IJA Divisions for Exhibition of the Pleasure Walking Horse

TWH 112 Judging Under Saddle Classes  -  There are three Under Saddle Divisions • English Division comprising Park classes and English Pleasure classes.  • Trail Pleasure Division comprising English Trail Pleasure classes, Western Trail Pleasure classes, English Working Trail Pleasure classes and Western Working Trail Pleasure classes.  • Western Division comprising Western Pleasure classes and Ranch Horse classes.

• • Assuming all required gaits are attempted, all required gaits are given equal importance in judging.

• • A TWH who does not exhibit any of the required gaits for a sufficient period to allow the judge to form an adequate impression of the entry will be severely penalized and will not be placed above other horses that do perform all required gaits.

The mandatory elements in all TWH classes are: correct gaits, adherence to characteristics of the ideal horse for the class, pleasure horse qualities, ability to back, adherence to Tack and Attire standards and adherence to Shoeing standards. When judging, all mandatory elements are not equal.  

• • Tennessee Walking Horses must demonstrate correct gaits as described in TWH101. Recognizing that the style in which these gaits are demonstrated varies from horse to horse, classes for Tennessee Walking Horses are varied. Classes are described and defined by correctness of gait and the style of movement (way of going) rather than by the size of the shoe. Horses are evaluated both on correctness of gait and how well they fit the description of the ideal horse for each class.

• • Horses that display an incorrect gait for the entire class will be severely penalized: they will not be first or second and will not be place over horses that gait correctly.

• • Horses that display a tendency to deviate from the correct gait at times during a class will be penalized at the discretion of the judge, but will not be placed first and will not be placed over other horses that gait correctly.

• • The ideal horse described in each class description defines the parameters upon which judges’ decisions will be based.

• • Horses not exhibiting characteristics of the ideal horse for the class entered will be severely penalized regardless of the quality of the gaits presented by that horse. Such horses will not place above any horse exhibiting the characteristics of the ideal horse for the class so long as those horses in the correct class perform the correct gaits.  

• • If no horse exhibits BOTH the characteristics of the ideal horse for the class entered and performs the correct gaits, no horse will be placed first or second.

• • Tennessee Walking Horses must back a minimum of four steps on a straight track without jerking or sawing on the reins by the rider, or signs of resistance and irritation by the horse (gaped mouth or swishing tail, etc). Failure to back without resistance will be penalized.

• • Tennessee Walking Horses must demonstrate the qualities of a pleasure horse. (TWH 100) 

• • All Tennessee Walking Horse entries must adhere to Chapter 6 Tack and Attire  • All Tennessee Walking Horses entries must adhere to Chapter 4 Shoeing Regulations

TWH 113 Under Saddle Class Routine  -  The required gaits for each class are performed in both directions. • In any class, a second running walk may be called for the second way of the ring to allow for additional evaluation of the purity of the gait. • If a horse is in the parked position, the rider will square the horse up before asking for the rein back.

TWH 114 Call of Class for English Division  -  Horses enter at the flat walk. • Two gait classes - flat walk, running walk, flat walk, reverse, flat walk, running walk, flat walk and proceed to the line up. • Three gait classes - flat walk, running walk, flat walk, canter, flat walk, reverse, flat walk, running walk, flat walk, canter, flat walk and proceed to the line-up.

TWH 116 English Pleasure Classes (UPWHA Lite Shod English) -   Horses in English Pleasure classes are natural English pleasure show horses, executing authentic walking horse gaits fashionably and freely in a forward-moving manner exhibiting pleasure horse qualities. There is no wasted motion - all effort is used for forward motion. The horse is well balanced, the shoulders roll and reach, head nod is prominent, overstride is easily observable (may be considerable) and all gaits are smooth. High front-end elevation and animated full body motion are not required elements

• • The horse has a higher head carriage in keeping with its conformation.

• • The horse has moderate front end elevation and full body motion that is natural in appearance with no impression of laboring.

• • The total picture is one of boldness and balance.

