OBSTACLE CHALLENGES Amended

Transcription

1 OBSTACLE CHALLENGES Amended SEC. 1.0 State Cmmittee and Respnsibilities... 2 SEC. 2.0 General Rules... 2 SEC. 3.0 Prgram Registratin/Fees... 3 SEC. 4.0 Categries... 4 SEC. 5.0 Equipment and Attire... 5 SEC. 6.0 Sanctining Fees... 5 SEC. 7.0 Challenge Event Manager Respnsibilities... 5 SEC. 8.0 Regin Respnsibilities... 6 SEC. 9.0 State Obstacle Challenge Champinship (SOCC)... 7 SEC Prtests... 8 SEC Obstacles... 8 SEC Judging Standards... 8 SEC Scring Standards... 9 SEC Judges SEC Curse/Pattern SEC Awards

2 The purpse f the Obstacle Challenge Prgram is t prmte gd hrsemanship skills and prvide an educatinal venue fr members f CSHA. Obstacle Challenges are pen t any breed f hrse r any style f riding. The Hrse and Rider will encunter varius bstacles and smetimes challenging situatins which will better prepare the hrse and rider t negtiate them with accuracy. Thrugh educatin and experience, riding becmes mre pleasurable. Each Obstacle Challenge will encurage educatin, safety and fun. SEC. 1.0 Cmmittee and Respnsibilities 1.1 The State Cmmittee will administer this prgram. If necessary, in additin t the members prescribed in the bylaws, additinal cmmittee members may be appinted by the chairman t carry ut specific duties. Hwever, they will nt have vting privileges nr are they cunted in btaining a qurum The State Chairman shall appint an Event Chairman fr purpses f managing the State Obstacle Challenge Champinship (SOCC). 1.2 It is the State Chairman's respnsibility t ascertain that regins requesting sanctining are prvided with necessary infrmatin such as sanctining frms, prgram guidelines, result frms, etc. 1.3 The State Chairman will keep accurate recrd f all Obstacle Challenges thrughut CSHA. SEC. 2.0 General Rules 2.1 Whenever the term hrse is used, it als applies t pnies and mules. 2.2 Whenever the male gender is used, it als applies t the female gender. 2.3 All Obstacle Challenges may be perfrmed inside an arena r utside At each bstacle event management shall, wherever pssible and feasible, prvide fr a suitable and safe means f bypassing the bstacle while prviding a smth transitin t the next bstacle Obstacles may be manmade r thse that naturally ccur n a trail. 2.4 Hrses may be f any breed r age. It is strngly recmmended that hrses be at least three (3) years f age. It is the rider's respnsibility t ascertain if his hrse is capable f cmpeting. 2.5 N special cnsideratin will be given t unsund r handicapped hrses. A rider with a temprary r permanent disability must advise the Ride Management during the riders' meeting. 2.6 Ownership f a hrse is nt required. 2.7 Any type f cruelty t animals such as excessive use f spurs, crps, etc. will be penalized. If the abuse cntinues the rider will be disqualified and excused frm the cmpetitin. 2.8 Events are pen t nn-csha members. 2

