Back To Basics Horse Show Association (BBHSA) Show Rules

Back To Basics Horse Show Association

Of Fauquier (BBHSA)

P.O. Box 20

Catlett, VA 20119

540-788-3375

HorseXing@aol.com

"Family Fun for Everyone"

Show Rules

BBHSA Ground Rules

1. Registration for any class or event or presence on any show grounds is considered acceptance of these rules.

2. Neither Back to Basics Horse Show Association, its members, officers, show grounds, their designated representative, agents, employees, staff, guests, or sponsors will be responsible for any accident, injury, or loss which may occur to exhibitors, spectators, horses, or any other animals, vehicles, equipment or property at any show, event and/or activity.

3. American Quarter Horse Association and American Horse Show Association rules will be used as a guideline, with modifications by BBHSA rules, and class specification.

4. All entrants must show an original current Coggins Test (1 year) for each horse exhibited, and any other horse brought to the show grounds. Coggins will be checked at the gate, and anyone without such documentation will be refused entrance to the Show grounds. No exceptions! It is requested that, for the convenience of all concerned, that a copy of each Coggins be submitted for BBHSA's files at the first show.

Horses on premises not entered in any class are required to register and pay a registration fee of $6.00 for members and $10.00 for nonmembers plus the $2.00 judge’s fee per registration form. Riders' number must be displayed at all times.

5. Appropriate attire and tack is required for all classes. In lead line, only the rider is required to adhere to dress code. Helmets are required whenever in the ring (English). Helmets are required for ALL Riders 17 and under in any Timed Event, Speed or Game (Open) Classes. Usage of helmets for ALL riders while mounted is strongly encouraged for safety’s sake. Enforcement of barn, trainer and/or parental rules/requirements for wearing helmets outside the ring is the responsibility of parents, trainers or barns, not BBHSA.

6. Any class with four or fewer entries may be combined at the discretion of the show committee. Exhibitors will still be pinned within their division and points applied accordingly.

7. Excessive hitting of a horse in performance classes or timed events is an automatic disqualification. Inability to safely maintain control of the horse will also result in disqualification. No exceptions! The decision will be final and determined by the Judge, the Show Committee, or the Show Steward. Failure to abide by the decision of the Judge, the Show Committee, or the Show Steward will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will be handled accordingly.

8. At the discretion of the Show Committee, Board of Directors, Show Advisors, Ring Steward, or the Judge, any member, spectator, or participant who is abusive to any individual or animal, who shows unsportsmanlike conduct or demonstrates any behavior that is disruptive to the show, will be required to leave the show grounds for the remainder of that show. No refunds will be made for classes.

9. No alcoholic beverages, drugs or any other items of such nature will be allowed on the show grounds. Anyone in violation of this rule will be required to leave immediately. Violators will not be allowed to complete the show day, and no class fees will be refunded.

10. All dogs must be on a leash and be under the supervision of an adult. Any dog that displays aggressive behavior or is disruptive to the event will be required to be removed from the show grounds. No dogs are allowed near the registration both, announcer's stand, in the ring, near any concession or vendors booths. Proof of vaccinations must be available upon request.

11. No running, cantering/loping, or general horseplay will be allowed.

12. Do not ride near the show ring.

13. Children must be kept under control at all times. Playing around the Show grounds will not be permitted.

14. No mini-bikes, motorbikes, or bikes of any kind will be allowed on the premises.

15. Trailer and vehicle parking will be in designated areas only.

16. No horses are allowed near the registration both, announcer's stand, near any concession or vendors’ booths.

17. All stallions must be kept under control at all times. They are not to be left alone at any time. Owners/riders must be aware of their stallions’ behavior at all times. Participants must be 18 years of age to show/handle a stallion. All stallions must have Vicks Vap-O-Rub or equivalent applied to their noses.

18. It is everyone’s responsibility to pick up his/her trash and cigarette butts. Please be considerate. Do not put cigarettes out on the ground, carry a can and then dispose of in the trash. Do not leave trash on the grounds. Trashcans are provided.

19. All entry fees are due before entering the class. There will be no exceptions.

20. All entry fees are final. No refunds will be given for any reason with exception to injury of horse/rider.

21. A $30.00 fee will be applied to all returned checks and/or checks not being honored for any reason. The returned check fee and the amount of check must be paid by cash or money order.

22. All class entries must be made at least three (3) classes prior to entering the desired class. If you are not signed up in advance and class payment is not made, you will be considered a non-entrant.

