WESTERN STATES WILD HORSE AND BURRO EXPO

CONTENTS:

A. Mission, Goals & Objectives
Show Eligibility
Appendix Mustangs

I. Show Rules

• Participation Rules
• Liability, Refusal of Entrants, Cancellation of Classes, Prohibited Substances,
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Misconduct, Entrant Substitutions, Protests
• Decisions, Disqualifications, Discipline, Paddock Area Conduct, Cruelty.
• Gate Rules, Withdrawal from Class, Admission to Ring, Headers, Maximum Hours
• Show Management, Judges, Ring Steward, WSWHBE Representative
• Exhibitor Classification
  • Rider Categories: Rookie, Amateur, Open, Youth/Junior,
  • Animal: Green, In Hand, Burro; Freeze-Branded, Range-Bred, Appendix
  • Burros
• Show Awards and Scoring, Scoring Disputes, Recommended Awards, Annual Point System
• Warm Up Arena Guidelines
• Burro Rules

II. Affiliated Shows

• Approval of Schedules
• Setting Show Dates
• Show Sanctions
• Management
  
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III. Class Rules:

• In-Hand
• Trail
• Western
• English
• Driving
• Gaming
• Miscellaneous
• All-Around Horse, Mule, Burro

1. IN-HAND CLASSES:

• SHOWMANSHIP AT HALTER; Class Procedures, Performance Requirements, Faults, Attire,
• Longe Line Class Procedures, Performance Requirements, Attire/Equipment

2. TRAIL CLASSES

• Trail, Obstacles, Mandatory Obstacles, Unacceptable Obstacles, Faults, Scoring, Penalties
• Trail In Hand, Procedures, Performance Requirements, Equipment, Mandatory Obstacles
• Trail – Western or English, Conduct
• Lesley Neuman Ultimate Trail Challenge - new for 2004

3. WESTERN DIVISION CLASSES

• Division Rules, Attire, Equipment, Optional Equipment, Prohibited Equipment, For Gymkhana Exception on Prohibited Equipment, Prohibited Equipment
• Western Pleasure; Procedures, Performance Requirements, Equipment, Faults, Disqualifications,
• Western Horsemanship, Performance, Attire, Equipment
• Green Horse Class Procedures, Junior Horse Procedures
• Senior Horse Procedures
• Beginning Walk/Trot 12 and Under
• Lead Line Equitation 6 and Under
• Western Riding, Penalty Points
• Western Reining, Procedures, Performance Requirements, Faults, Disqualifications,
• Reining Pattern #1, #2, #3(OPEN)

4. DRIVING DIVISION

Classes, Attire, Equipment, Grooming, Pleasure Class Procedures, Obstacle

5. ENGLISH DIVISION

General Guidelines: Classes, Attire, Equipment, conduct, tack, attire, posting courses, judges inspection, jump offs, course, timing, committee, time limits, jumping order, violations, scoring, disobediences, knockdowns, touches, off course, ties, table of jumping faults, obstacle requirements, spread, combinations, permanent obstacles, water obstacles

• Hunter Under Saddle
• English Hunt Seat Equitation, Performance Requirements,
• Hunter Hack
• Jumpers

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6. GAMING DIVISION Classes, Rules, Procedures, Equipment

• Keyhole
• Barrel Racing
• Barrel Race
• Pole Bending
• Western Jumping
• Flag Race
• Figure 8 Stake Race
• Tomahawk Race

7. MISCELLANEOUS Classes:

• Country Pleasure
• Costume
• Americana
• Packing

8. ALL AROUND HORSE/MULE

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	To promote the education of people in the development, training, showing, and horsemanship of formerly wild horses, mules & burros.
	To encourage the adoption and use of wild horses, mules and burros following their removal from the public lands.
	To foster good sportsmanship and proper conduct among horsemen and horsewomen and to foster good fellowship among all persons interested in formerly wild horses, mules & burros.
	To encourage proper and humane handling and care of horses, mules & burros and prevention of cruelty to animals.
	To demonstrate to the public the versatility and value of the formerly wild horses, mules and burros.
	To provide funding for the preservation and enhancement of wild horse, mule and burro habitat and rescue work.
	To establish and maintain a Wild Horse & Burro Show Circuit in the Western States.

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• SHOW ELIGIBILITY: Freeze-Branded, Range-Bred, Wild-Born Non-BLM (Comstock, etc.)*

It is the intent of the Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo (WSWHBE) to help support the adoption process of the thousands of wild horses, mules and burros that are removed from public lands each year. Because promotion of formerly wild horses, mules and burros is central to the objectives of the show, all animals participating in classes reserved for wild horses, burros, and mules must have been formerly wild.

Offspring of formerly wild horses and burros born in captivity (range bred) will be accepted if documentation shows they were bred on the range.

All entries must submit copies of identification papers issued by a federal, state, or humane organization. Exceptions will be determined by the WSWHBE show committee with documentation as requested.

Horses, mules or burros with one wild-bred parent qualify for Appendix Classes.

Some form of identification must be presented to prove parentage of one parent being a Mustang.

• Excessive use of force on any animal in a stall, runway schooling area, show ring, or elsewhere on the competition grounds before or during a competition by any person.
• Rapping the legs of an animal with the butt end of a riding crop or other implement.
• Use of any substance to induce temporary heat.
• Manual polling with any object other than a bamboo pole.
• Use of a wire or chain in conjunction with any schooling jump ,
• Use of electric device in schooling or showing.
• Use of shackles (not to be construed as rubber or elastic exercising devices).
• Showing an animal with raw or bleeding sores.
• Use of explosives anywhere on the competition grounds, except in an exhibition or if required in class competitions.
• Inhumane treatment of an animal in a stall, runway, schooling area, show ring or elsewhere on the competition grounds, by any person .

Due to a full schedule of classes, the two (2) minute limit for gates will be strictly enforced.

Exhibitors are cautioned against entering the same animal/rider in successive classes.

The gate will close two (2) minutes after the first animal enters the ring, or in the case of large classes taking more than two minutes, at the completion or final animal in the continuous string of equines/mules/burros .

It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to be sure that his/her animal is at the gate on time.

Class calls must be considered a courtesy only. NO protests will be upheld on the basis of a public address system malfunction.

Gate hold or tack change will be granted at the discretion of the gate steward and will not exceed five (5) minutes.

As a courtesy to the Gate steward, Announcer and Show Office, exhibitors are requested to notify the Show Office when it is necessary to withdraw from an entered class. This courtesy will enable the show to run more efficiently. Your consideration will be greatly appreciated by the staff. The change should take place at least 24 hours in advance.

No person will be permitted to enter the ring except participants in the class, judge, their assistants and show officials. Attendants and grooms may enter the ring only when summoned by order of the judge.

All headers must wear appropriate show attire and foot wear.

A show may not hold classes more than 12 hours out of any 24 hour period from the start of the first class to the finish of the last class, including intermissions. There must be a recess of at least eight (8) hours between the finish of the last class of any evening performance and the first class of a morning performance the following day.

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SHOW MANAGEMENT

The judge will appear at least 30 minutes before the start of show.

No judge, members of his family, or students shall exhibit or act as agents, representatives in any capacity, or handlers of a horse, mule, or burro, in any approved class at a show or contest at which he/she is officiating; nor any horse be shown under a judge if that judge has been owner, trainer, agent in any capacity, or conditioner of that horse within the previous thirty (30) days. If such a horse is entered in a show, its entry fee shall be refunded and it is not to be exhibited. A judge may be suspended from the list of approved judges for infraction of this rule at the ruling of the Executive Committee.

A judge’s decision is final. Once a sheet of placings is sent to the announcer stand, there will be no changing of the results unless an error in number was made and is obvious to the audience that such error was made with intent of placing the horses as they lined up in the standings. On all classes, 6th place must be listed on the sheet.

No judge shall determine eligibility for registration of any entry in the ring.

A judge may order or excuse any person or horse from the arena for bad conduct of one or both, or obvious lameness to horse.

A learner judge, with judge and Show Association's permission, may work with a senior judge.

A judge, upon arrival in a city in which he/she is to officiate, is to contact an official of the show and advise that official of his presence and location.

When requested by an exhibitor, through the Show Association or ring steward, the judge is urged to give his opinion courteously and sincerely. In no way should a class or show be held up due to lost time with exhibitors holding question and answer sessions with a judge.

A judge may only officiate at two (2) shows per show season PLEASE DELETE

1) The ring steward shall be referred to as Ring Steward and shall be familiar with approved WSWHBE Show rules and procedures.

2) The ring steward assembles classes promptly in order to keep judging program on schedule and eliminate delays between classes.

3) The ring steward notifies the judge when all horses are present for each class. No horses may be admitted after the ring steward notifies the judge the gate is closed.

4) The ring steward has charge of activity in the show ring.

5) The ring steward moves and places horses as judge requests.

6) The ring steward should act as mediator between the judge, exhibitors, and announcer.

7) When ring area is small and class entries are large, the ring steward should keep the horses until the judge is ready to judge them.

8) The ring steward has the authority to ask an exhibitor to remove his horse for the safety of other horses and spectators, with the permission of the judge.

9) The ring steward must not allow exhibitors to crowd up in the show ring and should try to keep the possibilities of an accident to a minimum.

10) After the ribbons are presented the ring steward may have the ribbon winners circle the ring for the benefit of the spectators if time permits.

11) The ring steward shall not advise or comment to the judge on the activities of the class. The steward will maintain a minimum distance of ten (10) feet between him/her self and the judge, unless requested otherwise by the judge.

12) The ring steward is selected to help the judge, not to advise the judge, argue with, visit with, or criticize the judge.

The representative of WSWHBE should point out in a diplomatic manner any instance where WSWHBE rules are not enforced and should immediately report to the appropriate officials any violations of the rules which might invalidate a class; should remain available to Judge and exhibitors all times to clarify the application of WSWHBE rules and investigate any situation where the rules are not upheld.

The WSWHBE Executive Committee shall appoint a qualified member of the sponsoring club to serve as the WSWHBE Representative, one of which to be present at approved shows.

