Horses in the warm-up area travel the same direction in concentric circles. To enter the warm-up area, merge into traffic as if you were entering a traffic circle. Look and wait for a clearing. 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.

Stay to the inside circle if you want to go to slow. This is the SLOW lane.
Stay to the outside circle if you want to go fast. This is the FAST lane.
Try not to bunch up and talk or stand still anywhere in the traffic.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Pedestrians in the loping area should yield to those people who are there to get a horse ready to show. If you must get of your horse, find a safe place to tie them. Do not tie kicking horses or STALLIONS in the warm-up area. Someone may tie a horse next to them. Do not get upset with someone for spanking your horse if it kicks or bites at them.

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 simple 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.

DRESSAGE

The word dressage (rhymes with "massage") is derived from a French term meaning "training." It is not only a method of schooling, but also a competitive equestrian sport. Dressage is considered "classical training," because it uses gymnastic exercises—a series of movements and figures—which have been studied and developed for centuries. The Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, with its white Lipizzan stallions, is perhaps the most familiar institution dedicated exclusively to the classical art of riding. Today's horses perform in many diverse activities. But no matter what type of task a horse is asked to perform, the qualities it has learned or has not learned in its basic training will affect whether it is enjoyable and rewarding to ride.

Arabian Horse Fair encourages Dressage incorporated into every show whenever possible. AHFA encourage classes at the training level. These should be at the walk-trot, training level (four tests are offered) and first and second level classes. A small "r" judge is usually more economical. The GMO's within the U.S. Dressage Federation is probably the place to start. Dressage tests may be purchased from the USDF.
Return to Index

OPEN CLASS DESCRIPTION AND JUDGING RULES

MOUNTED NATIVE COSTUME

Rule 80 - AHFA Rulebook

All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook shall apply in regards to tack and attire.

Rule 81 - Rider Control

Rider must have complete control of horse at all times.

Rule 82 - Ring Entrance

Competitors enter the ring in a counterclockwise direction at the canter. After all entries have entered the ring, a walk will be called to be performed in a brisk, collected manner. A hand gallop may follow a canter or be called for from the walk or a stop. No trot shall be called.

Rule 83 - Gaits

Judges are required to consider all gaits equally in adjudicating this class and all gaits are to called for both directions.

Rule 84 - Line-Up

It is suggested that horses line up head-to-tail the length of ring. No backing is required.

APPOINTMENTS

Rule 85 - Bridle

Bridle may consist of bit, hackamore or other suitable headstall. Safety is of the utmost importance in tack and attire. Decorations in keeping with colorful desert regalia shall be added to equipment.

Rule 86 - Martingales or Tie Downs

No martingales or tie downs permitted.

Rule 87 - Rider Attire

Attire for rider shall consist of native (Bedouin) type costume including flowing cape or coat, pantaloons, head dress, scarf or sash. No object may be carried in either or both hands other than reins, a portion of an aba, and/or a riding crop or whip. Protective headgear may be worn without penalty.

Rule 88 - Spurs, whip and crop

Spurs, whip or crop optional, at the exhibitor's discretion.

QUALIFYING GAITS AND JUDGING

Rule 89 - Qualifying Gaits

Canter, hand gallop and walk will be called for with extreme or reckless speed to be penalized. A brisk, animated walk with no prancing, and a canter that is up-on-the bit in appearance yet is fully under control. The hand gallop should move out smoothly and immediately into a distinct gallop with more drive and collection than a pleasure class. Steadiness is a prime factor in evaluation of all gaits. The overall picture should be one of gay enthusiasm for horse and rider and with perfect obedience by the horse to the rider.

Rule 90 - Performance and manners

Performance and manners are to count 75% of the total in judging of the class and 25% for appointments. The three gaits required will each be judged at 25% of the total points.
Return to Index

Rules 90 - 94 Reserved for Future Use

DISCIPLINE (ENGLISH/WESTERN) ON AND OFF THE RAIL

Rule 95 - AHFA Rulebook

All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook shall apply in regards to tack and attire.

Rule 96 - Sections

Sections are not to have more than ten (10) to a section. Top three from each section advance for finals work-off.

Rule 97 - Rider

Rider should have a workmanlike appearance, seat and hands light and supple, conveying the impression of complete control should any emergency arise. Exhibitors may ride side saddle.

Rule 98 - Hands

Hands should be over and in front of horse's withers, knuckles thirty degrees inside the vertical, hands slightly apart and making a straight line from horse's mouth to rider's elbow. Method of holding reins is optional and bight of reins may fall on either side in English.

Rule 99 - Rider Presentation

A. The eyes should be up and shoulders back. Toes should be at an angle best suited to rider's conformation: ankles flexed in, heels down, calf of leg in contact with horse and slightly behind girth. Iron should be on the ball of the foot and must not be tied to the girth.

B. At the walk, sitting trot and canter, body should be a couple of degrees in front of the vertical; posting trot, inclined forward; galloping and jumping, same inclination as the posting trot.

Rule 100 - Stallions

Competitors may ride stallions.

Rule 101 - Martingales

No martingales of any kind are permitted.

Rule 103 - Broken Equipment or loss of Shoe(s)

In cases of broken equipment or loss of shoe(s), the competitor must continue or be eliminated.

Rule 104 - Discretion of Judge

All the gaits and/or maneuvers may/will be called for in the Class by the Judge at his discretion, and do not have to be performed both directions of the rail: Western attire and Western tack WILL be credited on the same level as any English attire and tacked entry in the judging.

Rule 105 - Gait(s) Descriptions

Gaits will be called for as listed in the Standing Rules, Gaits section, and to include at a minimum one Walk, one Trot, one Canter, the Hand gallop and Back. A change of diagonals is required at least in one trot. Perform any or all of the movements described under Lateral Movements as described in the Standing Rules, Gaits section including Leg Yielding, Shoulder In, Shoulder Fore, Travers, Renvers, Half-Pass and Turn on the haunches.

Rule 106 - Criteria for Judging

To be judged 40% on performance of horse with 10% of the score for the walk, trot, back and canter/hand gallop, 10% on seat, 10% on use of hands, 10% on guidance and control of horse and 30% on manners.

CLASS ROUTINE

Rule 107 - Ring Entrance

Competitors shall enter ring counter-clockwise at a walk and pick up a trot no less than 100 feet nor more than 150 feet inside the ring and proceed at least once around ring at this gait and, on command, reverse and repeat.

In addition any or all these elements may/will be called for in the Class where ever and when ever the Judge desires, as a group or individually:

A. Halt (4 to 6 seconds) and/or Rein Back.
B. Rein Back for not more than eight steps.
C. Work collectively at a walk, trot or canter with a change of diagonals.
D. Ride without stirrups for a brief period of time, at any gait requested (for not more than one minute at the trotting phase). Riders may be asked to engage stirrups at a halt or walk.
E. Turn on the forehand.
F. Turn on the haunches from the walk or Roll-back Turn.
G. Circle at a trot or canter on the correct lead.
H. Execute serpentine at a trot. A series of left and right half circles off center of imaginary line where correct diagonal must be shown.
I. Canter a straight line, off the rail, with or without demonstrating simple change of lead.
J. Figure eight at canter on correct lead demonstrating flying change of lead.
K. Execute serpentine at a canter on correct lead demonstrating simple (break to a walk/trot) changes of lead.
L. Hand gallop.

Rule 108 - Ties in Score

In case of a tie, these maneuvers may be used on an individual basis:

A. Figure eight at trot demonstrating change of diagonals. Unless specified, it may be started either facing the center or away from the center. If started facing the center, it must be commenced from a halt. At left diagonal rider should be sitting the saddle when left front leg is on the ground; at right diagonal rider should be sitting saddle when right front leg is on the ground. When circling clockwise rider should be on left diagonal; when circling counterclockwise rider should be on right diagonal.
B. Figure eight at canter on a correct lead demonstrating flying changes of lead. Unless specified it can be started either facing the center or away from the center. If started facing the center it must be commenced from a halt.
C. Any of the more advanced lateral movements described in the Rulebook.

Rules 109 - 114 Reserved for future use
Return to Index

OBSTACLE DRIVING

Rule 115 - AHFA Rulebook

All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook shall apply in regards to tack and attire.

