Scoring Change for Pattern Classes

Starting January 1, a revised scoring system will be in place for showmanship, equitation, and horsemanship classes in both American Quarter Horse Association and American Paint Horse Association competition. Similar to what’s now used for trail and Western riding, the scoring system will require the evaluation of individual maneuvers in half-point increments, from a low of -3 to a high of +3, with 0 denoting a maneuver that’s correct but without a degree of difficulty. Points will also be awarded for overall form and effectiveness of the complete run. (For more on how this type of scoring enhances fairness, see “Dirt Arenas, Not Glass Ceilings” on page 76. For details on the rule changes in question, refer to the 2019 AQHA and APHA rule books when available at aqha.com and apha.com, respectively.)