Refined Horse Versatility™

Sport Horse Division – Foundation Show Level

 

 

 

 

In-Hand Versatility is a one phase class over a course of 6-9 obstacles. Two levels are offered to encourage development of in-hand work. Exhibitors may be asked to lead their horse from the left or right side.   Exhibitors may use a leather, nylon or rope halter or show in a suitable snaffle bridle. No stud chains.

 

The course will be performed in an outdoor or enclosed arena. The course may be set on natural, undulating terrain.  Obstacles may be constructed from wooden poles (natural or painted), cones, and natural elements such as tree stumps or fallen logs.  Each obstacle may be marked with artificial flowers and other seasonal decorations.

 

The course will be handled from memory and the obstacles will not be numbered.  A course map will be posted at the show grounds and competitors will be allowed to inspect the course before the start of competition and during scheduled breaks.

 

Directives:  Horse and handler must show progression and development of correct gymnastic training, softness, confidence and willingness and basic development of refinement. The purpose of In-Hand Versatility is to show thoughtful presentation of obstacles, overall smoothness of the course and accurate application of the aids.  

 

Course of 6-9 obstacles including; walk and turns through “L”, simple weave through serpentine, small circling around or within fixed obstacle, low step overs, step up and down (i.e. banks), narrow chute, trot straight line to fixed point, lining up to simulate mounting from fixed object, simple and straight backing, walking over foreign surface i.e. bridge, shallow ditch, etc.

 

Directives:  Horse and rider must show progression and development of correct gymnastic training, softness, confidence and willingness and basic development of refinement.  The Working Phase will show thoughtful presentation of obstacles, overall smoothness of the course and accurate application of the aids, developing a more technical understanding of refined horsemanship. 

 

Course of 6-9 obstacles including;  walk and turns through “L”, weave through serpentine, small circling around or within fixed obstacle, low step overs, step up and down (i.e. banks), simple turns within a box, trot narrow chute, acute transitions from trot to halt on straight line to fixed point, lining up to simulate mounting from fixed object, backing through simple turn, walking and halting over foreign surface i.e. bridge, shallow ditch, etc.

 

Horses may be shown in Dressage or Hunter tack. 

 

Directives:  Designed for horse and/ or rider new to the sport.  Horse and rider must show basic directive skills for any equine activity.  Rider must be able to mount safely, unassisted from a fixed mounting block or from the ground whilst maintaining control of the horse.

 

Rider must demonstrate basic directive skills through turns, circles, straight lines and progressive halt, walk and trot transitions.

 

At this level horse should show a relaxed and soft connection and development of confidence and willingness. Partnership should show basic foundations for correct gymnastic training through rider clarity and support and correct use of the aids.

 

Refined Riding Test - Under- saddle class at the walk and trot

 

Working Phase - Course of 6-9 obstacles including; walk and turns through “L”, simple weave through serpentine, small circling around or within fixed obstacle, low step over’s, step up and down (i.e. banks), narrow chute, trot straight line to fixed point, mounting from fixed block, simple backing, walking over foreign surface i.e. bridge, shallow ditch, etc.

 

Working Dressage and Working Hunter RHV sections consists of two phases: a Refined Riding Phase and a Working Phase. The Working Dressage and Working Hunter classes are split into levels based on the gymnastic development of the horse.

 

Refined Riding Phase
The Refined Riding Phase is a ridden test appropriate to the horse’s current state of development.  It is designed to showcase refinement, balance and communication between horse and rider.  This progressive development allows the horse to perform movements of significant difficulty with ease while expressing confidence and joy.

 

The Working Phase is to show the rider’s ability to direct the horse through a series of obstacles designed to highlight the horse’s willingness and readiness.  With the clarification of levels in Versatility, the Working Phase will continue to test the development of horsemanship and working refinement at levels reflecting the stages of training. 

 

The Working Phase will be ridden in an outdoor or enclosed arena.  The course may be set on natural, undulating terrain. Obstacles may be constructed from wooden poles (natural or painted), cones, natural elements such as tree stumps or fallen logs.  Each obstacle may be marked with artificial flowers and other seasonal decorations.