The show is responsible for announcing the Representative's name prior to and during said show.

The Representative is required to check in with the show office upon arrival at said show's grounds.

If dispute arises as to color, eligibility of horse or burro, Representative will check into matter and decision is final and animal will show in the decided category for that year.

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EXHIBITOR  CLASSIFICATION

RIDER CATEGORIES:

ROOKIE CATEGORY - Open to any exhibitor showing at the WSWHBE show for the first time who is an amateur, youth/junior rider. If entered as a Rookie, the rider must not have ever won a ribbon in the division entered at any WSWHBE, breed, open, or any rated show.

NOVICE CATEGORY -  Horses & Riders who have never won three first places at any show in the particular class they are entered in.

AMATEUR CATEGORY
An amateur is a person that is no longer eligible to compete as a junior exhibitor, and who after his/her 18th birthday and has not engaged in any of the following activities within the last year which would make them a professional: accepts remuneration in accordance with USA Equestrian rules for instruction, riding, showing in hand, training, schooling, conducting clinics or seminars or accepts remuneration for selling horses/ponies.

OPEN CATEGORY - Open to all ages of horses and riders/exhibitors regardless of the ribbons, remuneration previously won, or professional status. There is no qualification required for the rider, driver, or handler other then that they must be able to safely and adequately ride, drive or handle their horse In-Hand in all gaits requested by the judge and perform any other requests by the judge particular for the class or division. The judge may at their discretion dismiss a horse and rider from a class if they deem the pair unsafe for that level of class.

YOUTH OR JUNIOR CATEGORY - an individual who has not reached his/her 18th birthday as of January 1st of the current year.

NOVICE Horses and Riders/Handlers -  Horses and/or Riders who have never won more than three first places at any show/competition in the particular class they are entered in.

For Horse Show purposes any formerly wild horse, mule or burro, is considered to be one year old on the first day of January following the actual date of foaling. The age of the animal on January 1 shall be maintained throughout the entire calendar year. No animal is allowed to be shown under saddle if less than 2 years of age for horses and mules, and less then 4 years of age for burros.

GREEN HORSE / MULE - an animal in their 1st or 2nd year of showing in a particular division. Green horses are eligible to enter Open classes as well.

IN-HAND ANIMALS – A horse/mule not yet under saddle or harness. In-Hand horse/mules may not enter in any class under saddle, mounted or in harness. This rule does not apply to burros.

BURROS - Burros will compete in In-Hand Trail classes with equines/mules. Halter classes will run concurrently with the equine/mule halter classes. There will be designated performance & riding classes for burros, as well as timed and "fun" events for burros only. See GAMES for Burro Rules

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SHOW AWARDS AND SCORING

EVENT SCORING:

To assure uniform scoring at shows, points should be awarded in each class for the following places:

• First Place: 6 points
• Second Place: 5 points
• Third Place: 4 points
• Fourth Place: 3 points
• Fifth Place: 2 points
• Sixth Place/Reserve: 1 point

In case of a tie for High Point placings, one point will be given for each horse you place over in the classes. If a tie still remains, the winner will be decided by the number of qualifying entrants competed against.

Any question or dispute in connection with the competition for these awards shall be referred for decision to the Rules Committee of The Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo, and its decision shall be final. A final record of any Club or National Show will be kept in the files of the WSWHBE Point Secretary, and information in connection therewith will be available upon request for 60 days after Award.

• First to sixth place for each scored or timed class.
• Grand and Reserve Halter Champion for mares, stallions, geldings, and burros.
• High Point for the following divisions when offered at the show: Rookie, Youth 12 and under, Youth 13 to 17 years, Amateur, and Open riders.
• Green Horse and All-Around Champion Horse/Mule, and Burro Championship.

All-Around Champion Novice Horse/Rider classes shall consist of freeze branded or Range Bred Mustangs or mules and their riders showing in their respective age break/age division classes in Western Pleasure, Western Equitation, English Pleasure and English Equitation. Riders will show in their respective age break/age division and then the points will be tabulated to arrive at the All Around Champions.  At no point are horses/riders asked to compete out of their respective age break/age division for this award.  Must be the same combination of horse and rider to be eligible for this award.

Novice horse and rider combinations are defined for the purposes of showing at the WSWHBE show as a horse or mule and rider who have not won more than three first places at any show in any of the classes counting for points earned toward the All Around Novice Horse/Rider Championship. 
The emphasis for this award is placed almost entirely on the adult amateur and youth/junior competitors and the encouragement for them to compete in this division, and NOT the professional competitor and their horses, or those of their clients which they may be showing.
Horses/mules and riders competing for the All Around Novice Horse/Rider championship are not eligible to compete for any of the other All Around Championship awards.

Accumulation of points for annual awards will be kept by the Point Secretary of the WSWHBE for WSWHBE EXHIBITORS ONLY. Showmanship and horsemanship points will be recorded on the rider. In all other point classes the points will be kept on the animal and rider combination. The owner of the horse is defined as the person(s) whose name is on the Registration papers, legal brand certificate, and/or a Bill of Sale. Also to be considered as owner is the person with a contract showing they are the person buying or leasing the horse. (Trainers collecting fees for outside horses are not to be considered owners.)

Awards will be presented to the owners or riders of the horse, or riders in horsemanship classes earning the highest ratings in each Division listed in the current rules. Rating for Category High Point Awards will be computed in accordance with the following general regulations:

Properly marked results from the affiliated club shows or national show shall be the sole basis upon which rating will be computed, and the score thus derived shall determine the awards in each Category.

The Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo Point Secretary will use every care to achieve accuracy in computing the ratings, but neither the Point Secretary nor the Association will be liable for the failure of any Club or National Show to file the results of their show, nor for errors or omissions in the marking thereof, nor responsible beyond the point of accuracy in computing the final ratings from the results submitted by the proper authorities of each show.

Only those points earned at approved Shows conducted under the Rules of the Association will be included in the ratings. The cumulative score earned by any entry within the respective classification shall be included in the final rating, regardless of transfer of ownership within the period of competition. The owner of the animal at the time of scoring its last point shall be the recipient of the award.

Points are not retroactive - they accumulate only from the date of approved first show within the same year.

Entrants have to show in at least two (2) approved shows to become eligible for year-end-award.

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II. AFFILIATED SHOWS

Each club organization is allowed (1) approved weekend show date per year. Two clubs may combine a show date to utilize the Double Judge Option, with each show counting as one of their approved dates. Clubs that have sanctioned show weekends from the previous year shall have first right of refusal until February 28th of the current show year. If request for show date is not received in writing by March 1 of the current year it becomes an available show date open to other club requests.

Affiliated clubs and/or any of The Western States Wild Horse and Burro approved shows must be in good standing and must comply with The Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo rules. The show bill must be approved by the WSWHBE Secretary-Treasurer at least 45 days prior to the show or in time for the show to be listed in the club newsletter or official publication at least one time prior to the show with correct wording, description of classes, listed in order which they will be shown, entry fees, name of judge, name of show secretary, with address and telephone number, date of show, and time show is to start.

WARM-UP ARENA GUIDELINES
Taken from the NCHA Loping Pen and adapted for the WSWHBE

The warm-up arena is where horses are warmed up and prepared for the show arena. This area can be a very dangerous place. Horse people are also getting themselves prepared to show and can be nervous or simply preoccupied with the task at hand. Common sense and courtesy can help avoid accident(s) or annoying near misses. Here are a few guidelines to help keep the warm-up arena a safe and pleasant place to get horses ready to show:

• 1) Horses in the warm-up area should travel in the same direction in concentric circles whenever possible. To enter the warm-up area, merge into traffic as if you were entering a traffic circle. Look and wait for a clearing. If traveling in opposite directions, please pass right hand to right hand.
• 2) Once in, maintain the same speed as the horse in front of you. If you were to pass, look behind you so you don't crash into the horse in the other lane.
• 3) Stay to the inside circle if you want to go to slow. This is the SLOW lane.
  4) Stay to the outside circle if you want to go fast. This is the FAST lane.
  5) Try not to bunch up and talk or stand still anywhere in the traffic.
• 6) NEVER stop in traffic. If you must stop, please slow down and exit to an area devoid of traffic. This also applies to DRY working your horse. If you are going to do some pulling and spinning, please do it where you have room! When working back and forth over warm-up jumps for jumping classes, call "heads-up" when beginning your approach to the jump and look to make sure that no horse and rider are approaching the same jump from the opposite direction.
• 7) If you see someone that is looking for a way into traffic or an exit out of traffic, please be kind enough to let them in or out. Always remember to think about the other person and how you would feel in a similar situation.
• 8) When the times comes to boot up or put on chaps, or any apparel, find a safe place out of traffic. Be careful that your horse is not too close to another horse that might kick or bite. Watch your own horse for signs of rude behavior.
• 9) The warm-up arena is NOT a place for baby sitting or entertainment, nor for riding lessons. Anyone in the warm-up area, no matter what the age, should have the ability to control their horse at all times. This is for their own safety as well as for others.
• 10) Pedestrians in the loping area should yield to those people who are there to get a horse ready to show. If you must get off of your horse, please leave the arena to do so Tying horses, especially STALLIONS, in the warm-up area is prohibited . If someone ties a horse next to them, or pass too close behind them, (and –delete and) this could lead to a kicking match and severe injury to humans and/or horses. There is also the possibility of a loose horse if pull back and break whatever they are tied with.
• 11) Use the warm-up arena for exercise and to season your horses only when there is enough room. Be considerate of people in there to get their horse ready to show. People will want to change direction from time to time. Whether they want to bend their horse the other way or simply are tired of going right and want to go left, slow down, stop and turn your horse around. If you want to go another direction, simply ask someone if they would like to turn around. Do not be offended if some contestant ignores your request, it simply means their horse isn't broke and they can't do this maneuver. Remember, when traveling opposite directions to pass right hand to right hand.

