What penalty is assigned for a five-point infraction in a Western Horsemanship class?

In a Western Horsemanship class, a five-point infraction typically refers to a specific mistake or fault that is more significant than minor errors but not the most severe. The penalty for this infraction is "loss of stirrup," which can demonstrate a lack of control and balance during the performance.

When a rider loses a stirrup, it indicates that they may not be maintaining proper equitation or control over the horse, which is a critical component of Western Horsemanship. This penalty reflects the importance of the rider's connection and stability while riding, as it affects both their performance and the overall presentation.

The other potential penalties do have their own significance but do not correspond specifically to the five-point infractions typically observed in competition. For example, loss of contact may impact the overall impression but those would be considered under different criteria.