• • The horse gives the appearance of effortlessness in the execution of its gait. It is airy and up in the bridle, but the horse is not held in frame. 

• • The horse is shown in a collected manner.

• • The horse is ridden on a light rein.

• • True walking form is paramount. English Pleasure horses are consistent in all gaits displaying correct timing, head nod, reach, stride, and overstride.

• • There are observable changes in speed and stride between the gaits.

• • The horse is responsive to aids given by the rider.

• • The horse is easily controlled • The horse is alert and willing with no indication of nervousness or difficult behavior.

•  • The horse backs a minimum of four steps on a straight track without resistance.

Penalties  -  

• • A horse not demonstrating the described characteristics of an ideal  English Pleasure Horse will be severely penalized and will not be placed above a horse that both exhibits the described characteristics and performs the correct gaits in the class.

• • Deviation from the correct walking gaits will be severely penalized.

• • Bumping or pumping of the reins at any gait will be severely penalized.

• • Horses on the wrong lead will be penalized.

• • Horses that fail to respond immediately to the rider’s aids, will not stand quietly, or fail to back a minimum of four steps on a straight track with no indication of discomfort or displeasure will be penalized.

• • Bad manners of any sort will be penalized.

• • High front knee action without reach will be penalized

• • Horses with long striding back legs will not be tied over horses with better overall form but with less stride behind.

Shoeing  -  English Pleasure classes are not defined by shoe size but by way of going. The maximum shoe is the 1 inch shoe (and may only be worn on horses 4 and older), but horses may also compete in lite shod or keg shoes or barefoot if the way of going is appropriate for the class. As of January 1, 2007 the use of the 1 inch shoe will be restricted to Tennessee Walking Horse Park classes. The largest permissible shoe in English Pleasure classes will be the Lite Shod shoe.

Tack and Attire  -  All English Pleasure classes are considered traditional Saddle Seat classes and require Saddle Seat tack and attire. For complete description refer to 638 Saddle Seat Tack, Equipment and Attire and 608 Prohibited Tack, Equipment and Attire. Refer to 609, 610, 611, 612, 613 and 615 for Allowable bits.

TWH 117 General  -  Trail Pleasure Horses are using horses. These are horses used for pleasure riding on trails under a variety of conditions and over a variety of terrain. While all Trail Pleasure horses are ridden on trails, the types of trails encountered vary depending upon the type of terrain. • These Rules include classes for 2 types of Trail Pleasure horses: o horses intended to be ridden on groomed trails or bridle paths (Trail Pleasure) o horses intended to be ridden on terrain that is uneven and constantly changing (Working Trail Pleasure). • Classes in this division may be either two or three gait and offered for Western or English as separate categories or as combined classes. • Show managers are encouraged to offer a variety of amateur and amateur owned and trained classes in both trail pleasure and working trail pleasure.

TWH 118 Trail Pleasure Classes  -  Horses in Trail Pleasure classes are using horses that are appropriate for use on groomed trails or bridle paths. Trail Pleasure horses perform true walking gaits with an effortlessness geared toward encouraging longevity and stamina. Trail pleasure classes are judged on the ability of the horse to provide a safe pleasurable ride while performing authentic walking gaits.

• • The horse is shown in a semi-collected frame.

• • The head and neck are carried in a natural and relaxed manner appropriate to the horse’s overall conformation.

•  • The horse is surefooted.

•  • The ride is comfortable, smooth and pleasurable.

• • Horses are consistent in all gaits, displaying timing, head nod, reach, stride and overstride appropriate for pleasure riding on groomed trails or bridle paths.

• • The footfall is correct and there is an observable difference in speed and stride between the flat walk and the running walk.

• • The canter or lope is relaxed and ground covering.

• • The horse is not tired or laboring at any gait.

•  • The horse has exceptional manners.

• • The horse is responsive, quiet and manageable at all gaits on a light rein.

• • The horse backs a minimum of four steps on a straight track without resistance.

• • The horse stands quietly.

