Minnesota Donkey & Mule Club Show Rules

Transcription

1 Minnesota Donkey & Mule Club Show Rules The purposes of the club are as follows: 1. To develop and promote good fellowship among donkey and mule enthusiasts. 2. To promote and develop good mulemanship/donkeymanship, together with the knowledge and interest in the care, training and breeding of good donkeys and mules. 3. To cultivate a social life among its members and foster the welfare and enhance the health and happiness of its members and persons interested by promoting and encouraging the use of and interest in donkeys and mules. 4. Through the activities of this club, to interest and educate the public in the recreational possibilities and benefits of the use and ownership of donkeys and mules. 5. To lease or own personal and real property for the use and enjoyment of this club, with power to sell or dispense of any such property for the benefit of this club. The enclosed booklet reflects local rules and regulations for shows held by the Minnesota Donkey & Mule Club. It is intended to serve as a guide for contestants, judges, and club chow committees, and may be subject to change as warranted. Classes and other events not included in this booklet may be added as future booklet supplements and should be posted at the show.

2 Minnesota Donkey & Mule Club Show Rule Index Page.Item 1.1 General Show Rules 1.2 Liability 1.3 General Show Rules 2.4 High-Point Awards 2.5 Rider/Exhibitor Divisions 2.6 Judges 2.7 Ring Steward 3.8 Age Division Requirements 3.9 Attire 4.10 Equipment 5.11 Halter 6.12 Showmanship at Halter 7.13 Performance General Rules 7.14 General Pleasure Rules 7.15 Western Pleasure 7.16 English Pleasure 8.17 Driving-General 8.18 Driving-Single 8.19 Driving-Hitch 8.20 Driving-Youth 8.21 Driving-Ladies 8.22 Driving-Obstacle 9.23 Snigging (Log Dragging) 9.24 Trail General Gymkhana/Speed Events Pole Weaving Barrel Racing Jump Figure Keyhole Race Jumping

3 MDMC Show Rules 1. GENERAL RULES 1. Every animal shall at all times be treated humanely and with dignity, respect and compassion. There will be no abusing any animals in or out of the ring at the show. 2. The MDMC State Show is open to all mules and donkeys. Mules are defined as follows: Any horse/donkey hybrid, resulting from the breeding of either a male donkey jack to a mare horse or a horse stallion to a donkey jennet. 3. All exhibitors, entries and contestants shall be subject to all of the rules and regulations of the Minnesota Donkey and Mule Club. The MDMC reserves to its officers and show committee the final and absolute right to interpret these rules and regulations and to settle any questions and differences in regard to this show. 4. All animals must have negative Coggins issued within one year of the show. 5. Animals must remain under control at all times in every class. If there is any biting, kicking or bucking while in the show ring, you will be asked to leave the ring at that time. 2. LIABILITY MDMC will in no case be responsible for any loss, injury or damage that may occur at this show, connected with, incident to or growing out of stabling, exhibiting, exercising, handling or showing any horse, pony, donkey or mule, and to indemnify and hold harmless to the MDMC against any such loss or damage. 3. GENERAL SHOW RULES 1. Registration a. Entry forms must be filled out completely and clearly b. The exhibitor is responsible for errors on the entry form. It is up to the show management s discretion whether an animal entered in the wrong class will be allowed to change classes. 2. Entries Show Office will cease to accept entries after the beginning of the preceding class (i.e. once class #5 begins, no registration for class #6 will be closed). 3. Any contestant withdrawing from a contest after entering shall forfeit his entry fee except in the case of incapacitating sickness or injury to himself or his mule, or serious illness or death in the contestant s family. All prize monies won by him up to that point in the contest shall be paid. 4. High Point Registration for High Point Awards will close upon the beginning of class #1. 5. Entry Number Display A11 exhibitors must wear correct entry number in the show ring to participate in the class. Failure to do so would be subject to disqualification. (exhibitor may create duplicate numbers providing they are legible). 6. Measurements It will be each owner s responsibility to have their animals measured at the start of the show. To assure correct measurements, a show official will assist in measuring an animal. Official measurement will be for the current show with no allowances for shod or unshod animals. 7. The show management has the right to combine, split or cancel any class if conditions and/or number of entries warrant. If there is only one entry in a class, the entry must still compete and be judged in order to be awarded a placing. 8. All classes will be called three times only. Classes will close two minutes after the first animal enters the show arena. Consideration will be given only when a tack change is involved, in which case the exhibitor must inform the gate man upon leaving one class that time will be needed for a tack change before re-entering for the next class. Once a class is closed, the gate will be closed and remain closed until judging is complete. 9. Equipment Silver ornate equipment or any other fancy equipment will not count over clean and workable equipment. This rule applies to both Halter end Performance Classes. March 24,

