SHOW HORSE COUNCIL OF WA 2016 HORSE OF THE YEAR RULES AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY FOR ALL CLASSES The Show Horse Council WA Horse of the Year is a Grand National qualifier for the 2017 Championships. The winner and runner-up in Hack, Hunter, Lead Rein and Rider classes will qualify for the 2017 Grand National Championships. The winner only in Childs Classes (includes Shetland and First Ridden) will qualify for the 2017 Grand National Championships. CONDTIONS OF ENTRY ELIGIBILITY The onus is on the owner / exhibitor / representative and rider to make sure that they and their horse / pony are eligible to compete in this event. 1. To enter this event you are required be a current financial member of the Show Horse Council of WA Inc, as at close of entries and on the day of competition. This includes all Owners/Lessees, Exhibitors, Riders, Handlers and Responsible Officers for all classes. 2. A person who competes in a class at the 2016 SHC WA Horse of the Year while they are not a current financial member of the SHC WA will be eliminated from all classes in which they have competed and will forfeit all prizes and all titles awarded. 3. All Horse Registration Papers are required to be correct and in order at time of entry for all Horse and Riding event entries, or entries will not be accepted. 4. All horses shall have resided in Western Australia for a period of not less than three (3) calendar months immediately prior to the commencement date of the Show, being 29 th July 2016. 5. All Owners, Lessees, Exhibitors, Riders, Handlers and Responsible Officers shall have resided in Western Australia for a period of not less than three (3) calendar months immediately prior to the commencement date of the Show, being 29 th July 2016. 6. Entries will only be accepted from bonafide residents of Western Australia. 7. If ANY Horse / Pony has competed in any Show Horse Council Horse of the Year Competition in any State or Territory outside of WA within the current calendar year then that horse / pony is ineligible to compete in the Show Horse Council of WA Inc. Horse of The Year Show. 8. If ANY Rider has competed in any Show Horse Council Horse of the Year Competition in any State or Territory outside of WA within the current calendar year then he / she is ineligible to compete in the Rider Section of the Show Horse Council of WA Inc. Horse of The Year Show. 9. A stallion is not permitted to enter any class at this event. 10. Qualifying points or attendances are not required for entry into any class but see eligibility requirements for various classes. 11. This Show shall be run in accordance with the Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc. Competition Rules and these Rules pertaining to the Show Horse Council of WA Horse of the Year. A copy of the rules can be obtained from website www.showhorsecouncilwa.com.au. 12. The SHC WA committee reserves the right itself to interpret all questions and conditions and shall make any relevant decisions in regard to, or arising from any incident at or pertaining to this event, without claim for damages or recourse of any kind. The SHC WA committee will make a determination in response to any questions not covered in the Conditions of Entry. The decision of the SHC WA committee shall be final. 13. Entry and competition in this event are voluntary. The exhibitors and competitors enter and compete entirely at their own risk. By entry it is the Absolute Liability of all participants to agree to be bound by the decisions of the SHC WA Committee and/or the Ground Jury and compete in accordance with all Rules applicable to the Event. 14. Entry into this event shall constitute an agreement and affirmation by the exhibitor(s), owner(s), responsible officer (which includes lessee(s), manager, rider, and handler) to compete subject to and in accordance with the SHC Australasia Competition Rules and Rules and Conditions applicable to this event. 15. The Show Horse Council of WA Inc. shall not be responsible for the loss of, or for any damage or injury occasioned to any Exhibit or the property of any Exhibitor(s) from any cause whatsoever. 16. All information supplied by the exhibitor(s) and/or owner(s) (includes Lessee(s)) and/or responsible officer shall be true and correct and represent that the horse and or rider is eligible to compete. If this information is found to be false, the exhibit shall be ineligible to compete. The Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc. may discipline the Exhibitor(s) and / or Owner(s) and / or Lessee(s) and / or Responsible Officer of the Entry. 17. A horse / pony shall be entered and shown in its full NSH registered name. Falsification of any information on any documentation (such as registration papers and measuring certificates) including entry forms shall be considered a Breach of Rules. 18. In the event of Disciplinary Action, the person(s) considered responsible shall be the Owner(s) or Lessee(s) and / or the Responsible Officer and / or the person in charge of the horse at the time of the Offence. 19. The SHC WA Committee and/or the Ground Jury, reserve the right to alter the number of Finalists, Program, Judges, Schedule or Timetable, Date or Venue. 