Cowboy Race

IMEHA (International Model Equine Hobbyists Association) was an online photo showing site that existing until 2018. Included on the site were these guidebooks for judging and showing model horses in Performance classes. MEPSA has obtained permission to share the info contained in the guides.

Tack :: Rider :: Set-Up Options :: Photo Examples

Cowboy Race challenges both horse and rider to maneuver through a series of obstacles demonstrating both horsemanship and speed. Western style clothing and tack are required. There is no age limit for horses. The courses are not a set pattern, but are different at every event. The obstacles, terrain and length of the courses will vary.

Scoring the Cowboy Race:

1) A score is given for each obstacle on the course. A score is also given for overall horsemanship and speed.

2) Each obstacle consists of 3 components: the Approach to the obstacle, the Obstacle itself and the Departure from the obstacle.

3) Each obstacle may consist of a maneuver similar to reining or the negotiating of an obstacle similar to a trail riding event.

Be sure that if your entry is a maneuver eligible in trail or a maneuver eligible for reining that you do not cross enter it into Cowboy Race. Only one performance event per photo is allowed.

List of Maneuvers for Cowboy Race:
Backing
Backing – Down Hill
Backing – Up Hill
Circles Big and Small-slow and Fast
Doubling – Turning into Fence
Roll backs
Serpentine Through a Pattern
Side Pass over Logs, Ground Poles or Panels
Spin

List of Obstacles for Cowboy Race:
Archery Shoot
Bareback Double Rider
Barrel/PVC Jumps
Barrel Turns
Blindfold and Lead Your Horse
Branding-Chalk
Carry Saddlebags
Climb Wind Mill-Ring Bell
Cow Sort
Cowboy Curtain
Daisy Chain
Dead Fall
Flag Race
Flares and Smoke
Free Ride
Ground tie
Hay Carry
Hay Maze
Hay Ring
Key Hole
Lead Across a Water Obstacle
Leading Horse-From Ground
Log Crossing
Log Pull
Mail Box
Move Golf Ball from on a Cone to Another Cone
Narrow Bridge
Open and Close Gate (rope gate or regular gate)
Pallet Pull
Pick up Horses Feet
Pony or Leading a Second Horse
Put on Easy Boots and Then Ride
Ravine Ride-deep or shallow
Ride Through Round Bales and Road Flashers
Slicker or Tarp Carry
Spearing Stationary Rings
Stand Up in Saddle-Hit Tennis Ball
Step-down or up
Stops
Tarp -drag-carry-ride over
Teeter Totter Bridge
Trailer Load
Trash Ride (trash between two panels)
Tunnel
Tunnel Run
Water Box
Water Carry
Water Crossing (shallow or deep)
Waterfall
Water Sprinkler
Zig Zag

Extra Credit Should Be Given If:
(1) Entry Number is shown on saddle blanket or on rider’s back.
(2) A comment line that says where the horse is in the pattern.

Required Tack:
A western stock saddle. Breastplates are optional. Any western style bridle. Any type bit.

Rider:
Attire is jeans, trousers or pants over western boots, long sleeved shirts, belt through loop, and western hat. Chaps are not required.

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Set-Up Options:
No Arena Required

Footing Required:

• Dirt
• Sand
• Grass

Backboard or Natural Setting (Outdoor)

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Examples of Cowboy Race: