Guidelines and Scoring
Sport Horse Versatility consists of two phases: a Refined Riding Phase and a Working Phase.
Refined Riding Phase
The Refined Riding phase is a ridden test appropriate to the horse’s current state of development. It is designed to showcase refinement in communication between horse and rider, resulting in a display of a high degree of collection. It is this development of collection that allows the horse to perform movements of significant difficulty with ease while expressing confidence and joy.
The Refined Riding phase is a ridden test appropriate to the horse’s current state of development. It is designed to showcase refinement in communication between horse and rider, resulting in a display of a high degree of collection. It is this development of collection that allows the horse to perform movements of significant difficulty with ease while expressing confidence and joy.New for 2010, Hy Court is offering two levels of SHV, Introductory and Intermediate. Introductory SHV is the most basic test of refined horsemanship and Intermediate SHV is a somewhat more challenging test of advancing skills. In the Refined Riding phase, Introductory exhibitors may select a test of choice from Intro or Training Level. In Intermediate, riders may select from First or 2nd Level.
Working Phase
The Working Phase is to show the rider’s ability to direct the horse through a series of obstacles designed to highlight the horse’s willingness and readiness. With the debut of the new levels of Sport Horse Versatility in 2010, the Working Phase will continue to test the development of horsemanship and working refinement at levels reflecting the stages of training.
The obstacle course for both levels will consist of 6-9 obstacles that can include functional tasks from the following list:
- Stand to be mounted from a block or similar object
- Walking onto a bridge, stopping and standing on a loose rein before walking off
- Walking over a foreign surface, e.g. tarp, brush, etc.
- Backing through and around objects, e.g. poles, cones, barrels, etc.
- Picking up and carrying an object from one location to another
- Side passing, can include side passing over a pole
- Stopping at a precise point
- Put on a rain slicker or coat
- Walking over a bridge
- Walking/trotting over poles
- Opening/closing a gate
- Turning in a small space, e.g. a small box created with poles
- Weave thru's, e.g. cones, barrels, etc.
- Water obstacle
- Putting a specified hoof in a particular place, e.g. over a pole, in the center of a circle, on an 'X' or target
- Narrow corridors - rider must pass through a narrow corridor
Emphasis in Introductory SHV will be onthoughtful presentation of obstacles, overall smoothness of the course an accurate application of aids. Intermediate SHV will build on these skills and work to develop a more technical understanding of refined horsemanship.
Sport Horse Versatility In-Hand Class
Exhibitors will show their horses in-hand over 6-9 obstacles at a walk and trot. Exhibitors may be asked to lead their horse from the left or right side. Exhibitors may use a leather, nylon or rope halter. No stud chains. Obstacles will be the same as in the Working Phase of SHV Two-Phase with the exception of mounting.Hunter Versatility
Hunter Versatility is a two phase test comprised of a Rideability Phase, similar to an under-saddle class on the flat, and a Working Phase which is an obstacle/jumping course. See Sport Horse Versatility above for more detail. Three classes will be offered; Suitability and Class A will exhibit at a walk and trot only. Class B will exhibit at a walk, trot and canter.In the Rideability Phase, riders will present their horse at the specified gaits. Judging will be on general way of going suitable for a field hunter, smoothness of transitions, manners and quietness. Riders may be asked to individually rein back or perform simple movements.
In the Working Phase, riders 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. The obstacles can include crossing shallow water and jumping narrow fences. Suitability will have crossrails for fences. Class A - maximum height of fences 2’ Class B - maximum height of fences 2’6”.
Scoring
The scoring for both the refined riding test and the obstacle course will use the current USDF scale of 0-10 with 10 being the highest mark. Total points from the refined riding test and the obstacle course will be combined for the final placement in the competition.
The scoring for both the refined riding test and the obstacle course will use the current USDF scale of 0-10 with 10 being the highest mark. Total points from the refined riding test and the obstacle course will be combined for the final placement in the competition.In the obstacle phase, the scoring will reflect the horse’s ability to negotiate obstacles in a clean, correct, smooth and prompt manner. The obstacles are marked individually with collective marks at the end.
The rider has the option of not working any obstacle and taking a score of “0” for the missed obstacle. A judge may ask a horse to pass on an obstacle after three refusals or for safety concerns. If this happens, horse will receive a “0” for that obstacle.
The obstacle course collective marks will be as follows:
Rider (Handler in an In-Hand class) – leading intention, clarity and effective application of the aids, supportive manner, use of hands.
Rider (Handler in an In-Hand class) – leading intention, clarity and effective application of the aids, supportive manner, use of hands.
Refinement – confidence, willingness, responsiveness, softness, comprehension of aids.
Harmonious acceptance of the aids – quietness of mouth and tail, use of ears, facial expression.
Presentation – overall smoothness of working through obstacles and transitions between obstacles, turn-out.
lead.
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Faults/Errors
It is considered a fault when the horse hits a pole. Care should be taken to avoid this.
It is considered an error to circle an obstacle. This will incur a -2 deducted from the total score for each occurrence. Circling in front of an obstacle will be considered a refusal (see below).
The use of voice is considered a fault.
Refusals
Riders are allowed three refusals before receiving a “0” for that obstacle at the Introductory level of the Working Phase. Upon three refusals, the judge will ask for the rider to move to the next obstacle. Judge will encourage rider to leave refused obstacle on a ‘forward try’ from the horse. Leaving an obstacle with the horse thinking backwards is detrimental to the development of the horse.
Upon completion of the course, at Introductory Level, if time allows, judge may assist rider in completing missed obstacles in order to, again, leave horse in a ‘positive mental place.’ This is at the discretion of the show management and judge.
Judges
Judges are selected by their high credentials, commitment to refined horsemanship and the local horse community. The Judge’s decisions are final and must be accepted in a sportsmanlike manner. Poor sportsmanship may cause disqualification.
Riders
Creates a new and exciting area of competition that expands the range of usefulness of your horse in and out of the arena.
Creates a new and exciting area of competition that expands the range of usefulness of your horse in and out of the arena.Provides potential for personal recognition at the local, regional and national level.
Expands your skills and those of your horse thus making riding safer and more enjoyable.
Increases value of your horse because of his expanded skills.
Trainers
Provides the opportunity for new trainers to emerge as leaders in the SHV arena with the potential for recognition as the concept develops nationally.Creates a market for an ‘expanded’ type of training thus increasing the potential client base.
Encourages the development of new skills in both horse and rider that expand and extend the working life of the partnership.
Increases the value and marketability of horses.
Provides a competitive avenue, which allows trainers to focus on developing necessary skills in both the horse and rider.
Breeders
Broadens the market for horses by developing a horse that appeals to a larger segment of the equine market.
Increases appeal to buyers because horses having SHV skills have training that sets them up for success in life or any competitive endeavor.
Trains horses to be willing, calm and capable of handling life resulting in higher prices.
Horses
Results in horses that are willing, refined in the way they handle/ride and well adjusted.
Improves partnership between horse and rider. Provides a broad area of skills enabling the horse to more easily handle life situations.
Develops confidence in the horse’s ability by giving the horse a job through the use of obstacles, which encourages curiosity and the skill of ‘how-to’ work through a situation.
Increases the likelihood that his life will have more stability because of higher rider demand for horses with these types of skills.
Industry
Offers a new competition that encourages refinement, rideability and 'just plain' usefulness of the horse through the development of valuable skills in and out of the arena.
Improves marketability and increases the value of horses by enhancing their skills thus making them suitable to more people.
Brings new riders into the competitive arena.
Provides potential for national competition and recognition.