Wyoming Mustang Days Show

WMD new in hand and burro classes (these are exhibition only):

In Hand Jumping (often found in mini competition):  Ideal picture is of participant on leading side running through pattern on the outside of the jump while the equine moves through the jumping obstacles.  Round 1 is a qualification round.  It is not timed, but participant is DQd from class if a pole is knocked off.  Touching pole is ok.  Poles are at a lower height than Round 2.  Round 2 is final and timed.  Jumps are removed at judge’s discretion for the final round and heights are increased.  Same as in 1st round, DQd from class if pole is knocked off.  Touching pole is ok.  Exact timing based on equine crossing the start/finish (not the human).The winner of In-Hand Jumping is the team with the fastest time and no DQ in the second round.

Coon Jumping (high jumping in-hand with your equine): Coon jumping, interestingly, began on the hunting field. Coon (raccoon) hunters brought along mules as they were nimble and able to carry loads for long periods of time. During the hunt there were often jumps or fences in the way, the hunter would then throw a blanket over the fence (which was often barbed wire!) and then have the mule jump the fence from a standstill. The hunter would then climb over the fence and would then retrieve the blanket.  This saves the hunter from having to find gates or more suitable crossing points thus saving a huge amount of time!  The equine has to come to a complete stop for at least one second after stepping inside a rectangular box drawn 12 ft in front of the jump.  The equine has three attempts to make the jump.   If the equine steps out of the box or touches the jump, either is counted as an attempt.   Handler can step out of the box and even drop the lead rope.  If equine refuses 3 times or knocks the bar down, it is eliminated.  After all the equine in the class have jumped (or have attempted to jump) the jump is raised. The equine clearing the highest jump wins the class.