4 10. Arena Conditions All gates to the arena shall be closed during the running of every event. No gate shall be opened until the rider has completed the course and the arena is clear. 4. HIGH-POINT AWARDS Points will be given to the top 10 placings in each class. (Example: 10 points for 1st place on down to one point for 10th place). Note: If a class only has 4 entries, then only 4 points will be given to the top placing, not 10). 5. RIDER/EXHIBITOR DIVISIONS 1. Youth is defined as a rider who is sixteen years and younger on January 1 of the calendar year of the show. Youth exhibitors must show in Youth classes when available. 2. Adult is defined as riders seventeen years old and older on January 1 of the calendar year of the show. 6. JUDGES 1. All decisions of the judge are final. There will be NO exceptions to this rule. A judge may order any person or animal from the competition for bad conduct of one or both. 2. No Judge shall judge any person he/she may be related to except for timed events (such as gymkhana events), or judge any animal they may own. 3. Unsoundness, Injury, unruly Animals The Judge shall not allow any animal to participate when illness, unsoundness, or injury is sufficient to effect the animal s serviceability or to be considered inhumane (this is at the Judge s discretion). The Judge may excuse unruly animals. 4. It will be at the Judge s discretion to ask for the animal to jog or to back. The Judge may ask for an animal in any class to deviate from normal procedures, if it is necessary in determining a winner. Prime consideration will be given to safety of animals, exhibitors and spectators. 5. Once a class has been judged, it shall not be re-judged, and once the judge has marked his/her final record there will be no changing that record. 6. After the judge has accepted a judging assignment, exhibitors shall not contact nor attempt to contact the judge pertaining to his/her judging of any animal at the show. Further, exhibitors shall not approach the judge for any reason prior to the completion of the judging. 7. An MDMC judge will be treated with courtesy, cooperation and respect, and no person, exhibitor, owner or otherwise shall directly abuse or conduct themselves threateningly toward the judge, either in the furtherance of their judging duties or as a result thereof, whether or not the conduct occurs during an approved event or show, or on show grounds. 7. RING STEWARD 1. A competent ring steward will be required. 2. Any reputable person may act in the capacity of ring steward who can furnish proof that he/she is capable through ability or experience and is familiar with the MDMC rules. 3. The ring steward must be appropriately attired. 4. A good ring steward makes the work of the judge much easier by relieving the judge of unnecessary details. 5. If the class is too large, the ring steward will inform the judge of the size of the incoming class so the judge may divide the class if he/she wishes to do so. 6. By assembling the class promptly, he/she will be able to keep the judging program on schedule and eliminate long delays between classes. 7. The ring steward will notify the judge when all animals are present for each class and call his/her attention to those animals which are absent. 8. The ring steward must have in mind that he/she has been selected to help the judge not advise the judges. Stewards shall carefully refrain from discussing or seeming to discuss the animals or the exhibitors with the judge. Stewards shall not take part, or seem to take part, in any of the judging. March 24,

