The Phases
There are four phases that make up a Working Horse Central. The trails may be held at stand-alone shows, held virtually, or piggy backed onto existing competitions for other disciplines. The first three (Working Horse Functionality, Working Horse Trail, Working Horse Agility) are the mandatory trials required for a complete WHC specific under saddle competition. The first two (Working Horse Functionality and Working Horse Trail) are the mandatory trials required for a complete WHC specific In Hand and Lead Line competition. Trials may be held in any order at the discretion of show management.
Working Horse Functionality
Prescribed patterns are ridden at each level. The judge will choose the pattern and it will be posted a minimum of 2 hours prior to the first rider of a division/level. Each level will have a maximum of three patterns for the judge to choose from. Each movement within the pattern is given a numerical score. Collective marks are given for posture, gaits, impulsion, suppleness, submission, as well as rider’s/handler’s position, effectiveness of the aids, and overall presentation.
Working Horse Trail
Obstacles designed to simulate challenges encountered by the working horse. Obstacles will be given individual numerical scores. A coefficient mark of 1 will be given to obstacle that are walked. A coefficient of 2 will be given to obstacles performed in trot. A coefficient of 3 will be given to obstacles performed in canter. Collective marks are given for transitions, course navigation, posture, gaits, impulsion, suppleness, submission, as well as rider’s/handler’s position, effectiveness of the aids, and overall presentation.
The goal of this phase is to negotiate the obstacles with accuracy, ease, engagement, thoroughness and relaxation.
Working Horse Agility
Obstacles are ridden at speed. The objective is to negotiate the course with no errors, in the correct order, as quickly and efficiently as possible. Beginner Horsemen are restricted to walk and trot. Each break of gait to canter will result in a 10 point/second penalty for the first three occurrences. The fourth occurrence will result in a disqualification. Any horse remaining in canter more than three strides will be disqualified. There are no gait restrictions in any other levels unless enacted by show management for safety reasons due to weather conditions or footing. Individual scores are based on elapsed time through the obstacles plus time penalties and minus time bonuses. A Horsemanship score will be given for each competitor. A Horse submission / adjustability score will be given to each horse.
Working Horse Cattle
This phase highlights the ability of a working horse and rider to work with cattle. There are two options for this phase. In the event a competition offers both options the scores will be averaged for year end awards points.
Option A – Individual – A cow must be cut from a herd of at least four cows. The rider must remove the cow from the herd zone, make a figure 8 around two barrels and return the cow to the herd. The rider has 5 minutes to perform this task. The rider must declare the cow prior to entering the herd zone. Rider will be awarded a time score plus bonuses/penalties, a horsemanship score, and a herdsmanship score. The horse will be awarded scores on adjustability and submission.
Option B – Team – A team of three riders must sort 6 cows in numerical order and move them to a pen on the opposite end of the competition arena. There can only be one cow in the working zone at a time. The riders have ten minutes to perform this task. The team will be awarded a time score plus bonuses/penalties. Each rider will be awarded a time score plus bonuses/penalties, a horsemanship score, and a herdsmanship score. Each horse will be awarded scores on adjustability and submission.