Slow Gaited – Light Shod & Heavy Shod
The slow gaited horse should provide a smooth, consistent ride with a noticeable change of speed between a walk and the slow gait. Gaits should be consistent and cadenced. Horse should have a pleasant, alert appearance and be mannerly and responsive to the rider.
Light Shod Slow Gaited
This class is open to all gaited horse breeds and no preference will be given to one particular gait.
Riders must wear and use western tack only. One or both hands may be used on the reins
No whips, crops, nose bands, or cavessons allowed
Horses in this class will not be asked to back
Horse is to be shown at a walk and favorite gait.
Horses will enter the arena at a walk
Shoeing of the horse is allowed as permitted by the HPA and S.H.O.W. regulations. Shoes will be steel –to‐hoof (flat shod). Shoe
may be attached to the foot with shoeing adhesive. Horses will be shod with the frog exposed. Maximum 3/8″ thick X 1″ wide stamped (poured cast) hot or cold or cold roll steel or aluminum keg shoe is allowed (both front and hind feet). Poured or cast Clips, if poured in the original cast. Poured or cast heels (caulks), if poured in the original cast (may not be welded on) Borium is allowed on the toe (1 1/2″ wide at the toe and spots on heels no more than 1/8″ thick. Hoof bands are prohibited.
Any standard horse bit may be used, except for gag bit with no shanks
Required Gaits for Light Shod Slow Gaited Pleasure:
Walk: This is a smooth slow four‐beat gait that should be performed in a very relaxed manner. The horse should be alert but not nervous. Animation is not desired in this gait.
Favorite Gait: This gait is to be performed at moderate speed where the horse extends its stride and covers more ground with each step and can be a variation of any gaited horse breed, with no preference given to any particular gait over another. The gait should be consistent and balanced and should appear easy and comfortable to ride. Excessive speed and animation is not desirable and will be penalized.