III. CLASS RULES

HALTER DIVISION CLASSES

DIVISION RULES

DIVISION PROCEDURES:

All ages must be offered in Halter Classes. Animals to be shown at halter, preferably leather. Silver show halter shall not be judged over plain halters. As there is no standard for these animals scoring will be determined by lack of conformation faults, way of going and soundness and grooming. Horse/mule/burro to be judged in a stock horse manner (squared, straight legs, not stretched in any way), individually, standing, at the walk, and trot on lead line.

Mandatory dress for exhibitor shall be long sleeved shirt, boots, hat, and belt. Exhibitor will not be penalized for touching or moving the animal. Exhibitor is not to hinder a judge's view of the animal.

• Use of bats or whips is prohibited.

This class shall be judged strictly on the contestant's ability to fit and show in a halter class. This shall be a separate class from all other halter classes. Only the showman and condition of the horse is to be judged. The animal is merely a prop to show the ability of the showman. In showmanship classes the animals must be well groomed and conditioned. Hair coat is to be clean and well brushed. Hooves may be polished, left clear or have clear gloss applied. Tack is to be neat, clean and in good repair. A neat halter and lead shank will be judged the same as an expensive one.

Showman is to be on animal’s left side holding lead in right hand. The remaining portion of the lead to be held safely and neatly in left hand in a serpentine rather then round looping or coiling. A tightly coiled (wrapped around hand) or rolled lead shank will be considered a fault in showmanship and will be penalized. When posing the horse/burros, it is NOT allowed to touch any part of the animal. Kicking, whipping or petting the animal is prohibited. The animal is to stand in stock horse manner. Exhibitor is not to hinder a judge's view of the horse/burro.

The exhibitor is to be courteous and alert and is to respond quickly to requests from the judge or ring steward. Undue fussing and maneuvering is objectionable. Unsportsmanlike behavior may cause elimination.

• 1) When posing your animal, stand toward the front facing the horse/burro, but not directly in front of the animal and always in a position where you can keep your eye on the judge.
• 2) Pose horses with their feet squarely under them. Most of the showing should be done with the lead strap.
• 3) Never kick the animal’s leg into position.
• 4) Do not crowd the exhibitor next to you when in a side by side position. Do not crowd exhibitor in front or behind when lined up head to tail.
• 5) When a judge is observing other animals, let yours stand if posed reasonably well.
• 6) Be natural. Over showing, undue fussing and maneuvering is objectionable.

• 1) Failure to recognize and correct faults of horse's position.
• 2) Kicking, hitting or having actual contact with the horse.
• 3) Visiting or conversing with the other contestants.
• 4) Failure to lead properly or back a horse when requested.
• 5) Loud voice commands or over showing through unnecessary actions.
• 6) Turning a horse the wrong way (horse should always be turned to the right.
• 7) Causing the judge to move to avoid being bumped or stepped on. (i.e. running over the judge)
• 8) Improperly fitting equipment.
• 9) Hindering view of horse.

• An English Showman will show in appropriate English attire with correct English approved tack.
• A Western Showman will show in appropriate Western attire with correct Western approved tack.

This class is for equines 2 years old or younger. 1 horse/mule/burro per exhibitor allowed. Futurity to be judged in one go-round with all present judges judging. There will be no finals. The winners will be determined by the total score from the judges in the one go-round. Judges will be outside the longing circle. The exhibitor will enter the arena and await the signal. When the signal is given, the exhibitor will be allowed 1 ½ minutes to present their animal. The animals are judged 80% on their movement and 20% on manners.

If an animal’s chin or nose show signs of broken skin, rawness, or bleeding, the animal will be eliminated from the competition. No leg wraps allowed.

If the animal plays on the LONGE line, it will not count against the horse/mule/burro. The animal should be judged as though the pleasure prospect was playing in the fields. The judge at his or her discretion may penalize the animal for excessive bucking, running off, or displaying attitudes uncomplimentary to pleasure horses/burros such as ear pinning or tail wringing.

After the longing competition is completed, the animals will line up for judging. The judges may not discriminate for or against bulk, but rather look for a total picture, emphasizing balance and athletic capabilities. The judge(s) may mouth each horse/burro to determine correct age.

It is suggested that the horse or mule walk, trot, and lope in each direction, but it is not mandatory. Burros will walk and trot. It is beneficial if you show all 3 gaits in each direction. The exhibitor may begin the work in the direction (counter-clockwise or clockwise) of their choice. At half time it will be noted to the exhibitor, at the end of the one ½ minutes, the signal will be used and the exhibitor will retire from the longing area. All animals are to remain in the arena after they have been longing and should stand quietly while other exhibitors are being judged.

ATTIRE/EQUIPMENT:

Horses/mules/burros are to be shown in a halter; regular or show type is acceptable. The only attachment allowed to the halter is a LONGE line. The LONGE line may not accede 30 feet with a snap or chain attached to the halter. The LONGE line, including a chain, must hang free from the halter without touching any part of the horse. It is permissible to use a LONGE whip.

Conventional western attire is mandatory. If a horse or mule is considered a Hunt Seat prospect, then the horse or mule is to be braided and shown at the walk, trot, and canter. The exhibitor may wear Hunt Seat attire. The horse or mule shall be shown in plain leather hunt halter.

Rider shall wear western hat, long sleeve western style shirt, and western boots, unless specified differently by show or by show Association and stated on the show premium. Spurs and chaps may be worn at the option of the rider. Helmets are optional in place of western hat.

Whenever this handbook refers to hackamore, it means the use only of a rawhide braided, leather braided, or rope bosal. It does not refer to a so-called mechanical hackamore. Absolutely no iron will be permitted under the jaws regardless of how padded or covered.

Whenever this handbook refers to snaffle bit in western performance classes, it means the use of a smooth snaffle bit with broken mouth-piece (conventional o-ring, egg butt or D-ring) and the ring no larger than 4". One inch in from cheek must be a minimum of 5/16 inch diameter with a gradual decrease to center of the snaffle. Optional loose curb strap (leather or nylon only). Reins to be attached above the curb strap.

• Rope or Riata. If used, the rope or riata must be coiled and attached to the saddle.
• Hobbles-attached to the saddle.
• Tapaderos.

• Wire curbs regardless of how padded or covered.
• Any chin strap narrower than one-half inch.
• Martingales, nosebands and tie-downs.

Gymkhana - allowed to use mechanical hackamores, any type of bit, the judge may prohibit the use of bits or equipment he/she may consider severe. Gymkhana may be ridden English, (See English attire and equipment). May use tie-downs, caves on or nose bands, and running martingale.

• Draw reins and tack collar.

In all judged Western Performance burro/donkey riding classes, the following rules apply:
Two hands may be used with a curb bit, however preference will be considered with the rider riding with one hand on a curb bit, at Judge's discretion.
Both hands on reins, using any approved bit either snaffle/hackamore or curb, will be permitted, but may be penalized (i.e. Advantage goes to exhibitor whose performance is equal to a two-handed rider).
Exception: In green class using snaffle/hackamore (bosal), burro/donkey must be ridden with two-hands.

Preference will be considered with the burro using a traditional western saddle over a less conventional McClellan or Australian stock saddle.
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WESTERN PLEASURE PROCEDURES:

A good pleasure animal has a stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation. He carries his head in a natural position, not high and over-flexed at the poll, or low with the nose out. The horse/mule/burro should be relaxed but alert and ready to respond to the rider's commands without excessive cuing. When asked to extend the jog, he moves out with the same smooth way of going. Animals should give a smooth, pleasurable ride.

Judge may ask for additional work of the same nature from any animal. He is not to ask for work other than that listed above. Rider shall not be required to dismount except in the event the judge wants to check equipment.

This class will be judged on the performance and conformation of the animal at the discretion of the judge. Entries will be penalized for excessive speed, lack of forward motion or being on the wrong leads.

Reins shall be held in one hand during performance. Hand to be around reins. One finger between reins permitted. The tail of split reins may be carried in the free hand with a 16 inch spacing between the reining hand and the free hand holding the tails. If carrying the tails, no finger permitted between the reins.

When riding with two hands on split reins, tails of reins will be crossed over the neck of the horse. Reins must be bridged when riding in a O-ring or D-ring snaffle.

Whenever this handbook refers to "ROMAL", it means an extension of braided material attached to closed reins. This extension is to be allowed to be carried in the free hand with a 16-inch spacing between the reining hand and the free hand holding the romal. The romal shall not be used forward of the cinch or used to signal or cue the horse in any way. Any infraction of the rule shall be penalized severely by the judge. Hands should be around reins. One finger between the rein is not permitted.

FAULTS: May not necessarily be cause for disqualification:

• 1) More than one finger between reins.
• 2) Being on wrong lead.
• 3) Excessive speed (any gait).
• 4) Excessive slowness (any gait).
• 5) Breaking gait.
• 6) Failure to take the called for gait when called for.
• 7) Head carried too low or too high in accordance with the horses natural conformation.
• 8) Nosing out or flexing behind the vertical.
• 9) Opening mouth excessively.
• 10) Stumbling or falling.

• 1) Changing hands on reins
• 2) Two hands on reins. (Unless showing with a snaffle or bosal. See Burro-Specific Rules for Exceptions, above)
• 3) Touching horse or saddle with free hand
• 4) Use of spurs forward of the cinch.

A green horse is a horse that is in its first or second calendar year (January 1 to December 31) of showing in a particular performance class in any horse show (4-H, open or breed).

Judged on basis of both animal and rider performance, suitability and conformation. Green horses/mules/burros may be shown two-handed with hackamore (bosal type) or ring snaffle bit (no shank) at the discretion of the exhibitor. The tails of split reins shall be crossed over the animal's neck (bridged).

Judged on both animal and rider performance, suitability and conformation. The animal to be shown two-handed in a ring snaffle bit (no shank) or hackamore (bosal type), or in a curb bit that has a solid or broken mouthpiece, has shanks and acts with leverage.

CLASS PROCEDURES:

Judged on both animal and rider performance, suitability and conformation. The animal is to be shown in a curb bit that has a solid or broken mouthpiece, has shanks and acts with leverage. Senior horses/mules/burros not ready for solid mouthpieces, may be shown in a hackamore (bosal type) or ring snaffle bit (no shank).