Rule 116  - Intent of Event

A. The object of Obstacle Driving is to test the fitness, obedience and suppleness of the horses and the skill and competence of the Competitors. The Competition is conducted on the basis of penalties for obstacles knocked down. For competitions with two rounds and a drive-off, 25% of participants may return for the second round, in any case all those with zero penalties. In case of equality of penalties for first place there will be a drive-off.

B. Driving, while very popular about sixty, seventy years ago has almost disappeared from the American scene of horse activities, with some breed exceptions. This class is designed to be light-hearted, fun, safe and to bring back interest in driving. All, including those physically impaired, can enjoy driving. This class is not to use speed as a performance factor in judging, placings or work-offs in cases of ties.

Rule 117 - Age of Competitors

Age of competitors may compete from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach 14.

Rule 118 - Attire

The dress of Competitors must conform to the style of the vehicle or cart and harness used. Driving aprons, hats, gloves and whip in hand are recommended but not obligatory.

Rule 119 - Harness and Equipment

A. To be shown in light show harness, bridle with blinkers of square pattern, overcheck and separate overcheck bit, snaffle bit (straight or jointed). Lamps and rear lights or reflectors must be fitted. Tandems and singles may be driven to a two- wheeled vehicle or cart. Connecting straps between neck or breast collars may be used in all competitions. The leaders of a team may not be attached to each other (other than by the reins) in any other way.

B. Only connecting straps between neck or breast collars are allowed. Auxiliary or check reins are not allowed. It is not permitted to tie the tails to vehicles or traces.
C. Bitless bridles (hackamore) are forbidden.

D. If, between the start and finish lines, Competitors have a disconnected pole, shaft, reins, traces, pole straps or chains, or should a horse have a leg over the pole, trace or shaft, the Judge must ring the bell and stop the clock. Twenty (20) penalty points will be assessed.

Rule 120 - Foreign Substance or Device.

Application of any foreign substance or device or attachment to the pole or traces which may cause irritation to the horse is forbidden.

Rule 121 - Passengers

Passengers are not permitted.

Rule 122 - Tongue Tie

Horses tongues may not be tied in any manner.

Rule 123 - Leverage Devices. 

All rings, terrets and/or other devices which have an extreme leverage effect on the reins or bits are forbidden.

Rule 124 - Impaired Vision.

The wheelers’ vision may not be impaired by any attachment between the wheelers and the leaders.

Rule 125 - Stewards

Stewards may be appointed to inspect and measure vehicles and check all bits.

Rule 126 - Stable Colors

Exhibitor may, but is not required to, wear stable colors, cap and jacket to match. Protective headgear may be worn without penalty.

Rule 127 - Whip

A. The whip must be of a suitable style and long enough to reach all the horses. Competitors are free to tie the lash.

B. Competitors, who pass through an obstacle or the Start or Finish Lines, without a whip in hand, will incur 5 penalties each occurrence.

Rule 128 - Control of Carriage

Throughout the competition, the only person on the carriage who may use the reins, whip and brake is the Competitor.

Rule 129 - Judge Salute

Competitors will be required to salute the Judge, unless the lay-out of the course prevents it.

Rule 130 - People tied to Carriage

In the interest of safety, no person may be tied to the vehicle in any way during the competition.

Rule 131 - Advertising

A. The name of the harness-maker may appear once on each harness on a label no wider than the strap on which it appears and not longer than 10cm.
B. The name of the carriage-maker may appear on a vehicle on a label of not more than 50 sq. cm.
C. Identification of clothing manufacturer may appear only once per item on a surface area not exceeding 3 sq. cm.
D. No other commercial advertising of any kind is permitted.

Rule 132 - Building and Measuring the Course

A.The Show Committee and Steward are responsible for laying out and marking the course, building the obstacles and for measuring the course.
B. The arena should be not less than 70m x 120m or an equivalent area, should this not be possible the number of obstacles must be reduced accordingly.
C. The starting and finishing lines may not be more than 40m nor less than 20m from the first and last obstacles respectively. D. The number of obstacles may not exceed eight (8) and should not be less than five (5). The length of the course must be between 300 and 500m.
E. Courses must be laid out so that Competitors have a chance to maintain a reasonably fast pace throughout the major part of the course. Certain obstacles, and combinations of obstacles, will inevitably slow down the pace, but such a layout should be limited to a small proportion of the whole course.

Rule 133 - Obstacles Cones

A. A ball of a similar material must be placed in the hollow on top of the cone, so that it is dislodged only if the cone is touched.
B. All obstacles consisting of a single pair of cones will constitute a single obstacle. Knocking down one or both balls of a single obstacle and knocking down a ball or an element of a multiple obstacle incurs 5 penalties in each case.
C. The position of one of the pair of cones must be marked on the ground so that a constant position of the obstacle is maintained throughout the competition.
D. The distance between numbered obstacles for each class is 200 meters.
E. Obstacles that entail reining back are not permitted.

Rule 134 - Multiple Obstacles

A. A multiple obstacle may be constructed of markers or elements of jumping obstacles. They must be between 40 and 60cm in height. Each group of cones or elements must be clearly associated with one of the sections of the multiple. Knocking down any such element in any section of the obstacle incurs 5 penalties.
B. A multiple obstacle, may be only a “Serpentine” or “Zig-Zag".
C. Other than Serpentines, Zig-Zags, a multiple obstacle may not be longer than 30m measured along the center line through the obstacle.
D. There may not be more than 2 multiple obstacles ( Serpentine, Zig-Zag) in a course.
E. Multiple obstacles may not be used in a Drive-Off.

Rule 135 - Serpentines, Zig-Zags.

A. A Serpentine consists of not more than 4 cones in a straight line facing in alternate directions lettered A, B, C, D.
B. A Zig-Zag consists of not more than 4 pairs of cones, with alternate left and right cones in a straight line.
C. Distance between cones in Serpentine meters - Pair or Single (horses) 8 meters
D. Distance between cones in Zig-Zag meters - Pair or Single (horses) 11 meters
E. A Zig-Zag consists of up to four pairs of cones, with alternate left and right cones in a straight line. All center line cones must be placed in a straight line, either at the front, middle or rear of the cone.

Rule 136 - Flags

A. Each obstacle is defined by a pair of flags: a red flag on the right hand side and a white flag on the left hand side as Competitors approach the obstacle. They are placed not more than 20cm outside the elements, which form the single and multiple obstacles.
B. If the entire turnout (vehicle and horses) fails to pass between these flags, whether any element of the obstacle is knocked down or not, the Judge will ring the bell and stop the clock while the obstacle is re-built and the Competitor must then attempt to re-take the obstacle.
C. Markers, turning posts and obstructions marked by flags may be placed on the course, but no penalty is incurred if they are touched, displaced or knocked over.
D. All obstacles in the course must be numbered in the sequence in which they are to be driven. The number of each obstacle must be indicated on a board placed at the entrance to each single and multiple obstacle.
E. The red and white flags and the numbered and lettered boards may be combined, so that the numbers and letters appear on the same posts as the red and white flags, or they may be on separate boards or discs. The numbers of the obstacles should be placed so that Competitors can see them as they leave the previous obstacle.

Rule 137 - Plan and Inspection of the Course

A. Plan of the Course. At least 2 hours before the start, a plan of the course must be given to the Competitors
B. The course must be open for inspection at least one hour before the start of each class. Only Competitors and trainers neatly dressed are allowed to inspect the course on foot.
C. Any Competitor, or member of his team, who tampers with the course in any way will be eliminated.

Rule 138 - The Competition

A. Starting the Competition is when the Judge/Steward or in his absence the Course Designer or Show Committee member is satisfied that the course is fully prepared, he/she is to report to the Judge.\
B. The Judge may only order the competition to start when the Steward (if there is one, if not then a member of the Show Committee) has reported that all is ready.
C. Should there be any difficulty entering the arena, competitors may request permission from the Judge to be led into the arena by the groom(s).

