4-H horse show question. Can i be marked down for not cantering in intermediate class?

Question

My horse has a fast canter and will sometimes dodge into the middle. Can the judge mark me down if i don't canter. This would be in an intermediate western class.

Answer 1

yes you can get marked down . But if you are not comfortable at a lope/canter do not do it just practice each day till you get your confidence up

Answer 2

Yes, if you are asked to canter & you dont, you can be marked down or even dq.  If your horse cannot canter, then maybe you shouldnt be going into shows...just work at home on it....to slow it down & keep him/her on the rail....

Answer 3

I know how you feel my show horse is a gameing horse before we got her and so she has a extremly fast canter.  They will mark you down if you dont do what your asked but you also have to do whats in your best safety. If you cant control the horse when at a canter just do  trot, if you can control the horse go for it and just have fun who cares if your horse is raceing.

Answer 4

Yes.  If the judge requests a canter, you must canter.  If everyone else canters, then you probably won't place at all unless there are 6 places and 6 entries in the class.

Good luck

Answer 5

You can show in walk/trot classes til you are comfortable cantering.