WESTERN
Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Ranch Riding,
Reining, Reined Working Donkey
165 General Western Rules
A. Western Attire: Exhibitors in all approved NASMA shows are required to wear long-sleeved shirt. Western hats. pants and boots in stock type halter, gymkhana events and western performance classes. Safety helmets are optional. The hat must be on the rider’s head when the exhibitor enters the arena. Spurs and chaps are optional. Refer to Coon Jump rules for attire requirements in that class.
B. Western Bits:
1. Snaffles: Whenever this book refers to snaffle bit in western performance classes, it means the conventional 0- ring, egg-butt, or D-ring with a ring no larger than 4”. Split reins or mecate reins are acceptable.
2. Hackamores: Whenever this book refers to Hackamore, it means the use only of a flexible, braided rawhide or leather, or rope bosal, the core of which may be either rawhide or flexible cable. Absolutely no rigid material will be permitted under the chin. This paragraph does not refer to the so-called mechanical hackamore.
3. Bits: Whenever this book refers to a bit in western performance classes, it means the use of a curb bit that has a solid or broken mouthpiece has shanks and acts with leverage. All curb bits must be free of mechanical device and should be considered a standard Western bit. Curb Chains: Chain chin straps are permissible only on curb, half-breed and spade bits, , must be at least one-half inch in width, and must lie flat against the jaw of the mule.
C. Romal: Whenever this rule book refers to romal, it means an extension of braided material attached to closed reins. This extension on romal reins is to be allowed to be carried in the free hand with 16-inch spacing between the reining hand and the free hand holding the romal.
1. The romal shall not be used forward of the cinch or used to signal or cue the mule in any way. Any infraction of this rule shall be an automatic disqualification.
D. Changing Hands on Reins: Junior and Senior mules being shown in a shanked bit must be ridden with one hand on the reins, and the hand must not be changed. The hand is to be around the reins; index finger only between split reins is permitted.
E. Saddles: In all Western classes, mules and donkeys will be shown in a western saddle. Silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit.
F. Optional Equipment:
1. Rope or riata: if used, the rope or riata must be coiled and attached to the saddle.
2. Hobbles attached to saddle.
3. Tapaderos, except in working cow mule when they are not allowed.
4. Protective boots may be used only in Gymkhana, Cattle, Jumping and Reining.
5. Spurs - not to be used forward of the cinch.
G. Prohibited Equipment:
1. Wire chin straps, regardless of how padded or covered
2. Any chin strap narrower than one-half inch.
3. Martingales, nose bands, cavessons and tie-downs.
4. Any bit which has metal under the jaw, regardless of how wrapped. (exception: approved curb chains).
5. Any rein or reining type collar that is not attached to the bit.
166 Western Terminology and Gaits:
The following terminology shall apply in all western classes whenever a specific gait is called for:
A. WALK is a natural, flat-footed, four beat gait. The animal must move straight and true at the walk. The walk should be alert, with a stride of reasonable length in keeping with the size of the animal. Excessive slowness that appears to be caused by intimidation may be penalized.
B. JOG is a smooth, ground-covering two-beat diagonal gait. The animal works from one pair of diagonals to the other pair. The jog should be square, balanced and with a straight forward movement of the feet. Animals walking with their back feet and trotting on the front are not considered performing the required gait. Pacing, prancing and jigging may be penalized. When asked to extend the jog, the animal should move out with the same smooth way of going.
C. LOPE is an easy, rhythmical three-beat gait. Animals moving to the left should lope on the left lead and when moving to the right, they should lope on the right lead. Mules traveling at a four-beat gait are not considered to be performing a proper lope. The animal should lope with a natural stride appearing relaxed and smooth while showing proper cadence at a speed which is most comfortable for the individual. The head should be carried at an angle that is natural and suitable to the mule’s conformation at all gaits.
167 Western Pleasure
The western pleasure class is an event judged on the rail designed to show an animals quality of movement, manners, and ability with both leads and transitions.
A. Class Routine: The animals are to be shown at a walk, jog and lope both directions of the arena. At the option of the judge, animals may be asked to extend the walk, jog or lope, one or both ways of the arena. Riders should sit the extended jog. Animals are required to back easily and stand quietly either on the rail or in the line up. Animals are to be reversed to the inside of the arena at the halt, walk or jog, but shall not be asked to reverse at the lope. Riders shall not be required to dismount except in the event the judge wishes to check equipment. This class will be judged on the performance of the mule and not conformation.
B. Judging Considerations: Animals should be shown on a reasonably loose rein, without undue restraint. Riders may be penalized if reins are draped so that control is not maintained. Quality of movement, attitude and consistency of gaits are of utmost importance in judging the Western Pleasure class. A good western pleasure animal has a free flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation. Ideally, he should have a balanced, flowing motion while exhibiting correct gaits that are of proper cadence. The animals should be relaxed and responsive in all transitions. When asked to extend, he should move out with the same fluid forward motion, showing a lengthening of stride, without becoming quick or hurried. Passing is permissible and should not be penalized as long as the animal maintains a proper and even cadence. He should carry his head and neck in a comfortable position that is consistent with his conformation, parentage and degree of training. Maximum credit should be given to the cadenced, balanced and willing animal that shows quality movement, while appearing to be fit, well trained and a pleasure to ride.
C. Penalties to be scored according to severity:
1. Excessive speed or failure to maintain control.
2. Loss of forward momentum, which results in excessive slowness or uneven cadence.
3. Breaking gait.
4. Being on the wrong lead.
5. Touching the animal with the free hand.
6. Consistent four beat canter.
7. Head and neck consistently carried too low.
8. Head and neck consistently carried too high.
9. Head consistently carried behind the vertical with the animal appearing intimidated.
10. Head carried consistently nosed out with the animal appearing resistant.
11. Gaits that are quick, choppy or pony strided.
12. Excessive stumbling.
12. Failure to take the appropriate gait when called for.
13. Animal appearing sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated, drawn or overly tired.
168 Western Riding
Western Riding is a judged event, with the animal being ridden through a pattern of cones showing several changes of lead, quality of gaits, manners and maneuverability. Western riding is neither a stunt nor race, but it should be performed with reasonable speed.
A. Judging Considerations: Credit will be given for and emphasis placed on smoothness, even cadence of gaits (i.e. starting and finishing pattern with the same cadence), the mule’s ability to change leads precisely and easily rear and front at the center point between markers. The mule should have a relaxed head carriage showing response to the rider’s hands, with a moderate flexion at the poll. No mule shall be penalized for the manner in which he carries his tail nor for normal response with his tail to cues from his rider or when changing leads. The mule should cross the log both at the jog and the lope without breaking gait or radically changing stride. Maximum credit shall be given to the animal that exhibits correct, flying changes of lead.
B. Class Routine: The following patterns and routines are prescribed. It is essential that judge and exhibitors adhere to them. (NASMA uses the same patterns as described in the USEF rulebook. Patterns are shown below)
The eight small circles represent markers (cones and pylons only to be used.) These should be separated by a uniform measured distance of not less than thirty (30’) feet nor more than fifty (50) feet on the side with five markers (see diagram) It is recommended that markers be set a minimum of 15ft from the fence. The judge is responsible for correctness of the pattern.
The rectangle represents an obstacle (one small log recommended), minimum of eight feet in length. The long or serpentine line indicates the direction of travel and the gaits at which the mules are to move. The dotted line (………… ) indicates walk, the dashed line (_ _ _ _ _) indicates jog, and the solid line (____) lope.
Changing Hands on Reins: Except for Junior Mules shown with a hackamore or snaffle bit, only one hand to be used and rider must not change hands .
(Sample patterns
Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Ranch Riding,
Reining, Reined Working Donkey
165 General Western Rules
A. Western Attire: Exhibitors in all approved NASMA shows are required to wear long-sleeved shirt. Western hats. pants and boots in stock type halter, gymkhana events and western performance classes. Safety helmets are optional. The hat must be on the rider’s head when the exhibitor enters the arena. Spurs and chaps are optional. Refer to Coon Jump rules for attire requirements in that class.
B. Western Bits:
1. Snaffles: Whenever this book refers to snaffle bit in western performance classes, it means the conventional 0- ring, egg-butt, or D-ring with a ring no larger than 4”. Split reins or mecate reins are acceptable.
2. Hackamores: Whenever this book refers to Hackamore, it means the use only of a flexible, braided rawhide or leather, or rope bosal, the core of which may be either rawhide or flexible cable. Absolutely no rigid material will be permitted under the chin. This paragraph does not refer to the so-called mechanical hackamore.
3. Bits: Whenever this book refers to a bit in western performance classes, it means the use of a curb bit that has a solid or broken mouthpiece has shanks and acts with leverage. All curb bits must be free of mechanical device and should be considered a standard Western bit. Curb Chains: Chain chin straps are permissible only on curb, half-breed and spade bits, , must be at least one-half inch in width, and must lie flat against the jaw of the mule.
C. Romal: Whenever this rule book refers to romal, it means an extension of braided material attached to closed reins. This extension on romal reins is to be allowed to be carried in the free hand with 16-inch spacing between the reining hand and the free hand holding the romal.
1. The romal shall not be used forward of the cinch or used to signal or cue the mule in any way. Any infraction of this rule shall be an automatic disqualification.
