Rules and Regulations of Arabian Horse Fair Association

FOREWARD

Arabian Horse Fair is an organization of individuals and groups who enjoy sharing various activities with their Authentic Arabians and with other people who love, own and ride these magnificent horses. The organization is driven by a love of the Arabian Horse, and the desire to share fun and friendships with other like minded people.  The organization is built on a foundation of honesty, sportsmanship and a fundamental belief that placing the responsibility for the organization and its future directly in the hands of the membership will allow it to maintain its integrity and focus on the love and care of the Authentic Arabian Horse for generations to come.

GENERAL RULES

Rule 1 - General Qualifications

A. Our entry forms contain the legal language, in which all connected with the entry of a horse in our Futurity/Maturity/Performance classes and any fun classes, any classes held by Arabian Horse Fair will be held binding and accountable, re: abuse to all horses. By signing the entry, you as owner (or agent for the owner) will be accepting responsibility for all connected with your horse and you will also be relinquishing any right to sue or to take any argument any further than the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, also known as the Disciplinary Appeal Committee.
B. Participants agree that damages for any successful claims against AHFA or any committee or the Challenge Futurity or any sanctioned event/class which is based upon the way a class/event is run, the judging thereof, the scheduling, or the interpretation of the applicable rules shall be limited to liquidated damages in the amount of the nomination and/or entry fees
C. All entry forms shall have the following disclaimer either in the main entry form or in the supplemental entry form: "By my signature below I hereby acknowledge that I meet the criteria for eligibility to compete in the classes entered according to the guidelines set forth in the AHFA rule book. This is to insure that competitors are aware of the criteria for the different classes in which they are indeed eligible to compete."


Rule 2 - Responsibility

Acknowledgement by entering any function or class of Arabian Horse Fair, you will be acknowledging this is a voluntary act and agree to all rules and regulations of this show. Should you be found guilty of abuse, you will be required to forfeit any and all monies earned, wins, trophies, ribbons, etc. and leave the show grounds immediately. There will be no exceptions! Participation in any of the AHFA events is a privilege and not a 'right'. Be prepared to accept responsibility for your actions and the actions of those for whom you are responsible.

Rule 3 - Be Aware

While by no means are professional trainers excluded, make sure your trainers, grooms, handlers and anyone else associated with your horses in any way, shape, manner or means understand the consequence of their actions. Anyone and everyone associated with the abused horse and the handler or owner or trainer or anyone with the said abused animal will forfeit any monies, trophies, ribbons, etc. earned and will be required to Immediately leave the grounds, even IF there are other horses belonging to other owners, with that professional trainer or offending individual.

Contact the rule book printed online on the web site or contact AHFA regarding any questions you may have.

Rule 4 - Cameras and Videos

A. Video cameras connected to the Fair Office may be in various locations and there may also be appointed unidentified individuals walking the grounds, stalls, warm-up areas, holding areas, and any place deemed by the Arabian Horse Fair Association or affiliated show committee, for observations of abuse at any time of day or night, from the time of arrival to the time of departure.
B. Cameras and videos may be used by owners, riders, and/or members of the public. Cameras and video cameras are welcomed, however, no flashes are allowed. There are these four types of photographers:

1) Show Photographers - they shoot for the organization, may use flash; there is no fee; this person(s) may or may not be one of the professional photographers, however the badge will so designate and this person(s) do(es) have the privilege of shooting from inside the rail;
2) Professional Photographers - they shoot for sale and pay a fee to AHFA, no flash; these people can contract with an owner or exhibitor and make their own arrangements for fee and cost per photo; they call sell to magazines, newspapers, and to owner/trainers for advertising.
3) Press Photographers - they shoot for editorial content for magazines and newspapers and pay no fee.
4) Amateur Photographers - they shoot for their own use and pay no fee. Only amateurs with "professional grade" equipment are included.

C. A photographer's Press Pass and Badge is required for professionals, press photographers, and for amateurs with professional grade equipment. A statement must be signed that no photos will be sold by press and amateurs photographers. This form is at the Show Office. Be sure to attend to this detail at the earliest date possible so that you are able to obtain this necessary statement and badge.
D. Shooting from the rail is allowed.
E. Videos are to follow the same rules as those for cameras.

