CLASSIFICATION > COLTS > MARES/GELDINGS > FAQ

CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR COLTS

(Note: This information is also available for download by clicking here - Word.doc 43.6kb)

Each horse is to be presented individually to the Classifiers. A Veterinary certificate for breeding soundness must be provided to the Head Classifier at the time of Classification. Three Classifiers look at your horse individually, all catagories are out of ten and your horse must receive at least a five from each Classifier in every catagory to pass. One mark of 4 from any one Classifier fails your horse.

INSPECTION OF MARKINGS

It is necessary for the head classifier to inspect the horse to ensure that markings and brands correspond to those indicated on the official classification forms. The handler should stand the horse up as you would in a led class for the classifier to check brands etc. Secondly the colt will be measured to make sure that it makes the minimum height and also the cannon and girth are measured for breed statistics.

STATIC ASSESSMENT

Once the head classifier is satisfied that all markings are correct, the handler and horse should remain in this position for the remaining classifiers and the head classifier to begin looking at and marking the horses conformation. The following areas of the horse are examined during this static assessment:
a) Type (overall)
b) Top Line ( head, neck, back and rump)
c) Front Legs
d) Hind Legs

MOVEMENT IN HAND

Markers will be placed or pointed out in the classifying area as guides for the work out and they will be at a distance of around 30 metres away from the classifiers. The handler should be sure to utilise the area to its fullest by encouraging the horse to move forward and as freely as possible. With the handler on the near side, the horse should be led in a clockwise direction in a triangle away from the classifiers and back. This exercise is to be done at both the walk and the trot. It is important that each side of this triangle is straight as the classifiers need to assess the horses paces from the rear, the side and also front on.

FREE MOVEMENT

It is preferable that at the classification venue there is suitable facilities to cater for horses to be shown free moving. The lead rein only needs to be removed and the horse guided by the handler (plus one or more helpers if necessary). Classifiers will again indicate the pace required and shall include the canter. With both the Movement in Hand and the Free Movement the classifiers will be looking to award points in the following categories :

e) Walk
f) Trot
g) Canter

RIDDEN SECTION

The object of this test is to allow the rider to show as far as possible the natural paces of the walk, trot and canter and the ridability of the horse and his natural balance. Dressage movements such as lateral work and advanced movements are not required as they reflect the training of the horses rather than the natural ability and the balance of the paces. The test shall consist of a simple work out with the classifiers looking for the following :
1) Ridability - a kind disposition and willingness to work
2) Correctness of Movement
3) Mechanics - Use of body and limbs
4) Swing
5) Elasticity of the paces
Upon entering the arena the rider shall be given ample time to warm up. At the discretion of the classifiers the work out will include the following -
* A twenty metre circle at trot on both the left and right rein.
* A twenty metre circle on both reins at the canter.
* Trot and canter around the arena in straight lines.
* Lengthened strides in both the trot and canter.
* Attention to the natural walk and the walk showing lengthened strides.
Marks will be awarded for walk, trot and canter.

FREE JUMPING

A grid will be set up down the long side of the arena consisting of three fences in total: a vertical to a vertical to an oxer. The horse should approach at the canter to a place rail set 12 foot from the first fence. There will be 22 to 24 ft to the second fence (depending upon the height) and 34 to 36 ft to the third fence (depending on the height). All horses will be expected to start with cross rails and work to a height of 1.40m with a spread of 1m.

Horses will be marked over the following categories out of 10
1) Attitude
2) Snap up in front
3) Shoulder (use of)
4) Bascule
5) Hind Legs (use of)
6) Scope
7) Style (overall picture)

At the end of the above procedures the Classifiers will withdraw from the Classifiying area and discuss in general each horse that has been presented. Individual owners will then be asked to join the Classifiers where they will be informed as to whether their horse passed or failed or should be represented the following year.