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1.1 To be eligible for showing, all horses must be registered with the KNGHA and must be entered in their full registered names with registration numbers and under the name(s) of the owner(s) of record.
1.2 A copy of the registration papers showing proof of ownership, or a copy of papers showing eligibility to register must be submitted at the time of making entry.
1.3 Entries must be serviceably sound and in good condition. They must not show evidence of lameness, broken wind or complete loss of sight in both eyes.
1.4 Any exhibitor guilty of personal misconduct or abuse of a horse shall be penalized by being banned from showing in any KNGHA classes for a minimum of sixty (60) days or a length of time to be determined by the trustees of the KNGHA.
2.1 The ideal Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse should exhibit a pleasing overall picture. The animal should be in good flesh, with good muscle tone and a smooth, glossy coat. Masculinity in stallions and femininity in mares are important and should be taken into consideration. The head should be refined and in good proportion to the body of the horse with the preferred profile being straight; eyes should be large, expressive and well-shaped; gracefully shaped ears set close on top of the head and carried alertly; the face should have a relatively fine muzzle with large nostrils and a clean, smooth jaw line. The neck should be gracefully arched, medium in length, set at an angle to allow moderately high carriage, breaking at the poll. Throat-latch is refined and well defined. The shoulders should be well shaped and sloping at an angle of between 40 and 45 degrees from the point of the shoulder to the point of the withers. The chest is moderate in width and withers are well defined but not pronounced. Mid-section of the body should be of moderate length with well-sprung rib cage. Top-line should be proportionately shorter than the underline. Back should be strong and muscled. The mid-section should join the forehand and the hindquarters so as to give the horse a proportioned appearance. Croup should be slightly sloping with tail coming out at or below a point level with the withers. The tail should be carried gracefully and straight. Legs should be straight and set square with broad flat bones, sharply defined tendons and moderate length pasterns sloping at approximately 45 degrees. Hooves should be good and sound, open at the heel, neither toed in or toed out, not showing excessive heel and proportionate in size.
2.2 Minimum height for stallions is 14.2 hands at the withers when measured at inspection. Mare and gelding minimum height is 14.0 hands.
2.3 Horses must exhibit a calm temperament. Manners and suitability as a pleasure mount are paramount.
3.1 Horses may be shown shod or unshod. If shown unshod, hooves must not exceed four and one-half (4 ) inches.
3.2 If the horse is shod, keg shoes ( X 3/8 inch) only may be worn in TRAIL PLEASURE , COUNTRY PLEASURE. Heavy keg shoes measuring 3/8 by 1 and not exceeding 16 ounces weight are allowed in STYLE PLEASURE CLASSES. The length of the hoof (excluding the shoe) must not exceed five inches. However, toe and/or side clips drawn from the same shoe (an integral part of an otherwise flat plate shoe) that in no way affects how a horse travels or breaks over are allowed. All four feet must be shod with flat shoes. Either metal shoes or shoes of other materials may be used. In TRAIL PLEASURE AND COUNTRY PLEASURE all four feet must have keg shoes of the same material, weight, and thickness although front and back hooves may be shod in different sizes. Weighted shoes and pads are prohibited. Borium or standard screw-in caulks are allowed but shall not exceed the thickness of the shoe. Keg shoes can be used in all classes. Trailer shoes are acceptable in all STYLE CLASSES. KEG SHOES ARE THE PREFERABLE DESIGNATED SHOE OF THE KNGHA.
4.1 The gait is unique to this breed, is totally natural and normally exhibited from birth. It does not exhibit the exaggerated leg action of manmade gaits but rather is smooth, rhythmic, purposeful, straight, balanced in flexion and synchronous front to rear. It is an evenly spaced four-beat gait with each foot contacting the ground independently in a regular or near regular sequence at precise intervals creating a smooth unbroken rhythm. Executed perfectly, the four hoof beats are absolutely even in both cadence and impact. The gait is performed at two or three forward speeds depending on the class. The gait should exhibit varying degrees of collection. In all speeds of the gait the rider should appear virtually motionless in the saddle. In all classes, special attention shall be afforded to the rhythmic consistency and smoothness of the gait. While style of execution may vary with horses, any style of execution which reduces smoothness and consistency shall be penalized. In addition, horses shall be penalized for failure to perform any gait prescribed in a class.