Rule 5 - Show Numbers

AHFA Class numbers are to be worn at all times when a horse leaves it stall and when schooling a horse in the warm-up area. Numbers must be visable not only to the judge, but at all times to the public. Failure to comply will result in a fine of $100 per occurance. See Rule 97, Standing Rules Section.

Rule 6 - Entering Sick Horses

Presenting a horse that is head-bobbing lame, has a temperature and is obviously unwell, and/or is suffering from strangles or any other obvious disease will be brought to the attention of the veterinarian on call at the owners expense.

Rule 7 - Lameness

A. Rules regarding lameness are adopted to protect the health of Arabians exhibited in AHFA-approved and -sponsored shows and events.
B. Because it is essential for the judge to examine and check for lameness of all horses who would be brought into any class, should any one of the Disciplinary Committee members note a lame horse is being presented for showing or performance in any AHFA show, all horses shall be examined and checked in the paddock by the B judge or substitute judge for Show Management, regardless of whether or not the competition indicates it is necessary.
C. Obvious lameness shall be cause for disqualification. Obvious lameness is:

1) Consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances;
2) Marked nodding, hitching, or shortened stride;
3) Minimal weight-bearing in motion and/or at rest and inability to move.

D. A judge's decision as to the lameness of a horse is not protestable. The judge may at his discretion secure the aid of a licensed veterinarian to aid in this determination.

Rule 8 - Elimination, Including But Not Limited to the Following

A. Any action(s) against a horse by an exhibitor which are deemed excessive by a judge(s), Disciplinary Committee member(s) or show ring veterinarian in the show or exhibition ring or anywhere on the competition grounds may be punished by official warning, elimination, or other sanctions which may be deemed appropriate by the show committee. Such action(s) could include, but are not limited to excessive use of whip, spurs, or bamboo poles.
B. Judges must eliminate from judging consideration any horse who shows undue aggression or discontent toward its handler, rider or any person in the ring.
C. Any rule from this rulebook that shall call for elimination and/or removal from the show grounds.

Rule 9 - Show and Ring Stewards

A. All shows will not require a show steward. Should a show steward not be hired by the Show Management, a Disciplinary Committee member shall assume the responsibilities of that position. Either a show steward who complies with the Disciplinary Committee rules or a DC must be present at all AHFA events.
B. Any person performing the duties of a show steward shall be bound by the same rules as judges as specified in Standing Rules Section, Rules 150 through 165 . The ring steward shall be familiar with show procedures and etiquette per the rules of the Arabian Horse Fair rule book.
C. The ring steward makes the work of the judge much easier by relieving the judge of unnecessary details. By assembling the class promptly, he/she will be able to keep the judging program on schedule and eliminate long delays between classes.
D. The ring steward will notify the judge when all horses are present for each class.
E. Ring stewards shall not take part or seem to take part, in any of the judging including advising the judge. When he/she is not actively engaged in his/her duties, he/she shall place himself in a position so as not to interfere with the judging and the view of the spectators. He/she must not allow the exhibitors to crowd up in the show ring and should at all times strive to keep the possibilities of an accident at a minimum.
F. He/she should act as a liaison between the judge and exhibitor. The ring steward should be prepared to move and place the horses as the judge advises.

Rule 10 - Show Veterinarian

In the event AHFA designates a properly licensed veterinarian or veterinarians as the official veterinarian(s) for AHFA approved or sponsored event as a service to exhibitors and other persons, and any exhibitor or other person directly or indirectly employs, retains, hires or otherwise utilizes the services, advice and/or expertise of such official show veterinarian(s), AHFA shall not in any manner or to any extent whatsoever be liable or responsible for any action, conduct, decisions or services by such official veterinarian(s) provided to any such exhibitor or other person who employs, retains, hires or otherwise utilizes the services, advice and/or expertise of such official show veterinarian(s). Such exhibitor or other person expressly releases and holds harmless AHFA from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses or actions of any kind arising from or in connection with the exhibitor or other person's employment, retention, hiring or utilization of the services, advice and/or expertise of such official show veterinarian(s).

