Description of Divisions
Open Single Horse
Open to any horse and driver without restrictions.
Limited Single Horse
A horse that has not won 6 first place ribbons in an ADS recognized or USEF licensed show.
Novice Whip
Open to a driver who has not won 3 first place ribbons in an ADS recognized or USEF licensed show.
Maiden Horse
Open to a horse that has not won a first place ribbon in an ADS recognized or USEF licensed show.
Small Pony
An equine that is larger than 9.3 hands (39 inches) and shorter than 12.2 hands (50 inches) in height.
Medium Pony
An equine that is larger than 12.2 hands (50 inches) and shorter than 13.2 hands (54 inches) in height.
Large Pony
An equine that is larger than 13.2 hands (54 inches) and shorter than 14.2 hands (58 inches).
Very Small Equine (VSE)
An equine under 9.3 hands or 39 inches in height.
Junior
A driver who has is under 18 years of age as of January 1st, 2010. Junior drivers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult knowledgeable and capable of rendering assistance at all times. All juniors must wear a helmet.
Draft
Single or multiple draft horse. A draft horse may be purebred or a draft-cross. It must have the appearance of being compact and stylish, stand squarely on its legs and be well muscled. Draft horses may be shown in draft harness or carriage harness and may be put to a vehicle of the driver's choosing. No strong trot required. Lap robe optional.
Pairs
Only turnouts with horses hitched side-by-side may enter this division. Pairs will not cross-over into the Multiples Division. Turnouts will be shown both directions of the ring at a walk, slow trot and strong trot. The pairs are to stand quietly both on the rail if called for and while lined up. They may be asked to execute a figure of eight and back up.
Multiples
Tandems, sporting tandems, unicorn hitches, and four-in-hand turnouts. The equines are to be shown both directions of the ring at a walk, slow trot, working trot, strong trot. To stand quietly both on the rail and while lined up. May be asked to execute a figure eight and back up.
Park Avenue
Championship awarded including some cash prizes. This division is open to all competitors and cross division entries allowed.
Description of Classes
Turnout
- The horses will be shown in the ring both ways at a walk, slow trot, working trot and strong trot. Entries should stand quietly and rein back.
- All Entries chosen for a workout may be worked both ways of the ring at any gait requested by the judge, and may be asked to execute a figure of eight and/or perform other appropriate tests.
Class to be judged as follows:
70% on condition, fit, and appropriateness of harness and vehicle, neatness, and appropriateness of attire and overall impression.
30% on performance, manners and way of going.
Reinsmanship
- A Pleasure Driving class in which entries are judged primarily on the ability and skill of the driver (whip).
- To be show at a walk, slow trot, working trot and strong trot.
- Drivers shall be required to rein back.
- All drivers chosen for a workout may be worked at any gait requested by the judge and may be asked to execute a figure of eight and/or perform other appropriate tests.
- In order to evaluate a driver's versatility, the judge may request a test involving driving with one hand.
- The driver should be seated comfortably on the box so as to be relaxed and effective.
- Either the one or two-handed method of driving is acceptable. Common to both methods, the elbows and arms should be close to the body with an allowing but steady hand enabling a consistent feel with the horse's mouth.
- Drivers should not be penalized or rewarded for using one general style over another.
Class to be judged as follows:
75% on handling of reins and whip, control, posture, and overall appearance of driver.
25% on the condition of harness and vehicle and neatness of attire.
Working Pleasure
- This is a Pleasure Driving class in which entries are judged primarily on the suitability of the horse to provide a pleasant drive.
- The horse is to be shown both ways of the ring at a walk, slow trot, working trot, and strong trot. To stand quietly, both on the rail and while in the line up, and to rein back.
- All entries chosen for a workout may be worked both ways of the ring at any gait requested by the judge and may be asked to execute a figure of eight.
Class to be judged as follows:
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.
Antique Vehicle
Any vehicle of vintage age (prior to 1940's) is eligible to enter the Antique Vehicle class. Turnouts will be shown both ways of the ring at a walk, slow trot, working trot, and strong trot. Horses are to stand quietly, both on the rail and while in the line up, and to rein back.
Lady to Drive
This is a class where only our fashionable ladies will be competing against each other. It is judged as a Pleasure Driving class in which entries are judged primarily on the suitability of the horse to provide a pleasant drive. Of course, their turnout as a whole is always a factor in the judge's decision. The horse is to be shown both ways of the ring at a walk, slow trot, working trot, and strong trot. To stand quietly, both on the rail and while in the line up, and to rein back. All entries chosen for a workout may be worked both ways of the ring at any gait requested by the judge and may be asked to execute a figure of eight.