Rule 139 - Penalties and Eliminations

A. Competitors failing to start within 60 seconds or before the starting signal may be eliminated at the discretion of the Judge.
B. Competitors who attempt to pass through an obstacle before starting the course, or show an obstacle to their horses will be eliminated.
C. The start and finish lines are neutralized for passing through from the moment the Competitor has passed through the start line until the Competitor has passed through the last gate.
D. Penalties are only incurred for knocking down an obstacle (one or both balls of a single obstacle), and the collapsible elements in “closed” multiple obstacles.
E. Between the start and finish lines, grooms are not allowed to stand behind the Competitors or indicate the course or to speak. Competitors who fail to comply will be eliminated.
F. After the last obstacle the Competitor must pass through the finish line with the red flag on the right and the white flag on the left.
G. Competitors may be disqualified if they pass through a numbered obstacle after crossing the finish line.

Rule 140 - Error of Course

A. If Competitors attempt to pass through an obstacle in the wrong sequence or direction, the Judge must wait until after they have completed their attempt to pass through the wrong obstacle before ringing the bell. The Competitor is then eliminated.
B. If Competitors knock down or dislodge any part of an obstacle, which has already been driven, Competitors will incur 5 penalties.
C. If any part of an obstacle in advance of the one being driven is dislodged or knocked down, the Judge will ring the bell and stop the clock for the obstacle to be re-built. Competitors will incur 5 penalties.
D. A Competitor is considered to have passed through a gate in an obstacle when the rear axle passes between the flags.
E. If the whole turnout fails to pass between any pair of red and white lettered flags, the Judge will ring the bell, stop the clock while the obstacle is being rebuilt.

Rule 141 - Obstacle Rebuilt

The entire vehicle and all horses must pass between the flags defining each obstacle. If the Competitor has a disobedience and knocks down any part of an obstacle without completing the entire obstacle correctly (i.e., breaking out of a multiple obstacle or, running out, or, refusing a pair of cones) the bell will be rung for the obstacle to be rebuilt and ten seconds will be added to the Competitor's time. When the obstacle has been rebuilt the bell will be rung again and the Competitor must then retake completely the obstacle and continue his round.

Rule 142 - Competitors Dismounting

A. Competitors are considered to have dismounted if they put both feet on the ground.
B. Each time a Competitor dismounts he will incur 30 penalties.

Rule 143 - Disobedience

A. When Competitors attempt to pass through an obstacle and their horses shy away from the obstacle at the last moment without hitting any part of the obstacle.
B. When the horses run away, or, in the opinion of the Judge, the Competitor has lost effective control the Competitor is eliminated.
C. A Disobedience will incur 5 penalties for the first, 10 penalties for the second and elimination for the third instance. Penalties for Disobedience are cumulative wherever they may occur on the course.
D. Competitors do not incur any penalties if they stop in front of an obstacle, or in a multiple obstacle, without knocking down any element and then immediately driving cleanly through the obstacle.
E. If horses and carriage come to a complete halt and the horse steps back even a single pace, it is penalized for a disobedience.

Rule 144 - Resistance

A horse is considered to offer resistance if, at any time and for whatever reason it refuses to go forward (with or without moving back), turns around, rears, etc. This will be penalized as a disobedience.

Rules 145 - 154 - Reserved for Future Use
Return to Index

ENGLISH DIVISION

WORKING HUNTER

Rule 155 - General

A. The Working Hunter Class is open to horses, stallions, mares or geldings. This class should be a fair test for a hunter in the field following the hounds.
B. Regular and Green Working Hunter divisions are available for Adult and Youth Amateur/Rider and Open classes. Same rules apply to all divisions and classes in this section of Working Hunter.
C. Difficulty Standard classes may also be offered for the Regular Working Hunter division in the Adult and Youth Amateur/Rider and Open classes.
D. Ladies may ride in side saddle in all classes provided they and their horse meet any and all standards applied to any other rider/horse.
E. All rules for Ladies Side Saddle tack and apparel stated in General Rules 36 through XX shall apply here.
F. All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook shall apply in regards to tack and attire.

Rule 156 - Tied Stirrups

Any rider competing with their stirrups tied to the girth and/or secured in any like manner, will automatically be eliminated from all over fence classes. The steward or Disciplinary Committee member(s) will note the name(s) on the stewards/DC report and further disciplinary actions may be taken.

Rule 157 - Green Hunter

A Green Hunter is a horse of any age in its first or second year of showing in any classes that does not require horses to jump 3’6” or higher.

A. Green Classes: 3'0" required for first year horses; 3'6" required for second year horses.
B. Amateur Owner only for Green Hunter Classes: 3'0" required.
C. A horse's green status is considered to be broken once it competes over fences 3’6” or higher.

Rule 158 - Regular Hunter

A Regular Hunter is a horse of any age and is not restricted by previous showing.

Rule 159 - Adult or Youth Amateur Owner/Rider Working Hunter

A. All amateur rules of the Amateur Definition, Standing Rules 51 through 55 shall apply for the owner/rider of the horse.
B. Adult or Youth Amateur Regular Working Hunter Classes: 2'9" to 3'6“; spread must not exceed obstacle height except as listed for the Difficult Standard classes.
C. When a class is divided, one class must be offered for amateur owner/riders 18- 35 years of age and one class for amateur owner/riders over 35 years of age. When divided as to age of rider no horse may compete in more than one section. Age of rider must be given on entry blank at time of entry.

Rule 160 - Division of Sections or Classes

A. Classes may not be divided if there are less than 20 entries.
B. Any class with 21 or more entries at the beginning of the first class must be divided. If there are 21 or more entries remaining in a class after it has been divided, the class must be re-divided by every other number. Once a class has been re-divided it may not be divided further.

Rule 161 - Class Specifications

A. In Adult or Youth Amateur Owner Classes horses are shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring; light contact with the horse's mouth is required. Judges may ask horses to hand gallop collectively, one way of the ring. (Exception: green classes.) No more than eight will be asked to hand gallop at one time.
B. All classes are to be judged on performance and soundness as shown in free-flowing strides in an even hunting pace; maintaining rhythm between jumps, and a jumping style where fences are jumped squarely and not at an angle and suitability to rider.
C. In all classes horses should be obedient, alert, responsive and move freely. Performance and soundness with emphasis on manners 75%; appointments and general overall appearance of horse and rider 25%. Mane and tail may be braided or left unbraided. All horses being considered for an award must be serviceably sound.

Rule 162 - Course Description

A. Fifty percent or more of the obstacles must be at least the required height and none may be more than 2" over or under. (Exception: brush obstacles, ditch or bank.) A change of direction (change of lead) is recommended in all sections.
B. Once a course has been posted, except in case of inclement weather, broken equipment or similar emergency, a course must not be altered except by written permission of all exhibitors. If one or more original obstacles are rendered unusable during a class and no duplicate exists, management may substitute obstacles which approximate as nearly as possible the originals.
C. Course diagrams must be posted at least one hour before scheduled time of class unless they have been illustrated in the prize list. The plan or diagram of the course must show the obstacles which must be taken in the order indicated by numbers but apart from this the rider is not bound to follow a compulsory track.
D. When the class is held in a ring, the performance starts as the exhibitor enters and ends when he/she leaves. When the class is held outside, the performance starts at any spot designated by Show Management and ends at any spot so designated. If the start and finish are not clearly set forth, it is suggested that a judge consider the start approximately 50' before the first obstacle and the finish approximately 50' after the last.

Rule 163 - Type of Obstacles

A. Obstacles must simulate those found in the hunting field such as natural post and rail, brush, stone wall, white board fence or gate, chicken coop, hedge,or oxer, etc.
B. Triple bars, hogs back and any spread over 4' and square oxers are prohibited.
C. All obstacles should be located 48, 60 and 72 feet apart, if possible.
D. A ground line is recommended for all obstacles.
E. The use of wings on all jumps is encouraged.
F. The topmost element of all fences must be secure so that a slight rub will not cause a knockdown.
G. An in and out jump is considered as two obstacles in the required number of obstacles. It must never be used at the start of a course.

Rule 164 - Faults and Elimination

Depending on severity, the judge may consider the following as a minor or major faults.

A. Minor or Major Faults

1. Showing an obstacle to a horse.
2. Missing a lead change.
3. Kicking out or pinning ears or wringing of tail.
4. Spooking.
5. Jumping out of turn.

B. Major Faults

1. Knock down of any part of an obstacle.
2. Refusals. (In case of a refusal or runout at one obstacle in a combination, the competitor must re-jump all elements of the combination.)
3. Trotting while on course when it is not specified and/or adding or leaving out a stride between jumps.
4. Bucking.
5. Stopping for loss of shoe or broken equipment.
6. Circling while on course or pulling up.
7. Dangerous jumping.

