Friesian What is the Judge Looking For?

Appointments

FR101.14: • Judges may penalize contestants who do not

conform to rules regarding appointments, tack and attire.

• Exception: Refer to appropriate division rules for Dressage, Carriage Pleasure Driving, Junior Exhibitor Equitation and Western Classes.

Friesian Standards • Purebreds should be black, sun fading is permissible

• Mares and Geldings that are chestnut or brown are permissible, but not desirable and should be penalized accordingly

• Stallions that are chestnut or brown shall be severely penalized • Small star on forehead and white spots as the result of an injury or rub permissible

• Natural tails: products or practices which alter or influence natural trail carriage are prohibited

• Feathering: for purebreds full feathering is required; part-breds may have feathering clipped

• Glitter is prohibited • Artificial coloring of hide and hair results in elimination • In Hand- no visual impairments • Height: 15.1-17.3 hands

To Be Rewarded for All Horses • Strong, powerful hind quarters • A luxurious horse that is not too heavy but has ample power • Long, sloping shoulder • Hard, dry legs • Light-footed movements with a moment of suspension • Size neither too small nor too large. • Sufficiently long and well muscled forearm and gaskin • Strong smooth transition from loin to croup • Long and well developed gluteal muscle • Good, wide hooves with proper heels • Good head/neck connection • An honest character, eager to work and has stamina

To Be Penalized for All Horses

• General lack of development • Disproportion between the regions and body dimensions,

• More undesirable are lengthened lines than the shorter lines

• Concave or ultra convex frontal nasal profiles • Excessively voluminous head, ears too big, fallen, too closely set

with abnormal movement • Forehead too wide and flat • Orbital arches protruding and eyes bulging or round • Nose square and wide, nostrils round • Thick cheek and with profile too angular

To Be Penalized for All Horses

• Neck too short, inserted too low or too compact at its union with the head

• Narrow trunk and little heart girth (depth) • Low withers or not defined • Narrow chest and overall collapsing • Ribs smooth in the upper third or excessively round,

horizontal, double or broken, flat, destroyed or broken of high back or delayed back; of a discontinuous profile

• Tail set too high or too loosely set • Extremities with deviations from the plumb • Pasterns too long or excessively short and vertical

Shoeing • Hoof products: black or clear hoof products are permissible • Shoeing:

• Max length of toe for barefoot is 5” shod with or without pad is 5½” • Shoe may not exceed the dimensions of 1¼” wide and ½” thick • A pad, if used, may be no thicker than 3/8” thick • Shoe may not extend beyond the front or back of the hoof by more than

¼” • Nothing, but packing material may be used between the pad and the

hoof • Clips must be 1”or less and maximum number of clips is three

Movement • Two Types of Movement:

• Animated Type with high knee action • Forward Type with forward reaching action

• Judges should not be biased toward or against either type of movement, providing the horse has good hind impulsion, pushes off from the hocks with great power, good suspension and even cadence.

• The walk should demonstrate impulsion from the hindquarters and over stride.

• 60% of Open in hand class is judged on movement • 50% for Amateurs, Masters, and Junior Exhibitor classes

Friesian Performance Classes **Remember there are different specifications for each division, listed in

order of importance. Always consult the class specs.

For Performance Classes • Horse must possess sight in at least one eye

(exception- In Hand, Western Trail, Hunter Hack and Combination Ride/Drive/Jump horse must have no visual impairment)

• Fall of horse and/or rider does not DQ competitor unless due to bad manners of horse • Except in Show Hack, Western Pleasure and Trail requires

elimination

• Stallions acceptable in all classes except Showmanship, Walk-Trot Equitation and Lead Line

Park Horse

Park Horse Subchapter FR-3

• Frame is vertical. Energy directed toward animation rather than speed

• More animated than English Pleasure with a bit more attitude, drive and collection

• Horse should be obedient and pleasurable to ride

Park Horse Gaits

• Animated Walk- 2 or 4 beat gait, highly collected with good animation

• Animated Trot- highly collected, speed to be penalized

• Canter- collected, animated, true, smooth, unhurried, straight

English Pleasure Saddle Seat

English Pleasure Saddle Seat Sub Chapter FR-4

• Frame is vertical. Energy directed toward animation rather than speed

• A bit less animation than Park. MUST FLAT WALK.

• Horse should be obedient and pleasurable to ride

English Pleasure Gaits

• Flat Walk- 4 beat, collected but with impulsive movement

• Animated Trot • Strong Trot- faster, stronger and bolder,

executed in a highly collected manner. • Canter

Country English Pleasure – Saddle Seat

Country English Pleasure – Saddle Seat

Sub Chapter FR-5

• Still has a vertical frame, set up. Definitely an “English” horse.

