2019 update to optional ring pattern procedure:
As of 2019, shows (per a show management decision) may elect to use the altered halter pattern and are to inform Judges of the halter pattern that will be used at the show. The new pattern is as follows: Judges are to stand a short distance from the in-gate. Exhibitors are to individually walk to the judges and stand for inspection from both judges. Once the inspection is complete the exhibitor is to walk a few steps and then continue down the rail and around the FULL arena at the trot. Judges are to watch THE ENTIRE trot around the arena. Exhibitors then lineup side-by-side facing towards the center of the ring along the rail closest to the in-gate that works best for the specific arena layout. Care is to be taken to allow exhibitors to maximize the use of the arena for the trot-around. Once the last entry has been inspected and trotted the line of entrants are to walk forward (either down the 1/4 line of the arena or on the rail per Management’s direction) and again line-up but are now in a head-to-tail fashion with numbers facing the judges.