20. The SHC WA Committee and/or the Ground Jury reserve the right to refuse or withdraw an Entry without having to assign a reason. 21. The Judge s decision is FINAL subject to all other conditions being met. WITHDRAWLS AND PROTESTS 22. All withdrawals from classes must be notified prior to the show or to the show office at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time of commencement of classes for the day. 23. All protests shall be in writing to the Ring Master accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $50.00 and are to be received no later than 30 minutes after the event/class, after which time no protest shall be accepted. RESPONSIBLE OFFICER 24. If the owner of the horse is in charge of the horse during the competition, then the owner of the horse must sign the entry as the responsible officer. 25. If a person other than the owner of the horse is in charge of the horse during the competition, then that person must sign the entry
as the responsible officer 26. In all cases, the responsible officer will be in charge of the horse/pony at the venue. The safety of the horse/pony and others in relation to that horse/pony will be deemed as this person s responsibility. 27. A responsible officer must be a current financial member of the SHC WA as at close of entries and on the day of competition. 28. A responsible officer must be in attendance when the horse is on the grounds and in competition and must be available should they be called upon. 29. In the event of disciplinary action the person considered responsible should be the person signing as the Responsible Officer. LEADING REIN CLASSES 30. The Leading Rein Show Pony and Leading Rein Show Hunter Pony will be judged on the pony and its suitability as a leading rein mount. 31. The pony must not exceed 12.0hh and must be ridden in a snaffle bit. 32. Rider must be 3 years and under 8 years and the Handler is to be 18 years or over as at the date of competition. 33. The rider must not wear spurs and must not carry a whip. The handler may carry a cane. FIRST RIDDEN CLASSES 34. The First Ridden Show Pony and First Ridden Show Hunter Pony will be judged on the pony and its suitability as a mount for the rider. 35. Rider must be 5 years and under 12 years as at the date of competition. 36. The pony is not to exceed 12.2hh. Shetland ponies are eligible to enter. 37. A snaffle bit must be used, with a cavesson noseband. 38. A narrow strap may be attached to the front of the saddle. 39. The rider may carry a cane (whip) not to exceed 40cm. 40. No spurs are permitted. 41. No cantering is allowed during work on the ring, however a short canter is allowed during the workout. CHILDS CLASSES 42. Ridden Shetland ponies must not exceed 10.2hh, and must be registered with APSB Society (copy of registration to be supplied). The Rider must be under 14 years as at the date of competition. 43. Riders in all Childs Classes (except the Ridden Shetland class) must be under 17 years as at the date of competition. 44. Ring sitters for Child s classes MUST be under 17 years of age and for the Ridden Shetland Class under 14 years of age. RIDER CLASSES 45. Riders in Rider Classes under Seventeen Years are required to wear Jodhpur boots. 46. ONE RIDER ONE HORSE PER CLASS: that is, two riders in the same Rider Class cannot ride the same horse. 47. Rider Class Six Years and under Nine Years: The mount shall not exceed 14.0hh. 48. Rider Class Nine Years and under Twelve Years: The mount shall not exceed 15.0hh. 49. Riders will compete in their Rider Class as at their age on the first competition day of the Show (as per SHC Aust. Competition Rules). 50. A Rider Class mount MUST be nominated for each Rider Class entry. Entries with mount to be advised WILL NOT be accepted. 51. Change of Rider Class Mount requests may be accepted and must be made in writing. A fully completed Rider Class entry form will be required either prior to the show (email to info@showhorsecouncilwa.com.au) or to the show office at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time of commencement of classes for the day. Where the horse is not already entered to compete at HOY the Request for Change of Rider Class Mount will also require payment of the Amenities Fee; a copy or the original of the NSH Certificate of Registration; and current SHC Measuring Certificate. SPECIAL AWARDS 52. Special Awards include: The Sam Callander Memorial Trophy to be awarded to a New Season Large Pony. The David Button Memorial Trophy to be awarded to a New Season Galloway over 14hh and not exceeding 15hh. The Vynka Hohnen Memorial Trophy to be awarded to a New Season Hack over 15hh. These Special Awards will be judged by the presiding judge for the relevant section and will be judged during the Open classes of the competition. The Hana Dickson Memorial Award to be awarded to a New Season Show Hunter Hack over 15hh of Thoroughbred breeding. The Hana Dickson Memorial Award is a one-off special award for 2016 only. This award will be judged by the presiding judge, together with two (2) independent SHC WA committee members, during the Small and Large Show Hunter Hack classes. 