In the context of scoring, which penalty carries the highest deduction in a Western Horsemanship class?

In a Western Horsemanship class, penalties are assigned based on the severity of the infraction. The penalty associated with the loss of a stirrup carries the highest deduction because it significantly impacts the rider's ability to maintain proper balance and control of the horse. When a rider loses a stirrup, it not only affects their position but also their overall effectiveness in performing the required maneuvers. This can be particularly detrimental in a class that judges riders on their horsemanship skills, as it may indicate a lack of preparation or proficiency.

On the other hand, the other infractions, while still penalized, do not have the same level of impact on the rider's overall performance. Holding the saddle with a hand or hitting a cone can lead to deductions, but they are generally considered less severe compared to the complications introduced by losing a stirrup. Overturning by a quarter also results in a penalty, but it does not directly affect the rider's balance and performance as significantly as the loss of a stirrup does. Thus, the context of the penalties emphasizes why the loss of a stirrup merits the highest deduction in scoring.