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363. Pick Your Route

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  1. To be driven at a trot over a prescribed course of obstacles (paired markers) with no set route. The number of obstacles to be proportionate to the dimensions of the driving area. Not to exceed 20 obstacles.
  2. Typically obstacles in this type class are not measured for each entry, but are set at 9 feet at the start of the competition, and only reset in the event of a knockdown.
  3. After passing the starting line, the driver shall proceed through each obstacle to the designated finish line, choosing his own route. Each obstacle is to be negotiated once and only once but may be approached from either direction.
  4. Course faults are scored as penalty seconds and are added to the driver’s elapsed time. Placing(s) are determined on a low total time basis. Ties for first will be decided by a drive-off (unless otherwise stated in the prize list).
    1. Driving through an obstacle again / 10 seconds each time
    2. Missing an obstacle / Elimination
    3. Break in gait (see Rule 359)
      • 1st break from trot / 5 seconds
      • 2nd break from trot / 5 seconds
      • 3rd break from trot / 5 seconds
      • 4th break from trot / Elimination
      • Prolonged canter or walk / Elimination
    4. Disobedience and/or groom dismounting (cumulative over course)
      • 1st incident / 5 seconds
      • 2nd incident / 10 seconds
      • 3rd incident / Elimination
    5. Starting before signal / Elimination
    6. Failure to cross starting line within one minute of signal / Elimination
    7. Off-course / Elimination
    8. Exceeding Time Limit (2 X Time allowed) / Elimination
    9. Failure to carry whip (Rule 326)(single driving only) / Elimination
    10. Use of a tie-down or over-check / Elimination
    11. Breakage of harness or vehicle / Elimination
  5. Appropriate hat and dress should conform with style of turnout. (see rule 328) No baseball type hats or floppy hats allowed. Single drivers will wear gloves and carry a whip in hand. Lap robe or knee rug is required. Gloves are required in Hitch class, lap robe, or knee rugs are optional.