Competitions

Changes to Arabian/HA/AA Shoeing Rules

Effective 1/16/06

1. Horses less than two years of age must be shown barefoot Horses two years of age may be shown with a shoe in accordance with AR103.2. However, the use of a pad(s) of any type or configuration between hoof and shoe is strictly prohibited.
2. Through November 30, 2008, any machine made (keg) or handmade shoe made of magnetic steel, mild steel, or aluminum is allowable. No part of the shoe may exceed the dimensions of 3/8 inch thick by 1 1/8 inches wide (nail heads and/or toe clips are not considered when measuring the shoe). The shoe may be of any type and configuration except in the case of a bar shoe, the bar may not extend below the ground surface of the shoe. If a shoe band is used, it may be attached to the shoe, or the pad, if present.
3. Maximum length of toe is 4 1/2" for purebred Arabians. Maximum length of toe is 5" for Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians.
4. The use of pad(s) (either full or partial, including rim) made of leather or plastic, is allowed as long as the overall length of toe measurement (See GR510) does not exceed the maximum toe length of 4 1/2" for purebred Arabians or 5" for Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians. The introduction of a foreign material within the pad, between the pad and shoe or between the pad and hoof (other than accepted packing material such as oakum, pine tar, silicone, foam rubber, etc.) designed to add additional weight or enhance action is strictly prohibited. Material with anticoncussive qualities (such as rubber, silicone, latex, etc.) may be used between the pad and hoof for additional support, provided such material does not extend beyond the inner rim (edge) of the shoe.
5. At the discretion of a judge or a steward officiating at a licensed Arabian competition, or at the request of the Show Committee (See GR1201) inspection (including measuring the shoe, measurement of hoof length, and presence of a pad) of shoes, pad(s) and/or hoof length may be required. Shoes and pads, if present, cast after entering or before exiting the arena in any class shall be inspected. Said inspection shall be performed by a licensed steward or judge designated by the Show Committee (The Show Committee may at its discretion designate more than one licensed official to perform inspections). Any trainer, exhibitor and/or agent of a horse subject to the inspection each may request to be present and heard while said inspection is being performed by said licensed official(s). Prior to any disqualification and/or other penalties imposed on a horse at a competition, the inspecting officials shall make reasonable efforts to notify and have present the owner(s) and trainer(s) of said horse, or agent(s) at the inspection. The inspecting officials shall take possession of any shoe, and/or pad and measure the shoe with an accurate gauge. Measurement of hoof length shall be made in accordance with GR510. In the event that the inspecting officials find a violation of the shoe measurements, hoof length and/or pad presence the horse shall be disqualified for the entire competition, and the owner shall be required to forfeit all prize money, sweepstakes and trophies, entry fees, ribbons, and points won at said competition by said horse. Additionally, if any forbidden foreign material is found between the pad and/or shoe, or pad and hoof, within the pad, and/or the pad composition is in violation of AR103.1, the steward shall file a charge against the owner(s) and trainer(s) with the Federation Hearing Committee in accordance with GR604 and a hearing shall be held in accordance with General Rules, Chapter GR6. The trainer of a horse found to be shod with any forbidden material as described, is subject to whatever additional penalty or penalties are assessed by the Hearing Committee following a hearing. Said trainer may be fined and/or suspended from all competitions for a period of up to one year for the first offense, said suspension to be served at any time at the discretion of the Hearing Committee. The horse may be suspended for any period of time specified by the Hearing Committee.
6. All horses competing in the Arabian, Half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, Eventing, Combined Driving, Pleasure (Carriage) Driving, Working Western, and Sport Horse Sections shall be exempt from shoeing regulations. This does not exempt horses that are cross entered into any other classes from compliance with applicable shoeing requirements while competing in those classes.