• • If requested by the judge, the Trail Pleasure horse must drop from any gait to a working walk, as the rider feeds the reins to the horse. The reins are fed out to the buckle with English tack or until the reins are fed out to the halfway point as in roping reins in Western tack. This results in the horse stretching its neck showing relaxation and acceptance of the bit. The horse does not attempt to speed up or “get away” from the rider when the working walk is requested.

• • If requested by the judge, the horse must execute a side pass from either side. Each horse will be pulled from the line-up for the side pass.

• • A horse not demonstrating the described characteristics of an ideal Trail Pleasure Horse will be severely penalized and will not be placed above a horse that both exhibits the described characteristics and performs the correct gaits in the class.

•  • Deviation from the correct walking gaits will be severely penalized.

• • Horses with high knee action will be disqualified.

•  • Bumping or pumping or snatching of the reins at any gait will be severely penalized.

• • Horses on the wrong lead will be penalized.

•  • Horses that fail to respond immediately to the rider’s aids, will not stand quietly, or fail to back a minimum of four steps on a straight track with no indication of discomfort or displeasure will be penalized.

•  • Bad manners of any sort will be penalized.

• • Failure to drop from any gait into the working walk will be penalized. 

• • In Western Trail Pleasure classes, two hands on the reins (except with a snaffle bit or bosal on a junior horse) will be severely penalized.

• • In Western Trail Pleasure classes, fingers between romal reins or more than one finger between split reins will be severely penalized.

Call of the Class for Trail Pleasure  -  Horses enter the ring at the flat walk. Horses enter the line-up at the working walk. • Two gait classes - flat walk, running walk, flat walk, reverse, flat walk, running walk, flat walk and proceed to the line up. • Three gait classes - flat walk, running walk, flat walk, canter or lope, flat walk, reverse, flat walk, running walk, flat walk, canter or lope, flat walk and proceed to the line up. • If requested by the judge, the working walk may be called from any gait. The working walk will be followed by the flat walk.

Shoeing  -  Trail Pleasure classes are not defined by shoe size but by way of going. The lite shod shoe is the maximum shoe allowed but horses may compete with keg shoes or barefoot if the way of going is appropriate for the class.

Tack and Attire  -  If offered as a combined class, either English (Saddle Seat) or Western tack and attire is acceptable, but tack and attire may not be mixed. For complete description refer to 642 Trail Pleasure Tack, Equipment and Attire and 638 Saddle Seat Tack, Equipment and Attire and 645 Western Tack, Equipment and Attire and 606 Other Acceptable Tack Options and 608 Prohibited Tack, Equipment and Attire. Refer to 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614 and 615 for Allowable bits.

TWH 119 Working Trail Pleasure Classes  -  Working Trail Pleasure horses are suitable to be taken directly from the show ring and put to work in a trail environment where a variety of terrain and conditions are encountered. Due to the variety of terrain and possible obstacles encountered on the trail, Working Trail Pleasure horses may have shorter strides.

• • The Working Trail Pleasure horse demonstrates true walking horse gaits in an economical manner.

• • Working Trail Pleasure classes may be offered with or without obstacles. If obstacles are included, they are counted as 25% of the total point value of the class

• • Classes are judged on the ability of the horse to provide a safe pleasurable ride over a variety of terrain while performing authentic walking gaits.

• • The frame of the horse is a working frame.

• • All movement is forward movement, with gaits tending toward the “using gaits” rather than the “showy gaits ”.

• • The horse has stamina and never appears tired or laboring.

• • Working Trail Pleasure horses are consistent in all gaits displaying timing, head nod, reach, stride and overstride appropriate for pleasure riding on a variety of terrain and under a variety of conditions.

• • The footfall is correct and there is a difference in speed and stride between the flat walk and the running walk.

•  • The canter or lope is relaxed and ground covering.

•  • The horse is sure-footed.

• • The ride is comfortable, safe and pleasurable.

• • The Working Trail Pleasure horse must drop from any gait to a working walk, as the rider feeds the reins to the horse. The reins are fed out to the buckle with English tack or until the reins are fed out to the halfway point as in roping reins in Western tack. This results in the horse stretching its neck showing relaxation and acceptance of the bit. The horse does not attempt to speed up or “get away” from the rider when the working walk is requested.