• High action and extreme speed MUST be penalized • Imperative that horse gives the distinct appearance of

being a pleasure to ride • Quiet and responsive, a “volunteer” • Must halt on the rail, stand quietly, back and walk off

on a loose rein at least one direction of the ring

Country English Pleasure Gaits

• Walk- 4 beat, flat-footed, ground covering • Normal Trot- balanced, relaxed, easy-going, elastic,

freedom of movement • Strong Trot- faster with lengthened stride,

maintaining balance and ease of movement • Canter • Hand Gallop- faster with lengthened stride,

controlled, straight • Jr. Horses, Jr. Exhibitors, Amateurs, Ladies, Gentlemen, and

Masters do not hand gallop

Recap of English-Type Horses

Park Horse

English Pleasure Horse- A bit less animation than Park

Country English Pleasure- High action must be penalized

English Pleasure – Hunt Seat

English Pleasure - Hunt Seat Sub Chapter FR-6

• Frame is more horizontal. • Horse should be balanced and move freely

forward with a longer, lower silhouette and reaching strides which allow him to cover more ground with minimum effort

• Manners are important

Hunt Seat Gaits

• Walk • Trot • Canter • Hand Gallop (except Junior Exhibitors) *Horse should move freely forward with even, ground covering strides. Comfortable, balanced, consistent way of going while maintaining a frame suitable for a hunter.

Dressage Suitability and Dressage Hack Sub Chapter FR-8 and FR-9

• Dressage Suitability- Horse should show suppleness and move freely forward with clear, steady gaits. • Lightness on forehand and engagement of hindquarters.

• Dressage Hack- Horse should begin to show more thrust and progression towards balance and thoroughness. • Should be reliably on the bit, very supple with a distinct

distinction between the paces. **Refer to Dressage Chapter for directives in performance and

judging these classes

Dressage Suitability • Horses’ potential as a Dressage mount is to be

considered. • Judged:

• 70% on performance of gaits and transitions; • 30% on rider’s position, seat and effective use of the aids.

Dressage Suitability Gaits • Medium walk • Working trot

• Riders must post the trot.

• Working canter • Transitions in and out of canter called for through

working trot

• Free walk on long rein (horse stretching forward and down) at least one way

Dressage Hack • Horse’s ability as a Dressage mount is to be highly considered. • Judged:

– 70% on performance of gaits and transitions; – 30% on rider’s position, seat and effective use of the aids.

Dressage Hack Gaits

• Medium walk • Working trot

• Riders may sit or post the trot. • Working canter

• Transitions in and out of canter called for through working trot.

• Extended trot • Extended canter

• Extended gaits- horse covers as much ground as possible maintaining the same cadence. Lengthens his steps and frame as a result of great impulsion from the hindquarters

• Free walk at least one way • Rein back of 4 steps

Hunter Hack • Horse should move freely forward with even ground covering

strides. Should exhibit a comfortable, balanced, consistent way of going while maintaining a frame suitable for a hunter

• Shown at walk, trot, canter and hand gallop both ways • Horses required to jump two fences set at customary

distances apart using increments of 12’. • Ground lines on the take-off side of the jumps are required.

• First fence is 2’3” and second is 2’6” • After second fence- hand gallop one way of the ring, halt,

back and stand quietly on a loose rein

Hunter Hack • Judged:

– 30% on flat work on the rail; – 70% on the work over fences

• Any faults incurred over fences shall be scored as in a Working Hunter Class

• Excessive speed at any gait will be severely penalized

English Show Hack

English Show Hack Sub Chapter FR-11

• This is a class for the very well trained horse • Not necessarily a Dressage horse nor an English Pleasure horse • More vertical than the Hunt Seat horse, but not as much action

as the Park horse • Elevation and high knee action not to be emphasized. • Balance and work off the hindquarters is very important. • The ideal show hack performs willingly with light contact • Falls = Elimination

Show Hack Gaits

• Shown at Normal, Collected, and Extended gaits (walk, trot, canter) • Must be able to transition well between collected and

extended gaits • When asked to extend, the entire horse’s frame lengthens,

not merely the stride • At collection, the entire body becomes round, resulting in

shorter, higher strides

• Hand Gallop

Fine Harness Subchapter FR-12

• Horse should possess all of the elegance and refinement of the ideal Friesian

Fine Harness Gaits • Animated Walk- 2 or 4 beat, highly collected, much

“primp” at a slow, regulated speed with good action and animation

• Park Trot- highly collected, speed to be penalized • “Show Your Horse”- driver shows the horse to its

best advantage at the trot, but speed will be penalized • Not called for in Ladies, Jr. Exhibitor, Amateur, Owners and

Amateur Owners classes.

