HAPPENING THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024 AT
LANCASTER FAIRGROUNDS
516 MAIN STREET
LANCASTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
515166 Main Street | Lancaster, NH 03584
Please use the form below to sign up. Classes are $15 each. I will also be at the fairground Friday morning until the lunch break in the announcer's booth and forms will be available then to fill out and return if you can't decide if you can handle that much fun until then. ;)
The same equine partner can be used with multiple handlers/riders with separate entry. The same handler/rider may separately enter multiple equine partners.
LANCASTER FAIRGROUNDS
516 MAIN STREET
LANCASTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
515166 Main Street | Lancaster, NH 03584
Please use the form below to sign up. Classes are $15 each. I will also be at the fairground Friday morning until the lunch break in the announcer's booth and forms will be available then to fill out and return if you can't decide if you can handle that much fun until then. ;)
The same equine partner can be used with multiple handlers/riders with separate entry. The same handler/rider may separately enter multiple equine partners.
| obstacle_sign_up_form_2024.pdf |
Here they are! The Obstacle courses for in-Hand an Mounted and the directions for each class. Check them out! You have a week to practice!!!! AND you can still sign up!!! be sure to let us know if you are signing up at this point because we may not have time to receive a mailed in entry!
| in_hand_obstacle_course_2024.pdf |
| mounted_obstacle_course_2024.pdf |
| obstacle_class_directions.pdf |
Our Generous Sponsors
Ribbon Sponsor
Joyce Bean in memory of her beloved Morgan, Taz 
Obstacle Sponsor
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Photographer
A&B Photography 
Obstacle Sponsor
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The Obstacle Challenge Classes will be judged by Matthew Roy of Matthew Roy Stables based on the equine and handler's team ability to negotiate each of the obstacles. Classes are not timed. Each obstacle has a limit of 3 attempts, after 3 attempts the team must move on to the next obstacle. Walk-Trot/Jog exhibitors/horses may not canter during obstacle course or will be disqualified. Obstacle courses will be posted at the Announcer’s booth and the obstacles will be numbered on the course. Spectators are encouraged to participate by cheering on the team and helping to guide the team to the appropriate next obstacle.
• The course will consist of numbered obstacles and teams will be required to complete each one in numeric order.
• A maximum of three (3) attempts is allowed at each obstacle, after which time the rider must move on to the next obstacle.
• The rider may choose to omit an obstacle. However, no score will be given for any obstacle not attempted.
• The rider may choose to move on after an attempt without completion at an obstacle with partial points being awarded.
• The judge may eliminate a rider if they do not follow the directions/rules of the course or they feel there is a safety risk to either the horse or rider to continue.
Class List
Mini/Pony In-Hand Obstacles: Open to exhibitors of all ages (with the exception of Leadline). Exhibitors may enter more than one horse, entering the course separately. Adults and Youth will all be judged by the same expectations and course.
Horse In-Hand Obstacles: Open to exhibitors of all ages (with the exception of Leadline). Exhibitors may enter more than one horse, entering the course separately. Adults and Youth will all be judged by the same expectations and course. You may cross enter into one of the mounted obstacle classes.
Walk-Trot/Jog Mounted Obstacles: Open to exhibitors of all ages (with the exception of Leadline). Exhibitors may enter more than one horse, entering the course separately. Adults and Youth, Walk-Trot/Jog will be judged by the same expectations and course. The course will not ask for any gait faster than a trot/jog. You may cross enter into the in-hand obstacle class.
Walk-Trot/Jog-Canter/Lope Mounted Open Obstacles: Open to exhibitors of all ages (with the exception of Leadline). Exhibitors may enter more than one horse, entering the course separately. Adults and Youth, Walk-Trot/Jog-Canter/Lope will be judged by the same expectations and course. You may cross enter into the in-hand obstacle class.
Judging Criteria
The judge will visualize a perfect 5/5 score for the obstacle and score you according to his ‘perfect performance’. Scores are based on the partnership with the horse. Each equine and rider/handler team are awarded 0-5 points for each obstacle. A plus for the equine and/or rider are awarded at the judge’s discretion and may be given to any score range. Pluses are used to break ties, they are not added to the score. Examples of pluses given would be for extra patience, finesse, or for an unusual circumstance during the obstacle.
