DRIVING
Pleasure (working), Pleasure (turnout), Reinsmanship, Obstacle, Double Jeopardy,
Gambler’s Choice, Drive and Ride, Heritage, Concourse d’Elegance, Snigging
General Driving Rules
A. Mules and donkeys shall be safely and securely harnessed to a vehicle while competing in driving events. Two people are allowed on the vehicle only when two or more animals are being driven or when the exhibitor is a youth. Any assistance by the second person will result in disqualification.
B. The Driver must be seated comfortably in the vehicle, appearing both 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 mules and donkey’s or donkey’s mouth. Drivers should not be penalized or rewarded for using either style of driving.
C. Classes may be provided for single or double hitches.
D. DRIVING TERMINOLOGY and Gaits
1. WALK is a natural flat foot, four beat gait. The mules and donkeys should walk energetically, but calmly, with even and determined pace. Loss of forward rhythmic movement shall be penalized.
2. PARK GAIT OR TROT is a clear increase in pace and lengthening of stride while remaining well balanced and showing appropriate lateral flexion on the turns. The steps should be as even as possible with the hind feet touching the ground in the foot prints of the fore feet. The degree of energy and impulsion displayed at the road gait denotes clearly the degree of suppleness and balance of the animal.
3. ROAD TROT is a clear, but not excessive, increase in pace and lengthening of stride while remaining well balanced and showing appropriate lateral flexion on turns. Light contact to be maintained. Excessive speed will penalized.
4. REIN BACK consists of the animal moving backward in an unhurried manner with the head flexed and straight, pushing the vehicle back evenly in a straight line, The driver should use quiet aids and light contact.
5. REVERSE, change of direction, is accomplished by the mules and donkeys crossing the ring at a walk or in a park gait only. Reverse in all driving classes will be made on the diagonal at the direction of the ring steward only.
6. HALT is a complete, square top of animal and vehicle without veering or abruptness. At the halt, animals should stand attentive, motionless and straight with the weight evenly distributed over all four legs and be ready to move off at the slightest indication from the driver.
E. Whip An appropriate whip shall be carried at all times while driving. The thong on the whip must be long enough to reach the shoulder of the farthest mules and donkeys. A driver not in compliance will be disqualified...
F. Outside Assistance Only the driver may handle the reins, whip or brake during a competition. The penalty for non compliance is elimination.
G. Driving Attire:
1. Drivers should be dressed conservatively according to the style of present day, either Western or English is acceptable.
2. Ladies wearing a skirt should wear a lap apron.
3. A hat of choice, long sleeves and gloves are required.
H. The Animal
1. Mules and donkeys and donkeys and donkeys must be serviceably sound and must not show evidence of lameness, broken wind or impairment of vision.
2. If shod, the mules and donkeys must be suitably shod for driving. No extended hooves, heavy shoes or toe weights will be allowed. EXCEPTION: Gaited Mules and donkeys.
I. Harness
1. Bridles should fit snugly to prevent catching on the vehicle or other pieces of harness. A throatlatch and a noseband or cavasson is mandatory.
2. Black harness is considered appropriate for painted vehicles and natural wood vehicles having black trim.
3. Brown harness is considered appropriate with natural wood finished vehicles trimmed in brown.
4. All metal furnishings should match and be secure.
5. Breast collars are appropriate with light vehicles.
6. Full Collars are suggested for heavy carriages.
7. A correctly fitting harness is essential for the comfort of the harness mules and donkeys. A wider saddle is suggested for two wheeled vehicles as more weight rests on the mules and donkey’s back. Narrower saddles are more appropriate for four wheeled vehicles.
8. Martingales and overchecks are prohibited in obstacle classes. Failure to comply incurs elimination.
J. Bits
1. Snaffle bits and other types of traditional driving bits are allowed. Legal bits include:
a. Half cheek snaffle
b. Liverpool
c. Elbow Driving
d. Bradoon Overchecks
K. Vehicle Drivers should strive to present an appropriate turnout. Appropriate indicates the balance and pleasing appearance of the combination of mules and donkeys and vehicle. Factors determining the above include compatible size, type and width of the mules and donkeys and vehicle. The way of going of the mules and donkeys may also affect the overall appearance.
