The Paso Fino

Sporthorse

(PFSH) 

Just for the Fun of it!

Organized for the express purpose of

demonstrating, competing, promoting and enjoying

the versatility of the Paso Fino.  

Table of Contents

PFSH Rule Book

Article 1: Purpose of the Paso Fino Sport Horse - General Information

Purpose Of The Paso Fino Sport Horse Program Background of the Program

1.1  Background of the Program

1.2  Purpose of the Rule Book

DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

1.3  Board of Directors

1.4  Duties of the Chairman of the Board

1.5  Duties of the Vice Chairman

1.6  Duties of the Secretary. 

1.7  Duties of the Treasurer 

1.8  Duties of Event Point Chairman  

1.9  Duties of PFSH Rule Stewards

Article 2:  General Rules

2.1 Registration Requirements

2.2 Awarding Points

2.3 Naturalness

2.4 Abuse

Article 3:  Definition of Terms Relating to Exhibitors and Judging

3.1 Age Classifications

3.2 Age of Horses

3.3 Amateur  

3.4 Transition from the Amateur to the Professional Status 

3.5 Amateur Classes

3.6 Amateur Owned and Trained Classes

3.7 Disqualified 

3.8 Professionals

3.8 Novice Classes 

Article 4:  Shoeing Regulations

4.0 General:

4.1 Lite Shod Shoe

4.3 Sport boots. 

4.2 Exhibition of Weanlings and Yearlings 

4.3 Exclusions

4.4 Therapeutic Shoeing 

4.5 Abuse 

Article 5:   Description of Gaits of the Paso Fino Sport Horse

5.0 General 

5.1 Fino 

5.2 Corto

5.3. Largo 

5.4 Walk 

5.5 Canter and Lope 

Article 6:  Ring Protocol and Conditions for Exhibition

6.1 Requirements for Exhibition

6.2 Fall of Horse or Rider

6.3 Use of ATSM Helmets 

6.3 Judging Procedures 

6.4 Prohibited  Equipment

6.5 Drugs  

6.7 Judging 

6.7 Voluntary Requests to Be Excused.

6.8  Involuntary Dismissal from the Ring. 

6.9  Time-Outs. 

6.10       Workoffs

Article 7: Rules for Judging

2.1.1   Article 1: Purpose of the Paso Fino Sport Horse - General Information

PURPOSE OF THE PASO FINO SPORT HORSE PROGRAM

1.1  Background of the Program  The Paso Fino Sport Horse (PFSH), founded in 2004 as a non-profit association for owners of Paso Fino pleasure horses used for competition in pleasure, sporting, and performance events throughout North America.  This organization is totally separate from the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) and points conferred in PFSH are not transferable to PFHA and vice-versa.  Note that "Performance" in PFSH means that the horse competes in a class or event that requires the performance of specific maneuvers, e.g., Reining, Trail, or Dressage, and NOT as defined in PFHA as the Performance Division. 

The PFSH program maintains a national point board for each recognized sporting or performance event so that a national standing for each event is established.  Once an equine sport organization is recognized by PFSH, the rules for that organization are followed for competition.  Points in PFSH are awarded as described in paragraph >>>>>>> .

The PFSH also operates PFSH shows where points are earned in various pleasure and performance classes, timed events, and largo racing. 

All points tally to an annual national high point award, awarded in January of each year, for the calendar year (1 January to 31 December) immediately preceding the award. 

1.2  Purpose of the Rule Book  The purpose of this document is to establish rules for:

1.  Accepting and totaling points from recognized equine sport organizations. 

2.  PFSH specific classes and races at regional and local shows. This assures that competitions held in various locations are the same so the results are comparable. 

3.  Conducting PFSH shows

4.  Maintaining national point standings in each of these events.

5.  Presentation of year-end National Championships.

DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

1.3 Board of Directors  The Board of Directors (BOD) consists of seven elected directors, including one Chairman, Vice Chairman, one Secretary, and one Treasurer.  The Board meets quarterly; meetings may be conducted via Teleconference or recorded Internet Conference.  Minutes of all meetings will be recorded, voted on, and maintained in the PFSH library.  The Board settles all organization disputes and Official Complaints by democratic vote. 

1.4  Duties of the Chairman of the Board The Chairman maintains the rule book, gathers comments for proposed changes to the rule book, gathers proposals for the recognition of new events, organizes all Event Point Chairmen, and all proposed rules for new events.

