GUIDELINES AND POLICIES  Sixth Edition

JUDGING

Good judging depends upon a correct observance of the fine points and the selection of the best horses for the purpose described by conditions of the class. A judge serves three interests: his own conscience, exhibitors, and spectators. He should make it clear that the best horses win. National Breeders Cup Championship Show Judges are to hold in highest regard the Missouri Fox Trotter gaits as described in the NAB produced video “The Gaits Of The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse”. Judges are required to watch the video and read the Guidelines and Policies before the show and sign in the presence of a board member, a statement stating they would judge the show according to the Guidelines and video.

System

The High-Low Olympic Judging System shall be used at the National Breeders Cup Championship Shows. Six (6) judges shall be employed. Five (5) judges working independently of each other will place each class. Judges will rotate positions, with judge number one (1) being the Call Judge. Judge number six (6) shall sit out.

Scoring

Points will be assigned to the placings on a numerical basis as listed below. The highest placing and the lowest placing are eliminated for each entry. The remaining three (3) placings are totaled and the entry receiving the most points wins the class. In the case of a tie, the Call Judge’s card will break the tie.

1st   ----- 2nd  ----- 3rd  ----- 4th  ----- 5th  -----

120 105   91   78   66

6th   -----  7th   -----  8th   -----  9th   ----- 10th  -----

55 45 36 28 21

Equitation Award

At the discretion of the NAB Board, one Equitation Award will be given per Preliminary NBC Performance Class. The rider, as opposed to the horse, is judged on seat and hands and on his/her ability to ride and control a horse properly. The equitation judge will evaluate the rider based on the following criteria:

1. The horse should be well mannered, under control, and willing to work under the direction of the rider at all times.

2. The rider’s head should be level, and eyes looking ahead.

3. The rider’s shoulders should be square over the hips, the back should be straight, and the seat firmly in the saddle. Leaning forward, backward or slouching is not desirable.

4. The rider’s weight should be distributed evenly on both sides of the horse. The saddle should be centered with the horse’s spine.

5. The rider’s arms should hang naturally to the elbows. The elbows should be held close to the side and bent so that they form a straight line through the wrists to the bit.

6. Reins can be held by one hand or two at the option of the rider. The hands should be separate a few inches and should be a few inches above the withers, approximately at the rider’s waistline.

7. The length of the stirrup should be adjusted so the heel is slightly lower than the toe. The ball of the foot should be on the tread of the stirrup, with toes pointing forward, not out.

8. The point of the rider’s shoulder, hip, and heel should form a straight vertical line, as should the knee to the toe.

9. Overall, the rider should appear relaxed, comfortable and in harmony with the horse, presenting a pleasing picture.