3 2.9 Each rider is respnsible fr his wn safety and the safety f his munt. Earned pints and resulting awards are t be cnsidered secndary t safety Each participant must maintain cntrl f their munt thrughut the ride. Each bstacle is judged n hw the partnership wrks tgether. This wrking team shuld negtiate each bstacle with calmness and patience, mving safely thrugh the bstacle. Hrses shuld shw awareness, be attentive and nt spk, shy r spin 2.11 Riding duble r with a lse fal n the side is nt allwed Any persn under eighteen (18) years must have written cnsent f a parent r guardian in rder t participate in any sanctined Obstacle Challenge All sanctined Obstacle Challenges shall be cnducted accrding t the state rules and guidelines Obstacle Challenges are an event negtiated n a designed curse fr all cmpetitrs. Judging begins when the hrse and rider enter the curse and cntinues until the last bstacle has been cmpleted. Schling between bstacles will result in a disqualificatin fr the next bstacle. Obstacle Challenges are meant t ridden in a cntinuus mtin. Hwever, a slight hesitatin t acknwledge the bstacle is acceptable. Riders must ride the same hrse fr the entire designated curse Riders may cmpete in a sanctined Obstacle Challenge that is nt in their regin. If the rider's hme regin has a high pint prgram, that regin's prgram rules will determine hw pints and placing are earned fr Out f Regin rides N cntestant shall in any manner challenge an bstacle judge in any way that devalues their integrity. Any cntestant ding s will be disqualified fr that event and lse that ride cunting tward SOCC qualificatin During the Pilt Prgram: Rule changes can be made t the prgram at any time during the first tw (2) years. Reslutins must be dne fr the third and final year f the Pilt Prgram. SEC. 3.0 Prgram Registratin/Fees 3.1 Each rider must cmplete an fficial Registratin/Release Frm. Registratin fee(s) will be determined by the Event Management. Sign up time, starting time and extra activities will be psted n the website. There may be additinal rules psted n the event website. 3.2 CSHA membership is required and must be kept current t participate in SOCC and Regin Prgrams. 3.3 Each hrse and rider cmbinatin cmpeting at a sanctined Obstacle Challenge will be charged a $3.00 State Obstacle Challenge Rider Fee. These fees shall be sent t the state ffice fr depsit n later than ne (1) week after Obstacle Challenge. 3.4 In rder t participate in a Regin High Pint Prgram, a rider shall submit a Regin Prgram Registratin Frm and fees t the Regin Chairman. 3.5 All fees are due and payable prir t any ride at which the prgram member desires t receive credit twards SOCC eligibility. 3

4 3.6 There is n limit as t the number f animals an individual may cmpete n. Hwever nly ne (1) hrse and rider cmbinatin per categry may qualify t ride at the SOCC. SEC. 4.0 Categries 4.1 There will be six (6) categries: Advanced, Intermediate, Nvice, Yuth, In Hand, and Assisted Rider. 4.1.a A hrse can nly be entered in ne (1) categry ther than Assisted Rider where the same hrse can be ridden multiple times. 4.1.b The Assisted Rider categry will always g last Definitin f Categries: Advanced: A rider and hrse cmbinatin wh can n lnger qualify fr Intermediate r any cmpetitr that wants t advance frm Intermediate Intermediate: A rider and hrse cmbinatin wh has nt placed first at the SOCC fr mre than tw (2) years, r a rider has declined t participate at the SOCC, any rider and hrse cmbinatin wh has nt placed first in the regin fr mre than tw (2) years. Or any cmpetitr that wants t advance frm Nvice. Exceptin will be that if nly ne (1) persn is shwing in the Intermediate categry that win will nt cunt as a secnd win having t advance t the higher categry Nvice: A rider and hrse cmbinatin wh has nt placed first at the SOCC fr mre than three (3) years, r a rider has declined t participate at the SOCC, any rider and hrse cmbinatin wh has nt placed first in the regin fr mre than three (3) years. Exceptin will be that if nly ne (1) persn is shwing in the Nvice categry that win will nt cunt as a third win having t advance t the higher categry Yuth: Yuth cmpetitrs are seventeen (17) years ld and under as f January 1 f the current year All yuths must wear an ATSM/SEI apprved equestrian helmet. They can have an adult n curse as supprt, but n caching is allwed. Yuth riders must have an adult at the arena, nt n the curse, t be able t respnd t a judge s request t have smene handle the hrse In Hand: Any hrse nt shwn in any ther categry ther than Assisted Rider can be shwn In Hand (saddled r unsaddled). Hrse can nly be shwn at the Nvice level. At this time, In Hand is nt eligible fr SOCC Assisted Rider: All assisted rider and hrse cmbinatins shall be accmpanied by an adult n ft which may verbally assist, and/r use a Lead Line. Assisted Riders are nt eligible fr SOCC. All Assisted Riders must wear an ATSM/SEI apprved equestrian helmet. 4.2 At the SOCC, cmbining f categries shall nt be allwed. 4

