Revised Summer 2008
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 1 2 3 Table Of Contents
KMSHA/SMHA Sanctioning Rules and Requirements...... 7-19
KMSHA/SMHA Show Rules and Regulations Part I General Provisions...... 22-28 1. Effective Date...... 22 2. Definitions...... 22 3. Participant Responsibility...... 25 4. General Eligibility...... 25 5. Status of Exhibitors...... 26 5.a. Members Status...... 26 5.b. Juvenile/Adult Status...... 27 5.c. Restrictions on Juveniles...... 27 5.d. Novice Rider Status...... 27 5.e. Amateur Status...... 27 5.f. Professionals...... 28 Part II Competition Standards and Privileges...... 29-30 1. Rating of Sanctioned Shows...... 29 2. Privileges...... 29 3. Procedures for Sanctioning and Event...... 30 Part III Provisions Regarding Show Management and Officials...... 30-33 1. Show Manager...... 30 1.a. Changes in Competition Schedule...... 30 1.b. Warm-up Areas...... 30 1.c. Controlled Areas...... 31 1.d. Records...... 31 1.e. Prize Money...... 31 1.f. Protests...... 31 1.g. Corrections...... 31 1.h. Reporting...... 31 1.i. Ring Master Duties...... 31 2. Duties of Announcer...... 32 3. Duties of Paddock Master...... 32 4. Status of Stewards...... 32 4.a. Scope of Authority of Steward...... 32 4.b. Reimbursement of Stewards...... 33 5. Removal of Shoes and Casting of Shoes...... 33 6. Disciplinary Action and Reporting...... 33 Part IV Exhibitors/Spectator Conduct for Sanctioned Events...... 33-35 1. Enforcement of Rules...... 33 2. Prohibited Conduct...... 33 3. Abuse of Animals at any Sanctioned Event...... 34 4. Prohibited Appliances...... 35 Part V Show Tack & Attire...... 35-42 1. Divisional Attire Standards...... 35 1.a. General...... 35 1.b. Saddle Seat Attire...... 36 1.c. Western Attire...... 36
4 1.d. Trail Obstacle and Country Trail Pleasure...... 36 1.e. In-Hand Attire...... 36 1.f. Pleasure Driving...... 36 1.g. Whips, Crops & Spurs...... 36 1.h. Equitation...... 36 2. Tack...... 38 2.a General Tack Requirements...... 38 2.b. Prohibited Items...... 38 2.c. Acceptable Tack...... 39 3. Bitting and Shoeing...... 41 3.a. Bitting...... 41 3.b. Shoeing...... 41 3.c. Prohibited Shoeing...... 42 3.d. Approved Shoeing...... 42 3.e. Shoeing of Weanlings & Yearlings...... 42 3.f. Repair Materials...... 42 Part VI Judging Standards...... 43-59 1. Standards for Exhibition In-Hand...... 43 2. Juvenile Showmanship...... 45 3. Divisional Standards for Exhibition Under Saddle...... 46 3.a. Country Trail Pleasure Division...... 46 3.b. Trail Pleasure Division...... 47 3.c. Classic Pleasure Division...... 48 3.d. Park Pleasure Division...... 49 3.e. Western Division...... 50 3.f. Equitation...... 52 3.g. Academy Equitation...... 53 3.h. Pleasure Driving...... 53 3.i. Trail Obstacle Classes...... 53-55 3.j. 4-Gait Pleasure Classes...... 56 4. General Judging Standards for Exhibition Under Saddle...... 56-59 4.a. Divisons...... 56 4.b. Cross Entry...... 57 4.c. General...... 57 4.d. Gait & Temperament...... 58 4.e. Type of Gait...... 58 4.f. Headset...... 58 4.g. Trail Walk...... 59 4.h. Show Gait...... 59 4.i. Pleasure Gait...... 59 4.j. Canter or Lope...... 59 4.k. The Reinback...... 59 Part VII Sanctioned Show Standards...... 60-63 1. Classes for Competition...... 60 2. Ring Protocol...... 61 2.a. General Information...... 61 2.b. Under Saddle Classes...... 61 2.c. Voluntary Requests to be Excused...... 62 2.d. Involuntary Dismissals from the Ring...... 62 2.e. Time Outs...... 62
5 2.f. Workouts...... 62 2.g. Distribution of Ribbons...... 63 3. Inhand Classes General...... 63 Part VIII Drugs and Medications Policy and Restrictions...... 64-65 1. General Information...... 64 2. Forbidden Substances...... 64 3. Drug Testing...... 64 4. Fees, Appeals of Drug Testing Results and Penalties...... 64 Part IX Rules Pertaining to Hearings and Disciplinary Actions...... 65-66 1. Submission of Protests and Complaints...... 65 2. KMSHA/SMHA SAC...... 65 3. Non-Protestable Decisions...... 65 4. Procedure for Complaints and Protests...... 65 5. Scheduling the Hearing...... 66 6. Conduct of Hearing...... 66 7. Decision...... 66
KMSHA/SMHA YOUTH VERSATILITY PROGRAM...... 68-71
KMSHA/SMHA Sponsorship Packages...... 75-80 Farm Sponsorship Packages...... 76 Corporate Sponsorship Packages...... 78
Appendix KMSHA/SMHA Breed Standards...... 86-89 Judges Program; Rules and Regulations...... 90-97 Terms and Definitions...... 98-99 Advertiser's Index...... 99 Judging Standards Conformation Score Sheet...... 100 Country Trail Pleasure...... 102 Trail Pleasure...... 103 Western Pleasure...... 104 Classic Pleasure...... 105 Park Pleasure...... 106 Equitation Patterns Equitation Pattern A...... 107 Equitation Pattern B...... 108 Equitation Pattern C...... 109 Academy Equitation Pattern...... 110 Trail Obstacle Score Sheet...... 111 Evaluation Forms Judge’s Evaluation (Show Management)...... 112 Judge’s Show Report...... 113 Judge’s Evaluation (Exhibitors)...... 114 Judge’s Report - Mail in front...... 115 Judge’s Report - Mail in back...... 116 Range of Motion Chart...... 117 KMSHA/SMHA Rider Card Application...... 118 Membership Application...... 120
6 KMSHA/SMHA Sanctioning Rules and Requirements
Changes for the 2008-2009 rulebook are shown in bold and underlined. The KMSHA/SMHA Sanctioned Show and High Point Awards program strives to 1). Reward owners and exhibitors who are dedicated to the promotion and showing of KMSHA/SMHA horses; 2). Provide all exhibitors, trainers and owners with established show rules and guidelines as set forth by KMSHA; 3). Promote sportsmanship, horsemanship, and fellowship among adults and to encourage participation by young riders in a controlled and structured show environment 4). Provide a place for KMSHA/SMHA horses with different ways of going to be rewarded in each division of the show program through high point award recognition. I. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS A. All individuals, including exhibitor, training, lessee and owner of a horse competing at National or Regional sanctioned shows, or who are participating in the High Point Award Program must be a “Member in Good Standing” (See Pg.27, 5. a.1) of the KMSHA/SMHA associations. Young riders competing for the Youth Versatility Award must also be current members in good standing of the KMSHA Youth Program. Memberships are annual and begin at the time the application is received in the KMSHA/ SMHA office. Individuals may apply for membership at any time throughout the year, however points will not count toward high point awards until after membership has been received. Current members whose membership expires during the show season will be granted a 30 day grace period from the time they receive their notice of renewal to renew membership and keep points current. B. All horses competing for high points at the regional or national level must be registered with either the KMSHA or the SMHA. All horses must be certified by their 3rd birthday in order to be shown. Temporary registration certificate will expire on any KMSHA/SMHA 4 year old horse who has not been certified by their 4th birthday and owner must pay for both a new registration and certification for the horse to be reinstated to the Breed books. C. No member may be arbitrarily approved as a “show manager” or be placed in control of any high point sanctioned national or regional show unless appointed and approved by the KMSHA Board of Directors. II. SANCTIONING REQUIREMENTS (The words Show and Show Manager are synonymous when used in the following paragraphs) A. National and/or Regional Sanctioned Shows are selected and approved by the KMSHA National Show Director, the Show Committee and the KMSHA Board of Directors based on the ability to fulfill the following requirements: B. Shows applying to be sanctioned must agree to meet the minimum requirement for classes at the national or regional level. The minimum requirement for classes is determined by the KMSHA.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 7 C. Shows applying to be sanctioned must submit with their applications a $150 sanctioning fee for a national show, or a $100 fee for a regional fun/schooling show. The granting of sanctioned status is a privilege not a right. In the event KMSHA/SMHA declines to sanction an event, the sanctioning fee shall be refunded to the applicant. D. Shows applying to be sanctioned must agree to hire a certified HIO or a licensed veterinarian to enforce the provisions of the federal Horse Protection Act. Show managers are reminded that only a certified HIO meets the federal requirements necessary to remove liability from show management should a sore horse be discovered on the show grounds. A copy of the contract with the HIO or the licensed veterinarian must be provided to the KMSHA/SMHA as soon as the services are arranged. Affiliation with a certified HIO must be included on the show bill for each sanctioned event, along with the statement that: “ Any person serving a disqualification suspension for violation of the HPA may not transport horses to the show and may not take part in the show in any way except as a spectator.” E. Each year “Rider’s cards” will be made available to all exhibitors. These cards are required in order to compete in a KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned event. Rider’s cards may be obtained through the KMSHA Office or at KMSHA sponsored events. See Section XI for additional information. F. Shows applying for sanctioning agree to check official KMSHA/SMHA rider’s cards when taking entries and further agree to refuse entry to any exhibitor not in possession of a valid card for the current competition year. G. Shows applying to be sanctioned agree to use the standardized judges’ cards and entry class sheets provided by KMSHA/SMHA. H. Shows applying for sanctioning must return a complete application packet, accompanied by the sanctioning fee. Incomplete applications, or applications without the appropriate fee, will be returned to the show manager without approval. I. Shows applying to be sanctioned agree to hand over all judges cards and class sheets at the end of the show to a KMSHA/SMHA representative, who will return them to the KMSHA office. If representative is not available, then cards and class sheets with placings will be turned into the KMSHA office within 15 days of the show. J. Shows applying for sanctioning agree to provide class sheets and payment to the certified HIO in accordance with the terms of service contract. K. Shows applying to be sanctioned at the national or regional level agree to use only a licensed KMSHA/SMHA judge as assigned by the Independent Director of Judging [IDJ]. Special application for a guest license may be made to the IDJ, but these licenses will be granted only upon completion of the required rule materials obtained from the IDJ and only when a licensed judge is not available for assignment. Sanctioned fun/schooling shows need not use a licensed judge, but are encouraged to use apprentice KMSHA/SMHA judges whose names may be obtained from the IDJ. In order for regional points to count for the KMSHA/
8 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined SMHA High Point Program, the judge selected for a fun/schooling show must be approved by the IDJ and must have completed the required judges’ training materials provided by the IDJ. L. Shows applying to be sanctioned agree to be responsible for the payment of all fees and expenses related to the show, including the contracted rate for the licensed judge assigned by the IDJ and any other officials who work the show. M. Shows applying to be sanctioned must have all paperwork completed and in place with the KMSHA/SMHA by March 1st of the current competition year to be considered for sanctioning and rating. Applications received after March 1st will be considered only on a case by case basis. N. Shows applying to be sanctioned agree to provide a showbill and/or list of classes with show management contact information to KMSHA office by March 15 of the competition year. O. Shows applying to be sanctioned agree to abide by all KMSHA/SMHA rules and regulations. P. Shows applying to be sanctioned must ensure that each horse entered in competition is registered with the KMSHA/SMHA, must be certified by their 3rd birthday to be shown (a gold certification seal will appear on the permanent registration papers of the horse) and that each rider/owner/trainer is a current member in good standing with the KMSHA/SMHA. Q. Should a sanctioned show desire to change its rating for a competition year, it must make application for the change 30 working days before the first class of the sanctioned show is held. R. Should a sanctioned show desire to add or delete classes from its program, the changes must be submitted to KMSHA/SMHA a minimum of 14 working days before the first class of the sanctioned show is held. Classes deleted because of insufficient entries or inclement weather are not included in this requirement. S. Sanctioned shows must provide a warm-up area with good footing near the competition area and must provide a controlled area immediately adjacent to the competition arena for horses that have passed inspection for compliance with the HPA. The inspection area and holding area must have adequate lighting in the event of an evening show.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 9 T. If sanctioning is granted to a show by the KMSHA/SMHA an official notice of sanctioning must be posted in a visible location in the show office and must remain posted for the duration of the show. U. Sanctioned shows agree to have available in the show office the KMSHA/SMHA Judge Evaluation form and agree to forward completed forms to the KMSHA Office when judges’ cards and class lists are finalized. V. KMSHA feels that sanctioned shows would be better attended by exhibitors if show starts times were no earlier than 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon, due to the heat and the fact that many exhibitors are required to work on Saturday. This is only a suggestion as a way to gain better attendance to sanctioned shows and not a rule or requirement. It is up to show management to have the final say in start time. Note: All shows and classes approved and sanctioned each season by the KMSHA are governed by the KMSHA/SMHA rules and regulations and are subject to the final determination and decisions of the KMSHA Board of Directors. III. RATING OF SANCTIONED SHOWS A. National Sanctioned Shows will be rated according to the criteria below: “AA” rated show (sanctioned as a single day show) A. Payment of Prize Money ( $140 and above per class; championship classes may be paid at a higher rate at the discretion of show management) B. Minimum of 27 Required Classes (section VII. A) C. Shows which meet the minimum number of classes may also add additional classes from the list of approved classes in section VII. B and/or X. (additional national classes) D. Any Region outside of Kentucky may offer $0-$99 in paybacks. "AaA” rated (can be sanctioned as a single day or a multi- day show) A. Payment of Prize Money ( $160 and above per class; championship classes may be paid at a higher rate) B. Minimum of 42 required classes (section VII.B) each day C. Must have facilities with an adequate number of stalls available for overnight stabling D. Shows which have met the minimum number of required classes may add additional classes from the list of approved classes in section X. (additional national classes). B. Regional Sanctioned Shows will be rated according to the criteria below: “A” Rated Regional Fun/Schooling Show A. Payment of prize money 0-$99 (championships may be paid at a higher rate) B. Minimum of 7 regional classes (Section VIII.G Regional Classes) as determined by the regional representative. If no regional representative is available, the National Show Director shall make the final determination of classes to be used for tabulation for year –end awards.
10 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined IV. HIGH POINT SYSTEM FOR REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SHOWS
A Regional Fun/Schooling Show AA National Show AA A National Show 1st place 10 points 1st place 20 points 1st place 30 points 2nd place 9 points 2nd place 18 points 2nd place 27 points 3rd place 8 points 3rd place 16 points 3rd place 24 points 4th place 7 points 4th place 14 points 4th place 21 points 5th place 6 point 5th place 12 points 5th place 18 points
(Regional High points are exclusive and may not be credited towards National points for any reason ) V. Class Definitions A. Classes designated as KMSHA or SMHA are open only to horses registered in that association. Classes designated as KMSHA/SMHA are open to horses registered in either association. Novice, Amateur, and Juvenile classes are open to Spotted Mountain Horses. Classes designated as “open” are open to any sex, mares, stallions, and geldings. B. “Open” classes are open to adult riders 18 years of age and older. C. Juvenile exhibitors’ who become 18 years of age during the show year may elect to show as an adult by registering as such by the beginning of the show season. An 18 year old who elects to show as an adult, may show a Stallion under saddle. D. Juvenile exhibitors 17 years and younger may not show in a Novice or Amateur class. Juvenile exhibitors may not show stallions. VI. Award Announcements A. Show results with current standings will be published on the website: www.kmsha.com. B. 1st through 3rd place awards are given at the KMSHA/SMHA Annual Awards Banquet. Winners will receive written or electronic notification that they have received an award. C. National High Points will count the top 10 shows of each exhibitor and/or horse in each division in which they compete. A national high point class must be held at a minimum of 3 shows in order for an exhibitor and/or horse to be eligible to receive an award. D. Exhibitors and/or horses must compete in a minimum of 3 shows to be eligible to receive an award. E. If a tie occurs between two or more exhibitors and/or horses the next show for each exhibitor and/or horse will be counted until the tie is broken. F. Regional High Points will count all shows if less than 10 or the top 10 if more than 10 shows. VII. NATIONAL SHOW CLASS REQUIREMENTS A."AA” National High Point Shows (27 Required Classes) KMSHA/SMHA Open Country Trail Pleasure
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 11 KMSHA Open Mares/Geldings Trail Pleasure KMSHA Open Stallions Trail Pleasure KMSHA Open Mares/Geldings Classic Pleasure KMSHA Open Stallions Classic Pleasure KMSHA Open 5 & Older Park Pleasure KMSHA Open 4 & Under Park Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open AOT Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open AOT Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Park Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Novice Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Novice Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA 14.3 & Under Open Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 11 & Under Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 11 & Under Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 11 & Under Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 12-17 Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 12-17 Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 12-17 Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Park Pleasure KMSHA Ladies’ Open Classic Pleasure KMSHA Men’s Open Classic Pleasure SMHA Open Trail Pleasure SMHA Open Classic Pleasure Shows that choose to offer the inclusion of Championship Classes, in addition to the classes required, as listed above, please note: Exhibitors must have shown [defined as completed the class and the lineup] in a qualifying class first in order to compete in any championship class. B."AAA" National High Point Shows (42 Required Classes) KMSHA/SMHA Open Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA 2 & 3 year Old Open Trail Pleasure KMSHA 4 year Old Open Trail Pleasure KMSHA Open Ladies’ Trail Pleasure KMSHA Open Men’s Trail Pleasure KMSHA Open Mares/Geldings Trail Pleasure KMSHA Open Stallions Trail Pleasure KMSHA 2 year Old Open Classic Pleasure KMSHA 3 year Old Open Classic Pleasure KMSHA 4 year Old Open Classic Pleasure KMSHA Ladies’ Open Classic Pleasure KMSHA Men’s Open Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA 14.3 & Under Open Classic Pleasure KMSHA Open Mares/Geldings Classic Pleasure
12 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined KMSHA Open Stallions Classic Pleasure KMSHA Open 5 & Older Park Pleasure KMSHA Open 4 & Under Park Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open AOT Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open AOT Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Park Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Novice Rider Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Novice Rider Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA 14.3 & Under Open Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 11 & Under Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 11 & Under Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 11 & Under Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 12-17 Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 12-17 Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 12-17 Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Park Pleasure SMHA Open Trail Pleasure SMHA Open Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Country Trail Pleasure Championship KMSHA Trail Pleasure Championship KMSHA Classic Pleasure Championship KMSHA Park Pleasure Championship KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Country Trail Pleasure Championship KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Trail Pleasure Championship KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Classic Pleasure Championship Exhibitors must have shown in a qualifying class in order to compete in any championship/grand championship class. VIII. REGIONAL AWARD PROGRAM AND CLASS REQUIREMENTS (No regional classes at International 2008, but will resume in 2009.) A. There are 13 Regional Areas and two National Divisions for the 2008-2009 Regional High Point Program. Check the current KMSHA News or the KMSHA website to find who the Regional Reps are for your region. Or call the KMSHA office at 502 863-3545.
1) Pacific Northwest (WA & OR) ...... Gary Blake ...... 541-383-3059 2) Pacific (CA)...... Dawn Hansen ...... 707-888-4600 3) Mountain (MT, WY, NV, UT)...... Shelly Spradlin ...... 208-747-3713 (MT)...... Jack & Anne Williamson.. 406-429-5140 4) Midwest (AZ, NM, CO)...... Jennifer Nichol ...... 970-856-4760 Amanda Butler...... 520-444-4211 5) Southern (NB, KS, OK, TX, AR, LA, MS)...... Tommy Jackson...... 662-507-8335
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 13 6) Southeast (TN, NC, SC, GA, AL, FL) ...... Conrad Skidmore...... 352-302-8022 7) Eastern (WV, VA) ...... Vonda Hamilton ...... 910-891-5022 Stephanie Pennell ..... 540-927-0126 8) Kentucky ...... Norman Spradling ..... 502-299-6763l Tracey Burchell ...... 859-885-2583 9) Northern ( ND, SD, MN)...... Brian Olsen...... 507-273-3694 10) Central (WI, IO, IL, MO)...... Bill & Deb Dietz ...... 815-369-4334 11) Ohio Valley...... Gail Shumaker ...... 330-659-0680 Onvetta Herrin ...... 317-539-2920 12) Indiana...... Harrison Harden ...... 812-236-0373 David Fry...... 574-857-2902 13) Northeast (PA, NJ, NY, NH, VT, MA,ME, CT)...... Wendy Jordan ...... 717-284-2472
B. Exhibitors and/or riders competing in region designated classes must be resident within that region in order to be eligible to compete in regional classes; Professionals are not eligible for regional classes at the KMSHA International. Exhibitors are eligible to receive high points from one of the 13 regions listed previously. Regions must offer at least three sanctioned shows in order to be eligible for Region High Point Awards. Exhibitors must have competed in a minimum of 3 regional sanctioned shows to be eligible to receive a high point award. C. Each Region will be required to offer a minimum of 7 classes (regional classes as listed in Section G below) at each show and pay a $100 affiliation fee per show to qualify for “A” sanctioned regional rating. D. KMSHA will award seven (7) Regional Awards per region. The regional representative(s) will pre-select the seven (7) high point classes to be awarded by KMSHA. The entire region will work toward those seven (7) high point classes. Additional Regional High Point awards may be added for each region at the region’s or club’s expense. Please contact the National Show Director with the 7 pre-selected classes. Regional representatives will need to contact show managers with the selected 7 high point classes. Although 7 classes are the minimum required for sanctioning, shows are encouraged to add additional classes from the Required High Point classes. E. Regions will select their classes from Section G below for their High Point Program. If a region needs assistance in selecting classes, please contact the KMSHA/SMHA Show Coordinator. F. All regional classes are open to KMSHA and SMHA registered horses. G. KMSHA/SMHA Regional Classes, except Kentucky (must select a minimum of 7) Open Country Trail Pleasure Open Western Pleasure Open Trail Pleasure Open Classic Pleasure Open Park Pleasure Open Amateur Country Trail Pleasure Open Amateur Trail Pleasure Open Amateur Classic Pleasure
14 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined Open Amateur Park Pleasure Open 14.3 & Under Classic Pleasure Juvenile 17 & Under Country Trail Pleasure Juvenile 17 & Under Trail Pleasure Juvenile 17 & Under Classic Pleasure Juvenile 12-17 Park Pleasure Open Novice Rider Country Trail Pleasure Open Novice Rider Trail Pleasure Academy Equitation Juvenile 17 & Under or Adult 18 & Over (allowed only at sanctioned fun/schooling shows) Kentucky Region Only: Kentucky Regional Classes are not open to professional riders. The following 7 classes will be used as the KY Region High Point Award classes and must be offered at sanctioned regional shows within the state of Kentucky: 7 required classes KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Amateur Park Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Classic Pleasure H. Regional Sanctioned Shows must place the abbreviation of the region prior to the title of the class. This designates the class as a regional class, i.e. NW Open Classic Pleasure. If the regional designation does not appear on the published show bill, the class will not be counted for the final year-end tabulation of awards. I. At the discretion of the regional representative, Amateur and Novice classes may be designated for men or for women. Juvenile classes may be divided into 12-17 and 11 & under divisions. J. KMSHA/SMHA International Grand Championship Regional Classes 1. Any exhibitor competing in the above named Regional High Point Classes in any of the designated 13 regions will have the opportunity to compete in the KMSHA International Grand Championship regional classes in October each year. (Not Open To Professional Riders) 2. Exhibitors must have shown at least once in their region, at a regional sanctioned show, in the current show season to be eligible to compete at the International Grand Championship in the regional division.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 15 IX. Sanctioned Fun/Schooling Show Guidance A. Although any one may attend a fun or schooling show, sanctioned fun/schooling shows are intended to be entry level opportunities primarily for people who are considering showing on the national circuit, for young riders and novices just getting used to showing, for people who have been absent for years from the show rings, and for horses who are becoming acquainted with the show ring environment. . These shows, although casual, are still guided by the rules and regulations of the KMSHA/SMHA rulebook, in so far as class descriptions, tack requirements, and gait requirements are outlined. B. Sanctioned fun/schooling shows are not required to use a KMSHA/SMHA licensed judge, but they are encouraged to avail themselves of the apprentice judges currently listed with the KMSHA. If the show chooses to use a judge from outside the KMSHA/ SMHA program, the judge must first have passed a test on the KMSHA rule book, reviewed the Judges’ Video tape, and have received a guest card from the KMSHA IDJ. Show managers are responsible for assisting judges in obtaining these credentials. If the show judge is not approved by the IDJ at the time of the show, the points from the regional classes held at the show will not be counted towards end of year awards. C. Attire is more casual at a sanctioned fun/schooling show, but riders must still be neat and tidy in the presentation of their horses and in their own persons. In all classes shirts must be collared with sleeves, either long or short. In the absence of a jacket, shirts with sleeves ripped out with salvage edges showing are not appropriate for any level of horse show class and are not acceptable at any sanctioned show. Tee shirts are not allowed in any regional class where high points are available. D. All riders must wear a boot with a heel in all classes. Helmet requirements as defined in the KMSHA rulebook also apply to all riders 11 & under on the grounds of any sanctioned show, to include fun and schooling shows. E. Participants in Academy Equitation classes are required to wear a long or short sleeved white or pastel colored shirt, black pants, preferably Kentucky Jodhpur with tie downs, a four in hand tie of conservative color, gloves, and an English style boot with a heel. Saddles and bridles must represent the English tradition of riding. The helmet rule applies in equitation for riders 11 & under. Hair must be neatly confined in equitation classes. X. ADDITIONAL NATIONAL CLASSES The following classes may be added at the discretion of the show management for all KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned shows, once the initial sanctioning requirements are met. Show management may also offer optional classes that are not included on this list. Please note: All Amateur, Novice, Juvenile, Open 4 Gait Pleasure, Western Pleasure, and Country Trail Pleasure Classes are open to registered/certified SMHA horses. KMSHA/SMHA 4 Gait class (canter required) KMSHA/SMHA Weanling Conformation KMSHA/SMHA Yearling Conformation KMSHA/SMHA 2 & 3 Year Old Open Conformation KMSHA/SMHA 4 & Older Open Conformation
16 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined KMSHA/SMHA 2 & 3 Year Old Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA 2 & 3 Year Old Open Trail Pleasure KMSHA 2 Year Old Fillies and Geldings Classic Pleasure KMSHA 2 Year Old Stallions Classic Pleasure KMSHA 2 & 3 Year Old Fillies and Geldings Classic Pleasure KMSHA 3 Year Old Stallions Classic Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Equitation KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Showmanship KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Western Pleasure KMSHA Open Ladies’ Trail Pleasure KMSHA Open Men’s Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Novice Rider Country Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Open Western Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Trail Obstacle (may be broken down into age divisions) KMSHA/SMHA Country Trail Pleasure Championship KMSHA Trail Pleasure Championship KMSHA Classic Pleasure Championship KMSHA Park Pleasure Championship KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Trail Pleasure Championship KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile 17 & Under Classic Pleasure Championship KMSHA/SMHA Jack Benny 55 and Over- Open Men & Woman KMSHA/SMHA 14.3 and under, Trail Pleasure KMSHA/SMHA Speed Class SMHA Park Pleasure A. Conformation Classes can be broken down into Stallions, Mares& Geldings, Colts and Fillies. B. Amateur and Novice classes may be divided into Men's and Ladies' classes at the discretion of Show Management. XI. RIDERS CARDS A. By decision of the KMSHA Board of Directors under advisement by the Trainers and Exhibitors Committee, all riders will be required to hold a current KMSHA Rider’s Card. Cards will be issued for Professional, Amateur, Novice and Juvenile Rider. Each card designation iand carries an appropriate fee designated by the KMSHA. Call the office for the current fee. Riders will be given a number with the prefix of rider registration status. Example: J-100 for Juvenile, N-100 for Novice, A-100 for Amateur and P-100 for Professional. This will be required on all entry forms for each rider. B. The Rider’s Card must be presented to the Show Office for each show when making an entry at a KMSHA National or Regional sanctioned event or at sanctioned fun shows when competing in the available regional high point classes. C. The abbreviated definition for each category of rider will appear on the card; Professional – a person who takes compensation in any form for the training or riding of horses; Amateur – a person who does NOT take compensation or gifts for the training or riding of horses;
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 17 Novice – an amateur (as stated above) who has not won more than three blue ribbons in a Show season with the KMSHA. Once a Novice Rider wins their 3rd blue ribbon in a given season in any combination of classes, they may continue to finish that Hi-Point season without penalty, but loose their Novice status permanently. Juvenile – a person under the age of 18 during the competition year, who does not take money or gifts for the training or riding of a horse and has not declared themselves to be an adult for the competition year.
Owners of horses whose riders have chosen designations for each season are also responsible for their riders to maintain their designations and not to violate any ruling of the KMSHA.
D. Rider’s Cards will be available through the KMSHA Office and at Sanctioned Shows. An application is also available in the Appendix of this rulebook. E. Exhibitors competing in KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned fun/schooling shows are not required to have Rider’s Cards, unless they are showing in regional classes and competing towards end of year high point awards.
The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association holds all Show Managers Responsible for being knowledgeable of the Rules and Regulations of this KMSHA Rulebook. ###
18 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 2008-2009 Application for Sanctioning Return this form to: KMSHA PO Box 1405 Georgetown, Ky 40324
Show Name ______
Date(s) ______Location (city/state) ______
Show Manager ______Contact No. ( )
Other Contact Person ______Contact No. ( )
Address ______
DQP Affiliation (list name – FOSH) ______Note: FOSH "Friends Of Sound Horses" is the only pre-approved HIO by the KMSHA. Any other HIO to be chosen, needs to be approved prior to sanctioning a KMSHA Show.