53. Presentation of the Special Awards will be made prior to the announcement of the top 10. 54. New Season means a horse / pony that has not been shown under saddle, (racing excepted), as at or prior to the 2015 SHC HOY, that is, prior to 24 th October 2015. 55. Competitors are required to enter for Special Awards to indicate eligibility; Class numbers are included on the Show Schedule. 56. The Pat Jones Memorial Trophy (donated by Europa Saddlery) to be awarded to a person who has given particularly valuable service to the Show Horse Council of WA and to the sport of hacking. HORSE AND RIDER 57. Horse and Rider must compete on their own merits. No outside assistance is to be displayed during competition. Penalty of disqualification may apply to a breach of this Rule. 58. A rider s age is their age as at the day of competition (except for Rider Classes, see rule 49). Competitors may be required to
provide a photocopy of their birth certificate to confirm proof of age. 59. A rider may only ride a maximum of two horses in any class. 60. No exhibit can be shown in both the Show Hack (Saddle Horse) and Show Hunter Classes. Exhibits must be entered as a Show Hack (Saddle Horse) or Show Hunter in accordance with the SHC of Australasia Rule Once a horse has competed as either a show hack (saddle horse) or as show hunter at its first SHC competition in a calendar year it must remain as a show hack (saddle horse) or show hunter at SHC competitions for that calendar year. 61. Competitors ARE REQUIRED to provide number holders. Competitor numbers will be provided by SHC WA. 62. Breast Plate Numbers corresponding to the catalogue MUST be worn. Horse entries shall be catalogued as per Owner / Lessee on the Entry form. Rider Class entries will be catalogued as per Rider on the Entry form (which will be a different number to horse exhibits). 63. Approved helmets and riding boots or appropriate footwear must be worn by all competitors (meeting recognized safety standards) whilst competing and/or exercising horses (this includes lunging). Any breach of this Rule may incur disqualification from the Competition. 64. Junior riders (under 17 years) must wear safety helmets. 65. All Riders are required to wear headgear as per SHC of Australasia Competition Rule 2.1. 66. Top hats and non-safety helmets are only permitted in the Open Show Horse classes (adults 17 years and over) and in Rider Classes (adults 17 years and over). In all other classes and for children under 17 years of age helmets with safety harness (meeting the recognised safety standards) must be worn. 67. Attention is drawn to Rule 16.1 (gadgets and bits), 16.2 (whips) and 16.3 (spurs) of the SHC of Australasia Competition Rules. 68. Where an Exhibitor has more than one Entry in the same Horse Class a change of Rider between these Entries may be made during the Class providing the Exhibitor has advised the Ringmaster of the change prior to starting time of the Class. 69. All horses are required to work on the Ring. Where heats are required horses in heat 1 will work on the Ring and complete their individual workouts followed by heat 2 etc. 70. The horse / pony MUST be mounted at all times during Competition and Presentation with the rider correctly presented in full Show Attire. Changing of riders during ANY presentation/s, that is, dismounting and remounting, may result in immediate disqualification. 71. Conflict of Classes / Presentation: It is the intention of the SHC WA Committee to avoid delays in the Competition. Please check the schedule of classes and organise riders and mounts accordingly. Competitors MUST advise the Committee / Ringmaster of any clashes prior to commencement of the competition. 72. Should an Exhibit or Rider competing in one ring be required for presentation, holding of the horse in the ring is NOT permitted. If such a conflict occurs a ring sitter may be used, or under the direction of the Ringmaster, the horse may be excused from the Presentation Area and shall only return upon the return of the rider. 73. While every effort will be made to accommodate a conflict, to avoid delays in the Show a ring will not be held up. If a conflict occurs, a period not exceeding FIVE (5) minutes will be allowed to a Competitor / Exhibit before incurring elimination from the Class. If a competitor misses a class due to a clash, they will have no recourse against the committee of the SHC WA and no refund of monies paid will be considered. MEASUREMENT OF HORSES to be read in conjunction with the SHCA Measuring Scheme and Rules 74. A horse competing at the 2016 SHC Horse of the Year must hold a current SHC Measuring Card at the time of entering a class. 75. NO MEASURING IS AVAILABLE AT THIS SHOW. It is the competitor s responsibility to ensure that their horse has been measured prior to the show and has a current SHC Measuring Certificate. 76. The current SHC Measuring Card must be presented at the office for verification at the time of collecting the competition number. 