• • Working Trail Pleasure Western horses are willingly guided or controlled with no apparent resistance on a reasonably loose rein (one that has visible slack or a shallow ‘U”) without undue restraint. The rein is used when necessary to direct the horse not to check it into frame or gait.

•  • The horse stands quietly and square in the lineup with no parking out.

• • The horse backs a minimum of four steps on a straight track without any resistance.

• • If requested by the judge, the horse must execute a side pass from either side. Each horse will be pulled from the line-up for the side pass.

• • If requested by the judge, the horse must execute a 360 degree turn on the forehand or the haunches.

Penalties  - 

• • A horse not demonstrating the described characteristics of an ideal Working Trail Pleasure Horse will be severely penalized, and will not be placed above a horse that both exhibits the described characteristics and performs the correct gaits in the class.

• • Deviation from the correct walking gaits will be severely penalized.

•  • Bumping or pumping of the reins at any gait will be severely penalized.

• • Horses with high knee action will be disqualified.

•  • Horses on the wrong lead will be penalized.

•  • Horses that fail to respond immediately to the rider’s aids, will not stand quietly, or fail to back a minimum of four steps on a straight track with no indication of discomfort or displeasure will be penalized.

• • Bad manners of any sort will be penalized.

•  • Failure to drop from any gait into the working walk will be penalized.

• • In Western Working Trail Pleasure classes, two hands on the reins (except on a snaffle bit or bosal on a junior horse) will be severely penalized.

• • In Western Working Trail Pleasure classes, fingers between romal reins or more than one finger between split reins will be severely penalized.

Call of the Class for Working Trail Pleasure  -  Horses enter at the flat walk. • Two gait classes - flat walk, running walk, flat walk, reverse, flat walk, running walk, flat walk and proceed to the line up. • Three gait classes - flat walk, running walk, flat walk, canter or lope, flat walk, reverse, flat walk, running walk, flat walk, canter or lope, flat walk and proceed to the line up. • The working walk will be called from any gait. It will be followed by the flat walk.

Shoeing  -  Working Trail Pleasure classes are not defined by shoe size but by way of going. Horses may be barefoot or keg shod.

Tack and Attire  -  If offered as a combined class, either English (Saddle Seat) or Western tack and attire is acceptable but tack and attire may not be mixed. For complete description refer to 648 Working Trail Pleasure Tack, Equipment and Attire and 638 Saddle Seat Tack, Equipment and Attire and 645 Western Tact, Equipment and Attire and 606 Other Acceptable Tack Options and 608 Prohibited Tack, Equipment and Attire. Refer to 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614 and 615 for Allowable bits.

TWH 120 General  -  Horses five and under may be ridden with a snaffle bit or bosal and two hands on the reins.

TWH 121 Bits in the Western Division:

• See 609, 610, 611, 612, 614, and 615 for allowable bits

• -  Western Snaffle - Horses 5 and under using a snaffle bit or bosal may be ridden with 2 hands on the reins.

•  - Horses 6 and over may be ridden using a snaffle bit or bosal, but only one hand is permitted on the reins.

• -  Western Curb –  Horses 6 and over may be ridden using a curb bit with either split reins or romal reins but only one hand is permitted on the reins.

• - Horses 5 and under may be ridden using a curb bit with either split reins or romal reins but only one hand is permitted on the reins.

• - Curb Strap – at least ½ inch wide; all leather or leather on each end with chain in the middle, must lie flat in the chin groove.

• - As of January 1, 2006, a complete chain curb is acceptable with a Western curb bit.

• For Horses of any age using split reins or romal reins and a curb bit  

• For Horses 6 years and over using split reins or romal reins and a snaffle bit 

• For Horses 6 years and over using a bosal or Western bitless bridle

• • Reins are to be held in one hand and must not be changed once the gate is closed and the class begins.

