LONGE LINE
The purpose of showing a yearling on longe line is to demonstrate that the mule/donkey has the movement, manners/expression/attitude, and conformation to become competitive under saddle. Therefore, the purpose of this class is to reward:
a. Quality of Movement,
b. Manners/Expression/Attitude,
c. Conformation suitable to future performance
And the mule/donkey should be judged with its suitability as a future performer under saddle in mind. This class should define what it means to be a “western pleasure prospect” or “hunter under saddle prospect.” Because these are yearling, they are not expected to demonstrate the behavior or quality of a finished show mule/donkey, but only that performance necessary for a reasonable presentation to the judge.
A. Class Format : The class format will consist of two parts: (1) a longeing demonstration lasting one and one-half minutes (90 seconds) and (2) a conformation inspection.
1. Show management is required to provide a five minute warm-up period for all exhibitors prior to class starting.
2. The use of a scribe for each judge is mandatory.
3. The longeing demonstration will begin at the sound of a whistle or other audible indicator when the mule/donkey has reached the perimeter of its circle. Time will not begin until the mule reaches this perimeter. When the “begin” signal is given, the exhibitor will be allowed 1 and ½ minutes (90 seconds) to present the mule/donkey at walk/trot/jog gaits in both directions. At the end of the 1 ½ minutes, the signal will be given to signify the end of the demonstration. Show management has the option of adding a “half-way” signal if they choose.
4. The conformation inspection will occur prior to the longeing demonstration. Each entry will be walked into the arena to the judge and pause for evaluation individually. They will then trot off straight and around a cone and take a place on the wall inside the arena. All entries will be inspected in this fashion and as the “trot-off” is administered, mule showing evidence of lameness should be excused from the class as that time. (See sample pattern)
5. It is recommended that longe line classes be shown in splits of no more than 15 mules at a time. Larger classes may also offer a finalists’ go-round before the class is placed.
6. Turnaround at the walk to take the second direction of the patter may be considered as fulfilling the walk requirements of the second direction portion of the scoring format.
C. Attire Conventional Western attire is mandatory; except if a prospect is considered to be a Hunter prospect then conventional English attire is suggested. The type of attire worn by the exhibitor is not to be consideration in placing the mule/donkey.
The purpose of showing a yearling on longe line is to demonstrate that the mule/donkey has the movement, manners/expression/attitude, and conformation to become competitive under saddle. Therefore, the purpose of this class is to reward:
a. Quality of Movement,
b. Manners/Expression/Attitude,
c. Conformation suitable to future performance
And the mule/donkey should be judged with its suitability as a future performer under saddle in mind. This class should define what it means to be a “western pleasure prospect” or “hunter under saddle prospect.” Because these are yearling, they are not expected to demonstrate the behavior or quality of a finished show mule/donkey, but only that performance necessary for a reasonable presentation to the judge.
A. Class Format : The class format will consist of two parts: (1) a longeing demonstration lasting one and one-half minutes (90 seconds) and (2) a conformation inspection.
1. Show management is required to provide a five minute warm-up period for all exhibitors prior to class starting.
2. The use of a scribe for each judge is mandatory.
3. The longeing demonstration will begin at the sound of a whistle or other audible indicator when the mule/donkey has reached the perimeter of its circle. Time will not begin until the mule reaches this perimeter. When the “begin” signal is given, the exhibitor will be allowed 1 and ½ minutes (90 seconds) to present the mule/donkey at walk/trot/jog gaits in both directions. At the end of the 1 ½ minutes, the signal will be given to signify the end of the demonstration. Show management has the option of adding a “half-way” signal if they choose.
4. The conformation inspection will occur prior to the longeing demonstration. Each entry will be walked into the arena to the judge and pause for evaluation individually. They will then trot off straight and around a cone and take a place on the wall inside the arena. All entries will be inspected in this fashion and as the “trot-off” is administered, mule showing evidence of lameness should be excused from the class as that time. (See sample pattern)
5. It is recommended that longe line classes be shown in splits of no more than 15 mules at a time. Larger classes may also offer a finalists’ go-round before the class is placed.
6. Turnaround at the walk to take the second direction of the patter may be considered as fulfilling the walk requirements of the second direction portion of the scoring format.
C. Attire Conventional Western attire is mandatory; except if a prospect is considered to be a Hunter prospect then conventional English attire is suggested. The type of attire worn by the exhibitor is not to be consideration in placing the mule/donkey.