Show Rating – Shows are rated according to criteria below (please check appropriate box)
q A Regional Fun or Schooling Show (payment of prize money = $0-$99 per class) Sanctioning Fee of $100. 7 required classes. (No DQP Required)
q AA National Show (1 day show) Payment of prize money = $140 and above per class. Sanctioning Fee of $150. 26 required classes.
q AAA National Show (1 day or 2 day show) Payment of prize money = $160 and above per class. Sanctioning Fee of $150. 41 required classes. Must have facilities with an adequate number of stalls available for overnight stabling.
I request sanctioning of the show described above as a KMSHA/SMHA High Point event. I agree to provide a core group of classes as required above by KMSHA/SMHA and understand that I may include additional optional classes as may be appropriate for my audience. I agree to provide all requested information to KMSHA prior to the show, including a complete class list and the amount of the premium for each placement in each class. I understand I am responsible for checking the official registration/certification (gold embossed seal) of KMSHA/SMHA horses that compete in the sanctioned show that I am requesting sanctioning for as well as checking memberships and rider cards of all exhibitors upon pre-entry registration. KMSHA/SMHA registration/certification and membership applications are usually available from representatives on the show grounds if needed. I am also responsible for reading and understanding the rules and regulations as presented to me by the KMSHA/SMHA contained in the Official Rulebook. I understand that I must use an assigned licensed judge as provided by the KMSHA Independent Director of Judges. I understand that a KMSHA steward and/or KMSHA official may attend this event and that said person(s) have the authority on the show grounds to inspect the show and see that the rules and regulations are carried out as described in the KMSHA/SMHA 2008-2009 rulebook. I understand that a licensed veterinarian or DQP is required for all KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned show, no DQP is required at Regional Fun/Schooling Shows, and if a DQP is not to be used, this must be disclosed on the application. (KMSHA recommends that FOSH be the HIO chosen to provide DQP's in all of its events.) I understand that KMSHA/SMHA will include this show in its national advertising campaign and may provide exhibitors certain incentives to attend the show such as additional prizes or prize money awards in specific classes. I agree that KMSHA shall have the right to take videos of any sanctioned show and the KMSHA has permission to take such videos and owns the exclusive rights to such videos. I agree to provide to KMSHA all reports, copies of class sheets, show results, and other material necessary for audit of the KMSHA/SMHA High Point show to the proper KMSHA representative at the conclusion of the show. I understand that failure to follow KMSHA rules for sanctioned shows and failure to provide reports and forms needed by KMSHA after the show, may affect sanctioning status.
Show Manager: ______Signature: ______DATE: ______
Please return this form, a copy of your show bill and/or list of classes, and the sanctioning fee to: KMSHA PO Box 1405 Georgetown, KY 40324. Make checks payable to KMSHA. If you have any questions regarding sanctioning with Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association, please contact KMSHA office (502) 863-3545. Thank you for choosing to be a KMSHA/SMHA Sanctioned Show!
19 20 21 Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association (KMSHA) and Spotted Mountain Horse Association (SMHA) Show Rules And Regulations
Changes to 2008-2009 rules are shown as bold and underlined.
KMSHA/SMHA Statement of Judging Philosophy
All horses exhibited at KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned shows are to be judged in a positive manner. Entries whose performance and appearance comes closest to meeting the “ideal” standard as defined in the Show Rules & Regulations should always be at the top of the card. The remainder of a class is to be tied using a descending scale of performance and/or appearance. The standard moves from ideal to average, from average to below average, as defined by the current rules and regulations of the KMSHA/SMHA and as further defined in the judging standards outlined for each division and in the appendices. The emphasis on judging at KMSHA/SMHA events is always based upon positive conformance to the breed standards established by the KMSHA/SMHA. Judges must remember that the objective of the KMSHA/SMHA Show Program is to consistently advance the future of the breed by recognizing and selecting in every class, in every division, in every discipline, the horses that best meet the breed standards.
Part I General Provisions 1. Effective Date. These Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association (KMSHA) Show Rules and Regulations (Rules) will become effective as of the date of this printing, and remain in force as/until amended from time to time by the Registries. These Rules shall also apply to all Spotted Mountain Horse Association (SMHA) sanctioned events. The Rules as printed in the most recent KMSHA/SMHA Rulebook shall be used at all KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned shows for KMSHA/SMHA classes, and at the KMSHA/SMHA International Grand Championship Show, unless otherwise amended by KMSHA/SMHA. Amendments may appear as necessary in both the KMSHA Magazine [KMSH News] and the official KMSHA/SMHA website [www.kmsha.com]. Publication in either of these forms constitutes official notification to all members of modification of the rules. All modifications to the rules become effective immediately upon publication. 2. Definitions. 2.a. Agent. Any individual authorized to act on behalf of another individual or legal entity. 2.b. Calling a Class to Order and Completion of Classes. Judging begins as soon as the horse and rider enter the gate. Horses should be in the correct gait and correct range of motion for the class division. Gate calls are three (3) minutes in length per class. A warning must be given to announce that the three-minute clock has begun. The class is considered to be complete when all of the requirements of the class have been met and the judge has turned in a signed card. 2.c. Competition Year. The KMSHA/SMHA competition year shall run from January 1 through December 31.
22 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 2.d. Disqualification. A disqualified entry/competitor is one that is excluded from placing in a class or is removed from the entire competition for cause or bad image (see Part I, Section 4G). Show Managers may disqualify entries/competitors at KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned events. Disqualification can take place after an entry/competitor has been tied and left the ring. If an entry/competitor is disqualified after the completion of a class, awards and prizes must be forfeited and returned to show management. Failure to return prizes and awards when asked to do so may, at the discretion of KMSHA/SMHA, result in the suspension of the entry and/or competitor from all KMSHA/SMHA events until the prizes and awards are returned. 2.e. Elimination. Exhibitors are eliminated when the entry remains in the arena but is excluded from placing under judging criteria. Eliminated competitors may not receive awards in the class even if there are more prizes than horses. Riders that are thrown from horses, or horses that fall, whereby the rider is unseated from the horse at any point before entering the lineup, are eliminated from competition and excused from the ring. Riders that fall must not remount. The entry must be led from the ring. An exception to this rule would be if a rider asks either a Judge or Ringmaster for a time -out to dismount, in order to adjust tack or for the reason of having to deal with an endangerment to either the horse or rider. Rider with further permission may remount and finalize the competition . 2.f. Entry. The horse entered in the competition, or, depending on usage, the combination of a horse and a rider/driver/handler when entered in a class. 2.g. Excusal or Dismissal. Once a class has begun, in order to leave the arena, exhibitors must be voluntarily or involuntarily excused from a class. The decision of a judge to excuse a horse or exhibitor may not be challenged or protested. In the case of involuntary dismissal, the judge through the ringmaster will notify the announcer of the reason the horse was excused. The announcer will then announce the reason for dismissal before the class continues. 2.h. Exhibitor. The individual presenting the horse for competition in a class, unless the language of the Rule also specifically includes the owner or lessee of the horse. 2.i. Immediate Family. For the purpose of KMSHA/SMHA events, the term “immediate family” shall include husband, wife, parent, step parent, significant other, child, brother, sister, stepchild, half brother or sister, and/or legally adopted person. 2.j. Lessee. An individual who legally contracts with an owner or agent for the exclusive use of a particular horse for a specified period of time. 2.k. Member in Good Standing. Members of KMSHA/SMHA. (See Pg.27, 5. a.1) 2.l. Member Not in Good Standing. An individual who has been suspended or expelled from the KMSHA/ SMHA, or any individual who has been found in violation of the Federal Horse Protection Act shall be considered to be “not in good standing” until such time as all suspensions, probation periods and fines have been discharged and the National Show Director [NSD] and KMSHA Board of Directors has approved reinstatement. 2.m. NSD. National Show Director, the individual responsible for heading up the KMSHA/SMHA National and Regional show program each season. This is an elected position determined by the KMSHA Board of Directors. 2.n. Owner. The individual(s) or entity(ies) listed as the owner of record on the CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION of a registered horse. Ownership may also be inferred if it can be determined that an individual(s) or entity(ies) pays the majority of bills relating to the upkeep of a horse and its maintenance, takes part in decisions about the care and use of the horse and in general fulfills the obligations of an owner even if the owner of record is listed under a different name. If a corporation or other business
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 23 entity is listed as the owner of a horse, the responsible party is the owner(s) of said business entity. 2.n.A Breeder. The person who stands the Stallion/ Mare at the time of the breeding and verifies that the mare has been bred to that Stallion by affixing his signature on the official breeding certificate. This may be the owner or designated representative of the owner "Breeder" and may change from time to time based upon the owners wishes. 2.o. Penalized/Severely Penalized/Protective Ruling. To “penalize” a horse requires that the judge lower the placing of the horse consistent with the severity of the condition exhibited. A horse that is “severely penalized” may not be tied in the top three places, assuming that there are other horses in the class that have completed all of the mandatory requirements of the competition and are correctly gaited. The “Protective Ruling” applies when there is no horse in the class that is correctly gaited and meets the requirements of the class at a level sufficient to justify the awarding of a blue ribbon. In the case of “Protective Ruling” Judges may begin placement at second place and continue through the number of awards allotted. Should the Judge choose to invoke “Protective Ruling” his decision must be communicated through the ringmaster to the announcer and the reasoning announced to the public before awards are presented. 2.p. Sanction/Sanctioning. The term(s) used to identify a show that has been officially approved and meets the standard of the KMSHA as specifically addressed in this rulebook. Each season, Show managers must submit an application for sanctioning shown on page 19 of this rulebook to be considered for approval. No show can be approved without an official application being submitted to the KMSHA and the appropriate fees being paid. No show will be accepted whether of Regional or National status without first being reviewed and approved by the KMSHA. The governing authority is only the KMSHA and any entity or person who falsely misrepresents that they are an "officially" approved KMSHA/SMHA show or are advertising as such, ( false representation) will be severely penalized and/or criminal charges may be filed. Only the KMSHA Board of Directors makes the final decision as to the status or approval of any Show/Show Manager who submits a questionable application or that challenges this regulation. 2.q. Show Manager/Management. The individual or entity financially responsible for a horse show or event as listed on the application for sanctioned status is considered by KMSHA/SMHA to be the official show manager. As used in these Rules, the term “show management” shall include agents and employees. Applications for sanctioning of shows shall be taken only from show managers. 2.r. Show Sponsor (s). The individual or entity that promotes or contributes financially to the support of a show. (e.g. Whitaker Bank, Southern States, Coca-Cola, etc.) 2.s. Shown and Judged. To be considered to have been shown and judged, competitors must complete all of the required elements of the class, both ways of the ring, pull into the lineup and remain in the ring until completion of the awards in the class. 2.t. Tack Change. When an exhibitor or entry is in back-to-back classes a call for a tack change may be
24 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined made. This entitles the exhibitor or entry an additional period of 3 minutes, added to the official 3 minute gate call to change tack. This rule is exercised by asking the Paddock Master or the Show Management for a tack change. The rule should not be abused. Exhibitors should endeavor to perform changes as quickly as possible. Permission for tack changes will expire at the end of 3 minutes or when the gate is closed. The Paddock Master shall be the official timekeeper or Ringmaster if a Paddock Master is not on hand. 3. Participant Responsibility. 3.a. General Responsibility. Knowledge of the current Rules and any subsequent amendments that govern KMSHA/SMHA events remains the responsibility of all participating exhibitors, trainers, and owners – including all dues paying members of the KMSHA or SMHA (members). All individuals who participate in KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned competitions agree, by their participation and entry, to be bound by these Rules, interpretations, amendments, & enforcement provisions with respect to the Rules contained herein. Further, exhibitors, trainers and owners agree as a condition of entry to all KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned shows to allow the use of official videography or photos of their entries which can be used as part of training and education videos produced by the associations. Owners and lessees of entries have ultimate responsibility for the condition of the entry and the eligibility of persons who exhibit his or her horse. 3.b. Responsible Party. In the event the owner of the entry is a juvenile, a business entity, or any entity other than a natural person, a Responsible Party who is a natural person must be identified on the entry form. The Responsible Party shall be liable for all financial obligations associated with the entry. The Responsible Party must file and respond to complaints or protests arising out of the competition on behalf of a juvenile, and will be the individual held liable for violations of any rule or regulation, including Federal HPA violations, pertaining to the KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned event. Such natural person agrees to release, indemnify and hold KMSHA/SMHA harmless from and against any liability asserted as a result of the participation of such juvenile, business entity or any entity other than a natural person. 4. General Eligibility. 4.a. Registration of Horses. All entries in classes designated as KMSHA or SMHA classes at KMSHA/ SMHA sanctioned shows must be registered with either the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association, the Spotted Mountain Horse Association, or any successor to such organizations. Certain KMSHA classes may from time to time be designated as classes in which Spotted Mountain Horses are also allowed. Entries in any class designated for horses of a specific registry must present the certificate of registration showing registration in such registry including ownership and proper transfer of said horse. Animals under one year of age may be shown if they are fully eligible for registration, the application for registration has been made, a copy provided to the show office, and the entry is shown under the name of first choice entered on the registration application. 4.b. Lease Agreements. Leased horses may be exhibited under the name of the lessee with the following restrictions: 1) a copy of the lease signed by both lessor and lessee must accompany the entry form; 2) a leased horse may not be exhibited if the lease was entered into at any time during which the lessor was under Horse Protection Act suspension; 3) horses that are included as part of an HPA suspension may not be shown. 4.c. Age, Certification. For showing purposes, the age of a horse shall be computed on January 1 of the year foaled and on January 1 each year thereafter. In order to compete in any KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned class or show, horses 3 years of age and older are required, under the Rules of registry, to be “breed certified” as stated in the Breed Standards of the Association. Rules of registry and certification may be found on the official KMSHA/SMHA website [www.kmsha.com] or may be requested from the KMSHA/ SMHA office, P.O. Box 1405; Georgetown, KY 40324.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 25 4.d. Novice Horse Status. Horses that have not won more than three (3) first place ribbons in any previous under saddle competition at a KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned show, prior to entry in a sanctioned show, qualify as novice horses for the entire duration of that show. There must be a minimum of three (3) entries in a class for an entry to be counted as a horse breaking its novice status. 4.e. Fitness to Compete. All entries, with the exception of horses led by hand in youth showmanship, or leadline, must be serviceably sound. They may not exhibit symptoms of respiratory illness or distress, blindness, gait challenged, injury or other conditions that could affect the safety of the rider or the comfort or welfare of the horse while performing. All horses presented for exhibition must be in good flesh and in good physical condition. The determination that a horse is not fit to compete as required in this section may be made by the DQP, show management, the judge in observing the class, licensed veterinarian or IDJ. In cases which fall under the special jurisdiction of the DQP, as determined by the HPA, the DQP’s judgment shall be final. In other cases, the exhibitor or owner of the entry may request examination by licensed veterinarian, and the determination by the veterinarian shall be final. If a veterinarian is not available, the decision of show management or IDJ shall be final. Horses that do not appear to a judge to be fit to compete, for any reason, once they have entered the arena may be excused from the class by a judge, in which case the judge’s determination is final. 4.f. Presentation of Entries. KMSHA/SMHA horses are expected to be shown with a natural appearance. Manes, tails and forelocks are not clipped or pulled. A short bridle path may be trimmed at the exhibitor’s discretion. The tail carriage should be natural. Braids, ribbons, glitter or other enhancements are not permitted on the mane, tail, body or hooves unless the entry is competing in a costume or parade class. KMSHA/SMHA horses exhibited in nontraditional events, such as over fences or dressage, may either follow the braiding traditions found in those disciplines or choose to exhibit with full manes and tails. Roached manes are permissible only in working or versatility classes, such as cutting, trail obstacle, reining, pole bending, or barrel racing. 4.g. Artificial Appearance. KMSHA/SMHA horses under saddle are to exhibit a style of movement that appears completely natural in accordance to the breed standard. Regardless of the actual cause, entries that exhibit an artificial or unnatural way of going while in forward motion, to include crampy movement, twisting of the hocks, pointing, or other characteristics indicative of a horse whose movement may have been altered by devices such as shackles or the application of other devices or products to its legs or feet, will at a minimum be severely penalized in judging and may be eliminated from consideration for any award. Entries exhibiting any unnatural way of going such as described, may also be excused from the class for “Bad Image,” defined as presenting an appearance not in keeping with the way of going of a naturally trained or moving horse as defined by the breed standard and these rules. Judges are to reward horses presenting the most natural, fluid, forward-moving appearance, and to severely penalize or eliminate horses presenting an appearance of a horse trained with artificial devices or methods used to enhance or alter the natural gait, whether or not such devices or methods were actually used. 4.h. Electronic and Other Communication Devices and Methods. The use of electronic communication devices in the ring is prohibited except for Juvenile and Novice exhibitors. An exception to this Rule is made for handicapped riders who may require the use of such devices or assistance, i.e. hand signals from the rail, in order to be able to compete. Written verification must be provided by a physician to support the use of electronic devices or other assistance for adults. Verification must be presented to the KMSHA/SMHA at the beginning of show season and a copy of the original document must be attached to the rider’s entry at each KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned event. 5. Status of Exhibitors. 5.a. Member’s Status. All exhibitors must be a current KMSHA/SMHA "member in good standing" to show a horse. All exhibitor’s, juveniles, amateur, novice or professional showing in under saddle or
26 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined inhand classes showing in sanctioned KMSHA/SMHA shows must have in their possession a current riders card indicating their status for the competition year. Juvenile cards will include DOB. The annual charge is $7.00. Cards must be presented at show offices to enter on the day of the event and must be presented to the show office for visual confirmation when pre-entries have been placed by mail. The application form for rider’s cards may be found on the KMSHA official website, KMSHA News magazine or on page 118 of this rulebook. The owner, lessee, exhibitor and trainer must be current members of KMSHA/SMHA in good standing to enter a horse and compete in a KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned show and to receive points for either regional or national awards. Any owner, lessee, exhibitor or trainer who owes a debt (debtor) to KMSHA/SMHA, is ineligible to show or receive points until such debt is paid in full, unless satisfactory arrangements for repayment have been made with KMSHA/SMHA to clear such debt. 5.a.1 Member In Good Standing. A member being current in dues and not be found to be delinquent with any financial responsibility to the KMSHA. The member should not be involved with any legal matter opposing the KMSHA or liability leading to the detriment of the KMSHA. The member may not be on any suspension(s) either with the regulatory commission or with the KMSHA.) The Board of Directors may determine who would not be a member in "good standing" with the KMSHA. 5.b. Juvenile/Adult Status A juvenile exhibitor is an individual who has not attained the age of eighteen (18) as of January 1st, the beginning of the competition year. Juvenile exhibitors who become 18 years of age during the show year may elect to show as an adult by registering as such by the beginning of the show season. An 18 year old may show a stallion under saddle. For classes such as age 55 years and over, the actual birth date during the competition year shall be used in the determination of age. 5.c. Restrictions on Juvenile Entries/Juvenile Assistance. Juveniles may not exhibit stallions in any class, with the exception of weanling or yearling colts in inhand competition. No exhibitor under the age of 17 is eligible to show in the “open” classes, including novice men’s, ladies’ and/or amateur divisions. A juvenile age 14 and older may show in inhand competition. Juvenile exhibitors 11 & under will be required to wear protective headgear at all sanctioned events in every class, and in warm-up sessions or whenever mounted on the show grounds. In the interest of safety, an adult header may enter the show ring during the lineup to stand next to any juvenile entry and in versatility classes may stand next to the juvenile entry until competition begins. 5.d. Novice Rider Status. Individuals, who have not won more than three (3) first place ribbons in an under saddle competition at any KMSHA sanctioned show, prior to entry in the sanctioned show, and who are not professionals as defined in these Rules, qualify as novices for the entire duration of that show. Novice riders competing for high points in the Novice Division may remain novice riders throughout the entire competition year, at the end of which they would give up their Novice status permanently. When Juveniles 18 years of age transition to adult amateur status as elected above in 5.b, they are also eligible to compete as novice riders, regardless of awards won as Juvenile riders in under saddle competition, until such time as they have won three first place ribbons in under saddle competition at any series of KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned shows. All other Novice rules apply to Juveniles transitioning to adult amateur status. 5.e. Amateur Status. An individual is eligible for amateur status when he/she: 1) Is at least eighteen (18) years of age as of January 1 of the show year and makes an election to adult status as in 5.b above, 2) Does not meet any definition of a professional as described in these Rules; 3) Has not shown, ridden, trained or assisted in training a horse of any breed, or instructed another
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 27 person in riding, driving, training or showing a horse, for remuneration, monetary or otherwise, directly or indirectly, for a period of three (3) years prior to January 1 of the competition year. Any such activity, however minimal, even if undertaken on a part time or random basis, shall disqualify an exhibitor as an amateur if remuneration in any form was received, unless as exempted below. Exceptions to the above Rules and other activities that will not violate amateur status are: a) Working as an instructor in equitherapy for the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association or similar organizations; b) Writing of books or articles, or production of video materials, on horsemanship, judging and related subjects; c) Receiving reimbursement of expenses related to work with horses at a clinic; d) Acceptance of small tokens of appreciation, not to exceed $100 in total value; e) Boarding of horses, standing of a stallion, or the sale of horses owned by the exhibitor or any entity owned by the exhibitor; f) Working in an equine facility in any capacity other than as specifically described in (3) above; g) Judging, inspecting, or fulfilling other paid support positions, such as announcer or ringmaster, in connection with shows or events, or receiving payment as a groom, farrier or veterinarian. h) Being married to a professional, unless the exhibitor has directly assisted, in more than an incidental manner, in the activities for which the professional spouse has received remuneration. Any person who willingly and knowingly competes at a KMSHA/SMHA event as an amateur, when he/she is not entitled to do so by virtue of this Rule, shall, upon determination by the KMSHA/ SMHA Executive Board that this has occurred, be automatically suspended for a first offense for 6 months from all KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned activities and programs and forfeiture of all high points accumulated during the current competition season. A second violation results in 1 year suspension from all KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned events and programs. 5.f. Professionals. Adult individuals, 18 years or older, who engage in buying, selling, dealing in or hiring out of horses as a full-time occupation, or who accept remuneration of any sort for performing any of the following activities, whether on a full or a part time basis, other than as excepted under Part I section 5.e.3 above, are considered to be professionals for KMSHA/SMHA events: 1) Employment in connection with any breed or type of horse at a barn, academy, riding school or stable, that includes the training of said horses or riders as part of the scope of employment; 2) Riding, driving, training or handling any horse for any person outside of his/her immediate family; including warming-up a novice or amateur owned and trained (AOT) horse prior to competition at a show. 3) Giving any lesson or clinic for a fee or other form of reimbursement. The occasional sale of a horse, or standing of a breeding stallion, or operation of a boarding or training facility, does not place the exhibitor in a professional status unless the exhibitor also takes part in one or more of the activities described above and receives remuneration for it. A spouse, or immediate family member of an exhibitor classified as a professional, retains amateur standing as long as he/she does not separately meet the requirements of being defined as a professional, or does not materially participate in or assist in the activities for which the spouse receives payment. An individual need not be considered to be a full or part time trainer to be considered a professional. Individuals may revert to amateur status after they have ceased to participate, for a period of three (3) years, prior to January 1 of a competition year, in activities that render them professionals. To regain amateur status, an exhibitor must file a letter
28 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined of intent with the NSD, the three (3) year waiting requirement begins on the post mark date of that letter. During that 3 year period an individual petitioning to regain amateur status may continue to show in open classes without prejudice. Part II. Competition standards and privileges 1. Rating of Sanctioned Shows. National Sanctioned Shows will be rated according to the criteria below 1. "AA" rated National Show (sanctioned as a single day show) a. Payment of prize money ($140 and above per class; championship classes may be paid at a higher rate at the discretion of show management). b. Minimum of 27 required classes (section VII. A of the Sanctioning Rules and Requirements section of the rulebook). c. Shows which meet the minimum number of classes may also add additional classes from the list of approved classes in section VII.B. and/or section VIII.X. of the Sanctioning Rules and Requirements section of the rulebook. d. Any region outside of Kentucky may offer $0-$99 in paybacks. 2. AAA" Rated National Shows (can be sanctioned as a single day or a multi-day show) a. Payment of prize money ($160 and above per class; championship classes may be paid at a higher rate) b. Minimum of 42 required classes (section VII.B.) c. Must have facilities with an adequate number of stalls available for overnight stabling d. Shows which have met the minimum number of required classes may add additional classes from the list of approved classes in section VIII.X. of the Sanctioning Rules and Requirements section in the rulebook. 2. Privileges. All competitions officially sanctioned by KMSHA/SMHA qualify to receive certain privileges associated with official sanctioning. These include national advertising, participation in the high point program; access to officially licensed KMSHA/SMHA horse show judges; the presence of
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 29 a KMSHA/SMHA compensated steward at shows selected by KMSHA/SMHA; assistance from NSD to assist with competition details and the providing of judge’s cards, standardized class sheets and a current rulebook.
3. Procedures for Sanctioning an Event. Applications for officially sanctioned events must be forwarded to the NSD on an approved form as required by KMSHA/SMHA. Show managers must use the judge(s) assigned by the IDJ. KMSHA/SMHA will not sanction any show that does not employ a USDA certified HIO or licensed veterinarian for inspection purposes to guarantee compliance with the Federal HPA (Show Managers are advised that hiring a licensed veterinarian who is not a member of a USDA certified HIO does not fulfill the requirements of the Federal HPA. In the event a sore horse is discovered on the grounds of a show that does not employ a USDA certified HIO, show organizers are held liable by the Federal Government in all legal proceedings which may be initiated). KMSHA/SMHA sanctioning is conditional upon fulfillment of all criteria for the sanctioning requirements. No show may advertise itself as KMSHA/ SMHA “sanctioned” without receipt of official sanctioning letter which must be posted in a visible location in the show office. Failure to post the sanctioning letter will result in a $100 fine and a withdrawal of any future sanctioning approval until such fine is paid. The names of horse shows which apply for sanctioning and are turned down or that are suspended from the sanctioning program will be published in the KMSHA official magazine and website as a courtesy to KMSHA/SMHA exhibitors who wish to ensure they are only attending official sanctioned shows.
Part III Provisions regarding Show Management and Officials 1. Show Manager. The show manager(s) should meet with the judges and all show officials prior to the show to go over duties and answer any questions concerning rules, regulations and procedures. Show manager(s) shall use the judges cards provided by KMSHA/SMHA, but are responsible for labeling the card with both the class number and class name. Show manager(s) are also responsible for obtaining all exhibitor and placement information needed by KMSHA/SMHA for sanctioning and high point purposes, and for timely reporting of this information to KMSHA/SMHA. If a representative of the KMSHA is not available to take class sheets and judge's cards, then class Sheets and Judge’s cards must be returned to the NSD within 15 days of completion of the horse show. Show manager(s) must obtain a copy of the original certificate of registration for each entry showing registry and eligibility to show and current membership cards for all exhibitors (show managers are advised that all Juvenile riders will have a card showing DOB and adult Amateurs, Novice, and Professional riders will have a card showing their authorized status.) Amateur classes may not be entered without presentation of this card. Show Management must submit completed KMSHA forms which provide the necessary information for sanctioning, including name of correct rider/handler, name of the responsible party in the case of a juvenile or entity owner, amount of premium paid for each class, and actual entries and back numbers in each class to the KMSHA/SMHA NSD. 1.a. Changes in Competition Schedules. The order of classes and deletion or addition of classes may not be altered at a competition without giving a minimum of 14 working days notice to all exhibitors. This provision does not apply to classes cancelled for lack of entries. If a sanctioned event, already in progress, is cancelled due to inclement weather or some other unforeseen circumstance, show management may elect to continue the event at another time during the regularly scheduled program, reschedule the remaining classes on another day, or cancel the remainder of the event. If the competition is cancelled, show management must refund entry fees, within 30 days of cancellation of the competition, for the classes that have not been held. If a show or classes are rescheduled, exhibitors are entitled to a refund of entry fees and are under no obligation to show at the rescheduled event. Requests for refunds must be made by exhibitors at the office. Show management has up to 30 days after the cancellation to return all monies owed.