23. The Show Committee will not tolerate any abuse towards the Judge, the Ring Steward, or the Show Committee. Participants will be required to leave the premises for the remainder of the show day and no class fees will be refunded.

24. The Judge, Ring Steward, or Show Committee has the right to dismiss anyone from any given class for not showing courtesy in the ring. Safety to each rider is the main concern. Cutting other participants off in the ring, crowding other participants into the rail or other unsportsmanlike-like behavior or conduct will be considered an act of discourtesy and shall be grounds for dismissal from the ring for the remainder of the class. If such behavior persists, the offender will be dismissed for the remainder of the show and no class fees will be refunded.

25. No unauthorized person(s) will be permitted in the ring at anytime during any class.

26. Riders may be disqualified for not being in the ring within two (2) minutes of the call for a class.

27. Timed Events exhibitors are not allowed to run in or out of the gate. The gate will be closed upon entry and horse must be stopped prior to the gate being opened for departure. Non adherence to this rule will result in disqualification.

28. Show day Division ties for Champion and Reserve Champion will be decided by the equitation class for each Pleasure Division and the Plug Barrel for each Timed Events Division. The equitation class will decide ties for the Highpoint Western and High Point English. The Plug Barrel class will decide the High Point Timed Events. If riders have the same number of points in the deciding classes then the pleasure and barrels classes will be used, and so on. The total equitation and plug barrel classes’ points will decide ties for the Combined Overall.

29. Each Horse/Rider combination will be issued a separate number. This is your BBHSA Show number for the year. Keep your number and bring it with you to each show! If the number is lost or destroyed you must replace it.

30. You must ride as a member, in 3 shows, in the same Division, same classes with the same Horse/Rider combination, to be eligible for year-end awards. To be eligible for the year-end overall versatility award you must ride as a member, in 3 shows in each English or Saddle Seat, Western and Timed Events, in the same Divisions, with the same Horse/Rider combinations. To be eligible for open class points to apply to the year-end overall versatility award you must ride in each, as a member, in 3 shows.

31. Rain dates have been set aside to be used at the discretion of the Show Committee. In the event of rain, please call (540) 788-3375 for a recorded message or check the announcement page on the BBHSA web page http://members.aol.com/HorseXing/bbhsa.htm. Members on the web page mailing list will be notified by email. Notification of a reschedule show will be made as soon as possible the morning of the show, but not before 6:00am.

32. Be Safe and Have Fun!

BBHSA TACK and ATTIRE (Dress) CODE

A. Bits

1. No horse age limitations for use of snaffle or shank bits.

2. Riders may ride with two hands in any riding style regardless of bit being used without be marked down by the judge.

B. Performance Class (mandatory dress)

1. English Classes

a. Hard Hat, derby

b. Stock, tie and choker

c. High English boots, Jodhpur shoes or Approved Riding Sports shoes - no street shoes or sneakers

d. Shirt

e. Coat

f. Breeches

g. Spurs, crop (optional)

h. Hair must be contained

i. Horse may not wear martingale, training fork, etc. (English Pleasure Classes)

j. Martingale is optional in over fences classes

2. Western Classes

a. Western hat or helmet

b. Tie (western type or bandana)

c. Belt

d. Boots (western type, dingo’s or Approved Riding Sports shoes - no street shoes or sneakers)

e. Shirt (must have collar and cuff; may wear turtleneck shirt or sweater, sleeveless or short sleeved under jacket, long sleeved under vest, or alone)

f. Pants

g. Vest, jacket, spurs, chaps (optional)

h. Gloves and chaps are optional in western equitation classes

i. Horse may not wear tie down, training fork, etc. (Western Pleasure Classes)

j. Hair must be contained

3. Driving Classes

a. Any suitable vehicle with appropriate harness for vehicle type and equine

b. Appropriate Driving attire is desired. However, English or Western attire as required for performance classes is acceptable.

4. Country Pleasure

a. Any suitable Tack and Attire, English, Western or Period, is allowed. Attire should match choice of tack.

b. Horse may not wear martingale, training fork, etc.

c. BBHSA Reserves the right to inspect bits and dismiss any one, without refund, if bit is determine to harsh

5. Saddle Seat

a. Appropriate Saddle Seat attire is desired. However, English attire as required for performance classes is acceptable.

b. Appropriate tack is desired. However, English tack as required for performance classes is acceptable.

c. Horse may not wear martingale, training fork, etc.

BBHSA Reserves the right to inspect bits and dismiss any one, without refund, if bit is determine to harsh.