C. Elimination In the event of elimination, the horse must exit the ring immediately.

1. Three refusals.
2. Off course.
3. Jumping a fence before it is reset.
4. Bolting from the ring.
5. Fall of horse or rider.

Rules 165 - 170 - Reserved for future use.
Return to Index

HUNTER HACK

Rule 171 - Hunter Hack

A. All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook shall apply in regards to tack and attire.
B. Tack and attire same as for Working Hunter classes.
C. The Hunter Hack Class is open to horses, stallions, mares or geldings.
D. Same rules apply to all divisions and classes in this section of Hunter Hack.

Rule 172 - Gaits

A. To be shown at a walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring. Extension may be called for in the trot. To jump two fences at 2'6" minimum and 3"0" maximum. Horses should move in a long low frame as in covering hunt country following hounds, obedient, alert, responsive, with free movement and manners. Thoses horses in an artificial frame, overflexed and behind the bit will be penalized.

B. At the discretion of the judge, exhibitor may be asked to gallop, pull up or back and stand quietly following the last fence.

Rule 173 - Faults

A. Faults scored over fences as in Working Hunter.

B. Faults in flat work include:

1) Being on the wrong leads and/or wrong diagonal at the trot.
2) Excessive speed (any gait).
3) Excessive slowness (any gait).
4) Breaking gait.
5) Failure to take gait when called.
6) Head carried too low or too high.
7) Nosing out or flexing behind the vertical.
8) Opening mouth excessively.
9) Stumbling.

Rule 174 - Dismount

Rider will not be required to dismount except when requested by the judge to do so because the judge wishes to check equipment.

Rule 175 - Judging Criteria

To be judged on performance and soundness with an emphasis on manners. Flat work performance, manners to count 60% with 10% for walk, 10% for trot, 10% for canter and 30% for manners, and form over fences performance to count 40%. All horses being considered for an award must be serviceably sound.

Rules 176 - 184 Reserved for future use
Return to Index

JUMPING

Please do not resort to "dumbing down" of the courses. Our exhibitors at all Arabian competitions have come to expect VERY simple courses. Since they never venture out into the "real" world, they don't even realize how untrained they are. As the classes advance please consider more technically difficult courses -- the tight turns, complexity, more combinations, and length of course, number of fences and jumping efforts,etc.

Rule 185 - General

A. Arabian Jumpers may be of any height or sex. In a case of unsoundness sufficiently severe to be considered abusive, the judge(s) must eliminate the exhibitor from that class and inform the Show Committee, who may act alone or in conjunction with the Official Veterinarian and the Steward, will evaluate disqualifying the horse from further participation in the show or sponsored event.
B. All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook shall apply in regards to tack and attire.
C. Same rules apply to all divisions and classes in this section of Jumping.

Rule 186 - Adult or Youth Amateur Owner/Riders Classes

A class or classes combining Adult or Youth Amateur Owner/Riders may be offered. After the prize list is published, if entries so warrant this class may be split into separate sections.

Rule 187 - Types of Jumping Classes

The two types of jumping classes offered within the scope of Arabian Horse Fair Association are those scored only on jumping faults with a time limit in the jump-off and a take-your-own-line class with a time limit in the jump-off. Each type can have Adult, Youth Amateur, and/or Open classes.

A. Take Your Own Line - Adult or Youth Amateur Owner, or Open.

1) This competition takes place over a course of about ten obstacles. After crossing the start line, the exhibitor must jump each obstacle in either direction, in any order and cross the finish line. If a exhibitor incurs a refusal, he may proceed to another obstacle. However, if the standard or flag is knocked down or displaced, the judge gives an audible signal, the clock is stopped and six seconds added. The exhibitor then must return to position from which, in the opinion of the judge, he may re-jump the obstacle dislodged. Upon signal to proceed, the exhibitor may continue his round, re-attempting the obstacle refused or any other obstacle on the course not previously jumped. First and second refusals are penalized only by time. The third refusal incurs elimination.

2) In the first round time is not scored or applied. Faults and eliminations are scored as listed below. In case of equality of faults in the first round, there is a jump-off for first place only. Touches do not count in the jump-off, and the time taken to complete the course decides between any exhibitors with clean rounds or equal faults. The first round is decided by adding together the faults incurred over the course and any penalties for exceeding the Time Allowed.

B. Regular Adult or Youth Amateur and Open Jumping Classes

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.

Rule 188 - Division of Classes

A. Any Preliminary section for any class with 50 or more entries at the beginning of the first class must be divided and separate classes must be offered.
B. Any class with twenty or more Adult or Youth Amateur Owner Jumper entries must be divided.

Rule 189 - Judge(s) Authority

A. 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.
B. 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, if one is available, a representative of the show committee and/or Show Management and the exhibitors directly concerned, and every effort should be made to find a mutually satisfactory solution.

Rule 190 - Judge(s) Inspection.

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 Difficulty Standard indicated in the prize list, and that it has been measured and the time allowed calculated properly.

Rule 191 - Schooling

The steward's decision regarding schooling fences, tack and equipment in the warm-up area is final. No coolers are allowed anywhere, including over jumps in the warm-up area. No Swedish oxers allowed in the schooling area.

Rule 192 - Class Specifications.

A. The class list must specify obstacles being used under which each class will be scored.
B. The minimum and maximum height and spread of the obstacles in the first round for all classes must be indicated in the prize list by indicating the Difficulty Standard (see below) at which the obstacles will be set, if a degree of difficulty is to used as part of the class criteria. Show Management may, at its option, offer classes at a combined difficulty standards but in no case should more than 2 difficulty standards be combined
C. The Difficulty Standard at which a given competition is held may be altered from that listed in the prize list with the approval of Show Management and the Judge(s) only in the case of inclement weather, unsafe conditions, or with the prior written consent of the majority of competitors in the class. If alterations are made, they must be noted in the Steward's or Disciplinary Committee member's report.
D. The following fence heights and spreads define each Difficulty Standard:

1) Difficulty Standard I. Fences 2’9” to 3’0” in height and 3’0” to 3’6” in spread (Triple bars/liverpools to 4’0”).
2) Difficulty Standard II. Fences 3’0” to 3’3” in height and 3’3” to 3’9” in spread (Triple bars/liverpools to 4’3”).
3) Difficulty Standard III. Fences 3’3” to 3’6” in height and 3’6” to 4’0” in spread (Triple bars/liverpools to 4’6”).
4) Difficulty Standard IV. Fences 3’6” to 3’9” in height and 3’9” to 4’3” in spread (Triple bars to 4’9” Water to 6’).

E. There must be at least one change of direction in every course including jump-off courses.
F. It is suggested, but not required, no two courses in any section may be identical.
G. All jumper courses must include at least one combination, double or triple, and either a liverpool or triple bar. Exception is made for any class with fences not exceeding 2'6".
H. Every course must contain a minimum of eight obstacles except as noted under Rule 182, sub section a). Each obstacle of a combination is counted separately as a jumping effort. It is highly recommended Show Management Committees have 12 fences and 15 jumping efforts.
I. At least three obstacles out of the first eight must be spread obstacles.
J. 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.

Rule 193 - Obstacle Requirements.

A. Youth - Obstacles to start at 3'6" to 4' with spreads from 4' to 5'. Obstacles may not be spread more than 5'.
B. Amateur Owner - Obstacles to start at 3'6" to 4' with spreads from 4' to 5'.
C. Youth/Adult Amateur Owner. Obstacle heights and spreads are the same as for Amateur Owner Jumper section.
D. Open Owner or Rider. Obstacle heights and spreads are to start at 4' with spreads from 5' to 6'.
E. Rails must be at least six feet long.
F. An obstacle composed of a single rail must not exceed 4'6".
G. Spread obstacles included in combinations must be spread at least 3'.
H. Brush obstacles must have a clearly visible rail placed above or beyond them.
I. 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.
J. All suspended elements (i.e., gates, panels, etc.) must be hung not more than 4" from their top edges.
K. Flat cups are mandatory for any jump using planks.
L. When one or more of the original obstacles is sufficiently damaged to become unusable while a class is in progress and no duplicate is available, the Show Committee may substitute obstacle(s) which approximate as nearly as possible the original obstacle(s).
M. 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 Difficulty Standard 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.
N. Standards in which the rail rests on the top of the post are prohibited.
O. A solid element (i.e., coop, wall, etc.) may not be used as part of the further-most element.
P. A double, treble, or multiple combination is composed of two, three or more obstacles with a maximum inner distance between them of 37 feet, 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.
Q. Under penalty of elimination, any obstacle in the arena which requires a jumping effort (over, on to, or off of), whether flagged or not, may not be jumped by an exhibitor at any time while in the arena except as it may constitute a part of the current class.
R. A bank which has no associated obstacle or only a single rail may be taken in one effort without incurring penalty.
S. A water obstacle is a ditch filled with water with at least a 6' spread. A secure mat at least 3' wide and at least 1/4" thick must cover the entire landing side of the obstacle. An obstacle no higher than 2'6" may be placed on the take-off side. Water obstacles must be a minimum of 14' in width. A white strip of wood or other suitable material, approximately 4" wide, shall be used and should be placed as close to the water line as possible.

Rule 194 - 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 an exhibitor 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 an exhibitor to continue his/her 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 exhibitor has been eliminated; and
F. to indicate that the rider should not proceed to the jump-off round.

Rule 195 - Posting Courses

A. Courses must be posted at least one-half (1/2) hour before the scheduled time of the class.
B. The plan or diagram of the course, including the speed, time allowed, length of course and jump-off course, must show the obstacles which must be jumped with the order indicated by number. Apart from this, the rider is not bound to follow a compulsory track. An arrow is used to indicate the direction in which each obstacle must be jumped.
C. Closed combinations and option fences must be clearly marked.
D. Riders must be permitted to inspect the course on foot prior to each class. Such inspection time may be limited by Show Management but in to case shall be less than 5 minutes.
E. An exhibitor 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.
F. In cases in which course requirements have not been met and the violation has not been observed and corrected prior to the first exhibitor's performance, the class must be completed without altering the course, and the result stands for purposes of the Show Championship, if such should exist.

Rule 196 - Start and Finish of Course

A. 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. Passing through the starting markers in the improper direction before starting, does not incur penalty.
B. 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. The time limit for entering the ring must be enforced by Show Management, and the time limit for crossing the starting line must be enforced by the judge(s).

Rule 197 - Timing

A. Unless automatic electrical timing equipment is used, Show 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.
B. Show Management must furnish each of them with modern stop watches with a time out feature reading at least in hundredths of a second. Even when automatic timing equipment is used, Show Management 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 an exhibitor 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 exhibitor 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 an exhibitor 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, an exhibitor 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 exhibitor 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.

C. At any obstacle marked as an option on the course plan, in the event of a disobedience at one portion, the exhibitor 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 announcer must signal the rider and all portions must be reset prior to the continuation of the round.
D. 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. The time allowed is based on a minimum speed of 350 yards per minute. 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.

Rule 198 - Jumping Order

A. 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 or b) the horses' names are listed and their positions drawn.
B. 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.
C. 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.
D. 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 exhibitors return in the first round's order or the exhibitors return according to their faults and times in the first round.
E. 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 Show Management.

Rule 199 - Jump-Offs.

A. 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. The jump-off course may not be shortened to less than six obstacles and must include at least one vertical and one spread obstacle. Jump-off orders must be established by following either a) the exhibitors return in the original order or b) the exhibitors return according to their times in the first or second rounds.
B. If before deciding a jump-off, two or more exhibitors decline to take part in the jump-off, the judge(s) will decide whether this request can be accepted or must be rejected.
C. In Youth 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 exibitors have jumped the course at this height, the contenders are declared tied.
D. Exhibitors 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 exhibitors remain tied, riders must toss a coin for the ribbons. If points are awarded, points should be added and divided equally among the exhibitors. When tied horses are under one ownership, 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 ownership.
E. If only one exhibitor is qualified to continue in the jump off the rider may elect not to jump off.
F. An exhibitor who does not take part in a jump-off must always be placed behind a exhibitor who has been eliminated in the same jump-off.

Rule 200 - Scoring

A. 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.
B. Passing through the start markers in the wrong direction before starting does not incur penalty.
C. An exhibitor is considered to have competed only after he has entered the ring, and received the signal to start.
D. 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.
E. When an obstacle is composed of several elements in the same vertical plane, a fault at the top element is the only one penalized; when not in the same vertical plane (i.e., oxer, triple bar, etc.) faults at more than one element are penalized only once.
F. 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 exhibitor must re-jump the entire combination.
G. Disobediences are considered to be a refusal, run-out, and after a run-out or refusal the exhibitor must, before proceeding on course, re-jump the obstacle at which the disobedience occurred or be eliminated.
H. 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.
I. Knockdowns are considered when in jumping an obstacle, a horse or rider, by contact either lowers any part which establishes the height of the obstacle or the height of any element of a spread obstacle, or 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.
J. Touches are considered as at a brush obstacle, touching the brush alone without touching the framework, standards or pole, is not scored.
K. A horse and rider are considered off course when they deviate from the course as shown by the diagram and jumps an obstacle prior to rectifying the deviation.
L. Judges should score the water obstacle from a position between the take-off and landing side, and not directly parallel to or beyond the landing lath. Only a mark from the horse’s hoof on the lath or a foot in the water constitutes a fault; touching the landing lath with the pastern is not a fault.
M. In cases of broken equipment or loss of shoe, the rider must continue if he wishes to avoid penalty, or may voluntarily withdraw.
N. After the first round of the first class in any section, Show Management or the judge(s) may order an exhibitor from the ring when it becomes evident that their performance prohibits them from being in the ribbons.

Rule 201 - Bonus Jump

An eliminated exhibitor may make one attempt to jump an additional single obstacle, which may be designated by the judge(s), but may not continue thereafter.

Rule 202 - Reset Obstacle Jump

If a exhibitor jumps an obstacle that is not reset, due to being downed by a previous exhibitor, the weather, or some other factor, the judge may require the exhibitor to jump the reset obstacle for a score. 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 exhibitor to jump the whole line comprising the test. Only the faults at the reset obstacle will be scored. The decision to require the exhibitor to jump the re-set fence should be made prior to the next exhibitor starting on course.

Rule 203 - Jumping Faults

A.) Touch of obstacle with any portion of horse's body behind stifle...................... 1/2 Fault
B. Touch of obstacle with any portion of horse's body in front of stifle, or with any part of rider or equipment............................................................................ 1 Fault
C. Touch of standard or wing in jumping obstacle with any part of horse, rider or equipment.......................................................................................................... 1 Fault
D. 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
E. At a brush obstacle, touching the brush alone without touching the framework, standards or pole, is not scored.
F. Time faults assessed for each second or portion thereof exceeding the Time Allowed:.... 1 Fault
G. First disobedience anywhere on cours:.... 3 Faults
H. 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
I. 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 Faults
J. First disobedience anywhere on course:..... 4 Faults
K. Second cumulative disobedience anywhere on course:.... 6 Faults

Rule 204 - Elimination for the following:

A. Riders receiving physical assistance from outside the ring (i.e., lunge whips, etc.) while on course will be eliminated.
B. Third cumulative disobedience anywhere on course
C. Fall of horse and/or rider
D. Jumping an obstacle before it is reset, or without waiting for signal to proceed
E. Starting before judge's signal to proceed
F. Failure to enter ring within one minute of being called
G. Failure to cross the starting line within 60 seconds after signal to proceed
H. 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.
I. Off course
J. Leaving the enclosure of a closed obstacle incorrectly
K. Deliberately addressing an obstacle (Penalized at any time the horse is in the ring)
L. Rider and/or horse leaving the arena before finishing the course (Penalized at any time the horse is in the ring)
M. Exceeding the Time Limit
N. Actions against a horse deemed excessive (For example: excessive use of whip or spurs at any time within the arena)
O. Second disobedience anywhere on course.

English Seat

*NOTE - Hunt Seat classes are described under Working Hunter and Hunter Hack Class Descriptions

Rule  205 - Modified English Pleasure Judging Rules

A. The judge may/will call for any of the gaits as listed herein and as described above in Rule 110 - 124, Gaits of the General Rules section of this rulebook. Horses are to be worked both directions of the ring. To stand quietly and back readily. Judges must consider all gaits equally in adjudicating classes.

