Although performed in English tack, Park class is considered by most organizations, in terms of year end points, as a specialty or open class. The Park horses most outstanding gait is their trot, bold and brilllant, with free shoulder action. The trot should be very animated, cadenced, with impulsion and power coming from behind. The hocks should be raised high and animated. This class has always been somewhat controversial as the AHSA rule book says that it is a walk, trot, canter, three gaited class.
Many judges choose the winners based almost entirely on the basis of the trot.
The walk is supposed to be a collected, slow, 4-beat movement. The canter is suppose to be slow, straight, balanced and very animated. The controversy in this class has always been in how it is judged. A horse that has outstanding action can blow a lead or break and still beat a horse who had a solid ride with no mistakes but did not have an exceptional trot or outstanding movement. In most cases brilliance is the first priority in a Park horse and forgiveness has become part of Park horse judging.