This special class is designed to encourage and recognize novice (beginning) show riders, offering them a chance to perform both rail work and an individual pattern.

Top three places will receive Hobby Horse (hobbyhorseinc.com) gift certificates, and ribbons 1st through 5th place. Gift certificates redeemable as specified on certificate. Show management may offer additional prizes for Rookie Rewards at their discretion.

Class Rules:

1. Open to any age rider showing in western tack and apparel.

2. Horses and ponies of any age and breed are welcome. No stallions.

3. Novice rider that has not won more than 3 (three) blue ribbons in any independent riding class, anywhere, any time. (Lead-line and halter classes do not count towards the novice eligibility.)

4. Riders ride one-handed unless horse or pony is age 5 or less.

5. No schooling equipment. Chaps optional. Protective helmets permitted.

6. Judging is combined horse/rider performance. Class will be judged 40% on rail work, 40% on individual pattern, and 20% on suitability of horse and rider.

7. Judge’s decision is final. Judge may modify pattern or instructions based on weather or other conditions.

8. Rookie Rewards class specs may be modified to suit gaited horses or be conducted as a reinsmanship class for driving.

9. Rookie Rewards may be offered at rated horse shows (AQHA, APHA, etc.) with Hobby Horse approval if class does not conflict with rules of rating association.

Class Procedure:

1. All riders enter the arena and track clockwise at the judge’s direction at the walk and jog.

2. After rail evaluation in one direction only, judge or steward will ask all entrants to line up at one end of the arena.

3. Judge will then answer any questions on the pattern.

4. Each rider will perform the individual pattern then retire to the opposite end of the arena.



Class Pattern:

1. Walk from lineup to first marker. (Markers approximately 40’
apart.)

2. Jog a full circle to the right.

3. Stop at first marker, then turn horse or pony on haunches 360
degrees to the right.

4. Jog a full circle to the left then continue jogging to the second
marker.

5. Stop at second marker and back three steps.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

Click here to download a printable version of the
Rookie Rewards class rules and pattern.
(Adobe Acrobat PDF format, prints
on 8.5" X 11" and folds in half)