B. Competitors will enter the ring in a counterclockwise direction at the normal trot (English appointments). Ladies may ride side saddle. All horses being considered must be serviceably sound.

Rule 206 - Required Gaits for Judging
Modified English Pleasure Qualifying Gaits described below:

A. Walk: Flat-footed, steady, elastic.

B.  Medium Trot: Square, collected and balanced. A free, easy, two beat diagonal gait without a tendency to mix gaits. To trot with elasticity and freedom of movement, not to break above level.

C. Extended Trot: The extended trot should be bold, energetic, balanced and ground covering with a definite lengthening of stride not resulting in an increase of speed with no sense of racing or straining. The mouth must remain light and the horse must demonstrate a complete acceptance of control without resistance at all times. Excessive speed should be penalized.

D. Working Trot: This is a pace where the horses go forward freely and straight, engaging the hind legs with good hock action, on a taut but light rein, the position being balanced and unconstrained. The steps should be as even as possible and not to break above level.  The hind feet touch the ground in the foot prints of the fore feet. The degree of energy and impulsion displayed at the working trot denotes clearly the degree of suppleness and balance of the horses.

E.  Canter: Smooth, collected and straight on both leads and a DEFINITE three beat cadence.

F. Extended Canter: The extended canter should be ground covering, free moving and smooth. The extended canter should show a definite lengthening of stride, while still being controlled and mannerly. Extreme speed WILL be penalized.

G. Hand Gallop: Long, free ground covering stride under control. Not a fast collected canter, but a true lengthening of stride, correct and straight on both leads. Extreme speed penalized.

H.  Back: The back should be at least one horse length done quietly. This should be done with light contact and smoothly. More credit should be given for correctness and smoothness, rather than how quickly it is done.

Rule  207 - Specifics for Judging

A. Suitability of the horse and its motion for the type of job at hand is essential. Easy ground-covering motion is desired in Modified Pleasure events. Judges must severely penalize any horse with laboring motion at any gait whether or not such motion indicates excessive weight or use of artificial training devices. At no time shall any horse's knee action break above level. Judges will consider all forms of Pleasure classes, any rider or horse age division, as a stepping stone to higher levels of performance.

B.  The good pleasure horse has a comfortable free flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with the individual's conformation. Ideally, the horse should have a balanced, sweeping motion that requires no more than light contact by the rider. The head and neck serve as a balance arm and are carried in a relaxed, natural position appropriate for each individual's own conformation. The horse should be balanced in all aspects; conformation, gait and disposition. Such a horse is an athlete that goes softly and gives the appearance of being fit and capable of the tasks. Ultimately, the horse is very eye appealing and gives the impression of being a pleasure to ride.

C.  Light contact should be measured by a horse's response to the rider's hands, seat and legs and not merely by the tension in the reins. However, an excessively draped rein is just as undesirable as extremely tight rein.

D.  Subtle cues are desirable, while an absence of cues is not. The individual that willingly and quietly responds to subtle cues by the rider is performing with light contact.

E.  Horses who have had surgical alteration of any sort, including but not limited to: tattoing the white of the eye black, liposuction to the neck, cosmetic throat latch surgery, including cribbing surgery, trimming ears, and cutting tendons in the legs to reduce stride and, does not include castration of an entire horse, are not permitted to compete.

F. Entries shall be judged generally on manners and performance, suitability of horse to rider, suitability to their discipline (Modified English Pleasure), Arabian type and Arabian conformation, quality and attitude. 

1) All Amateur and Non-Pro classes will be judged with manners and attitude first (40%),  Arabian type, Arabian conformation and quality (30%), and performance and suitability to their discipline (30%);
2)  All open classes will be judged with performance first (40%) Arabian type, Arabian conformation and quality (30%), and manners and attitude (30%);
3)  All Junior horse classes will be judged with manners and attitude first (30%), Arabian type, Arabian conformation and quality (30%), quality of performance (30%), and suitability to their discipline (10%);
4) Judges must strictly apply the following percentages as listed above.

Rule 208 - Workout
All horses chosen for a workout must be worked both ways of the ring at any gait requested.

Rule 209 - Obstacles
In Modified Pleasure Classes, horses will not be tested on obstacles, regardless of horse or rider age divisions.

Rule 210 - Optional Judging System
Performance classes, regardless of age of rider or horse divisions, may elect to use this system of judging but must use this system of judging if any section should have more than 30 entries.

A.  For Preliminary cuts, three cones are to be set up around the rail. Horses will enter individually, walk to the first cone, trot to the second, canter to the third. Stop, reverse, then do all three gaits the other way. Stop and back.

B.  Horses are scored for walk, trot, and canter, as well as transitions and backing. Each horse is to be in the ring for about a minute.

Rules 211 - 399 - Reserved for future use
Return to Index

WESTERN DIVISION

Judges are to use the following as a standard in judging Western Classes in all aspects.

Originally the western horse separated himself from the rest of the ranch string by a comfortable ride, attractive appearance and willing attitude. Western horses were seasoned in ranch work prior to competing on these horses in reining, cutting, or roping.  

A good pleasurable horse to ride has a free flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation; he should have a balanced and flowing motion. He should be willing and confident and comfortable in his performance and appearance, with little or no apparent resistance to his riders request.

A good pleasurable horse should be the platform or foundation on which other events can be achieved, if so desired.

Some of the physical traits are a balanced flowing motion, proper cadence, and lift in gaits, making it easy for this horse to maintain self-carriage.

The mental traits are a willing and pleasant attitude, alert but not startled looking, confidant, but still listening to his riders request, giving the appearance of a great student in the case of a younger horse, and a trusting partner in the case of a finished or older horse. He/she should in either case give the appearance of a pleasure to ride, and in the process set the stage for other disciplines to be learned, making him/her truly a pleasure to ride.

The mental picture we should be looking for and rewarding is a balanced, flowing horse, exhibiting self-carriage.

WESTERN RIDING HORSE

Rule 400 - AHFA Rulebook
All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook shall apply in regards to tack and attire.

One can visulize how these manuevers called for in Western Riding were also applied by the Bedouin involved in a desert battle skirmish. The desert arab man used the Arabian for raiding and battle mainly, but also demanded a truly pleasureable riding mount.

Rule 401  - Description of Class

General Western Riding is a class where the horse is judged on the quality of gaits, lead changes at the lope, response to the rider, and manners and disposition. The horse should perform with reasonable speed and be sensible, well mannered, and free and easy moving and demonstrates many of the maneuvers demanded in a day's ride on a working ranch.  Many will find this class to be a combination of basic dressage and basic reining skills  

Rule 402 - Class Specifications

A.  Credit shall be given for and emphasis placed on smoothness, even cadence of gaits, (i.e. starting and finishing the pattern with same cadence) and the horse's ability to change leads precisely, easily and simultaneously both hind and front at the center point between markers.
B.  The horse should have a relaxed head carriage showing response to the rider's hands, with a moderate flexion at the poll. Horse shall be ridden with light contact.
C.  The horse should cross the log both at the jog and the lope without breaking gait or radically changing stride.
D.  The pattern will include six (6) small circles. These should be separated not less than 30 feet nor more than 50 feet. Markers should be a minimum 15 feet from the fence and with 50 feet to 80 feet width in the pattern.
E.  A solid log or pole needs to be a minimum of eight (8) feet in length.
G.  In the pattern furnished to exhibitors, a long serpentine line indicates direction of travel and gaits in the pattern. The shaded areas equal lead changing area between markers. A dotted line . . . equals a walk; a dash line - - - equals a jog; and a solid line _____ equals a lope.

Rule 403 - Scoring

A.  Scoring is to be on the basis of 0 - 100 with 70 being an average performance. Each part of the pattern should be graded, additionally, as a -2 for Very Poor, -1 Poor, 0 for Average, +1 for Good, and +2 for Excellent.
B.  Major faults are opening mouth excessively, anticipating signals, and/or stumbling.
C.  Entry to be penalized each time the following occur:

1)  Five Points:

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

2)  Three Points:

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

3)  One Point:

aa)  Break of gait up to 2 strides;
bb)  Hitting, rolling, touching log;
cc)  Spilling the log (log between 2 front or 2 hind feet) at the lope;
dd)  Hind legs shipping or coming together during lead changes;
ee)  Non-simultaneous lead changes.