1.5  Duties of the Vice Chairman The Vice Chairman organizes all Regional PFSH Rule Stewards.

1.6  Duties of the Secretary  The Secretary organizes all Board meetings, prepares agendas and minutes of all meetings.  The Secretary also organizes, manages, and tallies results of all voting by the general membership. 

1.7  Duties of the Treasurer  The Treasurer maintains accurate accounts of all PFSH funds, pays all bills, and purchases awards, advertising, and supplies.   All checks are counter-signed by one other BOD member.  The account records are updated at least monthly, and all members of the association have access to a read-only copy of the record.

1.8  Duties of Event Point Chairman   Each event point chairman (EPC) is responsible for maintaining an accurate point tally for the event(s) they are chairman of and providing the Web Site Administrator updated records monthly.  The EPC gathers information for any Official Complaint, and presents it to the BOD for a decision.

1.9 Duties of PFSH Rule Stewards  Regional PFSH Rule Stewards are PFSH members selected by the BOD to ensure PFSH event rules are followed at local shows, events, and races.   All points accepted from regional shows or events must be certified by an attending PFSH Rule Steward that all events were conducted in accordance with PFSH rules.  Other classes may be held at PFSH shows, as non-pointed classes.

All horses must be purebred Paso Finos.  Horses must be registered with Paso Fino Horse Association, the American Paso Fino Horse Association, or the Largo Horse Association. Other associations, or ½-Paso Fino associations may be added in the future, by a majority vote of the membership.  Each horse/rider pair is registered once, for life, in one event, for a cost of $25.  If an individual wishes to join without a horse, the cost is also $25 with the provision that the individual's first horse/event is included once the individual submits points for the horse from competition.

2.2  Awarding Points.  Points are awarded the same way in PFSH, regardless of if they are earned in a PFSH show, or from national organized equine sport events.  Points are awarded as follows:

Placing                   No. of Horses Competing                      PFSH Points Awarded

 1                                20+                                              24

 1                                15-19                                           20

1                                10-14                                           16

1                                5-9                                               12

1                                <5                                               8

2                                20+                                              20

                                   2                                                  15-19 16

 2                                10-14                                           12

 2                                5-9                                               8

 2                                <5                                               6

3                                20+                                              16

 3                                15-19                                           12

 3                                10-14                                           8

 3                                5-9                                               6

 3                                <5                                               4

 4                                20+                                              12

 4                                15-19                                           8

 4                                10-14                                           6

 4                                5-9                                               4

 4                                <5                                               3

 5                                20+                                              8

 5                                15-19                                           6

 5                                10-14                                           4

 5                                5-9                                               3

 5                                <5                                               2

 6                                20+                                              6

 6                                15-19                                           4

 6                                10-14                                           3

 6                                5-9                                               2

 6                                <5                                               1       

2.3 Naturalness  The Paso Fino is to be shown in its natural state.  Clipping of the fetlocks, facial whiskers, exterior ear hair, and a small (not to exceed 2") bridle path are allowed, but broken or altered tails are prohibited.  Horses with tails that have been altered surgically will not be shown.  Where an altered tail is suspect, the tail will be checked by the judge and/or ring steward.  The check will consist of tickling the horse's flank for tail reaction.  If the horse cannot swish the tail naturally the horse will be disqualified.  If a contestant wishes to contest the judge/steward ruling, he/she may get a veterinarian certification of a completed inspection of the tail where no scars are found.  Owners may wish to carry with them such certification for horses with natural J-tails.  Clipping inside the ears is prohibited as this protects the ear from biting insects.

2.4 Abuse   There will be no abuse to horses and no use of any harsh training device at any PFSH show.  Harsh training devices include serretas, heavy metal nose bands or curbs, cruely thin bosals or curbs.  Whips and dull spurs are permissible for use as aids for cues only. They may NOT AT ANY TIME be used for punishment.  Any evidence of under chin or over nose scars from chains, or tight head gear, or any physical abuse of a horse on the show grounds will result in disqualification of the horse from all events and the permanent expulsion of the owner, trainer, and rider from PFSH.           

Article 3:  Definition of Terms Relating to Exhibitors and Judging

3.1  Age Classifications :

1.     Youth Exhibitors are defined as persons who have not reached an 18^th birthday as of January 1^st of a new competition year. Youth may continue to show in the Youth division for the competition year based on their age on January 1^st.

