Parva Custom Saddlery

(photo taken by Jennifer Buxton)

So, since yesterday, I have clothed one doll, sculpted a cone, and started on one miniature halter.

(doll has received shoes and a belt since this photo was taken)

I have also learned more about Western showmanship and trail obstacle than I ever wanted to know!

I will post some general performance info for those of you who are interested.

To start off, I'll cover basic turnout for horse and handler.

Horse;

According to the Miniature Horse Federation,

Halters can be made of leather, plastic or webbing that sit flat against the horses head and across the nose, allowing for a buckle on the noseband and the side of the head. Rope halters are allowed as long as the knots are not positioned to be used as pressure point areas on the horses head and face, for example knots should not be on bridge of the nose they can be to each side. Knots cannot be behind the poll.

Lead ropes may not have chains located at any point. Webbing is an appropriate material, so long as a chain is not attached. A rope lead is pretty standard, and should include a safe swivel snap. Leads must be no shorter than 6 feet, and no longer than 8 feet.

Also note that bits are prohibited in trail class.

Whips are not to be used except when lunging. In AMHR trail classes, carrying a whip merits immediate disqualification.

There are no specifications in regards to grooming, but that shouldn't be an issue with a model horse!

Handler;

All handlers (male or female) are expected to wear somewhat formal attire.

As quoted from the Miniature Horse Federation trail class rules,

For gentlemen

· tailored trousers or dress jeans, shirt, tie or bolo tie, with or without a jacket or vest, and/or a hat,

acceptable smart type hats like, Akubra, Panama or Western style

For ladies

· tailored slacks or dress jeans, blouse with collar and collar bow, bolo tie, clasp or slinky with jacket,

with or without a smart full firm brimmed hat, not a Melbourne Cup style hat, acceptable smart type

hats like, Akubra, Panama or Western style. A blouse and slinky must be well tucked into slacks and

no bare skin exposed.If no hat is worn and hair is to the shoulders or longer it is to be neatly enclosed

in a suitable hair clasp, net or bun.

· Fully enclosed foot-ware that is clean, comfortable and allows freedom of movement is permitted.

Open or partially open footwear is prohibited.

· Tee shirts, shorts, baseball type caps, and casual wear is prohibited.

· No advertising on the handler or on clothing or hats is permitted

Basically, bring your best showmanship doll along!

The Obstacles;

For my performance setup, I chose the obstacle which seemed easiest to make, and took up the least amount of space.

Safety Cone!

The obstacles used in trail are;

Gates

Poles

Backing up (a difficult one for the more rigid plastic horses (: )

Some optional obstacles;

Tarps

Spins

Lunging

Serpentines

Straddle

Pivot

Sidepass

MHF states that courses are not limited to these obstacles, so long as they comply with safety standards.

Safety cones are used as in barrel racing, making a right circle around each cone. Important; make sure your horse and handler are going in the right direction!

Backing is really the most commonly used obstacle (to my knowledge). Horses are required to back through angled poles.

L-shaped and U-shaped alignments are typically used.

As in any setup, do your homework, and feel free to ask me any questions!

This is the most valuable and reliable guide I have found; http://miniaturehorsefederation.com/performance/trail.pdf