4.2 Flat walk: shall be exhibited in Trail Pleasure and Country Pleasure classes. The flat walk is a straight, true and ground covering four beat gait maintaining proper form and consistency of stride. It should be executed in a manner that is compatible with the type of class. It should display the horses good manners, type of stride and attitude. The flat walk is relaxed with natural head carriage. The rider should have minimal contact with the horses mouth.
4.3 Show walk: shall be exhibited in Style Pleasure, Show Style Pleasure classes and KY Racking Classes. The show walk is an animated, collected gait, exhibiting much primp at a slow, regulated speed, with good style and action. It should have snap and easy control. It is a four beat gait performed with style, elegance and smoothness of motion.
4.4 Show gait: shall be exhibited in Country Pleasure, Style Pleasure, Show Style Pleasure and KY Racking Classes. The show gait is an evenly spaced, restrained, four-beat gait executed with moderate forward speed and extension. Most of the propulsion comes from the hindquarters, while the forequarters assist in the pull of the final beats. Speed is to be penalized.
4.5 Style Rack: shall be exhibited in Style Pleasure, Show Style Pleasure and KY Racking Pleasure Classes. The rack is a four beat gait in which each foot meets the ground at equal, separate intervals. It is smooth and animated, performed with action and speed, in a slightly unrestrained manner. Desired speed and collection are determined by the maximum rate at which a horse can rack in form. Racking in form should include the horse remaining with a good set head. The horse should perform it in an effortless manner from the show gait, at which point all strides become equally rapid and regular. TO BE PENALIZED: any tendency to become trotty, pacey, or hitchy gaited. Manner are paramount, emphasis should be placed on the ease by which it is performed by the rider.
4.6 Trail pleasure gait: shall be exhibited in the Trail Pleasure Class. Since this class is to demonstrate the more relaxed manner of movement of the Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse, the gait should be especially suitable to trail riding. It should be the four beat gait characteristic of the Kentucky Natural Gaited Horse resembling the show gait or rack. Excessive speed and motion will be penalized.
5.1 Horses shall be shown without artificial appliances. Inconspicuously applied hair in mane or tail is permitted. In the event a horse has lost the sight in one eye, it must appear to have vision and may be shown with an artificial eye or contact lens. Any artificial change of color or markings is prohibited (this does not include the normal cleaning or highlighting of natural color).
5.2 Electronic communication devices used for purposes of coaching, etc. between competitors and individuals outside the ring are permitted in Junior Exhibitor classes only.
5.3 A competitor may carry or use a riding crop not to exceed thirty (30) inches in length.
5.4 Spurs are permitted in all classes.
5.5 Bits may be of any type. However, shanks cannot exceed nine (9) inches overall length. The length of the shank measured in a straight line from the mouthpiece to the end of the shank can not exceed seven (7) inches. Curb chains or curb straps must be at least inch wide and shall not be cruelly tight.
5.6 Attire shall be in keeping with the type of tack used. Where western style tack is used, riders shall dress in western style pants, boots, shirt and hat. Chaps, tie, vest and/or coat are optional. Where English style tack is used, riders shall wear appropriate English style pants, boots, and shirt. Hats, ties, vest and/or coat are optional except in the Show Style Pleasure Class where a hat, tie and coat are required. Sidesaddle riders, in appropriate tack and attire, shall be allowed in all classes in which all other criteria are met.
5.7 A saddle pad may be used with English tack. If used, the pad should be conservative in color and conform to the shape of the saddle.
5.8 Dropped nosebands, tie-downs and martingales are prohibited. Breast straps or breast plates may be used.
5.9 Protective headgear may be worn without penalty.
5.10 An exhibitor is entitled to request only one time-out per class.
5.11 Gingering of tails is prohibited.
5.12 The use of ribbon in the horses mane is optional except in the Trail Pleasure and Country Pleasure Classes were ribbons are prohibited.
