Can I ride English in these classes?

Question

This is pry a dumb question but I'm new to "arena" showing; In reference to Open shows: (I ride English & am doing all english classes) BUT the classes Discipline Rail, Horsemanship, & Figure 8 Stake Race (speed event, doing it for the pure fun of it), can I ride English in any/all of these?
I tried Goggling & I never saw a style specified... When I went to shows last year I rode both styles but this year I would prefer to only take 1 saddle because I'm trailer pooling with some other people. I know I can ride Trail in an english saddle, just didn't know about the others.
Thanks for your help! :)
*NOTE* I'm not going to "win" I just don't want to be disqualified for having the "wrong" saddle. And I do not care if I'm looked at funny... I just want to know if it is allowed.

Answer 1

Horsemanship is usually western only. It's the equivalent of equitation for English. As for the other 2, it would be best to contact the show management and see what their specific rules for it are.

Answer 2

Generally you can figure out all of the nitty gritty details in the horse show program's prize list, class list or rule book. Usually at an open show all disciplines are welcome in any class unless specified (like western pleasure or saddle seat equitation) for example. English will be fine in discipline rail- all that means is it is like a command class, the judge/ steward will issue a command ("trot please", "all riders reverse") etc. The important thing is to follow directions EXACTLY as ordered, if they say back your horse 3 to 5 steps, don't lose count, however if they say "everyone back your horses" for example, you keep backing until they tell you to halt. Showmanship is an in hand class, meaning you will not be riding the horse, but showing him off on the ground. In a showmanship class you dress in what ever attire corresponds to the style/ discipline your riding..If you are riding english then you wear breeches, boots, a hunt jacket, and always remember even in an in hand class, showmanship requires gloves and a hat (in your case you will wear a helmet or hunt cap). Your horse will have to wear his/ her english bridle, but no saddle, wraps or boots. braid the mane and at least brush out the tail (braid only necessary in upper level shows). Western showmanship is a bit different from hunter in that you don't show a horse in hand in a curb bit, or wear chaps, so being at an open show you will see a lot of western horses in show halters and handlers in dress jackets and hats. Generally at open shows showmanship classes are mixed english western and may be lumped with halter. In halter, they are just judging the horse, in showmanship it is based on a total score with percentages from your dress, stature and ability to show your horse, your horses conformation, movement and demeanor and how well you groomed your horse and if you are wearing the right tack. Generally the gymkhana classes (figure eight, pole bending, key hole etc) are western themed events, but many people compete in english tack/ attire. Unless the rulebook specifically says "western skate race" you are allowed to ride english. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

I incredibly have never heard of a variety like this- in many circumstances there is an english open branch, and a western open branch. Separated. possibly they're combining the class? possibly it incredibly is a mixed type with western riders and english riders. that should make the main experience. desire I helped!

Answer 4

In some areas they allow you to do those classes with english saddles, so I would just ask the judges. =)

~Bailey.