77. MEASURING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY BUT MEASURING WILL BE HELD PRIOR TO THE HORSE OF THE YEAR (date and grounds to be announced). PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS. THOSE WITHOUT A CURRENT SHC HEIGHT CERTIFICATE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO START IN THE COMPETITION. 78. A horse found not to hold a current SHC Certificate of Height will be eliminated from the class. This includes all classes in the program. 79. A horse holding a National Saddle Horse registration and is currently being shown, is required to be officially measured and hold a current SHC Measuring Certificate. 80. SHC of Australasia registration papers must be produced at the time of measuring. 81. A SHC Annual Certificate of Height is valid for 12 months from the date of measurement for horses aged 5 years and over. A SHC Provisional Certificate of Height is valid for 6 months from the date of measurement for horses aged under 5 years. 82. The SHC WA will recognise a SHC Certificate of Height issued by another SHC Affiliate. A height certificate issued by any other organisation or society will not be recognised. DRUG TESTING: to be read in conjunction with the SHCA Competition Rules and SHC of Australasia Guidelines for Drug Testing. Random drug testing may be conducted at this event. 83. It is the intention of these rules that a horse shall perform at the time of competition on their merits, without the aid of drugs or prohibited substances that affect the conduct, performance or appearance of the horse. 84. It is the absolute responsibility of the owner(s), exhibitor(s) and responsible officer to ensure that any horse exhibited by them at this event is free from ANY prohibited/banned substance at the time of competition. Failure to adhere to this rule may render the horse, owner(s), exhibitor(s), and or responsible officer liable to disqualification and or disciplinary action as determined by the SHCA. 85. Drug testing will be carried out during the event in accordance with the SHC of Australasia Competition Rules on Drugs and Drug Testing together with the department of Sport and Recreations Doping Policy, or in accordance with the laboratory sample protocol. Compliance with this rule is mandatory for all exhibits, exhibitor(s), competitor(s) and responsible persons. Drug penalties as adopted in the SHCA Competition Rules will apply.
86. Original NSH registration papers must be produced if a horse is called up for Drug Testing and identifications as shown on the papers must match the horse presented. The Responsible person present during the swabbing procedure must be 18 years or older. 87. Where Registration papers are presented and identifications as shown on the papers do not match the identifications of the horse presented a penalty of disqualification may apply. 88. A horse that is to be swabbed MUST NOT leave the arena before being escorted to the swabbing box by the Swabbing Steward. Any exhibitor that fails to comply with this instruction will be eliminated. 89. Results of drug testing may be published. 90. TREATMENT SHEETS in accordance with SHC Aust. Competition Rules 7.00 & 7.5A shall be used. Forms can be downloaded form www.showhorsecouncilaust.com.au 91. The decision, as to whether the horse shall be permitted to compete, shall be made by the Ground Jury. Veterinary advice may be sought if considered necessary. The exhibitor(s) and or competitors shall be advised of the decision prior to the commencement time. No claims shall be made against or an appeal made to the Ground Jury or the SHC WA Committee if, by such decision of the Ground Jury, the horse is not permitted to compete. SAFETY OF HORSE OR RIDER 92. In all avenues of competition, the safety of the animal, rider, handler and spectators is or paramount importance. This means every competitor must have a thorough knowledge, and understanding, of general aspects of horse safety, as well as the specifics of horse safety as applied to the field of competition. 93. There will be designated areas for parking of floats and other vehicles. Designated areas will also be provided for exercising and marshalling horses. 94. Where NO HORSES ALLOWED signs are positioned, definitely NO HORSES ARE ALLOWED into these areas. 95. The Judge or Ring Master will have the right to ask a competitor to leave the arena under the following circumstances; the horse s behaviour is seen to be a danger to the safety of the rider or to other competitors. The horse/rider combination is inappropriate (ie the horse/pony is too difficult for the rider to handle). 96. During practice, or when riding or sitting on a horse/pony, an approved safety helmet (correctly fastened) and riding boots must be worn. Any breach of this Rule may incur disqualification from the Competition. 97. As a guide competitors should be aware that careless tying-up causes many accidents to horse/ponies and people. Use a quick release knot. It is preferable that you tie to a piece of string. Never tie to a movable branch of a tree or unattached float. Don t leave the rope too long or the horse/pony may get his foot over it. The horse/pony should not be able to get his nose to the ground. At no time should a horse/pony be tied up by the bridle. 