Class Descriptions

4-H Classes: Exhibitor must be enrolled in a recognized 4-H club; club name and leader’s name required on entry form. 4-H dress is not required. Helmets are required. For 2024 the 4-H classes will count towards the Washoe County 4-H 100% Participation program. The Washoe County participation guidelines include showing in a minimum of two shows. 4-Hers from all counties are welcome to show at the Sagebrush Community Horse Shows 4-H and regular classes.
Added Classes: To add a class you must do so by entering with the Show Secretary at least 3 classes before the one you want to enter. A late fee may be added if classes are added during the show.
Admission to Ring: No person will be permitted to enter the ring except participants in that class, judges, their assistant and show officials. Attendants and/or grooms or owners may enter the ring when summoned by order of the judge.
All Breed Classes: Any eligible equine may enter classes named “All Breed” in this show. A stallion’s handler must be 18 years of age as of January 1 of this year.
Appearance/Grooming: Attire for competitors will be based on what is normal for the local area and for the class being entered with emphasis on neatness and safety. Silver not to count. Competitors must display the correct exhibitor number which should be clearly visible while performing in any class. Riders must wear appropriate standard attire for English or Western, unless judge says otherwise.
Arabian/Half Arabian/Anglo Arabian Classes: Horses must be registered with the Arabian Horse Association. Please provide registration papers with entry.
Awards and Ribbons: No awards, prizes or ribbons will be presented. All classes have Jackpot paybacks and checks will be issued at the end of the four show circuit. High Point and Reserve High Point Awards will be presented for All Breed and Arabian Western and English Horses (Senior Rider and Junior Rider divisions) as well as for Color Breed Horses. High Point and Reserve High Point Awards will be presented to exhibitors that are regularly enrolled 4-H club members. High Point and Reserve High Point Awards will be presented to Exhibitors in All Breed and Arabian Walk/Trot/Jog classes. To qualify for a High Point Award a horse or rider must show in at least two Sagebrush shows during the 2021 circuit.
Condition of Entries: All entries, except entries in Equitation and Showmanship classes must be serviceably sound. All entries must be in good condition. Horses must be shown without artificial appliances (anything that alters the intended use of equipment). This includes but is not limited to tongue ties and/or mouth ties. Tie downs, splint or bell boots or leg wraps (except reining horses may wear performance boots), martingales, training devices are prohibited. Actions produced by artificial methods shall be penalized. Cruelty is prohibited.
Discipline: Exhibitors are warned that any act of discourtesy to the officials of this show on the part of the owner, rider or handler will disqualify the horse from adjudication. The management reserves the right to remove a horse, owner, rider or handler from the show without being liable for compensation or damages. Excessive use of the whip or any other device on any horse in or out of the arena or anywhere on the show grounds (during the day of the event) will results in disqualification of the horse and handler. Any horse doctored in any way, artificially, improperly or unfairly prepared or tampered with before entering the arena will be disqualified. If any exhibitor shall attempt to interfere with the judges in the performance of their duties, he/she shall be excluded from competing or exhibiting. In case any animal is disqualified, the winner of the next succeeding prize in the class shall take the prize that has been awarded to such disqualified animal /rider/handler and the lowest moneyed prize in that class shall go to the reserve number.
Email Address: Please provide a readable e-mail address on entry form so we may send and receive forms, questions and answers.
Gate Rule: Class calls must be considered a courtesy only. No protests will be upheld on the basis of a public address system malfunction or inability of participant hearing their class called. Show secretary and gate person must be notified of holds or tack changes. Holds must be requested at least 2 classes before the hold.
Green Horse: 1st & 2nd Green Horse is a horse that has not been shown in this kind of class prior to January 1 this year.
Headgear: Riders 17 years & under are encouraged to wear properly fitting ASTM/SEI approved equestrian protective headgear while riding in the designated schooling /exercise areas and the arena grounds. Chin strap must be secured and properly fitted. Any exhibitor may wear protective headgear in any division or class without penalty from the judge. Riders 12 years & under are required to wear properly fitting ASTM/SEI approved equestrian protective headgear.
Leadline Equitation: Competitors to enter the ring in a counter-clockwise direction at a walk. Leaders (14 Years & Over) are to walk on the near side of the horse. To be shown both directions of the ring at the walk. Entries shall line up on command and stand quietly. Open to riders who are at least two (2) years of age and have not reached their seventh (7)birthday as of December 1 of the current competition year. Safety is of the utmost importance in tack and attire. Saddle must fit rider. Rider’s feet must be engaged in the stirrups/irons. Leading rein must be attached to a cavesson or a halter placed under or over the bridle. It is required that the rider wears protective headgear with harness secured which passes or surpasses ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. Boots are required.
