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 Rule 60 shall apply here.
F. All rules and regulations of the AHFA Rule book 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

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 are defined as having jumps 3'0" required for first year horses; 3'6" required for second year horses.
B. Amateur Owner only for Green Hunter Classes are defined as having jumps 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 are defined as having jumps 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, all equal in adjudication and not "in any order of priority."
C. In all classes horses should be obedient, alert, responsive and move freely. Performance and soundness 75%; appointments, emphasis on manners, even style and way of going, conformation, and hunting pace as well as 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 (50) 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.
B. Triple bars, hogs back and any spread over 4' and square oxers are prohibited.
C. All obstacles should be located 48feet or 60 feet and/or 72 feet apart, if possible, depending on the type of jump used.
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 fault(s):

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.

The following will cause for a horse to be eliminated.

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 Rule book 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. Those horses in an artificial frame, overflexed and behind the bit will be penalized. All are equal in adjudication and not "in any order of priority."
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 and 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 Arabian competitions have come to expect VERY simple courses. 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 and so on.

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 Rule book 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, 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 should 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:

1) The horses' names are drawn individually, starting with the first position and then working down.
2) 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 exhibitors 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 disobedience's, 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. Disobedience's 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 course:....................................................................... 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

MODIFIED ENGLISH PLEASURE

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 rule book. 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. To be judged in that order of priority as detailed below: 

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.
C. Horses will be judged in the performance category as 10% walk, 10% trot, 10% canter or gallop and hand gallop, and 10% stop and back.

Rules 211 - 399 - Reserved for Future Use
Return to Index