O. Cantering Cantering is NOT ALLOWED in driving classes unless stated in the class description. Cantering in the shafts will be disqualification.
Pleasure Driving – Working
A. Class Routine: Mules and donkeys and donkeys and donkeys shall enter the arena to the right at a Park Trot. Mules and donkeys will be exhibited both directions in the arena at the walk, park gait and road gait. The judge or ring steward will reverse the classes across the diagonal length of the arena. Animals will be asked to reinback and may be asked to halt any time during the class.
B. Judging Considerations: A pleasure driving class in which entries are judged primarily on the suitability of the mule to provide a pleasant drive. Animals should show quality gaits, alert expressions, smooth transitions and good manners. Emphasis: 70% on performance, manners and way of going; 20 % on condition and fit of harness and vehicle; and 10 % on neatness of turnout.
C. Extra Work: Mules and donkeys may be asked to do a Figure 8.
D. For Gaited driving classes the gaits are replaced with “flat walk, running Walk” of Slow Rack and Fast Rack.
Pleasure Driving - Turnout
A. Judging Considerations A pleasure driving class in which entries is judged primarily on the performance and quality of each turnout. Emphasis is on: 40% on performance, manners and way of going; 30% on the condition, fit and appropriateness of harness and vehicle; 30% on turnout.
B. Class Routine: The mules and donkeys will be shown both ways of the arena at a Walk, Part Trot, and Road Trot. They will be asked to Halt and stand quietly and to Rein Back. Mules and donkeys may be asked to do a Figure 8.
C. For Gaited classes the gaits are replaced with "Flat Walk and Running Walk or Slow Rack and Fast Rack.
Reinsmanship
A pleasure driving class in which entries are judged primarily on the ability and skill of the driver.
A. Judging Considerations: Emphasis on: 75% on handling of reins and whip, control, posture and overall turnout of driver and 25% on the condition of the harness and vehicle.
B. Mules and donkeys will be shown at a Walk, Park Trot and Road Trot both ways in the arena. Drivers will be required to execute a rein back and may be asked to do a Figure 8.
C. For Gaited classes the gaits are replaced with "Flat Walk and Running Walk or Slow Rack and Fast Rack.
Obstacle Driving
Obstacle Driving will be judged on performance of the mule through a prescribed set of obstacles. Tiedowns or overchecks are not allowed in Obstacle Driving and will be cause for disqualification.
A. Judging Considerations: The judge will assign a point value to each obstacle and points will be added to or subtracted from this score based on the mules and donkey’s performance through the obstacle.
1. Credit will be given to those mules and donkeys that negotiate, in a continuous motion, the obstacles cleanly, smoothly and alertly with style, in prompt response to the driver's cues. Excessive hesitation at an obstacle will be penalized.
2. Points may be added or subtracted from the mules and donkey’s total score on the obstacles based on its attitude, manners, style and way of going.
3. The mules and donkeys are judged on the ease with which they maneuver the obstacles. Knocking over an obstacle or part of an obstacle, breaking gait and disobedience are to be considered penalties.
B. Class Routine: Drivers must be allowed to walk the course prior to the start of a class and inspect each obstacle. While walking the course, drivers shall not alter, adjust or in any way move an obstacle or any part thereof. Should a competitor have any question regarding a specific obstacle, he/she should call it to the attention of the ring steward for clarification. Drivers are prohibited from driving, leading, or riding mules and donkeys and donkeys and donkeys or from allowing the mules and to be driven, lead or ridden on any course at any time prior to the competition. Non compliance will result in elimination.
1. The judge may ask the driver to rein back at the completion of the course. If, however, anyone exhibitor is asked to rein back, all exhibitors must be asked to back.
C. Course Requirements:
1. The course will include a minimum of six and a maximum of eight obstacles, selected from the list of obstacles.
2. Care must be exercised to avoid the setting up of any of these obstacles in a manner that may be hazardous to the mules and donkeys or driver.
