Classes and Demonstrations
Cost per class $15.
The theme of the 2011 LOPE Benefit Horse Show is horsemanship through understanding.
Group Classes — English Tack
- Suitability for Dressage
- Walk-Trot
- Walk-Trot-Canter
No dressage experience necessary. These classes are designed to change up the usual group class in a fun way — and introduce the idea of dressage to those who are curious or new to showing. And for show riders of all disciplines, a pleasant, low-key way to give your seasoned show horse or green horse a relaxed group class with different maneuvers. See specific description of class maneuvers and judging standards here.
Group Classes — Western Tack
- Suitability for Dressage
- Walk-Trot
- Walk-Trot-Canter
No dressage experience necessary. As in the English group class, these are also designed to be a fun alternative to traditional group classes for showing newcomers. For riders who compete in SHOT, reining or cow work, these classes help your show mounts focus on preparation for the key aids in your discipline (lightness, softness, collection) — but in a relaxed group situation. See specific description of class maneuvers and judging standards here.
Dressage Tests
- Intro B
- Western
- English
- Intro C
- Western
- English
The dressage tests for both English and Western will be walk/trot (Intro B) or walk/trot/canter (Intro C) patterns to encourage riders new to dressage. For experienced dressage riders, these tests might be a way to experiment with western tack or to tune up your dressage mounts for the upcoming show season. For western riders, these tests can be low key way to try dressage or prepare for more advancing reining maneuvers. If you don't like to memorize test patterns, you can have a friend "call" the moves out for you as you ride the test.
There will be short demonstrations of dressage in both Western and English tack — so people can have a chance to see the movements in both types of tack. The western demo will be particularly interesting in that it will show how the moves are key to other disciplines (reining, cow work and ranch versatility). More information
Hunter Classes
- Working Hunter
- Level I
- Level II
A good class for horses and riders learning how to jump as well experienced hunters or eventers. This is a class to highlight the skills of the Working Hunter. Horses will compete over a natural hunt course with undulating terrain. Riders will be asked to jump and perform tasks as though in the hunt field. More information on course and judging standards.
Trail Horsemanship
- Level 1
- Level 2
For people who have already attended Hy Court shows or SHOT clinics, this class will seem very familiar. Exhibitors will show their horses over a course of 6-9 obstacles at a walk and trot. English or Western tack is permitted. More information on the two levels, obstacles and judging standards.
In-Hand Trail Horsemanship
- Level 1
- Level 2
Fun class for horses new to showing or new to trail obstacles. Exhibitors will show their horses in-hand over a course of 6-9 obstacles at a walk and trot. Open to yearlings and up. More information on the two levels, obstacles and judging standards.
Horsemanship Demonstrations
- There will be free demonstrations of:
- Dressage
- Western Dressage
- Trail Horsemanship
- In-Hand Trail
Prize List Ribbons sponsored by Charlotte's Saddlery
Rosettes will be given for first through sixth place.
High Point Awards Sponsored by Charlotte's Saddlery
The horse/rider combination with the highest number of points will receive a special High Point award. There will be one award for the high point youth rider and a second award for the high point adult rider.
Outstanding Horsemanship Award Sponsored by Charlotte's Saddlery
Judges and show management will recognize the rider who has demonstrated outstanding horsemanship during the show.
Ex-Racehorse Award Sponsored by Austin Equine Associates
Judges and show management will recognize the ex-racehorse who has demonstrated outstanding effort and progress during the show. Special consideration will be given to ex-racehorses with less show experience.