98. Lunging is only permitted in the designated area. A horse must be lunged by an experienced handler, with the horse controlled by a bridle. Exercising of horses on the Show Arena will not be permitted. 99. All saddlery should be of good repair. Girth should be tightened to a safe level; stirrups should be of the correct size for the rider. Safety stirrups are recommended. Bridle should be correctly adjusted for comfort and control of the horse/pony. 100. Riding of a horse bareback, rugged and or unbridled is prohibited. 101. Power leads must not cross roads or tracks. 102. Construction of portable/tape yards using electrics or star picket is prohibited. 103. Speed limits must be adhered to at all times. 104. The Show Horse Council of WA Inc. shall not be responsible for the loss of, or for any damage or injury occasioned to any Exhibit or the property of any Exhibitor(s) from any cause whatsoever. 105. The S.H.C. Risk Management Policy applies to all persons competing and/or attending the Show. A Copy of this Policy can be downloaded from SHC of Australasia Inc. Website www.showhorsecouncilaust.com.au. STANDARD OF CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR 106. Objectionable conduct and unseemly behaviour by any person towards a judge, show official, competitor, exhibitor, spectator or Show How Horse Council committee member may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc. Competition Rules. 107. Any competitor/exhibitor/rider who, in the opinion of the Show Horse Council, has caused annoyance by loud or unseemly comment upon the decision of a judge, or upon any act or omission on the part of a judge, or any official on duty in or about the ring at the time of competition, such person may be expelled from the class and the grounds. 108. A competitor must compete on their own merits. No outside assistance is to be displayed during competition. A person is not permitted to provide instruction in any form to a competitor who has entered the marshalling area or arena to compete in a class. Any behaviour that contravenes this rule may be subject to disciplinary action and penalty of disqualification may apply to a breach of this Rule. 109. No dogs are allowed on the grounds. 110. Alcohol is prohibited the consumption or possession of alcohol may result in disciplinary action and/or disqualification. Riders are not to be under the influence of alcohol during the competition. MINORS (Under 18 years of age) 111. Where a horse is registered, and/or entered in the name of a minor (under 18 years of age), the entry form shall be lodged, that is, signed by their parent or legal guardian that parent/guardian shall also be a current financial member of the SHC WA Inc. 112. IMPORTANT: A parent or legal guardian of a minor (under 18 years of age) who is competing at this event must be a current financial member of the SHC WA Inc at the time of competition. ENTRIES 113. All Entries must be made online via the SHC Australasia database for assistance with your entry please phone Alison Laycock on 0410 222 087. If needing assistance please allow plenty of time to lodge your entry before the closing date/time. 114. CLOSE OF ENTRIES: 9:00PM (WA TIME) 6 th OCTOBER 2016. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
115. The acceptance or otherwise of an Entry will be at the discretion of the Show Horse Council of WA Inc. 116. Withdrawal of Entry: Request for refund of class entries can be submitted, in writing, with the reason for withdrawal and an acceptable Medical or Veterinary Certificate, to SHC WA Committee. Requests must be received within 7 days following the show. A $20 administration fee will apply. Requests for a refund of entry after this time will not be considered. PLEASE NOTE: A refund of membership fees will not be considered. 117. A compulsory swabbing fee is payable per horse (and is included in the amenities fee). 118. Entry Fees: Show Horse, Show Hunter, Lead Rein, Rider Classes $40 per class entry. Childs Classes (includes Shetland and First Ridden) $30 per class entry. Amenity Fee $30 per horse entered. DEFINITIONS (as provided in the Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc. Competition Rules): Class Also referred to as an Event. A combination of classes is a Show or Competition. Competitor The rider in a Riding or Turnout class. The person showing the horse, ie the rider or handler of the horse during the competition. Exhibitor The person/s entering the horse for competition. The exhibitor will be the owner and / or lessee and / or representative / agent of the said owner or lessee. Owner The owner/s is / are the person/s named as the owner/s on the horse s NSH Certificate of Registration or ownership document. Representative /Agent Is a person, who must not be the Owner, Lessee, Exhibitor or Responsible Officer, who is appointed by the aforementioned, to act on his / her behalf in his / her absence. Official confirmation of such appointment should be in writing, else the appointment, as Representative / Agent may not be recognized. Responsible Officer Is a person, who must be the Owner or Lessee or Exhibitor of the horse and is the person deemed responsible for the horse in respect of the Competition Rules and these Show Rules.