Novice Reining: Rider not to have won more than 3 blue ribbons in this kind of class anytime.
Pre-entry Refunds: Refunds will be considered for any horse suffering from illness or injury upon the presentation of a Veterinarian’s certificate to the show secretary within 7 days of the show. Pre-entry refunds will be considered for any exhibitor suffering from illness or injury upon the presentation of a doctor’s letter to the show secretary within 7 days of the show. Deleting, scratching or being a ‘no show’ in any class without a 3-class notice on file with the Show Secretary will void any refunds. Refunds: No refunds will be granted after the start of the show without a Veterinarian’s or Doctor’s certificate which must be presented to the show management within 7 days of the show. If a judge excuses an exhibitor from a class, the judge will notify the exhibitor whether the dismissal is just for the class or for the day. No refunds will be given regardless. In all cases, the judge’s decision is final. Office fees and post entry are non- refundable.
Refusal of Entry: The management reserves the right to refuse, accept conditionally, or to cancel any and all entries of any exhibitor for any reason without giving a refund or a reason.
Scratching or Canceling Classes: As a courtesy to the gateman, announcer and the show office, exhibitors are requested to notify the gate person and show office when it is necessary to scratch or cancel a class entered. This courtesy will enable the show to run more efficiently and timely.
Stallions: Stallions must be handled and may be shown by exhibitors 18 years old or older. Please secure a stallion carefully to your trailer and do not leave the horse unattended.
Trail: Exhibitors may ride at their convenience. Rides must be completed between 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Riders are asked to complete their trail class(es) as soon as possible. Classes in the main arena will not be delayed for an exhibitor competing on the trail course. Riders must know their exhibitor number and the class number in which they are entered. All scored rides in regular trail classes by an exhibitor must be completed before an exhibitor may ride as a ‘schooling’ exhibition. The same horse/exhibitor combination may not enter a riding trail class and the in-hand trail class.
Walk/Trot/Jog Classes: Walk/Trot/Jog classes: (Except for Walk/Trot/Jog Warm Up Classes 20 and 53 and 89). Horse/ Rider combination may not enter any class that includes 3 gaits in the class specifications. Walk/Trot/Jog classes are offered for those riders who are not ready to canter or lope in competition. If you have previously shown in three gaited classes in your horse show career, please do not enter these classes designed for beginning or retired or returning-to the-show-ring riders.
English & Western Pleasure Walk/ Trot/Jog Warm Up: Open to all ages and all breeds. All riders to show in the proper English or Western attire with proper English or Western tack. To be shown at a walk and jog/trot both directions in the arena. Entry into 3-gaited classes okay. These classes do not count toward High Point Awards.
English Discipline: Rider will perform variations of gaits and maneuvers as called by the announcer. Work on the rail may include collected, normal or extended gaits, side pass, turn on the forehand or haunches, counter canter and other safe maneuvers. Judged on precision, willingness, subtlety of cues, ability to perform.
English Riding Skills: This class is offered to determine the riding ability of the rider. All exhibitors will perform a pattern as posted the day of the show. Although the posted pattern will be similar to the Ranch Horse Riding class, English Riding Skills will demonstrate appropriate English/ Country English/Hunt gaits, attitude and tack.
Hunter Hack: Horses to be shown at a walk, trot and canter (Novice shown at walk and trot only) both ways of the ring. Light contact with the horse’s mouth is required. Horses should be obedient, alert, responsive and move freely. Horses are required to jump 2 obstacles and may be asked to hand gallop collectively (Novice class will not hand gallop), one way of the ring.
Ranch Horse Riding: This class is Ranch Horse Riding and horses should NOT perform or be rewarded for performing gaits as they do in Western Pleasure. The horses are to be presented in a more forward-moving style than the typical Western Pleasure Horse. The horse and rider will be scored on movement, which is cadence and rhythm of gaits, smoothness and consistency in performance, along with how they perform the optional maneuvers. Draped reins are not appropriate. Must be shown in western tack and attire; ‘show’ attire is not required. Working attire and chaps/chinks are appropriate. Reining: Exhibitors are to perform a pattern as posted. The best reining horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely. All deviations from the written pattern must be considered a fault. Rock and Roll in The Sagebrush: This class is similar to Ranch Horse Riding for western horses and English Riding Skills for English horses. To demonstrate handiness and agility of the horse and communication between horse and rider. Open to horses in English or Western attire and tack, exhibiting Walk and Jog/Trot gaits through a prescribed pattern. Class will be judged on accuracy of pattern execution, smoothness and consistency of gaits and transitions. Rock and Roll in the Sagebrush is only for Walk/Trot/Jog classes this year. All Breed 12 and Over, All Breed 11 and Under, Arabian 11 & Over, Arabian 10 & Under, Shadow Me Rider 12 & Under.