Judged on the basis of the rider’s seat, hands, ability and skill in controlling and showing the horse/mule. This class is limited to youth, rookie and amateur categories. This class may, at the judge's discretion, be judged only on individual work (patterns), on the rail work, or a combination of the two. Results, as shown by performance of the horse, are not to be considered more important than the method used by the rider in obtaining them. Consideration shall be given as to Rookie and Youth 12 and under to receive easier or no pattern.

The rider is judged in this class on the ability to ride and control a horse/mule properly. Rider will be judged on basic position in the saddle, hand position, leg position, seat position and back position. A rider should sit straight, shoulders even, with their back flat. When looking down, the rider should see the point of his toe from the point of his knee.

• 1) The class will be worked at a walk, jog and lope in both directions. The judge "MUST POST THE PATTERN", (if one is to be used), at least one hour prior to the commencing of the class. It is recommended that Pattern work be done first, followed by rail work if required. Judging of the individual work will begin at the indication of the judge. Exhibitors shall return to the holding area at the signal of the steward, regardless of whether or not they have completed the work prescribed by the judge. Failure to complete the pattern will not be a disqualification but shall be scored accordingly. The judge will use the rail work, if needed, to determine the top riders. The class may be asked to extend at the jog only, mount and dismount, back the horse, work individually, and reverse at a walk or jog, but never at a lope. Riders will not be asked to change horses. Riders 12 years of age and under shall not be requested to mount and dismount.

• 2) Both hands and arms shall be held in a relaxed, easy manner. Upper arms to be in a straight line with the body, the one holding reins bent at elbow. Free hand shall not touch or rest on the saddle. When using a romal, the off-hand shall be around the romal with at least sixteen (16) inches of slack. One finger between reins is permitted with split reins but not with romal. Reins are to be carried immediately above or slightly in front of the saddle horn. Only one hand is to be used for reining and that hand shall not be changed. If riding in ring snaffle bit (no shank) or bosal, may ride two-handed. Tails of split reins shall be crossed over the horse's neck (bridged). Reins should be carried so as to have light contact with horse's mouth and at no time shall reins be carried more than a slight hand movement from the horse's mouth.

• 3) The rider shall sit in the saddle with legs hanging straight down from riders torso. The stirrup should be just short enough to allow heels to be lower than toes. Body should always appear comfortable, relaxed and flexible. Feet may be placed home in the stirrups with boot heel touching the stirrup, or may be placed less deep in the stirrup at the ball of the foot. Riding with toes only in the stirrup will be penalized. Rider to sit the jog and not post. Exaggerated shifting of the rider's weight is not desirable.

• 4) When mounting, control the horse by taking up reins in left hand and adjusting evenly with enough tension to feel the bit and hold the horse steady. Ends of the reins to hang on near side while mounting. ALWAYS check front cinch and curb strap before mounting, Place left foot into stirrup (if necessary, twist near stirrup with right hand). Grasp saddle horn with right hand. Spring up with body loose to horse and settle easily into the saddle. Slip right foot into off position and assume basic position. Ends of split reins should be carried on the side of the reining hand.
• 5) To dismount, reverse the above procedure, when using split reins, bring both down. Walk to the horse's head and stand facing the judge. Wait for acknowledgment to remount.

Clothing of rider must be clean, workmanlike and neat. Chaps and spurs are optional, no contestant shall be eliminated for not wearing them or have it count against them.

The saddle must fit the rider. Half-breed, spade, snaffle, hackamore, curb bits may be used with split or romal reins. Curb chain requirements are flat chain only (half inch) lying flat against the jaw. Mechanical hackamores, tie-downs, running martingales and draw reins are prohibited. No silver equipment shall be given preference over good working equipment.

See Burro-Specific Exceptions, above

Limited to riders 12 years and under. Riders to be asked to walk and trot and may be asked to back. Tie-downs and martingales are prohibited. To be judged on horsemanship and the ability to ride and present the horse to the judge. Horses/mules/burros are to enter the arena at a flat-foot walk turning to the right and proceeding in a counter-clockwise direction on the rail. The class to be worked at a walk and trot both directions of the arena. In the line-up the judge may ask riders to back their animals to help him/her judge the extent of the rider's horsemanship. Riders will not be asked to mount or dismount.

Remember this class is for Beginners only , not to be used as warm-up unless so designated in show premium. You may not cross enter anything other than Showmanship, Halter, Trail-In Hand or Costume. Stallions are ineligible

Riders to be suitably dressed according to tack, English or Western.

The lead line class may be ridden Western or English. The rider will be evaluated on his or her basic position in the saddle, hand position, leg position, seat position, back position and ability to properly hold the reins and aid and cue the mount. May not cross enter anything other than Showmanship or costume. Stallions and Jacks are not allowed in this class.

A lead shank should be attached to the bridle, bit or to a halter that is under the bridle so that while the rider is on the rail, the horse/mule/burro could be controlled by the person leading the mount if necessary. If the Judge asks the rider to back the horse/mule/burro in the line-up, the leader should not aid the rider.

The person leading must be at least 16 years or over. A rider in this class will be ineligible to ride in any other Equitation class. All riders will receive an award and this class will encourage very young riders in their efforts to learn about and participate in shows.

1) A trail horse/mule/burro is one that can maneuver through a course of obstacles with physical skill, expression and a good mental attitude. It should travel through and between obstacles with an inquisitive desire to go forward without compromising its calm, relaxed attitude and way of going. It should approach each obstacle squarely with authority and correct form, with its own style, yet maintaining its willingness to be dictated to completely by the rider with no apparent resistance. Maximum credit should be given to the trail horse that negotiates its way through an entire course efficiently, in a timely manner, without excessive hesitation yet showing responsiveness and willingness, with smoothness and style, in a manner that raises the degree of difficulty without sacrificing carefulness, control, and/or attitude. Ultimately, the trail horse is skillful, eye appealing, confident, and leaves one with the impression of being sure, safe and a pleasure to ride over a course of obstacles.

2) All classes are to be shown over and through obstacles at a walk, jog-trot and lope on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. To be judged on performance and way of going, with emphasis on manners.

3) All horses enter the arena with a score of 70. With each obstacle, the judge will assign a score as well as any appropriate penalties if one or more occurs. At the end of the work, obstacle scores will be totaled. All points for gaits and any penalties will then be subtracted to arrive at a final score. All horses are judged from the time they enter the arena until the completion of the last obstacle.

4) This class will be judged on the performance of the horse/mule/burro over the obstacles, with emphasis on manners, response to the rider, and attitude. Animals must not be required to work on the rail, however, the course must be designed to require each animal to show the three (3) gaits (walk, jog-trot and lope) somewhere between obstacles as part of its work. Enough space should be provided for a horse/mule/burro to jog at least 20 feet and lope at least 30 to 40 feet, for the judge to evaluate these gaits. Credit is to be given to those negotiating obstacles with style and demonstrating a willing response to the rider's cues and some degree of speed, providing carefulness is not sacrificed.

5) A horse/mule/burro not completing the course or completing in incorrect order of maneuvers shall be cause for disqualification. Any animal not performing over any particular obstacle but moving on to negotiate the balance of maneuvers shall not be disqualified but shall be penalized for missing the obstacle. Failure to follow exact pattern will result in disqualification. After three (3) refusals of an obstacle the horse/mule/burro must move on and be penalized accordingly for missing the refused obstacle.

6) Only one hand may be used on reins when competing in western tack and attire, unless showing in the Green Horse Trail Division and riding with a bosal or snaffle bit and split reins, and hands must not be changed, except that it is permissible to change hands to work with an obstacle. Hand to be around reins. One finger between reins permitted when riding with split reins. While the horse/mule/burro is in motion, rider's hands shall be clear of the animal and saddle. Spurs or romal shall not be used forward of the cinch.

7) If competing in english /huntseat tack and attire, two hands on the reins are permissable in being consistent with tack and equipment used in english/huntseat competition. All other rules regarding judging criteria to be applied.

8) All entered exhibitors will be allowed to walk and inspect the course with the judge and with the course designer, if present, prior to the start of the class during the time of the Judge's instructions for a maximum period of time not to exceed 20 minutes.

No time outs will be allowed.

A minimum of Six (6) obstacles will be used, with a maximum of eight (8). The three (3) mandatory obstacles listed below plus up to five (5) of the listed optional obstacles are to be used and shown on the posted pattern. The gaits between obstacles shall be at the discretion of the judge and are to be specified on the posted pattern. The course or pattern to be used must be posted at least one hour before scheduled time of the class. The course shall be reset as originally after each horse/burro has worked. Association, when setting courses, should keep in mind that the idea is not to trap a horse/mule/burro, or eliminate it by making an obstacle too difficult. If difficult courses are set, Rookies, 12 and under and green horse/mule/burro trail should be less difficult. Except where otherwise stated, obstacles may be raised no more than 12 inches. (All or any part of the obstacle may be raised.)

The judge has the right to alter the course in any manner or remove any obstacle deemed by the judge to be unsafe. All courses and obstacles are to be constructed with safety in mind so as to avoid any accidents.

• GATE - Opening, passing through, and closing gate. (Changing hands on gate or turning loose of gate is to be penalized.) Approximately 60" high with latch available at that height.
• Use a gate which will not endanger the animal or rider.
• LOGS - Ride over at least four (4) logs or poles. These can be in a straight line, curved zigzag or raised. Distance between logs or poles is to be fifteen (15") to twenty-four (24") inches for walk-overs; three feet (3') to three feet six inches (3'6") for trot-overs; six feet (6') to seven feet (7') for lope-overs and 12 feet (12') for combination lope-overs. Elevated walk-overs: Single Poles: Maximum height 14"
• Multiples: Maximum height 10". No rolling poles.
• BRIDGE - Ride over wooden bridge. Recommended size of bridge to be thirty-six (36") inches wide and six feet (6') long. Bridge must be sturdy and safe. No rolling bridge is allowed. Bridge should not exceed twelve (12") inches in height.

• Mounted: Maximum height 16"
• Lead Over: Maximum height 12"
• Minimum width between standards of a jump: 4 feet
• Combinations: 12 feet for a one stride
• 6 feet for a no stride

• Box Jumps and L Jumps: Poles must be at least 12 feet long.