Rule 11- Performance Presentation

A. All rules and regulations pertaining to the presentation of breeding in-hand halter horses shall also apply for the presentation of all performance horses. 
B. Failure to work in the proper order assigned will result in a score of zero (0).

Rules 12 - General Show (Event) Rules

A. Show Management will determine for each AHFA sponsored event the schedule, format and rules/regulations including but not limited to the following:

1) Setting the times for arrival and departure from the grounds;
2) Bedding;
3) Closing of entries deadline, except those predetermined in the Challenge Futurity/Maturity program;
4) Dogs;
5) Concessions;
6) Disposal of needles and syringes;
7) Emergency Preparedness Plan;
8) Fees for classes not predetermined by the Challenge Futurity/Maturity program, as well as stalls, and tack rooms;
9) Fire Marshall rules;
10) Golf carts, mopeds, bicycles, and other vehicles;
11) Health papers required;
12) Completion of entire entry form including the indemnity and non-responsibility clause, qualification statement and the media release;
13) Public Address system;
14) Parking and exhibitor passes;
15) Professional services;
16) Registration papers required;
17) Roads to stable areas;
18) Security;
19) Show office hours and days;
20) Smoking policy;
21) Stall fees;
22) And other rules/requirements/regulations as required for each site.

B. No stalls are to be used for any purpose other than stabling horses.
C. The jackpot portion of the entry fee must be at least 1.5 times the office charge.
D. Fresh cattle must be supplied to all contestants for the cow work (fence). For every 8 head of cattle or fraction thereof, one extra head must be supplied. It is strongly suggested that a minimum of 2.5 cattle for each entry in the herd work should be supplied. Fresh cattle are cattle that have not been previously used for recreational or practice purposes.
E. Any mechanical means to stimulate horses, such as scraps, rags or plastic shreds, or bags at the end of the whips, rattling with tins or cans, banging and beating at the side or ring fences or even the tents are strictly prohibited.
F. Show management must see that a judge or a qualified person inspects each contestant's bridle or hackamore after each individual work; the bit checker must have a magnet avaiable to check the hackamore and chin straps for metal objects (inside) or cores. The judge(s) have the sole authority to disqualify the contestant.
G. Stalls will be assigned in conjunction with the postmarked date of PAID entries. If payment is not included the entire entry package will not be accepted and will be returned. The trainer or individual who submits the entry package is responsible for payment. If you wish to be stabled near or with a specific group, entry packages must be so noted and submitted within a forty-eight hour (48) period.
H. Show Management will handle all stall assignments, including tack rooms. Horses will not be permitted to show except with the written permission of the Show Management.
I. Should Show Management have sufficient entries to divide working western classes (sections) the NRCHA rulebook shall be followed for division of classes, examples Hackamore classes, open hackamore, limited open hackamore, non pro hackamore.

Rule 13 - Calling of Classes

A. Classes will be called promptly. A one-minute rule will be enforced.
B. Tack changes will not be granted, with the exception that all requests involving tack changes should be made to Show Management at the time the entry package is being prepared. Every effort will be made to help exhibitors; however, no protest will be upheld nor will any section be changed on the basis of a tack change not being allowed.

Rule 14 - Holding Paddock

A. The holding paddock area is only for those horses exhibiting/entering the class being called. 
B. No horse in other classes will be allowed in the holding paddock at any time, except the horse that has been called to be “on deck.” 
C. No one is allowed in the holding paddock area to animate any horse in any way; no bags, no bottles, no whips, no plastic. 
D. No activity such as running a horse on the walkway/runway will be allowed. 
E. All horses are to remain quiet and at a safe distance from the entry gate. 

Rule 15 - Money Matters

A. Current membership in AHFA is required for owners and/or exhibitors in any AHFA sponsored show or event.
B. All fees, including membership, must be paid in full before the entry package will be accepted.
C. Payment not included by cashier's check or money order will void any entry package and the entire entry package will be returned as not accepted.
D. Payment of any fees, entry or otherwise, by a third party shall not release either the owner and/or rider of responsibilities for all rules of this organization and as stated in this rulebook.

