Understanding the difference between different classes and shows
Novice and Open Classes:
Novice and Open wins refer to conformations wins.
All Novice, Open, Ladies and Gentlemans classes are judged on 60% horse conformation and 40% movement.
For Riding Club / Pony Club Shows
Any win in the above mentioned classes count as conformation wins, a horse is classed as a ‘Novice horse’ until it has had 6 conformation wins. Once it has reached 6 conformation wins it can no longer enter ‘Novice’ classes and is now regarded as an ‘Open horse’ for all Riding Club / Pony Club Shows.
A ‘Novice horse’ may enter the Open Classes but once you horse has reached ‘Open horse’ status it cannot enter the Novice Classes.
For A&P, National Showcase Show & South Island Premier Championship Shows
RAS affiliated shows (Royal Agricultural Society)
When entering RAS shows you only count the conformation wins gained at ‘RAS’ shows, so even though you may have become a ‘Open Horse’ at the Riding Club / Pony Club Show level, when you enter your first A&P show you drop back down to a 0 win Novice Horse (for RAS shows only) again till you win 6 conformation wins at RAS shows.
All RAS (A&P) conformation wins count for ALL shows, ie. all RAS wins are counted at Riding Club / Pony Club Shows.
Restricted Shows:
A Restricted show is a show where not everyone is eligible to enter.
The NZSRA Spring Show is a restricted show as horses that has won a ‘Open Champion’ at a RAS or high performance show.
The NZSRA Members Show is a restricted show as only NZSRA financial members can enter (it is not open to the general public to enter)
The NZSAR Open show can be a bit confusing as although it is an open show it has the 3 ridden sections – Beginner, Intermediate & Open.
- The Beginner and Intermediate sections are restricted rings as not everyone is eligible to enter, however the Open ridden section is unrestricted as everyone can enter it.
Another show that is restricted is the Selwyn Rakaia Green Horse Show, this show is restricted to horses that have never won any Champion or Reserve ribbon at any show.
Pony Club shows also offer both ‘Open’ and ‘Restricted’, they offer a ‘Restricted Hack’ and ‘Restricted Pony’ section for pony club riders, the Ridden Standardbred sections are generally classes as an ‘Open’ section as all branded Standardbreds can enter.
Open Shows:
A Open Show is a show where any one can enter, from the beginner levels right up to the A&P champions.
Most Ridden Standardbred sections at Riding Club and Pony Club shows are classed as ‘Open Shows’, All Ridden Standardbred sections at A&P Shows, National Showcase Show, South Island Premier Championship Show are classed as ‘Open Shows’