3. The obstacle course must be outlined by the show manager and posted prior to the class for the information of the exhibitor and judge.
4. The course shall be designed to require each mules and donkeys to demonstrate walk, park trot, and road trot somewhere between the obstacles as part of the working course with enough space provided for the judge to evaluate the gaits.
D. Mandatory Obstacles
1. Back Through - shall consist of either two landscape timbers, poles or pylons set a minimum of ten feet apart, but adjusted properly for the larger vehicle widths.
2. Box or Garage - three rails are set a minimum of fifteen feet long are set in a three-sided box. The mules and donkeys must be driven up to the obstacle; side passed either direction, and then backed into the box until the vehicle tires touch the back pole. If poles are elevated, they cannot be over ten inches high.
3. Serpentine - a minimum of 3 pylons around which the mules and donkeys is driven in a serpentine fashion at a walk (pylons at least 15 feet apart) or park trot (pylons at least 20 feet apart).
4. Straight and Narrow - two parallel poles, one foot apart, and minimum of twenty-five (25) feet long and a maximum of fifty (50) feet long. Driver must keep one wheel between the poles for the entire length. May be taken at either a walk or a park trot only.
E. Optional Obstacles
1. Bridge - A simulated bridge of a width of at least ten feet. To be taken at a walk only.
2. Figure 8 - two barrels or cones, around which the exhibitor must make a Figure 8 in a forward motion. Walk obstacles to be a minimum of ten (10) feet apart and park trot obstacles to be a minimum of (20) feet apart.
3. L-Obstacles - Poles placed in an "L" shape at least 15 feet apart, through which the mules and donkeys is driven at a walk only. If the rails are elevated, the maximum height may not exceed ten (10) inches in the center. The side of the L shall not be less than twenty feet long. Width may be adjusted for wider vehicles.
4. Mailbox - The mailbox must be set on a stand of four feet minimum height. Exhibitor must open box, remove mail and show to judge, then replace mail in box.
5 Simulated Water - A plastic sheet or tarp secured to the ground so that it will not become affixed the mules and donkey’s foot or the wheel of the vehicle when the mules and donkeys passes over it.
6. U - Turn - A three rail box of which the rails are a minimum of 25 long, with a pylon located in the center of the opening of the box. The driver is to enter the box, drive around the pylon and exit the other side of the pylon.
F. Prohibited Obstacles
1. Live animals and hides
2. Driver dismount
G. Scoring: Disqualification breaking into a canter, failure to carry a whip Use of an overcheck or tie down.
Double Jeopardy
A timed obstacle course to be driven over a prescribed course, not to exceed twelve (12) obstacles. By an entry consisting of mules and donkeys, vehicle and two drivers. 8-10 obstacles are recommended as a course length, but the number can be adjusted.
A. Class Routine: After passing the starting line, the first driver shall proceed through each obstacle to the designated finish line. At this point, the reins are passed to the second driver who must drive the course in reverse order.
B. Judging Considerations: Course Faults are scored as penalty seconds and are added to the driver's elapsed time. Placings are determined on a low total time basis. Ties for first will be decided by a drive-off, unless otherwise announced by the Show Management.
D. Elimination : Failure to carry whip. Use of tie-down or overcheck. Cantering – elimination
Gamblers Choice
A timed driving obstacle course of unnumbered obstacles each carrying a specific point value. Each driver has the same amount of time to negotiate as many obstacles as possible. Each obstacle is assigned a point value according to its degree of difficulty and each driver tries to amass as high a score as possible within the time allowed.
A. Class Routine: After passing through the starting line, the driver may drive through the obstacles, in any order, from any direction. Each obstacle may be driven twice, but not in succession. If driven a third time, no points will be awarded.
1. No obstacle may be re-driven once it has been disturbed.
EXCEPTION: Obstacles which are designed to be knocked down.
2. A signal will sound at the end of the allowed time and the driver must then exit through the finish markers when the total time on the course will be recorded.