• • Split reins: When using split reins the hand may be around the reins OR one finger may be inserted between the reins. When the hand is around the rein, the rider may hold the end of the reins with the opposite hand to keep the reins from swinging. When one finger is inserted between the reins, the ends of the rein must fall on the side of the reining hand and the reins must not be held to keep from swinging.

• • Romal reins: When using romal reins the hand must be around the reins. The rider may hold the end of the reins to keep them from swinging but the romal must be held at least 16 inches away from the reining hand. • The rider’s non-reining hand shall be clear of the reining hand at all times. The non-reining hand may be carried across the chest or allowed to fall relaxed and straight from the shoulder, either resting on the thigh or carried behind the thigh near the cantle of the saddle. • The rider’s non-reining hand must not be tucked around the waist or held out to the side near the front of the saddle. • In Ranch Horse classes, the non-reining hand must fall relaxed and straight from the shoulder, and be carried either resting on the thigh or behind the thigh.

TWH 123 Western Pleasure Classes (UPWHA Lite Shod Western) -  The Western Pleasure horse works quietly exhibiting an exceptionally smooth, free and easy gait. The horse is ground covering, consistent and steady at all gaits. The horse exhibits a good attitude and is very calm, responsive and obedient to the rider. The Western Pleasure horse is not held in frame, but works quietly in a semi-collected frame that is slightly more collected that that of a Ranch horse. Possessing a lower head-set, the shoulder and neck are relaxed. The horse may possess shorter coupling with a muscular build and may have a shorter stride.

• • Western Pleasure horses are consistent in all gaits displaying timing, head nod, reach, stride and overstride appropriate to a Western style horse.

• • The horse exhibits true four beat, consistent walking gaits and a controlled three beat lope.

• • There is an observable difference in speed and stride between the flat walk and the running walk.

• • Western Pleasure horses are relaxed at all gaits. The gaits are free and easy.

• • Western Pleasure horses provide an exceptionally smooth ride without action or animation. All movement and energy is channeled into forward motion.

• • The horse exhibits reach and overstride but a balanced appearance is important.

• • The headset is relaxed and natural, between 45 to 90 degrees and not behind the vertical.

• • The frame is semi-collected

• • Western Pleasure horses are willingly guided or controlled with no apparent resistance on a reasonably loose rein (one that has visible slack or a shallow ‘U”) without undue restraint. The rein is used when necessary to direct the horse not to check it into frame or gait.

• • Western Pleasure horses exhibit true pleasure qualities.

• • Western Pleasure horses stand quietly in the lineup.

• • They back readily, straight and without resistance.

• • The judge may request the Western Pleasure horse to:

  • halt on the rail from any gait

  • extend the lope

  •  hand gallop

  • demonstrate a 360 degree (neck rein) turn on the haunches in either direction The 360 degree turn is mandatory in Championship classes.
  • In the event that there are no Western Pleasure championship classes offered at a show, the 360 degree turn is mandatory in each Western Pleasure class.

Penalties  -  

• • A horse not demonstrating the described characteristics of an ideal Western Pleasure Horse will be severely penalized, and will not be placed above a horse that both exhibits the described characteristics and performs the correct gaits in the class.

• • Deviation from the correct walking gaits will be severely penalized.

• • Hitting the horse with the rein (if seen by the judge) will result in disqualification.

• • Cueing the horse in front of the cinch will be severely penalized.

• • Bumping, pumping or snatching of the reins (if seen by the judge) will be severely penalized.

• • Horses not holding a three beat lope will be severely penalized.

• • Horses traveling with an open mouth at any gait, or with evidence of tongue distress will be severely penalized.

• • Two hands on the reins (except with a snaffle bit on a junior horse) will be severely penalized.

• • Fingers between romal reins or more than one finger between split reins will be severely penalized.

• • Horses on the wrong lead will be penalized.

• • Horses that travel too fast at the lope will be penalized.

• • Horses that fail to stand quietly will be penalized.

