Child Handler Rules

CHILD HANDLER CLASS

The object of this class is to encourage children to become good handlers.

Only the child is judged not the horse.

A child with a well-trained horse that does not stay attentive to what their horse is doing is not to have the advantage over a child that may have a less trained horse yet is attentive of what their horse is doing and attempting to position their horse correctly.

The child is judged on: -

For his/her attentiveness of their horse
Their ability to recognise how their horse should stand
His/her approach to achieve what is required from the horse
Their attempt to position their horse correctly
Show-ring etiquette
Their understanding to move out of the judge’s line of view of the horse as the judge moves around the horse
Their consideration of where their horse is standing and that their horse does not interfere with another exhibitor

In the work out, a child who has a horse break and attempts to check the horse back to a trot is to be given credit.

A child that constantly watches their horse, even if it is standing incorrectly, is to be given credit over a child that has a horse standing correctly, but the child is not concentrating on what their horse is doing – looking around everywhere else etc.

The quality of the horse is not to be taken into consideration. The horse’s cleanliness, grooming and correct fitting of halter and the child’s cleanliness and neatness is however to be taken into consideration. An unclipped clean horse is not to be disadvantaged against a clipped horse.

Class Procedure Example

All competitors enter the ring at the walk and line up as directed by the ring steward for the judge’s inspection
Stand your horse up when the judge approaches you
Walk, then trot your horse away from the judge as directed
Stand you horse in profile to the judge as directed
Trot your horse across judges’ view as directed
Turn and trot towards the judge and stop as directed by the judge.
Return to the end of the line-up and stand quietly with your horse.

This class is for all youth to “have a go”, have fun, learn, and develop showing experience on an equal level regardless of the quality of their horse, or quality of their attire.

All horses are to be in good body condition, clean and neatly presented, in clean net tack, chin straps are allowed.

Prohibited Tack

Bits
Whips or hacking canes
Rope Halters

Suitable Attire

Any clean neat trousers, slacks or dress jeans
A blouse or shirt with a collar
Australian – Western or European Show attire
Fully enclosed footwear must be worn
Youth under the age of 8 years must wear a suitable safety Helmet.
Youth over the age of 8 years - hats are optional but should fit well so they don’t fall off during the class

Prohibited Youth Attire

T-shirts, singlets
Shorts
Open footwear

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​Miniature Horse Federation Inc.

Miniature Horse Federation Inc.