Final Exam and Scoring System

The scoring system is based on both a subjective and objective basis by veterinary and lay judges. Each judge should conduct the same exams both pre- and post-ride. Specific factors are evaluated for each horse during the pre-ride exam and again upon completion of the ride at the final exam. Each horse starts with 100 points. Points are deducted at the final examination for changes, which signify stress or loss of condition as defined in the scoring system. The number of points deducted for a given change will be at the discretion of the judges, but will be uniform from horse to horse for the same degree of change, except as noted below for pulse and respiration.

Pulse:

Base pulse 44. 1 point deducted for each 4 beats above base value. No points deducted if recovery is 44 or below.

Respiration:

Base respiration 24. 1 point deducted for each 8 breaths above base value. No points deducted if recovery is 24 or below.

Final pulse and respiration (P&R) rates

will be taken by teams 20 minutes after horses cross the finish line. All P&R values are to be obtained for a period of at least 30 seconds.

Final examination

done by the judges in order of finish and should be conducted exactly as the pre-ride exam. The final examinations will begin at the completion of the P&R, or as soon as possible. The final examination will be identical to the pre-ride examination and includes the following:

Tack Area:

The tack area is examined closely and points are deducted for an increase in the severity of pre-existing tenderness or lesions, and/or appearance of new lesions or tenderness. Comments and deductions will be consistent from horse to horse.

Legs:

The legs are examined closely and points are deducted for any physical evidence of trauma or stress on the legs that appeared or worsened during the ride. Comments and deductions will be consistent from horse to horse.

Lameness:

Horses are trotted for lameness and deductions are made according to the table on the score sheet. Final and pre-ride examinations of lameness are compared and points deducted for new or increased lameness. An average of the judges' score will be made if both judges score on lameness.

Mechanical Fatigue:

Mechanical fatigue is scored at the same time the horse is being trotted for lameness. Comparisons of the horse's animation, impulsion, willingness and coordination with the pre-ride examination will be made. Deductions are made according to the table on the score sheet. An average of the judges' score will be made if both judges score on mechanical fatigue.

Metabolic Fatigue:

Metabolic fatigue is usually scored by the veterinary judge and includes comparisons of metabolic functions, as determined by skin pinch, capillary refill time, gum color, gum moisture, gut sounds and anal tone. Deductions are made according to the table on the score sheet.

Behavior:

Horses should behave reasonably during examinations, but the judge may tolerate some degree of nervousness and uncertainty. However, dangerous horses, such as rearers, kickers, biters and strikers will be severely penalized or may be eliminated from the ride. Behavior is judged throughout the ride and during examinations.