Divisions - The Great Lake Carriage Classic

2026 – 8 th Annual Show

The Great Lakes Carriage Classic (GLCC)

DIVISON DESCRIPTIONS

Combined Test Divisions

Levels

Training
Preliminary
Intermediate/Advanced

Divisions within each level

Horse – 149cm or greater without shoes or 150 cm or greater with shoes
VSE – less than 99cm with or without shoes
Pony – 99 cm to less than 149 cm without shoes or less than 150 cm with shoes
Multiple – Equines, any size that are driven in a pair, tandem or four

1. Junior competitors must wear protective headgear and body protector at all times
2. All competitors must wear protective headgear in cones

Pleasure Divisions

Equine size measurements
Exact – 1cm = 0.0984 Hands & One hand = four inches or 10.2cm

Horse
149cm or greater without shoes or 150 cm or greater with shoes

Very Small Equine (VSE)
less than 99cm with or without shoes

Small Pony
99 cm to less than 120 cm with or without shoes

Large Pony
120cm to less than 149 cm without shoes or less than 150 cm with shoes

Junior
Driver less than 19yo as of January 1, 2026 Must wear a helmet at all times Parental consent must accompany entry if whip < 19yo Stallions are prohibited in junior classes If 10yo or below: Knowledgeable adult horse person must accompany on vehicle at all times If 11yo - 13yo: Knowledgeable adult horse person must accompany on the carriage, unless equine is a single VSE in a securely enclosed arena If 14yo or greater: Knowledgeable adult horse person is not a requirement on the carriage A groom may also ride on carriage if desired, in the Junior division

Pair or Tandem
A pair or tandem of horses, ponies or VSEs.

Fours
Four horses or ponies shown to an appropriate vehicle (e.g., small sport carriage or CDE presentation vehicle)

Para/COOL/SN Drivers *
Documentation outlining whip’s restrictions must be submitted with entry form by entry due date of July 10, 2026

Coach Assisted
Whip or equine in first two years of showing in this division at the GLCC. This division is open to adults but if there is sufficient interest (3 or more) a Junior Coach Assisted Division will be created. Coach may ride on carriage as an instructing passenger or instruct from sidelines using electronic means. Coach may verbally assist the whip but not touch reins while the turnout is on the rail. If the coach touches the reins while on the rail, the turnout will be eliminated for that specific class but may complete the class if it is safe to do so. In line up coach may come into ring from sidelines or dismount from carriage to head equine. In line up the coach may touch the equine or reins. Verbal assistance from the coach must not interfere with other competitors’ experience or the judge’s instructions. The equine/driver combination that enters this division may not cross enter in another division, but the equine or driver may cross enter.

Utility Horse
149cm or greater without shoes or 150 cm or greater with shoes Training vehicles with clean harness and clean, neat clothing Wire wheeled vehicles and vehicles with pneumatic tires accepted in this division without prior show manager approval

Utility Pony/VSE
Less than 149cm without shoes or less than 150 cm with shoes Training vehicles with clean harness and clean, neat clothing Wire wheeled vehicles and vehicles with pneumatic tires accepted in this division without prior show manager approval

* NOTE * COOL – Conquering Obstacles Overcoming Limitations (AMHR) and
* SN – Special Needs (AMHA)

Notes:

Draft breeds, donkeys and mules are encouraged to participate, and provisions will be made accordingly.
Drivers must wear a hat or helmet, apron or knee rug and gloves. Conservative dress is best, conforming to vehicle. Period dress is discouraged.
To avoid elimination an appropriate whip must be carried in-hand at all times while driving (unless accommodation preapproved).
For each turnout in the pleasure division the same vehicle must be used for all five classes of a division.
- Turnout
- Working
- Reinsmanship
- Progressive obstacle
- Fault and out obstacle

Non-Driven Division

The Non-Driven division is made up of two classes, long lining and harnessing. The competitor must compete in both classes to be eligible for the non-driven divisional awards.

NEW - Educational Clinic

Clinician Shelly Temple delivers “Learn How to Improve Your Driven Dressage Score” with two focus groups, Training/Preliminary and Intermediate/Advanced. Each group will have formal instruction, walking of dressage tests followed by a question & answer session. To Register, visit Competitor Information, Pages 48 – 58. The GLCC and ADS waivers must be completed and submitted with your registration.