Rules for the evaluation of the Western Barrel Racing discipline at the Hobbyhorse Championship

1. ARENA

  • The size of the western arena is 7 × 14 metres.
  • A firm sports surface with good friction is recommended to ensure safety and smooth movement.

2. CHODY

The following types of courses are used in western races and are subject to evaluation:

2.1 Walking

  • The rider shows a relaxed and controlled gait.
  • The steps should be even and smooth, with a slight gathering.

2.2 Jog (slow trot)

  • It is characterized by slow, soft steps with minimal impulse.
  • The tempo remains the same even when the step is extended.

2.3 Lope (slow canter)

  • The canter should be slow, soft and controlled.
  • At the same time, the rider controls the leading leg (right or left), which corresponds to the direction of movement.

The type of courses and their use on the track are precisely defined in the track layout and must be followed.

3. MANEVRE

3.1 Stopping and standing

  • The rider should demonstrate a smooth stop without sudden deceleration. After stopping, the horse’s position should be stable and the horse should remain in place for at least 3 seconds without moving forward or sideways. Movements backwards are only allowed if the pattern requires it.
  • When stopping, the rider should make a smooth transition and ensure the horse is stable.

3.2 Volt

  • The volte is a small circle that the rider performs with an indicated bend of the hobby horse’s head towards the inside of the circle. That is, the rider should, by leaning the body and leading with the reins, indicate the bend of the hobby horse’s head towards the inside arc of the circle, while the rest of the hobby horse’s stick remains stable and in a vertical position. The diameter of the volte is usually half the width of the arena, but can be adjusted to fit the course pattern. The movement should be smooth, with no jerky changes of pace, with the rider maintaining control of the overall movement.
  • A small circle with a diameter of half the width of the arena, unless otherwise specified in the pattern.

3.3 Le yield (retreat)

  • This manoeuvre involves moving the hobby horse forward and sideways at the same time. The rider should indicate the bend of the hobby horse’s head away from the movement by leaning the body and leading with the reins, while the rest of the hobby horse’s stick remains stable and in a vertical position. The movement should be fluid, with the hobby horse’s head following the rider’s lead. The movement should be smooth, with the hobby horse’s head following the direction of the lead. Accuracy and control of the rider when performing the manoeuvre are key to the assessment.
  • Movement forward and sideways with a slight bend from the direction of movement.

3.4 Side Pass

  • In this manoeuvre, the hobby horse moves exclusively sideways, without forward movement. The rider should lead the movement by leaning the body and gently guiding the reins so that the hobby horse’s head remains slightly pointing away from the direction of movement. The rest of the stick should remain stable and in a vertical position. A steady and controlled movement is key to proper execution. This maneuver is often performed along the arena wall where it is easier to maintain a proper line of motion. Accuracy of movement and stability of the rider will be key to the evaluation.

3.5 Shoulder inwards

  • This manoeuvre is a movement in which the rider gently guides the reins and tilts the body to indicate the bend of the hobby horse’s head towards the inside of the ring. The front of the hobby horse’s stick (head) follows the inside arc, while the back of the stick remains stable and vertical. The movement should be executed smoothly and evenly, with the rider maintaining control of body position and tilt. The assessment focuses on the accuracy of the head flexion, the rider’s balance and the maintenance of fluidity of movement. The rider must also demonstrate the ability to accurately judge the trajectory of the movement and correctly distribute weight between the legs.

3.6 Turnover

  • Forward (180°) or backward (180°) rotation performed in a precise and controlled manner.

3.7 Spin

  • Rotation involves 360° movement while maintaining stability. The rider must ensure that the horse makes the movement smoothly and without going off axis. The horse’s hind legs should remain in place while the forelegs perform the circular movement.
  • 360° rotation performed while maintaining stability.

3.8 Flying/lead change, changing leads

  • This manoeuvre involves a smooth change of the lead leg of the hobby horse during the canter. The rider should indicate the change by angling the body and gently leading with the reins, with the hobby horse’s head naturally following the direction of movement. The change of leg priority is done without interrupting the rhythm of the canter and must be smooth and precise. When judging, emphasis is placed on the timing of the change, the fluidity of the movement and the rider maintaining correct balance. Errors such as sudden jerks, irregular movement or incorrect rider position may result in a deduction of points. Smooth change of leading legs in the canter.

The types of manoeuvres shall be demonstrated on designated parts of the runway which are clearly marked on the runway layout. For example, voltes should be performed at the inside corners of the arena, stops and stands on the centerline, and 360° turns at marked points near the walls. These parts must be clearly defined to facilitate the execution and evaluation of manoeuvres, with the evaluation depending on the accuracy and fluency of the execution.

4. EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

4.1 Equipment

  • Required: topless western bridle – a simple bridle with no additional nose support to allow gentle guidance of the horse; choke – a metal or synthetic part of the bridle that helps the rider control the horse through gentle pressure in the mouth; hackamore – a bridle without a choke that uses pressure on the horse’s nose and cheeks; or bosal – a traditional type of hackamore with a solid nose piece for more precise control.
  • Prohibited: bandages, martingales, whips.
  • Reins must be split, held in one hand if a western smoker is used.

4.2 Clothing

  • Sports shoes are compulsory.
  • Recommended: long sleeve shirt, cowboy hat.

4.3 Position of the rider

  • Correct posture: straight back, relaxed arms, smooth leg movements.

5. EVALUATION AND SCORING

5.1 Scoring

  • Each rider starts with 70 points, to which points are added or deducted based on manoeuvres. For example, if a rider demonstrates a precise stop at the designated spot and a correct rein hold, they will receive +1 point. Conversely, if the rider moves out of the designated circle or performs the movement irregularly at the volte, he loses -0.5 to -1 point. Points may also be awarded for a smooth change of leg priority without hesitation (+1 point) or deducted for incorrectly leading the horse during the canter (-1.5 points).
    • Adjustments from -1.5 to +1.5.
    • Extra points for overall impression in two categories (0-5 points):
      1. Adherence to correct procedures and accuracy.
      2. The attitude of the rider and the support of the hobby horse.

5.2 Sanctions

  • Offences: 1-2 penalty points (e.g. touching an obstacle, minor deviation).
  • Faults: 3-5 penalty points (e.g. incorrect running, touching the reins with the free hand).

5.3 Disqualification

  • Serious violations: missing an obstacle, falling, improperly held reins, interfering with others.

5.4 Ranking

  • Riders are judged on points and time:
    • Primary criterion: number of points.
    • Secondary criterion: time.
  • The rider with the highest number of points and the fastest time wins.
  • If a rider is entered in a discipline with two hobbyhorses, only one of them will be judged, the one with the better ranking.
  • Excluded riders will not be evaluated

Update: January 2025