Drive and Ride
A. This class if for a single driving mules and donkeys shown in two concurrent sections. This class shows the ability of a mule or donkey to be both a pleasure to be driven as well as a pleasure to ride. One groom is allowed to assist the exhibitor un-harness trained and tack up. The animal is to be ridden and driven by the same person.
B. Class Routine:
1. In Harness: To be shown first in harness to suitable pleasure two or four wheel driving vehicle, both ways of the arena at a walk, park trot, and road trot. To stand quietly and rein back. Exhibitor will carry a saddle (English or Western, bridle, halter and halter shank in vehicle. On the judge's command, exhibitor will un-harness and tack up.
2. Under Saddle: To be shown under saddle both ways of the arena at a walk, trot and canter. To stand quietly and rein back. In the case of the gaited animals under saddle, a walk and favorite gait will be called for. Western, Hunt and Saddle Seat tack is permissible.
Heritage Driving/Antique Vehicle
A. Judging Considerations: To be judged 50% on performance, 20% on apparel of driver and personal appointments, 15% on vehicle, and 15% on harness.
B. Apparel - The required costumes should be dated on the vintage of the vehicle, i.e. formal with a formal carriage and sporting with a sporting vehicle. The driver must wear a hat, gloves, lap robe or apron and carry a whip at all times.
C. Vehicle - The antique type vehicles should be sound and safe for driving, the wheels and spokes tight. The mules and donkeys should be suitable to the vehicle and there should be a pleasing balance between the two.
D. Harness - The harness should be in good repair, clean and fit properly. All metal furnishings should match, be secure, and polished.
Concourse D'Elegance
A. The word elegance is the essence of this competition. The winner will be the turnout that presents the most elegant effect (vehicle, harness, appointments of mules, donkeys, driver, passengers, groom, etc) Performance will not be judged unless it detracts from the elegance of the turnout.
B. Class Routine: Entrants will be shown both ways of the arena at the walk, park trot and road trot. Animals may be asked to halt, reinback and stand quietly.
Snigging (Log Dragging)
The Snigging class is a judged event consisting of a mule or donkey dragging a log between a series of obstacles. Classes can be established for singles or pairs and it is best that they be divided for different sized animals. Classes must be split for either mules or donkeys.
A. Judging Considerations:
1. Hooking and unhooking is a part of the judging. The course must be set so the contestant can return the log to its original position, turned in the correct direction for the next contestant.
2. No header or assistant will be allowed. ANY ASSISTANCE results in disqualification.
3. Drivers are allowed to encourage their animal forward with voice commands or slapping of reins (but not excessively). No whips or use of ends of reins allowed. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification.
4. Driver may drive from either side, change sides as necessary or ride on top of log.
5. A penalty will be assessed each time an obstacle or course marker is either stepped on or over or disturbed in any way by the animal, the driver or the log. Tennis balls should be used on top of cones to indicate penalties.
6. Failure to follow pattern is a disqualification.
B. Course Set Up:
Suggested distance between weaving cones is either 13 or 17 feet.
Suggested distance between parallel obstacles (logs) is tree width plus 16 inches. (Note: it is important for management to provide single/double trees since different size “trees” will have advantage/ disadvantage on a set course.) Adequate distance (minimum 13 feet) must be allowed for any end lines or side lines.
C. Show management provides:
1. Logs - proportionate in length and weight to the majority of animals to be shown in a particular class or division. The following are suggested size logs for various sized animals. (Diameter measurement taken at large end):
a. Standard/Large Standard/Donkeys or Mules under 14 hands: 8 foot 4 inch log, 4 inch diameter
b. Mammoth Donkeys or Saddle Mules over 14 hands: 8 foot log, 6 inch diameter
c. Draft Mules: 8 foot log, 8 inch diameter
2. Chain loop: each log will be wrapped with a piece of chain to make a loop not to exceed 24 inches to which a single tree (double tree) can be hooked. Chain extends from the sides of log (V shaped) in such a manner that the log will not turn.
