Arabian Horse Fair Rule book, Section II

FOREWARD

Arabian Horse Fair Association endorses that Arabians exemplify the word "athletic" and as such, Arabian horses will perform in those types of classes that require use of that athletic ability and sound minds, and are not solely walk, trot and canter.

Warm-Up Arena Guidelines
Taken from the NCHA Loping Pen and adapted for AHFA

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

A. Steadiness is a prime factor in evaluation of all gaits as well as the behavior and attitude of the horse toward other horses, his rider, and his surroundings. A horse who is willingly and freely obeys his rider at all times in a cheerful manner is the goal.
B. The walk is to be a four beat gait, displaying a level top line, and a relaxed appearance, yet bright and attentive and briskly animated with no prancing, yet flows slowly and is soft touching the ground.
C. The canter at perfection shows a horse that rounds his back, has a strong deep stride and a flat swing with his front legs. He/she swings his/her legs correctly and long yet seem to do so effortlessly. He/she keeps his/her hocks from drifting behind into the tail. The horse is relaxed, yet alert, and has a confident appearance of being correct but soft with a great degree of lift and self-carriage.
D. The hand gallop is performed with long, free ground coverings strides under control at all times. It is not a fast collected canter but a true lengthening of stride, correct and straight on both leads. The horse should move out smoothly in its transitions and immediately into a distinct gallop with more drive and collection than a pleasure class. EXTREME speed to be penalized.

A. All gaits to be given equal consideration and worked both ways of the ring, walk, canter, hand gallop with no trot to be called, with a maximum number of points possible to be twenty (20) for each gait.
B. Response to the rider and the behavior and attitude of the horse will have a maximum number of points possible to be fifteen (15).
C. Appointments will have a maximum number of points available to be twenty-five (25).

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Rule book.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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 five (5) penalties each occurrence.

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

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

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

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 or four (4) inches.
B. The name of the carriage-maker may appear on a vehicle on a label of not more than 50 sq. cm or twenty (20) square inches.
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.

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.

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 five (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.

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 five (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.

A. A Serpentine consists of not more than four (4) cones in a straight line facing in alternate directions lettered A, B, C, D.
B. A Zig-Zag consists of not more than four (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.

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.

A. Plan of the Course. At least two (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.

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).

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.

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 five (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 five (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.

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.

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

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 five (5) penalties for the first, ten (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.

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.