REVISED*New LARGO class . REVISED* page 4

[ErinC]

See page 4 for NEW discription:


this is from a friend:
"HI Erin
I am in the process of trying to get a new class for shows put in - I am
working on it with the association right now. It will be call Pleasure Largo
class.
Largo class--

Fast corto- will be penalized for slow corto
Largo- true largo
Flat Walk
Flat walk and do a Serpentine(4 of them)
Back the horse get off and re mount on the right side like in country
pleasure

Will anyone participate in this class if I try to make a go of it? What do
you think?""

Feed back Please!!!!!!!!

[Laura S]

I would enter a class like that!

[Pasogirlz]

If you could mount w/ a mounting block...I think Paso Mom would do it. :D

[ErinC]

LOL...
I think this is something I would do .
my horse was breed for stuff like this. I wanted it , his range of gait for trail, but if it is in a class , heII,, why not!!!

[CarolU]

Sounds like a nice class...shows a true range of gait and versatility. I would show in a class like that too.

Oh yeah...keep the term "collected largo" out of any class or gait description. Paso Largo in Spain means LONG STEP, which a true largo is an extended gait. A "collected largo" is really a faster corto IMO.

[paintedhorizon]

Ditto to Carol and YAY!

[TrueStepPaso]

Erin.....Poco & I would do it! :D

[ErinC]

Paso Largo Pleasure

1. Qualifying Gaits

a. Flat Walk, which is a true , evenly paced four -beat, flat footed, smooth gait executed with mild collection. The horse’s head carriage is natural and relaxed .

b. Fast Corto, which is faster than the regular pleasure corto, it is an evenly-spaced four-beat lateral gait with the horse going forward with free and extended steps. The steps should be even and the whole movement balanced and unconstrained. A definite change of speed from the flat walk must be observed. The rider allows the horse, maintain light contact on the reins , to carry his head somewhat in front of the vertical and allows him at the same time to lower his head and neck slightly, The horse should demonstrate pride, style, and enthusiasm, along with good manners and ready response. A slow Corto shall be penalized. This must be a fast corto.

c. Largo, which is an evenly-spaced true largo with longer strides and four-beat lateral gait with considerably more speed than the Corto, extreme speed is allowed. The whole movement should be well balanced and the transition from Corto should be fluidly executed, a definite change of speed from the Paso Corto must be observed. The rider allows the horse, while maintaining a light contact on the reins, without leaning or pulling against the reins , to lengthen his frame and to gain ground. Extreme speed is allowed unless loss of form , cadence or smoothness is lost. A true extended largo shall not be penalized.

The Paso Largo horse should be a calm, mild-mannered, safe pleasure horse that while executing speed at the largo and true extension, shall maintain balance and ease and freedom of movement. It must have flawless manners.. It must be agreeable to the commands and directions of the rider. The horse must give the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride with emphasis on the flat walk, flat walk at the serpentine, and smooth transitions. It must at all times work on a very light rein without resistance and although it should be athletic, and may be energetic, and should combine style and spirit. It must demonstrate a quiet, calm and extremely tractable attitude. It must stand quietly and back readily when requested and flat walk at the serpentine. Horses indicating aggressiveness, over-collection or too slow a corto or too slow largo shall be severely penalized.

This class is open to amateurs and horses who have not been in training for thirty (30) days before the show. Cross entering in any other class is permitted.

This class shall be judged : 20% Flat Walk; 10% Corto; 20% Largo; 10% on the Back; 10% on the Serpentine; 20% manners ; 10% way of going. Special attention shall be afforded to a true largo, from, smoothness, and constancy of the gaits and tractable attitude.

2. Procedures. The exhibitors will enter the ring to the right of the rail at a Paso Corto, and circle the arena in a counterclockwise manner. Sequence of gaits will be:
Paso Corto, Paso Largo, walk, walk at the serpentine, reverse and repeat, then line up. When requested by the judge, the rider will back the horse out of the line up, dismount from the left side, walk around to the front of the horse checking the headgear ad or bridle appointments, then remount from the right side and return to the line up. Rider’s style of dismount and mount is not to emphasized; rather, emphasis is place on the horse’s willingness to back in a clam controlled manner and stand quietly. Slow Corto shall be penalized as will the horses inability to flat walk at the serpentine.

While executing all gaits, entries should space themselves to avoid bunching up and maintain their relative positions on rail except to pass- speed shall not be penalized, as the largo horse has different ranges of speed if one horse is faster, passing is allowed to help maintain the horses natural way of going. Speed shall not be penalized.

