Australian Stock Horse Show Hack

Overall conformation is well muscled but not bulky.

 Australian Stock Horse Show Hack
The show hack is a type of ridden show horse, which originated in England. Here in Australia we have developed our own style of hacking. This class at the Royal Easter Show was for Australian Stock Horse show hacks and that’s what I will be focusing on. 

All colours are acceptable and height ranges from 14 to 16.2 hands. 

Judged On

It is the horse, not the rider, that is judged and it is assessed on behaviour, conformation, movement and responsiveness to the rider.  The Judge looks for a calm, supple and obedient horse. A horse, which is forward moving, balanced and rhythmic in all its paces.  It must be well conformed and present an overall picture of balance and quality.

The line up waiting for their individual workout.

Judging Procedure

When the Judge has called competitors into the ring, they should form an orderly line from the right.  If there is a long wait, horses may be allowed to relax, but not the rider. The horses should be worked around the ring as directed by the Judge.  Competitors should avoid bunching in a group, so the Judge can see all the horses competing.  A large class should be worked on a circle, at a walk, trot and canter for the Judge to select about eight horses for an individual workout.

Judge watching a individual workout

The Judge should inform the competitors of the required workout which should consist of walking, trotting and cantering.  Depending on the level of competition, class or age of the horse, the Judge may choose a workout, which consists of the above paces or includes more difficult, ie, extended paces, hand gallop, flying or simple change of lead, backup, side pass.

This was the most popular riding attire.

Riders Attire
Australian turnout rules are reasonably flexible, depending mainly on the location of the events with country shows being somewhat less formal.

Velvet covered English style helmet or Australian style felt hat (not western). Collared shirt with sleeves, beige, fawn or white stockman cut trousers or jodhpurs. Elastic sided short riding boots with boots worn inside trousers or top boots. Plain coloured or a tweed hacking jacket (not leather or suede). Gloves, ties and spurs are optional.

The only entry with a english tack and tall boots.

Tack

Stock saddles or English (normally dressage) saddles are permitted.  Western saddles or saddles with a horn are not permitted. This class was a snaffle only and no split reins. Barcoo bridles are preferred but plain simple English bridles are allowed. Cavesson and nosebands are permitted. Reins can be leather or cotton.  Bosals and hackamores are not permitted. Square green ASH saddle blanket. Stockmans breastplate is optional but recommended.

This was the most popular tack.

Presentation

Traditionally, to avoid their mane getting tangled in reins and to stop excessive heat on their necks ASHs have their manes hogged (roached) and forelocks are left natural. If not hogged horses must be plaited or have neatly pulled short manes. A neat banged tail that can be pulled, shaved or plaited. False tails are permitted. Make up is occasionally used but very subtly and normally quarter marks are not used.

The line up.