Rule 16 - Muck Policy

A. All muck must be placed in marked muck bins.
B. Any muck placed in the barns, between barns, or in any other undesignated will be punishable by a $500 fine. No protest will be upheld for violation of this rule.

Rule 17 - One Entry Form per Horse

A. There must be one entry form per horse. No exceptions.
B. An owner may enter more than one horse and/or rider may ride more than one horse. A horse may be entered only once per division (section or class).
C. Every rider must complete an Amateur Verification application and a Non Professional application and such application must accompany the entry package. This needs to be done each year at the first show of the year or by January 31st, whichever comes first.

Rule 18 - Prize Money

A. Prize monies will be paid no later than 30 days after the end of the show.
B. A horse may be entered only once in any section.
C. In Open Western Working events, specifically, working cow horse combined dry work and cattle work, limited cow work, team penning, should there be such funds available for payout, there will be $6,000 provided for each preliminary go-rounds and three (3) places will be paid out.
D. In Non Pro and Amateur divisions, 30% of the entries, with a cap of 10 horses, will advance to the finals. $6,000, if such funds are available for payment, will be provided for each preliminary go-rounds and six (6) places will be paid out.
E. Should there not be sufficient funds, the ratio shall be the same for the monies that are available for all sections.
F. Payout shall be as follows: 1 - 2 horses, first receives 100%; 3 - 4 horses, first receives 60% and second receives 40%; 7 - 9 horses, first receives 40%, second 30%, third 20% and fourth 10%; 10 - 15 horses, first receives 30%, second 25%, third 20%, fourth 15%, fifth 10%; 16 - 20 horses, first recieves 30%, second 24%, third 18%, fourth 12%, fifth 9% and sixth 7%; thereafter the NRCHA payout schedule shall be followed.
G. All jackpot payouts shall follow the same payout schedule as outlined above.

Rule 19 - Refunds

A. Office charge is non-refundable. All other refunds will be upon request with a written statement, signed and dated, from your veterinarian if received by two weeks prior to the show.
B. No refunds on stall fee requests made after two weeks prior to the show.
C. Refunds of class entry funds only will be made upon presentation to the Show Management of a signed and dated veterinarian's certificate prior to the end of the show or event.
D. No refunds will be made for classes scratched without a veterinarian's certificate, signed and dated.

Rule 20 - Refusal of Entries

AHFA reserves the right to return or refuse any applicant's show entry package, for cause, including but not limited to the following causes:
A. The applicant's membership in AHFA is in bad standing;
B. The applicant has indicated or threatened an intent not to abide by the AHFA Bylaws and/or the rules and regulations as set forth in the AHFA Rule book;
C. The applicant has a history of giving non-sufficient fund checks or bad checks or bad funds to the Association and therefore will be required to submit a cashier's check;
D. Any other sufficient reason as stated in the AHFA Rule book.

Rule 21 - Scratches

A. Entry fee only for scratched classes without a Veterinarian's Certificate, signed and dated, are non-refundable.
B. If horses are scratched from one class, with permission from Show Management, and simultaneously added to another class, there will be no charge if values are the same.

Rule 22 - Show Management Reserves the Right to Split Any Classes

Proper notice with be posted in the Show Office and Barn Announcements will be made.  It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to keep themselves posted on any such splits.

Rule 23 - Schedule of Draws

A. Draws will be established by the last entry received shall go first, the second to last entry received will be second and so on until all entries have established an order of go.
B. If the event that a horse was entered properly and is left out of the draw, a re-draw will not be held. In order to establish a working order for this entry, show management will draw a numbered token based upon the number of entries in the class for the late entry. The token drawn shall designate the entry left out of the draw and shall work behind the token drawn. If 10 horses are in the class, and the token drawn is Number 9, then the entry shall work between draw 9 and 10. When this occurs in herd work, the appropriate number of cattle will be added to the set affected.
C. Once the draw has been finalized, the drawn position is the only position each entry may work in. All draws will be published at the Show Management office and if time allows, shall also be posted on the AHFA web site.

