Effective June 30th with The Prodigy qualifiers, SHOW judges will be reinstating and enforcing the rule of horses entering the ring at a flat walk and proceeding past a set marker so the horse’s way of going can be evaluated for locomotion.  The increased emphasis on the rule came as a result of a meeting between the SHOW Judges’ Committee and the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association Task Force.  The groups met to discuss many items around judging items to place emphasis on in the upcoming continuing education for SHOW Judges’ on June 27th.

“All horses shall enter the ring at a Flat Walk, or Pleasure Gait in the case of All Day Pleasure, go to the right (counterclockwise) and MUST PROCEED AT A FLATWALK (or Pleasure Gait) past a cone set up halfway down the straightaway.  The entries then must proceed at a walk (dog walk, trail walk) on down the end of the straightaway to the beginning of the first curve before going at ease to allow the remaining horses to enter the ring. The entry may move on around to the opposite straightaway to position themselves for starting the class but cannot go past the entrance gate until the class is called to order.”

Entries not proceeding past the marker upon entrance into the ring will be excused immediately. Also, an entry coming into the ring, stopping and doubling back to other side of the entry gate will also be excused immediately. This allows the Judge(s) to observe each horse’s way of going upon entrance into the ring to ensure the horses are exhibiting acceptable locomotion. In addition, due to the safety of horses and riders, it alleviates congestion and crowding right inside the entrance gate.  It also allows fans and spectators to see the horses coming in and to get a better view of each entry during the class.

Owners, trainers and exhibitors will begin to see the cone or marker set up at shows prior to June 30th to increase awareness and prevent anyone from being excused once the application of the rule goes into effect on June 30th.