3. Single tree (double tree) with hooks and connector for log, per the following sizes:
a. Single tree for all Donkey and Mule classes: 32 inches.
b. Double tree for all sizes: 36 inches
(Sample pattern below)
Pleasure (working), Pleasure (turnout), Reinsmanship, Obstacle, Double Jeopardy,
Gambler’s Choice, Drive and Ride, Heritage, Concourse d’Elegance, Snigging
General Driving Rules
A. Mules and donkeys shall be safely and securely harnessed to a vehicle while competing in driving events. Two people are allowed on the vehicle only when two or more animals are being driven or when the exhibitor is a youth. Any assistance by the second person will result in disqualification.
B. The Driver must be seated comfortably in the vehicle, appearing both 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 mules and donkey’s or donkey’s mouth. Drivers should not be penalized or rewarded for using either style of driving.
C. Classes may be provided for single or double hitches.
D. DRIVING TERMINOLOGY and Gaits
1. WALK is a natural flat foot, four beat gait. The mules and donkeys should walk energetically, but calmly, with even and determined pace. Loss of forward rhythmic movement shall be penalized.
2. PARK GAIT OR TROT is a clear increase in pace and lengthening of stride while remaining well balanced and showing appropriate lateral flexion on the turns. The steps should be as even as possible with the hind feet touching the ground in the foot prints of the fore feet. The degree of energy and impulsion displayed at the road gait denotes clearly the degree of suppleness and balance of the animal.
3. ROAD TROT is a clear, but not excessive, increase in pace and lengthening of stride while remaining well balanced and showing appropriate lateral flexion on turns. Light contact to be maintained. Excessive speed will penalized.
4. REIN BACK consists of the animal moving backward in an unhurried manner with the head flexed and straight, pushing the vehicle back evenly in a straight line, The driver should use quiet aids and light contact.
5. REVERSE, change of direction, is accomplished by the mules and donkeys crossing the ring at a walk or in a park gait only. Reverse in all driving classes will be made on the diagonal at the direction of the ring steward only.
6. HALT is a complete, square top of animal and vehicle without veering or abruptness. At the halt, animals should stand attentive, motionless and straight with the weight evenly distributed over all four legs and be ready to move off at the slightest indication from the driver.
E. Whip An appropriate whip shall be carried at all times while driving. The thong on the whip must be long enough to reach the shoulder of the farthest mules and donkeys. A driver not in compliance will be disqualified...
F. Outside Assistance Only the driver may handle the reins, whip or brake during a competition. The penalty for non compliance is elimination.
G. Driving Attire:
1. Drivers should be dressed conservatively according to the style of present day, either Western or English is acceptable.
2. Ladies wearing a skirt should wear a lap apron.
3. A hat of choice, long sleeves and gloves are required.
H. The Animal
1. Mules and donkeys and donkeys and donkeys must be serviceably sound and must not show evidence of lameness, broken wind or impairment of vision.
2. If shod, the mules and donkeys must be suitably shod for driving. No extended hooves, heavy shoes or toe weights will be allowed. EXCEPTION: Gaited Mules and donkeys.
I. Harness
1. Bridles should fit snugly to prevent catching on the vehicle or other pieces of harness. A throatlatch and a noseband or cavasson is mandatory.
2. Black harness is considered appropriate for painted vehicles and natural wood vehicles having black trim.
3. Brown harness is considered appropriate with natural wood finished vehicles trimmed in brown.
4. All metal furnishings should match and be secure.
5. Breast collars are appropriate with light vehicles.
6. Full Collars are suggested for heavy carriages.
7. A correctly fitting harness is essential for the comfort of the harness mules and donkeys. A wider saddle is suggested for two wheeled vehicles as more weight rests on the mules and donkey’s back. Narrower saddles are more appropriate for four wheeled vehicles.
8. Martingales and overchecks are prohibited in obstacle classes. Failure to comply incurs elimination.
J. Bits
1. Snaffle bits and other types of traditional driving bits are allowed. Legal bits include:
a. Half cheek snaffle
b. Liverpool
c. Elbow Driving
d. Bradoon Overchecks
K. Vehicle Drivers should strive to present an appropriate turnout. Appropriate indicates the balance and pleasing appearance of the combination of mules and donkeys and vehicle. Factors determining the above include compatible size, type and width of the mules and donkeys and vehicle. The way of going of the mules and donkeys may also affect the overall appearance.