5 9. When the steward is not actively engaged in his/her duties, the steward shall place himself in such a position so as not to interfere with the judging and the view of the spectators. 10. Steward must not allow the exhibitors to crowd up in the ring or arena and should at all times endeavor to keep the possibilities of an accident to a minimum. 11. The ring steward has charge of the activity in the ring or the arena. The steward should act as mediator between the judge and the exhibitor. The judge should request the steward to move and place animals as he advises. 12. When the ring or arena size is small and the class entries are large, the steward should survey the situation and take every precaution to keep the animals moving until the judge is ready for them to be judged. 13. The steward has the authority to ask an exhibitor to remove his/her animal for the safety of other animals or the spectators or remove an exhibitor for unsportsmanlike conduct. 14. The ring steward shall assist in arranging the class winners the same in every class. The public has the right to know how the various animals placed (i.e. 1 st through 6 th or 6 th through 1 st ). 15. When the judge has completed the judging of halter classes, the steward shall call all first and second place class winners into the ring for Grand/Reserve of the appropriate classes. The steward shall assemble the first place winners in one line and the second place class winners in another. 8. AGE DIVISION REQUIREMENTS 1. For the purpose of determining eligibility for competition, the age of an animal shall be computed by the calendar year starting on January 1 of the year foaled. 2. A animal is not eligible to participate in events approved by MDMC if its age as determined by examination of its teeth does not correspond to the age shown on its entry or registration, such determination by tooth examination to be made in accordance with the current Official Guide for Determining the Age of the Horse as adopted by the American Association of Equine Practitioners. 3. Every exhibitor-owner or trainer shall, upon request by a representative of MDMC, ring steward, judge, or the show management permits such examination to be made by a representative of MDMC and/or licensed veterinarian. Refusal to comply with such request shall constitute grounds for immediate disqualification of the animal from the MDMC event in progress and shall constitute grounds for suspension of MDMC membership. 4. Should such examination show the animal s age does not correspond to the foaling date on its entry or registration; such examination shall constitute removal of the animal from the event in progress. 9. ATTIRE 1. General The listed specifications are the minimum requirements for showing. More elaborate clothes and/or equipment are permitted but not necessary. 1) Fancy outfits or silver will not be considered in the judge's placing. 2) Suitability of tack and clothes, fit, and cleanliness will be considered. 3) At the judge s discretion, adjustments to attire may be authorized due to weather related conditions. 2. Western 1) Must wear western boots; western hat or protective headgear; dress or western shirt with long sleeves, with the sleeves rolled down and fastened, dress or western pants or jeans; and belt. 2) Gloves, chaps, western style vest or jacket are optional. March 24,

6 3. English Either hunt or saddle seat attire, but no mixing of the two. Hunters: 1) Clothing must be clean, neat, and appropriate for hunter classes. 2) Riders must wear coats, boots, breeches, and hunting caps. 3) Clean shirts with stock and pin or ratcatcher and choker are preferred. 4) The coat should be any tweed or melton acceptable for hunting. 5) Breeches should be of traditional conservative shades of buff, gray, rust, beige, or canary white, black, navy or other very dark colors are not acceptable. 6) High English boots should be worn. 7) Spurs of the un-roweled type 8) Crops are optional. 9) Black, dark blue, or brown hunt caps, or protective headgear are required. 10) Gloves are optional, but should be of a dark color. Saddle Seat: 1) Clothing must be neat, clean, and appropriate saddle seat attire (informal or formal). Formal attire is permitted only after 6:00 p.m. 2) Riders shall wear a saddle suit or conservative solid coat with matching jodhpurs, tie. 3) Derby, soft hat, or helmet. 4) Jodhpur boots. 5) Spurs of the un-roweled type 6) Crops are optional. 7) Gloves are recommended. 8) If the judge permits jackets to be removed in hot weather long sleeved shirts must be worn, sleeves down and fastened. 4. Gymkhana/Speed 1) Must wear western boots, western pants or jeans; belt; collared shirt. Western hat or protective headgear required. Protective headgear highly recommended for youth riders. 2) Vest, jacket and sweater are optional. 3) Chaps are optional. 10. EQUIPMENT 1. General The listed specifications are the minimum requirements for showing. More elaborate clothes and/or equipment are permitted but not necessary. 1) Fancy outfits or silver will not be considered in the judge's placing. 2) Suitability of tack and clothes, fit, and cleanliness will be considered. 2. Western 1) The judge or show officials may disqualify any entry using equipment that they deem too severe, or request the alteration of such equipment. 2) Tie downs, draw reins, and martingales are prohibited. 3) Suitable western headstalls must be used. One or two eared, or browband. A browband must be used with throat latch. 4) A curb bit may only have a shank length the maximum of 8.5 inches. If the bit has a port, the maximum height of the port is 3.5 inches. 5) A snaffle bit (D-ring, O-ring, or egg butt) is permissible 6) A bosal with mecate reins is permissible. 7) Mechanical hackamores and tie downs are prohibited in Performance classes. A mechanical hackamore is considered to be any hackamore with metal under the jaw or metal used in a leverage action. 8) Curb straps or chains must be flat and not less than 1/2 inch wide. March 24,