3. Appointments. Tack and attire are to be appropriate for Paso Pleasure Class, at all times neat, clean and in good taste. Bits are not required in the Paso Largo Class. The tack and headgear fro the horses may be of any variety that would be appropriate and practical for pleasure riding.

Attire shall be in keeping with the type of tack used. Where Western-style tack is used, riders shall dress as requirements for Western attire described at Chapter Two, Section VII, 1, 2.,with the exception that chaps or chinks are optional in this class. Where English-style or Plantation-type tack is used, the rider’s attire shall consist of a long sleeved shirt, full length trousers, tailored jacket or vest, hat and riding boots. Riders who use English tack cannot wear chaps. Sweater vests are not allowed. A tie is optional. Women riders may wear skirt, culottes or gaucho pants that are long enough to cover the knees while seated in a saddle along with knee-high boots. Jeans and baseball-style hats are prohibited. No part of the official Paso Fino costume shall be allowed except for riding boots. Exhibitors should remember that even though this is a Paso Largo Pleasure Class. It is a horse show class and not just a ride for pleasure.

[PasoPerson38]

I TOTALLY agree with Lori.
I don't really understand why they make people dismount and mount with no help. The point of Dismouting is to test the horse's ability to stand. Not the riders ability. With the addition of a mounting block in classes where dimount and mounting is asked would result in more participation, and leading to more members and money for the pfha.
Also just another note. When riding Dressage in Germany to mount your horse you must 1) JUMP onto the horses back or 2) get a leg up. They do this to prevent strain on horses backs. Just food for thought...

[paso5]

A mounting block is allowed for this class and for Country Pleasure- all one has to do is ask for it and you can have it!!


If you could mount w/ a mounting block...I think Paso Mom would do it. :D

[Pasomom]

Hum, Very interesting! Miss Candee and I might want to try that some time, just for the fun of it.

[PasoPerson38]

"This class is open to amateurs and horses who have not been in training for thirty (30) days before the show. Cross entering in any other class is permitted."

How will you know that a horse has not been in training? Also what do you consider training? Because this is a pleasure class, training should be considered pleasure riding. :?: :?:

[motorgypsy]

Sounds like a fun and interesting class - but just one pet peeve - an evenly spaced four beat gait is NOT LATERAL, nor is it diagonal - it is isochronal or evenly timed and spaced so please delete the word lateral from the gait description.

The word lateral you see in some paso fino gait descriptions is a holdover from the time when the paso fino gait was allowed to be slightly uneven on the lateral or pacey side - but even was considered better. This is no longer the case. Lateral is no more acceptable than diagonal today.

[Abejita]

and why not open it to horses that have been in training? Make it an open class .There may be some trainers out there who have a horse they would like to show in this class. You want to promote a true largo in the show ring yet not allow a trainer to train a horse for it? Kinda two faced...

[ErinC]

OK, this is good, any feed back, and all feed back is good!

keep it coming!

thanks, you guys!

[Abejita]

Lateral is no more acceptable than diagonal today

bite tongue.. bite tongue..Not at a show I was at this weekend...bite tongue..bite tongue....a pure strain sure had some pacey looking horses..bite tongue...ouch ..bleeding now.......

[ErinC]

I love to hear about the views people have to "the gait", but lets make sure we remember why we love this breed, they gait. OK not all gait perfect.

lots gait very different than others and EVERY ONE has a different view on the Correct gait. lets save that for another day!

lets not start that on this post, lets talk about the class! would you show in it if they added it?

[PasoPerson38]

I would show in it IF it were open to all people and all training levels of horses. Because alot of horses, no matter who is riding or how many years of training, just have the kind of gait that will be showcased in this class. OPEN IT! lol

[SandyMM]

Just curious as to why the corto has to be 'fast'? I'd rather see an emphasis on 'relaxed', but with an _extended_ largo. That's the biggest complaint I have about the other PFHA classes.... the corto is too fast, the 'RPM' is too high. I would have one class that didn't mention collection specifcally.... the minute you do - it becomes something that will be overdone in a short time and horses from other divisions are entered to chase points... I might consider entering a class like this, but only if a log or dirt bank is provided for remounting.... ;-)

Oh - and NO sounding board for this class! If judges can't _see_ gait in a pleasure/trail type horse, they should turn in their cards.

Also - _smooth_ ride would be critical! Yes, there are ways to fudge on the smooth ride, but there are also a lot of people leaving shows wondering how PFHA can promote 'the smoothest riding horse' with a straight face. Who wants to get jiggled to death on a four hour ride?