 

The course will be ridden from memory and the obstacles will not be numbered. A course map will be posted at the show grounds and competitors will be allowed to inspect the course before the start of competition and during scheduled breaks.

 

RHV is offered through the Masters level, with each level building on the objectives of previous levels.

 

The working test will consist of an obstacle course of 6-9 elements specific to the current level of training. There is no jumping required in this section.

 

Directives: Horse and rider must show progression and development of correct gymnastic training, softness, confidence and willingness and basic development of refinement. The Working Phase will show thoughtful presentation of obstacles, overall smoothness of the course and accurate application of the aids.  

 

Refined Riding Test - USDF Intro Test C

 

Working Phase - Course of 6-9 obstacles including; walk and turns through “L”, simple weave through serpentine, small circling around or within fixed obstacle, low step over’s, step up and down (i.e. banks), narrow chute, trot straight line to fixed point, mounting from fixed block, simple backing, walking over foreign surface i.e. bridge, shallow ditch, etc.

 

Directives: Horse and rider must show progression and development of correct gymnastic training, softness, confidence and willingness and basic development of refinement.  The Working Phase will show thoughtful presentation of obstacles, overall smoothness of the course and accurate application of the aids, developing a more technical understanding of refined horsemanship. 

 

Refined Riding Test - USEF Training Level Test 3

 

Working Phase - Course of 6-9 obstacles including; walk and turns through “L”,  weave through serpentine, small circling around or within fixed obstacle, low step over’s, step up and down (i.e. banks), simple turns within a box, trot narrow chute, acute transitions from trot to halt on straight line to fixed point, mounting from fixed block,  backing through simple turn,  walking and halting over foreign surface i.e. bridge, shallow ditch, etc.

 

Directives: Horse and rider must show progression and development of correct gymnastic training, softness, confidence and willingness and development of refinement within all gaits.  Horse will show development of lateral movements and a developing level of collection. The Working Phase will show thoughtful presentation of obstacles, overall smoothness of the course and accurate application of the aids, developing a more technical understanding of refined horsemanship.  Rider will be expected to show some simple maneuvers in one hand, perform rein back through turns, leg yield and side passing, simple turns on the forehand and haunches and some simple canter work between obstacles.

 

Refined Riding Test - USEF First Level Test 3

 

Working Phase - Course of 6-9 obstacles including; walk, trot and turns through “L”, weave through serpentine, small circling around or within fixed obstacle, side pass or leg yield within specified area,  step over’s, step up and down (i.e. banks), narrow chute, turning within a box, trot/canter straight line to fixed point, mounting from fixed block, backing through turns, walking or trotting over foreign surface i.e. bridge, shallow ditch, etc.

 

In the Working Hunter Working Phase, riders will compete over a natural hunt course with undulating terrain. Riders will be asked to jump and perform tasks as though in the hunt field. The obstacles can include crossing shallow water and jumping narrow fences. 

 

Directives: Horse and rider must show progression and development of correct gymnastic training, softness, confidence and willingness and basic development of refinement. The Working Phase will show thoughtful presentation of obstacles, overall smoothness of the course and accurate application of the aids.  

 

Refined Riding Test – Prix Caprilli 1

 

Working Phase - Course of 6-9 obstacles including; cross rail fences, walk and turns through “L”, simple weave through serpentine, small circling around or within fixed obstacle, low step over’s, step up and down (i.e. banks), narrow chute, trot straight line to fixed point, mounting from fixed block, simple backing, walking over foreign surface i.e. bridge, shallow ditch, etc.

 

Directives: Horse and rider must show progression and development of correct gymnastic training, softness, confidence and willingness and basic development of refinement.  The Working Phase will show thoughtful presentation of obstacles, overall smoothness of the course and accurate application of the aids, developing a more technical understanding of refined horsemanship. 

 

Refined Riding Test – Prix Caprilli Test 2

 

Working Phase - Course of 6-9 obstacles including; fences to 2’,walk and turns through “L”, weave through serpentine, small circling around or within fixed obstacle, low step over’s, step up and down (i.e. banks), simple turns within a box, trot narrow chute, acute transitions from trot to halt on straight line to fixed point, mounting from fixed block, backing through simple turn, walking and halting over foreign surface i.e. bridge, shallow ditch, etc.

