RIFNA is proud to offer the Western discipline to its Members.  RIFNA offers 8 levels of competition as follows.  Please contact us for specific information or contact your RIFNA coach.

Class A Open

A/Open Level riders should meet one or more of these standards:

• Control an unknown but qualified horse 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.

• 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 Advanced

B/Advanced Level riders should meet one or more of these standards:

• Control 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. 

• 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 Intermediate II

C/Intermediate II Level riders should meet one or more of these standards:

• Control an unknown but qualified horse in either a trail or horsemanship pattern at all three gaits, including simple lead changes, turn on the haunches, roll backs, and side passing,

• 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 Intermediate I

D/Intermediate I Level riders should meet one or more of these standards:

• 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 Novice II

E/Novice II Level riders should meet one or more of these standards:

• Control an unknown but qualified horse while showing in a horsemanship or trail class at all three gaits -- the walk, jog, and lope.

• Started competing in the 4-H or other open local competitions

Class F Novice I

F/Novice I Level riders should meet one or more of these standards:

• Control an unknown but qualified horse while performing a trail or horsemanship pattern individually at the walk, jog, and/or lope.

Class G Introductory II

G/Introductory II Level riders should meet one or more of these standards:

• 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 Introductory I

H/Introductory I Level riders should meet one or more of these standards:

• Control any unknown but qualified horse with other riders in the arena • Direct a horse through a pre-planned walk/jog pattern on his/her own.