Rule 24 - Selection of Judges

A. The judge used for all working western events shall be from the roster of the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), no exceptions. This judge may be used for Western Riding, Limited Cow Horse, Team Penning and any other area where his/her expertise allows.
B. The judge for trail, native costume, any pleasure classes may also be used for the futurity/maturity sections if their expertise allows.
C. Any judge for trail, native costume, pleasure classes, futurity/maturity sections must be from the list of Judges, Appendix C, Section II. The only exception will be for an overseas judge invited for the futurity/maturity sections.
D. Selection of judges used will be determined by the Board of Directors of Arabian Horse Fair Association, the Executive Director (if there is one), and the Standing Committee Chairperson which applies (Show Standing Committee or Futurity Standing Committee), as defined in Section 13.2 of the Bylaws. If there should be no agreement amongst these individuals, the Board of Directors of Arabian Horse Fair Association shall make the selection of judges for all sections.
E. One judge is to be used for all Working Western events until such time as entries warrant more than one judge to be employed. Any show where the added money is more than $15,000 must use two or more judges.
F. There will be only one judge per class or section, unless otherwise specified in this rule book. Multiple judges may be used in the futurity/maturity sections.

Rule 25 - Judging System

A. When there is a major penalty marked by at least one judge, and at least one of the other judges did not mark this major penalty, a review of the penalty is mandatory. A major penalty is defined as a two (2) point penalty or greater in the working western events. In all other sections a major penalty is defined as an eight (8) point penalty or greater.
B. When two judges are used, both scores are combined.
C. When three judges are used, each judge scores a separate card and Show Management has the option of using all three scores and adding them together or comparing all three scores and the two closest scores are used, with the odd score being eliminated, (example, three scores are 72, 73, and 75, the total score is 145 [72 and 73 with the high score of 75 being eliminated]). If the scores are evenly divided, the lowest score is eliminated (example, three scores are 72, 72, and 73, the total score is 145 [72 and 73 with the lowest score of 71 being eliminated]).
D. When five judges are used, the high and low scores will be dropped, and the three remaining scores added.

Rule 26 - Ineligible to Compete

A. Any rider participating in a class, section, division, in which he/she is not eligible (or the horse he/she is riding is not eligible) will be placed on probation for a minimum of ninety (90) days for the first offense. Second and subsequent offense will result in a one year (365 days) suspension and a fine of $500. See Rule 97, Standing Rules Section.
B. When a horse/rider is found to be ineligible, the earnings and awards will be forfeited to Arabian Horse Fair Association.

Rule 27 - Advancement to Finals Section

A. If there should not be a minimum of ten (10) horses in any section, that section shall then become the Finals Section and shall be placed as such, example: seven (7) horses shall make a Top Seven and so on.
B. A minimum of ten (10) horses will advance to the finals for 50 entries or less. With more than 50 entries, ten (10) horses plus one (1) for every ten horses above 50 will advance to the finals with a maximum of 20 finalists. Ties for final placing will advance.
C. Each finalist will be assessed a finals fee for those finals of 50 entries or more.

Rules 28 - 35 - Reserved for Future Use

BREED STANDARDS

Rule 36 - Arabian Breed Standards

Comparatively small head, profile of head straight or concave below the eyes; small muzzle, large nostrils, extended when in action; large, round, expressive, dark eyes set well apart with white (sclera) showing in the eye not to be penalized (glass eyes shall be penalized); comparatively short distance between eye and muzzle; deep jowls, wide between the branches; small ears (smaller in stallions than mares), thin and well shaped, tips curved slightly inward; arched neck, set on high and running well back into moderately high withers, in balance with the rest of the body; long sloping shoulder well laid over with muscle; ribs well sprung; long, broad forearm; short cannon bone with large sinew; short back; loins broad and strong; croup to be comparatively horizontal, that is a croup not necessarily flat, but a good working croup allowing rear action to come well underneath the horse when traveling; natural high tail carriage. Viewed from rear, tail should be carried straight; hips strong and round; well muscled thigh and gaskin; straight, sound, flat bone; large joints, strong and well defined; sloping pasterns of good length; round feet of proportionate size. Height from 14.1 to 15.3 hands, with an occasional individual over or under. Fine coat in varying colors of bay, chestnut, gray and black. Dark skin, except under white markings. Stallions especially should have an abundance of natural vitality, animation, spirit, suppleness and balance.

