Fast Gaited

Fast Gaited is a class for gaited breeds to show with more animation while covering more ground than in the slow gaited classes.

• As per ASHSA, S.H.O.W. Rules      6A, 6B, & 3D with exceptions
• This class will be open to all gaited horse breeds.
• Braids are optional for this class.
• Shoeing of the horse is allowed, as permitted by the HPA and S.H.O.W regulations.
• Horse is to be shown at a walk and favorite gait. Horse will enter the arena at a walk.
• English or western equipment may be used. One or both hands may be used on the reins.
• The class will be judged on the performance and conformation of the horse at the discretion of the judge.
• The wearing of hats is optional for the ladies; the wearing of hats is mandatory for men.
• Will not be asked to back.
• Bits with shanks in excess of 9 ½ “ in length are prohibited. Shanks are measured from the very top of the metal to the very bottom of the metal including the rings to which the cheeks and reins are attached. (See bit in diagram on page)

Required Gaits:

• Flat Walk (Walk): The flat walk should be bold and four‐cornered with an evenly timed (1‐2‐3‐4) beat. In the flat walk the horse should      break at the knees, reaching and pulling with the front legs with that movement originating from the shoulder.  The horse should have impulsion and exhibit stride and drive with the hind legs. There should be no wringing or twisting of the hocks, not any excessive hock action. Over stride is important but should be in accord with the conformation and length of the back and legs of the horse. A horse with a good flat walk will naturally have a straight, up and down head motion timed with the overall rhythm of the walk.

Running Walk (Favorite Gait): The running walk has the same beat or evenly timed footfall (1‐2‐3‐4) as the flat walk but is much smoother with greater stride, rhythm, and natural motion. The increased rear leg stride and increased reach in the shoulder create this smoother ride and propel the horse at a faster speed without changing the cadence of the leg motion. As with the flat walk, the horse will naturally have a straight up and down vertical head motion timed with the overall rhythm of the running walk. A correctly performed running walk is truly a gait of ease, producing a clearly heard and easily counted 4‐beat tempo.