anyone explain this to me? I cannot figure it out. obviosuly as both myself and my horse have only been going western for 1 year, we are both novices. so I think to myslef, should enter novice horse or novice rider classes?

Going along to shows, I see then the same horse/rider partnership entering novice rider and then novice horse class, how come is this? and then I see a horse which I know deffinatly is not novice as it has been winning stuff in places like munich with a top trainer, been ridden in these novice classes as well, I am very comfunsed. are the two judged differently, if so how? how is my horse supposed to compete against the above described horse?

Post edited by: cantata007, at: 2008/04/21 14:43

As i remember it, I have not read my rule book this year.

Novice horse classes are for HORSES who have not gained 36 points in that discipline (be it,pleasure, trail, reining etc)These classes are there for the young horses, and can be ridden by any rider, even the pro's.

Novice rider classes are for those RIDERS who have not gained more than 36 points, but can ride a 'open' horse, like the one you have described.

However, these points are to be gained at WES shows, so it is quite possible for a horse/rider combination to ride at a good level somewhere else, and still be a novice at WES shows. Its just how it is, thats the rules. its not necessarilly fair! i do wonder why people do it though.

I know it seems alittle unfair, but dont be intimidated, if the rider isnt up to scratch and makes a mistake, then his good horse wont always be able to cover it up!

I have never been too impressed with pleasure classes, as these combinations do tend to come to the top.

You still have very good chances with your horse in horsemanship, trail and western riding. still plenty to go at, dont give up, you may get placed above them one day, imagine how pleased and proud you'll be, and you ve done it yourself!

Hope this has helped.

Post edited by: appynospots, at: 2008/04/21 16:18

HI

As far as I know it is worked on a point system under WES rules.

If the horse has more than 36 points then it must proceed to Amateur or open classes and becomes ineligible for Novice Horse Classes.

The same applies for Novice Rider if you attained 36 or more points you are ineligible or excluded from Novice Rider.

Everytime you are placed in a WES show you gain points if you take a look at your WES rule book this will explain the point system in more detail.

I hope this helps.

Don't let it get you down - at least your getting out there and giving it a go.

Good Luck.

Michelle

WES uses their own points system, placings at WES shows have points allocated to them, in the rulebook there is a table showing how points are awarded depending on the number of entries & the placing.

I'm sure someone can explain better but...

I've looked at the WES rulebook (which is on the WES website):

Novice rider is a rider that has less than 36 points, any horse can be ridden in these classes.

Novice horse is a horse that has less than 36 points.

Therefore novice riders that also have novice horses can enter both classes.

Hope this helps a bit!

as others have explained, it's all down to the points system - you could have a really experienced horse and rider going in for novice classes with WES simply because they haven't amassed points with WES. Although it might seem unfair, I don't think it happens that often (does it?!) and when it does happen I honestly think it raises everyones game. Whilst I personally wouldn't feel comfortable doing a novice horse or rider class for WES (I would be eligible as I've not done a great deal with WES) sometimes people do it to warm up their horses for another show. I don't think it is particularly fair but really believe that in the long run it can be healthy to compete with good horses. At the end of the day, it's more important how your horse goes and that you are pleased with him or her. I've had times when I've not placed but been really pleased with our performance, and likewise had times when we've been placed well but not felt I deserved it. Shows are a great place to learn what you need to improve, so just go and do your best. Are you going to the WES show at Sovereign this weekend?

thanks for all the advice, makes more sense now, I now see that these really goog horses have probably been doing so well such as AQHA etc is that right?, so they can come to WES and look like a novice on paper. However as the proud owner of a rather athletic cob, WES is the one for us!

I am not really that worried about the winning side of things, we can build up to that!!!!! , but just needed to understand why I as up against these other really good horses, and obviously they set a good bench mark for us, when the day (if the day) finally comes and we get placed, I will feel a real sense of achievement!!

We did our first show last oct at solihull and did the walk and jog only. First one this year is Solihull again in May, so look out for chestnust and white cob with slightly nervous but determined looking rider!!!!