General Qualifications:  A rider should feel confident on a qualified horse, unknown to the rider, at all times in the show ring.

Class Qualifications:

Class A

Riders must be able to show it in either trail or horsemanship patterns in all three gaits, including simple or flying lead changes, extended trot, hand gallop, turn on the haunches, turn on the forehands, side pass, roll backs and backing. Riders must have shown in a nationally recognized qualifying event in either World or National Competition, in breed or NRHA shows, or Paint or AQHA Congress Competition in any western discipline.

Class B

A Rider must feel confident in controlling an unknown but qualified horse in either trail or horsemanship patterns in all three gaits including simple lead changes, turn on the haunches, turn on the forehands, extended trot, roll backs, side pass and backing.  Rider must have won up to three blue ribbons or have placed first in at least three recognized shows in any of these western disciplines, such as horsemanship, western riding, reining, or western pleasure.  

Class C

A Rider who feels confident in controlling an unknown horse but is qualified in either a trail or horsemanship pattern at all three gaits, including simple lead changes, turn on the haunches, roll backs, and side passing, will compete in RIFNA Intermediate Class. The Rider must have competed in regional or state recognized breed shows at the novice level in one or more of these western disciplines: Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Western Riding, Trail, or Reining.

Class D

Rider must feel confident that he/she is able to control an unknown but qualified horse in either a trail course or horsemanship pattern in all three (3) gaits including simple lead changes, turn on the haunches, and side passing.

Class E

Rider must feel confident that he/she can keep control over an unknown but qualified horse while showing in a horsemanship or trail class at all three gaits -- the walk, jog, and lope. This division is for the rider who has just started competing in  the 4-H or other open local competitions.

Class F

Rider must feel confident that he/she can keep control of an unknown but qualified horse while performing a trail or horsemanship pattern individually at the walk, jog, and/or lope.

Class G

Rider feels confident that he/she is able to control an unknown but qualified horse with other riders in the arena as well as either doing a trail course or a horsemanship pattern individually at the walk and jog.

Class H

Rider feels confident that he/she can keep control over any unknown but qualified horse with other riders in the arena as well as directing horse through a pre-planned walk/jog pattern on his/her own.

 For further information, please contact us.