2.     Age Specific classes for age groupings like 11 and under or 65 and over may be established by show management in any division.

3.     Adult exhibitors are those who have reached an 18^th birthday as of January 1^st of a competition year.

3.2  Age of Horses For show purposes a horse shall be considered to be one year old on the first day of January following the date of foaling.

3.3 Amateur   An amateur is defined as a person who has not reached his or her 18^th birthday by January 1^st of the competition year and who, after the 18^th birthday, does not engage in any activities that would cause him or her to be considered a professional horseman. Such activities include the acceptance of payment in cash, good, or other forms of remuneration for the training of horses; the riding of horses for others; the preparation of horses for exhibition ; the giving of lessons to those outside the immediate family for payment or remuneration of some sort; the acceptance of payment in either cash or some other form of remuneration for catch riding; the giving of clinics for payment either in cash or for remuneration of some kind.  If these activities are engaged in, even on a part time basis, the individual is considered to be a professional. The defining line is the acceptance of payment of some sort for the training or riding of horses or the training of riders.

Boarding horses or standing a stud at public service does not constitute a violation of amateur status. Working in a maintenance capacity at a facility, where the training or riding of horses is not part of the scope of reimbursed employment does not violate the amateur status. The sale of horses does not constitute a violation of the amateur status.

3.4  Transition from the Amateur to the Professional Status  If, at any point,  during the competition year, an individual elects to change status from amateur to professional, he may not revert to the amateur status for the remainder of the competition year.

3.5  Amateur Classes Classes are limited to amateur riders, although horses may be professionally trained.

3.6  Amateur Owned and Trained Classes These classes are limited to amateur owners and riders only. The horse must be owned by the exhibitor or a member of his immediate family. The horse shall have had no professional training within 90 days of the event.

The writing of books or articles on general  equine subjects not related to training of the horse or improvement of riders, does not constitute a violation of the amateur status. Serving as a steward or judge does not in itself constitute a violation of amateur status.

3.7 Disqualified  The entry may complete the class but may not be placed. The presence of illegal equipment results in automatic disqualification.

3.8 Professionals Individuals are considered professional if after their 18^th birthday they accept remuneration of any sort for the following activities: employment in connection with the training, riding, preparation of horses; for activities including exercising, schooling, riding, driving, or giving instructions or clinics in riding or training of horses; being paid for riding or showing in hand , under saddle or in harness any horse that another person owns (other then an immediate family member.

3.8 Novice Classes  When novice classes are offered, they will specify novice horse OR rider, or both.  Novice classes are limited to those horses or riders who have not previously won one blue ribbon in the class PRIOR to the current show.

Article 4:  Shoeing Regulations

4.0 General: The Paso Fino may be shown either barefoot or lightly shod.

4.1 Lite Shod Shoe On both front and rear hooves, the so-called lite shod shoe must be no wider than ¾ inches wide and no thicker than 3/8 inch . A caulk is permissible but it must be no thicker than ¾ inch. The turnback shall not exceed one inch. The shoe shall not extend more than ¼ inch beyond the hoof at the toe. The shoe is not to extend beyond the bulb of the horse’s heel when a perpendicular line is drawn from the bulb of the heel to the ground. Trailers are permitted on hind shoes but may not exceed ½ inch in length.

Welded on clips are not permitted on shoes. Clips that are drawn from the shoe itself are permitted. No additional weight is allowed on or in the hoof, or may be added or concealed to the shoe. The horse may wear only a properly forged shoe attached with nails and no bands.

4.3 Sport boots.  Horses may compete with sport boots instead of regular shoes or barefoot.  The sport boot shall be used as purchased, with no additional tape, wiring, or weights.

4.2 Exhibition of Weanlings and Yearlings  Weanlings and yearlings exhibited at PFSH sanctioned events must be shown barefoot with a toe that does not exceed 3.5 inches in length.

4.3 Exclusions In all  gaited horse classes pads, including rim pads,  bar shoes and bands are prohibited unless they are required for therapeutic purposes.

4.4 Therapeutic Shoeing  In an attempt to allow horses with conditions like navicular or complications from founder to compete in a comfortable manner, therapeutic shoeing may be permitted on a case by case basis. The horse must be accompanied by a veterinarian certificate of need, signed within 15 days of the event, that outlines the shoe that is required and the condition that is being treated. The certificate of need will be presented to show management along with the entry form.