Shadow Me Rider 12 & Under: This class is designed to allow a rider 12 years or younger to ride and control their horse while an adult rides beside (shadows) the young rider to provide instructional support to the young rider. This is not a leadline class. This class is offered for the very beginning show exhibitor age 12 or younger. The rider must NOT have ridden in competition before (exception: previously being a Leadline rider is okay). The support/shadow rider may give the young rider discreet verbal cues and also provide guidance with his/her horse while riding beside the young rider. Walk/Trot/Jog only. Shadow Me Rider 12 & Under classes are offered in Pleasure, Rock & Roll in the Sagebrush (similar to Ranch Riding) and Trail. No cross entry into Leadline or other Walk/Trot/Jog classes. Jackpot awards will be given; there is not a High Point Year End Award in this category.
Trail: Trail horses are required to work over and through obstacles as written on class pattern. To include a walk, jog/trot, lope/ canter both directions and of suitable duration to determine the way of going. Entry will be evaluated on responsiveness, willingness and general attitude. Rail work will not be required. May be ridden in English attire and tack or in Western attire and tack. Please indicate on entry form whether you are showing in English tack or Western tack. Trail is conducted as an Open Card classes; therefore, please schedule your ride(s) between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., to accommodate your classes in the main arena. All scored rides in regular trail classes by an exhibitor/horse combination must be completed before that exhibitor/horse combination may ride as a paid ‘schooling’ exhibition. Walk/ Trot/Jog Equitation, Pleasure and Trail Rider 13 & Over, 11 & Over, 12 and Under. 10 & Under: In Equitation, Pleasure, Rock & Roll in the Sagebrush and Trail classes, the All-Breed rider must be twelve years old or younger on January 1st of this year to ride in “12 and Under” classes. In Equitation, Pleasure and Trail classes the Arabian rider must be ten years or younger on January 1st of this year to ride in “10 & Under” classes. Stallions prohibited. Saddle must fit rider and rider’s feet must be engaged in the stirrups or irons for safety. An ASTM/SEI approved equestrian safety helmet must be worn by All Breed 12 and Under rider and Arabian 10 and Under rider. All walk/trot/jog riders can show either English or Western with proper attire and tack. To show at a walk, trot or jog both directions in the arena in Equitation and Pleasure; to negotiate obstacles in Trail. Walk/Trot/Jog classes are offered for those riders who are not ready to canter or lope in competition. If you have previously shown in three-gaited classes in your horse show career, please do not enter these classes designed for beginning riders.
Walk/Trot/Jog Equitation, Pleasure and Trail for Novice 4-H Rider/Cloverbud 4-H Rider: Rider must not have won more than 3 blue ribbons in any equitation, pleasure or trail classes. To show at a walk, trot or jog both direction of the arena; English or Western attire with appropriate tack is required. Horse/rider combination may not enter any class that includes 3 gaits in the class
specifications. Cloverbud 4-Hers ages 5 to 8 years old may enter the Novice/Cloverbud classes with a handler 14 & Over. Cloverbud leadliners are not allowed to go in the Warm Up Open classes.
Western Discipline: Rider will perform variations of gaits and maneuvers as called by the announcer. Work on the rail may include collected, normal or extended gaits, side pass, turn on the forehand or haunches, counter canter/lope and other safe maneuvers. Judged on precision, willingness, subtlety of cues, ability to perform.
Western Pleasure: To be shown at a flat-footed four-beat walk, a two- beat jog and a three-beat lope both directions of the arena. To be judged on manners, performance, substance, quality and conformation. Extreme speed to be penalized. Horse and rider must perform smoothly as a team. Must be shown in western attire and western tack. Silver not to count.
Western Riding: Credit shall be given for, and emphasis placed on, smoothness with even cadence of gaits and the horse’s ability to change leads precisely and easily rear and front at the center point between markers. The horse should have a relaxed head carriage showing response to the rider’s hands with a moderate flexion at the poll. Horses may be ridden with light contact or on a reasonably loose rein. The horse should cross the log at both the jog-trot and lope without breaking gait or radically changing stride.
Western Seat Equitation: Rider will be judged on seat, hands, performance of horse, appointments of horse and rider and suitability of horse to rider. Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important than the method used in obtaining them. All riders enter the arena at a walk or jog and are judged at a flat-footed four-beat walk, a two- beat jog and a three-beat lope both directions of the arena. All competitors are required to back in a straight line during the lineup. Must be shown in western attire and western tack.