Leadline

Leadline is a horse show class for very young children, generally under the age of 7 years.

Rules vary tremendously from one geographical region to the next, but as a rule the horse is shown at a walk and a trot, and the riding child is judged on their equitation, limited to proper seat, leg and hand position, to a lesser extent on poise.

In many areas, judge may also ask the children simple questions about themselves or their horse, primarily to gauge the child's poise and manners more than equine knowledge.

Attire is generally the same as for equivalent equitation classes, though in some locations, children may also exhibit in costumes.

At some shows, there is no actual evaluation of the riders and all children are given identical awards for participation, often blue (first place) ribbons.