4.5 Abuse  Any evidence of soring, wounds or scars from chains, or other abuse to alter the gait of the horse will result in disqualification of the horse from all events and the permanent expulsion of the owner, trainer, and rider from PFSH.  Since scars on the lower legs of a horse are cause for suspicion, horses with injuries or scars do to accidents may be shown if accompanied by a veterinarian certification that the injury/scar is from surgery or an accident and not from harsh training methods.

Article 5:   Description of Gaits of the Paso Fino Sport Horse

5.0 General  The Paso gait is an isochronal (even) 4-beat gait, neither lateral nor diagonal.  There are at all times 2 or 3 feet in contact with the ground.  The ideal pleasure gait is perfectly even and smoothly executed to cause minimal discomfort to the rider.  The gait is totally natural.  There shall be no evidence a horse is collected, forced, pushed or driven into gait.  The proper sequence of the Paso gait is LR, LF, RR, RF.   The Paso Fino demonstrates three speeds of the Paso gait, they are:

5.1 Fino  The fino is executed with short rapid footfalls but slow forward momentum.  It is a collected gait, but still must be natural, with no evidence the horse is pulled into, or held in gait.  Fino is ideal for parades and other exhibitions.  There are no Sport Horse classes that call for Fino, but it may be shown in demonstrations or freestyle classes.

5.2 Corto The corto is the medium speed, roughly equal to a jog trot in other breeds.  It is the horse's preferred gait that can be maintained for long rides and extended periods.  It may be shown with mild to medium collection. 

5.3. Largo  The largo is a fast, extended gait.  While this is also a racing gait, it is not a race in the arena.  The horse will show speed and good extension, while still being controlled and smooth.  This is not a singlefoot or rack, the 2/3 foot rule always applies, even during races.

5.4 Walk  The Paso Fino also walks.  Every pleasure horse must be able to maintain a flat walk on a lose rein. 

5.5 Canter and Lope  The Canter and Lope are 3 beat gaits, where the inside fore and hind feet lead the outer legs.  The canter is collected and animated, the lope is elongated and smooth.  Paso Finos also gallop and run, but these are usually reserved for timed events, they may be called for in some performance classes.

Article 6:  Ring Protocol  and Conditions for Exhibition

6.1 Requirements for Exhibition All horses that enter the ring to compete must be controlled and must pose no danger to other entries. Fractious behavior will not be allowed to disrupt the performance of other competitors. In the event that an exhibitor does not request the gate if his horse becomes unruly, the judge must excuse the entry.

6.2 Fall of Horse or Rider The fall of a horse, defined as the shoulder and the point of the hip on the same side hitting the ground, or the fall of a rider from the horse will result in the entry being excused from further competition.

6.3 Use of ATSM Helmets  The use of ATSM helmets is required at all PFSH sanctioned shows in speed events and any class that requires jumping.  Helmets are required for all youths age 13 and under, and for youths 18 and under in all states that require them.  The use of helmets by adults in other classes are not required, but are recommended and shall not be penalized when worn in place of western or pleasure hats.

6.3 Judging Procedures 

6.4 Prohibited  Equipment: PFSH shows are intended to reward the exhibition of genuine pleasure horses.  The horses are to be shown naturally with no harsh or artificial means used to obtain gait, performance, or collection.  To that end no harsh devices may be used.  These include:  thin alzadors, serretas, metal nose bands – regardless of how padded or taped, gag bits, bits with shanks 6" or longer, mechanical hackamores with shanks 6" or longer, chain chin straps that do not lie flat against the horse, extremely tight chin straps (must have allowance for two fingers), sharp spurs….  Additionally the following equipment is disallowed:  running martingales, tie-downs, tight or snug cavesons (must have room for three fingers underneath), tongue tie downs, tail tie downs, rear end collectors, ….

6.5 Drugs   No horse may be shown while under the influence of any performance altering drugs, be that stimulants or depressants.  Routine drug testing will not be performed, but drug tests may be required by show management if drugs are suspected. 

