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Download the OCHC Driving Course 2008

 

Pleasure Driving Working

A pleasure driving class in which entries are judged primarily on the suitability of the horse to provide a pleasant drive.
To be shown both ways of the arena at a walk, slow trot, working trot and strong trot. To stand quietly, both on the rail and while lined up, and to rein back. All entries chosen for a workout may be worked both ways of the arena at any gait requested by the judge and may be asked to execute a figure of eight.
To be judged:
70% on performance, manners and way of going of the horse(s).
20% on the condition and fit of harness and vehicle.
10% on neatness of attire.

Obstacle Driving

1. General course requirements shall include the following:
a. All obstacles driven over a prescribed course.
b. The maximum width of "L" and "U" shaped obstacles shall be 10' and 13', respectively, for equines; 8' and 10', respectively, for ponies.
c. While many devices prove useful as obstacle markers, the "traffic cones" are the most easily obtained and quickly set.
d. A course diagram will be posted before the start of the class.
e. Competitors are prohibited from driving, leading, or riding their equines on any course at any time prior to the competition. It is advisable, however, for competitors to walk the course prior to the competition.

2) Scoring -
Obstacle Driving - To be driven as a performance class. To be driven at the trot over a prescribed course of obstacles. After passing the starting line, the competitor shall proceed through each obstacle to the designated finish line. Time will be used to break ties only. In the event of time ties, a drive-off will be required.
a. Penalties:

Knocking over start or finish marker 10 seconds
Knocking down or dislodging obstacle 10 seconds
First disobedience 10 seconds
Second disobedience 20 seconds
Third disobedience Elimination
Starting before signal Elimination
Failure to cross starting line w/in 1 min. Elimination
Failure to cross starting or finish line Elimination
Going off course (taking obstacles out of order) Elimination
Outside assistance Elimination
Failure to carry whip Elimination
Breakage of harness or vehicle Elimination
Breaking to canter: First break from trot 10 seconds, Second break from trot 10 seconds,Third break from
trot Elimination, Prolonged canter Elimination

b. Disobediences include:
1) Run-out - evading or passing an obstacle or the finish line. 2) Refusal - stopping for a prolonged time in front of an obstacle or stopping and then backing (even one step) in front of an obstacle. It is not considered a refusal if the equine stops and then immediately proceeds forward. 3) Any form of circle which causes a competitor to cross the original track between two consecutive obstacles, except to retake an obstacle after a refusal or run-out shall be penalized.


DESCRIPTION OF GAITS

The following descriptions constitute the ADS approved standard for
performance of each of the required gaits in a pleasure driving competition.

1. WALK: A free, regular and unconstrained walk of moderate extension is ideal. The horses should walk energetically, but calmly, with even and determined pace. The walk is a four beat gait.
2. SLOW TROT: The horse should maintain forward impulsion while showing submission to the bit. The trot is slower and more collected, but not to the degree required in the dressage collected trot. However, the horse should indicate willingness to be driven on the bit while maintaining a steady cadence.
3. WORKING TROT: This is the pace between the strong and the slow trotand more round than the strong trot. The horses go forward freely and straight; engaging the hind legs with good hock action; on a taut, but light, rein; the position being balanced and unconstrained. The steps
should be as even as possible. The hind feet touch the ground in the foot prints of the fore feet. The degree of energy and impulsion displayed at the working trot denotes clearly the degree of suppleness and balance ofthe horses.
4. STRONG TROT: This is a clear, but not excessive, increase in pace and lengthening of stride while remaining well balanced and showing
appropriate lateral flexion on turns. Light contact to be maintained. Excessive speed will be penalized.
5. HALT: Horses and vehicle should be brought to a complete square stop without abruptness or veering. At the halt, horses should stand attentive, motionless and straight with the weight evenly distributed over all four legs and be ready to move off at the slightest indication from the driver.
6. REIN BACK: Rein back is defined as a backward movement in which the legs are raised and set down simultaneously in diagonal pairs with thehind legs remaining well in line. To be performed in two parts: a. The horse must move backward at least four steps in an unhurried
manner with head flexed and straight, pushing the carriage back evenly in a straight line. The driver should use quiet aids and light
contact. b. Move forward willingly to former position using the same quiet aids.

RULES:
1. Drivers and passengers should be dressed conservatively according to the style of the present day. Any attempt to introduce period
costumes or gaudy trappings is discouraged.
2. Dress for the driver should conform to the type of turnout (i.e. Formal, Park, Country, Sporting).
3. Gentlemen must wear a coat or jacket while appearing in any class unless excused from doing so by the judge and/or show management.
4. Ladies must wear a conservative dress, tailored suit, or slacks. Floppy hats are discouraged.
5. Unless otherwise specified, the driver shall wear a hat, an apron or knee rug and gloves.
6. An appropriate whip shall be carried in hand at all times while driving.
7. All drivers under age 18 must wear an approved protective helmet. Approved protective helmets are encouraged for all
drivers.
8. All Jr. drivers under 14 must be accompanied by a knowledgeable adult.
9. Headers may be allowed to come into the ring when drivers line up for further judging.
10. It is the driver’s responsibility to see that the harness is in good condition, is clean and fits properly.
11. Horses over 14.2 hands in height will be classified as horses, those 14.2 hands and under will be classified as ponies.
12. Classes may be split Jr. and Adult drivers and/or Horses/Ponies.
13. Equines should never be left unattended while put to a vehicle. Failure to observe this rule shall cause immediate elimination.
14. Under no condition is a bridle to be removed from a equine while it is still put to a vehicle. If this occurs, it is an automatic elimination.
15. Classes shall be judged under American Driving Society guidelines.


 

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Last modified: 11/09/08
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