• • Horses that fail to back willingly or show resistance while backing will be penalized

Call of the Class for Western Pleasure  -  Horses enter at the flat walk. • Two gait classes - flat walk, running walk, flat walk, reverse, flat walk, running walk, flat walk and proceed to the line up. • Three gait classes - flat walk, running walk, flat walk, lope, flat walk, reverse, flat walk, running walk, flat walk, lope, flat walk and proceed to the line up. If the hand gallop is requested it will be called after the lope and then followed by the lope. • If requested a halt on the rail may be called from any gait. After the halt on the rail, the horse may be asked to reverse or to continue at the flat walk.

Shoeing  -  Western Pleasure classes are not defined by shoe size but by way of going. The lite shod shoe is the maximum shoe allowed but horses may compete with keg shoes or barefoot if the way of going is appropriate for the class.

Tack and Attire  -  Western Tack, Equipment and Attire are required for Western Pleasure classes. For complete description refer to 645 Western Tack, Equipment and Attire and 608 Prohibited Tack, Equipment and Attire. Refer to 609, 610, 611, 612, 614 and 615 for Allowable bits.

CP 100 Country Pleasure Division  - (UPWHA Country Pleasure - Opt. Tack)

• • Country Pleasure Classes may be breed specific or Open Gaited Breed.

• • Country Pleasure classes may be two or three gait.

• • The intermediate gait is the choice of the exhibitor when Open Gaited Breed is being shown, but the intermediate gait may not be the canter, lope or hand gallop.

• • Unless show managers direct otherwise, country pleasure horses are eligible to compete in any other class at the show as long as their shoeing conforms to requirements of the class.

• • The ideal country pleasure horse should reflect the name of the division. This should be the type of horse that you would willingly ride if you were to go out to spend a day in the country.

• • In Country Pleasure classes, correctness of gait is secondary to a willing and cooperative manor and a smooth, pleasurable ride.

• • The horse has the ability and the fitness level to travel all day over a variety of terrain

• • The horse displays exceptional manners.

• • The horse exhibits an alert and willing attitude.

• • The horse and rider are in tune with each other.

• • The horse is pleasant, confident and obedient. 

• • The horse has a quiet nature but is responsive to the rider’s commands.

• • The gait is a smooth and comfortable “saddle gait”.

• • The horse is calm.

• • Horses line up and stand quietly before being asked to back. 

• • The judge may require contestants to mount and dismount while in the lineup.

• • Lack of stamina or condition will be severely penalized.

• • Excessive speed or animation that is not compatible with a “stroll in the country” will be severely penalized.

• • Any sign of resistance will be penalized.

• • Pinned ears and twitching tails will be penalized.

• • Lack of forward motion will be penalized.

Call of class for Country Pleasure Horses UPWHA: enter the ring at the working walk, proceed to flatwalk, runwalk, flatwalk, reverse, flatwalk, runwalk, working walk and proceed into the lineup. 

Call of class for Country Pleasure Horses OGB: enter the ring at the working walk. The intermediate gait excludes the canter, lope or gallop. Two Gait classes – working walk, intermediate gait, working walk, reverse, working walk, intermediate gait, working walk and proceed to the line-up. Three Gait classes – working walk, intermediate gait, working walk, canter or lope, working walk, reverse, working walk, Intermediate gait, working walk, canter or lope, working walk and proceed to the line-up.

Tack and attire  -  If offered as a combined class, either English (Saddle Seat) or Western tack, equipment and attire is acceptable, but tack and attire may not be mixed. For a complete description refer to 637 Saddle Seat Tack, Equipment and Attire 644 Western Tack, Equipment and Attire and 606 Other Acceptable Tack Options and 608 Prohibited Tack, Equipment and Attire.

UPWHA supports sound training, riding and exhibition for ALL horse breeds

We welcome your questions and comments, and want to invite you to come visit with us at one of our scheduled shows or events. 

For more information please email: 

phone: Joyce Guillemot, President at 816-690-4515 jjguillemot@gmail.com

or Vice President Kelly Hewitt at 573-999-7232   amstar176@aol.com