6.7 Judging  Judges at PFSH events will follow an established ring protocol in all under saddle classes. Judging does not commence until the gate is officially closed and the class called to order.  Judges or show management may direct that the gate be closed after the announcement of a two-minute gate call. The ringmaster is responsible for timing of the gate call, and in the absence of the ringmaster the judge will keep the official time. Once the gate is closed, no entry will be allowed to enter the ring. Although horses enter at the show walk, the judge may direct the class to go at ease while waiting for the class to fill. Riders may stop on the rail and use that time to make minor tack adjustments, as long as dismounting is not required.

Entries begin competition at the walk, after proceeding counterclockwise through the gate. Judges observe the entrance of the class, before the gate is closed, for two purposes only: to count the number of entries in a class and to note any signs of lameness or potential disqualifying issues before the field is placed in competition. The judge has the responsibility and the authority to excuse from the ring any horse that exhibits a bad image way of going, appears to be “off” or lame, who exhibits unruly behavior, or who otherwise fails to conform to the PFSH Rules. The decision to excuse a horse from competition is not protestable.

Judging takes place only when the class is called to order. Breaks in gait or other mistakes that occur before that time are not considered in the final evaluation. 

During the lineup, the judge and the ringmaster will walk the line. The judge may excuse horses for signs of physical distress and observable violations of the rules, even if those rules were not noticed on the rail during competition. Horses that are excused, either from the lineup or from the rail, do not meet the criteria of having been shown and judged.

6.7 Voluntary Requests to Be Excused. Any exhibitor has the right to request to be excused from consideration at any time during the competition but prior to the lineup. Once the lineup has been called, only the judge may excuse an exhibitor from a class. An exhibitor shall pull into center ring and request permission to be excused through the ringmaster. The exhibitor may choose to remain mounted or to dismount.

6.8  Involuntary Dismissal from the Ring.  The judge may exercise his/her discretionary power to excuse an exhibitor at any point in the class. When a judge makes this determination, the class will be stopped, the exhibitor will be asked to pull into center ring and the ringmaster will give the exhibitor a brief description of the reason for the dismissal. Discussion of the decision in center ring is not allowed. The announcer will make an announcement that the exhibitor has been dismissed at the request of the judge; the exhibitor will leave the ring; then, the class will continue.

6.9  Time-Outs.  Time-outs may only be called for tack breakage or repair. If an entry throws a shoe during the course of a class, the exhibitor has the option of continuing without a shoe, or requesting to be excused from the class.

To request a time-out, the rider must pull into center ring and request the time from the ringmaster. The rider must remain mounted, unless to do so would constitute a danger to the exhibitor or the horse. In the absence of an emergency, the rider may dismount when permission for the time-out is given. Timing begins when the announcement of the timeout is made. No assistant or groom may enter the ring before the announcement.  The only problem that may be corrected during a timeout is the problem for which the request was made.

A total of ten minutes per individual entry is allowed for timeouts in a class. Regardless of the length of time expended, no more than two time-outs per entry will be allowed per class. The ringmaster is the official timekeeper and will record the amount of time spent during the timeout in a notebook kept for that purpose.

Other riders are to remain at ease during the time out and may make adjustments to tack that do not require the rider to dismount. Assistance in the ring or from over the rail is prohibited.

6.10  Workoffs.  A judge may call for a workoff for any or all of the entries in the class in order to determine the final placement of entries within the group designated for the workout. Horses may be worked out for other than the top placings. Entries who have already been placed in the class will be asked to park to the center of the ring, until the workout is completed. All horses that have not been selected for the workout are excused after the final workout horses have been selected.

Workout entries are judged as if a new class has begun. Cards are to be marked on the basis of the quality of the presentation during a workout. In any class having more than one judge, the presence of a horse on one judge’s card is sufficient to allow the horse to be in the workout group.  Judges may confer together if they are using the workout to tie specific places, rather than the entire class.

Article 7: Rules for Judging

7.1 Pleasure Division General Rules:  All entries shall enter the ring to the right at a corto and continue to corto until the gate is closed.  After the class is called to order, the judge shall call for the performance of the gaits in the following order:  corto, walk, corto, largo, stop, walk, reverse at the walk, corto, largo, stop, walk, corto to the center and line up.  Whenever stopped, the horse must stand quietly on a lose rein. 

7.2. Judging Pleasure Gaits  Except where otherwise specified, the Paso gait in the PFSH show shall be judged as follows:  1) Smoothness (to the rider and flatness of croup) and 2) consistency (even 4-beat) gait.  There is no added value for speed or height of footfall.  High gaited horses (except in Show Pleasure) will be given no preference over low gaited horses.  Horses failing to execute the Paso gait will be excused.

