The Horseman’s Challenge is being held to find the “South Dakota Horse Fair Great American Horseperson”. There will be three rounds held with a $2000 purse awarded to the overall winners. The Challenge will be limited to 25 entries.

The top four overall place winners will receive cash awards and payouts will be as follows:

Each round will count for 1/3 of the final score. All competitors will be scored and final scores totaled to determine the winner. In the event of a tie, money will be equally divided. Exhibitors must compete in all three rounds to be eligible for prize money. Horses must be present for the entire South Dakota Horse Fair.

The ranch horse should reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working horse. The horse’s performance should simulate a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and that of a working ranch horse. This class should show the horse’s ability to work at a forward, working speed while under the rider’s control.

Each horse will work individually, performing both the required and optional maneuvers and will be scored from 0-100 with 70 denoting an average performance. The primary considerations are the overall manners and responsiveness of the horse while performing the maneuver requirements and the horse’s quality of movement.

Required movements include the walk, jog and lope in both directions; the extended jog and lope in at least one direction; stops; and a turn to change directions.

Three of the following maneuvers must be included: side pass; turns of 360 degrees or more; change of lead (simple or flying); walk, jog or lope over a pole(s) or any other reasonable combination of maneuvers that a ranch horse would perform.

The maneuvers may be arranged in various combinations with the final approval by the judge.

Pattern for the individual work will be posted one hour prior to the competition.

This class is designed to show a horse’s ability to separate a cow from the herd, hold that cow away from the herd, then drive that cow away from herd and to pen it. Cattle will be numbered and number will be announced three times as the horse and rider cross the starting line. Settling of the herd is permissible by anybody except the first entry of the class.

There is a two and one half (2 ½) minute time limit. Time will begin when a rider crosses a timeline just prior to entering the herd (minimum of 10 head) The rider will then quietly separate the drawn numbered cow from the herd and work it for approximately 30 seconds before driving it to the opposite end of the arena and penning it. A whistle will be blown at the one minute remaining point in the run to let the contestant know to then pen the cow. A contestant will be disqualified if the rider fails to pen the cow at the end of 2 ½ minutes, or if the cow returns to the herd after has been clearly separated from the herd or if cow crosses back over the time/foul line when attempting to be penned.

The contestant may have up to four helpers during the cutting portion - two turn back riders and two herd holders. The helpers may not assist the contestant in penning the cow. Helpers are not required. Horse will not be penalized for reining during cutting portion but should display horse’s natural cow ability in controlling and driving the cow.

This is to show the horse and rider’s ability to work together to accomplish the obstacles. Horse is to be shown at a walk, trot and lope. Six or more obstacles may be used.

Mandatory obstacles:

Three or more of the following optional obstacles will be selected:

Trail Class Pattern will be available 1 hour before the class.

Horse Health Regulations:All horses exhibited must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued by a licensed and accredited veterinarian within 30 days of the beginning of SD Horse Fair. All horses originating from outside the state of South Dakota must have a telephone permit number on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. This is obtained by the issuing Veterinarian calling the State Vet. Office at 605-773-3321. All horses originating from outside the state of South Dakota must have a negative EIA test within the past twelve months prior to entry at the Horse Fair. The applicable testing information must appear on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.

Health Papers will be collected upon arrival at the Fairgrounds show office and before horses are unloaded.

Horse Welfare: Every horse at the SD Horse Fair shall be treated humanely and with dignity, respect and compassion. The standard by which conduct or treatment will be measured is that which a reasonable person, informed and experienced in generally accepted equine training and exhibition procedures or veterinary standards, would determine to be cruel, abusive or inhumane. No person shall exhibit any horse which appears to be sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated, drawn or overly tired. No person on show grounds, barns, stalls, practice area and show arena, may treat a horse in an inhumane manner.