Foundation AQHA Halter Show?

Question

Are they different from any other AQHA Halter show? I've heard you don't clip your horse's ears and that you don't band the mane, is that true? Also if Foundation Shows are any different from the other AQHA Halter shows could you please tell me what you do differently? I own a Foundation Gelding and I'm wanting to show him, but in the proper way. I don't want to clip his face and ears, along with banding the mane if its not required for a Fondation Halter Show.

Please any info would be helpful, and by Halter I'm meaning in hand showing, not riding. Thanks!

Answer 1

There are no "halter" classes in NFQHA...But there is a breed and color class...I stand corrected on that one.  I always did the riding classes.

Here is a basic list of most of the classes that they offer...http://www.scfqhc.com/index.php?pr=NFQHA...

I used to show with NFQHA...

NO shaving of the hair inside the ears...

NO banding or decorating of manes..only braids for roping.

NO docked points for beards, whiskers, or fetlock hair

NO docked points for scars

NO silver or bling on saddles or tack that is non functional...you can duct tape over excess silver...

Serviceable tack is all that is required

NO fancy attire for competitors...show 'clothes' are jeans, nice western shirt, boots, and hats.

There is an in hand trail class that is done on lead line...but I believe that is for horses 2 years old to qualify for points.  Two year olds can also compete in  Ranch Riding and Trail classes only.  Yearlings can only do in hand trail to qualify for points.

These are the youth classes offered...

Youth Classes are as follows:

a) Youth Versatility

b) Ranch Riding

c) Ranch Trail

d) Reining.

e) Western Riding

f) Barrels.

g) Pole Bending.

h) Key Race.

i) Agility

j) Ranch Cutting

k) Steer Daubing.

l) Breakaway Roping.

m) Reined Cutting

n) Heeling

Lead line classes are for 7 years old and under.  Called 'Rawhides'

As for only 10 shows a year...it means that NO club, individual, or group may host more than 10 NFQHA

approved shows during a calendar year.  The NFQHA does sanction more than 10 actual shows a year.

Appearance of horse is covered starting on page 43 of NFQHA rulebook.  

Exhibitor attire follows immediately after Appearance of Horse.  Page 44...

Rulebook...http://www.nfqha.com/pdf/2007Rulesweb.pd...

There is way too much to type...but the rulebook is easy to read for what is expected of you and your horse.

Sorry...one more thing.  Unlike WP and AQHA shows...you will be DISQUALIFIED for a horse that carries it's head more than ONE inch below the withers for more than 3 strides.  I like this rule personally...helps keep the horse NATURAL!!  I don't know if this pertains to the in hand classes.  But it does to the riding ones.

Answer 2

I have never shown at a NFQHA show - BUT I did a little research for you.  

First - it does not appear that they even have halter at their shows.  There is nothing in their rule book about it - they have reining, pole bending, cattle work, and all sorts of things - but no halter.

In reining and cattle work - yes it is always appropriate to have manes long and flowing - not banded.

NFQHA has less than 10 shows a year.  If your horse is registered NFQHA it must also be an AQHA horse.  

Consider showing at AQHA shows - they'll have halter.  If your horse has atleast a ROM in a riding class - you can show in performance halter - which would enable you to leave the mane long and flowing, no fake tail, and you wouldn't even have to have a fancy halter.

Answer 3

Hmm I photographed the NFQHR Roundup Show at the OKC Fair few years ago and photographed Ranch Halter, and then the OKFQHR in Ardmore this past  October and also photographed Ranch Halter.   Horses in the the FQHR are generally shown in mulitple classes so the same horse you show in halter, you also show in quite few classes including ranch trail, Reining, Barrels etc.. The award for horses competing in these mulitple classes is versatility.   The standards for halter is more from a basic conformational point of view rather than a beauty contest with all the frills.