• Jog overs: 3 feet to 3' 6" apart (space is measured between poles)
• Lope overs: 6 to 7 feet apart - 7 feet is preferable for most horses.

• On ground: 28" between Min.
• Elevated: 30" between Min.
• Barrels: 32" between Min.

• Single pole: Up to 24" high
• Slots: Never closer than 24" wide (space is measured between poles).

• SERPENTINES (jog-arounds)

Obstacle consisting of three (3) to five (5) markers, to be either pylons, cones or barrels. Horse/mule/burro is to jog through in either a cloverleaf or serpentine pattern as stated on pattern posted. Markers are to be spaced at least three (3) feet apart to jog through.

• WATER HAZARD

• HOBBLE OR GROUND TIE

• CARRY AN OBJECT FROM ONE PART OF ARENA TO ANOTHER

• BACK THROUGH POLES

• BACK THROUGH AND AROUND 3 MARKERS

• PUT ON AND REMOVE SLICKER

• REMOVE AND REPLACE MATERIALS FROM MAILBOX WHILE MOUNTED.
• PIVOT, LOPE-OVER OR SIDEPASS IN, OVER, OR AROUND A SQUARE
• OBSTACLE consisting of four (4) logs, rails, or lime, each being from 5 to 6 feet long laid in a square. The square can be used to either:
  • 1) Enter the square and execute a 180 degree or 360 degree turn and then leave the square or
  • 2) Lope through the square providing the rails were six (6) feet in length and were not elevated. The pattern must state which is required.

Although the shape of the side pass may be varied, recommended side passes are: rails placed in

• a) straight line;
• b) in a ( ) shape or
• c)  the obstacle consisting of three logs or rails, a minimum of six (6) feet long, set as in the diagram below, with no less than 18 inches between log ends.

Side pass Log A to right. Horse/burros front feet to pass through midpoint opening. Side pass Log B to right, stop and then side pass back to left on Log B. Horse/burros hind feet to pass through opening. Side pass Log C to left to complete obstacle.

• ANY OTHER MANEUVERS: Figure horse's wheelbase at five feet front hooves to back hooves.

UNACCEPTABLE OBSTACLES:

	Tires
	Animals
	PVC Pipe
	Water box with floating or moving parts.
	Flames, dry ice, fire extinguisher, etc.
	Logs or poles elevated in a manner that permits such to roll.
	Rocking or moving bridges
	Horse trailer.

UNACCEPTABLE RIDER MANEUVERS:

• Dismounting, except to ground tie.

FAULTS:

1) Penalties in scoring the class, but not cause for disqualification, shall be as follows:

• Unnecessary delay while approaching or attempting an obstacle;
• Exaggerated standing in stirrups and leaning forward over the animal’s neck by the rider.
• Horse/mules/burros with or displaying artificial appearances over obstacles.
• Failure to complete an obstacle;
• Rearing at an obstacle or bolting from the obstacle.
• Knockdown: When any component, element, or portion of an obstacle is displaced from its original position-by horse/mule/burro or rider.
• Balking:: Any action that results in a horse blatantly and continuously refusing a rider’s command, or any blatant action by the horse that demonstrates an unwillingness to approach, negotiate and/or complete an obstacle.
• Each complete loss of the gate.

NOTE: Any time a judge instructs an exhibitor to proceed to the next obstacle a 10 point penalty will also apply for negotiating an obstacle in a manner that does not constitute elimination, but is not in accordance with course directions.

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TRAIL SCORING GENERAL:

Each obstacle will be scored as follows:

+3 EXCELLENT: The horse approaches and negotiates obstacle in correct form with definite style. The horse performs in a an efficient manner with curiosity and athleticism, while maintaining the qualities of an ideal trail horse. The horse’s performance over the obstacle is VISUALLY IMPRESSIVE.

+2 VERY GOOD: The horse approaches and negotiates obstacle in correct form with noticeable style. This horse definitely displays many qualities of the ideal trail horse.

+1 GOOD: The horse approaches and negotiates obstacle in correct form with some degree of style. This horse lacks those qualities of the ideal trail horse, and lacks those qualities to the degree they are exhibited by the Very Good or Excellent performer.

O AVERAGE: For the most part, horse approaches and negotiates obstacle in correct form. Minimal style is exhibited. If the horse’s performance displays any qualities of the ideal trail horse they are negated by errors in form. The horse’s performance over the obstacle leaves a visually NEUTRAL IMPRESSION.

-1 POOR: The horse fails in to approach and/or negotiate obstacle in correct form. There is a noticeable void in some of the qualities of the ideal trail horse.

-2 VERY POOR: The horse approaches and negotiates obstacle, but noticeably fails to do so in correct form. There is a definite deficiency in the qualities of the ideal trail horse. Safety may have been compromised. The horse exhibits noticeable resistance.

-3 EXTREMELY POOR: The horse/mule/burro approaches and/or negotiates obstacle in unacceptable form, but avoids elimination. This horse’s performance is probably reckless, careless, and/or dangerous. The horse exhibits significant resistance towards the rider’s commands. Willingness to guide or control has been compromised.

Scoring Penalties

NO SCORE OR ZERO SCORE.

	Illegal equipment. This includes any attachment which alters the movement of or circulation to the tail.
	Abuse to the animal inside or outside the competition arena and/or evidence that an act of abuse has occurred. This includes lameness and/or fresh blood in the mouth, chin, shoulder, barrel, flank or hip areas. Includes use of free hand to instill fear or praise.
	Spurring in front of the forward cinch.
	Disrespect or misconduct by exhibitor.
	Off course
	Two hands on reins (Exception: Snaffles or Hackamore in a Green Horse Trail Class)
	More than one finger between split reins
	Fingers between closed reins
	Fall of horse or rider
	Falling off side of bridge
	Equipment failure or loss of shoe that delays completion of course.

Note: Neither a "no score" nor a "zero score" penalty may receive an award in that class.

10 POINT PENALTIES

• Temporary loss of control, stampeding, running through or jumping over entire obstacle when jump is not called for and each refusal. Each refusal. Refusals are cumulative.
• Horse misses/evades an element/component of an obstacle that is part of a series. Losing drag or object being carried.
• c) Blatant disobedience (kicking, bucking, rearing, biting, striking, horse leaving designated ground tie area). Knockdowns or obviously displacing the original configuration of an obstacle.
• d) Approaching and performing obstacle at wrong gait or lead. During transition areas between obstacles, if horse is, for instance, loping where a jog is called for, or jogging where a walk is called for, a ten point penalty has occurred.
• e) Placing two or more feet outside of a confining element or placing two feet off side or bridge. Skipping slot, double striding or adding strides or adding steps (walkovers, jogovers, lopeovers, or tires)
• f) Each time switching leads where not called for, picking up wrong leads, cross leading, or breaking of gait.

NOTE: If a horse switches leads and must be broken down to correct the lead, then two penalties have been incurred (The first for switching leads (10 points) and the second for breaking of gait (10 points).

5 POINT PENALTIES

• a) Placing one foot off side of bridge or placing one foot outside of a confining element.
• b) Stepping on an element of an obstacle.
• c) Obvious cueing or touching of horse in front of forward cinch.
• d) Pulling gate when designated to push in course directions (or visa versa).
• e) Sidepassing the wrong end of horse in slot.
• f) Failure to maintain 16 inches of rein between hands when using romal reins.

2 POINT PENALTIES

• Holding of saddle with free hand. (Exception: over a jump, elevated jog over(s) or elevated lope over(s).

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TRAIL-IN-HAND

• Opening, passing through, and closing gate. (Changing hands on gate or turning loose of gate is to be penalized.) Use a gate which will not endanger animal or handler.
• Lead over at least four logs, these being placed a minimum of 15 inches apart. The space between poles is measured. These can be in a straight line, curved, zigzag, raised, or combined with a trot over. (Trot overs: 3' to 3'6" apart.)
• Lead over wooden bridge. (Suggested minimum width shall be 36" wide and at least six feet long.)

• Hobble or ground tie horse/mule/burro at contestant's option. (Not to be used for the Rookie or 12 and Under Division.)
• Carry object from one part of arena to another. (Only objects which might be carried on a trail ride may be used.)
• Back horse/mule/burro through "L" shaped course: On ground - 28" minimum (space between poles),
• Elevated - 30" minimum (space between poles).
• Put on and remove slicker.
• Remove and replace materials from mailbox.
• Side pass (over obstacle is optional) touching allowed.
• Back through and around three markers set either in a triangle or line.
• An obstacle consisting of four logs, rails, or lime to mark the obstacle, each side 5 to 6 feet long, laid in a square as shown below. Each contestant will enter the square by stepping over log, rail or lime at designated side. When all four feet are inside the square, handler will execute a 360 ° turn (right or left), pause and depart by stepping over log, rail or lime immediately opposite side of entry.

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TRAIL--WESTERN or ENGLISH

• Out of lead beyond the next designated change area (note: this includes cross-cantering);
• Blatant disobedience including kicking out, biting and bucking.

3 Points:

• Not performing specific gait or stopping within 10 feet of designated area;
• Break of gait;
• Simple change of leads (front only or back only);
• Out of lead at or before (or after) marker prior to designated change area;
• Additional lead changes uncalled for in pattern;
• Failure to start lope within 30 feet after crossing log at jog;
• Break of gait for more than 2 strides.

1 Point:

• Break of gait up to 2 strides;
• Hitting, rolling, touching log;
• Spilling the log (log between 2 front or 2 hind feet) at the lope;
• Hind legs shipping or coming together during lead changes;
• Non-simultaneous lead changes.
• Disqualifed (disqualified) - 0 score
• Illelegal (illegal) equipment
• Willful abuse
• Off Course
• Knocking over markers
• Completely missing log
• Major refusal
• Major disobedience

Pattern:

• 1) Walk down, start jog as horse steps over log
• 2) Transition to left lead half-way across at the top of the course
• 3) First lead change
• 4) Second lead change
• 5) Third lead change
• 6) Fourth lead change and lope around end of arena
• 7) First crossing lead change
• 8) Second crossing lead change
• 9) Lope over log
• 10) Third crossing lead change
• 11) Fourth crossing lead change
• 12) Lope up center, stop and back, minimum of 10 feet.

