the judge may limit the number of horses to hand gallop at one time. Horses are required to stop and back on the rail. To be judged on manners, performance, suitability as a Hunter, quality and conformation. In the line, horses must stand quietly with all four legs perpendicular to the ground. Horse shall be required to back readily in the line.
COUNTRY PLEASURE DRIVING: Shown to a suitable two-wheeled jog cart with driver only. Light show harness, blinkers, overcheck with separate overcheck bit or sidecheck (separate sidecheck bit is optional) and snaffle bit (straight or jointed). Driver to dress conservatively (not period attire). Shown at a flat walk, trot and extended trot, speed to be penalized. Judged 75% on manners, performance, presence and quality; 25% on total conformation. During any workout, headers are permitted for those not participating on the rail.
In Hand and Model
These rules govern all classes where horses are shown in-hand, including open and futurity classes. Entries to be led in the ring and shown in bridle or halter without quarter boots, blinkers, blindfolds or other appliances.
PROHIBITED: Curb bits and tail sets on weanlings and yearlings. The use of artificial appliances or devices on weanlings and yearlings such as chains, shackles, rubber bands or blindfolds is prohibited on the grounds before or during a competition.
Smooth, round leather straps will be allowed on the grounds before the class. Blinker hoods with half cups mounted in the vertical position so as to allow forward vision are allowed on weanlings and yearlings on the grounds before a class. Weanlings and yearlings must show with uncut, unset tails; tail sets and bustles worn on the competition grounds in preparation for the competition are expressly forbidden on weanlings. Bustles are permitted on yearlings. Any entry with prohibited equipment must be disqualified and shall forfeit all entry fees and winnings at that competition.
Only two people per animal are permitted in the ring. Handlers and attendants must be neatly and appropriately dressed in clean and well-fitted clothes. Each may carry or use a whip not exceeding 6’ including lash; the lash shall not have been altered in any way. It must be a standard whip of suitable style. Exception: a small empty paper bag, a small empty plastic bag or ribbons may be attached to the whip. The small empty bag may be used separately.
JUDGING PROCEDURES FOR IN HAND
Conformation and finish count 50% of the total score. All entries should be judged according to the standards for the ideal American Saddlebred type and conformation. Defects must be penalized. Way of going and natural action count 50% of the total score. All entries should be judged according to the standards for the walk and trot. Undesirable traits should be penalized.
All entries should enter the ring, one at a time, showing at the trot. Entries are to be judged individually standing, then at a walk and trot on the lead. Horses should stand squarely on all four feet with the front legs perpendicular to the ground. Rear legs may be placed slightly back, but the handler may be asked to move hind legs under the animal for inspection.
If the judge elects to have a second workout, all horses chosen for the workout should perform at a walk and trot on the lead.
JUDGING PROCEDURES FOR MODEL
Appointments and Attendants: Refer to specifications above.
Horses in Model classes are to be judged according to the standards for the ideal American Saddlebred type and conformation. Defects must be penalized. Entries in Model classes are to be judged on conformation and finish only and are not to be moved on the line; way of going is not to be considered.