Competitions

US Equestrian Federation SPORT HORSE RULES

This is a condensed version of the US Equestrian Federation Chapter on Sport Horse. For complete information, please refer to Chapter XII. Sport Horse in the Arabian Division in the 2003 US Equestrian Federation Rule Book. US Equestrian Federation rules are copyright 2003 by US Equestrian Federation, Inc. and used with permission. No further use, copying or reproduction may be made without the express written consent of US Equestrian Federation, Inc.

Article 1649A. General

1. In-hand and Under Saddle Sport Horse classes for 1.) Arabians and 2) Half-Arabian/Anglo Arabian Sport Horses may be held separately or in conjunction with any recognized Arabian competition. Sport Horse In-hand and Under Saddle classes may be held for stallions, mares and geldings.

2. In-hand Classes: Judge must excuse from the ring any unruly horse or one whose actions threaten to endanger other exhibitors or their entries. A whip may be used to guide the horse. Excessive use of the whip or actions that may disturb other entries shall be severely penalized. See Art. 1607.6 for additional causes for mandatory elimination from the arena or designated judging area.

3. When possible, the announcement of awards will include the breeding of the horses pinned: sire and dam as well as the name of the owner and the breeder.

4. Conformation is to be evaluated in terms of potential trainability, potential performance and predisposition to soundness. Form to function is to be emphasized. Blemishes are not to count unless resulting from conformation faults. Gaits are to be evaluated in terms of purity, quality and correctness. Correct gaits which contribute to ease in training and the horse remaining sound and useable are most important. Purity and quality are judged mainly in profile. Correctness is judged mainly while the horse is coming to and going from the judge's position.

Article 1649C. Appointments

1. Braiding is optional.

2. Boots or bandages of any kind are forbidden during a class. (Exception, Art. 1612.7).

3. SPORT HORSE IN-HAND CLASSES. Bridles are optional on two-year-olds, mandatory on horses three years old and older. A bridle shall be a dressage or hunter type with snaffle bit with or without cheeks, keepers allowed, reins and headstall with throatlatch. Noseband is optional. A split or single chain may be used with/or instead of reins. Horses under the age of two must be shown in plain leather stable halters.

3.1 The handler may carry only one whip, maximum length 6', including lash and without attachments, i.e. plastic bags, ribbons, etc.

3.2 Conservative attire is recommended for the handler. (See Art. 318.1)

Article 1649E. Conduct of Classes.

1. ARABIAN SPORT HORSE IN-HAND CLASSES. Horses will be shown individually on either the triangle or the V. The method of showing should be specified in the prize list.

1.1 Showing on the triangle. Following a posted or announced order, or on request from the judge, entries in each class will approach the judging area one at a time, walk to the apex of the triangle, and await the judge's request to proceed on the triangle. The handler will lead the horse on the perimeter of the triangle at the walk and trot, returning to the apex to stand for conformation judging or to repeat any movement at the judge's request. At the completion of the judging, the handler will lead the horse away from the judging area. The next shall enter the judging area promptly. Triangle or V may be adjusted to fit local conditions.

1.2 Showing on the V. Following a posted or announced order, or on request from the judge, entries in each class will approach the judging area one at a time, walk to the start point of the V, and await the judge's request to proceed on the V. The handler will lead the horse on the perimeter of the V at the walk and trot, returning to the starting point of the V to stand for conformation judging or to repeat any movement at the judge's request. At the completion of the judging, the handler will lead the horse away from the judging area. The next horse shall enter the judging area promptly.

1.3 Legs of the V are to be a minimum of 80' (24.4 meters) and a maximum of 100' (30.5 meters).

1.4 Triangle and V: Corners should be well defined. A marker will be used at the end of the second leg of the V to define placement of the turn for the exhibitor. Decorative fencing, plants, or flowers are allowed.

2. The horse is to be shown in an "open position," for conformation judging, i.e. with all four legs of the horse visible to the judge when standing on either side of the horse with the horse's neck in a natural position and the handler standing away from the horse with a loose lead line.