Show Pleasure Driving

Show Pleasure Driving Sub Chapter FR-13

• Frame is vertical, similar in style to the English Pleasure and Park Horse

• Balanced, driving from behind, looking through the bridle

• Well mannered and stylish

Show Pleasure Driving Gaits

• Walk - Four beat, flat footed • Trot – balanced, relaxed, easy going with

elasticity and freedom • Strong Trot – faster with lengthened stride,

maintaining balance, ease and freedom of movement

Country Pleasure Driving Subchapter FR-14

• Horse gives the impression of being a pleasure to drive and displays pleasurable attitude

• All gaits must be performed with willingness and obvious ease, cadence, balance and smoothness

Country Pleasure Driving Gaits

• Walk- Four beat, brisk, true, flat-footed • Normal Trot- Two beat, medium speed and

moderate collection • Strong Trot- Lengthened stride, powerful and

reaching. Rate may vary, must not be strung out behind (Jr. Horses not shown at strong trot)

• All gaits are to be mannerly, cadenced, balanced and free-moving

• Excessive knee action penalized • Excessive speed penalized

Traditional Sjees Show Driving Sub Chapter FR-15

• Sjees is two wheeled sleigh-like vehicle • Traditional harness is black with white

padding and white rope reins and traces. • Driver and passenger must wear traditional

Friesian Costume.

Sjees

Sjees Gait • Extended Trot – controlled extended reaching

movement with power and drive from behind, maintaining balance and freedom

• Excessive speed or break of gait will be penalized

• Head set should be high, yet controlled

Carriage Driving Subchapter FR-16

• Refer to Chapter CP – Exception: In Drive and

Ride classes, an entry may be driven and ridden by different exhibitors in all sections unless an exception is printed in the prize list.

Carriage Pleasure Driving Turnout

Pleasure Driving Pairs

Sport Pleasure Driving

• Subchapter FR-15 Sport Pleasure Driving FR168 General This section is intended for the Friesian Horse that as an under saddle mount is suitable for Hunter Pleasure and Western sections. FR169 Appointments Harness and bits in all Friesian driving classes should be appropriate to the horse and vehicle according to tradition and safety. Sidechecks and overchecks are permitted when appropriate to a class or vehicle. 1. To be Shown to a suitable two or four wheel vehicle in light or heavy harness as appropriate.

Sport Pleasure Driving FR170 Qualifying Gaits

Harness and bits in all Friesian driving classes should be appropriate to the horse and vehicle according to tradition and safety. Sidechecks and overchecks are permitted when appropriate to a class or vehicle.

1. To be shown both ways of the arena at the walk, trot, and strong trot. Horses will reverse at the walk. Horses should stand quietly in the lineup and may be asked to back. Headers permitted. High action and excessive speed in this division must be penalized.

2. To be Shown to a suitable two or four wheel vehicle in light or heavy harness as appropriate.

Western Pleasure

Western Pleasure Sub Chapter FR-17

• Horse’s frame should be relaxed and consistent with his size and conformation. Natural head position is desired. Vertical head carriage not to be penalized.

• Pleasurable to ride, moving with balance and ease • Light hand contact with horse’s mouth must be maintained at

all gaits without undue restraint. • Only one hand may be used around reins except when using a

snaffle or hackamore. Reins may not be switched back and forth between hands

Western Pleasure Gaits

• Must have a true, ground covering flat footed walk

• A free, square moving horse; slow and easy at both the jog and lope

• Judges may ask for extended gaits except in Junior Horse, Amateur, Amateur-Owner and Junior Exhibitor Classes

• Falls = Elimination

Romal Reins

• Riders hand is to be around reins

• No fingers allowed between reins

• May only rein with one hand and may not switch hands.

Illegal Rein Holds for Romal Reins

Split Reins

• One finger is permitted between reins when the end of the reins falls on the side of the reining hand

Trail Subchapter FR-18

• To negotiate a course with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 obstacles

• English or Western appointments, but not mixed • Entries to be evaluated on responsiveness,

willingness and general attitude • Judged on performance, manners, way of going and

conformation • For scoring refer to WS124 • Falls = Elimination • Off Course = Elimination

Trail in Hand Subchapter FR-19

• To negotiate a course with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 obstacles

• Must perform a walk and a jog • Horses may be shown with a split lead but not

shown with a chain and gag, and twisted bits are prohibited

Showmanship Subchapter FR-20

• Judged on exhibitor’s ability to prepare and present the horse safely, elegantly and in correct format

• Conformation not to be judged • Ideal - poised, confident, appropriately attired exhibitor leading a

well groomed and conditioned horse • Efficiency of movement with promptness, smoothness and

precision is required. • Unsoundness not to be penalized unless severe enough to impair

required performance • See rules for tests from which judge must choose

Quarter System

Equitation Subchapter FR-21

• Rider’s position, seat, hands and correct use of aids are to be judged. Refer to Equitation Chapter. • Saddle Seat • Hunter Seat • English Equitation- All Seats • Western Seat • Junior Exhibitor Equitation • Adult Equitation • Walk-Trot Equitation FR199 • Lead Line Equitation FR200-201