6. Timed Event and Fun Classes

a. Belt

b. Boots

c. Western Shirt (may be T-shirt in clean and good taste to be determined by the show committee; turtleneck shirts; sweaters or Polo Style Shirt)

d. Pants

e. Vest, jacket, chaps, tie (optional)

f. Crop, tie down, training fork, etc. (optional)

g. Safety Helmet - 17 and under

Note: Helmets are required whenever in the ring (English). Helmets are required for ALL Riders 17 and under in any Timed Event, Speed or Game (Open) Class. Usage for ALL riders while mounted is strongly encouraged for safety's sake. Enforcement of barn, trainer and/or parental rules/requirements for wearing helmets outside the ring is the responsibility of parents, trainers or barns, not BBHSA.

CLASS SPECIFICATIONS

OPEN TO ALL BREEDS

Grooming & Showmanship: To be judged on the overall condition, cleanliness and show of horse. Required to show horse in hand at a walk and jog/trot either both direction of the ring or doing a pattern. Champion and Reserve Champion will be awarded out of the 1st and 2nd place winners in Class 1, 2 and 3. Points count toward end of day combined overall and end of year versatility award.

Lead Line Pleasure: For riders 8 years and younger as of January 1 each year (Age exceptions for handicapped or other disabilities). Classes judged at the walk only. Equitation to be judged on 90% rider and 10% mount. . At the Judges discretion any or all riders may be required to execute any appropriate commands for each riding style. Pleasure to be judged on 50% rider and 50% mount. Obstacle Course requires rider to follow a posted pattern with horse and rider being judged on manners and rider’s ability to negotiate pattern. English riders may be required to walk over cross rails in proper jump position. Horse and Rider compatibility is not to be considered a factor in judging. May not exhibit in any other classes/divisions except Grooming and Showmanship.

Short Stirrup Pleasure Divisions: Riders 12 and younger as of January 1 each year showing in Short Stirrup Western and Short Stirrup English or Saddle Seat 12 and under Division. Riders my not show in English Divisions and Saddle Seat under the same rider/number combination. Western classes judged at the Walk and Jog or Gait only. English classes judge at the Walk and Trot only. May not cross enter into any other divisions. Go-As-You-Please and Open Classes are the only classes in which the Short Stirrup may canter or lope. Horse and Rider compatibility is not to be considered a factor in judging. Short Stirrup Riders may only Trot or Gait in Saddle Seat. Please see Saddle Seat class description.

Senior (SR) Pleasure Divisions: Riders 18 and older as of January 1 each year showing in Western, English or Saddle Seat 13 and over Division. Riders may not show in English Divisions and Saddle Seat under the same rider/number combination. May not cross enter into any other divisions.

Junior (JR) Pleasure Division: Riders 17 years of age and younger as of January 1 each year showing in Western, English or Appropriate Age Saddle Seat 13 Division. Riders my not show in English Divisions and Saddle Seat under the same rider/number combination. May not cross enter into any other divisions.

Long Stirrup (LS) Pleasure Division: Riders 13 and older as of January 1 each year showing in Long Stirrup Western and Long Stirrup English or Saddle Seat 13 and Over Division. Riders my not show in English Divisions and Saddle Seat under the same rider/number combination. Western classes judged at the Walk and Jog or Gait only. English classes judge at the Walk and Trot only. May not cross enter into any other divisions. Go-As-You-Please and Open Classes are the only classes in which the Long Stirrup may canter or lope. Long Stirrup Riders may only Trot or Gait in Saddle Seat. Please see Saddle Seat class description.

Novice Horse (NH) Pleasure Division: For horses in their 1st and 2nd year of showing in a particular riding style. I.E. English, Western, Over Fences, Timed Events, etc. For horses in their 1st and 2nd year of showing in a particular riding style. I.E. English, Western, Over Fences, Timed Events, etc. May not cross enter into any other divisions and may not show in the English Divisions or Saddle Seat Divisions under the same rider/number combination. Horse may not be shown in any other divisions under different rider/number combination see number 1 under Notes. Go-As-You-Please, Open Classes and Timed Events are the only classes in which the Novice Horse may canter or lope. Horse may only Trot or Gait in Saddle Seat. Please see Saddle Seat class description. Horse may only Trot or Gait in Saddle Seat. Please see Saddle Seat class description.

Equitation (All Divisions): To be judged 90% Rider 10% Horse. At the Judges discretion any or all riders may be required to execute any appropriate commands for each riding style.