5 4.3 Once a hrse/rider cmbinatin cmpetes three (3) times at a higher level, they may nt drp back dwn. SEC. 5.0 Equipment and Attire 5.1 Equipment 5.2 Clthing Hrses will be shwn in a bridle r halter depending n the class. Bridleless entries will nt be allwed t shw. Specific bit r reins are the rider's chice. Using ne r tw hands n a shank is allwed, but if yu begin the class using ne hand and switch t tw hands, it may result in a lwer scre. Leg prtectin/bell bts are allwed. Any type saddle and any type bridle r bsal with mecate, side-pull, hackamre, "natural" hackamre prperly tied is allwed. N bareback pads are allwed. It is the rider's respnsibility t determine the apprpriateness f his tack and t ensure that such tack is fitted and used prperly The Event Management has the authrity t require the remval f any piece f equipment r accutrement which is unsafe r judged t be inhumane While there is n specific dress cde t cmpete in the Obstacle Challenge, bts r riding shes with a heel are mandatry in all divisins including Assisted Rider assistants. ATSM/SEI apprved Equestrian Helmets are ptinal fr adults and mandatry fr yuth (17 and under), and Assisted Riders. Please cnsider that yu are riding in a judged cmpetitin; appearance matters. Yu shuld present yurself and yur hrse as a neat and clean package with apprpriate gear. Extra pints will be nt be awarded fr silver r "shw attire". SEC. 6.0 Sanctining Fees 6.1 All CSHA Obstacle Challenges shall charge a Sanctin Fee. This fee shall be sent t the state ffice r Sanctin Chair at least ne (1) mnth befre the challenge. Only Sanctined Challenges shall cunt tward the SOCC eligibility. 6.2 The Sanctin Fee will be $25.00 per event. 6.3 Obstacle Challenges shuld nt be scheduled t be held during a quarterly meeting weekend r the weekend f the annual cnventin. 6.4 If an utside rganizatin is wanting t c-sanctin their event and is nt using the CSHA Obstacle Challenge Rules, they must submit their rules and sanctin fees t the State Chairman fr apprval r rejectin 90 days prir t the event. The Sanctining Fee will nly be depsited upn apprval f the rules t be used. They must fllw the rules n reprting the results and paying the rider fees. SEC. 7.0 Challenge Event Manager Respnsibilities 7.1 He will interpret state rules and will have the respnsibility f making the final ruling. 5

6 7.2 He shall ride, r designate a rider, n hrseback, the curse and bstacles prir t the first cmpeting rider Apprval f the curse design is cntingent upn the bstacle instructins being categry apprpriate. 7.3 The Challenge Event Manager shall be available fr instructing judges n their respective bstacles. 7.4 He shall have the authrity t disqualify any participant frm an bstacle, r if apprpriate, frm the entire ride fr unsprtsmanlike cnduct r cnduct that may reasnably result in physical harm t any persn, animal r prperty. SEC. 8.0 Regin Respnsibilities 8.1 T request sanctining f an event, the Regin Chairman must submit the apprpriate sanctin frms and fees t the State Sanctining persn. 8.2 In Regins withut a Obstacle Challenge Chairman, the spnsring persn r club must submit the apprpriate sanctin frms and fees t the State Obstacle Challenge Sanctining persn and prvide a cpy t the Regin President Regin Chairmen may charge their prgram members a Regin Obstacle Challenge Prgram registratin fee fr the regin's Obstacle Challenge high pint awards prgram. Each Regin may charge what is necessary t accmmdate the needs f its prgram members. 8.3 After a sanctined Obstacle Challenge, the Regin Chair shall prvide the State Obstacle Challenge Sanctining Chair with the fllwing: Within 7 days, a cpy f the Official Ride Results Frm with infrmatin filled ut cmpletely Within 10 days, ne (1) check fr all Obstacle Challenge Riders Fees cllected. The check shall be made payable t CSHA with a nte fr Obstacle Challenge in the mem Failure t submit frms and fees pstmarked by the required time perid shall result in penalties equal t duble the amunt f the riginal fees In the event it becmes necessary t assess penalty fees and these fees are nt paid, the club r regin hlding the ride shall nt acquire Sanctin Status n future rides until said fees are paid in full. 8.4 Regins shall nt make changes t the State Obstacle Challenge rules. Hwever, regin prgrams are encuraged t develp rules that gvern their year-end high pint prgram. 8.5 Each Regin Chairman will endeavr t prepare the participants in their regin t cmpete at the SOCC. 6