O. Cantering Cantering is NOT ALLOWED in driving classes unless stated in the class description. Cantering in the shafts will be disqualification.
Pleasure Driving – Working
A. Class Routine: Mules and donkeys and donkeys and donkeys shall enter the arena to the right at a Park Trot. Mules and donkeys will be exhibited both directions in the arena at the walk, park gait and road gait. The judge or ring steward will reverse the classes across the diagonal length of the arena. Animals will be asked to reinback and may be asked to halt any time during the class.
B. Judging Considerations: A pleasure driving class in which entries are judged primarily on the suitability of the mule to provide a pleasant drive. Animals should show quality gaits, alert expressions, smooth transitions and good manners. Emphasis: 70% on performance, manners and way of going; 20 % on condition and fit of harness and vehicle; and 10 % on neatness of turnout.
C. Extra Work: Mules and donkeys may be asked to do a Figure 8.
D. For Gaited driving classes the gaits are replaced with “flat walk, running Walk” of Slow Rack and Fast Rack.
Pleasure Driving - Turnout
A. Judging Considerations A pleasure driving class in which entries is judged primarily on the performance and quality of each turnout. Emphasis is on: 40% on performance, manners and way of going; 30% on the condition, fit and appropriateness of harness and vehicle; 30% on turnout.
B. Class Routine: The mules and donkeys will be shown both ways of the arena at a Walk, Part Trot, and Road Trot. They will be asked to Halt and stand quietly and to Rein Back. Mules and donkeys may be asked to do a Figure 8.
C. For Gaited classes the gaits are replaced with "Flat Walk and Running Walk or Slow Rack and Fast Rack.
Reinsmanship
A pleasure driving class in which entries are judged primarily on the ability and skill of the driver.
A. Judging Considerations: Emphasis on: 75% on handling of reins and whip, control, posture and overall turnout of driver and 25% on the condition of the harness and vehicle.
B. Mules and donkeys will be shown at a Walk, Park Trot and Road Trot both ways in the arena. Drivers will be required to execute a rein back and may be asked to do a Figure 8.
C. For Gaited classes the gaits are replaced with "Flat Walk and Running Walk or Slow Rack and Fast Rack.
Obstacle Driving
Obstacle Driving will be judged on performance of the mule through a prescribed set of obstacles. Tiedowns or overchecks are not allowed in Obstacle Driving and will be cause for disqualification.
A. Judging Considerations: The judge will assign a point value to each obstacle and points will be added to or subtracted from this score based on the mules and donkey’s performance through the obstacle.
1. Credit will be given to those mules and donkeys that negotiate, in a continuous motion, the obstacles cleanly, smoothly and alertly with style, in prompt response to the driver's cues. Excessive hesitation at an obstacle will be penalized.
2. Points may be added or subtracted from the mules and donkey’s total score on the obstacles based on its attitude, manners, style and way of going.
3. The mules and donkeys are judged on the ease with which they maneuver the obstacles. Knocking over an obstacle or part of an obstacle, breaking gait and disobedience are to be considered penalties.
B. Class Routine: Drivers must be allowed to walk the course prior to the start of a class and inspect each obstacle. While walking the course, drivers shall not alter, adjust or in any way move an obstacle or any part thereof. Should a competitor have any question regarding a specific obstacle, he/she should call it to the attention of the ring steward for clarification. Drivers are prohibited from driving, leading, or riding mules and donkeys and donkeys and donkeys or from allowing the mules and to be driven, lead or ridden on any course at any time prior to the competition. Non compliance will result in elimination.
1. The judge may ask the driver to rein back at the completion of the course. If, however, anyone exhibitor is asked to rein back, all exhibitors must be asked to back.
C. Course Requirements:
1. The course will include a minimum of six and a maximum of eight obstacles, selected from the list of obstacles.
2. Care must be exercised to avoid the setting up of any of these obstacles in a manner that may be hazardous to the mules and donkeys or driver.
