Showing

The Rocky Mountain Horse Association hosts just one major show event every year.

The International Grand Championships are held annually during the first week of September at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. This is where you will see the largest gathering of Rocky Mountain Horses in the world. Exhibitors from all over the United States convene to compete and to celebrate our amazing breed.

There are 3 main divisions in which the breed is categorized: Country Trail, Trail Pleasure and Show Pleasure. All of which are shown in traditional saddleseat tack and attire. (Though, western tack and attire are technically allowed in Country Trail and Trail Pleasure, it is very uncommon to see, and the ring protocol remains English.)

The show is carried under RMHA Showing Rules and the judges are looking at the horses and their quality of gait, appropriate movement for the division entered, smoothness, consistency in speed and frame, transitions and behaviour. These are not equitation classes, the judges are scoring the horse and its movement, not the rider!

There are additional classes for Western Pleasure, Trail Obstacle and In Hand Conformation classes. Depending on the year, there may also be Costume class, Barrels or Poles, and also Youth Equitation where the riders are judged, and Driving.

Most of these horses and exhibitors have participated in RMHA sanctioned shows throughout the season, earning points and experience prior to the International Show. These sanctioned shows are hosted by local clubs, charities or combined breed groups and are the glue that hold the show circuit together and high point system together! They can have a full showbill of a sanctioned “A” show, a partial showbill of a sanctioned “B” show or even a more casual smaller scale sanctioned “C” show. Sanctioning a show with the RMHA is a simple process, requiring a minor fee and the approval of Show Advisory Committee aka “SAC”. Only “A” shows require the judge to be selected by the RMHA. “B” and “C” shows can have their show manager select their own judge as long as they are a qualified judge of horses. A sanctioned “C” show can be as few as 3 classes! A sanctioned “B” show can have as few as 8 classes. There are many opportunities around for B and C shows to combine with other breeds and club shows for the benefit of all.

In Europe there are currently no RMHA sanctioned shows and Rocky Mountain Horse classes are judged under local rules.