7 8.6 By September 30 th f the challenge year, the Regin Chairman shall prvide a list f their qualified riders including their categry t the SOCC chairman. Hwever, riders can qualify up t the last scheduled challenge and the Regin Chairman can prvide a late entry list (ten) 10 days prir t SOCC. SEC. 9.0 State Obstacle Challenge Champinship (SOCC) 9.1 During the pilt prgram, each area Nrthern, Central, and Suthern shall hld their wn champinship. At the end f the three (3) year pilt prgram, this will revert int ne (1) State Champinship. 9.2 The SOCC Chairman shall be appinted n a rtating basis. The rder f rtatin shall be: Nrthern Regin prgrams, Central Regin prgrams, Suthern Regin prgrams and then back t Nrthern Regin The SOCC Chairman shall endeavr t hld the champinship at a lcatin that is suitable fr champinship level cmpetitin. 9.3 Champin and Reserve Champin buckles shall be awarded t qualified riders placing first and secnd place in each categry as budget allws and as set frth in Rule 4.1. In the event there is a tie fr Champin r Reserve Champin, there will be n tie breaker, but instead a duplicate award will be created. This respects the fact that nce smene has earned their way t state and achieved a perfrmance wrthy f either Champin r Reserve Champin, they shuld nt be denied an award because f a tie breaker. 9.4 Apprpriate awards shall be given t qualified riders placing third thrugh sixth. 9.5 Eligibility The rider must be a CSHA member (see CSHA Bylaws fr a definitin f member) The rider must be registered t a Regin Obstacle Challenge Prgram. If yur regin des nt have an Obstacle Challenge Prgram, the rider may jin anther regin s prgram The rider must cmplete three (3) CSHA sanctined Obstacle Challenges with the same hrse in the same categry within the ride year t be eligible t cmpete in the year-end SOCC. 9.6 The qualifying ride year is defined as Nvember 1 st thrugh the 2 nd weekend in Octber f each year. 9.7 There is n limit as t the number f times a hrse and rider cmbinatin may becme a CSHA State Obstacle Challenge Champin subject t the limitatins in rule The SOCC Chairman shall publish the tie breaker prtcl prir t the start f the SOCC fr places third thrugh sixth. 9.9 The State Chairman will remain in a neutral psitin in rder t mediate any ptential prtest(s) that might arise frm the SOCC. 7

8 SEC Prtests 10.1 All prtests relating t a CSHA Obstacle Challenge judge will be addressed t and handled by the Judges Cmmissin as set frth in the Judges Cmmissin Chapter All ther prtests must be filed in writing t the entity hlding the Obstacle Challenge within frty-eight (48) hurs after the cnclusin f the event A fee f $50.00 must accmpany the prtest and made ut t CSHA with Obstacle Challenge Prtest written in the mem and must be submitted t the State Cmmittee Chairman The rganizatin hlding the Obstacle Challenge will immediately ntify the Regin Obstacle Challenge Chairman f the prtest The Regin Obstacle Challenge Chairman may frm a cmmittee t hear the prtest r refer the prtest t the State Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee The Regin Chairman must infrm the State Chairman f the prtest If the regin has n Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee, the Regin President will refer the prtest t the CSHA State Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee. The Regin President will attend the hearing The Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee and Regin Chairman will meet in persn t cnduct a hearing n the prtest If the prtest is upheld, the depsit will be returned. If the prtest is verruled, the depsit will be frfeited t the State Obstacle Challenge Prgram The decisin f the prtest will be final and may nt be appealed. SEC Obstacles There are generally ten (10) t sixteen (16) bstacles in any given Obstacle Challenge. In sme cases, there may be ne (1) bstacle incrprating several bstacles that flw tgether. Sme bstacles shuld test if the partnership is able t trust each ther. Fr example, if the bstacle is t rpe a steer head, the bject is nt t judge the ability t rpe the steer, but the patience the partnership gives t ne anther in cmpleting the task at hand. Riders will cmplete bstacles in rder they are laid ut in the curse instructins. SEC Judging Standards 12.1 Riders Cntrl: The rider must maintain cntrl f the hrse at all times. Rider's cntrl f the hrse is either while munted r un-munted While keeping cntrl f the hrse, riders must als maintain cntrl f items needed t cmplete the bstacle such as, but nt limited t, rpes, buckets, flags, gates, etc Cinch checks are nt required. 8

