home >> futurity >> western pleasure rules

2 YR OLD WESTERN PLEASURE CLASS RULES

Division of the Ontario Reining Horse Association Futurity

The goal is to exhibit two year old horses, paid up in the ORHA Futurity, in a fashion that promotes soundness, both physical and emotional potential, and athletic ability.  These rules apply only to the 2 year old division of the ORHA Futurity.

General:

1. No Youth (18 and under) may show a stallion in this class.

Equipment:

1. Horses and equipment may be examined by the Judge or an ORHA rep. Prior to or during the class.

2. Horses to be shown in standard, plain or silver headstalls with browband, shaped ear or split ear.

3. Smooth snaffle bit with broken mouthpiece (conventional O-ring, eggbutt, or D-ring) with ring no larger than 4” and no smaller than 2”.  One inch in from the cheek must be a minimum of 3/8” in diameter with a gradual decrease to the centre of the bit.  Optional loose leather curb strap. Reins must be attached above the curb strap. Refer to NRHA rule book page 30. Diagrams pages 104, 105.

4. A braided rawhide or leather bosal may be used in lieu of the snaffle bit, no larger than ¾” diameter at the cheek. There must be a minimum of two finger spaces (approx 1-1/2”) between the bosal and the nose. No rigid material under the jaw or on the noseband—may have flexible cable core. Refer to NRHA rule book page 30.

5. Horses may be shown in bridle with one hand and a bit recognized as legal by NRHA. Refer to NRHA rule book pages 81, 82, 104, 105.

6. Any other equipment prohibited i.e. martingales, nosebands and tie-downs. Refer to NRHA rule book pages 81, 82.

Judging:

1. The Judge’s decision is final.  The Judge may disqualify any exhibitor from the class for misconduct as per the NRHA rule book pages 15-17.

2. Horses to be shown with two hands on the reins.  Reins may or may not be crossed.

3. Horses must be sound of sight, wind and limb.

4. All horses will be judges as a pleasure horse at the walk, jog, lope and back-up, as well as the transitions between gaits.  Horses are to reverse away from the rail.  Horses may be asked to reverse at a walk or jog at the discretion of the Judge.

5. The horses will be judged with emphasis placed on attitude, manners and movement.

6. The Judge is compelled to disqualify any horse that he/she feels is being exhibited in a manner which is cruel, abusive and inhumane—NRHA rule book page 82.

7. The exhibition of a horse that has a cut or abrasion showing clear evidence of fresh blood in the mouth, nose, chin, shoulder barrel, flank or hip would result in disqualification— NRHA  rule book page 82, 83.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Futurity Committee.