5.13 No horse may be shown if it has been given a stimulant, depressant, tranquilizer or anesthetic which may otherwise affect the performance of the horse.
6.1 KNGHA TRAIL PLEASURE: Shown at a flat walk, trail pleasure gait, flat walk, reverse and repeat. Horses enter the ring at a flat walk. Judged 80% on performance, manners and suitability as a trail mount; 20% on overall appearance of horse and rider for trail riding. Transitions from flat walk to the trail pleasure gait and back to the walk should be smooth and effortless. Horses must be obedient with prompt transitions. Special emphasis is placed on a true, flat walk. Entries may be asked both ways of the ring to halt and stand quietly on the rail. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the lineup. Light contact with the horses mouth must be maintained at both gaits. The horses attitude should be calm, pleasant and cooperative. Judges must consider the performance at each gait equally in adjudicating the class. TO BE PENALIZED: Pulling, head tossing , laboring action, going sideways and tail switching, excessive speed and animation. Refusal to back or any action on the part of the horse or rider that endangers other exhibitors in the class will disqualify the horse from placement. Horses must be shod with by 3/8 keg shoes. Attire and tack may be either English or Western, but must be suitable for trail riding (no tee shirts or tennis shoes)
6.2 KNGHA COUNTRY PLEASURE: Shown at a flat walk, show walk and show gait, flat walk, reverse and repeat. Horses enter the ring at a flat walk. Judged 75% on performance, manners, presence, quality and suitability as a pleasure mount; 25% on type and conformation. Judges must consider the performance at each gait equally in adjudicating the class. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the lineup. The horses attitude must be calm, pleasant and cooperative. Transitions from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless. Horses must exhibit a distinct difference in speed between the show walk and show gait. TO BE PENALIZED: Pulling, head tossing, laboring action, going sideways, tail switching, excessive speed, excessive motion and refusal to back. Any action on the part of the horse or rider that endangers other exhibitors in the class will disqualify the horse from placement. Horses must be shod with by 3/8 keg shoes. Tack may be either English or Western with appropriate informal attire.
6.3 KNGHA STYLE PLEASURE: Shown at a show walk, show gait, and style rack, show walk, reverse and repeat. Horses enter the ring at a show walk. Judged 75% on performance, quality, presence and manners; 25% on type and conformation. Performance at the show gait and rack is paramount is this class. The execution of gaits should be performed on command with more brilliance and animation than the Country Pleasure horse. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the lineup. Horses must exhibit a distinct difference in speed between each gait. Horses must be shod with by 3/8 keg shoes. TO BE PENALIZED: Pulling, head tossing, laboring action, going sideways, tail switching, excessive speed and refusal to back. Any action on the part of the horse or rider that endangers other exhibitors in the class will disqualify the horse from placement. Tack may be either English or Western with appropriate informal attire.
6.4 KNGHA SHOW STYLE PLEASURE: Shown at a show walk, show gait, and style rack, show walk, reverse and repeat. Horses enter the ring at a show walk. Judged 75% on performance, presence, quality, and manners; 25% on style and conformation. Performance at the show gait and rack are paramount in this class. The execution of gaits should be performed on command with brilliance and with a strong, bold manner. More action and animation are desired and less emphasis can be put on manners than in other KNGHA classes. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the lineup. Horses must show a distinct difference in speed between gaits. Horses may be shown with light keg shoes (3/4 by 3/8) or with heavy keg shoes (3/8 by 1) weighing 16 ounces or less. TO BE PENALIZED: pulling, head tossing, laboring action, going sideways, tail switching, speed without form and refusal to back. Any action on the part of the horse or rider that endangers other exhibitors in the class will disqualify the horse from placement. English tack and riding suit (formal) attire required.