 

Directives: Horse and rider must show progression and development of correct gymnastic training, softness, confidence and willingness and development of refinement within all gaits.  Horse will show development of lateral movements and a developing level of collection. The Working Phase will show thoughtful presentation of obstacles, overall smoothness of the course and accurate application of the aids, developing a more technical understanding of refined horsemanship.  Rider will be expected to show some simple maneuvers in one hand, perform rein back through turns, leg yield and side passing, simple turns on the forehand and haunches and some simple canter work between obstacles.

 

Refined Riding Test - USEF First Level Test 3

 

Working Phase - Course of 6-9 obstacles including; fences to 2’6”,walk, trot and turns through “L”, weave through serpentine, small circling around or within fixed obstacle, side pass or leg yield within specified area, step over’s, step up and down (i.e. banks), narrow chute, turning within a box, trot/canter straight line to fixed point, mounting from fixed block, backing through turns, walking or trotting over foreign surface i.e. bridge, shallow ditch, etc.

 

Elementary Level

 

Rules and Regulations (complete Rules available for download HERE)

USDF rules apply for all Dressage tests including Prix Caprilli with the exception that bitless bridles (non-mechanical type) will be permitted. Riding in halters is not permitted. Working Western horses must show in a snaffle bit of approved type or a non-mechanical (bosal) hackamore. USEF Hunter rules apply for Working Hunter with the exception that martingales of any sort, standing or running, are not allowed. Boots and bandages are not permitted in any judged class. Hoof boots are permitted. Vienna reins/sliding side reins/draw reins are always prohibited on the grounds

 

Dress code Appropriate schooling attire required, e.g. boots, breeches (blue jeans for western), shirt with collar. Jackets are waived. Clothing should be neat and clean. Approved helmets must be worn at ALL times when mounted. Braiding is not required. 

 

 

A horse and rider combination may not show in more than six tests (each of Dressage, Prix Caprilli, RHV Working Phase, Refined Riding Phase and In-Hand are considered a test) are each per day, with each individual horse not permitted to show in more than nine tests per day for any reason.

 

Riders may enter more than one Versatility section. Each Versatility course may have modifications. Entry into both In-Hand Versatility and ridden Versatility is permitted.  

 

Scoring
The scoring for both the Refined Riding Phase and the Working Phase will use the current USDF scale of 0-10 with 10 being the highest mark.  The scores from each movement will be combined and divided to find a percentage score. Percentage scores from the Refined Riding Phase and the Working Phase will be combined for the final placement in the competition.

 

In the Working Phase, the scoring will reflect the horse’s ability to negotiate obstacles in a clean, correct, smooth and prompt manner.  The obstacles are marked individually with collective marks at the end. The scores from each obstacle will be combined and divided to find a percentage score. 

 

The rider has the option of not working any obstacle and taking a score of “0” for the missed obstacle.  

 

The Working Phase collective marks will be as follows:

The use of voice is considered a error. Any deviation from the direction/line of travel to complete the obstacle is considered off course and will be marked as an error. Errors will incur a two point deduction.  Three errors will result in elimination.

 

Exhibitors may be eliminated for unsafe behavior and poor sportsmanship at show management’s discretion. Three errors will also result in elimination.

 

Refusals are not counted. Obstacles are if  a horse loses movement towards an obstacle in the direction of completion. In the event of a loss of movement, 60 seconds are allowed from the point of loss of movement to complete the obstacle. Failure to complete the obstacle within the allowed time will result in a score of 0 for the obstacle and the competitor will be asked to move on to the next obstacle.

 

Examples of loss of movement towards an obstacle in the direction of completion could include, but are not limited to; stopping, circling, steps backwards, turning away.

 

Judges are selected by their high credentials, commitment to refined horsemanship and the local horse community.  The Judge’s decisions are final and must be accepted in a sportsmanlike manner.  Poor sportsmanship may be cause for disqualification.