[paso5]

A fast corto so fino horses can not enter- fast as far as ground covering not fast as to go no where fast- and not too collected so as to get away from the fino horses and performance horses going into pleasure classes- they can not cover a lot of ground and they can not walk at the serpentine!


Just curious as to why the corto has to be 'fast'? I'd rather see an emphasis on 'relaxed', but with an _extended_ largo. That's the biggest complaint I have about the other PFHA classes.... the corto is too fast, the 'RPM' is too high. I would have one class that didn't mention collection specifcally.... the minute you do - it becomes something that will be overdone in a short time and horses from other divisions are entered to chase points... I might consider entering a class like this, but only if a log or dirt bank is provided for remounting.... ;-)

Oh - and NO sounding board for this class! If judges can't _see_ gait in a pleasure/trail type horse, they should turn in their cards.

Also - _smooth_ ride would be critical! Yes, there are ways to fudge on the smooth ride, but there are also a lot of people leaving shows wondering how PFHA can promote 'the smoothest riding horse' with a straight face. Who wants to get jiggled to death on a four hour ride?

[paso5]

A trainer can train the horse but it would have to be out of training for 30 days in this class- like Country Pleasure.

We could make it an AO clas and then have a regular largo class for the trainers- if we can get this to fly we can work on that too


and why not open it to horses that have been in training? Make it an open class .There may be some trainers out there who have a horse they would like to show in this class. You want to promote a true largo in the show ring yet not allow a trainer to train a horse for it? Kinda two faced...

[paso5]

[

NO Board in this class

quote="SandyMM"]Just curious as to why the corto has to be 'fast'? I'd rather see an emphasis on 'relaxed', but with an _extended_ largo. That's the biggest complaint I have about the other PFHA classes.... the corto is too fast, the 'RPM' is too high. I would have one class that didn't mention collection specifcally.... the minute you do - it becomes something that will be overdone in a short time and horses from other divisions are entered to chase points... I might consider entering a class like this, but only if a log or dirt bank is provided for remounting.... ;-)

Oh - and NO sounding board for this class! If judges can't _see_ gait in a pleasure/trail type horse, they should turn in their cards.

Also - _smooth_ ride would be critical! Yes, there are ways to fudge on the smooth ride, but there are also a lot of people leaving shows wondering how PFHA can promote 'the smoothest riding horse' with a straight face. Who wants to get jiggled to death on a four hour ride?[/quote]

[PasoPerson]

3. Appointments. Tack and attire are to be appropriate for Paso Pleasure Class, at all times neat, clean and in good taste. Bits are not required in the Largo Pleasure class. The tack and headgear fro the horses may be of any variety that would be appropriate and practical for pleasure riding.

Erin - You did a great thing here. They will probably make you do a Rules Change Proposal before they mandate this class. But you've the most difficult part almost done. I only have three suggestions.

1 - The above quote is sort of wrong only in that the 1st paragraph says that "tack & attire" are "in keeping with Paso Pleasure class", but they aren't. Pleasure does not allow Western attire, the last I knew anyway. I think if you removed the underscored part, it would fix this problem.

2 - Just as they now have a Pleasure class and a Country Pleasure class, I would suggest you call this a Largo Pleasure class. The word "Paso" does not need to be in there, because they are all Pasos. If you made the suggested change in bold type, it would best explain the class.

3 - Do a "global change" in your rules to change Paso Largo Class to Largo Pleasure class.

And I do agree with the above suggestion that it be an open class. They separate A/O from the open in Fino/Performance/Pleasure because of skills trainers have that most A/O don't have. This is not necessary in this class. In fact, it would be fun to watch trainers walk around and get on the other side! I usually fall on the horses neck when I do that.

I would sure enter such a class. You've done a great thing here. Thank you. Thank you for stepping up to the plate on this.

... Oh oh oh, brainstorm - look at Country Pleasure and see what it would be like if you substituted the word Largo wherever the word Country occurs.

[ErinC]

I wish I could take the credit, but I posted it for a friend!

thats WHy Paso5 keeps the answers coming!
;-)

[SandyMM]

A fast corto so fino horses can not enter- fast as far as ground covering not fast as to go no where fast
From my observation of most classes - the corto in the showring is already too fast - so 'fast' corto won't change anything. A relaxed corto is a more likely trail gait. Many of the fino-oriented can't hold gait when they are slowed down and because it's the RPMs that keep many judges from hearing the incorrect rhythm...

I would bet that a _lot_ more people would be drawn to a dressed up version of what they'd like to do on their trail rides.

