Why is it called a "California Split"?

[luvs2ridewbs]

It sounds like an ice cream. :)

[findeight]

I think it was originally started out there for the big classes. Kind of confusing...but makes sense when the rules or conditions call for a split.

It is when you run an entire oversized class at the same time but announce 2 1sts, 2 2nds, 2 3rds etc. They are actually scored 1st thru 16th but the top 2 get blues, next reds and so forth down the list. The alternative is splitting Section A/Section B and running them seperate.

[luvs2ridewbs]

I know how its done, I was just wondering if anyone knew why it was called that?

[horsestablereview]

I believe the reason why it's called a "California Split" and not just a regular split is that Californians want everyone to get ribbons so they split it when the class reaches 16, instead of 40 or whatever is normal (if it is normal). It's a slight at Californians. ;)

I haven't actually seen this sort of split in any classes other than IHSA classes in California.

[TheOneandOnly]

I've always wondered the same thing about California Warm-ups:yes:

[MR]

I haven't actually seen this sort of split in any classes other than IHSA classes in California.

Just to clarify... this is NOT something that happens in IHSA in California (or anywhere). IHSA courses can be split, but they are run (and pinned) as two separate classes. This happens for flat classes often. For example, there will be 30 Novice Flat riders entered. No way a host school could provide 30 horses, nor would you want 30 horses/riders all in the arena for a flat class at the same time. So, the "class" is broken into 2 sections ahead of time (done per the "class split rules" in the IHSA rulebook), and the 2 separate flat classes are run & pinned independently by the judge - in most cases with the same 15 horses being used twice.

My guess on the "California split" is that it came from some larger open shows where there were so many riders in one class (like Children's Hunters) that it was nearly impossible to collect enough points for year-end awards. I honestly haven't ever heard it, at local or A-shows, but it might be a new term...

[RioTex]

I've heard it referred to as the California split for years and every time we have a judge from Cali, they ask why it has that name? :lol:

[Sebastian]

It's a slight at Californians. ;)



:eek: SHOCKING!!! :eek:

Yeah, not something that actually comes from us Californians...
Seb ;)

[iridehorses]

i like this split the best personally

[horsestablereview]

Just to clarify... this is NOT something that happens in IHSA in California (or anywhere). IHSA courses can be split, but they are run (and pinned) as two separate classes. This happens for flat classes often. For example, there will be 30 Novice Flat riders entered. No way a host school could provide 30 horses, nor would you want 30 horses/riders all in the arena for a flat class at the same time. So, the "class" is broken into 2 sections ahead of time (done per the "class split rules" in the IHSA rulebook), and the 2 separate flat classes are run & pinned independently by the judge - in most cases with the same 15 horses being used twice.

We have done this in CA when we had trouble getting people qualified...even when there wasn't a horse use issue. I had a judge use the term (with a chuckle) when he judged one of our shows when I explained to him that we had been rained out almost every show and didn't have anyone qualifying due to the terrible weather (even when there was only 10-12 people in a class).

I would think they would split classes more often back east with more hunters? but I've never shown on the east coast so I dunno...It's my understanding of it anyways...

[mroades]

We use it all the time down here...I like it when I have a huge class to judge...not so much when there is only 14 or so

[coriander]

It's quite common in use in the midwest and has been for at least 15 years at the larger AA shows, when a division has not been divided into A,B,C and gets large. Always called a California split and the assumption was it started there, to get people qualified...

[Hunter/JumperMom]

I know when a class reaches 50 people they "california split" it. 25 and 25, done ahead of time so you know what section you are in, not sure what number it goes to for a third section.

But kind of like why is it called a "California King" as in mattress??? Cause it's bigger? IDK but why California

[Gry2Yng]

My experience is that the CA split is NOT done ahead of time. All riders/horses ride. Then the judge pins 16. 1a is first and 1b is second, but they both get points for first. Not sure how this works for the championship, but assume there is an adjustment. Someone else can probably say. Flat classes are split ahead of time in this area, to keep number of horses in the ring lower. This is not called a CA split around here.

[RAM]

Championship is done the same way. Tabulate all the points and the top 2 are Champions and next 2 are reserve.

[findeight]

IME it only happens when an unrated class gets large at the last minute...like a warm up, Special, Low, Modified, etc. with 15 entered ahead of time and 50 day of class adds.

[Peggy]

Not sure it originated in California, but have definitely seen it used here, at a variety of show levels. Not just for classes that grew at the last moment, tho it definitely has a use there so you don't end up with 20 in the first split (b/c the class started with 40) and 30 in the next split (b/x 10 suddenly added). Seems more equitable than splitting ahead of time. Usually see it for Lows and Pre-Greens and the like -- divisions that tend to run large.

[mroades]

yep, california split is NOT done ahead of time

[superpony123]

done quite often here, but i almost posted a thread asking the same thing recently!

i assumed maybe it was something political? i really have no clue :)

[Hunter/JumperMom]

yep, california split is NOT done ahead of time


Not done ahead of time, like prior to show starting, but day of, if entries warrant it, done ahead and published and posted so you know what section you are in.

Perfect example, May Old Salem Show, Medal had over 50 entries, so they made two divisions, A and B, this was posted in the morning, so you knew when you showed, and in what order.

[ImJumpin]

But they do have the above mentioned CA Warm Ups done ahead of the time.

Was there at one time another name for the split into two different sections and then there was the CA Split of place 1-16? And perhaps another name for the type of warm up that is held at a certain time instead of the CA warmup?

[MHM]

California split is when the whole class runs together, then the judge splits them into A/B on the card by pinning 16 places.

Splitting the class into A/B ahead of time is not the same thing.