30 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 1.b. Warm-Up Areas. Adequate areas, within reasonable proximity of the showing arena, for warming up or schooling of horses must be provided at KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned events. 1.c. Controlled Areas. Each competition having a DQP must provide a controlled area for horses that have completed DQP inspection for compliance with the Horse Protection Act. Any horse leaving the controlled area after DQP inspection prior to entering the show arena for its class must again complete DQP inspection and remain in the controlled area until the class is called. The controlled area must be directly adjacent to the inspection area, marked off in a visible manner, and adequately lighted in the event of an evening performance. A horse, a rider, and one handler are allowed in the controlled area as an individual entry. 1.d. Records. Show management must provide a copy of all class sheets, showing winners, the name and address of owners/responsible party, and the name of trainer and rider, as applicable, to the HIO after the event. There must also be a breakdown provided of the number of horses actually entered in the competition, showing the number by breed inspected. Show managers must also submit to KMSHA/ SMHA, within 15 working days after the show, copies of each class sheet showing placements, registration numbers, breed, back numbers and the name and address of the owners and responsible party. 1.e. Prize Money. Show management must provide prize money as advertised for classes in sanctioned KMSHA/SMHA shows in amounts designated for the point category and classes required at that show. 1.f. Protests. Show management, together with any qualified KMSHA/SMHA steward officiating at the event, including the IDJ if present on the show grounds has authority to deal with protests made during the duration of any sanctioned KMSHA/SMHA event. If a protest is upheld, the horse and exhibitor may be disqualified from a particular class, and/or from that class and all prior classes, or from all classes in the show, depending on the nature of the protest. A protest fee of $100 may be charged to the protestor at the determination of show management. Protests are to be dealt with in an impartial manner using the rules and regulations as the only standard for settling a disputed class. 1.g. Corrections. In the event it should become apparent during the show that a mechanical, clerical, or mathematical mistake in determining or recording placements for the class may have been made on the judges’ cards or in the announced results, the show shall be delayed long enough for judges and show officials to review the error and determine if class placings need to be corrected. Every attempt shall be made by show management to make and announce corrections as soon as possible, but in any event, before conclusion of the show, after discovery of any error in tieing the class. Ribbons and prizes must be reclaimed and given to the correct exhibitors. 1.h. Reporting. Show management shall forward to KMSHA/SMHA a report of all protests and corrective actions taken. In the event a mathematical, clerical, or mechanical error in determining or recording a class placement is made at a show and not discovered prior to close of the show, but is brought to the attention of KMSHA/SMHA after the show, KMSHA/SMHA may elect to make a correction to the class placement within three (3) business days of receiving the final class sheets from show management. Show management shall be notified of the correction. All class placements after that time are final, regardless of when a mistake may have occurred. 1.i. Ring Master duties may include: a. The ring master is to assist in the ring in an emergency situation. b. Assist in communicating information from judge to exhibitor. c. Check equipment requirements (i.e. tiedowns on pants) d. Count entries and match horses and back numbers. e. Communicate with riders who wish to be excused. f. Aid judge in line up requests (i.e. backing horses)
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 31 2. Duties of Announcer. The Announcer at KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned shows shall announce each class by class number as well as by the full name/title of each class. Classes are called and announced when entries are to proceed into the arena, when they are the next class to go in after the class which has just entered the arena; and when they are to report to the DQP, or if no DQP is present, when they are the class next in line after the class waiting to show. The announcer shall announce all cancellations of classes several times prior to the next class, when possible. Further, the announcer will at the direction of the judge announce all causes of elimination, disqualifications, involuntary excusals and protective rulings before the conclusion of the class in question. 3. Duties of Paddock Master. The Paddock Master shall ensure that exhibitors are advised of the progress of the show by making announcements in the barn and warm-up areas of the names and numbers of classes that are waiting to enter the ring; when to proceed to the DQP or be at the “on deck” area. The Paddock Master shall check off exhibitors as they report to DQP or the warm-up and “on-deck” area for their class, and shall announce back numbers of exhibitors who are late to report in, in order to make their scheduled class. 4. Status of Stewards. KMSHA/SMHA stewards are individuals with a background in equestrian sport who are over the age of 18 and who have complied with such rules and requirements as may be imposed by KMSHA/SMHA from time to time to serve in this capacity. KMSHA/SMHA stewards will wear an identifiable uniform during the competition. No person who has ever served a suspension for a violation of the HPA or who has been convicted of a charge of cruelty to animals or of any other felony may be licensed as a steward. Stewards may not be assigned nor officiate at any show where a member of their immediate family is showing or is a member of the show management team; nor may they officiate at any show where they have a familial relationship to the judge, the DQP, or where they have clients in attendance at the show. During the period leading up to a show, during the show, or immediately following the show, a steward may not be the house guest of any person who is exhibiting at the show or who has a member of his immediate family exhibiting at the show. 4.a. Scope of Authority of the Steward. Stewards are responsible for the following activities at shows where they are acting in official capacity: 1) Measurement of horses if heights are challenged or in designated classes where height is restricted; 2) Checking for the use of illegal equipment and tack and either correcting the matter prior to the entry proceeding into the class or reporting such use to show management (the steward’s decision about the use of improper tack and equipment for competition in the ring is final); 3) Routine inspections of stables and warm-up arenas to insure that horses are being humanely treated and that safety procedures are being observed; 4) Reporting on the conduct of the competition to KMSHA/SMHA, including a report on any disputes and actions taken to resolve such disputes; 5) Assisting with any required drug or medication testing by observing horses during testing or insuring that they report for testing; 6) Investigating and acting upon alleged violations of the Rules and Regulations by interaction with show management before protests are filed and without requiring protests to be filed; 7) Reporting to the show manager or the Show Committee any instances where suspicions of misrepresentation of any entry are involved without waiting for a formal protest to be filed; 8) Inspecting the competition grounds for adequacy and for safety; 9) Notifying the KMSHA/SMHA when they witness any violation of the Rules, and preferring charges directly against the violators if show management fails to take corrective action at the show; 10) Recording time-outs if the ringmaster or judge is not able to do so;
32 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 11) Being available to exhibitors, trainers and spectators to discuss the Rules and to explain them as required. 4.b. Reimbursement of Stewards. KMSHA/SMHA may provide, assign, and reimburse stewards for selected sanctioned shows. KMSHA/SMHA will, however, provide a steward for any show if a steward is requested and show management reimburses the costs of the steward. Show management agrees to accept the presence of a steward, if assigned and provided by KMSHA/SMHA, as a condition of official show sanctioning. 5. Removal of Shoes and Casting of Shoes. Show management, the show DQP, a VMO, or the show steward has authority to require removal of a shoe if removal is necessary in order to determine if the rules and regulations have been violated. If a shoe is cast or removed and the shoe is in violation of the KMSHA/ SMHA rules and regulations for shoeing, the entry will be disqualified for the remainder of the competition and all entry fees, prizes and awards will be forfeited. The cost of removal of any protested or contested shoe is the responsibility of the owner. If the protest is not upheld, the individual filing the protest will reimburse the owner or agent the cost to cover the replacement of the contested shoe and other related expenses for that event (i.e. protest fees, entry fees, travel costs, etc.) The owner will bear the cost of removal and replacement of a shoe challenged by a DQP, VMO, show management, or show steward, regardless of the outcome of the challenge. If the owner or agent refuses to allow a shoe to be pulled, the entry is disqualified from any further participation in the competition, and all previously granted awards and prizes in the competition as well as fees are forfeited. Additional action may be taken by the KMSHA/SMHA prior to the horse being allowed to show in any future show or event. 6. Disciplinary Action and Reporting. KMSHA/SMHA IDJ, stewards and show management have authority to warn, reprimand, disqualify from further competition, and/or remove from show grounds, any individual(s) violating any of the provisions of Part IV of the KMSHA/SMHA Rules and Regulations. The IDJ, steward or show management shall forward a complete written report of the incident, including the name of the individual(s), horse(s) involved, the time and the action taken, to KMSHA/SMHA. Conduct in violation of this Section or any other provision of the Rules and Regulations shall be subject to appropriate action by show management and stewards, as well as separate action by the KMSHA/SMHA Hearing Committee and referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies for possible criminal action proceedings.
Part IV exhibitor/spectator Conduct for Sanctioned Events 1. Enforcement of Rules. Show managers of competitions sanctioned by KMSHA/SMHA agree to adopt the standards and Rules and Regulations of KMSHA/SMHA, as applicable, to the various divisions designed for the exhibition of the KMSHA/SMHA horse. Show managers must include a minimum number of classes in order to be sanctioned and may augment their class lists with regional or local interest classes, at their discretion, as provided in Part VII section 1.j. Every member who competes, exhibits, spectates or participates in any way at a KMSHA/SMHA officially sanctioned event agrees to abide as a condition of entry, the Rules and Regulations of KMSHA/SMHA as published in its annual Rulebook, as amended from time to time. Any new or additional Rules and Regulations entered into the official Rulebook during the competition year shall be publicized in the KMSHA/SMHA official publication, its website, and provided to exhibitors in entry packets provided by Show Management. A signature(s) on an entry form at any KMSHA/ SMHA official event indicates an acceptance of all provisions in the Rules and Regulations of KMSHA/ SMHA and from time to time as amended. 2. Prohibited Conduct. All individuals participating in or observing a show must honor the rights of others to compete in an atmosphere conducive to fair competition and enjoyment. Unsportsmanlike or intimidating language or conduct directed to anyone on the show grounds or in the show ring of a KMSHA/SMHA
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 33 sanctioned event is prohibited. Unsportsmanlike conduct for exhibitors or spectators shall include, but not be limited to any of the following actions: a) Intentionally failing to pick up a ribbon from the ribbon presenter(s). b) Throwing a ribbon to the ground. c) Starting to leave the ring after the lineup without permission and prior to the calling of all ties for that class. d) Speaking or yelling to the Judge(s) or the Ringmaster without being asked to do so. e) Making any menacing motions toward a Judge. f) Ridiculing or degrading the placement of another exhibitor. g) Yelling obscenities, false statements or untruths at Judges; or acting in an unsportsmanlike manner towards other spectators or exhibitors. h) Aggressive behavior towards a horse. i) Intimidating or dangerous behavior toward a ribbon presenter. Conduct or conversation that at any time or in any manner appears directed at influencing judging or the outcome of any competition, or that has the potential to degrade the show or the performance of entries in the ring, is prohibited. The IDJ, Show management and stewards have complete authority to disqualify any exhibitor or rider from the class in which the conduct occurred, or the immediately preceding class, as the case may be, and from further competition and to eject any individual(s) from the show grounds for the violation of this provision. Violators of this provision are also subject to separate action by the Hearing Committee or criminal action if necessary. No rider, handler, trainer, owner or lessee of a horse, or any horse owned, trained or leased by such person, may show in front of a judge at a sanctioned show or at the KMSHA/SMHA International Grand Championship Show, when any financial or remunerative relationship of any sort, other than attendance at an open to the public clinic, has existed between such individual and the judge within 90 days of the sanctioned show. No show manager, show sponsor, show management or agent, prospective rider, handler, owner, lessee or trainer may have had a judge as an overnight guest in his/her home or facility or have other personal contact or meeting not directly related to the management of a show within 90 days of competing, or entering any horse owned, leased or trained by such person, in a sanctioned event to be judged by such judge. 3. Abuse of Animals at any Sanctioned Event. Abusive practices of any sort will not be tolerated on the grounds of any KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned event. Show management is required to notify KMSHA/SMHA of all cases of abuse that have been brought to their attention during the course of an event and to provide detailed written information concerning the incident(s), to include the name and address of the alleged violator and witnesses, if that information is available. The following list, though not all-inclusive, provides examples of
34 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined practices deemed cruel, abusive or inappropriate at KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned events: a) Any violation of the Horse Protection Act [HPA] determined by an HIO or VMO. b) Excessive use of a whip in a stall, barn aisle, schooling area, show ring, or at any place on the competition grounds. c) Striking the horse anywhere on the head, the poll or forward of the poll, or on the legs, is automatically considered to be excessive. d) Applications to the legs with irritants to induce animation, rapping of the legs with a whip, pole or other device to encourage backing up or any other maneuver, or wrapping of the legs over irritants or for the purpose of concealing illegal equipment on the show grounds i.e. stall chains concealed under wraps. e) Use of any electric device to shock a horse. f) Use of explosive device or noisemaker to “hype” the horse. g) Withholding of feed and water for prolonged periods in order to “calm a horse” or failure to provide adequate feed, forage, and water while on competition grounds. h) Removing blood from a horse for anything other than diagnostic purposes or drug tests held in conjunction with the competition. i) Excessive spurring of the horse to include spurring so that blood is drawn, cueing in front of the girth, or constant contact with the horses sides. j) Any practice which induces pain or inflammation in the hooves and/or legs in order to affect animation or way of going; including, but not limited to, excessive work at speed on hard surfaces, application of irritating chemicals to the hooves and/or legs, and pressure shoeing or other shoeing practices for the purpose of producing pain or sensitivity. k) Altering natural tail set by surgery, mechanical tail sets/bustles, or “gingering” of the rectum. l) Killing, crippling, abandoning, mistreating, neglecting, or other forms of cruelty or abuse to the horse are included in this rule. m) Leaving horses tied to trailers for long periods of time without direct supervision. Actions taken by any individual(s) in violation of this section of the Rules and Regulations which are deemed abusive or excessive by a KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned show manager, IDJ, show steward, judge, veterinarian or DQP either in the show ring or on the competition grounds, may be the subject of action by KMSHA/SMHA stewards and show management on the grounds of the event, as well as separate disciplinary action by the Hearing Committee and possible criminal action. 4. Prohibited Appliances. Tongue ties, standing or running martingales, draw reins, tiebacks, blinders, over checks (with the exception of pleasure driving classes), gag bits without shanks, bits with mouthpieces of bicycle or chain saw chain, cross chain cavessons, Kinnington nose bands, figure “8” nose bands, twisted curb chains, and action devices of any sort, including shackles, or any similar devices, plastic wrap applied to the legs, without veterinary certificate of need, and shoe bands are prohibited on the grounds at any time at any KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned event.
Part V Show Tack And Attire 1. Divisional Attire Standards. 1.a. General. KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned events require a certain level of personal presentation in keeping with the traditions of equestrian sport. Entries should be neat, with tack and attire appropriate
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 35 for the division in which they have chosen to compete. Entries and exhibitors in classes other than those specifically designated as “Western”, “Country Trail Pleasure”, or other description denoting required attire, may be presented in either Saddleseat or Western attire. Mixing of tack and attire is permissible only at the schooling show level. Stewards have the authority to keep an entry in incorrect attire under the Rules and Regulations from entering the class; however, they are encouraged to allow the entry to correct the attire violation and may, in their discretion, call a gate hold for this purpose, but only for a first violation at a show for an exhibitor. Judges shall penalize an entry for incorrect attire to a degree appropriate for the violation, and are encouraged to have the ringmaster notify the rider of the penalty and the reason it was assessed. Entries can be excused for major tack violations only. 1.b. Saddleseat Attire. At a minimum saddleseat attire includes a long-sleeved shirt (or short sleeve dress shirt covered by a coat or not by a coat as determined by a show manager or judge due to excessively hot weather) with a collar and tie, jodhpur breeches with tie-downs, and solid color boots with heels. English saddle seat suit or day coat and jodhpurs, and hats for males 18 and over, are recommended in all but trail obstacle classes, but are not required. Gloves, vests, and hats for women and girls are optional, but encouraged. Long hair should be neatly confined and must be off the collar, not covering the entry number. Ragged clothes or shirt sleeves of any kind that are exposed are prohibited. 1.c. Western Pleasure Attire. Western attire at minimum requires a long-sleeved Western styled shirt with collar, completely buttoned or a turtleneck or slinky; a tie, bolo or neck ornament; Western boots or jodhpur boots when worn with chaps; Western styled pants, a belt with buckle, and a Western hat of fur-felt or seasonal straw. Blue denim pants are acceptable at the schooling show level only. Jodhpur breeches may be worn if covered by Western style chaps. Optional items of apparel include Western jackets, Western vests, Western full suits, chaps, and gloves. Hair should be neatly restrained above the collar line and not cover the entry number. 1.d. Trail Obstacle and Country Trail Pleasure Classes. English or Western attire may be worn as described above, but may not be mixed. Coats and hats are not required. Slacks, or jeans other than blue denim, without tiedowns, are allowed in Country Trail Pleasure classes. 1.e. In-Hand Attire. If the entry is shown as an English horse (English halter or bridle), Saddleseat attire shall be worn as described in 1.b. above, except that tiedowns need not be worn. If the entry is shown as a Western horse (Western halter or bridle) Western attire shall be worn as described in 1.c. above. Gloves in inhand classes are optional but are highly recommended for safety purposes. 1.f. Pleasure Driving. Pleasure driving is not a costume class. Drivers wear conservative business attire to include sport coats, ties, and dress pants, a shoe with a heel, and appropriate day or evening dresses for ladies depending on the time of the event, or saddleseat attire. Hats are required for gentlemen over the age of 18 and are encouraged for ladies wearing saddlesuits. Lap robes may be used. Gloves are required. 1.g. Whips,Crops or Spurs. Whips, crops and spurs are optional. 1) Spurs must not be sharpened, and may be fastened with any type strap. Clip on spurs are acceptable so long as they remain attached to the boot. 2) Whips must be 48" or less and they may have a white handle and a silver cap. Whips are strictly used showing horses during in-hand, model and conformation classes. 3) Crops or bats must be 36" or less and traditionally are dark to match or contrast with the suit. They may have a white handle and a silver cap. The crop is usually held so that the end falls on the inside shoulder but it may be held in either hand while under saddle. 1.h. Equitation. Equitation classes are judged on the rider and their ability to present the horse. Neatness & cleanliness of tack and attire are of prime consideration in judging the presentation. Attire rules are
36 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined based on Saddle Seat Equitation tradition and present-day customs. Day coats, coats which are a different color/material from the jodhpurs, are not permitted in the traditional Saddle Seat Equitation division. In an effort to encourage saddle seat equitation participation, riders in day coats will not be eliminated or dismissed from competition, but will be penalized. Other deviations from the following approved attire and tack shall be penalized by the judges to a degree consistent with the degree of deviation. 1.h. (I) Informal Equitation Saddle Suit Attire. An informal saddle suit may be worn anytime of the day or night. The suit should be of a conservative color including black, blue, gray, dark burgundy, dark green, brown, beige, or charcoal. Herringbone, pinstripes, tone-on-tone, and Glen plaids can be worn. The saddle suit coat and Kentucky jodhpur must be the same color, pattern and hue; i.e., matching. No satin or velvet contrasting collars or pocket flaps are proper. Linings should be the same or quiet contrasting color. Leather or ultra suede knee patches are allowed. Full seat is allowed. 1) HATS - Derby, homburg, or soft hat of the same or contrasting color to the suit. Snap brim in straw or felt for men. A homburg is also acceptable for men. 2) SHIRTS -Informal dress shirt of any color and material. Collar may be regular or button-down. Cuffs may be fastened with a button or simple cuff links. 3) TIE - Regular four-in-hand conservative tie of same or contrasting color/print to the suit. If a vest is worn, the tie goes under the vest. 4) VEST - Vests may be the same color as the saddle suit or may be a contrasting color. Vests are desirable but are not mandatory. 5) BOOTS - Simple jodhpur style (gore, zipper, laced) in plain leather or patent. The jodhpur flare must cover the top of the boot, extend past the heel of the boot, and be fastened with elastic underpasses or tiedowns. 6) GLOVES - Gloves are mandatory, either matching or contrasting with the suit. Leather is preferred; cloth is acceptable. 7) JEWELRY/BOWS/BOUTONNIERES - Simple stud earrings (one per ear lobe) are suitable for women, and a quiet and tasteful small lapel pin is proper. If cufflinks are needed, they should be small and quiet and not be visible past the cuff of the coat. If a boutonniere is worn, it consists of one small, simple flower. If a pin is worn instead of a flower, it must be small and simple. Large earrings, pins and flowers are not appropriate. h) HAIR - Large bows and flowers in the bun are not allowed. A simple hairnet should be used to contain ladies’ hair. Hair should be neat and controlled. Bangs should be up under the hat band in the front. Hair must not cover the entry number. 1.h. (II) Formal Equitation Saddle Suit Attire. Formal Saddle Seat attire is only worn after 6 PM of any day. Acceptable colors include black, brown, blue, charcoal, dark green, dark burgundy. A shawl collar of the same material or of satin or faille is proper and must be the same color and hue of the suit material, which may be herringbone, tone-on-tone, or other quiet weave. Kentucky Jodhpurs are the same material and color as the coat and have a formal satin or faille stripe of the same color as the jodhpur/coat material, and of the shawl collar material and color. The stripe is to the outside of the leg. Ultra suede or leather patches or seat is allowed. 1) HATS - ladies or gentlemen may wear a dark top hat or homburg. 2) SHIRTS - Formal, pleated front shirt with a wing or regular collar. Simple studs and cuff links are proper. 3) TIE - A bow tie in dark satin, silk, or faille is proper for ladies and gentlemen. With a wing collar, ladies may wear a white pique bow tie.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 37 4) CUMMERBUND - Dark satin, silk, or faille to match the bow tie is proper for ladies and gentlemen. When a lady wears a white pique tie with her wing collar, she must wear a white pique vest instead of a cummerbund. 5) GLOVES - Gloves are mandatory. Gloves which match the color of the suit are appropriate with all formal wear. White gloves may be worn by ladies when worn with the white pique tie and vest with a wing collar. 6) BOOTS - Dark patent jodhpur boots are appropriate and desirable; regular leather boots, highly shined, are acceptable. 7) WHIPS AND SPURS - Whips are the same as described in the Informal section, except that a lady wearing the white pique bow tie, vest and white gloves may carry a white whip. Spurs are the same as for informal attire. 8) JEWELRY, BOUTONNIERES, BOWS - ladies may wear conservative stud earrings and a small lapel pin or boutonniere. Men may wear a boutonniere. 9) Hair - Hair adornment should be especially conservative and devoid of glitter and glitz. 1.h. (III) Tack in Equitation Classes. In addition to the provisions below specific to equitation, all other KMSHA/SMHA rules and Regulations regarding tack apply to equitation classes. SADDLE - Standard cutback or straight head saddle with plain, straight front flaps, and spoon or square cantle. Trooper saddles and bounce pads are not allowed. Regular, Fillis, or safety style stirrups are permitted. Standard leathers with ends pulled back behind the leg are proper. The girth should be leather, linen, or patent. White is considered traditional, although other dark colors may be used. BRIDLE AND REINS - Standard, simple English bridles fitted with hooks and studs or buckles is proper. Cavessons may be leather or match the browband, which may be leather or colored patent. Reins shall be single plain or simple laced rein connected at the end by buckle or stitching. The bight of the reins (end) always falls on the right side. SADDLE PADS - No pad is preferred, but if used pads should be dark and follow the form of the saddle. They should not protrude beyond the saddle so as not to detract from the rider. 1.i. Additional Rules. Dress requirements for Over Fences, Dressage or other specialty classes are contained in Supplemental rules which may be obtained from KMSHA/SMHA. 2. Tack 2.a. General Tack Requirements. Entries and exhibitors in classes other than those specifically designated as “Western”, or other description denoting required tack, may be presented in either English or Western tack. Mixing of tack and attire is not permissible. Any noseband and/or curb chain may not be tightened whereby two (2) fingers cannot be inserted between the jaw and curb chain or jaw and noseband. 2.b. Prohibited Items. Prohibited items of tack include: 1) Parade saddles with the exception of use in classes designated as parade classes; 2) Braids or ribbons in any division with the exception of braided manes and tails in over fences and dressage competition; 3) Cross chain cavessons, bicycle chain and other severe mouthpieces, (bits may be checked by KMSHA/SMHA stewards and by judges), gag bits without shanks, shanks that exceed nine inches when measured from the top of the bit attached to the bridle to the bottom of the shank including the rings;
38 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 4) Running or standing martingales in under saddle classes; 5) Tie downs; 6) Figure “8” nosebands, studded or Kinnington nosebands; 7) Headstalls or bridles with studs, other protuberances, concealed within the leather; 8) Curb chains of less than 1/2 inches; curb chains that do not lie flat against the chin groove; any wire, rawhide or other material used in conjunction with the approved curb strap (flat, round, or rolled) or chain 9) Double bridles (in other than upper level dressage) and Pelham bits with two sets of reins; 10) Kimberwick bits in any driving class; 11) Overchecks in obstacle driving; 12) Forward seat saddles in under saddle classes or dressage classes; 13) Identification plates of any sort on bridles or pads (if attached they must be obscured during the class); 14) Whips that exceed 48" in the inhand division and whips other than traditional hunter bats in over fences; 15) Whips that exceed 6' in length in driving classes; 16) Fine harness buggies (Viceroys) in other than fine harness classes; 17) Dropped nosebands in any division other than dressage or over fences; 18) Crops or bats that exceed 36", including the lash, in any under saddle classes other than dressage, unless otherwise specified; 19) Whips in versatility classes or in Western classes; 20) Combinations of tack and attire (Western bridle or bit with English saddle, etc.); 21) Sharpened points on spurs or sharpened rowels in any class; 22) Cavessons in Western events; 23) English brow bands in Western classes; 24) Patent or vinyl saddle seat style brow bands in over fences or dressage classes; 25) Any item attached to the end of the whip, including paper bags, balloons, rags, designed to agitate the horse or to encourage the horse to have more animation or “bloom” 26) Tapederoes in Western classes, versatility events, or speed classes. Silver other than conches not permitted in Working Western classes; 27) Nylon tack or other man-made leather substitutes, including neoprene, used in any manner other than as a girth or in other classes other than in versatility events; 28) Mixed metal/material mouthpieces (more than one sort of metal or material used as part of the mouthpiece) in dressage competition. 2.c. Acceptable Tack. 2.c.(I) Western Division. 1) Western saddle with horn, silver, in addition to conchos, permitted in Western Pleasure classes; some saddles i.e. Trooper saddles, not having a horn but with appropriate stirrups and rigging will still be considered as western tack;
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 39 2) One-ear or brow band headstalls; 3) Closed reins with romal or Western-style split reins of leather or hair; 4) Bosals with flexible, nonmetal cores for junior horses (four and under) with reins of hair, leather, or rope; 5) Saddle blanket and/or pad appropriate for the Western division; 6) Splint boots or other protective equipment in speed classes, Western riding or reining; 7) Breast collars; 8) Western style halter to include silver; 9) Leadlines with or without attached chain; 10) Decorative Western bits that do not violate the biting requirements. Spade bits or Western bits with rollers or crickets are permissible unless their use causes mouth discomfort; 11) Cord, leather or neoprene girths. 2.c.(II) Other Tack Options. 1) Buena Vista saddles, Kentucky rollback saddles, Solomon or Minihan saddles, Australian stock seat saddles, dressage saddles, and McClellan style saddles may be used in KMSHA/SMHA divisions as optional equipment. 2) Leather, cord, webbing or neoprene girths. 3) Saddle pads may be used, including gel pads, in all divisions of competition. 2.c. (III) English Classes. 1) Cutback, English all purpose, plantation, trooper or dressage style saddles of leather or synthetic materials are recommended for all classes considered as traditional English classes; 2) English style single rein bridles, stitched or buckled, with cavessons and brow bands are required; (single style rein means that the rein must not be broken from one side of the bit attachment to the other) 3) Leather, cord, neoprene, webbing or fabric girths; 4) Saddle pads appropriate for the English division, either square or shaped, including gel pads. Pads should be black or white in color and may not have decorative elements; 5) Traditional fillis style, or offset stirrups, including safety stirrups, are acceptable on traditional English style saddles; 6) Cruppers are allowed if required to keep the saddle in position; 7) Plain leather Breast straps are allowed; 8) Snaffle or shank style bits are allowed in all English classes; 9) Crops or bats up to 36 inches; 10) ATSM certified helmets may be worn by all riders and will not be penalized in any class, including equitation. Juvenile exhibitors 11 & under will be required to wear protective headgear at all sanctioned events whenever mounted. 2.c.(IV) In-Hand Class. 1) Leather halters, including those commonly designated as Arabian show halters or headstalls with bits of either English or Western design;
40 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 2) Colored brow bands are permissible on English style halters or headstalls; 3) Leather leadlines with or without attached chains; 4) Whips no longer than 48 inches, including the lash, for English inhand presentations. 2.c.(V) Miscellaneous. 1) Nylon or neoprene equipment may be used in schooling/fun shows; 2) Gloves must be worn when using nylon or neoprene reins in any division; 3) Lunge whips may be used on the show grounds for exercising horses while on a lunge line; 4) Protective headgear may be worn in any KMSHA/SMHA class at a KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned event and will not be penalized for attire violation by any judge. The KMSHA/SMHA makes no warranty, express or implied, that the wearing of protective headgear will protect riders from all of the risks attendant with participation in equestrian sports, but supports and encourages the use of such headgear in support of equestrian safety. Where states require the use of protective headgear for all riders, KMSHA/SMHA show managers will comply with the requirements of the state where a sanctioned event is held; Juvenile exhibitors 11 & under will be required to wear protective headgear at all sanctioned events whenever mounted. 5) Boots or shoes with distinguishable heels (including so-called equestrian sneakers) are required while riding a horse anywhere on the show grounds of a KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned event. 6) In the event of extreme heat (defined as 85 degrees or above) judges and/or show management are allowed to waive the wearing of coats in classes and short sleeve solid color dress shirt (no fringes or cutoff sleeves) with a collar and tie may be worn. Judges and/or show management may allow the wearing of raincoats of any design or color in inclement weather. In cold weather (defined as 40 degrees or below) judges and/or show management may allow the wearing of warm outer wear in place of traditional show attire. Jodphur breeches or western pants must still be worn. Appropriate rubber riding boots may be worn during inclement weather conditions. 7) Pleasure driving vehicles and harness. Vehicles for pleasure driving should be serviceable two or four wheeled Carts or Buggies. Harness should be in good repair and can be any color. No horse collars are permitted. Single horse is to be driven, there will be no teams allowed. 3. Bitting and Shoeing. 3.a. Bitting. Bit shanks shall be measured from the outside top and to the outside bottom of the shank including the rings. The shank of the bit shall be no more than nine inches. Curb chains must lie flat against the groove of the chin and may not be twisted. The chain must be at least 1/2 inch in width. Curb chains may be encased in leather. A curb strap made only of leather, either of flat or rolled construction, is acceptable. In Western classes, traditional Western style bits with a connecting rod between the shanks are permitted. In all divisions, bit mouthpieces may be wrapped in latex for the comfort of the horse. 3.b. Shoeing. Shoes used in competition must be factory made shoes of the sort commonly referred to as keg shoes. Shoes must not be more than 7/8 inches wide and 3/8 inches thick, and may not weigh more than 20 ozs. Horses may wear a combination of flat and caulked shoes. Trailers (extensions of the heels) are permitted on hind shoes but may not exceed 3/4 inch in length. Although barefoot horses are permitted, if shod, the horse must be shod on all four feet. All of the shoes must be of the same material. Clips drawn from the body of the shoe, or factory made clips on the shoe, are permitted. Welded on clips are prohibited, as is the addition of any other substance or device to add weight to the shoe. Drill tech, borium, and dowels are permitted. Dowels are limited to a total of four per shoe, two in front of the shoe and two in the rear of the shoe. Borium or drill tech is allowed on the caulks. 2 or 3 dots of drill tech or borium are permissible on the toes of the shoes but may not exceed a total of 1/2” in diameter. The
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 41 thickness of the shoe or caulk, including the materials described above, may not exceed 7/8” of an inch, and any traction device or application may not exceed 1/2" in diameter. Caulks may not be made by turnback of the shoe. Acrylics or other types of bondable materials are prohibited for the artificial extension of the hoof as a means of attempting to enhance gait or break- over but may be used to fill in broken sections of the natural hoof or to equalize toe length as long as toe length requirements are not exceeded. Therapeutic shoeing that deviates from these Rules, when done solely to allow a horse to remain sound and usable will be considered on a case by case basis by KMSHA/ SMHA. A certificate of need on official stationery signed by a licensed veterinarian must be presented for consideration to the Show Manager in advance of a horse show before a horse shod in a therapeutic manner may be exhibited. 3.c. Prohibited Shoeing. So-called competition light shoes, shoes exceeding the width or thickness specified above, or plantation or “heavy” shoes as seen in other breeds, or any combination of light shoes (aluminum) and heavy shoes (steel) on the same horse are prohibited. Shoe bands are prohibited, as are “hand turned heels” other than as permitted above, and any other material attached to the shoe that may When the Judge is or may not be observable to the eye, that increases in quadrant #1 the the weight of the shoe. Shoeing practices that detract exhibitor should be in quadrant #1 from the integrity of the hoof, or that are done with the intent to create an artificial way of going, are prohibited. Pressure shoeing is prohibited. 3.d. Approved Shoeing. The shoe must fit the natural foot. The hoof may not have been filed away to give the appearance of a smaller or neater hoof, nor may the hoof or the heel contracted or expanded to fit a smaller, or larger, shoe size than the natural foot would require. Shoes may not extend more than 3/8 inch beyond the natural front of the hoof at the toe and may not extend beyond the bulb of the heel, with the exception of a rear trailer as described above, when a perpendicular plumb line is drawn from the bulb of the foot to the ground. The length of the total toe, to include the shoe, shall not exceed 5 inches. Measuring begins at the coronet band, at the midpoint of the front pastern, and follows the wall of the hoof to the end of the toe. Measurements and restrictions found in these regulations apply to both front and hind shoes. 3.e. Shoeing of Weanlings and Yearlings. Weanlings shown in any class must be barefoot. Yearlings may be shod but if shod must be shod on all four feet. The length of toe may not exceed 3.5 inches including the shoe. 3.f. Repair Materials. The use of bondable materials is permissible for hoof repair only. Bondable materials may not be used to add length, circumference or weight to the shoe, or to cover such additions by other means. The repaired surface of the foot may be examined by show or KMSHA/SMHA officials to ensure compliance with the rules.
42 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined Part VI Judging Standards 1. Standards for Exhibition In hand. 1.a. General. Inhand entries should exemplify the highest quality of conformation, and breed type for the purpose of breeding sound animals and promoting excellence in the development of the breed for the future. Inhand classes require that the horse be turned out and finished to an exceptional degree. Horses should be in good flesh and condition, and immaculately groomed. Blemishes that are only cosmetic will not be penalized. The KMSHA/SMHA horse Inhand class is judged as a halter class, and horses are judged on movement – led both ways of the ring before standing for individual evaluation. Movement shall be at a trail walk; gaiting in hand is not to be requested. Horse should lead readily and quietly. Horses that misbehave while being led shall be penalized. Horses should move at an even tempo, with all 4 legs traveling nearly equal length. Horses shall be brought to a square to semi-parked position for judging with the front legs standing underneath the body vertical to the ground. The rear legs of the horse may be placed in a semi- parked but not overly stretched position. "Over Parking" the in hand horse is not desirable. Judges are to penalize a horse that is not standing properly. Manners in the Inhand division remain of paramount importance. Unruly entries will be excused from the ring. Mares and geldings may be presented in either a show halter or a bridle. Stallions, other than weanlings or yearlings, shall be shown in a bridle and a bit. Weanlings and yearlings are to be presented in a halter. A chain may be used over the nose or under the chin. It may not be run through the mouth or over the upper gums. The appearance of genetically heritable faults in the halter horse must be severely penalized. Judges may examine mouths for parrot mouth, over and/or under bites, and may examine mature stallions for the presence of two descended testicles. The judge may ask the exhibitor to demonstrate any additional aspect of the horse for closer inspection of possible faults. Exhibitors are cautioned not to allow their show ring presentation of the inhand horse to distract from the judging of the animal. Judges may require a handler to stand quietly if the handler interferes with the observation of the horse. 1.b. Height and Color. There is to be no color preference or bias in KMSHA/SMHA Horse judging. As the KMSHA/SMHA registries enforce height and color restrictions upon certification to breed and show, required at specified ages for eligibility to exhibit in KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned shows, it is not necessary for judges to consider height and color limitations at KMSHA/SMHA shows. 1.c. Structural Type. KMSHA/SMHA Horses should show structural soundness, breed type, appropriate movement, beauty and style in conformation classes, consistent with the breed standard (a more formalized written KMSHA/SMHA Breed Standard is published in this Show Rulebook and may be found by consulting the index). It is the goal of KMSHA/SMHA to encourage direct evolution of the “traditional” KMSHA/SMHA horse type for preservation of the future. The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse & Spotted Mountain Horse should show an above average degree of beauty and refinement in mares and fillies, strength and masculine appearance in stallions and geldings. Traditionally, KMSHA/SMHA horses have a compact, well-muscled and close-coupled frame. A long backed, lean, long legged, long necked, bony rumped, pointed shouldered specimen or of disproportional conformation should be penalized and not considered as a true type. A “typey” look is a factor in KMSHA/SMHA horse conformation judging. Horses must be of medium bone and substance, reflecting their heritage as an all-around utility breed. The horse should present an appearance of athleticism and the ability to perform useful work. The head is attractive, cob sized, not too long or wide in appearance, proportional, with a broad flat forehead, well defined jaw and a face in profile that is neither severely Roman nor dished. Proper body proportion is essential in choosing a winner in the conformation classes. Little to no prominent wither
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 43 is desirable. The KMSHA/SMHA Horse should be fairly short-coupled, with a top line demonstrating strength in the back. The top line of the back should be shorter than the underline and must convey strength; the top line of the neck should be longer than the underline. Roached back, long backed, sway back, low back, or excessively long necked horses must be severely penalized. Horses should not have overly narrow chests or “pigeon breasts,” or excessively broad chests. The chest should have depth with an appropriate span between the forelegs. The shoulder should be “well laid back” and well angled. The forequarter of the horse must be in balance with hindquarter; the length of leg in balance with the height of the body. Horses should be rounded over the croup and display adequate muscling. “Goose rumped” or excessively steep croups are to be penalized. The ribcage must be well sprung with adequate space for lungs; the animal must not appear slab-sided. 1.d. Limbs. Principles of sound conformation relevant to all gaited breeds are applicable to the KMSHA/ SMHA horses. Planes of the legs when viewed from the front and the rear should be vertical to the ground. Excessive sickle hocks, cow hocks, feet toed-in or out, or horses that are base wide or narrow, as well as all other variances from correct structure of the major joints are less than desirable. Front and hind limbs must be free of deformities, other than cosmetic blemishes, and should demonstrate flat medium bone with adequate substance and clean joints. The arm should be long and steep. When viewed from the side, horses should have proper angulation of the shoulder and arm, which are balanced with the angles of the hip and stifle in order to allow free extension and movement of the body. Front legs should not be set too deeply under the body to preclude free extension and movement, or too far forward at the junction of the shoulder and arm. The lower legs must not be over at the knee or tied in behind the knee, i.e., “calf-kneed.” The rear legs should also be straight but angled slightly forward from the hock through the cannon bone without being severely sickle hocked or being camped out in the rear. A horse that is severely cow-hocked or angled out at the stifle or feet is less than desirable. The horse must not appear to be “coon footed,” or club footed. The front pasterns should neither be too low nor steep, but laid back (ideally at an angle of 45º) in order to effect an elastic type action when in proper gait. The KMSHA/SMHA Horse should have strong, solid feet, of a size proportionate to the body and adequate to support body mass. * See definitions page 98-99. 1.e. Head and Neck. The head and neck carriage of the KMSHA/SMHA horse is part of the appeal of the breed. There is a somewhat “Spanish” look conveying strength, vitality, good temper and intelligence. Looking straight at the front of the head, the distance from the mid point between the eyes to the mid point between the nostrils, is of medium length. The facial composure overall is pleasing to the observer. A Roman nose or overly long head is not desirable and should be severely penalized. A “teacup” chin is traditional, and acceptable, as long as it is not associated with any defect of jaw or teeth. Parrot mouth, overbites and under bites are to be severely penalized. Eyes should be large, semi- round and prominent. The front of the face has a diamond shape with a broad brow, eyes positioned for good vision, and a tapering muzzle. Eyes set too close together and small, “pig-eyes” are to be penalized. The profile of the head should be straight, set at around a 45º angle. Common or coarse heads should be penalized. The nostrils of the horse should be open and proportioned equally on both sides of the face. The neck should have a graceful arch and be of medium proportion, length, and thickness, with the top line of the neck longer than the underline, meeting the back behind the shoulder. The horse should have a clean throatlatch. The neck should show an ability to flex at the poll, and not be tied into the body too low in the chest. The neck should tie into the back behind the shoulders in such a manner to produce a proud carriage, athletic balanced movement, and as smooth a gait as possible. Little or no prominent wither is desirable. The swan neck of the Saddlebred, an inverted or “ewe” neck or a neck with no definition, are to be penalized. Ideally, the ears of the KMSHA/SMHA horse should be mounted neatly at the top of the head and be well shaped, proportioned, tapering, not overly large, and with a tendency to hook at the tips. Mares and fillies
44 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined should have a feminine quality, with more fineness in appearance than seen in geldings or stallions. 1.f. Temperament. Horses shown inhand must demonstrate the appropriate easy natured temperament of the KMSHA/SMHA Horse. They should be well behaved, manageable without undue restraint, and appear alert, sensible, willing and intelligent. There should be no signs of excessive nervousness, aggression, balking or refusal. Entries showing unruly behavior or outward signs of being sedated or tranquilized shall be excused from the ring. Temperament shall be considered in overall judging. Please see page 100 for Conformation Scoring in this rulebook. 2. Juvenile Showmanship. Emphasis is to be placed on the performance of the exhibitor. The horse is merely a prop and the quality of the horse shall not be considered. The exhibitor’s performance shall be rated in each of the categories below with a maximum score of 100. 2.a. (I) Appearance (50 pts) The exhibitor and horse should be in appropriate matching attire for either English or Western. Attire should not be mixed. Boots should be polished and in good condition. The riding suit should be neatly pressed and should fit the rider. Coat sleeves should be fingertip length when standing. Hats and gloves are required. Whips are permitted, but may not exceed 36 inches in length, not including the cracker. The handler’s hair should be neat and well groomed. Girls with long hairs should have it styled so the back number is easily visible. Large earrings, bracelets, corsages and flowers are prohibited in this class. The horse should be in good condition overall and should be well groomed. The hair coat should be clean and well brushed, mane and tail free of tangles and debris, and the hooves trimmed, with neat clinches, if shod. Ears should be clipped; long hair on the jaw, legs, and pasterns should be clipped; and bridle paths, if present, should be neat. Either a suitable show halter or bridle is acceptable. 2.a.(II) Showmanship (50 pts) Exhibitors enter the ring at an alert walk leading the horse on the left side in a counterclockwise direction, with the lead shank or reins in the right hand, near the halter or bridle. The remaining portion of the lead shank or reins is held neatly folded, not coiled in the left hand. A tightly coiled or rolled lead, or one with fingers inserted or laced through the coils will be considered a fault in showmanship. After all exhibitors have entered the ring and lined up before the judge, he/she will call on each exhibitor individually. The exhibitor shoulder should be nearly equal with the horse’s throat latch. The exhibitor must allow the horse sufficient room on the leadline so that the horse can move freely and on a straight track. The ringmaster will tell each exhibitor the required distance the horse is to be led, before stopping and setting the horse up for inspection. At the judge’s signal, the exhibitor will be asked to turn to the right around the horse, turning the horse directly over its hocks with its hind feet staying nearly in place. If the exhibitor is asked to back his/her horse, he/she should back it smoothly, one step at a time, as straight as possible for one body length. Exhibitors shall be penalized for changing hands on the lead shank, touching the horse, or “kicking” the legs into place. All maneuvers should be done with a “press & release” technique with the lead. When presenting the horse, the exhibitor should stand toward the horse, with his/her toes pointed toward the horse’s eye or neck. Exhibitors shall be penalized for standing directly in front of the horse, where he/she loses eye contact with the judge. The exhibitors shall use the “quarter system” when presenting the horse to the judge. In this system, the exhibitor divides the horse into 4 quadrants, by drawing an imaginary line down the middle of the horse and one across his back. When the judge is looking at either hindquarter of the horse, the exhibitor stays on the same side as the judge, when the judge looks at either front quarter, the exhibitor crosses to the opposite side of the horse. The exhibitor should not crowd other entries. When lined up head to tail, a horse’s body length should be maintained between all
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 45 entries. Exhibitors should convey a conservative approach to showing the horse, over showing, undue turning, noticeable corrections/placements, etc. are considered faults in showmanship. Exhibitors should be aware of the position of the judge at all times and keeping showing until the entire class has been placed and judged. Exhibitors should respond quickly to requests, be courteous and sportsmanlike at all times, recognize and quickly correct faults of the horse. 3. Divisional Standards for Exhibition Under Saddle Exhibitors and judges are referred to Part 1 Section 2 for definition of the words “penalty,” “severe penalty” and other terms. 3.a. Country Trail Pleasure Division (no pleasure gait demonstrated). Horses will enter ring at a show walk. 1. The horse must give the steady appearance and have the manners of a horse suitable for a rider of any ability to take Country Trail Pleasure out for a safe and pleasurable ride through the country. Example 2. The gaits must be comfortable, forward moving and ground covering, with an even four beat tempo, without rushing. Lift of the hooves must be no higher than the fetlock joint (with minimal ground clearance). Speed is not a factor in this class. Refer to Range of Motion Chart page 117. 3. The horse must be controllable on a light rein and steady in his head carriage. The nose should be carried slightly ahead of the vertical, with a relaxed silhouette, and not overly collected 4. The horse must present a relaxed aspect through his neck and back. This relaxed aspect continues through the mouth – no gaping, pulling at the bit, fussing in the mouth 5. The horse should not be counterbent. 6. The horse’s head should be bent at the poll and carried appropriately to his conformation. A slightly higher headed horse that exhibits the qualities of a true country pleasure horse should not be penalized for his conformation. 7. The horse must make smooth downward transitions and be handy off the leg for upward transitions. 8. The horse must execute a straight reinback, with legs moving in diagonal pairs, without forceful pulling. 9. The horse must come to a balanced, immobile halt and remain immobile for dismounting and mounting by the rider. 10. The horse must appear to be a good citizen, sensible, and well mannered, not hot or high tempered. The Country Trail Pleasure class is shown in two gaits: Trail Walk and Show Gait. The reins at the trail walk shall be loose and preferably on the buckle. The Show Gait must be forward moving with a gliding quality and minimal knee action. Lift of the hooves must be no higher than mid-pastern joint. A moderate head nod is allowed. The horse will generally “track” or have very minimal overstride. Horses that do not perform a regular cadenced 4 beat gait or who have a tendency to fox-trot shall be eliminated from judging. Speed is not desired in this division. Any indication of animation, more than moderate speed, nervousness, or an elevated head and/or neck carriage shall be penalized. The entry shall present the appearance of being suitable for any family member to take on a relaxed, smooth, pleasurable ride. A completely smooth and steady ride, with proper gait at all times, is essential. A “stepped” pace, pacing,
46 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined or rider bouncing vertically in the saddle must be severely penalized. Manners are paramount in this division. Aids must be unobtrusive and produce no resistance. The judge shall call for a halt on the rail during the class and may do so from either gait. The horse must stop promptly and stand quietly on a loose rein. During the lineup the judge may require that riders dismount and remount while the horse stands quietly, without restraint. Riders may, if necessary, request a mounting block to remount, however they may not receive any other assistance. Juvenile classes shall not be required or asked to dismount or remount. Black jeans and pants without tie downs are permissible in classes in this division. All other rules herein for tack, attire and shoeing apply to this division. 1) Positive credit shall be given to the entry that exemplifies the look of the Country Trail Pleasure division, such as quietness, steadiness, manners, responsiveness, traveling on a light rein and willingness to stand quietly and back readily.; 2) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct style of going for the Country Trail Pleasure division shall be penalized by the judge; 3) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct way of going for the Country Trail Pleasure division may not be placed first on the judge’s card, nor shall it be placed above any other horse that is in the correct way of going for the division so long as it is performing in proper gait, regardless of other criteria, quality of performance, or the number of horses in the class. 3.b. Trail Pleasure Division: Entries in the Trail Pleasure Division must demonstrate a way of going suitable for trail horses. The natural four beat gaits are performed in a manner that is effortless and extremely smooth. The three gaits that are called for are the: Trail Walk, Show Gait and Pleasure Gait. Horses will enter the ring at a show walk. Neither animation nor excessive speed is desired in this division at any gait. Horses that exhibit animation will be eliminated from Trail Pleasure Example consideration. All gaits must be forward moving, with a gliding quality and minimal knee action. Trail pleasure horses will have minimal overstride. A “stepped” pace, pacing, or rider bouncing vertically in the saddle must be severely penalized. Refer to Range of Motion Chart page 117. 1. The Trail Pleasure Horse shows true qualities of an obedient, pleasure horse but must execute his gaits smoothly, and stylishly. Such a horse used to be referred to as a bridle path hack, and is the sort of horse that can be depended upon to provide a safe ride, while presenting a stylish appearance for his rider. 2. The horse must convey an attitude of relaxed energy. There should be no sense of worry, hurry, frustration, or disobedience in a trail pleasure horse. 3. Neck carriage should be appropriate to the conformation of the horse. The horse must wear the bridle well. The head should be carried at the vertical or slightly in front of the vertical. Behind the vertical or nosed out are both penalized. Refer to silhouette above. 4. Reinbacks must be straight and without resistance. Halts must be square and immobile for both mounting and dismounting; downward transitions must be smoothly executed and the horse responsive to the upward transition. 5. The horse must be able to carry the increased speed of the pleasure gait in a balanced frame without appearing uncomfortable of or frenzied.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 47 6. The horse must show reach in front and engagement from the hind legs, but is not required to show a collected way of going as seen in the Classic Pleasure division. The head and neck are carried in a relaxed manner, appropriate to the conformation of the horse, but higher and with more collection than the country trail pleasure horse. A moderate head nod is allowed in the Trail Pleasure Division. Any indication of nervousness, bad manners, or tongue or mouth distress shall be penalized. Horses in this division must be well-mannered, quiet and manageable on a light rein at all gaits. Aids should be unobtrusive and produce no obvious resistance. The judge may call for a halt on the rail from a trail walk at any point in the class. The horse should stop promptly and stand quietly on a light rein. During the lineup the judge may also require that riders dismount and remount while the horse stands quietly, without restraint. Riders may, if necessary, request a mounting block to remount, however they may not receive any other assistance. Juvenile classes shall not be required or asked to dismount or remount. 1) Positive credit shall be given to the entry that exemplifies the look of the division showing true trail pleasure qualities such as lightness in the mouth, quiet alertness, relaxed head and neck, and responsiveness. 2) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct way of going for Trail Pleasure division shall be penalized by the judge. The entry may be stylish and collected, however, a headset, frame and/or animation approaching the look of the Classic entry shall be penalized. 3) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct way of going for the Trail Pleasure division shall not be placed above any other horse that is in the correct way of going for the division so long as it is performing in proper gait, regardless of other criteria, quality of performance, or the number of horses in the class. 3.c. Classic Pleasure Division: 1. The Classic Pleasure horse is shown in a frame that can be described as increasingly collected when compared to the Trail Pleasure horse.
2. The contact on the reins of the Classic Horse when engaged Classic Pleasure should be firm but not excessive. There should be no signs of Example heavy-handed riding or mouth distress in the Classic Pleasure horse. 3. The impression should be one of controlled energy. As each gait is executed, the judge should feel that there is more to come in the next gear, without any sense of laboring or running away being evident. The gaits are springy and elastic and the maximum lift of the forearm is to be at least 3 degrees below level. See Range of Motion Chart page 117. 4. The horse must wear the bridle well with no sense of rigidity in the neck or appearance of being held up in the bridle by the rider. The face should be at the vertical with the poll as the highest point of the neck. Horses behind the vertical or giving the impression of sucking back are to be penalized. 5. The horse should not appear to be traveling “flat” over his back. The back should be engaged. 6. The horse must show quality and style, execute smooth downward transitions, and prompt upward transitions, and be able to demonstrate balanced halts. 7. The trail walk should be forward moving and not slow footed; there should be no indication of prancing, jigging, or high knee action.
48 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 8. The Classic Pleasure horse can best be described as “eager, yet manageable, but not overly energetic”. The Classic Pleasure entry executes the Show Gait and Pleasure Gait in a collected, up-headed and stylish manner, with moderate reach and overstride. The Trail Walk is performed on a loose rein and relaxed. The horse is shown in a collected frame, with the head carried proudly up in the bridle. There shall be no evidence of heavy handedness, excessive pressure on the bit, or any sense of the horse being propped up or held up by the rider. The Classic Pleasure horse should engage his hind legs and will have a moderate overstride. Trailing of the hocks, “turkey trotting”, or a disunited way of going in the hindquarters shall be penalized. The biggest distinction between the Classic Pleasure horse and the Trail Pleasure horse is primarily in the frame and carriage: The Classic Pleasure horse will exhibit more animation, a rolling motion, and a showier, higher head and neck carriage. Neither speed nor animation is to be tied over smoothness, correct form and a four beat cadenced footfall. Classic Pleasure horses must present a picture of balance, elasticity, and controlled energy. A “stepped” pace, pacing, or rider bouncing vertically in the saddle must be severely penalized. Any indication of nervousness, bad manners, or tongue or mouth distress shall be penalized. 1) Positive credit shall be given to the entry that exemplifies the look of the division; 2) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct way of going for Classic Pleasure division shall be penalized by the judge; 3) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct way of going for the Classic Pleasure division may not be placed first on the judge’s card, nor shall it be placed above any other horse that is in the correct way of going for the division. 3.d. Park Pleasure Division. 1. The most action and the most collection are demonstrated in the Park Pleasure division. These horses must show elevation, reach and engagement, presenting a picture of collected balance and high energy. Contact should be firm but not heavy-handed. There should be no “jerking” of the reins by the rider. Park Pleasure 2. High energy is not synonymous with Speed. The Park Example Pleasure horse must demonstrate three clear changes of tempo. Over- riding the horse is to be severely penalized. Over- riding causes defects in way of going and includes the possibility of injuring the horse. 3. The Park Pleasure horse must be up in the bridle and carrying the bit well, without being braced against the rider’s hand or exhibiting mouth distress. The poll must remain the highest point of the neck and the horse may not be nosed out. A correctly finished Park Pleasure horse should have his nose on the vertical or slightly ahead of the vertical. Horses behind the bit, mouthing or rooting the bit are to be penalized. 4. Action is elevated in the Park Pleasure horse, but how the gait appears to be executed is part of the distinction of the division. The horse must be elastic and give no indication of laboring. The gaits should flow from one to the other, seamlessly. The horse should give the impression of courage, strength and lightness. Spanish horses have a characteristic called “brio” which is also descriptive of the attitude of the Park Pleasure Horse – this quality is one of courage and fire, with the feeling of untapped resources
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 49 yet available should the rider only ask. Trailing or hocky action is to be penalized. The feet should make a firm contact with the ground and spring back away from it. There should be no pounding of the ground, nor should the horse be so light footed as to appear to be floating or hovering above the ground with his front feet. Pointing is to be penalized. Refer to Range of Motion Charge (page 117). 5. The highest breakover or most action or the fastest gait is not what makes a Park Pleasure winner. The overall picture must remain one of balance and fluid motion. Any appearance of artificiality in the execution of the gaits will result in elimination. The horse must be balanced, flowing and forward moving, exhibiting the greatest power and stride of all the divisions. The Park Pleasure horse will exhibit the greatest amount of animation, with the lift of the forearm at or above level. In both the show and pleasure gaits, the Park Pleasure horse should break at or above level. Park Pleasure horses will exhibit the maximum amount of overstride compared to all other divisions. The horse should move in a smooth rolling motion. The front leg action should not be stiff, pointed, or hesitating. Horses with action that appears to have been artificially obtained must be eliminated from consideration. The horse must be up in the bridle, supple and flexible. Although the Pleasure Gait may be performed with a fair degree of speed, the Show Gait must be distinctly slower and the Trail Walk must still be on a loose rein. All gaits must remain authentic, evenly-timed, four beat gaits, and good form must not be sacrificed. The ability of the entry to maintain an evenly-timed four beat gait at speed should be given significant weight by the judges. A “stepped” pace, pacing, or rider bouncing vertically in the saddle must be severely penalized. Although accentuated, the horse must retain all the qualities of a true pleasure horse. The gaits must be smooth, and above all be natural. Any discernible vertical bounce of the rider or the appearance of excessive weight placed in the stirrups to minimize the appearance of bounce is to be penalized. Manners remain important, including the ability to execute a correct Trail Walk with the horse being ridden on a loose rein with noticeable lack of tension, to stand quietly in the lineup and to backup in a straight line with no resistance. The entry should appear to be tractable and willing. Nervousness, behaving in an unruly manner, mouth distress, inability to relax at the Trail Walk, the need for undue restraint on behalf of the rider, propping or holding the horse up, and resistance to the rider’s aids are all to be penalized. 1) Positive credit shall be given to the entry that exemplifies the look of the division; 2) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct style of going for the Park Pleasure division shall be penalized by the judge; 3) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct way of going for the Park Pleasure division may not be placed first on the judge’s card, nor shall it be placed above any other horse that is in the correct way of going for the division so long as it is performing in proper gait, regardless of other criteria, quality of performance, or the number of horses in the class. 3.e. Western Pleasure Division. The Western Pleasure horse must reflect the suitability of the horse for this division. He must stand quietly, back willingly, and provide a ride of exceptional smoothness, with the absence of high knee action. He must be economical in movement. The headset and neck carriage of the horse must be relaxed and steady; any tendency to be up in the bridle will be penalized. Horses that fail to stand quietly or fail to backup readily will be severely penalized in this division. 1. The horse must be manageable on a light rein. Neck reined horses should demonstrate a U shape in the rein as preferred. Tight reins are penalized. 2. The horse must be steady in his head and neck carriage, with the nose carried slightly ahead of the vertical but not mouthing or rooting the bit or nosed out. Horses whose conformations are inclined to a higher head set are not to be penalized; however, horses whose head set is more appropriate for a working
50 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined horse, relaxed over the crest and looking straight ahead on the track, should be used ahead of the higher headed western horse if all other qualities are equal. 3. The reinback must be straight with diagonal legs moving in equal pairs and should show strength and balance with flexion of the hind legs and some quickness in execution. There should be no sense that the horse is being unwillingly pulled back. The reinback is a necessity for a working horse and should be given attention in the final placement. 4. The 360 turn is demonstrated on the forehand or the haunches but does not have to be a turn (spin) in place. It may be a moving turn. The purpose is to show both the ability to neck rein and the suppleness of the horse. The turn should be smooth and executed without resistance. 5. The halt must be square and immobile. The horse must remain immobile, with no tossing of the head or shifting of weight from side to side, if the rider is asked to mount or dismount. 6. The gaits must be true working gaits, efficient and economical, sustainable by the horse for a full day’s work over varied terrain. 7. Mouth distress in the western pleasure horse is to be severely penalized. The Western horse must be shown with Western-style split or romal reins. Western reins may not be tied in a knot. The horse is ridden on a loose rein, with a noticeable “U” in the reins from the bit to the hand holding the reins. Bumping, pumping or jerking of the reins will result in elimination from the class and in all Western events. Riders may be asked to stop at the Judge’s request while being shown on the rail, to dismount and remount . Horses must stand still and behave while this exercise takes place. A rider may ask for a step block during this procedure. 3.e. (I) Equipment: Horses over the age of five must be shown in a curb bit in the Western division and are required to neck rein. Horses five and under may be shown in a snaffle bit or bosal and may be direct reined. Exhibitors showing in a curb bit must hold the reins in one hand. Direction is given to the horse only by the weight of the reins on the neck of the horse, and not by moving the wrist or hand to direct rein or apply bit contact. The rider’s hands must be clear of both saddle and horse at all times. Once the class is called to order, the rider may not change the reining hand, except in a trail obstacle class as needed to work an obstacle.
Western Style hand/rein positions
Permissible for both split and normal Permissible for split reins. reins only.
Split reins (not joined in any manner, including knotted) are held with the hand around the reins, with both reins entering the hand between the thumb and index finger, or being held with the index finger only between the reins. Reins may not enter the hand on opposite sides of a fist made around the reins. The free hand shall not touch or hold the reins.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 51 When using a romal rein, the hand shall be around the reins with the wrist kept straight and relaxed, the thumb on top and the fingers closed lightly around the reins; no fingers are allowed between the reins. The free hand shall carry the romal extension with approximately 16 inches space between the hands. The romal shall not be used forward of the cinch or to signal or cue the horse in any way. Silver mounted equipment is allowed in this category of competition but it will not be given any more weight in judging than clean working style tack. 3.e.(II) Gaits: The three gaits that are called for are the: Trail Walk, Show Gait and Pleasure Gait. Neither animation nor excessive speed is desired in this division at any gait. Lift of the hooves should be no higher than mid-cannon bone. A “stepped” pace, pacing, or rider bouncing vertically in the saddle must be severely penalized. During the lineup, riders may be asked to mount or dismount from either side and to execute a 360º neck reined turn. The 360 turn may be made to the left or to the right. The turn need not be on the haunches. Riders may also be asked to halt from either the Trail Walk or the Show Gait and stand quietly on the rail. 1) Positive credit shall be given to the entry that exemplifies the look of the division; 2) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct style of going for the Western Pleasure division shall be penalized by the judge; 3) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct way of going for the Western Pleasure division may not be placed first on the judge’s card, nor shall it be placed above any other horse that is in the correct way of going for the division so long as it is performing in proper gait, regardless of other criteria, quality of performance, or the number of horses in the class. 3.f. Equitation Division 3.f (I) General Information: Equitation is the art of horsemanship. Here the rider demonstrates skill and talent to control and guide a horse to achieve maximum performance. Although the horse is not judged in the division per se, the ability of the rider to influence the horse to smoothly execute gaits commands, and ring figures depends in large part on the training the horse has had by the rider. In addition to the functional skills the rider must demonstrate good riding form, to include an elegant and correct seat, proper use of hands, and overall balanced body position. Both horse and rider must be turned out to an exceptional standard in order to compete in the equitation division. Complete equitation attire and tack rules are found in Part V Section 1.h (I-III). Show management may divide equitation classes into sections based on age, juvenile and adult status, open and amateur status, and other criteria. 3.f. (II) Individual Tests. Tests will be required that tests in all equitation classes. Tests for 2008-2009 are included in this rulebook on pages 107-110. Equitation riders will be judged using the standard equitation score sheet. After completion of individual tests, rail work will be conducted with each rider maintaining a distance of one horse length from rider to rider. Passing of entries is not allowed. 3.f. (III) Saddle Seat Basic Position. The following elements are required of the rider in saddle seat equitation: 1) Head high and looking forward; 2) Shoulders even and square with the ribcage drawn up and out of the belt area; 3) Waist supple but not collapsed; back supple, neither collapsed nor rigid; 4) Buttocks neatly tucked and seated on seat bones not rolled forward on the crotch; 5) Deep seat, close and in contact with the horse, “perching” to be penalized;
52 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 6) Thighs and knees in close contact but without gripping. Toes are pointed forward and heels carried down. Riding with “feet on the dashboard” or legs held straight out away from the horse will be penalized; 7) The stirrup irons should touch the rider’s mid-ankle when the foot is removed from the stirrup; 8) Forearms should be parallel to the ground. A slight angle when seen from above is acceptable. Wrists must be supple; 9) Hands and forearms should form a V when viewed from above. Hands should be held over the withers, far enough apart that the thumbs almost touch when extended. Hands that are turned flat, in the position that would be seen while playing the piano, are to be penalized. The touch of the rider’s hands on the reins should be light, yet clearly in contact; 10) The reins should be held between the thumb and index finger with the remainder of the fingers closed gently but firmly around the reins. The rider may also elect to run the bottom of the rein above the little finger before closing the hand. The bight of the rein shall fall to the right side. The hands may not cross the neck while the horse is motion. Riders will be penalized for this error; 11) An imaginary plum line, drawn on the rider from a side view, would show a straight connection from the ear through the shoulder to the elbow, traveling down the body through the hip to the heel. 3.f. (IV) Saddleseat Position in Motion. The start into forward motion should be smooth and gradual with the engagement of necessary leg and seat aids and a slight release of rein pressure. At all gaits an even tempo must be maintained. The rider must be supple, alert, and capable of maintaining the horse at gait, with invisible aids, on the straightaway and through the corners. Thumping or kicking of the horse will be penalized. The horse must be well collected with the rider’s hands quiet and the body following the movement of the gait. All transitions must be gradual with no abruptness. At the halt the rider’s weight shall be well down in the saddle, rein pressure shall be even, and the horse ridden into a square halt. Reverses are ridden toward the rail. 3.g. Academy Equitation Classes. In the interests of attracting more riders to the equitation discipline Academy Equitation classes may be offered at Sanctioned or Fun/Schooling shows. Academy Equitation does not require full saddleseat attire, although correct tack is required. Entries in saddleseat equitation must wear black pants, boots with heel, white long sleeve shirts, and a conservative tie (not a bow-tie), gloves, and helmets for Juvenile riders 11 & under. All hair that would cover the collar must be confined in a hair net. The Academy Equitation class may be offered for Juvenile riders 17 & under and Adult riders 18 & older. Participants in Equitation may not compete in both standard and academy equitation classes. The test for Academy Equitation can be found on page 110 of this rulebook. 3.h. Pleasure Driving. Pleasure driving is judged on the qualities of the KMSHA/SMHA horse in harness. The gaits are to be working gaits, rather than highly animated gaits. Lift should not exceed mid cannon bone in this division. The Trail Walk, Show Gait, and Pleasure Gait are to be demonstrated both ways of the ring. Horses enter the ring at the show gait, followed by the pleasure gait and the trail walk. The reverse is executed on the diagonal way of the ring at the trail walk. A header is permitted in the lineup. Pleasure horses must stand quietly and back readily. Rearing in the shafts will result in mandatory elimination and dismissal from the ring. 3.h. (I) PENALTIES for Pleasure Driving Classes. Only the driver is permitted in the vehicle. In youth classes or in the event of a physically challenged driver, an adult must be present in the vehicle to take over the reins in an emergency. If an adult touches the reins, or advises the driver in any way, the entry is eliminated from competition. 3.i. Trail Obstacle Classes. In Trail Obstacle classes, the horse can only be shown one time in a class. This class is judged and placed solely on the performance scores of the horse over and through
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 53 obstacles, with emphasis on manners, willingness, level of training and response to the rider. Horses should receive credit for quiet attentiveness to the rider and the obstacles, their ability to pick their own way through an obstacle when warranted, and responsiveness to the rider’s cues on more difficult obstacles. Horses shall be penalized for any unnecessary delay while approaching or negotiating the obstacles. Horses shall not be required to work on the rail, but must be required to demonstrate the show gait at some point during the course. Correct four beat gaits are required in the class. The course to be used must be posted at least one hour before scheduled starting time of the class. Exhibitors may compete in either English or Western attire and tack. Trail obstacle score sheets can be found on page 111 of this rulebook. Juvenile Riders may enter only one horse in the Trail Obstacle class. Points reside with the Juvenile Rider and not the horse; therefore, only one horse per Juvenile Rider will be allowed to compete. 3.i. (I) Scoring. Suggested scoring is on the basis of 0 - infinity, with 70 denoting an average performance. Each obstacle will receive an obstacle score that is added or subtracted from 70. Each obstacle is scored on the following basis, with the points added or subtracted from 70: –1 1/2, extremely poor; –1, very poor; –1/2 poor; 0 correct; +1/2 good; +1 very good; +1 1/2 excellent. Obstacle scores are determined and assessed independently of penalty points. Penalties are subtracted from 70 and are assessed per occurrence as follows: 1/2 penalty point • Each tick of log, pole, cone or obstacle. • Touching the horse on the head or neck to give praise. 1 point • Each hit of or stepping on a log, pole, cone or obstacle. • Minor break of walk or gait. • Both front or hind feet in a single-strided slot or space. • Skipping over or failing to step into a required space. 3 points • Major break of gait or walk. • Knocking down an elevated pole, cone, barrel, plant obstacle, or severely disturbing an obstacle. 5 points • Dropping slicker or object required to be carried on course. • First refusal, balk, or attempting to evade an obstacle by shying or backing more than two strides away. 5 points (plus entry cannot place over another entry that completes the course correctly.) • Stepping outside the confines of, falling or jumping off an obstacle (back through, bridge, side pass, box, water box). • Loss of control or letting go of the gate. • Blatant disobedience (kicking out, bucking rearing, striking). • Riding outside designated boundary marker of the course. Failure to demonstrate correct gait. • Failure to enter, exit, or work obstacle from correct side or direction.
54 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined • Failure to complete obstacle. • Failure to perform correct line of travel within or between obstacles. • Second refusal, balk, or attempting to evade an obstacle by shying or backing more than 2 strides away. Any of the following will result in the entry receiving no score (entry receives a 0): • Use of more than one finger between the reins and other incorrect use of the reins with Western presentation as provided in the Rules (riders may change hands if necessary to work an obstacle) • Performing the obstacles in other than the specified order. • No attempt to perform an obstacle. • Equipment failure that delays completion of pattern. • Touching the horse on the head or neck to lower the head, or use of the hands to instill fear. • Fall to the ground by horse or rider. In addition to the above scoring method, show management may set a time limit or may time each entry for purposes of using the lower time to break a tie. 3.i. (II) Scoring Examples. Effort should be made to assess the obstacle score and penalty points separately and independently, without deducting for the same fault twice. Examples: 1) Horse A approaches a stepover obstacle calmly, investigates it, then steps over, ticking the obstacle with his hind foot. He is responsive to a light cue to go forward, never loses forward momentum, is not disconcerted by the tick, and proceeds quietly and correctly to the next obstacle. Horse A may receive an obstacle score of plus 1 for very good, with a penalty point of 1/2 for the tick and a final score on the obstacle of 70 1/2. 2) Horse B is very nervous approaching the stepover. He prances and is resistant. He balks at performing the obstacle, swaying back and sideways at least two steps to avoid it. After urging by the rider, he hops over the obstacle, not touching it, and scoots forward to get away from it before being reined in by the rider. Horse B may receive an obstacle score of minus 1 for very poor, plus 5 penalty points for the first balk and an overall score of 64. The above paragraphs are merely examples of how a judge in his/her discretion might mark the entry. Scores might be higher or lower depending on the judge’s actual evaluation in a class. 3.i. (III) Course Design and Management. Course designers shall keep in mind that the object is not to trap or scare a horse, or ask horses to perform a maneuver very few horses could be expected to be prepared to complete, or which would be considered dangerous or foolhardy to safely attempt in a trail riding setting. All courses and obstacles are to be constructed with safety in mind to minimize chances of accidents or scaring horses. If difficult courses are set, a less difficult course for younger horses should be provided. If gaiting is required around obstacles, such as a serpentine, enough distance shall be allowed between markers for the gait to be adequately performed by a well-trained entry with good length of stride. If the course is disrupted, it shall be reset after each horse has worked and not before that horse has finished the entire course. At least six obstacles shall be used. Acceptable obstacles include (but are not limited to) opening and closing a gate, back through, side passes, bridges, stepovers, riding over poles, gaiting through serpentines or other courses, picking up objects at mailboxes or carrying slickers or baskets, stopping and turning inside a box made of poles, any combination of acceptable obstacles, and any other safe and negotiable obstacle designed to demonstrate the willingness and training of the horse, and which meets the approval of the judge and show management. Obstacles which are unacceptable include tires, animals, hides, PVC pipe, jumps, rocking or moving bridges, water box with floating or moving parts, flames, dry ice, fire extinguisher, flapping tarps, logs or poles elevated in a manner that
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 55 permits them to roll, and other obstacles, which at the discretion of the judge, are considered to pose a safety hazard to horse or rider. The judge must walk the course and has the right and duty to alter the course in any manner if he deems an obstacle to be unsafe or nonnegotiable. Prior to the beginning of the class, a show official shall walk the course with all contestants on foot. 3.j. 4-Gait Pleasure Classes. Open to registered KMSHA/SMHA horses only. Horses will be asked to perform 4 gaits: Trail Walk, Show Gait, Pleasure Gait, and Canter or Lope. There is no minimum or maximum amount of lift required for this class, however horses are to appear natural. Horses may be shown English or Western, but tack and attire cannot be mixed. The canter or lope is required in the 4-gait pleasure class and is called for after the Trail Walk. The Trail Walk is always used as the transitional gait for departure into the canter or lope. The canter or lope must be a three beat gait that is relaxed and ground covering but not fast. It must be smooth, unhurried, should not be over collected, and should not appear artificial in form. There should be no pumping of the reins or restraint to reduce speed, produce collection or to produce an exaggerated, rocking-chair motion. At the canter (for English horses) the frame should be more collected and round but is not to reflect the “rocking chair canter” as seen in other breeds. At the lope (for Western horses) the frame is more relaxed and long rather than round. The gait must be smooth and controlled. It is not shown with animation. A “flat” canter or lope that moves the legs but shows no engagement of the back is to be penalized. Pumping (motion in which the hands are pulling the reins and bit backward and forward in the horse’s mouth) of the reins is severely penalized. Canter/lope departs must be clean and executed without steps of any intermediate gait. The horse shall pick up the correct lead for the direction of the ring being ridden without the rider demonstrating excessive or obvious cues. Cross cantering shall be severely penalized, as shall any tendency to four beat while at the lope or canter. Horses that are not under the rider’s complete control should be severely penalized. Horses are to be judged on their ability to maintain form and execute each gait correctly. Gaits must be smooth, consistent and evenly timed. Any discernible vertical bounce, or the appearance of excessive weight placed in the stirrups to minimize the appearance of bounce, on the part of the rider is to be penalized. The Trail Walk should be executed with observable slack in both reins. Nervous, agitated, unwilling, unresponsive, or unruly horses are to be severely penalized as are those who show mouth distress, the need for undue restraint on behalf of the rider, and resistance’s to the rider’s aids. Manners also remain important. The entry should appear tractable & willing. They should stand quietly in the lineup and be able to back up in a straight line with no resistance. 4. General Judging Standards for Exhibition Under Saddle. 4.a. Divisions. Under saddle classes at KMSHA/SMHA shows are designated under divisions including: Country Trail Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Trail Pleasure, Classic Pleasure, and Park Pleasure. The divisions are described in detail starting in Part VI Section 3. Performance criteria for each division is listed on pages 102-106 of this rulebook. Specialty performance classes include: four gait pleasure, and trail obstacle. Significant criteria for each class shall be the ability of the entry to execute correct four beat gaits, the first requirement of any division, and to demonstrate the proper attributes of the way of going for the division in which it is entered. Horses shall be evaluated and rewarded/penalized as follows: 1) Correct execution of all 4 four beat gaits; 2) Positive credit shall be given to the entry that exemplifies the look of the division; 3) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct style of going for the type of division in which it is entered shall be penalized by the judge;
56 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 4) A horse that does not demonstrate the correct four beat gaits and/or the correct way of going for the division in which it is entered shall not be placed first on the judge’s card, nor above any other horse that has correct gaits and the correct way of going for the division, regardless of other criteria, or the number of horses in the class. If no horse in the class demonstrates correct gait and/or the correct way of going for the division, “Protective Ruling” will be applied (see section Part 1 2.n.) 4.b. Cross Entry. The same horse/rider are not allowed to cross-enter in the different divisions of Country Trail Pleasure, Trail Pleasure, Classic Pleasure or Park Pleasure in the same show. Exceptions are made for the following circumstances; i.e. an adult amateur showing a horse in country trail pleasure could allow the same horse to be shown by a novice or juvenile exhibitor in trail pleasure. Each horse/rider combination (A), (B) or (C) must remain in the same division throughout the show. If an exhibitor is told by a judge during the course of a horse show class that his entry has been placed in the wrong division, the exhibitor will be allowed and may elect to reenter the horse, without prejudice, in the appropriate division for the duration of that horse show. Should the exhibitor elect to change divisions, he may not continue to show in two divisions during the duration of the show. Paid entry fees will be refunded or reapplied to the newly elected division. An individual who cross-enters a horse in a sanctioned show in violation of the Rules in this section shall be disqualified from all classes in that show by the Show Manager, and be reported to the KMSHA/ SMHA Executive Board. Automatic penalties are awarded as follows: 1) Upon a first offense, the rider/owner/trainer of the entry shall be sent a certified letter of reprimand issued by the SD, return receipt requested, which explains the cross entry rules and the penalty for the first and subsequent offenses. 2) All points earned by the entry at the show at which the violation occurred, for all classes entered, will be forfeited and deleted in the calculation of high points. 3) The placement of the horse in the class illegally entered shall be forfeited and the placements redetermined. 4) Following any subsequent offense, all points earned by the entry for the entire show year shall be forfeited. 5) The rider of the entry and the horse entered shall be disqualified from competition for a calendar year from the date of the offenses. 6) All awards shall be returned to show management or to KMSHA/SMHA before the suspension from competition is lifted. 7) The owner and the rider/trainer shall be notified by letter of the rule violation and the penalty. 8) The placement of the horse in the class illegally entered shall be forfeited and the placements redetermined. Show management and KMSHA/SMHA stewards have the power and the duty to enforce the cross-entry restrictions. If a violation is brought to the attention of either, the violation shall be verified with show records, and an announcement made as soon as practicable of the new placements for the class. Violators shall return any awards to show management or to KMSHA/SMHA. 4.c. General. KMSHA/SMHA desires to avoid the excesses and extremes in both training and exhibition that have come to be associated with some other breeds. Regardless of the division in which the KMSHA/ SMHA horse is shown, the horse must retain the characteristics of a pleasure horse with natural movement and a cadenced 4-beat gait. Exaggeration and extremes in style and form are not to be rewarded, whether the extremes are manifested in excessive, unnatural animation and speed, or in the direction of the least animation and speed. In every division the KMSHA/SMHA horse must be fluid, natural, and smooth
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 57 with a cadenced 4-beat gait, and appear to be a true pleasure to ride. The criteria in these sections apply generally to all divisions of KMSHA/SMHA classes. 4.d. Gait and Temperament. The paramount characteristics that must be demonstrated by KMSHA/ SMHA horses in all categories and divisions of competition under saddle are quality of gait and quality of temperament. Although other attributes, such as collection, a steady show frame, and animation appropriate to the class will have importance to judges, none shall have more importance in evaluation of the performance of an entry than quality and correctness of the four beat gait and quality of temperament. (The sole exception is the penalty for a horse that is being shown in an incorrect division, as set out in Part VI Section 3.a-j) 4.d. (I) Gait. The gait in all divisions must be a natural, evenly timed, consistent, four beat gait with moderate, not excessive speed. Any tendency toward pace, stepping pace, foxtrot or canter or lope (other than in classes where a canter or lope is called for) is to be severely penalized. In addition, gait must be executed in such a manner that is observed as smooth to ride. Any appearance of roughness or signs that the rider is bouncing vertically in the saddle or having to stand in the stirrups to avoid the appearance of bouncing must be severely penalized. 4.d. (II) Temperament. A quality that must be demonstrated by the KMSHA/SMHA horse in all divisions is the breed characteristic of a calm, intelligent, sensible, willing temperament. The unique ability to immediately “come down” from the most animated performance gait in the class to a calm, relaxed state for the Trail Walk is an essential attribute of the KMSHA/SMHA horse temperament and one of the reasons for the importance of the trail walk in KMSHA/SMHA horse shows. The most brilliant and animated horse must be able to drop quickly and smoothly to a true trail walk; ridden on a loose rein with lack of tension and observable slack in both reins; stand quietly in the lineup and, in general, be responsive to the direction and aids of the rider at all times. Nervous, agitated, unwilling, unresponsive or unruly horses are to be severely penalized in judging. Horses that are not under the rider’s control, who present a hazard to other exhibitors, or who disrupt the overall conduct of the class are to be excused from the ring. 4.e. Type of Gait. The natural four beat gait of the KMSHA/SMHA horse is a saddle gait referred to as a “stepped rack.” The gait can be executed with a natural, free flowing lift and suspension to speed and animation depending on the division in which the horse is exhibited. It should be rolling, smooth and forward moving, not seem jerky or forced. While execution of the gait may demonstrate power and stride the gait is NOT executed in the looser style as the running walk of the Tennessee Walking Horse, or in a diagonal four beat as the Foxtrotter, or with the suspension and hock action of the Saddlebred. There is little or no head nod (except as allowed in the Country Trail & Trail Pleasure Divisions), and minimal hock action. Trailing of the hocks is to be penalized as a disunited way of going. Horses are to be balanced in movement as viewed from the profile, with a reaching rolling action from the forelegs and a driving propulsion from the hind limbs. Some KMSHA/SMHA horses execute the gait with a small degree of termino (winging out from either side of the forelegs), which is not in itself to be penalized, so long as it is not the result of conformational deficiency or causes the gait not to be one of forward flowing movement. 4.f. Headset. The ideal KMSHA/SMHA horse headset under saddle should range from the face being close to vertical, to slightly forward of the vertical line. Either overtucking or overcollection shall be penalized. A horse that is “nosed-out” and/or “strung out” is to be severely penalized for not working on the bit nor demonstrating any collection. Likewise, a horse with an overtuck which loses his state of collection from grabbing the bit and pulling downward, causing loss of balance from the profile, is to be severely penalized.
58 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 4.g. Trail Walk. The Trail Walk has equal weight in judging with all other gaits in the class. The ability to transition from the highest performance level in the class to a completely relaxed walk is an important indication of the correct KMSHA/SMHA horse mentality and temperament. The Trail Walk is an authentic, natural four beat walk, suitable for use on the trails. The walk must be calm, relaxed, and ridden in every division with clearly observable slack or light contact in the reins. Reins at all times must droop moderately with the lowest point noticeably lower than the point of attachment to the bit. Entries in the Country Trail Pleasure division shall execute the trail walk with reins preferably on the buckle. There is to be no sign of animation, nervousness, or the need for restraint. The head and neck should be lowered from the position that is maintained at show and pleasure gaits. The horse should be well relaxed and in acceptance of the bit. Horses that are unable to move from the gait into a relaxed, natural walk, or horses that must be restrained by the reins from accelerating to a faster speed or gait, or horses who appear to “jig” while trail walking, must be penalized in judging and the horse may not tie first in the class. 4.h. Show Gait. The Show Gait is a collected, evenly-timed natural four beat gait which smoothly evolves out of the Trail Walk. The Show Gait is performed at slow to moderate speed,( but not as fast or to replace the speed of the Pleasure Gait) with stride and action appropriate for each of the divisions. The Show Gait must be collected and smooth with no exaggeration in form or execution. The sequence of the footfall is a rhythmic and cadenced four beat gait. 4.i. Pleasure Gait. The KMSHA/SMHA Pleasure Gait is an evenly-timed (one , two , three, four), four beat gait with the most speed, stride, collection and action of any division. There must be a distinct difference in the slower speed demonstrated at the Show Gait in transition to the faster Pleasure Gait, although speed must not come at the expense of form and correct footfall. Horses that do not exhibit a distinct difference in speed between the Show Gait and the Pleasure Gait must be penalized. The ability of the horse to demonstrate forward movement, with speed and action appropriate for each of the divisions, while remaining in correct form is of primary importance during this gait. The Pleasure Gait is not called for in the Country Trail Pleasure Division. 4.j. Canter or Lope. If the cadenced, three beat canter or lope is included in any class within a KMSHA/ SMHA horse division, it shall be required after the trail walk. The Trail Walk is always used as the transitional gait is for departure into the canter or lope. The canter or lope must be a three beat gait that is relaxed and ground covering but not fast. At the canter seen in English classes, the frame should be more collected and round but is not to reflect the “rocking chair canter” as seen in other breeds. At the lope seen in Western classes, the frame is more relaxed and long rather than round. The gait must be smooth and controlled. It is not shown with animation. A “flat” canter or lope that moves the legs but shows no engagement of the back is to be penalized. Pumping (motion in which the hands are pulling the reins and bit backward and forward in the horses mouth) of the reins is severely penalized. Canter/lope departs must be clean and executed without steps of any intermediate gait. The horse shall pick up the correct lead for the way (direction of the ring being ridden) of the ring without the rider demonstrating excessive or obvious cues. Cross cantering shall be severely penalized, as shall any tendency to four beat while at the lope or canter. Horses that are not under the rider’s complete control should be severely penalized. 4.k. The Rein Back. In all divisions, when called to the lineup, horses must first stand quietly before they are asked to back. The Ringmaster or Judge may ask each rider to reinback at least three steps in a straight line from the lineup. The horse must not throw his head above the bit, gape at the mouth or show other signs of resistance. Riders may not apply the spur. Resistance and failure to follow a straight track will be penalized. Horses that refuse to back shall be severely penalized. Backing properly shall also play an important role as part of the judging process.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 59 Part VII sanctioned Show Standards See Sanctioning Rules and Requirements found in the front of this Rulebook 1. Classes for Competition. 1.a. Division of Classes. Show management may elect to divide classes by age and gender of both people and horses, once the minimum core class requirement has been met. Show management shall monitor entries to determine class size and shall split classes which are large enough to interfere with proper judging or to be hazardous to exhibitors or to horses, or which reach the maximum number of 20 per class. 1.b. Championships and Grand Championships. KMSHA/SMHA encourages show management to incorporate championship classes as part of its program once the primary class requirements have been met. Show management may, but need not, restrict entry into championships and grand championships by requiring that entries have been shown or placed at certain levels in qualifying classes in order to compete. 1.c. In-Hand or Halter Classes. Halter horses are judged on movement and are led both ways of the ring before standing for individual evaluation. Movement shall be at a trail walk; gaiting in hand is not to be requested. 1.d. Ladies/Men’s Classes. Classes designated for Ladies or Men, or Ladies or Men to Ride, are restricted to adult women or men who are no longer eligible to compete as juveniles. 1.e. Amateur Owned & Trained Classes. Entries in Amateur Owned and Trained classes, are restricted to horses that are trained and owned by an amateur. The horse may not have been in professional training for ninety (90) days before the date of the show/class. Any amateur/owner not considered to be a professional qualifies, and as long as the horse has not been professionally trained or coached by a professional during the same period. Leased horses do not qualify for exhibition in this division unless the lease is in effect for a minimum of 12 months, or the prospective rider is the lessee of the entry and the lease expressly reserves exhibition rights to the lessee. A bona fide copy of the lease agreement for the entry must be provided to show management at the time of registration. No professional will be allowed to “warm-up” an AOT horse on the show grounds prior to competition. Any AOT found in violation of AOT status, will automatically lose accumulated high points for that show, and their AOT status for the remainder of the show season. 1.f. Professional Exhibitor Classes. The rider in a professional class must be an individual meeting the definition of a professional in Section 4.g. 1.g. Juvenile Rider Classes. Classes designated for juveniles are restricted to individuals who have not reached their 18th birthday as of January 1st of the competition year. Classes may further be divided and restricted to juveniles meeting additional age requirements. A juvenile may not compete in any Novice or Amateur class. Juveniles may not show in Pro Am classes. 1.h. Local Interest/Option Classes. Show Managers of officially sanctioned events may offer local interest/ option classes, in addition to classes for other breeds or disciplines. The requirements for local interest classes must be clearly spelled out in premium list or catalogues. 1.i. Open Classes. A class designated as “open” entitles horses of any age, sex, or other status and any rider 18 and older of any status, to compete other than as specifically restricted in the name of the class. 1.j. Regional Classes. Show managers are encouraged to include regional classes as part of their show program once their primary class requirements have been met (A, AA or AAA). Refer to Sanctioning Requirements for assistance. KMSHA/SMHA has designated 13 regional divisions for all 50 states
60 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined including Canada. Show managers have the option to officially sanction their shows as regional shows by including the minimum (or additional) number of required classes at their event. Each regional competitor competes at officially sanctioned events throughout the year within their own region. At the end of each show season, regional exhibitors are then be eligible to compete in the KMSHA International Regional Grand Championship Classes. 2. Ring Protocol 2.a General Information. An established ring protocol is followed in all under saddle classes and inhand classes. Judges or show management shall direct that the gate be closed after the announcement of a gate call of three minutes, not including tack changes. An additional 3 minutes shall be allowed if a tack change has been authorized by show management. The ringmaster is responsible for timing of the gate call, and in the absence of a ringmaster the judge will keep the official time. Once the gate is closed, no entry will be allowed to enter the ring except in an instance where show management is at fault. 2.b. Under Saddle Classes: Horses enter the ring counter clockwise exhibiting the Show Gait. Horses are being judged as they enter the gate. Judges are to count the number of entries in the class and are to note any signs of any gait challenged horses. Riders shall continue around the ring and halt prior to the entry gate until all entries are in the class. The Judge(s) may direct the class to “go at ease” until all exhibitors are in the ring. When the last horse has entered the ring and the gate has been closed, the class is again called to order. Entries continue competition proceeding counter clockwise at the Show Gait. (Classes other than the Country Trail Pleasure division are asked to perform the pleasure gait, followed by the trail walk.) In the 4 Gaited Pleasure class, the canter or lope is called for from the trail walk with horses returning to the trail walk prior to the reverse. The class is asked to reverse following the Trail Walk, and the sequence is repeated in a clockwise direction. The judge may ask for one or more gaits to be repeated prior to calling for a lineup. In Western and Trail Pleasure classes, judges may call for a halt at the Trail Walk or Show Gait, and may ask the exhibitor to dismount and mount the horse in the lineup, so long as a mounting block is available if requested. In Country Trail Pleasure classes, calling the halt at the Trail Walk or Show Gait is mandatory, and the judge may also call for the dismount and remount in the lineup, if a mounting block is available. Judges for these divisions are encouraged to require the halt, dismount and remount in all championship classes and in large or in extremely competitive classes. Juveniles must not be asked to dismount or remount in any class. The judge has the responsibility and the authority to excuse from the ring any horse that exhibits a “bad image,” that appears to his or her eye to be “off” or gait challenged, that exhibits unruly behavior, or that otherwise fails to conform to the KMSHA/SMHA Rules. The decision to excuse a horse from competition is not protestable. During the lineup, the judge, or in the case of a multiple judge panel, the call judge, and the ringmaster will walk the line. The judge may continue to excuse horses for signs of physical distress, bilateral injury, and observable violations of the Rules, even if those conditions or violations were not observed on the rail during competition or discovered in pre-show inspection. Horses that are excused (an involuntary dismissal) either from the lineup or from the rail, will not be placed in the class. Classes which are large enough to compromise judging or to be hazardous to exhibitors or horses, and which have not previously been split by show management, shall be split by the judge(s), with a number of entries in each split class selected for a final consolidated workout class. Any class with 20 entries or more shall be split by show management. Juvenile classes of more than10 entries may be split at any entry number at the discretion of show management prior to the class or at the discretion of the Judge during the beginning of the class in order to reasonably provide for the safety of the juvenile exhibitor.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 61 2.c. Voluntary Requests to Be Excused. Any exhibitor has the right to request to be excused from consideration at any time during the competition but prior to the lineup. Once a final lineup has been called, only the judge may excuse an exhibitor from a class. An exhibitor shall pull into the center of the ring, dismount, and request permission to be excused through the ringmaster by approval of the Judge. The exhibitor must remain dismounted to leave the ring. An exhibitor/horse that is voluntarily excused may not be counted as part of the total number of horses in a class and cannot be tied. In the event a juvenile exhibitor desires to be excused, a header may enter the ring to assist the juvenile rider in exiting. 2.d. Involuntary Dismissal from the Ring. While show is being conducted, the judge shall exercise his/her discretionary power to dismiss an exhibitor/horse at any point in the class. Involuntary dismissal includes but is not limited to: unruly problems with the horse or exhibitor; unsportsmanlike conduct; safety issues that may be of harm to anyone in the ring, bad image, gait challenged, physical distress of the horse, noticeable bleeding from the mouth, the legs or pasterns. When a judge makes this determination, the class will be stopped, the exhibitor will be asked to pull into center ring and the ringmaster will give the exhibitor a brief description of the reason for the dismissal. Discussion of the decision in center ring is not allowed. The announcer will make an announcement that the exhibitor has been dismissed at the request of the judge, giving the reason. An exhibitor and horse that is involuntarily dismissed will not be tied in the class. 2.e. Time-Outs. Time-outs may be called for tack breakage or repair, or a thrown shoe. To request a time- out, the rider must come into center ring and request the time-out from the ringmaster. An assistant or groom may enter the ring after the announcement of a time-out is made. The only problem that may be corrected during a time-out is the problem for which the request was made. An total of five (5) minutes per individual entry is allowed for time-outs in a class for tack breakage or repair. Timing begins when the announcement of the time-out is made. A total of seven (7) minutes is allowed for resetting a thrown shoe, beginning when the farrier picks up the foot. No more than one time-out per entry will be allowed per class. The ringmaster is the official timekeeper. Other riders are to remain at ease during the time- out and may make adjustments to tack that do not require the rider to dismount. Assistance to any horse or rider other than for the purpose the time-out was called, either in the ring or from over the rail, is prohibited. 2.f. Workouts. Judges may call for a workout for selected entries from the class in order to determine the final consecutive placement of entries within the group designated for the workout. Workouts are encouraged by the Judge(s) if they find themselves in an unusually difficult class to tie. Such classes may have several good exhibitors and the Judges may want additional time to see the exhibitors work together in a selected but smaller group. This is not only encouraged in a regular class, but more so in a Championship or Grand Championship class. Workouts build suspense with the audience, creating excitement and heightened competition which is a very desirable part of the show. A workout is mandatory if a class has eighteen (18) or more entries and is recommended for a class with over sixteen (16) entries. Classes with over twenty (20) entries must be split. Workouts must include sufficient horses to fill the ribbons plus two (2) additional horses. Once a workout commences, the class begins anew. Entries that have already been placed in the class will be asked to park to the center of the ring, until the workout is completed. Horses that have not been selected for the workout may be sent back to the rail for final consideration for selection to the workout group. Horses from this group are pulled in until the call judge determines that the final selection is complete. At that time, nonselected horses are excused. Workout entries return to the rail in accordance with standard ring protocol. Cards are to be marked on the basis of the quality of the presentation during a workout. In any class having more than one judge, the presence of a horse on one judge’s card is sufficient to allow the horse to be in the workout group.
62 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 2.g. Distribution of Ribbons. Judges shall place entries for the number of ribbons awarded, plus two additional sequential placements, in the event re-tieing of the class is later required due to disqualifications or eliminations. 3. In-Hand Classes General. Judges In Hand Conformation score sheet for all inhand competitions. Points assigned determine how the class will be placed. Points may be awarded using whole numbers or tenths at the Judge’s discretion. 3.a. In-Hand competitions with a single judge are to be judged using one of the following methods: oval or square. In the case of a single judge, the judge will stand in the middle of the pattern established. At shows with multiple judges, (3 or more) the triangle pattern will be used. See page 112 of this rulebook for evaluation criteria. 3.b In the presence of a center ring, the square or triangle may be established at the top or bottom of the ring. The oval may be established to the left or right of the center ring placement. In an attempt to move the show along, the pattern should be established close to the entry gate if all conditions there are favorable. Adequate room must be allowed in the pattern for the entry to show its motion to a complete degree. 3.c. All patterns should be marked with cones. The ringmaster, assisted by the announcer, will direct the exhibitors to walk the oval or the square beginning in a counter clockwise direction, traveling to the OUTSIDE of the cones. After the horses have been reversed and the judge is ready to proceed to conformation judging, the ringmaster will be directed to take the horses out of the pattern in a single file formation and line them up head to tail for further judging. A cone may be set up to mark the beginning of the lineup if desired. 3.d. When conformation judging is complete, the single judge, using his point tally as the basis for the decision, will pull out the ranked horses in sufficient quantity to fill the ribbons plus two additional places (in order to be able to retie the class in the event of a tie or disqualification) and line them up, head to tail, in the order of the initial placing. All other entries will be excused. 3.e. The judge will then look once again at the entries from a side view examination only and add or subtract points as required. The judge will do a final point check tally. If a horse changes final position as a result of this examination, the line up will be rearranged to reflect the new order. The judge will then mark his card and hand it in. The class in now complete. 3.f. In the triangle method, using three or more judges, the call judge will stand at the apex of the triangle. If there are more than three judges, a judge will be positioned at the juncture of each leg of the triangle, while the call judge and any remaining officials assume positions in the middle of the triangle. The triangle allows officials to view the horse from the front, the rear, and the side while reducing the requirement for endless circling of horses. 3.g. Horses enter singly and work the triangle, passing before the judges, first counter clockwise and reversing for a clockwise pass. The entry will then leave the triangle and walk to the line up, standing head to tail, for final conformation judging. 3h. Judges assign points for each entry, tally their points, and mark their cards in order of placing at the conclusion of conformation judging.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 63 Part VIII Drugs and Medications Policy and Restrictions 1. General Information. All horses shown in KMSHA/SMHA officially sanctioned rail, versatility, inhand, dressage and over fences competition shall be considered to be in a “no foreign substance” drugs and medication category. This means that no foreign substance may be injected or administered in any way to the horse if the substance acts, even tangentially, on any of the following: the nervous system; the cardiovascular system; the respiratory system; the digestive system; the urinary system; the reproductive system; the muscular-skeletal system; the skin (desensitizing agents or hypersensitizing agents); the immune system other than routine vaccinations; or the endocrine system. Anti-infection substances to include worming products may be administered 72 hours before competition. Any form of analgesic, anti-inflammatory or pain relieving substance must be last administered 72 hours before competition. Further, any substance, no matter how harmless, that might be used to mask detection of prohibited substances in the blood, urine or other bodily secretions is strictly prohibited for use or administration in any form. In certain cases for health reasons, for the horse’s benefit and conclusively administered by a licensed veterinarian, drugs and medication may be given. Owner or agents of the horse must provide a signed statement by the veterinarian who treated the horse to the Show Management prior to the start of the event or during the event, but always prior to the class that the horse is competing. The statement must include the date and time the last dose of the named drug was administered, the purpose for which it was administered, and the name and telephone number of the attending veterinarian. 2. Forbidden Substances. Forbidden substances include stimulants, depressants, tranquilizers, local or topical anesthetics, mood altering or behavior altering substances or drugs that might stimulate or suppress any form of performance. Included in the list of forbidden substances are over the counter preparations as well as homeopathic or herbal remedies, that cause the same results as those obtained through more traditional medicine for the purpose of calming horses or stimulating them. Horses at KMSHA/SMHA officially sanctioned events may not compete if they have been given or exposed to any of the above described foreign substances within 72 hours of the show. If they have been receiving such a substance for a therapeutic purpose, attested to by a veterinarian and under supervision, and the substance has been withdrawn 24 hours before competition, entries will be allowed. Illness, including chronic conditions like allergies, and injury come under the therapeutic heading. Owners or agents should attach the statement of veterinary need to the entry form. The statement must include the date and time the last dose of the named drug was administered, the purpose for which it was administered, and the name and telephone number of the attending veterinarian. 3. Drug Testing. Show management may elect to have random drug testing performed at any officially sanctioned KMSHA/SMHA show. An additional fee for drug testing per entry may be charged. Such testing and fees shall be indicated in the showbill and included or attached to the entry form. Show management is required to have horses tested for the presence of prohibited substances if a judge requests that such testing be done, if the DQP requests that such testing be done, or if an exhibitor files a protest accompanied by the appropriate fee, alleging that a horse is in violation of the No Foreign Substance Rule. The testing shall be at the show management’s expense in the case of a request by the judge or DQP. In the case of a protest, testing will be at the expense of the person who files the protest. The show veterinarian or a veterinarian on call shall conduct the drug testing. If a prohibited foreign substance is detected, the owner/agent/responsible party assumes all responsibility for the costs of testing. The filing of a prior medication report shall be taken into consideration when drug results are returned. 4. Fees, Appeals of Drug Testing Results, and Penalties. The KMSHA/SMHA Executive Board will hear all appeals to foreign substance violations. Appeal must be made within 30 days of notification of a positive drug screen. All suspensions for failure of drug testing will be held in abeyance until the completion of the hearing. Individuals who horses fail a drug test, that is upheld, will be suspended for a period of one year
64 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined for the first offense from all KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned events, will forfeit all prizes and awards at the show where the offense took place, and will forfeit all points accrued in the KMSHA/SMHA High Point Program. The decision of the KMSHA Executive Board is final. All other procedures with respect to appeals will be as set out in the Rules Pertaining to Hearings and Disciplinary Actions.
Part IX Rules pertaining to hearings and disciplinary actions 1. Submission of Protests and Complaints. Any Qualified Person may bring a protest, file a challenge or enter a grievance for violation of the Rules (hereinafter, the “protest” when heard and determined by show management and the “complaint” when resolved by the KMSHA/SMHA Show Advisory Committee) SAC or KMSHA/SMHA (Executive Board of Directors) BOARD . A Qualified Person is defined as any one of the following: a) an Exhibitor; b) a Responsible Party; c) the owner or lessee of the horse involved; d) the trainer of the horse. Complaints or protests involving a juvenile rider must include the name of the Responsible Party listed on the entry form. 2. KMSHA/SMHA Show Advisory Committee (SAC) For those matters that cannot be resolved by show management, or the IDJ, when present, on site, the matter shall be referred to the KMSHA/SMHA SAC as established under the KMSHA/SMHA Rules of Operation, to be heard pursuant to the following guidelines. 3. Non-Protestable Decisions. Determinations of a horse’s soundness as made by a licensed veterinarian on the show grounds, the appearance of gait challenge or physical distress as determined by a judge or DQP, or the determination of artificial appearance or “bad image” by a judge in the arena, are not protestable. Decisions of a show steward in other provisions of these Rules are not protestable, unless the protest is that the steward is mistaken regarding a provision of the Rules. Decisions relative to the placement of horses are not protestable (other than when the protest relates to a mathematical, clerical, or mechanical error and is covered by Part III Section 1.g of these Rules), unless the official has tied a horse in violation of KMSHA/SMHA Rules and Regulations. In such a case a formal protest against the official may be filed with KMSHA/SMHA’s IDJ. 4. Procedure for Complaints and Protests. 4.a. Protests. Protests must be made to show management at the competition in question. A protest must be submitted within 30 minutes after the conclusion of the class if the incident occurred in connection with a specific class, or 30 minutes after the complainant became aware of the facts supporting the protest, but in any event no later than 30 minutes after the last class of the competition. Protests must be submitted with cash or a check made out to Show Management for a minimum of $100.00, and which shall be refundable only if the protest is upheld. Show Management, assisted by the IDJ if on site, shall make a determination at such time based on all the facts and circumstances as presented and also those of which they have first hand knowledge. 4.b. Complaints Except as may be otherwise provided in other provisions of these Rules, all allowable complaints must be submitted in writing to the KMSHA/SMHA office; must cite the section of the Rules alleged to have been violated; must describe the relevant circumstances and supporting facts, including the names of any witnesses, when the complainant became aware of such facts; and, must be signed by the complainant. All complaints received by the KMSHA/SMHA office will be date stamped upon receipt. Complaints made to KMSHA/SMHA for determination must be sworn by the complainant with his/her signature notarized and acknowledged, must be delivered or mailed to the SAC of KMSHA/SMHA at the current address of KMSHA/SMHA, and must be accompanied by a $100.00 check made payable to KMSHA/SMHA. The $100 fee shall be refunded only if the complaint is upheld. Complaints must be
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 65 made within two weeks of the date the complainant learned of the supporting facts. In addition, the SAC may initiate a complaint before the KMSHA/SMHA (Executive Board of Directors) BOARD on its own initiative at any time by passing a resolution stating the nature of the matter to be heard, the relevant circumstances and supporting facts, the names and addresses of affected parties and witnesses, and any action requested to the BOARD. All decisions of the KMSHA/SMHA Board of Directors is final. The SAC shall forward the resolution to the BOARD which shall thereafter schedule by notice a hearing as set out in Section 5. Complaints that do not meet the requirements of this section do not qualify as complaints for purposes of the procedures in these Rules. The individual submitting a defective complaint shall be so notified. 5. Scheduling the Hearing; Notice. A Hearing shall be scheduled by KMSHA/SMHA within 45 days of receipt of the written complaint. The Hearing shall be scheduled at a place agreed to by all affected parties, or, if they do not agree, at a location in the state where a majority of affected parties reside and which is chosen by the KMSHA/SMHA Executive Board [BOARD]. Notice of the time, date and place of the hearing, together with a copy of the complaint or protest and an affidavit of mailing of notice listing all parties receiving notice and their address, shall be delivered to all affected parties, either in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, no later than 30 days prior to the hearing. Affected parties may file written responses to the complaint with the BOARD. Copies of responses must be forwarded to all interested parties who received the original notice and the BOARD, with affidavit of mailing or delivery attached, showing personal delivery or mailing by deposit in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, no later than 10 days prior to the hearing. 6. Conduct of Hearing. SAC shall investigate all charges and allegations. SAC may participate through the representation of a KMSHA/SMHA official or steward, and present information to the BOARD and interested parties. Interested parties have the right to produce evidence to the BOARD. Parties affected by a protest have the right to be represented by counsel if they so chose. Physical appearance, is not required if the parties choose to be represented by counsel or to answer the charges through an affidavit. The BOARD shall establish, as necessary, further procedures for hearing of the specific matter, which shall provide due process for affected parties and to allow for prompt resolution of the matter at hand. 7. Decision. The BOARD shall render its decision in a timely fashion, not to exceed 45 days, follow- ing the close of the hearing. Notice of the decision and any action, remedy or penalty prescribed by the BOARD shall be in writing and mailed to all affected parties and published in the official KMSHA Magazine and website. The decision of the BOARD is final. The BOARD has complete discretion in fashioning a remedy and/or penalty arising out of any upheld complaint, including but not limited to, suspension (on specified terms) or expulsion from KMSHA/SMHA, members status or ability to partici- pate in further KMSHA/SMHA events, the conditioning of future members status on the performance of specified acts or refraining from performing specified acts, forfeiture of awards or points, imposition of fines, and any other actions deemed appropriate by the BOARD. If a complaint is upheld, the decision of the BOARD, including the name of the party or parties against whom the determination was made, the nature of the charges and the penalty determined, shall be published in the regular official publication of KMSHA/SMHA distributed to members and on the official website, and the complainant’s $100.00 fee shall be refunded. The BOARD shall indicate, in cases with a mixed result, whether the fee is to be refunded and the degree to which the result is to be published.
Revised Summer 2008. ###
66 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 67 2008-2009 KMSHA/SMHA Juvenile Program
MISSION STATEMENT It is the desire and goal of the KMSHA to provide a strong Juvenile program for those 17 years of age and younger. KMSHA hopes to encourage all the youth to participate in a fun environment while learning to be fair and courteous riders, and to continue on and become the future competitive, amateur, novice and professional riders of the KMSHA breed.
NEW IN 2008 - 2009 • Youth will not be competing by region. All youth will be working toward individual goals for a year end award. The youth program will maintain a separate point system for the youth versatility awards ONLY. • Youth attending the Kentucky State Championships will receive double points toward their versatility challenge awards. • Youth attending the KMSHA International Grand Championships will be able to count their designated class points toward each versatility award. • Youth may try for both awards, but can only win first place in one award division. All classes must be at a KMSHA sanctioned show To be eligible for the 2008-2009 Juvenile Award Program you must • Be 17 years of age or younger as of January 1 of the year competing. • Be a current member of either KMSHA or SMHA and in good standing • Be a current member of the KMSHA Juvenile program with a valid Juvenile Rider Card • Compete in a minimum of three sanctioned KMSHA national or regional shows. Points in the youth program are equal at any level. • Volunteer at least 5 hours at a KMSHA Sanctioned show(s) or other sponsored events (clinic, trail ride, etc.) Any youth volunteering more than 10 hours will receive a one time bonus of 25 points towards the Grand Champion Versatility Awards. • Participate in 2 KMSHA Juvenile Fundraisers • Exhibit acceptable sportsmanship behavior at all times. Anyone witnessing unacceptable sportsmanship by a Juvenile must document the incident and turn it into the KMSHA Office. Upon examination of the facts, the Juvenile may be disqualified from participating in the Versatility Award or points will be deducted, dependent on the nature of the offense. Poor sportsmanship, such as throwing ribbons on the ground, mistreating a horse, etc., will not be rewarded with a Versatility Award. The point system for the youth awards only will be as follows, no matter which show placing was received, as long as it is a sanctioned KMSHA show: 1st Place - 25 2nd Place - 20 3rd Place - 15 4th Place - 10 5th Place - 5 Participation – 2 Points I. GRAND CHAMPION VERSATILITY JUVENILE RIDER AWARD A. Youth 17 years and under may use multiple horses for this award, but NO LESS than two. Does not have to be the same combination of classes at each show, but you must compete in the minimum number of classes to be eligible. All points will
68 *Juvenile Program is new for 2008 count if you exhibit in more than the minimum. There will be two winners for this award: 11 & Under and 12-17. In the event of a tie, in the individual youth bracket, the youth with the highest points in western for three shows will be the winner. Must compete in at least 3 of the 5 Versatility Classes Juvenile Equitation Juvenile Showmanship Juvenile Western Juvenile Trail Obstacle Mentor & Me Must compete in at least 2 Under Saddle Juvenile Country Trail Pleasure Juvenile Trail Pleasure Juvenile Classic Pleasure Juvenile Park Pleasure
II. GRAND CHAMPION JUVENILE VERSATILITY HORSE AWARD A. Youth 17 years and under may use only one horse for this award. Does not have to be the same combination of classes at each show, but you must compete in the minimum number of classes to be eligible. All points will count if you exhibit in more than the minimum. There will be two winners for this award: 11 & Under and 12-17. In the event of a tie, in the individual youth bracket, the youth with the highest points in western in three shows will be the winner. Must compete in at least 4 of the 5 Versatility Classes Juvenile Equitation Juvenile Showmanship Juvenile Western Juvenile Trail Obstacle Fun Class Must compete in at least 1 Under Saddle Juvenile Country Trail Pleasure Juvenile Trail Pleasure Juvenile Classic Pleasure Juvenile Park Pleasure Youth may achieve points for either award and in any combination as stated above. The youth program awards will have a point system unique to only these awards. There will be no difference in point levels for National or Regional shows. The International Championships may also be counted for points. A youth may attend any show and exhibit in any combination of classes. Points will be tabulated PER CLASS and NOT PER SHOW. You must exhibit in a competing class in at least three shows to qualify. At the end of the season, the top three placings for each individual class will be used to calculate points. In order to be eligible for the Youth and Horse Juvenile Versatility awards, you must have completed five hours of volunteer service, and four of the six Youth Horsemanship (Outside Ring Requirements) activities. A completed log sheet must be turned into the Youth Coordinator by November 1.
At the end of the season, each Juvenile member shall have on file in the KMSHA office, by November 1, a signed log sheet containing their volunteer hours, fundraiser participation hours and fun activities points. Sample log sheets are available on line at the KMSHA website. These scores will be totaled for the final tabulation of the two Grand Champion Versatility Youth Awards. The KMSHA score sheets and the signed log sheets by the regional representative will be the final accounting of each member’s accumulated points. Versatility winners in both categories and in both age divisions (11 and Under, 12-17) will be announced at the KMSHA banquet, and the winners will receive an award,
*Juvenile Program is new for 2008 69 along with a check. The final amount available for the awards will be dependent on the success of the fundraising efforts of the Youth. The first place winners have received $150 each for the past two years. This year’s goal is to double that amount. III. YOUTH HORSEMANSHIP (Outside Ring Requirements) All youth will be required to participate in at least 3 of the 5 listed suggestions to be eligible for the Grand Champion Versatility Juvenile Rider Award and Grand Champion Juvenile Versatility Horse Award. Note: These requirements are in addition to the required five hours of volunteer service. A Youth participant may earn and receive points in all 5 areas. 1. Clinics – 15 points per clinic attended (maximum of 60 total points) Suggestions include, but not limited to: • DQP and Farrier – inform the Juveniles what it really is and why it is important for the DQP to examine the horse, and have the farrier give an educational class on the importance of hoof care • Equitation Clinic • Showmanship Clinic • Western and English Clinic • Gaiting Clinic – defining the correct gait and determining the division your horse belongs
2. Trail Rides - 15 points per ride (maximum of 60 total points) Trail ride must be a minimum of 10 miles long or 4 hours in duration, not counting breaks. 3. Bake Sale – 5 points for each contribution (up to 60 points) A bake sale donation will be considered a full batch of cookies or brownies, a cake, a pie, or comparable items to sell at a KMSHA sponsored event. 4. Fun Classes at a KMSHA event. Fun activities could be held in conjunction with a trail ride, show and/or clinic. Each activity will be worth 5 points (maximum of 60 total points). Suggestions include, but are not limited to: Mentor and me, Egg & spoon, Water glass, Bareback, Barrels, Gaited Flags, Gaited Poles, Doubles Class, Couples Class 5. Flag Carrier – Carry a flag for the opening ceremony for a KMSHA/SMHA Sanctioned Show – 15 points (maximum of 60 total points) It will be the responsibility of the Juvenile member’s parent, and regional representative to keep track of the Juvenile member’s volunteer hours, outside ring requirements and fund raiser events. A completed and signed log sheet from the regional representative must be returned to the KMSHA office by November 1st of the current year for the final determination of year end awards. IV. INDIVIDUAL VERSATILITY CHALLENGE AWARDS A. National Level: At pre-selected national shows, Juvenile will receive an individual versatility award for that show with paybacks and points established in accordance with the KMSHA high point program. Classes which will count for this award are: Juvenile 11 & Under Country Trail Pleasure Juvenile 11 & Under Trail Pleasure Juvenile 11 & Under Classic Pleasure Juvenile 11 & Under Western Pleasure Juvenile 11 & Under Mini-Trail Obstacle Juvenile 12-17 Country Trail Pleasure Juvenile 12-17 Trail Pleasure
70 *Juvenile Program is new for 2008 Juvenile 12-17 Classic Pleasure Juvenile 12-17 Park Pleasure Juvenile 12-17 Western Pleasure Juvenile 12-17 Junior Trail Obstacle
The trail obstacle event will ONLY have one horse and one rider entry. All under saddle divisions (i.e. country trail, trail, classic or park pleasure) will be counted for high points, thus demonstrating the versatility of the Juvenile rider. At the conclusion of all Juvenile classes, points will be tabulated and the KMSHA JUVENILE MEMBER with the most points will be declared the Juvenile Versatility Champion in their juvenile division (11 & Under, 12-17) for that National Show and will receive a gold medal. If there is a tie, the high point winner in the trail obstacle course will determine the individual national winner. If no trail obstacle course is offered, the show manager will announce the tie breaker before the start of the show.
B. Regional Level: At pre-selected Regional Shows, Juvenile will receive an individual versatility award for that show with paybacks and points established in accordance with the KMSHA high point program. Classes which will count for this award are: Juvenile 11 & Under Western Pleasure Juvenile 11 & Under Showmanship* Juvenile 11 & Equitation* Juvenile 12-17 Western Pleasure Juvenile 12-17 Showmanship Juvenile 12-17 Equitation *Juvenile 11 and under have the option of choosing between competing in the Equitation class and/or Showmanship class. Each rider may enter any or all under saddle classes with multiple horses. At the conclusion of all Juvenile classes points will be tabulated and the KMSHA JUVENILE MEMBER with the most points will be declared the Juvenile Versatility Champion in their juvenile division (11 & Under, 12-17) for that Regional Show and will receive a gold medal. If there is a tie, the high point winner in the Western Pleasure class will determine the individual regional winner. If no Western class was offered, the show manager will announce the tie breaker before the start of the show. It is important to note that ONLY those exhibitors who are KMSHA JUVENILE MEMBERS (by holding a current Juvenile Rider Card) will be counted for the Juvenile Versatility Challenge Awards: Grand Champion Youth Versatility Rider and Grand Champion Versatility Youth Horse. Points will begin on the date of the Juvenile member’s rider card application and registration into the program.
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*Juvenile Program is new for 2008 71 72 73 74 2008-2009 sponsorSHIP packages
KMSHA would like to invite you to join in the sponsoring and marketing program. Many levels of advertising packages are available to you which offer extensive exposure to promote your business Sponsorship money is returned to the KMSHA show program and will be used for added prize money, special awards, and other incentives. The KMSHA International Grand Championship sponsorship program is promoted in many different mediums - numerous newspaper ads along with radio and television support generate a lot of interest and enthusiasm for the show.
FARM SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES Platinum $ 1,500 Gold $ 1,000 Silver $ 600 Bronze $ 350
BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES Corporate $ 5,000 Grand Champion $ 3,500 Champion $ 1,750 Blue Ribbon $ 1,000 Red Ribbon $ 750 Small Business $ 500 Individual $ 250
The sponsorship packages are purchased annually and can be pro-rated. Additional opportuni- ties for individual product sponsorship as well as vendor space during the International Grand Championship is also available. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for KMSHA or to discuss a wide range of pack- ages and benefit, please contact: David Hufana Sales and Marketing (502)863-3546 [email protected]
75 2008-2009 FARM SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
Platinum Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $ 1,500 • One (1) Full page color ad in the KMSHA News International Issue -Plus One (1) Full page color ad in the Nov/Dec Issue. Value $750.00 • First priority in stall selection at the International Grand Championship with reduced stall rates. Sponsor only privilege. • Admission to the Sponsor Lounge at the International Grand Championship show with complementary refreshments. Sponsor only Privilege. • Banner website link on the KMSHA home page for one year with over 500 hits a daily. Value $300.00 • Banner display in main arena at the International Grand Championship. Sponsor only Privilege • Distribution of your farm literature, and promotional items during the International Grand Championship. Sponsor only Privilege • Full page ad in the official International Grand Championship show program.(if applicable) Value $100.00 • 12 Reserved seats for the International Grand Championship show. • 2 Free parking passes for the International Grand Championship. • 6 Tickets to the exhibitor’s party.(if applicable) Value $60.00 • Grand Championship class sponsorship & a minimum of 5 class sponsorship announcements during each day of the show. Sponsor only Privilege • Opportunity to present championship class trophy at the International Grand Championship. Sponsor only Privilege
Gold Advertising Package -- Annual Cost: $1,000 • One (1) Full page color in the KMSHA News International Issue plus one (1) half page color ad in the Nov/Dec issue. Value $625.00 • Second priority in stall selection at the International Grand Championship with reduced stall rates. Sponsor only Privilege. • Admission to the Sponsors Lounge at the International Grand Championship show with complementary refreshments. Sponsor only Privilege. • Logo display and link on KMSHA website farm sponsor page as a Gold Sponsor, with over 500 hits per daily. Sponsor only Privilege • Banner display in main arena at the International Grand Championship. Sponsor only Privilege • Half page ad in official International Grand Championship show program. (if applicable) Value $150.00 • 8 Reserved seats for the International Grand Championship show. Sponsor only Privilege
76 • 4 Tickets to the exhibitor’s party.(if applicable) Value $40.00 • 1 Free parking pass for the International Grand Championship show. • A Championship class sponsorship and a minimum of 5 class sponsorship announcements during each day of the International Grand Championship. Sponsor only Privilege • Opportunity to present championship class trophy the International Grand Championship. Sponsor only Privilege
Silver Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $600 • One (1) Full page color ad in the KMSHA News International issue. Value $375.00 • Third priority in stall selection at International Grand Championship with reduced stall rates. Sponsor only Privilege. • Admission to the Sponsors lounge at the International Grand Championship show with nightly complementary refreshments. Sponsor only Privilege. • Listing & link on KMSHA website farm sponsors page as a silver sponsor with over 500 hits per day Sponsor only Privilege • Banner display at the International Grand Championship show. Sponsor only Privilege • Quarter page ad in the official International Grand Championship show program.(if applicable) Value $100.00 • 6 Reserved seats for the International Grand Championship show. Sponsor only Privilege • 4 Tickets to the exhibitor’s party. (if applicable) Value $40.00 • A minimum of 5 class sponsorship announcements during each day of the show. Sponsor only Privilege • Opportunity to present a class award at the International Grand Championship. Sponsor only Privilege
Bronze Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $350 • Two (2) Half page black and white ads or one full page black & white in the KMSHA News. – (May choose either Sept/Oct issue or Nov/Dec issue only). Value $250.00 • Admission to the Sponsors Lounge at the International Grand Championship show with nightly complementary refreshments. Sponsor only Privilege. • A listing and link on the KMSHA website farm sponsors page as a Bronze Sponsor for the 2008 season, with over 500 hits per day Sponsor only Privilege • Banner display at the International Grand Championship show (You provide the banner). Sponsor only Privilege. • 4 Reserved seats for the International Grand Championships. • A minimum of 3 class sponsorship announcements during each day of the shows. Sponsor only Privilege • Opportunity to present a class award at the three above listed shows. Sponsor only Privilege
77 2008-2009 BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
Corporate Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $5,000 • Four (4) full Page color ads in the KMSHA News - currently available to over 6,000 readers/members nationwide • Banner web site link on the KMSHA home page. Over 500 hits daily. • Top billing in all promotional TV, radio and print advertisements done by KMSHA for the International Grand Championship show. • Distribution of your business literature, catalogs and promotional items at the International Grand Championship show. • Banner display in main arena with premium placement at the International Grand Championship show. • Full page ad in the Official KMSHA International Grand Championship show program. (if applicable) • Complimentary Premium vendor space at the International Grand Championship show. • Reserved seating for 16 at the International Grand Championship show. • Admittance to the sponsor lounge at the International Grand Championship show with nightly refreshments provided. • Championship class sponsorship & a minimum of 5 class sponsorship announcements during each day International Grand Championship. • Grand Championships class sponsorship plus opportunity to present one of the grand championship class trophies with your business logo engraved on it at the 2008-2009. International Grand Championships. Grand Champion Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $3.500 • Four (4) half page color ads or two (2) full page color ads in the KMSHA News - currently available to over 6,000 readers/members nationwide. • Logo display and link on KMSHA website, home page with over 500 hits daily. • Participation in all promotional Radio, TV and print advertisements done by KMSHA for the International Grand Championship show. • Distribution of your business literature, catalogs or promotional items at the International Grand Championship show. • Banner display in main arena at all the International Grand Championships. • Half page ad in the official KMSHA International Grand Championship show program. (if applicable) • Complimentary 12x12 vendor space at the International Grand Championship show. • Reserved seating for 12 at the International Grand Championship show. • Admittance to the sponsor lounge at the International Grand Championship show with nightly refreshments provided.
78 • Championship class sponsorship & a minimum of 5 class sponsorship announcements during each day of the International Grand Championships. • Opportunity to present a 2008-2009 KMSHA International Championship Trophy.
Champion Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $1,750 • Four (4) Quarter page color or Two (2) Half page color ads in KMSHA News - currently available to over 6,000 readers/members nationwide. • Logo display and link on KMSHA website sponsors main page. Over 500 hits daily. • Distribution of your business literature, catalogs or promotional items at the International Grand Championship. • Banner display at the International Grand Championships. • Quarter page ad in the official KMSHA International show program for 2008-2009. (if applicable) • Complimentary 10x10 vendor space at the International Grand Championship. • Reserved seating for 8 at the International Grand Championship show. • Admittance to the sponsor lounge at the International Grand Championship show. • A minimum of 5 class sponsorship announcements during each day of the International Grand Championship. • Opportunity to present a 2008-2009 KMSHA International Championship Trophy.
Blue Ribbon Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $1,000 • Four (4) Full page black & white ads in the KMSHA News - currently available to over 6,000 readers/members nationwide. • Logo display on KMSHA website with link to your business. Over 500 hits daily. • Distribution of your business literature, catalogs or promotional items at the International Grand Championship. • Banner display at the International Grand Championship show. • Listing in the official KMSHA International show program. (if applicable) • Complimentary 10x10 vendor space at the International Grand Championship. • A minimum of 3 class sponsorship announcements during each day of the International Grand Championship show. • Opportunity to present a 2008-2009. KMSHA International Championship Trophy. • Reserved seating for 6 at the International Grand Championship show. • Admittance to the sponsor lounge at the International Grand Championship show.
Red Ribbon Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $750 • Four (4) Half page or Two (w) full page black & white ads in the KMSHA News currently available to over 6,000 readers/members nationwide.
79 • Listing and link on KMSHA website sponsor page. Over 500 hits daily. • Banner display at the International Grand Championship. • 30% discount on a vendor space at the International Grand Championship show. • Listing KMSHA International Grand Championship show program. (if applicable) • Admittance to the sponsor lounge at the International Grand Championship show. • Reserved seating for 4 at the International Grand Championship show • A minimum of 3 class sponsorship announcements during each day of the International Grand Championship show.
Small Business Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $500 • Two (2) Half page black & white ads in the KMSHA News - currently available to over 6,000 readers/members nationwide. • Banner display at the KMSHA International Grand Championship show– • Listing and link on the KMSHA website sponsor page with over 500 hits daily. • Listing in the official KMSHA International show program. (if applicable) • 20% discount on a vendor space at the International Grand Championship show. • Admittance to the sponsor lounge at the International Grand Championship show. • Daily sponsor announcements at KMSHA International Grand Championship show. • Reserved seating for 4 at the International Grand Championship show.
Individual Advertising Package - Annual Cost: $250 • Two (2) Quarter page black and white ads in the KMSHA News - currently available to over 6,000 readers/members nationwide. • Banner display at the KMSHA International Grand Championship. • Listing and link on KMSHA website sponsor page with over 500 hits daily. • Listing in the International show program. • 10% discount on a vendor space at the International Grand Championship show. • Admittance to the sponsor lounge at the International Grand Championship show • Daily sponsor announcements at the International Grand Championship. • Reserved seating for 2 at the International Grand Championship show.
Revised: Summer 2008
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80 81 82 83 84 Appendix
KMSHA/SMHA Breed Standards...... 86-89 Judges Program; Rules and Regulations...... 80-97 Terms and Definitions...... 98-99 Advertising Index...... 99 Judging Standards Conformation Score Sheet...... 100 Country Trail Pleasure...... 102 Trail Pleasure...... 103 Western Pleasure...... 104 Classic Pleasure...... 105 Park Pleasure...... 106 Equitation Patterns Equitation Pattern A...... 107 Equitation Pattern B...... 108 Equitation Pattern C...... 109 Academy Equitation Pattern...... 110 Trail Obstacle Score Sheet...... 111 Evaluation Forms Judge’s Evaluation (Show Management)...... 112 Judge’s Show Report...... 113 Judge’s Evaluation (Exhibitors)...... 114 Judge’s Report - Mail in front...... 115 Judge’s Report - Mail in back...... 116 Range of Motion Chart...... 117 KMSHA/SMHA Rider Card Application...... 118 Membership Application...... 120
85 Breed Standards for the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association® (KMSHA) and Spotted Mountain Horse Association® (SMHA)
Foals by a Certified KMSHA/SMHA stallion and out of a Certified KMSHA/SMHA mare can be registered with a Temporary Certificate of Registration. This is done by submitting: 1. A completed application for registration; 2. Five clear, color photographs showing front, back, left & right side and under the chin; 3. A Breeder’s Certificate prepared by the stallion owner at the time the mare was bred. If no Breeder’s Certificate is available, an affidavit stating the same information requested on a Breeder’s Certificate and signed by the stallion owner, will be accepted. 4. For any KMSHA foal to receive a Temporary Certificate of Registration, it is also necessary to submit a DNA sample for proof of parentage. 5. Spotted Mountain Horse foals who do not have registered/certified KMSHA/SMHA parents may be issued a temporary certificate of registration if the foal is filmed gaiting on a leadline and a video is sent to the KMSHA Office/or it is examined by two (2) KMSHA examiners.
Once a horse is “under saddle” and before it is either bred or has attained the age of four (4) (age being determined as of the date their fourth birthday occurs) it must be “Certified to Breed” (Mares or Stallions). Before a horse can be certified, DNA or Blood analysis must be on file with the University of Kentucky to establish identity. Temporary registration papers will expire on all horses who are not certified by their fourth birth date. Effective Jan.1, 2007, all foals must be able to confirm parentage by having DNA analysis on record with the KMSHA and SMHA before a temporary certificate of registration will be issued. (Complete registration and certification requirements, fees and downloadable forms, can be found on our website: www.kmsha.com)
Upon satisfactory examination of a horse for conformation and certification of gait under saddle by two (2) KMSHA licensed examiners or a video of the above requirements sent to the KMSHA office for approval, a horse will be entered into the permanent registry books of the association. As a part of the certification process, a horse must display the following characteristics;
1. Show evidence of a gentle temperament and a willing disposition. This evidence must be observed by two (2) examiners or shown on a video tape submitted to the KMSHA office at the time application for certification is made. Any horse that displays a temperament that is unruly or unmanageable will not be eligible for certification.
2. Demonstrate a smooth, comfortable and natural four beat gait (with four distinct hoof beats) under saddle.
86 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined 3. There are two size categories of the KMSHA/SMHA. At maturity a horse must stand 14 hands or above in order to qualify for a class A registration. Class B registrations are for horses 11 hands to 13.3 hands at maturity. No horse can be registered KMSHA or SMHA if at maturity it stands less than 11 hands. All measurements are to be measured on a perpendicular at a point where their neck joins the body. In finding that point the head and neck should be raised at the throat latch, pushing toward the back of the body, to produce a tuck in the neck and should not be in a relaxed position. There is no upper height limit.
4. Conformation characteristics; the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse & Spotted Mountain Horse should show an above average degree of beauty and refinement. They must be of medium bone and substance, reflecting their heritage as an all-around utility breed. The horse should present an appearance of athleticism and the ability to perform useful work. Traditionally, KMSHA/SMHA horses have a compact, well- muscled and close-coupled frame. The head is attractive, cob sized, not too long or wide in appearance, proportional, with a broad flat forehead, well defined jaw and a face in profile that is neither severely Roman nor dished. Looking straight at the front of the head, the distance from the middle point between the eyes to the middle point between the nostrils, is of medium length. The facial composure overall, is very pleasing to the observer. The neck is of medium length and thickness, with the top line of the neck longer than the underline, and meets the back behind the shoulder. The neck should show an ability to flex at the poll and not be tied into the body too low in the chest. Little to no wither is desirable.
5. Principles of sound conformation relevant to all breeds are applicable to the KMSHA/ SMHA horses. Planes of the legs when viewed from the front and the rear should be straight and aligned. The rear legs should also be straight but angled slightly forward from the hock through the cannon bone without being severely sickle hocked or being camped out in the rear. Severe cases of sickle hocks, cow hocks, hoofs turned in or out, and all other variances from correct structure of the major joints are not desirable. When viewed from the side, horses should have near equal proportions between the forequarter, body and hindquarter with proper angulations of the shoulder and humerus. An upright humerus and front legs not set too far underneath the body also allow for good stride and reach. The horse has a strong topline, short in the coupling, with a rounded croup. The tail set should be natural.
6. KMSHA horses can be any solid body color. White markings should be limited to the face, (no bald faces) the legs (no excessive amount of white above the knees or hocks) and an area on the belly that is behind the breast bone and under the ends of the rib cage not to exceed 36 square inches (6x6 - no bigger than the size of the hand).
7. Any horse that does not meet the limited amount of white requirement as stated above but carries significant white markings known as tobiano, overo, sabino, etc. may be registered/certified SMHA, (a subsidiary of the KMSHA). A colt or a filly that is of solid body color and is foaled by one or both Spotted Mountain Horse parents, must be registered SMHA with no exceptions. At this time, there is not a fool proof genetic test that can determine that a solid colored offspring will not throw spots. A solid colored gelding from a Spotted parent(s), may be registered/certified either SMHA or KMSHA, but not both.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 87 8. The KMSHA breed registry foundation books are closed for Mares and Stallions. A “grandfather clause” may be utilized for foundation registration if a Mare or Stallion has full registration from the Rocky Mountain Horse Association, Mountain Pleasure Horse Association or Kentucky Naturally Gaited Horse Association registries. In special cases, a horse can also be registered who is out of just one Mountain horse parent and can prove that it posesses the qualities that exemplify the standard of the breed. Registration/Certification takes place with the signatures of two licensed examiners.
9. The KMSHA Gelding books are still open for registration of geldings who meet the standards of the breed.
10. a. Mare Books. The KMSHA breed registry foundation books are closed for mares and stallions (with the exception that includes other select registered gaited horses). Also there are still several gaited mountain horses known to exist that are tucked back in the hills of the Appalachians with the exact characteristics that would meet the breed's requirements. Therefore, at certain intervals of time and with the recommendation from the Board of Directors, the KMSHA mare books open for short periods to evaluate horses left out of the registry that could enhance the breed "type" for continued genetic improvement. The overall size of the breed is still considered very small and must be managed wisely in order to preserve its innate qualities.
10. b.Appendix Mares for the KMSHA registry are open and consideration will be given to outside mares for registry who meet the standard of the breed as stated above. These mares are not restricted from showing but are required to have all male offspring gelded, while a female offspring derived from a registered/certified KMSHA Stallion may receive full registration.
11. The SMHA foundation books are open to spotted Stallions, Mares and Geldings who meet the breed requirement and pass the certification standards according to the requirements above. It is strongly suggested that breeding habits be directed towards purifying the breed (one mate should be of strong genetic Mountain Horse characteristic, such as a KMSHA stallion, of at least 50% or better Mountain Horse blood). If this practice continues generation after generation, the Spotted Mountain Horse will contain the maximum amount of genetic characteristics possible to recognize them as a true Mountain Horse. All SMH horses must have DNA or Blood analysis on record with the University of Kentucky for identification purposes.
88 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined Trainers: Josh Murdock • Will McArthur • Jacob Callis
89 KMSHA and SMHA Judging Program Structure and Rules & Regulations for Judges The following requirements, rules and regulations are set forth for all KMSHA/SMHA Judges to follow and enforce at all KMSHA/SMHA shows.
I. General — The operation of the judges’ program is an independent endeavor, under the leadership and supervision of the Independent Director of Judges [IDJ] contracted by the KMSHA/SMHA. The IDJ provides officials for sanctioned shows that will judge these venues with consistency and clear adherence to the established rules and regulations set forth by the KMSHA/SMHA and enforced by the IDJ. The IDJ works under a contract and has reporting responsibility to the KMSHA/SMHA Board of Directors but ultimately accountable, only to the managing directors of the associations. The IDJ solicits judges, trains judges, conducts the judges’ apprenticeship program, evaluates credentials of new applicants, conducts educational training, performs evaluation of judges, maintains records, disciplines officials and assigns judges to all KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned events. All KMSHA/SMHA judges report directly to the IDJ and not to any other committee or entity of the KMSHA/SMHA. IDJ works in good faith with KMSHA/SMHA Judge’s liaison committee. A five-member panel of qualified individuals, the committee is appointed each season by the KMSHA/SMHA Board of Directors. This panel shall act as a liaison to the association and the IDJ with the intent of assisting and resolving only those issues relating to the judging and show program which concern membership or the IDJ while ensuring that all rules and regulations are enforced. The KMSHA/SMHA judging program is merit based. Acceptance as an Apprentice Judge or licensing as a Provisional Judge is no guarantee that certified status will ultimately be awarded. All Positions must come in the order stated on Pages 91-93, Apprentice-Provisional- Certified. Reports about the quality of judging may be sent to the IDJ from the representative of the KMSHA/SMHA Trainers’ & Exhibitors’ Committee [TEC]; the KMSHA Show Director [SD]; Show Managers; the operating officer of the KMSHA/SMHA; individual exhibitors; and, other licensed judges. The Judge’s Liaison Committee [JLC] meets with the IDJ to review all issues. If a final determination cannot be agreed upon between the JLC and IDJ, a resolution will be made by the Executive Board. Judges are assigned to KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned events by the IDJ. The complexity, length, or location of the show, the experience level of the Judge and the number of times a Judge has been assigned during the current season are all factors in assigning Judges. Although the preferred practice is not to allow a Judge to officiate at more than 1 one night show a season in Kentucky, expense dictates that from time to time a Judge closer to the venue will be seen more than once a year in Kentucky show rings. Judges from out of state who may wish to officiate at Kentucky shows for expenses only should advise the IDJ of that willingness for consideration of in state Kentucky assignments. All judges should be KMSHA members in good standing. All Judges are required during the regular season to notify the IDJ when they have received and signed a contract to judge an event. They are also required to file an after action report with the IDJ within 15 days of completion of the show. Failure to fulfill these requirements will result in suspension of license for the nonconforming Judge. No license may be reinstated until all past due correspondence and paperwork has been completed.
90 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined A. A KMSHA/SMHA licensed Judge must be at least 18 years of age. B. The qualifications for KMSHA/SMHA Judges are: (1) equine expertise and knowledge of gaited horses and their characteristics; (2) a thorough working knowledge of the current KMSHA/SMHA Show Rules and Regulations (“Show Rules”) and KMSHA/SMHA Breed Standards (Breed Standards); (3) (personal, professional and ethical characteristics which, in the opinion of the KMSHA/SMHA, are necessary to carry out their duties; (4) a demonstration of support for the KMSHA/SMHA Horse with the goal of promoting and preserving its natural characteristics; KMSHA/SMHA; (5) and a commitment to maintaining a high quality of judging standards. The conduct of the Judge must be exemplary. All Judges are subject to continual review by the IDJ. The Judge must be in compliance with these Rules and Regulations, the current KMSHA/SMHA Bylaws and KMSHA/SMHA Show Rules and Regulations. C. Designation as a licensed KMSHA/SMHA Judge is granted as a privilege. A Judge’s status is subject to review by the IDJ. The IDJ shall have the authority to designate the status assigned to a Judge. The status that may be assigned to a Judge shall be either: a. Apprentice Judge, b. Provisional Judge, or c. Certified Judge in this order. The IDJ shall have the authority to revoke or change the status of a Judge after it has been assigned. 1. In order to be and remain licensed, all Judges must be current members in good standing of the KMSHA/SMHA. 2. If the KMSHA/SMHA membership of a Judge is not renewed by January 1st, of each year, such Judge will lose his or her status until the Judge has been reinstated by the IDJ 3. A KMSHA/SMHA Judge’s license will remain in effect for a term of three years provided that all requirements are met. All Judges must attend an approved KMSHA/ SMHA Judge’s Clinic at least once every three (3) years prior to the expiration date of the license. A change in the status level of a Judge during the three (3) year period will not by itself serve to extend the term of the license. D. A licensed KMSHA/SMHA Judge must notify the KMSHA/SMHA Show Director within 10 days after he/she has been assigned to officiate at a KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned show. The form of such notification shall be in writing using an approved form, available from the IDJ.
No Judge may be included in the list of active Judges for national sanctioned shows for the calendar year if he or she participates on the national sanctioned show circuit as an owner, exhibitor, or trainer. Judges may be appointed to judge regional shows outside the region in which they participate as an owner, exhibitor or trainer. No Judge may be included in the list of active Judges for his/her regional sanctioned circuit for the calendar year if he or she participates in his/her region as an owner, exhibitor, or trainer. IDJ must be notified in writing of intent. Notification must be received by Chair no later than January 31st of each year of their intent to “show” or “judge” on the KMSHA/SMHA Sanctioned Show Circuits. II. Apprentice Requirements A. Those applicants who successfully complete the KMSHA/SMHA Judges’ Clinic shall qualify for the Apprentice Judges’ Program.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 91 B. An Apprentice Judge [Apprentice] must apprentice under a qualified KMSHA/SMHA licensed Certified Judge in at least three KMSHA/SMHA Sanctioned Shows. In order for an Apprentice to have a show considered, as meeting this requirement the Apprentice must receive a satisfactory evaluation from the Certified Judge and complete the three sanctioned show apprenticeships within a two (2) year period. Only Certified Judges who have judged at least three (3) sanctioned shows are qualified to evaluate apprentices. Additional apprenticing experience may be necessary according to the evaluation and recommendation of the Certified Judge, IDJ, or in the event the apprentice desires more experience per his or her own written request. After an Apprentice has completed one judging assignment of a Certified Judge, and has received a satisfactory rating, he/she is eligible to judge KMSHA Sanctioned fun shows and will be reimbursed for expenses only. C. The Apprentice must notify the IDJ of his/her intention to apprentice within 10 days after he/she has obtained approval from the Show Manager and the officiating Certified Judge, to ensure credit is given for apprenticing a show. The Apprentice is responsible for contacting the Senior Judge for permission to apprentice. In the case of multiple Judges at one KMSHA/SMHA National Show, the Apprentice must only apprentice under the same Judge with whom the permission to apprentice had been granted. D. No more than one (1) Apprentice may be approved to apprentice at each KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned show. It is the Apprentice’s responsibility to check with show management at the time permission is granted to apprentice to ensure they are only permitted as an Apprentice. In the event there is more than one Judge at the same show, there can still only be one Apprentice who is granted permission to apprentice at that particular show. E. Each Apprentice will have a performance evaluation completed and submitted by the Certified Judge with whom the Apprentice has worked, as well as a completed and submitted Self-Evaluation. The purpose of each evaluation is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the apprentice with regard to applying the KMSHA/SMHA Show Rules and with regard to his/her professionalism. Both the completed Self-Evaluation form and the Sr. Judge’s evaluation are to be sent to the IDJ within 10 working days of the show apprenticed. The Apprentice will be notified by the IDJ, within 10 working days of submission of evaluation forms, if credit was given for the show apprenticed. F. The Apprentice should not have any conversation with the Certified Judge until the Certified Judge’s card for each class during a show has been turned in. The Apprentice is not to influence the way classes are tied. G. The card used by the Apprentice must be comparable in design to the card used by the officiating Certified Judge. After the last class of the show, the Apprentice’s cards must be turned in to the Certified Judge who will forward them to the IDJ. H. No apprentice will be allowed to apprentice at the KMSHA/SMHA International Grand Championship Show. I. Apprentices must follow the same rules as the officiating Judge with the exception of gaining approval to apprentice. J. Apprentices will not receive credit for more than one show Apprenticed under the same Certified Judge. The required 3 shows (or more if requested or so ordered) must be apprenticed under 3 separate Certified Judges.
92 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined K. Apprentices shall not expect payment from Show Management for their apprenticeships under a certified judge. Apprentices’ bear all responsibility for all costs incurred for travel, hotel or any other expenses related to apprentice judging assignments. L. All requests to apprentice at shows must go through the IDJ.
III. Provisional Judges A. Upon satisfactory completion of the required apprenticeship, an Apprentice Judge may apply to the IDJ for review and promotion to Provisional Judge status. Upon approval, the Provisional Judge must successfully complete the judging of two sanctioned shows within the two (2) year period immediately following the granting of Provisional Judge status. Provisional Judges may not be assigned to multiple day shows. B. If the Provisional Judge has received satisfactory evaluations and reports from the SD and/or IDJ and has demonstrated the required knowledge of the Show Rules, the Provisional Judge may apply to the IDJ for review and approval for promotion to the Certified Judge level. C. If the Provisional Judge has been denied advancement due to unsatisfactory evaluations and reports, he/she may then reapply to the IDJ requesting 2 additional shows in order to obtain a satisfactory evaluation. If, after these 2 additional shows there is still an unfavorable report, he/she will be dropped from the program. D. Provisional Judges may not officiate at the Annual International KMSHA/SMHA Horse Show, except in Futurity and Versatility events, nor may they oversee/evaluate Apprentice Judges. Provisional Judges may also assist as ringmasters or equipment stewards at the Annual Show for the purpose of gaining additional experience.
IV. Certified Judges A. The title of Certified Judge is granted to those individuals who have consistently demonstrated the qualifications identified above; have demonstrated thorough knowledge of the Show Rules; and have been consistent in presenting a professional and ethical image to the KMSHA/SMHA. Certified Judge status is subject to continual review by the IDJ. B. Certified Judges are required to judge at least one KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned show per year in order to retain Certified Judge status. C. When a Certified Judge has evaluated an Apprentice Judge's performance at any KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned show, it is the responsibility of the Show Manager to return the certified Judge's Cards to the KMSHA Show Director [SD] within 10 working days of the show in order to assist in completion of that evaluation. The SD will make copies of the original cards, retaining the original cards for use with the KMSHA high point program, and forward the copies to the IDJ in a timely fashion, not to exceed 15 working days, for comparison of the Certified Judge's cards against the cards submitted to the IDJ by the Apprentice. The Certified Judge will return to the IDJ his/her evaluation of the Apprentice Judge's performance within 10 working days of completion of the show where the Apprentice was evaluated.
V. Judges’ Rules & Regulations (Applies to all Apprentice, Provisional & Certified Judges.) A. A Judge is obliged to judge each class in conformance with the rules and specifications of that class as they appear in the current KMSHA/SMHA Show Rule Book. He/she
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 93 is expected to possess a thorough knowledge of the KMSHA/SMHA Horse and to be proficient in the guidelines for judging as they are presented in the current Show Rules and Regulations PRIOR to arrival on the show grounds. The KMSHA/SMHA Judging video must be reviewed prior to arrival at each show. NO individual, including Spectator, Exhibitor, Show Management, Ringmaster, Steward, Show Committee member, or others, are to influence or attempt to influence in any way, the placement of classes or a Judge’s decision in any way at any show. B. A judge, by accepting an invitation to officiate at a KMSHA/SMHA class, event or sanctioned show, assumes a responsibility to support the Show Management by excusing from the ring all horses who in his/her opinion are in violation of KMSHA/SMHA Show Rules or provisions of the Federal Horse Protection Act [HPA]. C. No Judge selected to officiate at a show shall be contacted either directly or indirectly relative to this show by any person having an interest in any horse whether direct or indirect. D. A KMSHA/SMHA Judge shall not attend, as a spectator or otherwise, another KMSHA/SMHA sanctioned show within 72 (seventy-two) hours of any show he/she has contracted to Judge. E. At all shows, a Judge’s primary responsibility is to evaluate the horse’s overall performance and way of going. In the absence of an Equipment Steward, the Judge may upon entry to the ring and/or during the lineup, conduct a brief visual inspection of equipment. The Judge will direct the ringmaster to excuse exhibitors either before the class is called to order or from the lineup when tack/attire violations are found. The Show Manager will notify the officiating Judge(s) prior to the start of the show if there is no Equipment Steward present. Even in the presence of an Equipment Steward Judges have a responsibility to scan a class for tack and attire violations and to take action as appropriate. F. It is the responsibility of the Judge to report any observed KMSHA/SMHA show rule violations to the Show Manager (and the Show Manager who in turn forwards the complaint to the IDJ. Forms can be obtained from the IDJ. If a form is not available at the time or date of violation, a detailed account should be documented and reported in writing. If information is incomplete, the IDJ will proceed to contact the Judge directly. G. Judges are to report to the IDJ all contacts via phone calls, e-mails, indirect contact, etc. received by the Judge after being assigned and prior to the show from Members, Trainers, Owners, or Exhibitors. (See VI-Standards of Ethical Conduct) H. The Judge’s decision is final. Once a class has been judged, it shall not be rejudged. Once the Judge has marked his/her card and placements of awards are made, there shall be no changing of the Judge’s record, except in the case of clerical or show management error. Changes in placements of awards may occur in the case of rule violations and/or subsequent disqualifications. I. Failure of a Judge to attend a show to which he/she is committed to perform his/her duties and to officiate in the classes to which he/she is assigned shall constitute cause for withdrawal of the KMSHA/SMHA license. In cases of extreme emergency a release may be obtained from the IDJ before the scheduled show. J. When a Judge is officiating at a show, he/she is not to arrive on the show grounds until 30 (thirty) minutes prior to show time.