9 12.2 On Curse: The rider is t fllw directins as given and stay n curse. The participant must remain within the bundaries f the bstacle as marked. Aviding r ging utside marked bundaries cnstitutes being ff curse Caching: It is the participant's respnsibility t negtiate the bstacle n their wn s a true test f their skills can be assessed. Once a participant has presented himself t the bstacle judge, there shall be n further cntact by anther persn Caching is defined as any verbal, gesture r implied assistance t a rider n curse and executing the bstacle. Bth cach and rider shall be given zer (0) pints if caching ccurs, regardless f when the caching ccurs during the bstacle negtiatin Only participants in the Assisted Rider categry can be cached. SEC Scring Standards 13.1 Participants will be scred n negtiating the bstacles by utilizing an fficial scre sheet as prvided by the State Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee Obstacle assistants r helpers will nt participate in the judging r scring f the bstacles except when instructed t prvide verificatin f an actin/cmpletin f the bstacle t the bstacle judge Scring values will be assessed per bstacle as fllws (the use f 1/2 pints is acceptable): 10 = Perfect, n mistakes 9 = Minr mistakes 8 = A few mistakes 7 = Abve Average 6 = Average 5 = Adequate jb 4 = Obvius mistakes 3 = Skills need develpment 2 = Made an effrt 1 = Skills nt there 0 = Des nt knw hw t d the bstacle 9

10 Scring f 10 Perfect, n mistakes. Scring f 7 9 Abve average perfrmances shuld include (the mre they are exhibited the higher the scre): Rider shuld fllw exact path and perfrm nly bstacles indicated n the class pattern and/r set during the walk-thrugh. Where pssible, all bstacles shuld be entered and exited straight and precisely in the middle. Many bstacles such as lg and rck piles require a meandering line and that shuld be taken int cnsideratin, as shuld the hrse that shws a degree f difficulty in handling a straight line. Unless therwise required by the pattern, the hrse shuld travel n a straight path thrugh an bstacle with the least amunt f guidance frm the rider and maintain that line. Hrse shuld carry his head lw enugh that he can see his path but nt s lw as t lse sight f his surrundings. Once the bstacle under his feet is accmplished, the hrse shuld naturally pick his head up t check ut his surrundings and track t the next bstacle with curisity and intent. The rider shuld allw the hrse enugh rein t have the ability t get his head dwn s he may perfrm a task, but nt s much rein that the rider lses the ability t cntrl r help the hrse if needed r the reins becme in danger f getting entangled n the bstacle r the hrse s legs. Once a hrse is set n his path by the rider, he shuld maintain that path with little r n further guidance until asked fr a change f directin r gait. The hrse shuld maintain a smth even cadence f gait where pssible with little r n rider assistance. Rider shuld allw hrse t adjust his wn gait in an bstacle where it is necessary. The rider shuld nt have t cntinually make adjustments themselves. The hrse shuld be allwed t travel at his natural speed while shwing the ability t take care f bth himself and his rider. (keep in mind the natural travel speed in gaited hrses, as well as the natural speeds due t varius cnfrmatins in ther breeds, i.e.; shrt strides vs. lng strides, shrt legs n a tall lg vs. lng legs n a tall lg). When a change f directin is required in an bstacle, the hrse shuld shw a willing attitude t accept the rider s instructin and have the ability t re-adjust his fcus and feet t the new path. The hrse places his feet clearly and cnfidently between bstacles such as rcks, lgs, etc. The hrse acknwledges and adjusts t varius terrain quickly and clearly i.e. mud, water, sand, inclines, declines, ditches, etc. The hrse shws the ability t acknwledge a scary bstacle but prceeds with willing cautin and curisity withut cmprmising its calm, relaxed attitude and way f ging (frward mtin). There is n sign f hesitatin, refusal, balk, r break f frward mtin. 10

11 Scring f 5-6 pints An average perfrmance is evidenced by the hrse and rider cmbinatin successfully cmpleting the bstacle but exhibiting the fllwing tendencies: Nt entering an bstacle straight (where pssible) r setting up fr an bstacle incrrectly. Nt maintaining a straight line thrugh an bstacle where required r maintaining an even balance in an bstacle. A hrse that ccasinally has difficulty fcusing n the rider s instructin and, at times, is slightly distracted. The hrse frequently hits an bstacle with legs r feet such as lgs r rcks (keep in mind that sme bstacles in these types f events are s difficult t maneuver that a hrse may have t place his feet n tp f sme lgs r rcks t negtiate the bstacle at all). Scring f 1 4 pints Belw average perfrmances will be evidenced by (the mre they are exhibited, the lwer the scre): Break f gait r erratic gait between and/r ver bstacle. Rushing thrugh bstacle r hurrying t finish and nt maintaining an even cadence. When bstacle is partially cmpleted, the scre is nt 0 but shall be a belw average scre n the part f bstacle cmpleted. A hrse that cntinually has difficulty maintaining his path and gait withut cntinual guidance frm rider. The hrse is easily distracted. A rider excessively micr-managing the hrse thus resulting in lack f bstacle wnership by hrse. Scring f 0 pints A zer scre will be given fr an bstacle/task when: The bstacle is missed, refused 3 times, r the judge mtins rider n due t equine/rider safety cncern. The scre shall be 0 n that particular bstacle nly. Rider must memrize their pattern. While n curse, n utside assistance r caching is allwed. Judges cannt assist riders t stay n curse. Zeres will be given fr bstacles that are nt cmpleted and in the rder nted n the instructins Bypass: Bypass pints will be assessed a value f 0 pints It is the participant s respnsibility t bypass any bstacle they deem as beynd their team s skill level. Safety and cmmn sense shuld always be kept in the participant s mind Disqualify: Disqualificatin pints will be assessed a value f 0. Any bstacle judge may disqualify a participant frm their bstacle fr safety reasns. 11

12 13.5 Refusal: Refusal pints will be assessed a value f -1, -3, -6 t a ttal f 0 pints If a hrse refuses at an bstacle, the participant will be allwed a ttal f three attempts t cmplete. Each failed attempt will assessed PENALTY POINTS. 1st attempt: -1 pints 2nd attempt: -3 pints 3rd attempt: -6 pints If the hrse refuses a third time, the participant is dismissed frm the bstacle. Ttal pints shall be The definitin f a refusal is a hrse that mves their feet away frm the bstacle in any directin. Lking and snrting are nt cnsidered refusals N Scre: Shuld a rider quit a challenge due t injury t the hrse r rider, r fr any reasn, a scre f NS will be entered in the bstacle scre n the Official Scre Sheet and the ttal scre fr the rider shall indicate NS. Credit fr the ride will nt be given when the ride is nt cmpleted. SEC JUDGES 14.1 Thse judging the Obstacle Challenge curse must be knwledgeable hrsemen apprved by the Event Manager and must have the ability t evaluate hrsemanship skills, such as a rider's skill f cntrlling and maintaining the hrse. Additinally, this persn shuld be familiar with the natural mvement f a hrse. Hlding any special judging card frm AQHA r any ther rganizatin is nt required, but thse credentials shuld be taken int cnsideratin The number f bstacle judges needed depends n the curse, the number f bstacles and the availability in the area fr qualified judges. Depending n the curse, usually ne (1) t three (3) judges are needed. Mst curses tend t dictate the need fr mre than ne (1) judge due t time cnstraints and tpgraphy. Sec Curse/Pattern 15.1 The curse pattern and directins are prvided during the rider walkthrugh. Different patterns may be assigned t specific classes f the day. The patterns will change daily. Yu are strngly encuraged t memrize yur pattern befre yu start yur cmpetitin. Rider may carry map and directins during cmpetitin. NO HORSES WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE COURSE PRIOR TO OR AFTER THEIR CLASS G Order: A G Order will be psted each mrning at the shw ffice. The rder will be fllwed. If the entry is nt ready t g n time they may frfeit their entry fee. If yu feel yu will have verlapping classes, please ntify the Event Manager prir t yur g s arrangements can be made. SEC Awards Unless therwise nted, yu MUST BE PRESENT t pick up yur awards. They will nt be mailed. 12