EQUIPMENT

Rule 37- English Tack, Equipment and Attire Rules

A. Exhibitors may elect to wear coats of any tweed or black or melton for hunting (conservation wash jackets in season), breeches of traditional shades (or jodhpurs), high English boots or jodhpur shoes. When management permits riders to ride without jackets, riders must wear traditional, short, or long-sleeved riding shirts, chokers or ties are optional. Polo shirts and chaps are not permitted. Management or Judge may eliminate an exhibitor who is inappropriately attired. Dark or conservative hunting cap or derby is mandatory if not showing in over fence class. Hair should be neat and contained (as in a net or braid).
B. Protective Headgear is required of all exhibitors 18 years old and under riding in all over fence classes including Hunter Hack must wear properly fitting protective headgear passing applicable ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards while riding in the designated schooling exercise areas, the show ring and while jumping anywhere on the competition grounds. Harness must be secured and properly fitted. Any exhibitor violating this rule at anytime must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place.
C. AHFA strongly encourages all exhibitors to wear protective headgear passing or surpassing current applicable ASTM standards with harness secured while riding anywhere on the competition grounds. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor, or parent or guardian or agent or trainer of the junior exhibitor to see that the headgear worn by the junior exhibitor complies with appropriate safety standards for protective headgear intended for equestrian use, and is properly fitted and in good condition. AHFA, Show Committees, and Licensed Officials are not responsible for checking headgear worn by the junior exhibitor for compliance with these rules.
D. AHFA makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, about any protective headgear, and cautions exhibitors that death or serious injury may result despite wearing such headgear as all equestrian sports involve inherent dangerous risks and as no helmet can protect against all foreseeable injuries.
E. For classes calling for a snaffle bit, horse is to be shown in a light, show type bridle (English), single snaffle (defined as an unwrapped, smooth, rounded snaffle bit minimum 3/8 inch in diameter as measured one inch from the ring with gradual decrease to the center of the snaffle, half cheeks permitted), cavesson permitted. The rings may be from 2” to 4” outside diameter of either the loose type ring, egg butt, dee, mullen mouth, French snaffle, Dr. Bistol, or half cheek snaffle. The snaffle bit may be single jointed or unjointed.
F. In over fence classes, regular snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, all with cavesson nose bands, are allowed. A judge may penalize for non-conventional types of bits or nosebands. Competitors may be refused an award unless they return to the ring for conformation or soundness with the same complete bridle in which they have performed.
G. Classes whose specifications call for the advanced movements similar to the advanced movements of dressage, that is the Third and Fourth levels of dressage, the snaffle bit shall be as described by the US Dressage Federation. Examples are an ordinary snaffle with either single-jointed or double-jointed mouthpiece, snaffle with or without keepers or upper or lower cheeks, or a snaffle with a rotating mouthpiece. No double bridles are permitted, unless so specified in the class specifications.
H. Spurs may be used as an aid but any abusive use of spurs or spur marks will be cause for mandatory dismissal from this event. NO spur may be used forward of the girth at any time.
I. Martingales of any type are prohibited in hack and tie-breaking classes only. In Jumper classes only, a breastplate or breast collar and/or martingale are optional. Running martingales in jumper classes only, if used, must only be allowed in the conventional manner.

