Keyhole

A Race Against the Clock



A keyhole race can be very exciting to watch at a horse show. Will the horse and rider team make the best time? Will the team stay in the lines?



This is a timed class that can be found at both speed and breed shows. Basically the fastest time wins, but as in many other speed classes there are a variety of factors that can affect an exhibitor's score.

Not all breed registries offer this class. The Appaloosa Horse Club does, while the AQHA does not. For the purposes of this article we will be referring to the Appaloosa Horse Club handbook.



Class Breakdown

In this race you have a couple basic elements that make up the pattern. You have a starting line and a keyhole pattern drawn on the arena floor, typically in chalk.

The starting line is usually 50-100 feet from the start of the pattern. The keyhole pattern drawn on the ground is as you would imagine a door keyhole to look. The entrance is narrow and leads into a wider and more rounded area.

According to the Appaloosa Horse Club handbook, the entrance of the pattern is approximately four feet wide by ten feet in length. The circle that this portion then leads to is about 20 feet in diameter.

Just as in other speed classes, time on the clock begins and ends when the exhibitor crosses the finish line. At the beginning of the class the rider runs across the starting line, through the entrance of the pattern, and into the circle.

Each exhibitor must keep their horse within the lines drawn on the ground. Once in the circle portion of the pattern, the rider may then turn their horse to either direction.

Next the horse and rider must run back out of the keyhole through the entrance and back across the finish line to stop the clock.

If you are relatively new to this class and other speed events, it may be beneficial to find a local speed or fun show. These local shows are a great place to get started competing in these classes.

The competition may not be as fierce as that of a breed circuit and it will allow you a chance to get some experience before moving to larger shows.




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Judging Criteria

The judging portion of this class is going to be shorter than in other classes. Basically if a horse steps on or over one of the lines, that exhibitor is disqualified.

The judges should be positioned at the pattern to make such decisions. Any ruling by the judges is usually final.

5-10 seconds is typically the range for winning times in this class.



Class Tips

  • It is always a good idea to take a trip out to a show and watch this class before deciding to enter it
  • Consult with a professional, such as a trainer, who has experience with the class you are interested in
  • Try practicing at home with cones set up as the entrance to the pattern








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