Each obstacle will score a maximum of 5 points as follows:
0. No attempt at an obstacle
1. Incomplete attempt at an obstacle
2. Completion on third attempt
3. Completion on second attempt
4. Completion on first attempt – some resistance shown
5. Completion on first attempt - Perfect execution
General Guidelines:
• The course will consist of numbered obstacles and teams will be required to complete each one in numeric order.
• A maximum of three (3) attempts is allowed at each obstacle, after which time the rider must move on to the next obstacle.
• The rider may choose to omit an obstacle. However, no score will be given for any obstacle not attempted.
• The rider may choose to move on after an attempt without completion at an obstacle with partial points being awarded.
• The judge may eliminate a rider if they do not follow the directions/rules of the course or they feel there is a safety risk to either the horse or rider to continue.
Class List
Mini/Pony In-Hand Obstacles: Open to exhibitors of all ages (with the exception of Leadline). Exhibitors may enter more than one horse, entering the course separately. Adults and Youth will all be judged by the same expectations and course.
Horse In-Hand Obstacles: Open to exhibitors of all ages (with the exception of Leadline). Exhibitors may enter more than one horse, entering the course separately. Adults and Youth will all be judged by the same expectations and course. You may cross enter into one of the mounted obstacle classes.
Walk-Trot/Jog Mounted Obstacles: Open to exhibitors of all ages (with the exception of Leadline). Exhibitors may enter more than one horse, entering the course separately. Adults and Youth, Walk-Trot/Jog will be judged by the same expectations and course. The course will not ask for any gait faster than a trot/jog. You may cross enter into the in-hand obstacle class.
Walk-Trot/Jog-Canter/Lope Mounted Open Obstacles: Open to exhibitors of all ages (with the exception of Leadline). Exhibitors may enter more than one horse, entering the course separately. Adults and Youth, Walk-Trot/Jog-Canter/Lope will be judged by the same expectations and course. You may cross enter into the in-hand obstacle class.
Judging Criteria
The judge will visualize a perfect 5/5 score for the obstacle and score you according to his ‘perfect performance’. Scores are based on the partnership with the horse. Each equine and rider/handler team are awarded 0-5 points for each obstacle. A plus for the equine and/or rider are awarded at the judge’s discretion and may be given to any score range. Pluses are used to break ties, they are not added to the score. Examples of pluses given would be for extra patience, finesse, or for an unusual circumstance during the obstacle.
Each obstacle will score a maximum of 5 points as follows:
0. No attempt at an obstacle
1. Incomplete attempt at an obstacle
2. Completion on third attempt
3. Completion on second attempt
4. Completion on first attempt – some resistance shown
5. Completion on first attempt - Perfect execution
General Guidelines:
- All participants under the age of 18 shall wear a ASTM SEI approved helmet whether in-hand or mounted
- Equine should proceed at handler's/rider's cue without hesitation.
- Any form of spooking, disobedience, stepping away, or refusal will impact score.
- Equine may regard obstacle for a moment, but prolonged hesitation will impact score.
- Rider should have a centered and balanced seat, correct posture and eyes forward.
- Soft use of reins/bit will be rewarded.
- Rider must use one hand on a leverage/shank bit for an optimum score.
- Subtle/refined cues will score higher than obvious cues or strong use of aids (reins, bit, spurs, whips, sticks).
- A calm, patient, willing equine will score higher than nervousness or rushing.
- A good attitude of the equine is most desirable including no excessive swishing of the tail, pinning ears, pawing, kicking, or bucking.
- Riders should maintain cadence with all forward and backward movement.
- Unless otherwise specified, riders must stay centered when crossing over or through obstacles (jump, logs, vines, etc.).
- In-hand equine should respect the hander’s space.
- Riders/handlers are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior.
- Riders/handlers are expected to present in appropriate riding apparel. Pants and boots with 1” heel required.
