Riders will be placed into the appropriate division and level by their own instructor.  Efforts are made to place the rider where they show the greatest independence. Here is the breakdown:

Open Division

• A Level - independent walk/trot/canter
• BI Level - independent walk/trot
• BS Level - supported walk/trot (on lead)
• CI Level - independent walk
• CS Level - supported walk (on lead)

Special Olympics Division

Participants must be a registered with the Pegasus Special Olympics Equestrian team for entering into this division.

• A Level - independent walk/trot/canter
• BI Level - independent walk/trot
• BS Level - supported walk/trot (on lead)
• CI Level - independent walk
• CS Level - supported walk (on lead)

Freestyle Dressage
The horse and rider performing a series of predetermined movements and patterns put to your own music choice! The letters that surround the dressage ring map out the patterns and movements to be ridden. All gaits within the athlete's competing level will be required within the test.

Equitation Jumping
Riders will be judged on accuracy and position as they complete of a course of 6-8 ground poles or fences determined by their division level.

Barrel Racing

A timed event performing a series of tight turns around 3 barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. Course to be ridden in the gait determined by your division level.

Pole Bending

A timed event weaving through a straight pole line ridden in the gait determined by your division level.

Showmanship

The athlete's ability to handle and show the horse from the ground, with safety as the main consideration. The athlete will be asked by the judge to complete some or all of required elements, making sure to be in the correct position with respect to their horse.

Freestyle Horsemanship
The athlete's ability to handle/lead the horse from the ground performing 6 required elements or obstacles in whatever pattern the athlete chooses. May have music and costume as an added artistic element.

Horsemasters
Evaluation on how well the rider has learned parts of the horse and parts of their tack as well as a performance on one practical test.

What to Wear
Dress for success! Ideally you will be dressed in show attire (see above picture) or looking as spiffy as possible (ie breeches or tights, a clean collared shirt or Pegasus t-shirt, clean riding boots and of course helmet). You will be given a number that will be pinned on your back.

Class Videos
During your regular lesson time, you will be performing your chosen classes with a bit of practice before the video is taken. There will only be re-takes if an unforeseen circumstance arises as per the discretion of the staff involved in the session. All videos will be posted onto our Youtube Channel in order to be viewed by our judges and then transferred to our website when results are in. If you do not want your videos made public please inform your instructor.

Who Can Come Watch
We will be sticking to our regular Covid-19 protocols therefore we ask that only one person attend with the rider for viewing. If you need to bring extras please make sure you are asking permission prior to doing so. Don't forget videos will be taken and provided for all to see.

Results
Videos along with results will be live on our website by early January giving time for each of our volunteer judges to view and score each video. Ribbons will be handed out during our winter lessons or arrangements made for pick up.

Cost
None! Hope Haven has some generous supporters covering the administrative and equipment costs for this competition. You will only be responsible for your regular lesson fee for that day.

Good Luck and Have Fun!