ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE

Presentation requirements

• Horse handlers to be dressed neatly with suitably (enclosed) footwear.
• Riders are required to wear neat riding clothes, safety footwear and ASA approved safety helmet.
• Horses to be presented in a neat and tidy manner.
• Manes to be pulled or trimmed short, plaits are not essential.
• Unbroken horses, geldings and mares may be presented in a halter (please ensure that halter and lead are in good condition, for safety and presentation).
• All stallions (2 years of age and over) must be presented in a bridle or wearing a bit.
• Feet can be oiled, but not blackened.
• No boots or bandages to be worn for Conformation & Movement assessments.
• Boots / Bandages may be used for Ridden and Jumping assessment.

Conformation 

Before judging begins, you will be asked to stand the horse for a recording of the markings if applicable.

You will then be asked to stand the horse for assessment of Conformation. Preferably an even surface approximately 5metres from the Assessor. The Assessor will move around your horse whilst making his assessment.

A positive mindset and thorough preparation can significantly enhance performance during the assessment. Remember, this is an opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication you and your horse have put in.

Good luck!

Movement

2 Sections: Conformation and Movement

• Before judging begins, you will be asked to stand the horse for recording of the markings if applicable.
• You will then be asked to stand the horse for the assessment of Conformation. Preferably on an even surface approximately 5m from the Assessor. The Assessor will move around your horse whilst making his assessment.
• You will then be asked to walk away from the Assessor in a straight line, continue walking until you are asked to return – ensuring that you walk straight towards the assessor on your return, before continuing to walk on the triangle.
• To judge the horse’s in-hand movement, you will be asked to trot the horse on the triangle. Trotting the horse away from the assessor on a clockwise triangle. (Approx. 20m across the back length of the triangle.)
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• Please note foals and yearlings will be shown in liberty only.
• Afterwards you will be asked to turn the horse free to assess it’s free movement. Please note: the foal / horse presented should show relaxed and flowing movement. Any tension in the movement may attract lower scoring.

Ridden Assessment

You will be given time to warm your horse up and be advised before the assessment begins.
The assessor will give you instructions regarding what movements he wishes to see from your horse. The horse is expected to perform at a level relevant to its age and experience.

Jumping Assessment

Download Jumping Assessment Guide pdf

This can be done in a free jumping lane or under saddle.

Free jumping; preferably have the lane set up as a Cross Rail, one stride to a vertical and one or two strides to an Oxer – depending on area and equipment available.

When ridden, we expect to see the horse over both a vertical and an Oxer.

DNA testing 

DNA testing will be done after the presentation.  

If you have further queries about these requirements, please contact our office.