Rule 404 - Disqualified - 0 score

A.  IlIegal equipment
B.  Willful abuse
C.  Off Course
D.  Knocking over markers
E.  Completely missing log
F.   Major refusal
G.  Major disobedience

Rule 405 - Patterns

A.  Pattern 1

1) Walk down, start jog and jog over log
2) Transition to left lead and lope around end of arena
3) First line change
4) Second line change
5) Third line change
6) Fourth line change and lope around end of arena
7) First crossing change
8) Second crossing change
9) Lope over log
10) Third crossing change
11) Fourth crossing change
12) Lope up center, stop and back.

B.  Pattern 2

1) Walk and make transition to jog
2) Jog over log
3) Transition to left lead
4) First crossing change
5) Lope over log
6) Second crossing change
7) First line change
8) Second line change
9) Third line change
10) Fourth line change
11) Third crossing change
12) Fourth crossing change
13) Lope up center, stop and back

Rules 406 - 425 - Reserved for future use
Return to Index

WESTERN TRAIL HORSE

Rule 426 - AHFA Rulebook

All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook shall apply in regards to tack and attire. 

Rule  427  - Definition of Trail Horse

A.  A good trail horse gives the impression of being a pleasure to ride out and negotiate any obstacle on a trail ride.  As such, a good trail horse 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 in a forward manner without compromising its calm, relaxed attitude and way of going. It should approach each obstacle with authority, with its own style, yet maintaining its willingness to be dictated to completely by the rider with no apparent resistance.
B.  Maximum credit should be given to the trail horse that negotiates its way through an entire course in a manner that raises the degree of difficulty without sacrificing carefulness, control, and/or attitude.
C.  Ultimately, the trail horse is skillful, confident, and leaves one with the impression of being sane, safe, sure and a pleasure to ride over any piece of ground for a trail ride.

Rule 428 - Class Specifications

A.  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.
B.  Trail horses being shown in closed reins may be hobbled when instructed to ground tie in a class.
C.  Rider's hands shall be clear of horse to avoid cueing
D.  To include a walk, jog-trot and lope of suitable duration to determine the way of going.  Rail work shall not be required, as long as in the course a walk, trot, and lope are used.
E.  Serpentines shall be done at jog-speed. 
F.  Horses to be penalized for any unnecessary delay while approaching obstacle. Judges are encouraged to advance on to next obstacle any horse taking excessive time at an obstacle.
G.  Two or more horses may be entered by the same exhibitor and the same rider may elect to show more than one horse.
H.  Neither a “no score” nor a “zero score” penalty may receive an award in that class.
I.  Obvious unsoundness must be disqualified with no prize awarded.

Rule 429 - Course 

A.  Tests which may be required are negotiating a gate, carrying objects, including a sack of tin cans, from one part of arena to another, riding through water, over logs or simulated brush, riding down into and up out of ditch without lunging or jumping, crossing a bridge, backing through obstacles, sidepassing, and performing over any reasonable conditions encountered along the trail, including meeting exotic animals (in cage). However, unnatural obstacles, such as fire extinguishers, perforated plywood in water boxes, or unsafe elements such as hay bales, should be avoided.
B.  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.
C.  No time outs will be allowed.
D.  No horse may enter the trail course area until the course and the judge are ready.
E.  Course to include a minimum of six obstacles and a maximum of ten obstacles except in the case of damaged obstacles.
F.  Care in preparing the course should be exercised to prevent a direct advantage to either a small or large horse.
G.  Show Management is encouraged to design obstacle courses that can be negotiated in 90 seconds. 
H.  If at any time a trail obstacle is found to be unsafe, it shall be repaired or removed from the course. If it cannot be repaired and horses have completed the course, the score for that obstacle shall be deducted. No horse shall be asked to repeat the course, except in the case of a tie.

Rule 430  - Obstacles

A. All elevated poles must be set in a standard jump cup or similar type bracket. The judge has the right to alter the course.  All courses and obstacles are to be constructed with safety in mind so as to guard against accidents.
B.  Suggested and recommended but not mandatory dimensions of trail obstacles.

1)  WALK OVERS - Minimum height 10"; Maximum height 16". Minimum width between poles 20" to 24" between poles is good spacing for walkovers, depending upon difficulty desired. No rolling poles.
2)  JUMPS - Mounted jumps shall be higher than lead over jumps. Minimum width between standards of a jump shall be 4 feet. Combinations are to be approximately 12 feet for a one stride, approximately 6 feet for a no stride.  Box Jumps and L Jumps will have poles at least 12 feet long.
3)  CAVALETTI - Jog overs are to be about 3 feet or slightly more between poles. Lope overs will be approximately  7 feet apart.
4)  BACK THROUGHS - May be on the ground, elevated, or the use of barrels which shall have a distance between of approximately 30 inches.
5)  SIDE PASSES  - A single pole may be used, at about two feet high.  If slots are used for this obstacle they should be about two feet in width.  
6) SERPENTINES  - If available, pylons should be approximately 6 feet apart.  Cones may be used in place of pylons, or any other suitable material, provided all are the same. Guardrails may be used and should be approximately  3 feet to either side of the pylons.
7)  GATE Approximately 60" high with latch available at that height.

C.  Any other maneuvers should figure horse's wheelbase at about five feet from front hooves to back hooves.

Rule 431 - Definitions

A.  Knockdown is when any component, element, or portion of an obstacle is displaced from its original position-by horse or rider.
B.  Refusal is any action taken by the horse to avoid performing an obstacle, part of a combination of obstacles or portion of a trail course. These actions may include, but are not limited to the following:

1) Balking is any action that results in a horse blatantly demonstrates an unwillingness to approach, negotiate, complete an obstacle and continuously refusing a rider's command.
2) Evading or running past an obstacle to be negotiated.

C.  Off Course is not following the drawn pattern by taking an obstacle in the wrong direction, wrong side, or wrong sequence, or skipping an obstacle unless directed by the judge.

Rule 432  -  Scoring

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 overall score, gaits and any penalties will then be subtracted or added, as applies, to arrive at a final score. All horses are judged from the time they enter the arena until the completion of the last obstacle.

Rule 433 -  Overall Score  

A.  +3 EXCELLENT: The horse approaches and negotiates obstacle in correct form with definite style, with curiosity and athleticism, while maintaining the qualities of an ideal trail horse.
B.  +2 VERY GOOD: The horse approaches and negotiates obstacle in correct form and definitely displays many qualities of the ideal trail horse.
C.  +1 GOOD: The horse approaches and negotiates obstacle in correct form; however, lacks those qualities of the ideal trail horse.
D.  O AVERAGE: The horse approaches and negotiates most obstacles in correct form. 
E.  -1 POOR: The horse fails to approach and/or negotiate obstacle in correct form and lacks the qualities of the ideal trail horse.
F.  -2 VERY POOR: The horse approaches and negotiates obstacle, with a definite deficiency in the qualities of the ideal trail horse. The horse exhibits noticeable resistance.
G.  -3 EXTREMELY POOR: The horse approaches and/or negotiates obstacle in unacceptable form. The horse exhibits significant resistance towards the rider's commands. 

Rule 434 - Penalties

A.  10 Point Penalties

1) Temporary loss of control, stampeding, running through or jumping over entire obstacle when jump is not called for and each refusal. Refusals are cumulative. After three (3) refusals at a single obstacle the contestant is eliminated.
2) Horse misses/evades an element/component of an obstacle that is part of a series. Losing drag or object being carried.
3) Horse leaving designated ground tie area.  Knockdowns or obviously displacing the original configuration of an obstacle.
4) 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.
5) 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)
6) Each time switching leads where not called for, picking up wrong leads, cross leading, or breaking of gait.  Each of the above shall receive 10 points for each occurence.
7)  Any time a judge instructs an exhibitor to proceed to the next obstacle a 10 point penalty will be applied.

B.  5 Point Penalties

1. Placing one foot off side of bridge or placing one foot outside of a confining element.
2. Stepping on an element of an obstacle.
3. Obvious cueing or touching of horse in front of forward cinch.
4. Pulling gate when designated to push in course directions (or visa versa).
5. Sidepassing the wrong end of horse in slot.

C.   2 Point Penalty

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

Rule 435 -  Elimination or no score or a zero score .

