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The objective is for a horse and rider to sprint down an arena, maneuver inside a keyhole-shaped pattern outlined on the ground, and sprint back across the finish line without stepping on or over the boundaries. 

How the Race Works

• The Setup: A keyhole pattern is outlined on the ground using agricultural lime, flour, or a series of small cones. The shape consists of a narrow, straight "entrance tunnel" that opens up into a larger circle—resembling an old-fashioned skeleton keyhole. 

• The Run: The horse and rider start behind a timing line and sprint at full speed down the center of the aisle toward the keyhole. 

• The Turn: The horse must enter through the narrow neck, perform a sharp 180-degree rollback or spin completely inside the circular bulb, and exit back through the same narrow neck. 

• The Finish: The horse sprints back down the straightaway, and the clock stops as they cross the timing line. 

Scoring and Disqualifications

• Fastest Wins: The horse and rider team with the quickest clean time wins the class. 

• Disqualifications (No-Times): A rider will receive a "no-time" or disqualification if any of the horse's hooves touch, step on, or cross over the chalked boundary lines of the keyhole at any point during the run.