April Fool’s! New Class, Horse and Dog Trail, Coming to a Breed Show Near You
We are excited to announce the approval of a new class coming to an AQHA, APHA, or ApHC show near you, beginning in 2017.
SHW 916.1 Horse and Dog Trail- This class will be judged on the performance of a horse and rider over obstacles as they are accompanied by a canine companion. Horses will receive credit for showing the ability to effectively maneuver obstacles with style, speed, and correctness. Dogs will be judged on their ability to maintain a proper seat in the saddle without hindering the horse’s movement. Dogs should remain seated in the saddle, in front of the rider, but may dismount to retrieve objects from the mailbox and to independently cross a bridge or swim through a water box. Extra points will be given for dogs that have the ability to balance on their horse’s hindquarters throughout the duration of the pattern. Horses shall be penalized for any delay in approaching and navigating through an obstacle. Dogs will be penalized for barking at judges, biting ring stewards, and any potty accidents made on the course.
This event is a preliminary offering scheduled for implementation in 2017. Based on its success, other classes may be examined such as Double Lead Horse and Dog Showmanship and Horse and Dog Western Riding. Stay tuned.
April Fool’s!
If you’re interested in learning more about April Fool’s Day pranks involving animals, Hoaxes.org has a compilation including a few of our favorites like the Two Headed Horse (1952), Tail Lights For Horses (1961), Bionic Horse (1977), Rat Fur Coats (1980), Viagra For Hamsters (2000), Butterfly Advertising (2002), Federally Funded Health Care For Pets (2002), Decrease in Sheep Herds Contribute to Climate Change (2007).
