465. PLEASURE DRIVING

(a) A pleasure driving horse should carry himself in a natural

balanced position with a relaxed head and neck. His poll should be

level with, or slightly above the level of the withers.

(b) Maximum credit should be given to a horse that moves

straight, with free movement, manners and a bright expression.

(c) The horse shall be severely penalized if he carries his head

behind the vertical, is overflexed, excessively nosed out, the poll is

below the withers or exhibits lack of control by exhibitor.

(d) This class will be judged 80 percent on the horse’s performance

and suitability for assuring a pleasurable drive, with a maximum

of 20 percent on condition and conformation.

(e) Horses must be shown with natural American Quarter

Horse hoofs and standard shoes. No extended hoofs, heavy shoes or

toe weights allowed.

(f)Horses shall enter the ring in the same direction. Each horse shall then be

exhibited at the walk, park gait and road gait in both directions of the show ring. The

recommended class procedure is walk, park gait, road gait, park gait and walk. Consistently

showing too far off the rail shall be penalized according to severity. At the direction

of the ring steward, such change of direction shall be accomplished by the horses

crossing the show ring on the diagnonal while walking only.

(g) Each horse shall also be required to back easily and straight

and stand quietly.

(h) No exhibitor shall drive a horse while standing, kneeling or

using a seat extension in the cart at any time. An exhibitor may

momentarily rise if circumstances warrant. No horse shall be unbridled

or unattended while hooked to a cart.Excessive noisemaking by

exhibitors shall be penalized according to severity.