Roadster is a fast-paced driving class in AMHR shows. It is a lot of fun to compete in or watch. It is patterned after trotting races. There are also tracks for racing these little trotters. There are specific lines of miniature horses bred specifically for such trotting events.

For the official rules of the American Miniature Horse Registry, log on to www.shetlandminiature.com. For an excerpt about roadster class, see below:

From the rulebook of the ASPC/AMHR:

Part 15 – Roadster

A. General: The roadster horse may be of any type, any color of attractive appearance, balanced in conformation, and with manners which make a safe risk in the ring. Horse shall be serviceably sound.

B. Gait Requirements: The principal gait for the roadster is the trot. Horses shall be asked to trot at three different speeds; the slow jog trot, the faster road gait, and at a full extended “drive on” trot. Horses must not be asked to rein back.

C. Judging Procedure: Roadsters must enter the ring clockwise (to the left) at a jog trot; then show at the road gait, jog trot and turn counter clockwise at the jog trot, show at the road gait, and trot at speed. At all speeds, horse should work in form. Breaks should not be penalized in a horse that demonstrated three distinct trots over a horse that has not demonstrated gait distinction. Horses should be shown on the rail at all times except when passing. Showing off the rail shall be penalized. Performance at all three gaits should be strongly considered. When horses are lined up, driver shall not leave vehicle except for necessary adjustments. Headers are allowed in roadster classes.

D. Harness: Harness shall be appropriate to the vehicle. Martingales are optional. No liverpool bits are allowed. Harness must have blinders and either side check or over-check. The check must be used. Harness must be of the light type with breastcollar. .

E. Vehicles (See figure): Bike (a two-wheeled cart with stirrups and no basket). Road bikes with tire guards (“closed wheel/arch”) are mandatory beginning with the 2001 AMHR National Show.

F. Attire: Exhibitors are required to wear stable colors, cap and jacket to match, of the type found on the trotting tracks of America.

G. Braids, matching the stable colors, one in the foretop and one immediately back of the bridle path as seen on the larger roadster horses is optional.

H. The exhibitor number must be worn on the exhibitor’s back. An optional supplementary number can be placed on the shafts.

I. Un-weighted bell type boots are optional in roadster classes only.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roadster:

Q. Shirlee Busbee wrote: We may be entering Roadster Classes next year and we're wondering where you find the clothing.  I know some people make their own, but where do you get the pattern?  Is there some place that actually sells the outfits?  And if you make your own, where do you get the caps?  Help! 

A. I would HIGHLY encourage anyone needing roadster silks to check out Marcia Barth of Showtime Training in Iowa. Marcia is a seamstress by profession and does lots of show-related work. She specializes in roadster silks and stall curtains, and I find her prices to be extremely reasonable. Amy Roberts

A. Marcia Barth makes wonderful roadster silks. Her email is showtime1@iowatelecom.net Lewella

A. My roadster outfit is homemade. Use a pattern (I use Butterick) for a man's shirt with some changes (i.e. legnth, zipper in place of buttons.) The cap is a baseball cap covered with fabric to match the jacket. The sky is the limit after you pick your colors. Jeanette

A. I have not checked it out myself, but I heard someone saying the other day that you can get roadster silks from "Chicks Saddlery" or Chicks Harness what ever they go by out there in Delaware.