Here's aa fun idea... bring in a qtrhorse type and have it trot and lope around the ring as a 'rabbit' and see which horses have the range of gait to stay with the qtrhorse - slow and fast. That would be a real world example of a horse's usefulness in the real world and would also show any trot-oriented spectators how much better a trail ride would be on a Paso.... ;-)

[paso5]

Hi page 68 says in Country Pleasure western attire is allowed- if you read it no one enters with western gear but they can.
This is submitted already to be a class and is in it's second review- once we receive more information- I will ask all people who want this class to send a note and ask for it to be part of our plans


3. Appointments. Tack and attire are to be appropriate for Paso Pleasure Class, at all times neat, clean and in good taste. Bits are not required in the Largo Pleasure class. The tack and headgear fro the horses may be of any variety that would be appropriate and practical for pleasure riding.

Erin - You did a great thing here. They will probably make you do a Rules Change Proposal before they mandate this class. But you've the most difficult part almost done. I only have three suggestions.

1 - The above quote is sort of wrong only in that the 1st paragraph says that "tack & attire" are "in keeping with Paso Pleasure class", but they aren't. Pleasure does not allow Western attire, the last I knew anyway. I think if you removed the underscored part, it would fix this problem.

2 - Just as they now have a Pleasure class and a Country Pleasure class, I would suggest you call this a Largo Pleasure class. The word "Paso" does not need to be in there, because they are all Pasos. If you made the suggested change in bold type, it would best explain the class.

3 - Do a "global change" in your rules to change Paso Largo Class to Largo Pleasure class.

And I do agree with the above suggestion that it be an open class. They separate A/O from the open in Fino/Performance/Pleasure because of skills trainers have that most A/O don't have. This is not necessary in this class. In fact, it would be fun to watch trainers walk around and get on the other side! I usually fall on the horses neck when I do that.

I would sure enter such a class. You've done a great thing here. Thank you. Thank you for stepping up to the plate on this.

... Oh oh oh, brainstorm - look at Country Pleasure and see what it would be like if you substituted the word Largo wherever the word Country occurs.

[cowboy ed]

lateral means located to one side of the central axis of the body. so lateral is a correct term to use in describing the paso fino gait, i.e. the legs on the right side of the body move in sequence, then the legs on the left side of the body move in sequence.
isochronal means occurring at equal intervals. sure, you can use the term isochronal to describe the paso fino gait, but isochronal could be used to describe a trot, because when a horse trots, the timing of the footfall is at equal intervals.
gait description is not limited to, nor exclusive of these terms.

i didnt graduate sixth grade for nuthin'!

[ErinC]

ED you KILL ME!

[echo]

Hi Erin,
I don't think trying to keep it amateur only is a good idea. There are several pro's here that specialize in that type of horse, and there is nowhere for them to show that in PFHA shows. We have Country Pleasure for the A/o's, and it is similar to what you are suggesting, though there is not an emphasis on a fast largo. Personally, I would not have the corto called "fast corto". "Corto" means "short", right? It is supposed to be a short-strided gait. It would be more fun to watch a transition from a nice, short corto to a TRUE largo. Just my 2 cents. Great idea for a class!

[SandyMM]

I would not have the corto called "fast corto". "Corto" means "short", right? It is supposed to be a short-strided gait. It would be more fun to watch a transition from a nice, short corto to a TRUE largo.
When I first started showing - in the US in the very early 70s - corto and largo were _completely_ different show gaits than what you see now and _smoothness_ of gait was considered a very important factor. Corto meant 'short' in the sense of 'not extended' - largo meant 'extended'. But in reality, corto meant slower and shorter (not tight, quick, high RPM) relative to largo which was faster and longer (not tight, quick, even higher RPM). Even other gaited breeds can show off their faster gaits at speed before kicking over to the actual 'speed gait' classes.... why can't we.... oh - forgot..... _PFHA_ told the judges to penalize speed because it 'wasn't safe' and _they_ (who is 'they') thought some horses were being placed for speed over good gait (or because some exhibitors wih deep pockets couldn't match speed? I'll always wonder). Too bad... wiped out one of the most exciting aspects of the Paso shows......