3. The obstacle course must be outlined by the show manager and posted prior to the class for the information of the exhibitor and judge.
4. The course shall be designed to require each mules and donkeys to demonstrate walk, park trot, and road trot somewhere between the obstacles as part of the working course with enough space provided for the judge to evaluate the gaits.
D. Mandatory Obstacles
1. Back Through - shall consist of either two landscape timbers, poles or pylons set a minimum of ten feet apart, but adjusted properly for the larger vehicle widths.
2. Box or Garage - three rails are set a minimum of fifteen feet long are set in a three-sided box. The mules and donkeys must be driven up to the obstacle; side passed either direction, and then backed into the box until the vehicle tires touch the back pole. If poles are elevated, they cannot be over ten inches high.
3. Serpentine - a minimum of 3 pylons around which the mules and donkeys is driven in a serpentine fashion at a walk (pylons at least 15 feet apart) or park trot (pylons at least 20 feet apart).
4. Straight and Narrow - two parallel poles, one foot apart, and minimum of twenty-five (25) feet long and a maximum of fifty (50) feet long. Driver must keep one wheel between the poles for the entire length. May be taken at either a walk or a park trot only.
E. Optional Obstacles
1. Bridge - A simulated bridge of a width of at least ten feet. To be taken at a walk only.
2. Figure 8 - two barrels or cones, around which the exhibitor must make a Figure 8 in a forward motion. Walk obstacles to be a minimum of ten (10) feet apart and park trot obstacles to be a minimum of (20) feet apart.
3. L-Obstacles - Poles placed in an "L" shape at least 15 feet apart, through which the mules and donkeys is driven at a walk only. If the rails are elevated, the maximum height may not exceed ten (10) inches in the center. The side of the L shall not be less than twenty feet long. Width may be adjusted for wider vehicles.
4. Mailbox - The mailbox must be set on a stand of four feet minimum height. Exhibitor must open box, remove mail and show to judge, then replace mail in box.
5 Simulated Water - A plastic sheet or tarp secured to the ground so that it will not become affixed the mules and donkey’s foot or the wheel of the vehicle when the mules and donkeys passes over it.
6. U - Turn - A three rail box of which the rails are a minimum of 25 long, with a pylon located in the center of the opening of the box. The driver is to enter the box, drive around the pylon and exit the other side of the pylon.
F. Prohibited Obstacles
1. Live animals and hides
2. Driver dismount
G. Scoring: Disqualification breaking into a canter, failure to carry a whip Use of an overcheck or tie down.
Double Jeopardy
A timed obstacle course to be driven over a prescribed course, not to exceed twelve (12) obstacles. By an entry consisting of mules and donkeys, vehicle and two drivers. 8-10 obstacles are recommended as a course length, but the number can be adjusted.
A. Class Routine: After passing the starting line, the first driver shall proceed through each obstacle to the designated finish line. At this point, the reins are passed to the second driver who must drive the course in reverse order.
B. Judging Considerations: Course Faults are scored as penalty seconds and are added to the driver's elapsed time. Placings are determined on a low total time basis. Ties for first will be decided by a drive-off, unless otherwise announced by the Show Management.
D. Elimination : Failure to carry whip. Use of tie-down or overcheck. Cantering – elimination
Gamblers Choice
A timed driving obstacle course of unnumbered obstacles each carrying a specific point value. Each driver has the same amount of time to negotiate as many obstacles as possible. Each obstacle is assigned a point value according to its degree of difficulty and each driver tries to amass as high a score as possible within the time allowed.
A. Class Routine: After passing through the starting line, the driver may drive through the obstacles, in any order, from any direction. Each obstacle may be driven twice, but not in succession. If driven a third time, no points will be awarded.
1. No obstacle may be re-driven once it has been disturbed.
EXCEPTION: Obstacles which are designed to be knocked down.
2. A signal will sound at the end of the allowed time and the driver must then exit through the finish markers when the total time on the course will be recorded.