7 9) Reins may be split or romal. 10) The saddle must be a western type and fit the rider. 11) Carrying of rope, hobble, slicker, or similar equipment is optional. 12) Breastcollar, crupper or britchen is optional. 13) Whips and crops are not permitted. 3. English Either hunt or saddle seat attire, but no mixing of the two. Hunters: 1) The judge, at his own discretion, may penalize a horse with non conventional bits, nosebands, or equipment. 2) Martingales, draw reins and hackamores, are all prohibited. Saddle 1) Clean English forward, hunting, sidesaddle or dressage type saddles. Bridles 1) Regulation snaffle, pelham, or kimberwick, is required. 2) Plain leather headstalls with cavesson noseband bridles are required Optional 1) Breast plates are optional. Saddle Seat: 1) Draw reins, martingales, hackamores and similar equipment are prohibited. Saddle 1) Flat, English type saddles/sidesaddles are required. Hunter, forward seat, and dressage saddles are prohibited. Bridles 1. Full bridles are preferred. Pelham bits are acceptable with double reins. 4. Gymkhana/Speed 1) Western saddle and bridle. 2) A bosal or hackamore, tie down, martingale, skid, shin and bell boots permitted. 3) Wide, flat, leather bat and spurs optional. 4) Curb chains or straps must lie flat and be at least ½ inch wide. 5. Sidesaddle 1. Sidesaddles must be equipped with a leaping horn. 2. Attire and Equipment must be suitable for style of Sidesaddle used 3. Whips and canes are not allowed with Western Attire and Equipment 11. HALTER 1. Jacks. Jacks are considered male, intact donkeys 2 years and older. Jacks must remain under control at all times and cannot be shown by an exhibitor under the age of 18 years. Two handlers recommended. 2. Wet Mares Not allowed in or around arena during Weanling classes. 3. No artificial aides such as canes, show sticks or whips may be used during halter classes. Show sticks are allowed when showing Draft type mules. 4. Assistance from the Ring Steward is permitted to achieve gaits requested by Judge. March 24,

8 12. SHOWMANSHIP AT HALTER 1. Only the exhibitor and presentation of animal is judged. Showmanship at halter shall be a separate class from all other halter classes. The performance class shall be judged strictly on the contestant s ability to fit and show in a halter class. 2. If a pattern is used, it must be posted at least one hour prior to the commencing of the class. However, if the judge chooses to bring back exhibitors for consideration of final placing, the final pattern need not be posted. 3. Appearance of the animal 1) Condition and thriftiness 2) Grooming a. Hair coat clean, well brushed b. All parts of animal free of tangles and clean. It is prohibited to use any ornaments on the animal. c. Manes, tails, and foretops may be English braided if shown in English attire and tack. Manes, tails, and foretops may be Western banded if shown in Western attire and tack. d. Hooves trimmed properly. If shod, shoes must fit properly and clinches should be neat 3) Trimming a. Manes may be roached b. Hair on outside of ears should be neatly trimmed. Complete shaving is not necessary. c. Long hair on jaw, legs and pasterns should be clipped 4) Tack a. Tack should be neat, clean and in good repair. Silver halters and fancy halters should not count over suitable, well-kept halters. 4. Appearance of Exhibitor 1) Clothes and person are to be neat and clean 2) Clothing must be suitable for style of tack used (See Attire & Equipment sections) 5. Showing animal in the arena 1) Leading a. Enter the arena leading the animal at an alert walk in a counter-clockwise direction unless otherwise directed by judge. Walk on animal s left side, holding lead shank in right hand near halter. The remaining portion of lead is held neatly and safely in left hand. A tightly coiled or rolled lead shank will be considered a fault in showmanship. The animal should lead readily at a walk or trot. b. After the judge has lined up the class, he/she will call each exhibitor to move his/her animal individually. When moving the animal, be sure that the judge gets a clear unobstructed view of the animal s action. Allow the animal sufficient lead so that he can move freely and in a straight line. Lead the animal from its left side the required distance, stop and turn to the right around the animal. 2) Posing a. When posing your animal, stand toward the front facing the animal, but not directly in front of the animal and always in a position where you can keep your eye on the judge. b. Pose the animal with its feet squarely under it. Do most of the showing with the lead strap. Touching the animal during posing is not allowed. c. Do not crowd the exhibitor next to you when in a side-by-side position. Do not crowd the exhibitor in front of you when lined up head to tail. d. When the judge is observing other animals, let your animal stand if posed reasonably well. e. Be natural over-showing, undue fussing and maneuvering is objectionable. 3) The Quarter Method The Quarter method of moving around the animal during inspection is preferred. This method is based on safety, as the handler can keep the animals hindquarters from swinging toward the judge should the animal become fractious. 4) Poise, Alertness and Merits March 24,

9 a. Keep alert and be aware of the position of the judge at all times. Don t be distracted by persons or things outside the ring. b. Show your animal at all times, not yourself. c. Respond quickly to requests from the judge and officials. d. Be courteous and sportsmanlike at all times. e. Quickly recognize and correct faults of your animal. f. Keep showing until the entire class has been placed and excused from the arena. 13. PERFORMANCE GENERAL RULES 1. A rider falling off an animal during competition will be cause for disqualification. 2. Spurring an animal forward of the cinch in any approved performance event will result in disqualification. 3. Reruns shall not be allowed in any performance classes in the event of an exhibitor having equipment failure. Reruns shall be given in speed events because of timer failure. 4. The rider must use one hand with one finger between the reins when riding in Western equipment in Western Pleasure, Trail and Mulemanship classes unless the animal is being ridden in a snaffle or bosal when the animal may be ridden with two hands. 5. The judge shall have the authority to require the removal or alteration of any piece of equipment or accouterments which in his opinion, is unsafe, would tend to give an animal an unfair advantage or which he/she believes is inhumane or being used improperly. 14. GENERAL PLEASURE RULES 1. Shown at walk, trot & lope/canter both ways of the ring. 2. Western Class or English Class may be held 3. Must back. 4. Animals are to be reversed on the inside (away from the rail). They may be required to reverse at the walk or jog at the discretion of the judge but shall not be asked to reverse at the lope. 5. The judge may ask for additional work of the same nature from any animal. He is not to ask for work other than that listed above. 6. The rider shall not be required to dismount except in the event that the judge wishes to check equipment. 7. Entries shall be penalized for being on the wrong lead. 8. Judged - 60% Manners & Performance - 30% Showmanship - 10% Appointments 15. WESTERN PLEASURE (When separate classes are offered for English and/or Sidesaddle) 1. The classes will be separated when possible, having one class for youth, men and women. This class will be judged on the performance of the animal and not conformation. 2. Rider s hands shall be clear of animal and saddle while in motion. 3. Spurs and romal reins shall not be used forward of the cinch. 4. See Attire and Equipment sections for appropriate Western clothing and equipment 16. ENGLISH PLEASURE 1. Whenever possible, at least one English Pleasure class should be offered. 2. Rider s hands shall be clear of animal and saddle while in motion. 3. Spurs and romal reins shall not be used forward of the cinch. 4. See Attire and Equipment sections for appropriate Western clothing and equipment March 24,

10 17. DRIVING-GENERAL 1. Harness and vehicle not to count except must be clean, neat and in good repair. 2. Judged on manners, performance and must be pleasant animal to drive for pleasure. 3. Will work at a walk, trot, road trot and go both ways of the ring. 4. Separate classes for mules and donkeys should be offered whenever possible. 5. Carrying of appropriate length whip highly recommended. 18. DRIVING-SINGLE 1. Any vehicle appropriate for single animal. 2. Will be asked to back and may be asked to execute a figure For safety sake, Judge should not ask animals to Gee & Hew. 4. Judged 25% for Turnout - 75% for Manners & Performance 19. DRIVING-HITCH 1. Any suitable wheeled vehicle. 2. Will be asked to back straight, & Gee & Hew (turn right & left) while standing in place. 3. May be asked to figure Four Up Hitch requires 2 riders One to handle lines and one to act as a safety factor. 5. Judged 75% on Manners & Performance - 25% on Matched Suitability, Conformation & Turnout 20. DRIVING-YOUTH 1. All Youth drivers must be accompanied by an adult 2. Any suitable wheeled vehicle. 5. Will be asked to back and may be asked to execute a figure For safety sake, Judge should not ask animals to Gee & Hew since there may be a mix of single and two or four up hitches. 7. Jacks excluded for safety sake. 8. Judged on driver s ability to drive animal smoothly & safely & to make animal obey commands without assistance from adult passenger. 21. DRIVING-LADIES 1. Any suitable wheeled vehicle. 2. Will be asked to back and may be asked to execute a figure For safety sake, Judge should not ask animals to Gee & Hew since there may be a mix of single and two or four up hitches. 4. Judged based on animals suitability as a Lady s driving animal and handler s ability to drive the animal smoothly. 5. Judged 75% on Manners & Performance - 25% on Driver Apparel and Personal Appointments & Turnout 22. DRIVING -OBSTACLE 1. Whenever possible, separate classes should be held for single and hitch. 2. Tiedowns and overchecks are highly discouraged. Removal provides the animals an opportunity to observe obstacles. 3. Course instructions to be explained to entries at start of c1ass. 4. The number of obstacles should be proportionate to the dimensions of the available driving area. 5. Only one competitor in the ring at a time. 6. The competitor with the least amount of penalties is the winner. 7. Circling in front of an obstacle, or refusal, should be penalized for each of the first two occasions and elimination on the third. March 24,