7.3 Manners  The purpose of this division is to reward the genuine pleasure horse.  Horses showing undue stress (bulging veins, trembling, jumping, jigging, or balking) will be excused.  Horses showing lesser degrees of stress will be penalized:  popping lips, biting the bit (playing with a roller or shank will not be penalized), tossing or bobbing the head, swishing the tail, pawing while standing). 

7.3 Appointments of the Pleasure Division:  The rider shall wear a straw or felt hat, long sleeve blouse or shirt, a vest or jacket, long pants, and boots.  Gloves are optional.  Either a western or English saddle may be used, except in Western Pleasure a western saddle or Australian saddle (with horn) must be used.   Also in Western Pleasure a western hat, boots, and headstall are required and chaps are optional.  Only one hand may be used on the reins in Western Pleasure. 

7.4 Bits.  Bits are not required in any PFSH class and schooling gear (double reins) is allowed. 

7.5 Show Pleasure  The Show Pleasure class is for the showiest pleasure horses.  In Show Pleasure the walk and corto are shown with medium collection, such that the horse demonstrates healthy brio, the ears are up and the horse has an excited "let's go" attitude.  All gaits should be animated and showy.  The largo is extended, but is shown with animation and brilliance.  Besides the procedures listed in paragraph 7.1., the judge may ask the exhibitors to corto a serpentine or figure 8, back at least 4 steps, or return to the rail for a corto/reverse work-off.  There are no restrictions to glitter in Show Pleasure, so hair ribbons, sequins on clothes, silver breast collars and headstalls, and bright colors are all legal.  This class shall be judged as follows:  40% manners, 5% walk, 5% stand, 20% corto, 20% largo, and 10% brilliance and showiness. 

7.6 Trail Pleasure. The Trail Pleasure classes are judged solely on the ability of the horse to provide a safe, smooth and pleasurable ride while performing the Paso gaits.  Animation is undesirable in a trail pleasure horse. Animation, as well as any tendency to pace, rack, troche, trot, or break into a canter, will be severely penalized in this division.  The head and neck  must be carried in a natural and relaxed manner, appropriate to the horse’s overall conformation. The judge may ask for dismount and mount, corto figure 8 or serpentine, 10-foot back, or a rail work off that goes from a largo to a flat walk or stop and stand.    This class shall be judged as follows:  40% manners, 10% walk, 10% stand, 20% corto, 20% largo.

7.7 Family Pleasure.  The family pleasure horse is the ideal mount for children and older adults.  It is a kind, tractable horse with brio sufficient to make it willing and compliant.  The horse must demonstrate exceptional manners, be responsive and quiet and manageable at all gaits on a light rein. The horse must stand quietly and back on a straight track, a minimum of four steps.   The judge may ask for dismount and mount, corto  a figure 8 or serpentine, 10-foot back, or a rail work off that goes from a largo to a flat walk or stop and stand.    This class shall be judged as follows:  60% manners, 5% walk, 5% stand, 20% corto, 10% largo.

7.8 Western Pleasure

The entry shall reflect the suitability of the Paso Fino as a western pleasure horse.  The horse must exhibit a true four beat Paso gait, a consistent flat walk and a controlled three beat lope.  Western Pleasure horses must be shown on a loose rein, defined as exhibiting a shallow “U” loop in the reins. The horse must provide an exceptionally smooth ride without action or animation, with all movement and energy channeled into forward motion. The horse must take the correct lead for the direction being traveled.  The head set should be relaxed and natural, so that the horse has the opportunity to spot potential hazards while being ridden.

Bumping, pumping or snatching of the reins, even if on the offside from the judge, if seen, must result in elimination from consideration for awards. A western pleasure horse that fails to stand quietly must be penalized and a halt on the rail may be called for from any gait. Horses that fail to back in western classes may not be placed over other correctly gaited horses that do back. The reinback must consist of a minimum of four steps on a straight track with no indication of discomfort, or resistance. Western Pleasure horses may be asked to halt from any gait. The judge may also require the riders to mount and dismount from either side, or to lope a figure 8 with either a simple or flying lead change. This class shall be judged as follows:  25% manners, 5% walk, 5% stand, 5% back, 20% corto, 20% largo, 20% lope.