A.  Violation of the rules of AHFA Rulebook.
B.  Inhumane treatment or abuse to any animal as detailed in Standing Rules of this Rulebook. 
C.  Use of free hand to instill fear or praise.
D.  Off course
E.  Failure to comply with General rules regarding use of hands on reins, ie split reins, finger between split reins, and two hands on reins (Exception: Snaffles or Hackamore)
F.  Fall of horse or rider
G.  Falling off side of bridge
H.  Equipment failure or loss of shoe that delays completion of course.
I.  A horse whose performance may be reckless, careless, and/or dangerous.  Blatant disobedience such as kicking, bucking, rearing, biting, or striking.
J.  When a judge deems three (3) refusals have occurred at an obstacle the exhibitor will be eliminated from competition.

Rules 436 - 445 Reserved for future use
Return to Index

REINED COWHORSE

Rule 446 - AHFA Rulebook

All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook shall apply in regards to tack and attire.  All Affiliated Shows shall follow all rules and regulations of the AHFA Rulebook in their entirety. 

Rule 447  - General Description

a)  Credit must always be given when applicable, even when there is a penalty involved. When the judge is in doubt, benefit always goes to the contestant.
b)  The contestant is judged from the time that he/she enters the arena until he/she completes the pattern. The judge is instructed to pay particular attention to any suspected attempts to alter the tail and score accordingly.
c)  To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also to control his every movement. The best reined horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely. Any movement on his own must be considered a lack of control.
d)  All deviations from the exact written pattern must be considered a lack of/or temporary loss of control and therefore a fault that must be marked down according to the severity of the deviation.
e)  Horses shall work individually. Judging begins the moment the horse begins the pattern.
f)  There will be no schooling from the time the horse enters the arena.
g)  A reined work must consist of the following: circles, lead changes and runs terminating in well-balanced stops straight to the line of travel, turns and a back-up of a reasonable distance with slight hesitations denoting each maneuver.
h)  The judge may deviate from traditional order of performance and he may also deviate from the exact printed pattern due to arena conditions. The judging ends when the rider indicates he is finished by coming to a complete stop.
i)  The reined work is a demonstration of both the rider's control of the horse and the horse's suitability as a cow horse as it circles, runs, stops and turns.
j)  Bad manners exhibited by a cow horse will be penalized under run content.
k)  After deducting all faults, set here within, against execution of the pattern and the horse's overall performance, credit should be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority of performing various maneuvers, while using controlled speed which raised the difficulty level and demonstates the ability necessary for the reined work necessary for working cattle. 

Rule 448 - Judges

a)  Judges will not confer as to any penalty or maneuver score prior to submitting a score. If a major penalty is unclear, a judge will submit his/her score and ask that the score be held, pending a conference and/or review of the official video, if available, at the earliest appropriate time.
b)  If video replay is available, the judges should determine via conference or official video replay that a penalty was incurred, it should be applied. If, however, no penalty occurred, the score will be announced as originally submitted. No judge shall be required to change his/her score following a conference or official video replay. Each judge's decision is an individual call and based on individual decision from a conference or official video replay. The use of official video equipment by the judges is only permissible if the judge has reason be believe that all entries have been videotaped.
c)  The judge shall have the authority to remove any contestant from a competition he is judging, should said contestant show any disrespect or misconduct as to render himself or the Show in an unprofessional manner.
d)  All riders must dismount and drop the bridle immediately after the performance. The bridle must be dropped by the rider. The bridle must be checked by the designated judge or steward in the arena.  Failure to comply will result in a no score.
e)  Judges shall be the sole person responsible to determine if a rider has correctly completed the pattern as written.
f)  AHFA or its Affiliate show or sponsored event permits the judge the option of awarding a re-ride to any contestant who, in the judge's opinion, is unable to complete a pattern for reasons that are out of the rider's control. In the instance where a re-ride is warranted in the judge's opinion, the judge should advise the AHFA or its Affiliate Discipline Committee member(s) and/or Show Management of such as soon as is possible.

Rule 449  -  Elements of Reined Work

a)  STOPS are the act of slowing the horse from a gallop to a stop position by bringing the hind feet and hocks under the horse in a locked position and sliding on the rear shoes. The horse should enter the stop position by bending the back and bringing the rear legs and hocks further under the body while maintaining forward motion and ground contact with the front legs. Throughout the stop, the horse should continue in a straight line and the position of the hocks, rear feet, and back should not vary.
b) SPINS are a series of turns, executed over a stationary (inside) hind leg. Propulsion for the spin is supplied by the outside hind leg and front legs, and contact should be made with the ground and a front leg. The location of the hindquarters should be fixed at the start of the spin and maintained throughout.
c) ROLLBACKS are the 180 degree reversal of forward motion completed by running to a stop, rolling (turning) the shoulders back to the opposite direction over the hocks and departing in a gallop, as one continuous motion. The rollback must be executed with not more than slight hesitation after the stop, and the horse should not step ahead or back prior to the rollback.
d) CIRCLES have the emphasis on scoring shall be given to the contestant exhibiting smooth, controlled figure eights with easy lead changes. Circles are a controlled maneuver at the lope or gallop in the designated area of the arena. Right and left circles shall have a common center line in the middle of the designated area. Circles shall be run and /or begun on the correct lead. The speed and size of the right circles shall be exactly the same as the speed and size of the left circles. The horse shall lope or gallop in an even, fluid manner with a minimum of rider contact and/or commands. Circles shall be run far enough from arena wall that it does not effect the circles.
e)  BACK UP is a maneuver requiring the horse to be moved in a reverse motion in a straight line for at least 10 feet.
f)  HESITATION is only long enough to show the completion of one maneuver before the next one starts. 
g)  LEAD CHANGES are the act of changing the leading legs of the front and rear pair of legs, at a lope or gallop, when changing the direction traveled. The lead change must be executed at the lope or gallop with no change of gait or speed and be performed in the exact geographical location in the arena specified in the pattern description. The change of front and rear legs must take place within the same stride to avoid penalty.
h)   RUN DOWNS are the runs through the middle of the arena, runs from the center of the arena to the end, and runs along the side and ends of the arena.
i)  DEFINITION OF FALL OF HORSE is when the horse's shoulder and hip are on the ground and all four feet facing in one direction. Fall of horse in any event receives a score of -0-.

Rule 450  -  Scoring

a)  The scoring system for the reined work is based on 60-80 points. The lowest score possible is 60 points and the highest score possible is 80. The average for a typical work is 70 points. Half-points may be used.  
b)  Each of the mandatory reined work patterns are comprised of either seven or eight distinct maneuver groups. As each maneuver group is completed, the judge will make an assessment in accordance with the following scale:

+1 1/2 - Excellent
+1 - Very Good
+1/2 - Good
  0 - Correct
-1/2 - Poor
-1 - Very Poor
-1 1/2 - Extremely Poor

c)  These maneuver group scores are added to a starting score of 70 and from that gross score all penalties are subtracted to arrive at a final score.

Gross Score (70 pts. + Maneuver Group Score) Less Penalties = Final Score

d)  Any ties for 1st place, the entrants will evenly split 1st and 2nd prize money, but must determine the winner of the awards by a flip of a coin.

Rule 451 - Penalties 

a)  1/2 Point Penalties

1.  Deduct 1/2 point for starting circle at a jog or exiting rollbacks at a jog up to 2 strides. Jogging beyond 2 strides but less than 1/2 circle or 1/2 the length of the arena, deduct 2 points.
2.  Deduct one-half (1/2) point for over or under spinning up to one-eight (1/8) of a turn; deduct one (1) point for over or under spinning up to one-quarter (1/4) of a turn.

3.  Where a change of lead is specified immediately prior to a run to the end of the pen, failure to change lead will be penalized as follows: Failure to change leads beyond 1 stride but where lead change is completed prior to the next maneuver, 1 point penalty. If the lead is not changed prior to the next maneuver, a 2 point penalty.
4.  In patterns requiring a run-around, failure to be on the correct lead when rounding the end of the arena will be penalized as follows: For 1/2 the turn or less, 1 point; for more than 1/2 the turn, 2 points.
5.  There will be a half point penalty for failure to remain a minimum of 20 feet from wall or fence when approaching a stop and/or rollback.

b)  1 Point Penalties