[paso5]

I would not have the corto called "fast corto". "Corto" means "short", right? It is supposed to be a short-strided
This class specifies - can not be penalized for speed- so the judges have to respect this and follow it- we are trying for an AO and a an open class for others. We do not want fino horses going in this class



It would be more fun to watch a transition from a nice, short corto to a TRUE largo.
When I first started showing - in the US in the very early 70s - corto and largo were _completely_ different show gaits than what you see now and _smoothness_ of gait was considered a very important factor. Corto meant 'short' in the sense of 'not extended' - largo meant 'extended'. But in reality, corto meant slower and shorter (not tight, quick, high RPM) relative to largo which was faster and longer (not tight, quick, even higher RPM). Even other gaited breeds can show off their faster gaits at speed before kicking over to the actual 'speed gait' classes.... why can't we.... oh - forgot..... _PFHA_ told the judges to penalize speed because it 'wasn't safe' and _they_ (who is 'they') thought some horses were being placed for speed over good gait (or because some exhibitors wih deep pockets couldn't match speed? I'll always wonder). Too bad... wiped out one of the most exciting aspects of the Paso shows......

[paso5]

[
We are going to try and have an AO and an open class too. People are not understanding the fast corto is not fast footfall and it is not a slow like a fino horse- it is a fast corto - faster than fino (goes no where fast) - covers ground - vs not covering ground- a regular corto gait passes fino horses in the ring and also they can not catch up


quote="echo"]Hi Erin,
I don't think trying to keep it amateur only is a good idea. There are several pro's here that specialize in that type of horse, and there is nowhere for them to show that in PFHA shows. We have Country Pleasure for the A/o's, and it is similar to what you are suggesting, though there is not an emphasis on a fast largo. Personally, I would not have the corto called "fast corto". "Corto" means "short", right? It is supposed to be a short-strided gait. It would be more fun to watch a transition from a nice, short corto to a TRUE largo. Just my 2 cents. Great idea for a class![/quote]

[echo]

Erin,
Yes, I do understand, that some horses have a less collected, more ground covering corto. Your description of "Fast corto", though I don't like the name, is a good one. "Slow corto will be penalized" is too vague, in my opinion. How about "collection with slow forward speed will be penalized" or "is not desired". I know that's not perfect either, but maybe it's closer to what you meant?

[Abejita]

We are going to try and have an AO and an open class too.

Maybe you should word the rule proposal that if there are not so many/enough entrants in either division of the class it may be combined into one open class..that way until it gets going it can be a more interesting class. (fewer 1 or 2 entrant classes )

As far as the 30 day rule like in CP..it's like the tail rule..how are you gonna enforce it? I dont believe for a second there are not some people out there who do not break this rule.Not all but some.

[Soltera]

This is wonderful brainstorming, and a million kudoes to the folks who are doing the hard work of making it a reality! Here are my two cents:

1) I realize an official show means rules, and that means limits, but why just Largo Pleasure? Do you mean to exclude Performancey-type horses? A Performance gaited, firey horse with a fast largo is also a great ride, and would seem to me to be historically accurate (from when Pasos were used on plantations).
2) What about including Fino-gaited horses who are actually able to extend into a great largo? Is that so rare?

In other words may I ask why you are shifting from a Paso Largo Class to Largo Pleasure class? If the horse can Largo, why also demand a certain kind of Corto?

--Soltera

[ridnandsmiln]

I'm not clear here on what you are saying.....Amatuer riders can participate in this class. People that would be entering an Open class, or trainers can't participate???? What difference does it make if a horse is in training.....One would have to be in training to prepare for this class...????

[ridnandsmiln]

Acording to an OLD spanish dictionary here goes: Fino = fine, perfect, pure,delicate. Corto: short, scanty, narrow, small, little. Largo: large, long, generous at length, extensively.
Also I was told years ago that when there were fast largo horses in the show ring there were trainers, judges, that had the ability to change the rules & decided since they couldn't be competitive in the Largo...excessive speed would be penalized. Guess it boils down to who you know not what you know.....
I haven't shown & personally find the Paso Fino shows very boring....'round & 'round they go. If you have people that don't know about pf & they wander in & watch the 1st thing they ask is 'what are they doing'.....as the riders just go 'round & 'round. GOOD QUESTION.
As on the other post the Largo Horses were the most exciting part about the show years ago......Sure hope you can get the Largo back & all this comes together & is sucessful.

[SandyMM]

If the horse can Largo, why also demand a certain kind of Corto?
They _call_ it a largo in the Performance and Pleasure classes too, but it's the way of going, the attitude of the horse, the forward speed, the less restrictive collection, the emphasis on extension I _thik_ people ar elooking for. I don't see why a current performance horse shouldn't be 'allowed', as long as it meets the class requirements - the 'look/feel' of the class and not vice versa....

[motorgypsy]

Check out the andadura races they have in Puerto Rico. Now talk about smok'n fast - these guys are amazing. Now they WOULD bring in a crowd!!

