Horse Show Classes
Breaking Down The Show Bill

Deciding which horse show classes to enter can be a little overwhelming when you first start showing. When you first make the decision to try your hand at showing in the first place, the entire process can be very confusing. It may be a good idea to take a trip to the local or nearby show grounds to first observe how a show runs and what the classes are like.

By watching the classes before you even bring your horse, you have a better idea on whether or not your horse is suitable for the horse show classes you are considering. If you haven't done much showing, it is also a good idea to start out showing at the local open shows. The fees are much more reasonable compared to the breed circuit shows.

Upon arrival to the show grounds with horse in tow, you have to make a trip to the show office to place your order on the classes you would like to enter in. I usually grab 2 copies of the show bill, one to tack/tape up where my horse is and one for my back pocket. Below is a brief breakdown of the classes you will have to choose from at a typical open horse show. There are other types of fun and speed shows to consider as well. For more complete information on each individual class, please see our horse classes page.

In-Hand

At most open shows, the day begins with the in-hand horse show classes. Generally consisting of halter, showmanship, and longe line horse show classes.

Halter classes are judged on the horse's conformation and vary in how they are categorized for the show. Since open shows have a mix of Quarter horses, Appaloosas and Paints, the show bill may separate them by breeds (i.e. quarter horse halter, appaloosa halter, paint halter, other stock breed halter). Age and gender are a couple other halter class divisions, along with color breed classes (i.e. buckskins, paints, palominos, and appaloosa).

Showmanship classes are in-hand pattern classes where you and your horse are judged on how well and precisely you complete the posted pattern compared to all other exhibitors. Usually you will see these classes separated by age of the exhibitors. This is a trend that will continue through the show. Some shows may have a sweepstakes showmanship class. In sweepstakes classes the pattern is usually a little more challenging with the top 4 horses getting some money back.

Longe line classes are generally after the showmanship classes are are for horses 2 and under. This class is judged on the horse's movement at each gait and in both directions on the lunge line.

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English

The start of the english horse show classes indicates the start of the riding portion of the show. At most open shows english riding consists of a pleasure class and an equitation class.

English pleasure can also be listed as hunter under saddle on the show bill. English pleasure is primarily judged on the horse and it's quality of movement at all three gaits in both directions. English equitation can also be listed as hunt seat equitation on the show bill. This class is judged more on the rider and the rider's equitation through the class. This class can contain a pattern, rail work, or a combination of the two.

Both english riding class types are usually divided by age divisions.

Western

Western horse show classes will also follow suit in what was set in the english part of the show. Western classes consist of western pleasure and western horsemanship.

Western pleasure is again judged on the horse's movement at all three gaits in both directions. Western horsemanship classes can also be listed as western equitation on the show bill. This class is also judged on the rider and can consist of a pattern, rail work, or both. Again these western classes are likely divided by age group.

At many open shows you have the option to ride in a few other horse show classes. Examples include trail, western riding, bareback equitation, and speed or performance classes.

Trail class is a pattern class combined with some riding obstacles. You can count on some sort of ground pole obstacle and a wooden bridge to walk over. This is a class that can be very difficult. You are judged on your ability to complete the posted pattern through the objects set up.

Western riding is a pattern class that is loaded with flying lead changes. If you don't know what a lead change is, this may not be a good choice for you and your horse. At the open shows you can get by with simple lead changes (horse breaks down into a jog before picking up the opposite lead), however if there is a competitor with flying changes your chances of winning are a lot smaller.

Bareback classes are judged on rider equitation while riding with no saddle. This is a very fun class to watch, but make sure you are secure in your seat on your horse, your personal safety should come first. Horse and rider are judged at all three gaits in both directions.

Speed classes are not offered at all open shows, but some do offer them. Common speed type classes are barrel racing, pole bending, and keyhole racing. You might also see performance classes such as reining at open shows.

Show Bill Example

Here is an example of a show bill for an open horse show and all the horse show classes that are offered:

1) Mares at Halter All Ages
2) Fine Horse Halter (Arabian, Saddlebred, Morgan, etc.)
3) Geldings & Stallions at Halter All Ages
4) Quarter Horse Halter
5) Stock Type Halter-Non QH
Grand and Reserve Champion Halter

6) Two Year Olds & Younger Longe Line

7) Showmanship 19–34
8) Showmanship 14–18
9) Showmanship 13 & Under
10) Peewee Showmanship 12 & Under
11) Showmanship 35 & Over
12) Showmanship 50 & Over
13) Sweepstakes Showmanship Open $50 Added

14) Leadline 6 & Under
15) Peewee Huntseat Equitation 12 & Under
16) Peewee Huntseat Pleasure12 & Under
17) Sweepstakes English Equitation Open $50 Added
18) Huntseat Equitation 13 & Under
19) Huntseat Equitation 14–18
20) Huntseat Equitation 19 -34
21) Huntseat Equitation 35 +
22) Huntseat Equitation 50 +
23) Sweepstakes JR English Pleasure 5& Under $100 Added
24) Sweepstakes SR English Pleasure 6 & Over $100 Added
25) Huntseat Pleasure 13 & Under
26) Huntseat Pleasure 14-18
27) Huntseat Pleasure 19 - 34
28) Huntseat Pleasure 35 +
29) Huntseat Pleasure 50+

30) Peewee Western Horsemanship 12 & Under
31) Peewee Western Pleasure 12 & Under
32) Sweepstakes Western Horsemanship Open $50 Added
33) Western Horsemanship 13 & Under
34) Western Horsemanship 14–18
35) Western Horsemanship 19–34
36) Western Horsemanship 35 +
37) Western Horsemanship 50 +
38) Walk/Trot West/Eng Equitation Novice Horse or Rider 13 & Over
39) Walk/Trot West/Eng Pleasure Novice Horse or Rider 13 & Over
40) Sweepstakes JR Western Pleasure 5 & Under $100 Added
41) Sweepstakes SR Western Pleasure 6 & Over $100 Added
42) Western Pleasure 13 & Under
43) Western Pleasure 14–18
44) Western Pleasure 19–34
45) Western Pleasure 35 +
46) Western Pleasure 50+

47) Western/English Riding Open
48) Reining for Pleasure Horses Open
49) Trail 19 & Over
50) Trail 18 & Under
51) In Hand Trail 2 & Under
52) Walk/Trot Trail (PeeWee or Novice Rider/Horse Only)

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