Saddle Seat Equitation

• Basic Position: • Efficient and comfortable, not exaggerated • Hands held in easy position, neither perpendicular

nor horizontal to saddle • Foot position should be natural (neither extremely

in nor out) with heels down

Saddle Seat Position

Hunter Seat Equitation

• Basic position: – Body should be a couple degrees in front of vertical – Eyes up and shoulders back – Hands over and in front of withers- straight line

from elbow to wrist to horse’s mouth – Heels down, calf in contact with horse and slightly

behind girth- straight line from hip to heel

Hunt Seat Position

Western Seat Equitation Position

• Straight line from shoulder-hip-heel • Stirrup adjusted to the proper length to allow heels to be lower than toes with a

slight bend in the knee and calf close to horse • Body should always appear comfortable, relaxed and flexible • Upper arms in line and close with body, one hand holding reins bent at elbow • Hand holding reins to be above or slightly in front of horn and as near to it as

possible • Free hand can hold the end of the reins, if at least 16 inches of slack rein between

hands, otherwise its position is optional and held in a relaxed manner with the elbows close to the body and rider’s body straight at all times • Often see free hand held at same level as other hand when using split reins,

and holding end of reins resting on thigh when using romal reins

Western Position

Costume Subchapter FR-22

• Classes judged on creativity, authenticity to period, suitability of costume to horse and rider and manners

• Walk and trot both ways of the ring

Costume • Period Costume- emphasis on authenticity to the period of turnout

weighted as follows: – 30% horse tack – 50% rider costume – 20% horse movement, manners and quality

• Fantasy Costume- emphasis on creativity and originality of the turnout to be weighted as follows:

– 40% horse ornamentation – 40% rider ornamentation – 20% horse movement, manners and quality

• Armor Costume- emphasis on authenticity to the period and type of armored turnout weighted as follows:

– 40% horse tack/armor – 40% rider costume/armor – 20% horse movement, manners and quality – Use of ancillary appointments such as banner, protective devices and secured weapons

appropriate to the turnout are to be additionally rewarded

Tandem Riding Subchapter FR-23

• Imperative that horses give the distinct appearance of being pleasurable to ride and drive.

• Safety is paramount and obedience to the rider is of prime importance

• Shown both ways at walk, trot and extended trot. Light hand contact must be maintained

Walk-Trot Subchapter FR-24

• Seats may be combined or separated • Competitions are encouraged to divide the walk-trot

classes by seat and/or by age of rider and/or classification

• Equipment, attire and presentation should match the discipline being ridden

• To be shown at a walk and trot/jog-trot. Will not be asked to back

Walk/Trot Class • FR214 Walk—Trot.

4. Specifications: a) WALK-TROT, PLEASURE No horse and rider combination may

have shown in a class requiring a canter or lope at that same competition. To be judged on manners, performance, type, quality and conformation.

b) WALK-TROT JUNIOR HORSE (three to five years of age) is open to any junior horses. Horses may not show in any class that requires a canter or lope at the same competition. To be judged on quality, type, performance, conformation and manners.

Liberty

Liberty Subchapter FR-24

• To be shown in a halter or snaffle bridle without reins • Music commences/horse is turned loose for 1½ minutes • Music ends- horse must be caught within 2 minutes • Shakers/Whips allowed though cannot touch horse • Assistant can help during performance but may not catch

horse. • No baiting to catch horse • To be judged on movement, style, type, and quality.

Consideration to be given to how the horse performed. Horses willing to “show off” and keep moving are preferred over those that need constant pushing from exhibitor.

Reining Subchapter FR-25

• Conducted in accordance with the current NRHA Handbook as modified by the following Friesian exceptions. Where Friesian rules are silent NRHA Rules prevail. – There is no restriction on the number of horses a rider may

show in a class. – See FR179 for appointments. – Breed restricted competitions not required to have video

instant replay available – Judges must choose from patterns in the NRHA Handbook

Western Dressage Subchapter FR-26

• Conducted in accordance with Western Dressage Division (Chapter WD)

Part Bred Friesians

• No color preferences are given nor should deviation from Purebred color standards be penalized

• Overall presentation and conformation should be correct and appealing

• Height may vary without penalty • Feathering is not required and lack of should

not be penalized

Credits • USEF would like to thank

Rick Osteen, Kelly Kenneally, Laurel Obee, and Mystical Photography for the use of their show proofs for this presentation. All photos are copywrited and should not be reproduced.