Equitation Over Fences: Rider has the choice of jump heights of 18", 2’ or 2’6". Choice must be made on class registration form at time of registration. Short Stirrup Division is 18” only. Long Stirrup Division 18” or 2’ only. Long Stirrup, Short Stirrup and Novice Horse courses are to be done at a trot only. Junior and Senior courses are to be done at a canter. Penalties will be accessed for breaking gait.

Open Command: At the “command” of the announcer, the horse has to perform the required gait. One stride is allowed for a transition. Counter canter and flying lead changes may be requested. Failure to perform the “command” eliminates the horse. Class will be placed in reverse order of elimination. Last horse remaining that performs all “commands” wins the class. Points count toward end of day combined overall and end of year versatility award.

Country Pleasure: To be shown at a walk, a smooth easy comfortable intermediate gait (Excessive speed may be penalized) and rack or fast gait (no Trot or canter). To be judge on manner, performance and suitability as a true country pleasure mount. Please note, suitability is of horse for this class, rider for horse, unless horse is determined to be to more than a rider can handle.

1. Country Pleasure 12 & Under: For Riders 12 years and under on Gaited Equines. Horses are required to perform 3 gaits, a Walk, a slow gait and a fast gait. Required to back readily and stand quietly. Horses should Park or Stretch in the line up for judges final inspection. May not cross enter into any other divisions except appropriate, western and timed events divisions. May not ride in the Non Gaited division under same or different rider/number combination.

2. Country Pleasure 13 & Over: For Riders 13 years and over on Gaited Equines. Horses are required to perform 3 gaits, a Walk, a slow gait and a fast gait. Required to back readily and stand quietly. Horses should Park or Stretch in the line up for judges final inspection. May not cross enter into any other divisions except appropriate, western and timed events divisions. May not ride in the Non Gaited division under same or different rider/number combination.

3. At the Judges discretion any or all riders may be required to execute any appropriate test (see items A, 1-8 below). When individual test are called for, the judge's opinion rests on 50-50 analysis of rail work and individual test. The fall of horse or rider does not necessarily cause elimination, but is penalized at the judge's discretion.

a. Appropriate Test: 1. Pick up reins (only in line up). 2. Circle at a Slow gait 3. Performance on the rail. 4. Performance around ring. 5. Feet disengaged from stirrups. Feet Engaged. In line-up only. 6. Back not more than 8 steps. 7. Circle at a Canter/Fast Gait. 8. Ride without stirrups for a brief period, no more than one minute, at a Slow Gait. Riders may be asked to engage stirrups at a halt or walk.

4.. All Riders showing in any of the Short Stirrup, Long Stirrup and Novice Horse Divisions under any rider/number combination may only Slow Gait and will be judge accordingly without being penalized.

5. Riders may not show in the Country Pleasure Divisions, the Saddle Seat Division and/or the English Divisions under the same rider/number combination.

Saddle Seat: A saddle seat horse should be thrilling to watch; extremely elegant, classy, and stylish. Saddle Seat riding is about animation. It is about a high head carriage with an arched neck, and lots of "action" or high-stepping, depending on the breed and way the horse travels. The canter should be very collected and slow, with the appearance of a rocking horse.

1. Saddle Seat 12 & Under: For Riders 12 years and under on Non Gaited Equines. Horses are required to perform 3 gaits, a Walk, a Trot and a canter. Required to back readily and stand quietly. Horses should Park or Stretch in the line up for judges final inspection. May not cross enter into any other divisions except appropriate western and timed events divisions. May not ride in the Gaited division under same or different rider/number combination.

2. Saddle Seat 13 & Over: For Riders 13 years and over on Non Gaited Equines. Horses are required to perform 3 gaits, a Walk, a Trot and a canter. Required to back readily and stand quietly. Horses should Park or Stretch in the line up for judges final inspection. May not cross enter into any other divisions except appropriate western and timed events divisions. May not ride in the Gaited division under same or different rider/number combination.

a. Appropriate Test:

1. Pick up reins (only in line up). 2. Circle at a Trot/Slow gait 3. Performance on the rail. 4. Performance around ring. 5. Feet disengaged from stirrups. Feet Engaged. In line-up only. 6. Back not more than 8 steps. 7. Circle at a Canter/Fast Gait. 8. Ride without stirrups for a brief period, no more than one minute, at a Trot/Slow Gait. Riders may be asked to engage stirrups at a halt or walk.

4.. All Riders showing in any of the Short Stirrup, Long Stirrup and Novice Horse Divisions under any rider/number combination may only Trot and will be judge accordingly without being penalized.

5. Riders may not show in the Saddle Seat Divisions, Country Pleasure Division and/or the English Divisions under the same rider/number combination.