Burro/donkey will be shown both directions of the arena either at walk/jog, or walk/jog/lope, depending on what the class calls for, on a reasonably loose rein or light contact without undue restraint.  Requesting an extension of any gait is at the option of the judge.

Reversing on the rail is done to the inside.

Judged on performance (quality of movement, attitude and correctness); the condition and conformation of the burro/donkey will not be judged directly but as a part of the overall result as presented in the performance.

Description of an ideal performance to include:

• a free-flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with conformation;
• cover a reasonable amount of ground with little effort;
• ideally, have a balanced, flowing motion;
• carry head and neck in a relaxed, natural position, with poll level with, or slightly above, the level of the withers
• should not carry head behind the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a resistant appearance
• head should be level with nose slightly in front of the vertical, having a bright expression with ears alert
• shown on a reasonably loose rein, but still have light contact and control
• should be responsive, yet smooth in transitions when called for
• when asked to extend, should move out with same flowing motion
• maximum credit should go to the flowing, balanced and willing animal which gives the appearance of being fit and a pleasure to ride.

Faults to be scored according to severity:

• 1.  Excessive speed (any gait);
• 2.  Being on the wrong lead;
• 3.  Breaking gait;
• 4.  Excessive slowness in any gait, loss of forward momentum;
• 5.  Failure to take the appropriate gait when called for;
• 6.  Touching animal or saddle with free hand;
• 7.  Head carried too high;
• 8.  Head carried too low (tip of ear below the withers for more then five strides;
• 9.  Overflexing or straining neck in head carriage so the nose is carried behind the vertical for more then five strides;
• 10. Excessive nosing out;
• 11. Opening mouth excessively;
• 12. Stumbling or falling;
• 13. Use of romel or spurs forward of the cinch;
• 14. If animal appears sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated, drawn or overly tired;
• 15. Quick, choppy or pony-strided;
• 16. Not maintaining a true 3-beat lope;
• 17. Totting behind instead of maintaining the lope in the rear legs during that gait;
• 18. Walking behind instead of maintaining the jog in the rear legs during that gait;
• 19. If reins are draped to the point that light contact is not maintained;
• 20. An animal that lopes in a walk/jog/lope class, even if on the wrong lead, will be given preference over an animal that only jogs when asked to lope.
   

See Burro-Specific Rules, above, for details of equipment and use of hands

Each contestant will perform the required pattern individually and separately. Horse shall rein and handle easily, fluently, effortlessly, and with reasonable speed throughout the pattern. Any horse not following exact pattern will be disqualified.

While horse is in motion, rider's hands shall be clear of horse and saddle. Spurs or romal shall not be used forward of the cinch.

FAULTS:

Faults against the horse (to be scored accordingly, but not to cause disqualification):

• Opening mouth excessively (when wearing bit.)
• Excessive jawing, open mouth, or head raising on stop.
• Breaking gaits.
• Lack of smooth, straight stop on haunches (bouncing or sideways stop.)
• Refusing to change leads.
• Anticipating signals.
• Stumbling or falling.
• Wringing tail.
• Backing sideways.
• Knocking over markers.

Faults against the rider (to be scored accordingly, but not to cause disqualification):

• Losing stirrup or holding on.
• Any unnecessary aid given by the rider (such as unnecessary talking, petting, spurring, quirting, jerking of reins, etc.)
• In reining pattern 1, failure to run figure 8 within the markers and/or roll-backs beyond the markers is to be considered a fault and not a disqualification.

• Changing hands on reins.
• Two hands on reins (except Jr. or Green horse may be shown two-handed in a ring snaffle or bosal.)
• In reining pattern 2, failure to run figure 8 within the markers and/or roll-backs beyond the markers is to be considered disqualification.

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REINING PATTERN NUMBER 1

• Run to the far end of the arena, stop and do 2½ spins to the left - no hesitation.
• Run to the opposite end of the arena, stop and do 2½ spins to the right - no hesitation.
• Run past center of center, do sliding stop, no hesitation, back over slide tracks to center, hesitate.
• Make a ¼ pivot to the left to face left wall- hesitate.
• Begin on right lead and make two circles to the right, the first small and slow, the second large and fast. Change leads at center of arena.
• Make two circles to the left, first small and slow, the second large and fast. Change leads at the center of arena.
• Begin a large fast circle to the right. Do not close this circle, but run straight down the side past the center, do a sliding stop. (Stop to be at least 20 feet from wall or fence.)
• Walk to judge and stop for inspection until dismissed.
• The bridle may be dropped at the judge's discretion.

• Run with speed, past center marker.
• Stop and back up to center of pattern.
• Settle horse for approximately 10 seconds. Start lope. Circles should be made inside the end markers.
• Ride two circles to the right, first circle small and slow - and second circle larger and faster.
• Ride two circles to the left, first circle small and slow - and the second circle larger and faster.
• Left roll back over hocks (should be made past far end marker.)
• Right roll back over hocks (should be made past near end marker.)
• Stop (should be made past center marker). Let horse settle, then in approximate area of Stop, do the pivots.
• Do one 360 ° spin either right or left.
• Do one 360° spin in the direction opposite the just previous spin.
• Walk to judge and stop for inspection until dismissed.
• The bridle may be dropped at the judge's discretion.

	Begin work to the right.
	First figure eight, slow.
	Second figure eight, faster (lead change must take place at Point A).
	Proceed from point B to point C at walk or trot.
	Begin run.
	Sliding stop.
	Turn away from the rail, do a spin and a half, no hesitation.
	Sliding stop.
	Turn away from the rail, do a spin and a half, no hesitation.
	Sliding stop.
	Back over slide marks. Face judge, walk a few steps.
	Pivot right or left, no more than 90 °
	Pivot the opposite direction, no more than 180° .
	Pivot in the direction taken in 12, no more than 180 °
	The bridle may be dropped at the judge's discretion.

DRIVING DIVISION CLASSES

DIVISION RULES

ATTIRE:

PLEASURE DRIVING CLASS

Whips. Competitors are prohibited from using a whip that is longer than 30" (75cm) while mounted and in the warm up arena or the competition arena. A rider may not carry more than one whip. Whips that are weighted at the end are prohibited at any time. A dressage whip may be used, however, when working on the flat.

Draw Reins are prohibited.

Attire. Management, at its discretion, may allow competitors to compete without riding coats. If a riding coat is not worn, riders must wear a shirt with a collar or a choker, neatly tucked into riding breeches. A windbreaker jacket or raincoat may be worn if conditions require. In all cases, riders must appear neatly attired to appear before the public or be subject to penalty of elimination by the judges.

Obstacles should be attractive, varied and appropriate to their setting. They and/or their components must be capable of being knocked down and should be neither so light or poorly supported that they fall at a slight touch, nor so heavy or firmly supported that they can hardly be dislodged. In principle, the resistance to shock should be approximately the same for all obstacles on the course.

There must be at least one change of direction in every course including jump-off courses.

It is suggested but not required no two courses in any section may be identical.

All jumper courses must include at least one combination, double or triple, and either a liverpool or triple bar. Exception any class with fences not exceeding 2'6".

Every course must contain a minimum of eight obstacles. Each obstacle of a combination is counted separately as a jumping effort. It is highly recommended Committees have 12 fences and 15 jumping efforts.

At least three obstacles out of the first eight must be spread obstacles.

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Posting Courses.

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Judge(s) Inspection.

1. The judge(s) should inspect each course after it has been set, check any obstacle that has to be reset and call the Show Committee's attention to any errors that would result in unfair or inappropriate courses. The judge should also assure that the course has been properly set according to the Level indicated in the prize list, and that it has been measured and the time allowed calculated properly.

2. When the caliber of competition warrants it, stated dimensions of height and width may be altered by the judge(s), subject to discussion with Show Committee.

Jump-offs are held over obstacles from the original course which may include obstacles not included in the initial round. In a jump-off, any sequence of obstacles in either direction may be employed. Obstacles may be raised, lowered, broadened or narrowed. Courses may be shortened after the first round and must be shortened if there is more than one jump-off. The jump-off course may not be shortened to less than six obstacles and must include at least one vertical and one spread obstacle.

Start and Finish of Course:

1. A start line must be established at least 12' from the first obstacle and a finish line at least 24' from the last obstacle, each indicated by two markers at least 12' apart. Horses must cross the start line between the markers mounted, and to complete the course they must cross the finish line between the markers in the proper direction, mounted. (Exception: Fault and Out classes). Passing through the starting markers in the improper direction before starting, does not incur penalty. A Show Committee and/or the judge(s) may permit or disallow mounting in the ring at their discretion.

2. Failure to enter the ring within one minute of being called or failure to cross the starting line within 60 seconds after an audible signal (bell, horn, whistle, gong or buzzer) to proceed has been given incurs elimination. Management at its discretion may reduce the 60 seconds to 45 seconds only if this information is: 1) Indicated in the prize list and/or; 2) Shown on the course plan and announced prior to the first horse on course. The time limit for entering the ring must be enforced by management, and the time limit for crossing the starting line must be enforced by the judge(s). To prevent unfairness to an exhibitor, management may extend the time limit for entering the ring.

3. Use of Audible Signal. An audible signal (bell, horn, whistle, gong or buzzer) is sounded for the following purposes:

a) to give the signal to start;

b) to stop a competitor in the event of an unforeseen incident (which also designates a time-out);

c) to indicate that an obstacle has to be reset before being retaken after it has been knocked down during a refusal (designating a time-out);

d) to give the signal for a competitor to continue his round after an interruption, also designating time in;(Note: It is the rider's responsibility to be ready to continue on the course when signal is given)

e) to indicate by repeated and prolonged ringing that the competitor has been eliminated; and

f) to indicate that the rider should not proceed to the jump-off round.