Gentleman to Drive
This is a class where only our discerning gentlemen will be competing against each other. It is judged as a Pleasure Driving class in which entries are judged primarily on the suitability of the horse to provide a pleasant drive. Of course, their turnout as a whole is always a factor in the judge's decision. The horse is to be shown both ways of the ring at a walk, slow trot, working trot, and strong trot. To stand quietly, both on the rail and while in the line up, and to rein back. All entries chosen for a workout may be worked both ways of the ring at any gait requested by the judge and may be asked to execute a figure of eight.
Carriage Dog Class
Entries are judged primarily on the performance, quality and attitude of the dog on each turnout. Any style of hitch or size of horse(s) or ponies(s) is permissible. The dog must sit or stand on the vehicle and is not allowed to be tied or tethered to it. A leash may be used, held only if necessary.
A dog jumping off the vehicle is eliminated from the class. The entries will be show both ways of the arena at a walk, slow trot, and working trot. The turnout is expected to stand quietly in the line up.
Class to be judged as follows:
70% on the performance, manners, balance and attitude of the dog.
20% on the overall impression and devotion to driver.
10% on the quality of breed (if any), neatness and attire of the dog.
Concour's d' Elegance - by invitation only
The essence of this competition is the word Elegance. The winner will be the turnout, which, in the opinion of the listed judges, presents the most elegant effect throughout the entire show. This will include vehicle, harness, appointments, horse(s)/pony(s), driver, passengers, grooms, etc., but over all, general impression is most important. Vehicle and harness may be inspected to insure thoughtful restoration and careful maintenance. Attention will be paid to the personal appearance of the driver, groom/s, and passenger/s as it contributes to the overall picture, but period costumes are definitely prohibited. Performance is not judged unless it detracts from the elegance of the turnout.
Best of Show - by invitation only
Division Champions will compete against each other to determine the Best of Show.
The horses/turnouts will be shown in the ring both ways at a walk, slow trot, working trot, and strong trot. Entries should stand quietly and rein back. Decision for the Best of Show is based on overall appearance of the turnout and performance of the horse(s).
Town & Country
Entries to be driven, at the trot over a prescribed course of natural and artificial obstacles with dislodgeable markers, designed to simulate those that might be encountered on a country drive.
After passing through the starting line, the driver shall proceed through each obstacle, in order, keeping within the limits of the designated course markers and passing through the designated finish markers.
Obstacle Scurry
To be driven over a course of unnumbered obstacles consisting of cones. After passing the starting line, competitors shall proceed at the trot through each obstacle in any order, from any direction. Each obstacle must be driven once. Upon completion of the course, the driver must drive through the finish line where time will be taken. A five second penalty will be assessed for the disturbance (dislodging a ball) of any part of any obstacle at any time while on course. Run-outs or refusals will not be penalized. The circling rule does not apply in this class. Cantering is prohibited. Breaking to the canter will incur the following penalties: 1st break - 5 second penalty; 2nd break - additional 5 second penalty; 3rd break - additional 5 second penalty; 4th break - Elimination. Missing an obstacle will incur Elimination. The use of tie-downs, overchecks, and failure to carry a whip will incur Elimination with no score given. Placing will be determined on a low total time basis, time plus penalty seconds. `
Progressive Cones
Entries will be driven at the trot over a course of six (6) numbered sets of cones which will be adjusted to the following clearances over the measured wheel width: #1 - 20, #2 - 16, #3 - 12, #4 - 8, #5 - 4, and #6 - 2.
After passing the starting line, the driver shall proceed through each obstacle, in order, until finishing the course or until a ball is dropped on an obstacle. Time will be stopped when the rear axle clears the last obstacle or when an obstacle is dislodged. Two (2) points will be scored for each obstacle cleared. The largest number of points will determine placings. Time will decide ties. Going off course will incurs Elimination. The entire course will be driven at a trot. Breaking into a canter or a walk will equal a ball down, and time stops.
Championship Presentations
Points will be awarded for all ribbons:
First Place ...............6 points
Second Place...........5 points
Third Place ..............4 points
Fourth Place ............3 points
Fifth Place ...............2 points
Sixth Place ..............1 point
Participation in the Dickason Drive is an eligibility prerequisite for any and all Championship Awards, excluding the Junior Division, Maiden Horse Division, and the Novice Whip Division. Maiden Horses and Novice Whips are not required to drive Dickason Drive, but may participate in the Dickason Drive with Show Committee approval.
Division Champion:
To be awarded to the combination of vehicle and horse/pony driven by the same competitor/horse/carriage combination, which has accumulated the greatest number of points in designated division. Championship Trophy, Champion and Reserve Champion Ribbons are given out at the Awards Dinner at the end of the show located at the Fireman's Park Pavilion on the second floor.