D. Changing Hands on Reins: Junior and Senior mules being shown in a shanked bit must be ridden with one hand on the reins, and the hand must not be changed. The hand is to be around the reins; index finger only between split reins is permitted.
E. Saddles: In all Western classes, mules and donkeys will be shown in a western saddle. Silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit.
F. Optional Equipment:
1. Rope or riata: if used, the rope or riata must be coiled and attached to the saddle.
2. Hobbles attached to saddle.
3. Tapaderos, except in working cow mule when they are not allowed.
4. Protective boots may be used only in Gymkhana, Cattle, Jumping and Reining.
5. Spurs - not to be used forward of the cinch.
G. Prohibited Equipment:
1. Wire chin straps, regardless of how padded or covered
2. Any chin strap narrower than one-half inch.
3. Martingales, nose bands, cavessons and tie-downs.
4. Any bit which has metal under the jaw, regardless of how wrapped. (exception: approved curb chains).
5. Any rein or reining type collar that is not attached to the bit.
166 Western Terminology and Gaits:
The following terminology shall apply in all western classes whenever a specific gait is called for:
A. WALK is a natural, flat-footed, four beat gait. The animal must move straight and true at the walk. The walk should be alert, with a stride of reasonable length in keeping with the size of the animal. Excessive slowness that appears to be caused by intimidation may be penalized.
B. JOG is a smooth, ground-covering two-beat diagonal gait. The animal works from one pair of diagonals to the other pair. The jog should be square, balanced and with a straight forward movement of the feet. Animals walking with their back feet and trotting on the front are not considered performing the required gait. Pacing, prancing and jigging may be penalized. When asked to extend the jog, the animal should move out with the same smooth way of going.
C. LOPE is an easy, rhythmical three-beat gait. Animals moving to the left should lope on the left lead and when moving to the right, they should lope on the right lead. Mules traveling at a four-beat gait are not considered to be performing a proper lope. The animal should lope with a natural stride appearing relaxed and smooth while showing proper cadence at a speed which is most comfortable for the individual. The head should be carried at an angle that is natural and suitable to the mule’s conformation at all gaits.
167 Western Pleasure
The western pleasure class is an event judged on the rail designed to show an animals quality of movement, manners, and ability with both leads and transitions.
A. Class Routine: The animals are to be shown at a walk, jog and lope both directions of the arena. At the option of the judge, animals may be asked to extend the walk, jog or lope, one or both ways of the arena. Riders should sit the extended jog. Animals are required to back easily and stand quietly either on the rail or in the line up. Animals are to be reversed to the inside of the arena at the halt, walk or jog, but shall not be asked to reverse at the lope. Riders shall not be required to dismount except in the event the judge wishes to check equipment. This class will be judged on the performance of the mule and not conformation.
B. Judging Considerations: Animals should be shown on a reasonably loose rein, without undue restraint. Riders may be penalized if reins are draped so that control is not maintained. Quality of movement, attitude and consistency of gaits are of utmost importance in judging the Western Pleasure class. A good western pleasure animal has a free flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation. Ideally, he should have a balanced, flowing motion while exhibiting correct gaits that are of proper cadence. The animals should be relaxed and responsive in all transitions. When asked to extend, he should move out with the same fluid forward motion, showing a lengthening of stride, without becoming quick or hurried. Passing is permissible and should not be penalized as long as the animal maintains a proper and even cadence. He should carry his head and neck in a comfortable position that is consistent with his conformation, parentage and degree of training. Maximum credit should be given to the cadenced, balanced and willing animal that shows quality movement, while appearing to be fit, well trained and a pleasure to ride.
C. Penalties to be scored according to severity:
1. Excessive speed or failure to maintain control.
2. Loss of forward momentum, which results in excessive slowness or uneven cadence.
3. Breaking gait.
4. Being on the wrong lead.
5. Touching the animal with the free hand.
6. Consistent four beat canter.
7. Head and neck consistently carried too low.
8. Head and neck consistently carried too high.
9. Head consistently carried behind the vertical with the animal appearing intimidated.
10. Head carried consistently nosed out with the animal appearing resistant.
11. Gaits that are quick, choppy or pony strided.
12. Excessive stumbling.
12. Failure to take the appropriate gait when called for.
13. Animal appearing sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated, drawn or overly tired.
168 Western Riding
Western Riding is a judged event, with the animal being ridden through a pattern of cones showing several changes of lead, quality of gaits, manners and maneuverability. Western riding is neither a stunt nor race, but it should be performed with reasonable speed.
A. Judging Considerations: Credit will be given for and emphasis placed on smoothness, even cadence of gaits (i.e. starting and finishing pattern with the same cadence), the mule’s ability to change leads precisely and easily rear and front at the center point between markers. The mule should have a relaxed head carriage showing response to the rider’s hands, with a moderate flexion at the poll. No mule shall be penalized for the manner in which he carries his tail nor for normal response with his tail to cues from his rider or when changing leads. The mule should cross the log both at the jog and the lope without breaking gait or radically changing stride. Maximum credit shall be given to the animal that exhibits correct, flying changes of lead.