Timing

Unless automatic electrical timing equipment is used, management must appoint at least two persons other than the steward who will jointly act as timers in the field with stop watches, and a judge who will act as the field judge and water obstacle judge must officiate. These judges may be appointed by the Show

Committee

The Show Committee must furnish each of them with modern stop watches with a time out feature reading at least in hundredths of a second. (When equipment is available, thousandths of a second is recommended.) Even when automatic timing equipment is used, the Show Committee must assign one person to time manually.

1. Time is taken from the instant the horse's chest reaches the start line until it reaches the finish line.

2. If as a result of a disobedience a competitor knocks down or dislodges an obstacle or a flag marking the limits of an obstacle, the clock is stopped immediately and remains stopped while the obstacle or flag marking the limits of an obstacle is rebuilt. If this occurs at a single obstacle, the first part of a combination or any obstacle inside a closed combination, six seconds are added to the time taken by the competitor to complete the course. If it occurs at the second part of a combination, eight seconds are added; if it occurs at the third or further parts of a combination, ten seconds are added.

3. If a competitor knocks down or dislodges one of the parts of a combination or a flag marking the limits of an obstacle and then refuses or runs out at the next part without knocking it down, the clock is stopped as for a knockdown resulting from a disobedience. Penalties of eight or ten seconds are applied according to whether the disobedience occurs at the second, third or subsequent parts of the combination.

4. Elements knocked down preventing a horse from jumping the next obstacle must be removed, even if time must be taken out for this purpose.

5. After the signal to start has sounded, a competitor must pass through the start markers in the proper direction to be considered on course.

6. One quarter (1/4) time fault is charged for each second or fraction thereof by which the Time Allowed is exceeded. Time faults awarded in a final jump-off or are penalized one fault for each commenced second over the Time Allowed.

7. Any competitor whose time including penalty seconds which might have been assessed for time-out(s) exceeds the Time Limit is eliminated. The 'Time Limit’ is defined as double the Time Allowed.

At any obstacle marked as an option on the course plan, in the event of a disobedience at one portion, the competitor has the right to attempt either portion in his following attempt(s). However, in the case of a displacement of any part of the obstacle, the tone must be sounded and all portions must be reset prior to the continuation of the round.

Time Allowed and Time Limit.

1. The Time Allowed to complete the course should be calculated from an actual measurement of the course's length for all rounds and jump-offs. However, if the number of turns on the course or the size of the ring suggest that the calculated Time Allowed may prove unfair in practice, it may be adjusted prior to posting.

2. The Time Allowed is based on a minimum speed of 382 yards per minute. If a speed other than 382 yards per minute is to be used, it must be printed in the prize list.

3. The Time Allowed must be announced and posted prior to the start of the jump-off. After the first competitor has completed his round, the Time Allowed and the competitor's time should be announced.

4. The time allowed may be adjusted at the sole discretion of the Judge(s), if they feel it is inaccurate, but only after consultation with the Show Committee. However, the time allowed may only be adjusted once during the early rounds of a given competition, never later than after the third competitor to complete the course without a disobedience. The time allowed can never be lowered so that time faults will be awarded to any previous competitor that has completed the course without a disobedience.

Jumping Order

A competitor cannot enter the arena until course and judge are ready. However, riders may be permitted to inspect the course on foot prior to commencement of the class at management's discretion.

To minimize delays, management may permit a rider to compete ahead of his posted order in the first round of a class, provided that he then competes in the timed jump-off in the order originally posted. However, to minimize delays, a rider may be permitted to go ahead of his posted order in the jump-off.

The jumping order for the first round must be established by one of the following procedures: a) the horses' names are drawn individually, starting with the first position and then working down; b) the horses' names are listed and their positions drawn; c) the horses' names and the positions are both drawn; d) the horses' names are listed with the first name drawn becoming the first horse to compete in the first round, the remaining horses following from that point (i.e., the horses' name after the one drawn first is second, the next one third, etc.). Any other system must be approved by the Show Committee. The method for establishing the order must be printed in the prize list.

In classes in which individuals are permitted to ride more than one entry, the first round may be split into two parts, with all riders riding one horse in the second part. (The first part will consist of riders' second, third, etc., horses.) For riders with more than one entry, a draw must be done to decide which horse will go in the second part. The order for both parts of the first round will be established by a draw.

If the same rider has two horses drawn too close together, the order may be adjusted so that there will be a minimum of six horses (if available) separating them. The horse drawn first will move up as far as possible in the order before the second horse is dropped down. All horses must be ridden in the sequence that appears on the jumping order.

In classes with two rounds prior to the jump-off the order for the second round must be established by one of the following methods: the competitors return in the first round's order or the competitors return according to their faults and times in the first round.

Jump-off orders must be established by following one of the following procedures: the competitors return in the original order or the competitors return according to their times in the first or second rounds.

It is the rider's responsibility to make sure his name or number or each of his horse's names or numbers are on the jumping order before the class begins. Failure to do so may result in elimination by management.

Jump Order
Riders must be permitted to inspect the course on foot prior to each class. Such inspection time may be limited by management but in to case shall be less than 5 minutes.

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Violations.

1. In cases in which course requirements have not been met and the violation has not been observed and corrected prior to the first competitor's performance, the class must be completed without altering the course, and the result stands for purposes of the Show Championship.

2. Rules violations, such as judges' or time-keepers' incorrect application of class conditions, etc., should immediately be reviewed by a committee consisting of the judges, steward, a representative of the show committee and the exhibitors directly concerned, and every effort should be made to find a mutually satisfactory solution. Only when such efforts have failed should a protest or charge be lodged.

3. Judge(s) may, at their discretion, view videotape of all or part of a class in order to verify decisions involving scoring . Upon review of such videotapes, provided it is within 24 hours of the completion of the class, such judge(s) may make corrections to the placing of the event.

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SCORING.

General

1. Jumpers are scored mathematically, based on penalty faults incurred between the starting line and finish line. Penalty faults include disobediences, falls, knockdowns, touches and time penalties.

2. Passing through the start markers in the wrong direction before starting does not incur penalty.

3. When a horse makes two or more faults at an obstacle, only the major fault counts. In the case of equal faults, only one will count (Exception: Disobediences count in addition).

4. When an obstacle is composed of several elements in the same vertical plane, a fault at the top element is the only one penalized.

5. When an obstacle to be taken in one effort is composed of several elements not in the same vertical plane (i.e., oxer, triple bar, etc.) faults at more than one element are penalized only once.

6. In combinations, the faults committed at each obstacle are scored separately. In case of refusal or run-out at one element of a combination (and upon the judge's signal that the obstacle has been reset, if necessary), the competitor must re-jump the entire combination. (Exception: Closed obstacles).

7. In cases of broken equipment or loss of shoe, the rider must continue if he wishes to avoid penalty, or may voluntarily withdraw.

8. After the first round of the first class in any section, management or the judges may order a competitor from the ring when it becomes evident that their performance prohibits them from being in the ribbons. (Exceptions: In the first round of all Preliminary Jumper classes, a competitor cannot be excused until it has incurred at least five faults).

9. An eliminated competitor may make one attempt to jump an additional single obstacle, which may be designated by the judge(s), but may not continue thereafter. (Exception: The right to attempt an additional obstacle does not apply to Fault and Out classes or in the case of the fall of the horse.)

Riders receiving physical assistance from outside the ring (i.e., lunge whips, etc.) while on course will be eliminated

10. If a competitor jumps an obstacle that is not reset, due to being downed by a previous competitor, the weather, or some other factor, the judge may require the competitor to jump the reset obstacle for a score. 11. If the obstacle forms an integral part of a test, such as one of the elements of a combination, part of a difficult line, or some other test which would be avoided by jumping the one fence alone, the judge, at his discretion, may ask the competitor to jump the whole line comprising the test. Only the faults at the reset obstacle will be scored. The decision to require the competitor to jump the re-set fence should be made prior to the next competitor starting on course.

12. A competitor is considered to have competed only after he has entered the ring, and received the signal to start.

13. Judges have the authority to make decisions on any point not covered in the rules applying to class procedure, scoring, and conduct affecting a class under their jurisdiction.

Disobediences.

1. Refusal. Stopping in front of an obstacle to be jumped, whether or not the horse knocks it down or displaces it, is penalized as a disobedience. Stopping at an obstacle without knocking it down and without backing, followed immediately by jumping from a standstill, is not penalized. However, if the halt continues, or if the horse backs even a single step or circles to retake the course, a refusal is incurred.

2. Run-out. Evading or passing the obstacle to be jumped or the finish line or jumping an obstacle outside its limiting markers is penalized as a disobedience.

3. After a run-out or refusal the competitor must, before proceeding on course, re-jump the obstacle at which the disobedience occurred or be eliminated. If the flag, standard, wing, or obstacle has not been reset when the competitor is ready to jump, he must await the signal to start or be eliminated.

4. Loss of Forward Movement. Halting or stepping backward after crossing the start line, (unless due to a refusal, run-out or an order from a judge due to unforeseen circumstances such as a fence being blown down), will be penalized as a disobedience. Loss of forward movement on banks will not be scored as a disobedience unless the horse takes a step backwards.

5. Circling. Any form of circle or circles whereby the horse crosses its original track between two consecutive obstacles (start and finish included), or stops advancing toward or turns at least 180 degrees away from the next fence, and/or finish line, except to retake an obstacle after a disobedience, is considered a disobedience. This is a judgment call.

Knockdowns.

1. An obstacle is considered knocked down when in jumping an obstacle, a horse or rider, by contact: a) lowers any part thereof which establishes the height of the obstacle or the height of any element of a spread obstacle, even when the falling part is arrested in its fall by some other portion of the obstacle; or b) moves any part thereof which establishes the height of the obstacle so that it rests on a different support from the one on which it was originally placed.

2. Should a pole resting in a cup come to rest on the lip of the cup, or on a bracket which is an integral part of the cup, it is not considered a knockdown. Narrowing the width of a spread obstacle without altering the height of any elements as defined in (a) and (b) above is not considered a knockdown. If an obstacle falls after a competitor crosses the finish line, it is not considered a knockdown. (Exception: A fault at the final jumping effort will count, unless the competitor has left the arena.)