11 8. Going off course means elimination. 9. Prohibited Obstacles 1) Tires 2) Live animals 3) PVC pipe 4) Raised bridges 5) Water box with floating or moving parts 6) Flames, dry ice, fire extinguisher 7) Logs or poles elevated in a manner that permits such to roll 8) Driver dismount 23. SNIGGING (LOG DRAGGING) 1. Judged event consisting of a mule or donkey dragging a log between a series of obstacles. 2. Classes can be established for singles or pairs and can be divided for different sized animals. 3. Judging Considerations: 1) Hooking and unhooking is a part of the judging. The course must be set so the contestant can return the log to its original position, turned in the correct direction for the next contestant. 2) No header or assistant will be allowed. ANY ASSISTANCE results in disqualification. 3) Drivers are allowed to encourage their animal forward with voice commands or slapping of reins (but not excessively). No whips or use of ends of reins allowed. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification. 4) Driver may drive from either side, changing sides as necessary. 5) Drivers may not ride on top of log. 6) A penalty will be assessed each time an obstacle or course marker is either stepped on or over or disturbed in any way by the animal, the driver or the log. 7) Failure to follow pattern is a disqualification. 4. Course Set Up: 1) Five cones (or vertical posts) will be use to weave through. 2) Suggested distance between weaving cones is 17 feet. 3) The first cone shall be no closer than 15 feet from the start line. 5. Show management provides: 1) Logs - sizes may vary according to size of animals. (Diameter measurement taken at large end): a. Donkeys or Mules under 14 hands: 8 foot log, 4 inch diameter b. Donkeys or Mules over 14 hands: 8 foot log, 6 inch diameter 2) Chain loop: each log will be wrapped with a piece of chain to make a loop not to exceed 24 inches to which a single tree (double tree) can be hooked. Chain extends from the sides of log (V shaped) in such a manner that the log will not turn. 3) Single tree (double tree) with hooks and connector for log, per the following sizes: a. Single tree for all Single classes: 32 inches. b. Double tree for all Hitch classes: 36 inches 24. TRAIL 1. See Clothing and Equipment sections. 2. Course will be posted the day of the trail class at least one hour before the class. Judging Procedures: 1) This class will be judged on the performance of the animal over obstacles. Judges will assign a point value to each obstacle and points will be added to or subtracted from this score based on the animal s performance over that obstacle. 2) Credit will be given to those animals negotiating the obstacles cleanly, smoothly, and smartly with style and prompt response to the rider s cues. Animals should be penalized for touches and knockdowns of any elements of the course and for unnecessary delay in approaching the obstacles. March 24,