6.5 Each of the four KNGHA divisions may be offered for Junior Exhibitors riders 11 and under; Junior Exhibitors riders 12-17; Ladies (18 years of age or older); Gentlemen (18 years or age or older); Riders over 50 years of age; or as separate classes for Stallions, Mares and/or Geldings. If such classes are offered, NO stallions will be allowed in Junior Exhibitor of Ladies classes. Judging criteria for Junior Exhibitor classes in any division will be changed to 60% for the horses performance and 40% for the rider.
6.6 If only Junior Exhibitor classes are offered at a show, the class requirements will be the same as the KNGHA Country Pleasure Class (flat walk, show walk and show gait). Judging criteria will be adjusted the same as above: 60% on the horses performance, manners, presence, quality, and suitability as a pleasure mount and 40%on the rider. Tack for Junior Exhibitor classes may be either English or Western with appropriate informal or formal (saddle suit) attire.
6.7 A class for TWO YEAR OLDS may be offered. Two year old horses will be shown at a flat walk, show walk and show gait both ways of the ring. Horses enter the ring at a show walk. Judging will be 75% on performance, quality, presence and manners; 25% on style and conformation. Judges must consider each gait equally when adjudicating the class. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the lineup. Horses must show a distinct difference in speed between the show walk and the show gait. TO BE PENALIZED: head tossing, pulling, laboring action, going sideways, tail switching, excessive speed and motion, refusal to back. Any action on the part of the horse or rider that endangers other exhibitors in the class will disqualify the horse from placement. Horses must be shod with by 3/8 keg shoes. Tack may be either Western or English with appropriate informal or formal (saddle suit) attire.
6.8 KENTUCKY STYLE RACKING: Shown at a show walk, show gait and KY rack, (a minimum of two (2) laps around the ring), show walk, reverse and repeat. Horses enter the ring at a show walk. Will be judged 75% on performance, presence, quality and manners; and 25% on style and conformation. Performance at the show gait and rack are paramount in this class. The execution of gaits should be performed on command with brilliance and with a strong, bold manner. More action and animation are desired and less emphasis can be put on manners than in other KNGHA classes. Horses must show a distinct difference in speed between gaits. Horses must be shown with: NO minimum shoe size, maximum shoe size 1/2″ by 2″. Shoe support bands are acceptable. Maximum size on corks is 1 1/2″ long. No limit is placed on height of breaking in front. TO BE PENALIZED: Pulling, head tossing, going sideways, excessive speed without form, and refusal to back. Any action on the part of the horse or rider that endangers other exhibitors in the class will disqualify the horse from placement. Horses must not have any harsh training. No blistering agents, and no burns, cuts, or lacerations on ankles. No foreign substance will be allowed. Horses must perform naturally. Attire: English or Western. Which is preferable to the rider.
7.1 Any class with sixteen (16) or more entries will be split into two classes of equal or nearly equal size. The top five (5) horses in each of these classes will then compete against each other for the actual tying of the class.
7.2 Horses will be selected for each half of a split class by either choosing every other horse from the official class entry form or by choosing the first half then the second half of entries from the official class entry form. Only those horses competing will be allowed in the show ring.
8.1 A judge for any KNGHA class will be provided with an official KNGHA score sheet listing the entry number of each horse in that class. ALL horses must be given a score to indicate their placing in the class. First place should be given a one (1); second place a two (2); third place a three (3); etc. For example, if there are twelve (12). A representative of the KNGHA (Trustee or Board of Directors) will collect these score sheets after each show to ensure that the judge is evaluating ALL horses.
At the time of transferring ownership of a horse, the owner will sign the back of the registration papers and the buyer will submit the registration paper transfer fee to the registry. After the registry has recorded the transfer the new owner will receive the transferred registration papers. No horse can be shown until the transfer record is made current. Paperwork on a sire and dam must be in owners name at the time of the registration of an offspring.
Registration numbers will be shown on the registration papers. Pedigrees for all registered horses will appear on the papers if provided by the owner.
Any circumstance that is not addressed in these regulations will be decided by a majority vote of the BOD and approved by the Trustees.
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