Drive and Ride
A. This class if for a single driving mules and donkeys shown in two concurrent sections. This class shows the ability of a mule or donkey to be both a pleasure to be driven as well as a pleasure to ride. One groom is allowed to assist the exhibitor un-harness trained and tack up. The animal is to be ridden and driven by the same person.
B. Class Routine:
1. In Harness: To be shown first in harness to suitable pleasure two or four wheel driving vehicle, both ways of the arena at a walk, park trot, and road trot. To stand quietly and rein back. Exhibitor will carry a saddle (English or Western, bridle, halter and halter shank in vehicle. On the judge's command, exhibitor will un-harness and tack up.
2. Under Saddle: To be shown under saddle both ways of the arena at a walk, trot and canter. To stand quietly and rein back. In the case of the gaited animals under saddle, a walk and favorite gait will be called for. Western, Hunt and Saddle Seat tack is permissible.
Heritage Driving/Antique Vehicle
A. Judging Considerations: To be judged 50% on performance, 20% on apparel of driver and personal appointments, 15% on vehicle, and 15% on harness.
B. Apparel - The required costumes should be dated on the vintage of the vehicle, i.e. formal with a formal carriage and sporting with a sporting vehicle. The driver must wear a hat, gloves, lap robe or apron and carry a whip at all times.
C. Vehicle - The antique type vehicles should be sound and safe for driving, the wheels and spokes tight. The mules and donkeys should be suitable to the vehicle and there should be a pleasing balance between the two.
D. Harness - The harness should be in good repair, clean and fit properly. All metal furnishings should match, be secure, and polished.
Concourse D'Elegance
A. The word elegance is the essence of this competition. The winner will be the turnout that presents the most elegant effect (vehicle, harness, appointments of mules, donkeys, driver, passengers, groom, etc) Performance will not be judged unless it detracts from the elegance of the turnout.
B. Class Routine: Entrants will be shown both ways of the arena at the walk, park trot and road trot. Animals may be asked to halt, reinback and stand quietly.
Snigging (Log Dragging)
The Snigging class is a judged event consisting of a mule or donkey dragging a log between a series of obstacles. Classes can be established for singles or pairs and it is best that they be divided for different sized animals. Classes must be split for either mules or donkeys.
A. Judging Considerations:
1. Hooking and unhooking is a part of the judging. The course must be set so the contestant can return the log to its original position, turned in the correct direction for the next contestant.
2. No header or assistant will be allowed. ANY ASSISTANCE results in disqualification.
3. Drivers are allowed to encourage their animal forward with voice commands or slapping of reins (but not excessively). No whips or use of ends of reins allowed. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification.
4. Driver may drive from either side, change sides as necessary or ride on top of log.
5. A penalty will be assessed each time an obstacle or course marker is either stepped on or over or disturbed in any way by the animal, the driver or the log. Tennis balls should be used on top of cones to indicate penalties.
6. Failure to follow pattern is a disqualification.
B. Course Set Up:
Suggested distance between weaving cones is either 13 or 17 feet.
Suggested distance between parallel obstacles (logs) is tree width plus 16 inches. (Note: it is important for management to provide single/double trees since different size “trees” will have advantage/ disadvantage on a set course.) Adequate distance (minimum 13 feet) must be allowed for any end lines or side lines.
C. Show management provides:
1. Logs - proportionate in length and weight to the majority of animals to be shown in a particular class or division. The following are suggested size logs for various sized animals. (Diameter measurement taken at large end):
a. Standard/Large Standard/Donkeys or Mules under 14 hands: 8 foot 4 inch log, 4 inch diameter
b. Mammoth Donkeys or Saddle Mules over 14 hands: 8 foot log, 6 inch diameter
c. Draft Mules: 8 foot log, 8 inch diameter
2. Chain loop: each log will be wrapped with a piece of chain to make a loop not to exceed 24 inches to which a single tree (double tree) can be hooked. Chain extends from the sides of log (V shaped) in such a manner that the log will not turn.
3. Single tree (double tree) with hooks and connector for log, per the following sizes:
a. Single tree for all Donkey and Mule classes: 32 inches.
b. Double tree for all sizes: 36 inches
(Sample pattern below)