12 3) Exaggerated standing in stirrups and leaning forward over animal s neck by the rider should be penalized. Riders shall be penalized for obviously cuing their animal on the neck or anywhere forward of the cinch. 4) While animal is in motion, rider s hand shall be clear of animal and saddle. 5) A true trail animal should be relied upon to investigate an obstacle to determine its safety. An animal cannot be penalized for investigating an obstacle, if the obstacle is then negotiated calmly and safely. 6) The course must be designed to require each animal to demonstrate the three gaits (walk, trot, lope/canter) somewhere between the obstacles as part of the working course. Enough space must be provided for the judge to evaluate the gait and provide all animals with adequate space in which to demonstrate the gait called for. Animals must not be required to work on the rail. 7) Points may be added or subtracted from a animal s total score on the obstacles based on his attitude, manners, style and way of going, but a animal with major faults on the course (knockdowns, etc.) should not placed ahead of a animal that worked the obstacles cleanly. 8) Obstacles will be selected from the approved list. Care must be exercised to avoid setting up of any of these obstacles in a manner that may be hazardous to the animal and rider. Obstacles not combined shall be a minimum of nine feet apart. 9) Failure to complete an obstacle shall not be a disqualification, but is to be severely penalized. 10) If disrupted, the course shall be reset and remeasured after each animal has worked. Management, when setting courses, should keep in mind that the idea is not to trap an animal or eliminate it or make it look silly by making an obstacle too difficult or scary looking. Enough space should be provided for an animal to jog (at least 30 feet) and lope (at least 50 feet) for judges to evaluate these gaits. 11) Trail is a class that animals should excel in as compared to horses. Courses should be challenging, but, at no time, attempt to ridicule or make the animal look silly to spectators. Courses should be designed to exhibit the finesse, surefootedness and calm capability of the animal as a superior trail animal. a. Trail Obstacles a) Gate The gate must be set up so that it is a minimum of four feet in length and four feet in height and so that the contestant can open from his right side or left side. The rider may not change hands or lose control of the gate while passing through. b) Bridge A bridge with a wooden floor at least 5 feet in length not to exceed twelve inches in height and with or without side rails, not less than thirty-six inches apart will be used. Animals must not be asked to trot over or lope over bridge. c) Back Through Backing obstacles to be spaced a minimum of 28 d) Back through and around at least three markers e) Back through L,V,U, straight or similar shaped course. f) Simulated water hazard made of a plastic tarp, secured to the ground, so that it will not become affixed to the animal s foot when a animal passes over the simulated water g) Serpentine obstacles at a walk or a jog. Spacing to be a minimum of 48 apart and and 6 for a jog. h) Carry an object, other than a live animal and of a reasonable size and weight, from a part of the arena to another. (only objects which reasonably might be carried on a trail ride may be used.) i) Ride over at least four logs or poles. They can be in a straight line, curved, zigzag or raised. The space between the logs is to be measured and the path the animal is to take should be the measuring point. The space for walkovers shall be ; jog overs 3-3 6, lope overs 6-7. j) Jump over. One hurdle, no more than 12. k) Put on and remove a slicker. When this obstacle is used it will be so located so that the rider can ride to the slicker, put it on and remove it and return it to a designated place. March 24,

13 l) Side pass (may be elevated to a 12 maximum.) An object of such a nature and length which is safe and lying on the ground may be used to demonstrate the responsiveness of the animal to leg signals. The obstacle may be designed to require the animal to side pass either or both ways or in a pattern. m) 360 degree turn. An obstacle consisting of four logs or rails, each 5 to 7 long, laid in a square. Each contestant will enter this square by riding over log or rail as designated. When all four feet are inside the square, rider should execute a 360 degree turn as indicated and depart. n) Ground Tie. Rider to proceed to the designated place, dismount and ground tie animal and move away from the animal to a marker to clearly show the proper training of the animal. The rider returns to the animal and either remounts or exits the arena. o) Mail Box- Remove and/or replace items. Side pass is optional. p) Lime Circle- Requiring a turn on the forehand with front feet inside and back feet turning on outside of lime circle. q) Drag or Pull An object other than animal or fowl which can be reasonably pulled or dragged without the contestant having to dally may be used. Dallying is not allowed. b. Prohibited Trail Obstacles a) Tires b) Live animals c) PVC pipe d) Jumps e) Rocking or moving bridges f) Water box with floating or moving parts g) Flames, dry ice, fire extinguisher h) Logs or poles elevated in a manner that permits such to roll c. THE JUDGE HAS THE RIGHT AND DUTY TO ALTER THE COURSE IN ANY MANNER OR REMOVE ANY OBSTACLE HE/SHE DEEMS UNSAFE. d. All course and obstacles are to be constructed with safety in mind so as to eliminate any accidents. Consideration should be given to Youth riders and their safety and junior animals for their level of training. 25. GENERAL GYMKAHANA/SPEED EVENTS 1. All speed events shall begin and end inside the arena. 2. Gate will remain closed until run is over. 3. Any unsportsmanlike conduct or animal abuse will be cause for disqualification. 4. Ties will be broken with a run off. 5. In any of the timed classes, an animal will have no more than one minute to cross the starting line or engage the first obstacle before being disqualified. 6. Knocking an obstacle down is a disqualification OR a time penalty. The time penalty must be at least 3 seconds for each obstacle knocked down. 7. Touching or steadying an obstacle with a hand shall be a disqualification. 8. Any break in pattern will mean disqualification. 9. The judge, at his/her discretion, may disqualify a contestant for use of a bat, crop or whip in front of the cinch. March 24,