One question - how would a judge rate a horse that doesn't have alot of extension but just smokes everyone anyway??? Would the class require that the horse be "strung out" so to speak - in other words extend the rear legs beyond the rear line of the horse??? Would a faster cadence be penalized even if the horse is faster? Would a less extended horse be penalized even if it were faster???

[Soltera]

ridnandsmiln: Sorry my post was confusing, thanks for clarifying. Oh, and don’t forget the tastiest meaning of “fino” – a cool glass of sherry….

We are back to dealing with many shades and textures - forward speed and ground covered, tempo, horse's attitude, look/feel, etc. Then, with motorgypsy, we arrive at the collection/extension/strung out question, which underlies much of the debate: Dressage riding is judged on largely subjective criteria, whereas jumping is scored on objective standards (no pun intended) - the jump stays up or it doesn't, pretty much.

Can these Paso Fino classes be judged on the manners, walk, serpentine, sounding board and Corto individually, but give the lion's share of the score (75%) to the actual winner, the fastest? However stylistically the horses extend, they'll have to extend to the best of their ability to win, and if we don't keep it a speed event, are we not back to riding around and around in circles? If we don’t let the horses fully extend (as long as they stay in gait) how do we prove the true versatility of the breed?

Can you help us check out those andadura races? How are they judged?

And, motorgypsy, you updated your Avatar to a magnificent picture – is that your largo picture ? Would this be a good time to submit pictures to each other as to what is an extended, “pretty” largo and what looks like a gaiting giraffe?

[lovetogait]

Why have to get off and on at all? If it is a test of true largo gait, then why is the dismount and remount necessary?

[Tracy]

I think it is a great idea we need more classes for our versatility horses but we need enough to get people to the show. A few classes then a trail ride sounds great.

[Tracy]

I took my Coral LaCE granddaughter in the largo race in topsfield a few years back and had a lot of fun. I was first place out of 3 I was proud but I felt like it was something that they just had to do. So if we do this people need to get out and do it and have it a class not a evening game!!

[Tracy]

Cowboy Ed Looks more like Woody to me.. :lol: :lol: :lol:

[paso chikkaaaa.]

hahaha

[Soltera]

QUiNCALERO =] -- Oh my, what a beautiful avatar! May I ask...who's the equine hunk?

[ErinC]

OK here is the REVISED one.
Here are the final changes to the Pleasure Largo class. took the dismount and re- mount out - it ruled some people & we did not want that the happen


Paso Largo Pleasure

1. Qualifying Gaits

a. Flat Walk, which is a true , evenly paced four -beat, flat footed, smooth gait executed with mild collection. The horse’s head carriage is natural and relaxed .

b. Fast Corto, which is faster than the regular pleasure corto, it is an evenly-spaced four-beat lateral gait with the horse going forward with free and extended steps. The steps should be even and the whole movement balanced and unconstrained. A definite change of speed from the flat walk must be observed. The rider allows the horse, maintain light contact on the reins , to carry his head somewhat in front of the vertical and allows him at the same time to lower his head and neck slightly, The horse should demonstrate pride, style, and enthusiasm, along with good manners and ready response. A slow Corto shall be penalized. This must be a fast ground covering corto.

c. Largo, which is an evenly-spaced true largo with longer strides and four-beat lateral gait with considerably more speed than the Corto, extreme speed is allowed. The whole movement should be well balanced and the transition from Corto should be fluidly executed, a definite change of speed from the Paso Corto must be observed. The rider allows the horse, while maintaining a light contact on the reins, without leaning or pulling against the reins , to lengthen his frame and to gain ground. Extreme speed is allowed unless loss of form , cadence or smoothness is lost. A true extended largo shall not be penalized.

The Paso Largo horse should be a calm, mild-mannered, safe pleasure horse that while executing speed at the largo and true extension, shall maintain balance and ease and freedom of movement. It must have flawless manners.. It must be agreeable to the commands and directions of the rider. The horse must give the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride with emphasis on the flat walk, flat walk at the serpentine, and smooth transitions. It must at all times work on a very light rein without resistance and although it should be athletic, and may be energetic, and should combine style and spirit. It must demonstrate a quiet, calm and extremely tractable attitude. It must stand quietly and back readily when requested and flat walk at the serpentine. Horses indicating aggressiveness, over-collection or too slow a corto or too slow largo shall be severely penalized.

This class is open to amateurs and horses who have not been in training for thirty (30) days before the show. Cross entering in any other class is permitted.

This class shall be judged : 20% Corto; 30% Largo; 10% on the Back; 20% on the Flat Walk at the Serpentine; 10% manners ; 10% way of going. Special attention shall be afforded to a true largo, from, smoothness, and constancy of the gaits and tractable attitude.