Touches

At a brush obstacle, touching the brush alone without touching the framework, standards or pole, is not scored.

Off Course

A competitor is considered off course when he deviates from the course as shown by the diagram and jumps an obstacle prior to rectifying the deviation.

Ties.

1. If a competitor wishes not to take part in a jump-off he must ask permission from the judge(s). If permission is granted he will be placed last of those still qualified (on the result of the previous round.)

2. If before a deciding jump-off, two or more competitors decline to take part in the jump-off, the judge(s) will decide whether this request can be accepted or must be rejected.

3. In Junior Jumper classes, when at least 50% of the jumps have been raised to the maximum height and spread and a tie for first place has not been broken after the competitors have jumped the course at this height, the contenders are declared tied.

4. Competitors who are tied for other than first place in all Jumper sections may either remain tied, the prize money being divided equally among them, or be placed according to the time taken to complete the course. The method of breaking ties must be stated in the prize list and on the judge(s)' cards. If the competitors remain tied, riders must toss a coin for the ribbons, unless management has provided additional ribbons. If points are awarded, points should be added and divided equally among the competitors. When tied horses are under one ownership or management, the exhibitor may designate the order of placement. A judge or steward must conduct the breaking of ties when they are to be determined by the tossing of a coin or designation of placement under one management or ownership.

5. If only one competitor is qualified to continue in the jump off the rider may elect not to jump off.

6. When two or more horses incur the penalty of elimination during a jump-off, they remain tied regardless of the cause of elimination or the point at which the penalty was incurred. A competitor who does not take part in a jump-off must always be placed behind a competitor who has been eliminated in the same jump-off.

Table of Jumping Faults

1. Table of Faults.

	a) Knockdown of obstacle or standard with any portion of horse, rider or equipment, when jumping an obstacle, one or more feet in the water or on the marking strip of a water jump, or knockdown of rail placed over a water obstacle......................…….....4 Faults
	b) Knockdown of automatic timing equipment, other designated markers on start and finish lines, or flags standing alone marking the limits of banks, ditches and water jumps.........................................................................................................4

	c) First disobedience anywhere on course............................................................……3 Faults
	d) Second cumulative disobedience anywhere on course....................................……..6 Faults
	e) Third cumulative disobedience anywhere on course.....................................………Elimination
	f) Fall of horse and/or rider (except Fault and Out Classes)..............................…….. Elimination
	g) Jumping an obstacle before it is reset, or without waiting for signal
	to proceed..........................................................................................................…..... Elimination
	h) Starting before judge's signal to proceed.......................................................…….. Elimination
	i) Failure to enter ring within one minute of being called...................................……. Elimination
	j) Failure to cross the starting line within 60 seconds after
	signal to proceed...................................................................................................... ..Elimination
	(Management at its discretion may reduce the 60 seconds to 45 seconds only if
	this information is 1.) Indicated in the prize list and/or 2.) Shown on the course
	plan and announced prior to the first horse on course.)
	k) Jumping an obstacle before crossing start line unless said obstacle is designated
	as a practice obstacle or after crossing the finish line, whether forming part of the
	course or not..........................................................................................................….Elimination
	l) Off course.......................................................................................................... ….Elimination
	m) Leaving the enclosure of a closed obstacle incorrectly................................……… Elimination
	n) Deliberately addressing an obstacle (Penalized at any time the horse is in the
	ring)........................................................................................................................... Elimination
	o) Rider and/or horse leaving the arena before finishing the course (Penalized
	at any time the horse is in the ring).......................................................................…. Elimination
	p) Exceeding the Time Limit................................................................................….. Elimination
	q) Actions against a horse deemed excessive (For example: excessive use of
	whip or spurs at any time within the arena.)........................................................…... Elimination
	r) Touch of obstacle with any portion of horse's body behind stifle....................…….. 1/2 Fault
	s) Touch of obstacle with any portion of horse's body in front of stifle,
	or with any part of rider or equipment........................................................................ 1 Fault
	(Touches of ground lines are scored as in a) and b) above.)
	t) Touch of standard or wing in jumping obstacle with any part of horse,
	rider or equipment...................................................................................................... 1 Fault
	u) Touch of flag, automatic timing equipment or other designated markers on start or
	finish lines, or flags standing alone marking the limits of banks, ditches and water jumps,
	with any part of horse, rider or equipment during the round....................................... 1 Fault
	At a brush obstacle, touching the brush alone without touching the framework,
	standards or pole, is not scored.
	v) First disobedience anywhere on course...........................................................……. 4 Faults
	w) Second disobedience anywhere on course......................................………............. Elimination
	x) Failure to cross the start line within 45 seconds of the signal to
	start.......................................................... commencement of clock time
	y) Time faults assessed for each second or portion thereof exceeding the Time
	Allowed............................................................................…………………….……… 1 Fault
	z) Seconds added for time out following refusal with displacement any time on
	course..........................................................................……………………….………. 4 seconds

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Obstacle Requirements.

1. General.

	1.1 Rails must be at least six feet long.
	1.2 An obstacle composed of a single rail must not exceed 4'6".
	1.3 Spread obstacles included in combinations must be spread at least 3'.
	1.4 Brush obstacles must have a clearly visible rail placed above or beyond them.
	1.5 Double crossed rails (i.e., two pairs of crossed rails, with a spread between them) are prohibited, and care should be exercised in constructing single crossed rails to prevent abnormal difficulty.
	1.6 When flags are used at obstacles, they must be placed at the outside extremities of the elements to be jumped, the red flag on the right, white on the left.
	1.7 All suspended elements (i.e., gates, panels, etc.) must be hung not more than 4" from their top edges.
	1.8 Flat cups are mandatory for any jump using planks

Spread Obstacles:

In order to be considered a spread obstacle the fence must be an oxer, a triple bar, or a water jump with a width dimension meeting the width requirements specified for the Level at which a given competition is being conducted. Spread obstacles are measured from their two outermost top extremities on a line parallel to the ground. Standards in which the rail rests on the top of the post are prohibited. A solid element (i.e., coop, wall, etc.) may not be used as part of the further-most element.

Combinations:

A double, treble, or multiple combination is composed of two, three or more obstacles with a maximum inner distance between them of 39'5", which must be taken in two, three or more successive jumps. The distance is measured from the base of an obstacle on the landing side to the base of the next obstacle on the take-off side. Any obstacles with 39'5" or less between them must be designated as a combination by numbering them with a single number and the use of A and B or A, B and C.

Water Obstacles:

EQUIPMENT:

The following equipment may be used at the rider’s option:

	Tie Downs
	Skid boots
	Splint boots
	Bell boots
	Whips, bats, quirts, tie-downs or martingales, or any humane equipment may be used in a humane manner in timed events.
	The following equipment is prohibited:
	Tack collars
	Draw reins
	English tack or attire

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KEYHOLE

CLASS PROCEDURES:

• STALLION
• MARE
• GELDING
• WEANLINGS
• YEARLINGS
• 2-3 YEARS OLD
• 4 YEARS OLD AND OVER
• NON-COLOR OPEN
• COLOR-OPEN

Note: If Burros are present, the same classes apply.

* Non-Color Open - A Horse/Mule/Burro who is chestnut, sorrel, brown, bay, black.

SHOWMANSHIP--WESTERN and ENGLISH

• 12 years and under
• 13 to 17 years
• 18 and Over
• Adult Amateur-18 and Over
• Rookie
• Open

• 12 years and under
• 13 to 17 years
• Adult Amateur-18 and Over
• Rookie
• Open

EQUITATION--WESTERN and ENGLISH

• 12 years and under
• 13 to 17 years
• 18 and Over
• Adult Amateur-18 and Over
• Rookie
• Open

PLEASURE--WESTERN and ENGLISH

• 12 Years and Under
• 13-17
• 18 and Over
• Open
• 1st and 2nd Year Green Pleasure Horse
• Junior Pleasure Horse- 5 years old and younger
• Senior Pleasure Horse- 6 years old and older

**TRAIL-IN-HAND -- WESTERN and ENGLISH

• 17 and Under
• 18 and over
• *Rookie
• Open

TRAIL-MOUNTED-WESTERN and ENGLISH

• 12 and Under
• 13-17
• 18 and Over
• *Rookie
• Open

WESTERN-REINING

• 12 and under
• 13-17 years
• 18 and over
• Adult Amateur-18 and over
• Open
• Rookie

WESTERN RIDING

• 17 and Under
• 18 and Over
• Adult Amateur-18 and over
• Rookie
• Open

HUNTER HACK

• 12 years and under
• 13 to 17 years
• 18 and over
• Adult Amateur-18 and over
• Rookie
• Open

HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

• 12 and under
• 13-17 years
• 18 and over
• Adult amateur-18 and over
• 1st and 2nd year green horse
• Open

OBSTACLE DRIVING

• 12 years and under
• 13 to 17 years
• 18 and over
• Adult Amateur Driver-18 and over
• Rookie
• 1st and 2nd year Green Horse
• Open

PLEASURE DRIVING

• 12 years and under
• 13 to 17 years
• 18 and over
• Adult Amateur Driver-18 and over
• Rookie
• 1st and 2nd year Green Horse
• Open

BAREBACK EQUITATION

• 12 and under
• 13-17 years
• 18 and over
• Adult Amateur-18 and over
• Open

JUMPERS

• 12 years and under
• 13 to 17 years
• 18 and over
• Adult amateur-18 and over
• *Rookie
• 1st and 2nd year Green Horse
• Open

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Note:

* Jumps will be from 2' to 2' 9"

** Jumps will be lowered

***Horses under 4 years of age prohibited from competing in this class

FIGURE 8

POLE BENDING

KEYHOLE

• 12 years an under
• 13 to 17 years
• 18 and over
• Adult Amateur-18 and over
• Rookie
• 1st and 2nd year Green Horse
• Open

BARREL RACING

FLAG RACE

WESTERN JUMPING

• 12 years and under
• 13 to 17 years
• 18 and over
• Adult Amateur-18 and over
• Rookie
• 1st and 2nd year Green Horse
• Open

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