Rule 38 - Western Tack, Equipment and Attire Rules

A. Any person showing Western who is horseback in the show arena or an AHFA sponsored event must wear western attire including hats. The hat requirement may be waived at outside shows, in extreme weather conditions with the consent of the Show Management and the judge(s). Contestants must wear long-sleeved shirts or jackets with any type collar and buttons or snaps completely down the shirt front, and trousers or pants (one piece long sleeved equitation suit is acceptable provided it includes a collar). T-shirts and slipover knits are not permissible. Vests and sweaters may be worn over an appropriate shirt. Long sleeves must be worn rolled down. Chaps, shotgun chaps, or chinks, and boots are required. Spurs are optional at the discretion of the exhibitor.
B. Classes specifying snaffle bit only, any western type headstall without noseband in conjunction with an acceptable snaffle bit as described will be allowed. A standard snaffle bit is defined as loose type ring, dee or eggbutt. The mouthpiece will consist of a broken mouthpiece that is a minimum 5/16 inch diameter with a gradual decrease to the center bar. The rings will be from 2” to 4” outside diameter of either the loose ring type, egg butt, dee or center mounted without cheeks. Nothing may protrude below the mouthpiece (bar) such as extensions, prongs, or rivets designed to intimidate the horse. Reins must be attached to each side of the snaffle bit.
C. Curb straps, if used, must be flat leather at least 1/2" in width and lie flat against the jaws of the horse and allow two fingers width. Curb chains are not allowed.
D. If a curb strap is used it must be attached below the reins.
E. A hackamore includes a bosal rounded in shape and constructed of braided rawhide, leather or rope with absolutely no metal parts under the jaw or the noseband, no larger than 3/4" diameter at the cheek, attached to a suitable headstall. A judge must be able to pass two (2) fingers between the hackamore and muzzle completely around the horses's nose. (Smooth, plastic electrical tape is acceptable if applied in a smooth, untwisted manner, but no other material of any kind is to be used).
F. Silver equipment will not count over a good working headstall.

Rule 39 - Western Bit Other Than Snaffle

A western bit refers to a bit where the use of a curb bit has a solid or broken mouthpiece, has shanks and acts with leverage. All such western bits must be free of mechanical device and should be considered a standard Western bit. A standard Western bit includes:

A. 8 1/2” maximum length shank to be measured. Shanks may be fixed or loose.
B. Concerning mouthpieces, bars must be round, oval or egg-shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal of 5/16” to 3/4” in diameter, measured 1” from the cheek. They may be inlaid, but must be smooth or latex wrapped. Nothing may protrude more than 1/8th inch below the mouthpiece (bar).
C. The port must be no higher than 3 1/2” maximum, with rollers and covers acceptable. Broken mouthpieces, half-breeds, and spades are standard.
D. When a curb bit is used, a curb strap, not curb chain, is required and must be at least 1/2” in width, lie flat against the jaw, and be free of bars, wire, and/or twists.
E. A judge may prohibit the use of any bit or equipment that he/she deems to be severe and/or mechanically or physically altered to increase the severity of its use. Said judge may also require any piece of equipment to be removed or altered, if in her/his opinion would tend to give the horse/rider an unfair advantage.
F. Any definition of a spade bit ot a bit having the characteristics as described in the NRCHA rule book, Section Appointments & Equipment, must comply with the regulations of that organization or the entry will be disqualified.

Rule 40 - Reins

A. Split reins or closed reins are equally acceptable. Only one hand may be used on reins and hands must not be changed except to negotiate an obstacle in a Trail Horse Class. One hand to be around reins. One finger is permitted between reins when the ends of the split reins fall on the side of the reining hand.
B. When using romal or when ends of split reins are held in hand not used for reining, no finger between reins is allowed. Rider may hold romal or end of split reins to keep them from swinging and to adjust the position of the reins provided it is held with at least 16” spacing from the reining hand to the free hand.
C. Two hands may be used on hackamore (Bosal) and Western snaffle reins. Attached reins may be of hair, rope, or leather. Both hands must be visible to the judge.

Rule 41 - Saddle

A. Western - Any standard stock saddle is permissible, with silver equipment not to count for any additional points over a good working outfit. A saddle must have a horn, seat, pommel, cantle, skirt, fenders and western stirrups. Tapaderos may not be used. Silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit.
B. English - For the composite English class, an English-type saddle with no forward seat is to be used for English Pleasure mounts and a forward seat English-type saddle is to be used for over fence classes and Hunter Hack mounts.