2. Procedures. The exhibitors will enter the ring to the right of the rail at a Paso Corto, and circle the arena in a counterclockwise manner. Sequence of gaits will be:
Paso Corto, Paso Largo, reverse and repeat, then line up and when requested by the judge, the rider will back the horse out of the line up- 2 or more horses at a time walk at the serpentine depending upon the size of the arena - reverse and then walk at the serpentine( 4 serpentines) and return to the line up. The rider will then back the horse and return to the line up. Slow Corto shall be penalized as will the horses inability to flat walk at the serpentine.

While executing all gaits, entries should space themselves to avoid bunching up and maintain their relative positions on rail except to pass- speed shall not be penalized, as the largo horse has different ranges of speed if one horse is faster, passing is allowed to help maintain the horses natural way of going. Speed shall not be penalized.

3. Appointments. Tack and attire are to be appropriate for Paso Pleasure Class, at all times neat, clean and in good taste. Bits are not required in the Paso Largo Class. The tack and headgear fro the horses may be of any variety that would be appropriate and practical for pleasure riding.

Attire shall be in keeping with the type of tack used. Where Western-style tack is used, riders shall dress as requirements for Western attire described at Chapter Two, Section VII, 1, 2.,with the exception that chaps or chinks are optional in this class. Where English-style or Plantation-type tack is used, the rider’s attire shall consist of a long sleeved shirt, full length trousers, tailored jacket or vest, hat and riding boots. Riders who use English tack cannot wear chaps. Sweater vests are not allowed. A tie is optional. Women riders may wear skirt, culottes or gaucho pants that are long enough to cover the knees while seated in a saddle along with knee-high boots. Jeans and baseball-style hats are prohibited. No part of the official Paso Fino costume shall be allowed except for riding boots. Exhibitors should remember that even though this is a Paso Largo Pleasure Class. It is a horse show class and not just a ride for pleasure.

[Laura S]

Cool, I like it! Hopefully I can bring my paso to Topsfield.

[SandyMM]

Fast Corto, which is faster than the regular pleasure cort
Until this is clarified - in writing - any high 'RPM' show pleasure horse can qualify..... because they are 'going faster' than their 'regular' show corto...

[lisa l aka marci]

Fast Corto, which is faster than the regular pleasure cort
Until this is clarified - in writing - any high 'RPM' show pleasure horse can qualify..... because they are 'going faster' than their 'regular' show corto...

Maybe clarify it as Faster forward motion???

That way the faster footfall/RPM isn't all that is needed......

Remember though, the TRUE Largo is still needed.....something I ahve not seen a lot of at shows!

[SandyMM]

When today's show gaits are described - you will almost always hear 'tight', 'quick', and 'fast'..... none of them are related (primarily) to forward motion. I would still _much_ prefer a slower. looser corto ( a more common trail gait) and the fastest (forward speed), extended (less collection) largo to show what ought to be the dramatic difference in the two.

The faster the forward motion of the corto - the less dramatic the change will be....

[lisa l aka marci]

Very true Sandy - I didn't think of that.......


(Not that Marci would too too well....she has a nice RELAXED Corto and the Largo, well......when she is in stride it is nice, but keeping her there is another story! - Conditioning issue more than anything.....)

[cowboy ed]

i agree with sandy. the corto that is called for in this proposed class should not be called a "fast corto". it should simply be called corto, so the description in paragraph b needs to be revised. you dont want a "fast, ground covering corto". that is a contradiction of terms. it should be a nice relaxed corto, which is a pleasure type gait. the terms "fast" and "ground covering" need to be reserved to describe the largo.

[macadoo]

Sounds great...but please please keep out the "dismounting and remounting" even with a stool..it's still very hard on us old folks or anyone that has knee or hip problems...and also...don't make it an "owner" class...there are times when I can't ride and would like a friend or non family member to ride my pasos....
We'll try it out in Cobleskill.......

[Soltera]

Would an owner or non-owner who does not qualify for amature status be allowed to compete in this class? Sorry, I know that's an awfully elementary question - some of these show rules tie me in knots. That's what trails are for! :D

[TrueStepPaso]

Soltera.....welcome back!!!! Nice to see you again! How's the dressage coming along? I miss your informative posts.....

[ErinC]

bump for update

[ErinC]

OK , RE READ THIS , see if it makes things clear !