94 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined K. An entry may, at the discretion of the Judge, be excused from the ring for any infraction of the KMSHA/SMHA Show Rules, or for concerns of the horses fitness for competition. L. When more than one Judge is used to officiate at a single show (using a system such as the Majority Opinion System or Point System) conversation among or between Judges is prohibited until cards are turned in. It is the responsibility of the Judge to make each placement in the class independently and to mark his/her card accordingly. M. At a show when more than one Judge is officiating, a rotation of the “call judge” will take place by a lottery system set up and conducted by the Show Manager before the beginning of each scheduled session. N. A Judge shall at all times remember that he/she is a representative of the KMSHA/SMHA and should conduct himself/herself in a professional and ethical manner. Exchanging or voicing harsh words, demonstrating inappropriate behavior, or engaging in any conduct which would bring discredit to the KMSHA/SMHA judging program, with management, staff, exhibitors, spectators, etc., is unacceptable and shall be reported to IDJ for review and necessary action. O. KMSHA/SMHA Judges are to be aware of and avoid all conflicts of interest as specified by the KMSHA/SMHA Bylaws, Rules, these Rules and Regulations, and the Show Rules. P. No Judge may judge two KMSHA/SMHA affiliated sanctioned shows within 150 miles of each other without at least a thirty (30) day interval between shows, unless required by the IDJ due to requirements placed by show management for curtailment of costs of officials. Q. No judge may officiate two (2) consecutive times at the same show or contest within a twelve (12) month period with the exception of the Annual KMSHA/SMHA International Grand Championship Horse Show. Using the process of selection set up by the IDJ, only 1 Certified Judge from the previous year’s International Grand Championship Show may be included in the list of eligible Judges for the Annual International Grand Championship Show and not to exceed two (2) consecutive years. R. In the show ring, Judges are not to personally touch the horse or rider, except in an emergency situation. Should an issue arise that requires touching the horse in order to resolve the issue, the Judge is to instruct the Ringmaster to perform the task needed, e.g., check chin strap/chain for tightness, blood in mouth, checking for conformation defects, etc. S. The licensed KMSHA/SMHA Judges who are contracted to judge the KMSHA/SMHA International Grand Championship Horse Show cannot officiate at any sanctioned show within 30 days of the International Grand Championship. T. It is the responsibility of the Judges to provide and annually update the IDJ with current address, phone number & email addresses. Additionally, Judges agree to complete and return all required forms as a condition of holding a license with KMSHA/SMHA. U. Judges on break must be escorted to and from the ring. Judges are not to have contact with any exhibitors, spectators, owners, trainers, or any other persons, either inside or outside of the show ring or the show grounds, during a KMSHA/SMHA sponsored or affiliated class, event, or show.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 95 Note: KMSHA/SMHA Sanctioned shows include A , AA, AAA National, Regional and or Fun Shows and the Annual KMSHA/SMHA International Grand Championship Horse Show.
VI. Judges’ Ethical Conduct A. A Judge shall not be an Exhibitor, Rider, Trainer, Owner, Instructor, or Manager at any show at which he/she is officiating. B. A Judge shall not judge in any show in which a member of his/her immediate family or any of his horses are competing, or where any horses trained by said Judge or the Judge’s immediate family. C. A Judge shall not, during the period commencing on the date of his or her assignment to a show and ending on the completion of a show at which he/she is judging, have any personal or social contact outside of his/her official duties as a Judge with any person who is exhibiting in the show or whose immediate family is exhibiting in the show. D. No horse may be shown before a Judge that has been sold or traded, boarded, owned, trained, or shown by said Judge or by his employer or employee within a period of twelve (12) months prior to the show. E. No one may show before a Judge where either the Judge or Exhibitor has remunerated (e.g. paid or compensated) the other person for the leasing, boarding, riding, training, consulting, schooling, assisting or tutoring of any horse or rider within a period of twelve (12) months prior to the show. (Stud fees are excluded.) F. An Exhibitor may make a request through the Show Manager to speak with the Judge concerning the performance of that Exhibitor's horse. These conversations must take place in a private setting at the conclusion of the show. The Judge is to give his/her opinion courteously and professionally in the presence of the Show Manager and IDJ, if present. The Judge must make himself available for reasonable periods of time for post show discussions with interested exhibitors and may not leave the show grounds until the Show Manager has ascertained that no exhibitor wishes to speak to the Judge concerning the horse show. G. It is the duty of the Judge(s) to immediately report any violations of the these Rules and Regulations (as outlined in Section V) to Show Management and/or the IDJ. H. A Judge shall not inspect or discuss with any person any horse entered into a show prior to the start of the show. I. A Judge may not take a bribe or gratuity in any denomination or provide a favor in any manner to anyone who shows, owns, leases or is related to a horse or rider being shown under said Judge. The penalty for doing so is the immediate withdrawal for life of the KMSHA/SMHA license. Further, the loss of such license and the reasons for its revocation will be reported to all other licensing bodies for the individual known to the IDJ. Completion of the Judge’s application and the listing of licenses held with other associations constitute an acceptance of this provision of the rulebook.
VII. Disciplinary Actions Against Judges A. General. The IDJ investigates all protests, concerns, and complaints and renders rulings after fact-finding conversations with exhibitors, official association representatives, other judges, and all interested parties. The results of these investigations are made available to all interested parties as well as the board of directors of the KMSHA/ SMHA.
96 * 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underlined B. When Judges are found to have violated any aspect of the KMSHA/SMHA rulebook, or when actions of the Judge are not found to be within the best interest of the associations or the judging program itself, the IDJ issues disciplinary or directive letters to Judges. These letters are of 2 types: Letter of Direction and Letters of Caution. These letters become part of a Judge’s official file. 1. Letters of Direction inform a Judge of weakness in performance or errors in judgment and outline the actions that must be taken to improve performance at future events. 2. Letters of Caution put a Judge on official notice that some aspects of behavior, either personal or professional have not met the standards of the KMSHA/SMHA Judges Program. A Letter of Caution is the first step towards temporary restriction of privileges as a KMSHA/SMHA licensed Judge. After a Judge receives 2 Letters of Caution, within a 24-month period, the license of the Judge will be revoked. C. All letters, either directive or disciplinary become part of the official file of licensed KMSHA/SMHA judges and may figure into the future assignment of shows. No Judge who has received a Letter of Caution may be assigned as an official to the International Grand Championship Show for the 12-month period in which such Letter of Caution was received.
* 2008-2009 Updates in bold and underline 97 KMSHA Terms and Definitions
BREEDER - At this time, the KMSHA's definition of "Breeder" as established by the KMSHA/ SMHA is the person who stands the Stallion/Mare at the time of the breeding and verifies that the Mare has been bred to that Stallion by affixing his signature on the official breeding certificate. This may be the owner or designated representative of the owner "Breeder" and may change from time to time based upon the owners wishes. SHOWING TERMS: Trail Walk - the natural, flat-footed four beat gait of the Mountain Horse. The gait should be ground covering and balanced. Each foot takes off and hits the ground in a separate in- terval. The walk should be elastic and true. A dragging trail walk is not preferred. The horse should show controlled and relaxed energy at the walk. The gait is to be ridden on a light rein. Riding on the buckle during the trail walk is not required in any division of the KMSHA/ SMHA, although it is preferable in the country trail pleasure division. Show Gait and Pleasure Gait - flashy four beat gaits where each foot meets the ground separately and in equal intervals. The difference between the two gaits is the ability to increase the tempo from the show gait to the pleasure gait while retaining form. When executed at top speeds, this gait should still be comfortable for the rider and not hard on the horse. Canter/Lope - The canter or lope is a restrained three beat gait, rather than a false four beat gait, almost like running in place. The two diagonal legs operate in pairs, producing a single beat falling between the successive beats of the other unpaired legs. In the lope, the head carriage should be lower than the head carriage of an English horse at the canter. Hard Pace - also known as a camel pace, a fast, two - beat gait, where the legs both front and hind start and end on the same side simultaneously. In a true hard pace there is a split second where all four feet are off the ground simultaneously. Stepping Pace - a variant of the true pace, the stepping pace does not have the side to side or rolling motion of the hard pace because the two feet on each side of the horse are not linked simultaneously together. The stepping pace can be considered four beat because the four feet do strike almost separately with the hindfoot touching toe down, rather than full foot down, slightly ahead of the forefoot on the same side. Fox Trot - the fox trot is a slow, broken gait where each hind foot meets the ground an instant before the diagonal forefoot. The gait is thus considered to be a diagonal four- beat gait. Execution of Movement Defects Pounding - the horse exhibits heavy contact with the ground rather than a light touching down Pointing - extension of the stride with little flexion, giving a stiff legged appearance Paddling - the front feet are thrown sideward as they are picked up Winging - an exaggerated form of paddling seen most often in high breaking horses that are toe narrow or pigeon breasted at rest. Way of Travel Defects Trappy - short, quick, choppy stride
98 Trailing - hindquarters not engaged, giving appearance of hind legs that have little to no energy or not picking up the back legs in timing with the front. Hocky - too much flexion in the hocks in the manner of a hackney or 5-gaited horse Rope-Walking - a twisting of the striding leg to place it around in front of the supporting leg, giving the appearance in movement of a high wire walker. Horses with overly wide chests are frequently victims, as well as horses with weak muscling ridden to extremes. Disunited - the appearance of doing one sort of gait with the forefeet, while another is done with the hindlegs (horses that appear to be trying to canter from behind while still maintaining a semblance of gait in the front.) Unbalanced - horse fades in and out of gait on the straightway and really struggles through the corners to hold the gait. Gait Challenged - Judges are not veterinarians, but they are horsemen with eyes. Horses that appear to be off, favoring or giving to a particular limb or foot, appear to be laboring, or appear to be in discomfort should be excused without prejudice from the class. The well being of the horse must always be a first prior- ity. If in doubt, the benefit of the doubt goes to the horse. AD INDEX Hitching - a shorter stride in one hind leg than BERI, Inc...... 73 another. C. W. Stables ...... 2 CONFORMATION TERMS: Classic Farm...... 83, 121 Sickle Hocked – from the side the hock and Custom Tree & Saddle, Inc...... 122 cannon bone has a forward angle, so the horse Dark Horse Stables...... 81 stands underneath itself from the hock down.This is somewhat characteristic of a mountain horse. Harden's Gaited Stables...... 82
Cow Hocked –from the rear hocks are fairly Hill and Hill Farm ...... 74 close together. Severe Cow Hocked- the hocks are almost touching together. Insko Saddlery & Harness...... 84 Splay Footed – from the rear the horse is usually Just for Kicks Stables & Tack . . . . . 20 cow hocked, causing feet to splay outward. Mahon Stables...... 3 Camped Out or Camped Backed – from the side the cannon bone is not perpendicular to the Musgraves' Apple Ridge Farm. . . . 119 ground, but is angled behind the hock. Prince Albert Stables...... 89 Coon Footed – Both hooves are extremely upright in appearance with a steeper angle than Rocky Dream Farm...... 67 the pastern. Rocky Grounds Farm...... 72 Calf Kneed or Back-at-the-Knee - from the side the knees are placed too far back. Sanctuary Farm ...... 21 Club Footed – one hoof grows more upright than Triple K & S Farm...... 101 the opposite foot. Wright Way Farm...... 101 Pig Eyed – horse has small squinty eyes.
99 100 101 rail Pleasure D ivision rail b ility c ta aults: horse shows more than moderate speed at aults: nervousness, more than moderate speed at F F verage verage verage way of the Country T going for way Penalized show gait & demonstrates elevated head and neck elevated carriage & demonstrates gait show r d Tr a Judging Standa I deal attentive yet • calm, relaxed, • accepts the bit • good manners in the lineup & while in the the class rail portion of to the aids • responsive • willing/compliant upright ears • active, tail • relaxed A time to from • inattentive in the line up and while mounting or dismounting • fidgets • switches tail with the bit • plays response to the aids • slow on the rider • not focused A Below • nervous/restive/rushing hand the rider’s against • braces rider from • tries to pull reins away while halted • moves • pinned ears • wringing or clamped tail • does not accept the bit the bit • tongue over • resistant to commands indication of • any impatience or temper Penalized the show gait, elevated head and/or neck carriage, display of ill temper aults: horse does not display the correct F aults: exhibition of aults: exhibition animation verage verage entation r d Cont ol & P e s entation Judging Standa I deal • appearance of effortless performance on the part of horse the on a light rein at all gaits • manageable preferably executed moving; forward and energetic walk, trail • stretch of with downward neck on the buckle, conformation for head set appropriate • natural • travels on a consistent straight track with balance on corners the • quiet on the bit, nose slightly ahead of the vertical not collected silhouette, relaxed standing on a loose rein • immobile square halts, diagonal in evenly moving legs fluid, and effortless backs rein • pairs time in the class • no resistance apparent at any • smooth upward and downward transitions, fluid change of direction A on a taut rein • manageable time to with hands • supportingfrom head carriage track • abrupt transitions • behind the bit crooked at the halt and while mounting or dismounting • fidgets rein backs, hesitant leg movement • crooked • halts crooked • choppy change of direction A Below • heavy handed rein contact • elevated head and carriage neck the bit • counter bent while in motion • above pull horse backthe hocks transitions over • downward at halt and while mounting or dismounting • moves heads • resistant to rein back, throws command compliance at any • rider appears to force E limination F Severely Penalized I t may be ountry T rail Pleasure Division for C ountry Performance C hart mounting block may be may block mounting A rail Pleasure division may not be not may division Pleasure rail T aults: pacing, aults: rider pacing, bouncing vertically F aults: any tendency to fox-trot aults: any aults: more than moderate speed while executing executing while speed moderate than more aults: F y Tr ail Plea s u r e S p c ifi E lement verage ange of M otion C hart page 117. placed first on the judge’s card, nor may it be placed be it may nor card, judge’s the on first placed ahead of any the other for horse going of in way correct a the meets class and gaits which correct exhibits performance ofthe quality ofthe regardless division, or the number of horses in the class. called from any gait. any called from mount to required be may juveniles, than other Riders, lineup. the from dismount of be given. used but no other assistance may Country the for going verage the gaits Severely Penalized Penalized Severely 2) 3) a horse that fails to demonstrate the correct way of r d G ait Judging Standa I deal only gait and show walk smooth, 4 beat trail • natural, • minimal animation knee action • lift of forearm no higher than mid pastern joint • minimal trackinghead nod allowed up • moderate moving with a gliding quality at all gaits • forward ride at all gaits • completely smooth and steady • S ee R A covering • not ground beat gaits • choppy four walk striding • sluggish trail • over A Below not firmly• in and out of gait established gait; hand pulling at the rider’s walk; • jigging at the trail of the gaits in the execution • overly energetic E limination F Count r 1) a halt must be called for during rail work. in the saddle Penalized
102 rail rail Pleasure divi - T A horse that fails to demonstrate verage r d b ility Judging Standa c ta verage rail rail Pleasure Caution: • resistant rein back, horse throws head & is jerked back - wards backthe hocks over during transitions • thrown at the halt • crooked • counter bent moves Tr a I deal • Alertappearance but relaxed mounting and dismounting • immobile in the line up for of• appearance on the work at hand focus of• upright ears indicative attention to rider & surroundings • carries the bit quietly • smooth, willing response to mands com - and out take to like would anyone that horse a of appearance • hands distances without having a battle on your ride for A • inattentive • delayed response to transitions • plays with the bit in the lineup and while mounting or dismounting • fidgets • switching time to of from tail • mouth gapes A Below in line -up • restive/nervous/hot moves • tail wringing or clamped pinned ears the bit • ignores transitions • tongue lolling over • stamping of feet as the result of impatience T the overall correct ofway going for the sion may not be placed above any other horse in the class who displays correct gait and trail pleasure way of going, of regardless ofquality the number the or performance that of horses in the class. - ontrol & Presentation ar d s C ontrol aults: horses displaying animation aults: horses displaying aults: failure to demonstrate the overall correct F verage verage verage rect footfall d Ju d ging S tan I deal on a light rein at all gaits • Manageable • Stylish presentation to conformation head set appropriate • natural • accepting of the bit with nose either on vertical or slightly ahead of the vertical • poll as the highest point of the neck to the aids • immediately responsive track a straight • follows balanced corners • executes immobile halts square, • demonstrates transitions and downward • smooth upward rein in legs evidenced; resistance backno rein with straight • back smoothly in diagonal pairs move A hands • head set supportedtime to by from track • nosed out • crooked at the halt and not square • fussy in the mouth fidgets rein back with hesitating steps • abrupt • crooked transitions A Below • heavy contact hands on the reins mouth the bit • gaping • behind or above energy • stiff neck and jaw while gaiting • visible, timed, shake head E limination F way of going for a trail pleasure horse even with the cor Severely Severely Penalized Faults: Pacing; rider bouncing vertically in the saddle Penalized hart for T rail Pleasure Division Performance C hart ar d s G ait verage ange of M otion C hart page 117. forearm lift no higher than mid cannon bone • minimal verage A fade in and out are correct 4 beat but gaits • gaits gaits ofbetween • minimal variation tempo shown • slight relaxation, slight forward & down position of neck walk at trail • lacks motion forward at the trail gait walk/ appears slug - gish A Below • incorrect gait • breaking at any gait • hitching • twisting of hocks • squatting • disunited way of going/unbalanced of the gaits execution • no visible variation in tempo between show and pleasure gait • jigging at trail walk or trail walk completely lacking in I deal • correct 4 beat gaits • distinct changes of tempo between gaits • knee action with minimal tracking straight up • horse travels moving with gliding quality • forward • moderate head nod permissible • energetic but relaxed in all gaits with neck walk at the trail stretch• showing downward the back • bounce at dockover ofthroughness tail showing • S ee R T rail Pleasure Sp ecific E lements work. during rail gait any be called from 1) T he halt may lineup the from required be may dismounting and 2) M ounting of classes. juvenile with the exception A mounting block must be available but no other assistance is permissible. d Ju d ging S tan
103 - quiet tail • fidgets in the line up fidgets • transitions transitions appear rushed or • quiet acceptance of bit • agitated /does not stand pinned ears ny indication A ny that the horse is up in the • • plays with bit plays responsive to commands responsive • • verage r d Standa b ility Judging c ta relaxed relaxed but inattentive less of other criteria, quality of performance or number of horses in the class. Elimination Faults: bumping, pumping or jerking the reins, or incorrect position of the reining hand while neck rein - ing the horse. Horses that fail to Faults: stand quietly Penalized Severely verti - bouncing rider pacing, step pacing, readily; back or cally in the saddle. Faults: Penalized go - of way correct the demonstrate not does horse bridle; ing a for western horse. Such a horse not may be placed first on the judge’s card, nor may it be placed ahead of other ofhorse that any has the the going correct for way regard gaits, correct the performing is it as long as division tail switches while mounting and dismounting minor movement the mouth gapes restive/nervous wrings the tail runs transitions through the bit or lolling oftongue over the tongue while mounting or dismounting movement excessive verage alert but relaxed quiet transitions stands quietly and makes upright ears respectful in the line up mounting and dismounting stands immobile for Tr a • • • • A • • • • A Below • • • • • I deal • delayed - - halts square & 360 not fluid • • not responsive to the aids not responsive • does not maintain a straight track does not maintain a straight • verage natural natural head set appropriate to conformation, horse correct 360 turn, fluid and continuous horse travels crooked on straight lines and counter bent horse behind the bit and looking down, rather than for reinback is easy, fluid and legs straight, reinback moving in diago - is easy, fidgets atoff the halt or fidgets moves afterfor the halt is called L ight rein contact with visible U in the on the bit, head to be set just ahead of the vertical track maintains a straight neckreins correctly if the curb bit wearing L ight rein contact but no visible U in the inattentive and some resistance reinbacks crooked but stands quietly halts crooked, horse up in the bridle reinbacks resistant, legs pulled back one at a time 360 turn, rider pulls horse around verage verage neck elevated from the wither above the natural conforma natural the above wither the from elevated neck resistant/above the bit and/or gaping mouth or excessively excessively or mouth gaping and/or bit the resistant/above tight rein with bit shanks showing horizontal pull and/or rider and/or pull horizontal showing shanks bit with rein tight ward nal pairs low headset i.e. nose below the knee nose below headset i.e. low pulling on one rein or other to enforce compliance pulling on one rein or other to enforce looking ahead, alert and focused immobile tion ofhands the horse/head set supported by • A • • • • • • A Below • • • • • • • r d s Cont ol & P e entation Judging Standa I deal • • • • • • before signal is given before through corners through hart for Western Pleasure Division Performance C hart 360 turn on the forehand or haunches to the left the to haunches or forehand the on turn 360 Halt from show gait or trail walk while doing Neck reining if curb bit wearing verage moderate moderate lift with more up and down movement than fades in and out of four beat gaits, no tempo changes gaits gaits appear to he requiring too much effort for - execu animated way animated ofway going or slow legged resulting in slight correct four beat gaits with distinct tempo changes beat gaits correct four if required three beat lope lacking collection if beat lope or hand gallop required four at the lope crossfiring disunited correct four beat gaits but tempo changes are not readily not changesare tempo but gaits beat four correct verage between show and pleasure gait show between tion or right to demonstrate neck reining if wearing the curb bit curb the ifneckwearing reining demonstrate to right or ofbalance as well as horse aids the to responsiveness and 2) 3) work rail 4) i mmobility while rider dismounts and mounts r d s G ait Judging Standa Western Pleasure Special requirements Western 1) I deal • A • • • • A Below • • • • • forward movement forward forward movement, horse appears to travel in one spot horse appears to travel movement, forward apparent, although true working gaits • no animation, breaking in an economical manner, true working gaits that appear to be comfortable enough to ride all day and effortless gaits covering • ground • correct three beat, collected lope if required • lift of no higher than mid-cannon bone the hooves
104 b ility c ta verage verage the mouth; above the bit; braced against the hand against the bit; braced the mouth; above • showing evidence of resistance muscle at any point, in any gait, rider cueing ahead of the girth, spurs in constant contact with the horse • crooked halts with movement • mouth distress • over riding for speed • stiff legged, pointing, pounding movement the ground during forward tongue and/or mouth distress Faults: Penalized r d Tr a Judging Standa I deal • retains attributes of true pleasure horse • appearance of controlled energy • alert, attentive upright, ears active • no signs of impatience or ill temper but not rushed eager moving, forward • energetic, response to all commands prompt on rider, • focused immedi - has and walk trail forward but relaxed to drops willingly • ate step off is required next to whatever A • forward moving but hurried distracted • sluggish response to aids of• appearance • switching working to peak capacity tail energy flat with low walk • trail A Below • nervous/hot/wild-eyed even if appearing to be controllable by the rider • appearance of laboring past the level of comfort the horse for wringing or clamped tail • pinned ears, of jigging; indicative nerves shows or disobedience walks • trail when directed • horse fails to “come down” rein pres - excessive horse attempt through to • control rider shows sures or jerking with the outside rein nervousness; Faults: bad manners Penalized Tractability aults: appearance of weight being placed in the stirrups the in placed being weight of appearance aults: F verage verage verage saddle because ofsaddle gait improper Penalized to minimize the bounce of the rider in the saddle; disunited way of way disunited saddle; the in rider ofthe bounce the minimize to of trailing going, the hocks r d Cont ol and Pe fo man c e Judging Standa I deal conformation of for head set going • appropriate • Stylish way plea - & show at contact consistent rein; moderate a on manageable • the corners correct bending through straight; • travels sure gaits visible some showing as defined rein, light a on executed walk trail • transitions & downward lengthening of the rein • smooth upward vertical or only slightly ahead • on the bit, nose at • relaxed through the throat latch with the poll the highest point of the neck • responsive to the aids • appropriate use of carried spurs & whip if immobile halts • square, the halt off steps from • immediate strike with no backward • rein backs straight, fluid, no resistance, legs moving in diagonal pairs A • Inconsistent contact with appearance of pulling back the reins for control • horse inconsistently collected • halts unbalanced and crooked response to the aids • behind bit • slow • horse travels crooked and shows limited bend through the corners • rein back crooked & hesitant • fidgets at the halt •abrupt transitions increased for ofspurs the application sharp with gigged is horse • of • occasional gaping the mouth energy A Below movement • counter bent during forward • breaks gait jerking • heavy hands, of of the reins and punishment the mouth its hocks the horse back over that throw transitions • downward of• appearance position being manually held in an upheaded • poll not the highest point of the neck • bit pulled horizontally in - hart for C lassic Pleasure Division Performance C hart ; disunited unbalanced way of going ; disunited unbalanced way 0 aults: pacing or rider bouncing vertically in the in vertically bouncing rider or pacing aults: F 0 ault: horse lifts higher than the knee or breaks over
F 0 verage ange of M otion C hart page 117. verage r d G ait Judging Standa I deal beat, with distinct footfall correct and four • all gaits • easily observed balanced and elastic gaits • clear variation in tempo • show gait and pleasure gait with moderate collection and vis - ible reach • lift of forearm mid-cannon bone to the knee from • horse tracks up and shows clear engagement of the hind quar Penalized Severely ters • trail walk relaxed while energetic & moving, forward executed on a light rein should horse laboring, not but presentation stylish with animation • exhibit a rolling motion with the front legs break 87 over exceed not to • horse appears to be laboring or pushed to its limit to be laboring • horse appears behind wringing of• plaiting in front, hockswalking or rope feet • head shake • pounding of with the front the ground E liminated more than 87 • bounce at dock of tail demonstrating throughness over the back• bounce at dock ofover throughness tail demonstrating of on a rein • no head nod contact • manageable moderate • S ee R A but not elastic in execution beat gait • correct four of• less perfected degree collection and engagement the gaits in tempo between • some variation with reins tighter than desired lacks energy walk • trail • horse has lift of legs but insufficient reach front • winging • shortin the front striding in rear uneven tendency to nod • head showing A Below speed for ridden • over • unable to maintain true gaits 4 beat of • lift with no reach gait other abnormality in execution • any and pleasure gaits show between • no noticeable variation more than 87 • break over
105 ar d verage • tongue over the bit, behind the bit or trying to grab the reins from away the rider • moving while halted • resistant to backing readily in resources his of limit the at sour/unhappy/ appears horse • with no finesse applied and executed his work transitions d Ju d ging S tan T ractability Ideal on rider and his work • horse intent and focused ears • upright, active all commands readily with no resistance • executes the on performance high in horses other with manners good • and in the line up rail • maintains and demonstrates the true qualities of a plea - turns sure horse , and notably in to walk, transitions the trail and halts Average inattentive • distracted, to respond commands • slow • some resistance apparent in rein back/halts/turns • switching of the tail A Below • wired, nervous • anticipating rather than waiting for commands to be given • wringing and/or clamping of the tail to attempting feet, ofthe stamping by exhibited temper ill • kickbecoming light end on while the cow in front the lineup, rider is mounted • attempting to spit the bit or slinging of the head • runningthe transitions through walk • inability to relax at the trail • pinned ears the bit, leaning on reins • grabbing ar d ault: any horse whose action appears action whose horse any F ault: • piston like front • action piston front pounding like the no ground noticeable (horse gait pleasure & gait show between tempo in variation goes fast & faster) E limination to be artificial must be eliminated. d an d Performance Ju ging S tan C ontrol Ideal • Appearance of combined with energy brilliant controlled the work for and exuberance appearance rein contact • Collected with moderate to all aids • clean transitions • responsive • cueing at the girth;use of appropriate the spur and whip off move ready immobility, • square halts, • rein backs straight, easily executed, legs moving in even diagonal pairs highest the as poll with front in slightly or vertical the on face • point of the neckcarriage proud Average • Inconsistent contact, horse falls in and out of collection response abrupt; transitions • fidgety and unbalanced halts • signs of to the aids not immediate; any resistance • rooting the bit, nosed out • poll not the highest point the neck of • rein backs crooked, hesitant steps, raising head above the bit Average Below of• appearance holding the horse in a frame of in front the girth gait • cueing in any • aggressive use of spurs or constant contact with the spur & the horse • horse resistant to the application of the aids - hart for Park Pleasure Division for Park Performance C hart or above level without labor level or above 0 ar d G ait forearm must be 90 d Ju d ging S tan Ideal moun - beat 4 authentic still and balanced natural, brilliant, • tain horse gaits showing full range of motion; freedom of motion stride & forward • lift of ing motion; rolling smooth, a mustshow & reachlift • mustequal maximum tracking up • engaged & connected showing balance and elasticity in execution gait & pleasure gaits of show • clear variation tempo between sacrificed not form good • feet off run being of indication no • for speed • bounce at dock of tail evidence of throughness the back over • trail walk energetic & forward, ridden on light rein with noticeable slackening of tension from the show or pleasure rein contact gait Average • demonstrated gaits are with trappy lift but limited reach, the gaits lacks elasticity • choppy motion while executing short • horse lacksbehind and/or uneven engagement, • minimal variation of tempo shown from show gait to pleasure gait • horse close to laboring • abnormalities in gait to include hitching, unevenness, excessive termino, plaiting, etc; con - stricted appearance Average Below way shackled or hesitation marching, stifflegged pointing, • of going • at gait form any forsacrificed speed • disunited of going way • gait breaks, horse laboring, appearance of having - ex ceeded natural range of motion and/or physical fitness • ridden behind • over trailing
106 107 108 109 110 Trail Obstacle Score Sheet
111 112 113 114 115 116 Range of Motion Chart Range of Motion in all Divisions begins at O degrees
117 KMSHA/SMHA 2009 Riders Card Application Form Fee $7.00 each
YEAR: ______Designation: choose one rProfessional rAmateur rNovice rJuvenile
Name: ______Membership No. ______Address:______Phone:______
I fully intend to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the KMSHA/SMHA concerning my 2009 designation I have applied for with this Riders Card. I clearly understand the definition of Rider I am applying for and will not arbitrarily change my designation under penalty of having my card revoked at any time by the Board of Directors for violation of this Rule and/or Regulation. I may choose to change my status during the 2009 season by writing a formal request which I will receive an answer of approval or not, and will accept the Board’s decision as final. Signed:______Date:______Return fee and application form to:
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118 119 " " The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Associationsm welcomes new members. $12.50 of any membership fee is payment for an annual subscription to KMSH News Magazine. For information on Registration and Membership, call or write: KMSHA • PO BOX 1405 • Georgetown, KY 40324 Phone: 502-863-3545 • Fax: 502-863-3838 (Important: Please print clearly and neatly)
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