14 26. POLE WEAVING 1. Pole weaving is a timed event. Time shall begin and end as the animal s nose crosses the line. (a clearly visible starting line shall be provided.) 2. The pole weaving pattern is to be run around six poles. Each pole is to be 21 feet apart, and the first pole is to be 21 feet from the starting line. Be sure to leave ample room between gate and starting line and last pole and arena fence. Poles shall be set on top of the ground, at least six feet in height, with no base more than fourteen inches in diameter. (Start distance to first pole may be shortened to accommodate smaller arenas) 3. An animal may start either to the right or to the left of the first pole and then run the remainder of the pattern accordingly. 27. BARREL RACING 1. The arena size and condition will logically determine the size of the pattern. 1) Recommended minimum spacing: 18 feet between the barrels and rail 30 yards between first and second barrel, 35 yards 20 yards from timing line to first and second barrel 2. Rider may start the pattern from the right or left side. 3. Barrels may be metal or plastic 55 gallon size barrels. If metal, they should have rubber, a tire or foam rubber cylinder on the top for safety. 28. JUMP FIGURE 8 1. A plastic pole (ten foot long) is set on standards, a minimum of 12 inches and a maximum of 18 inches off the ground and 21 feet beyond the starting line. The pole will be white schedule 80 PVC, 1.5 inch in diameter, a single piece with no splices. 2. Three barrels are placed parallel to the starting line. 3. Barrels are to be 21 feet apart. 4. Contestants are to pass the starting line, jump the pole and complete a double figure eight around the barrels, return and jump pole, and cross the finish line. 29. KEYHOLE RACE 1. Contestant races at least 75 feet from starting line to entrance way of key. 2. If poles are used: 1) Key hole will consists of 3 poles on each side of the entrance 2) Opening is 4 feet wide by 10 feet long. 3) The rider must race down, enter key hole through entrance way, ride through the 10 foot lane, turn around and race back through the entrance way to the finish line. 3. If a line is used: t 1) The keyhole is drawn on the ground with white lime in the following dimensions: a. Lane 4 foot wide and 10 feet long b. Circle 20 feet in diameter 2) Contestant enters lane, turns animal around in the keyhole circle, and races back down the lane to the finish line. 3) Stepping on or out of any of the lines results in disqualification. 4. Timer starts as animal s nose crosses the starting line & stops as animal s nose crosses it on the return. March 24,

15 30. JUMPING 1. Classes will be determined by height groupings. 2. Size of jump area will be as wide as the jump and 12 feet in length. 3. Jump will consist of a break-away barrier, supported by dowel pins or rubber bands. No solid wall jumps. 4. A blanket or cover may be used over the jump if the handler desires. 5. Animals are to jump from a standing position inside the jump area. There will not be any running up to the jump. 6. Handler may stand on either side of the jump. 7. Only one handler is allowed per animal. 8. The handler will be allowed to use only voice commands to encourage the animal. Body contact or any type of abuse will result in disqualification. 9. Animals will be allowed two tries. 10. Each try will be limited to 1.5 minutes. 11. Timing starts from time animal s first foot enters box. 12. Stepping out of the marked box or knocking down the crossbar will be considered a failure. 13. Every participant must jump every height. No passing. The starting height will be determined by consensus of participants. 14. Should 2 or more animals tie for a height, the animal which clears the Jump in one attempt will be the winner, regardless of time. If both animals clear the jump on the same attempt (lst or 2nd), the animal with the shortest time will be the winner. 15. Only the ring steward, judge and contestants may be in the arena during competition. Youth exhibitors may have one assistant to help hold mule. March 24,