B. Class Routine: The following patterns and routines are prescribed. It is essential that judge and exhibitors adhere to them. (NASMA uses the same patterns as described in the USEF rulebook. Patterns are shown below)
The eight small circles represent markers (cones and pylons only to be used.) These should be separated by a uniform measured distance of not less than thirty (30’) feet nor more than fifty (50) feet on the side with five markers (see diagram) It is recommended that markers be set a minimum of 15ft from the fence. The judge is responsible for correctness of the pattern.
The rectangle represents an obstacle (one small log recommended), minimum of eight feet in length. The long or serpentine line indicates the direction of travel and the gaits at which the mules are to move. The dotted line (………… ) indicates walk, the dashed line (_ _ _ _ _) indicates jog, and the solid line (____) lope.
Changing Hands on Reins: Except for Junior Mules shown with a hackamore or snaffle bit, only one hand to be used and rider must not change hands .
(Sample patterns
Ranch Riding
Ranch riding is a judged event demonstrating the abilities of the animal while working over obstacles found in everyday ranch work.
A. Judging Considerations: Ranch riding is neither a stunt nor a race, but it should be performed at a reasonable speed. The mule should be judged on the quality of gaits, change of leads, and the ability to maneuver through and over the obstacles in a smooth and obedient manner.
1. Credit shall be given for and emphasis placed on a cooperative and obedient attitude in the mule as well as smoothness and even cadence of gaits. All gaits to be performed as described in western terminology.
2. Except for the Junior Mules shown with a hackamore or snaffle bit, one hand only allowed on the reins unless when opening the gate justifies the change of hands?
E. Pattern Specifics: The long or serpentine line indicates the direction of travel and the gaits at which the mule is to move. The dotted line (……) indicates a walk and the solid line (______) indicates lope. It is mandatory to walk over the bridge. No trotting or loping may be required over the bridge.
F. Class procedure for Youth, Amateur, Junior and Senior
1. Work Gate
2. Walk Over Logs 20”-30” apart
3. Walk over bridge
4. Slow lope to and over 12” jump (distance between bridge and jump minimum 48’ feet. Jump must be a minimum of 10’ wide and no PVC is allowed.)
5. Stop and perform 2 spins, right or left
6. Proceed at medium lope to figure eight, showing change of lead from right to left circle.
7. Proceed with speed to barrel. Tight fast turn around barrel on left lead.
8. Proceed with speed to barrel showing change of lead from left to right. Tight fast turn around barrel on right lead.
9. Slide stop and back 10’.
G. The following may be added to the Junior and Senior Pattern:
1. Dismount, hobble mule and walk a sufficient distance from animal to show ground tie. Reins should not be dropped. Un-hobble and remount to exit.
Ranch riding is a judged event demonstrating the abilities of the animal while working over obstacles found in everyday ranch work.
A. Judging Considerations: Ranch riding is neither a stunt nor a race, but it should be performed at a reasonable speed. The mule should be judged on the quality of gaits, change of leads, and the ability to maneuver through and over the obstacles in a smooth and obedient manner.
1. Credit shall be given for and emphasis placed on a cooperative and obedient attitude in the mule as well as smoothness and even cadence of gaits. All gaits to be performed as described in western terminology.
2. Except for the Junior Mules shown with a hackamore or snaffle bit, one hand only allowed on the reins unless when opening the gate justifies the change of hands?
E. Pattern Specifics: The long or serpentine line indicates the direction of travel and the gaits at which the mule is to move. The dotted line (……) indicates a walk and the solid line (______) indicates lope. It is mandatory to walk over the bridge. No trotting or loping may be required over the bridge.
F. Class procedure for Youth, Amateur, Junior and Senior
1. Work Gate
2. Walk Over Logs 20”-30” apart
3. Walk over bridge
4. Slow lope to and over 12” jump (distance between bridge and jump minimum 48’ feet. Jump must be a minimum of 10’ wide and no PVC is allowed.)
5. Stop and perform 2 spins, right or left
6. Proceed at medium lope to figure eight, showing change of lead from right to left circle.
7. Proceed with speed to barrel. Tight fast turn around barrel on left lead.
8. Proceed with speed to barrel showing change of lead from left to right. Tight fast turn around barrel on right lead.
9. Slide stop and back 10’.
G. The following may be added to the Junior and Senior Pattern:
1. Dismount, hobble mule and walk a sufficient distance from animal to show ground tie. Reins should not be dropped. Un-hobble and remount to exit.