Rule 42 - Boots and Spurs

A. Boots, polo wraps, ice boots and all such other equipment is prohibited. The exceptions are noted in Jumper Classes, Reined Cow Horse-Dry work and in Working Cow Horse classes, the use of shin, bell boots and/or protective bandages on the front legs and standard sliding or rundown boots on the rear fetlocks are permitted.
B. In the event of injury, the judge may permit a protective bandage. The use of soft leg wraps will be allowed. The use of gel-casts or any other hard-type cast bandage will not be permitted.
C. Spurs may be used as an aid but any abusive use of spurs or spur marks will be cause for mandatory dismissal from this event. At no time may a spur be used forward of the cinch.
D. In Jumper classes only, boots and bandages are permitted; however inspection may be made before horse enters arena. In the case of inclement weather, Show Management may permit the use of bell boots in addition.

Rule 43 - Equipment and Attire for in Hand Classes

A. Any mare or female may be shown in halter classes in a bride and snaffle. Snaffles may be used at any age, however, no pencil-thin snaffles are allowed.
B. A suitable headstall equipped with a throat latch is mandatory or a leather stable halter may be used. Halters should be sturdy and any horse who gets loose as a result of a broken halter shall be eliminated from the class.
C. Attire should meet the requirements of either Rule section 27a. or 28 a.

Rule 44 - Whip

A. Only three-year-old Colts or Stallions may be shown with a whip. No Fillies or Mares or Two-year-old Colts or younger may be shown with a whip.
B. A whip or crop is optional on three-year-old colts, at the discretion of the handler. One whip or crop per handler allowed (see whip rule above), however, whips are not mandatory and handlers are allowed to use items such as grass, hat and/or treats to maintain horse's attention.
C. In jumping classes only exhibitors/riders are prohibited from using a whip that is longer than 30" (75cm) while mounted and in the warm up arena or the show arena. A rider may not carry more than one whip. Whips that are weighted at the end are prohibited at any time.

Rule 45 - Prohibited Equipment

A. Slip or gag bits, rigid donuts or flat polo mouthpieces are prohibited.
B. Kimberwicke and elevator bits are not allowed.
C. Hackamore bits, cavesson type nosebands, tight nose bands and curb chains are prohibited.
D. No training gimmicks allowed including but not limited to tie downs, martingales, choke ropes, wire around the horse's neck, broom handle bits, any mechanical device giving the rider undue control over a horse, no front or back hobbles or hobbles of any kind, no draw reins, etc. With the exception of Jumping classes where the rules specifically state when and what classes, running martingales consisting of a divided strap attached to the girth or breastplate, the extension of each strap connected from the point of division only to the rein on the same side and free to slide and any other type are prohibited on the show grounds!
E. Except as noted in the Dressage rules, dropped, flash or figure-eight nosebands are prohibited.
F. Curb chains on English, Western bridle, show halters, or on anything are not to be used in an abusive manner and not to have created past or present any soring.
G. Any rein design or other device which increases the effective length and thereby the leverage of the snaffle bit is prohibited.
H. Round, rolled, braided or rawhide curb straps are prohibited, except when used on a ring snaffle when applied below the reins.
I. No wire, rawhide, metal or other substance can be used in conjunction with or as part of the flat leather chin strap, or curb chain.
J. No equipment intended to alter the natural appearance of the horse is permitted in the stables or any other place on the show grounds, or show arena, including neck sweats, neck collars, tail racks, or weights.
K. Horses must be shown without artificial appliances. Anything that alters the intended use of equipment as provided for in the description of appointments for a given class is considered to be an artificial appliance. This includes but is not limited to tongue ties and/or mouth ties. Action produced by artificial methods will cause the animal to be eliminated from competition.
L. Violations of any part of Rule 35, sub-sections a through k, all subsection parts, shall result in:

1) First offense - $100 minimum fine

2) Second offense - $200 minimum fine

3) Third and subsequent offenses within twelve (12) months - 6 month suspension and a fine not to be less than $500.