Fast corto is just about ground covering corto not slow corto - it is not about higher RPMs -

New Draft is With the mounting block taken off ( as not to eliminate anyone who may have trouble mounting)
It is an open class for Amatuers - you do not have to be an owner just like the requirements for Country Pleasure. No professionals.
Cobleskill and Topsfield will have a trial class. At this time we do not even know if the Associtation will approve it. Final draft was submitted..
- this class is supposed to be for fun -lets just try it .
it is something new !!!

Read is over.
thanks ;-)
Paso Largo Pleasure

1. Qualifying Gaits

a. Flat Walk, which is a true , evenly spaced four -beat, flat footed, smooth gait executed with mild collection. The horse’s head carriage is natural and relaxed .

b. Fast Corto, which is faster than the regular pleasure corto- covering more ground, it is an evenly-spaced four-beat lateral gait with the horse going forward with free and extended steps. The steps should be even and the whole movement balanced and unconstrained. The rider allows the horse, maintain light contact on the reins , to carry his head somewhat in front of the vertical and allows him at the same time to lower his head and neck slightly, The horse should demonstrate pride, style, and enthusiasm, along with good manners and ready response. A slow Corto shall be penalized. This must be a fast ground covering corto.

c. Largo, which is an evenly-spaced true largo with longer strides and four-beat lateral gait with considerably more speed than the Corto, extreme speed is allowed. The whole movement should be well balanced and the transition from Corto should be fluidly executed, a definite change of speed from the Paso Corto must be observed. The rider allows the horse, while maintaining a light contact on the reins, without leaning or pulling against the reins , to lengthen his frame and to gain ground. Extreme speed is allowed unless loss of form , cadence or smoothness is lost. A true extended largo shall not be penalized.

The Paso Largo horse should be a calm, mild-mannered, safe pleasure horse that while executing speed at the largo and true extension, shall maintain balance and ease and freedom of movement. It must have flawless manners.. It must be agreeable to the commands and directions of the rider. The horse must give the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride with emphasis on the, flat walk at the serpentine, and smooth transitions from corto to largo. It must at all times work on a very light rein without resistance and although it should be athletic, and may be energetic, and should combine style and spirit. It must demonstrate a quiet, calm and extremely tractable attitude. It must stand quietly and back readily when requested and flat walk at the serpentine. Horses indicating aggressiveness, over-collection or too slow a corto(does not cover enough ground) or too slow largo shall be severely penalized.

This class is open to amateurs and horses who have not been in training for thirty (30) days before the show. Cross entering in any other class is permitted.

This class shall be judged : 20% Corto; 30% Largo; 10% on the Back; 20% on the Flat Walk at the Serpentine; 10% manners ; 10% way of going. Special attention shall be afforded to a true largo, from, smoothness, and constancy of the gaits and tractable attitude.

2. Procedures. The exhibitors will enter the ring to the right of the rail at a Paso Corto, and circle the arena in a counterclockwise manner. Sequence of gaits will be:
Paso Corto, Paso Largo, reverse and repeat, then line up and when requested by the judge, the rider will back the horse out of the line up- 2 or more horses at a time walk at the serpentine depending upon the size of the arena - reverse and then walk at the serpentine( 4 serpentines) and return to the line up. The rider will then back the horse and return to the line up. Slow Corto shall be penalized as will the horses inability to flat walk at the serpentine.

While executing all gaits, entries should space themselves to avoid bunching up and maintain their relative positions on rail except to pass- speed shall not be penalized, as the largo horse has different ranges of speed if one horse is faster, passing is allowed to help maintain the horses natural way of going. Speed shall not be penalized.

3. Appointments. Tack and attire are to be appropriate for Paso Pleasure Class, at all times neat, clean and in good taste. Bits are not required in the Paso Largo Class. The tack and headgear from the horses may be of any variety that would be appropriate and practical for pleasure riding.

Attire shall be in keeping with the type of tack used. Where Western-style tack is used, riders shall dress as requirements for Western attire described at Chapter Two, Section VII, 1, 2.,with the exception that chaps or chinks are optional in this class. Where English-style or Plantation-type tack is used, the rider’s attire shall consist of a long sleeved shirt, full length trousers, tailored jacket or vest, hat and riding boots. Riders who use English tack cannot wear chaps. Sweater vests are not allowed. A tie is optional. Women riders may wear skirt, culottes or gaucho pants that are long enough to cover the knees while seated in a saddle along with knee-high boots. Jeans and baseball-style hats are prohibited. No part of the official Paso Fino costume shall be allowed except for riding boots. Exhibitors should remember that even though this is a Paso Largo Pleasure Class. It is a horse show class and not just a ride for pleasure.