Open Reining: Each contestant will perform the required pattern individually and separately. To rein a horse is not only to guide a horse, but the ability to control its' every movement. The best reining horse should be willfully guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely. Any movement on the horse's own part must be considered a lack of control. All deviations from the exact written pattern must be considered a lack of or temporary loss of control, and therefore faulted accordingly to severity of deviation. Credit will be given for smoothness, fitness, attitude, quickness and authority in performing the various maneuvers while using speed control.

Open Trial: To be run in a separate area from 10AM to 2PM.

1. Mounted. The horse and rider are required to follow a posted pattern with horse and rider being judged on trail manners, ability to negotiate obstacles and general knowledge of horsemanship. There is a three (3) try or one (1) minute limit, which ever occurs first, for each obstacle.

2. In Hand: The horse and handler are required to follow a posted pattern with horse and handler being judged on trail manners, ability to negotiate obstacles and general knowledge of horsemanship. There is a three (3) try or one (1) minute limit, which ever occurs first, for each obstacle.

3. Harnessed Ground Driving: The horse and driver are required to follow a posted pattern with horse and driver being judged on trail manners, ability to negotiate obstacles and general knowledge of horsemanship. There is a three (3) try or one (1) minute limit, which ever occurs first, for each obstacle.

4. No rider can ride a horse in any trail class that has been shown in the in hand or ground driving trail classes at any of the shows. Not even under different number of different rider number/combination.

5. If a Handler or Diver wishes move up to the mounted division, they may do so but must get a separate number and they cannot go back to the in hand classes at any of the shows and cannot move up to the mounted division at the same show they have done the In Hand or the Harnessed Ground Driving.

Open Driving (ODR): For all driving equines and all ages of drivers. Please note, Drivers under 10 years and younger must be accompanied by an experienced driving adult. If cart does not permit two people accompanying adult must be in the ring. The open Driving division is a stand-alone division and points accumulated do not count for year-end overall versatility. However, they do count for End of Year High Point. Open Driving classes may be split by size, single or Team and/or age if Necessary for safety.

Timed Events: Horses run a prescribed pattern for best time. A five-second penalty will be assessed for knocking down any prop. An exhibitor is disqualified if Horse steps on or out of the chalk in keyhole, or goes off course in any pattern. Note: For the driving division exhibitor is disqualified if cart is on line or out of the chalk in keyhole.

Short Stirrup and Long Timed Events: Short Stirrup 12 years and younger, Long stirrup 13 Years and older, as of January 1 each year. To be shown at a walk-trot or gait only. Exhibitors are allowed three canter strides before being assessed a five-second penalty. May not enter into any other division except appropriate Pleasure Divisions.

Lead Line Timed Events: For Riders 8 years and younger, as of January 1 each year. (Age exceptions for handicapped or other disabilities). To be shown at a walk-trot or gait only. Entrants must be accompanied by a handler (on foot) and must be accompanied on a lead line. Exhibitors are allowed three canter strides before being assessed a five-second penalty. May not enter into any other classes or division except appropriate Lead Line Pleasure Divisions.

Notes:

1. If a rider or horse moves up a division, they cannot go back. I.E. if a Lead Line exhibitor moves to Short Stirrup, he/she cannot go back to Lead Line, if a Short Stirrup exhibitor moves to an age division he/she cannot go back, if a novice horse moves to an exhibitor’s age division or a long/shirt stirrup division the horse cannot be moved back to novice horse.

2. If division is changed, points accumulated in the previous division will not be carried over to the new division.

3. Cross entering is defined as entering two divisions under the same rider/horse number combinations in the same riding style. It is not considered cross entering if a rider/horse exhibits in an age division in one riding style and also exhibits in a Novice Division in another qualifying riding style. I.E., if rider/horse exhibits in the SR Division for the English flat classes and a Novice Division for the Over Fences Classes or SR Division for Western Pleasure and a Novice Division for Timed Events, etc. it is not considered cross entering. SR or JR division exhibitors may exhibit in the novice horse division in the same riding style, on a different qualifying horse using a separate number for that rider/horse combination.

4. Riders cannot ride in the English pleasure divisions, Country Pleasure and/or the Saddle Seat divisions under the same number /rider combination. Rider s may not change from English to Saddle Seat or Vice Versa or Country Pleasure, Etc. once the rider/number combination has been assigned.

Please see Official rules posted In the 2008 Show Program. for any discrepancies in the rules posted on the Web and the 2008 Show program, the rules in she show program will apply.