CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE SANDUSKY COUNTY 4-H SADDLE HORSE COUNCIL REVISED 3/2017 1
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE SANDUSKY COUNTY 4-H SADDLE HORSE COUNCIL CONSTITUTION Article 1 - The name of the organization shall be the Sandusky County 4-H Saddle Horse Council. Article 2 - The purpose of this council shall be planning and conducting the 4-H horse program in Sandusky County. This shall include the Junior Fair Horse Show, selection of State Fair representatives, and other educational and beneficial activities. Article 3 - Members of this council shall consist of all advisors of the 4-H Saddle Clubs, each club president, the junior fair board superintendents and assistant superintendents for horses, and one representative from the Ohio State University Extension Staff. Article 4 - The officers shall be president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, and shall be elected by the council membership at the January meeting of each year. Article 5 - This council shall meet on the first Tuesday of each month. Other meetings may be called at the discretion of the president 2
BY LAWS Article 1 - Article 2 - Article 3 - Article 4 - Article 5 - Article 6 - Article 7 - Article 8 - Article 9 - Each Club shall have one vote with the exception of election of officers, where each member of the council shall have one vote. Committees for special purposes may be appointed by the president at their discretion. Amendments to the Constitution or adoption of additional By-Laws shall require a twothirds vote of those clubs represented at the meeting. Any motions made on county rule changes, the discussion will be delayed until next Council meeting. Proposed changes shall be submitted in writing with copies available to members present. Any changes in the County Rule Book must be presented by the February meeting and voted on at the March meeting. Any student from the School of Hope or Sandco Industries may become an honorary member of a Sandusky County 4-H Club. They may participate in 4-H Club shows and win placings and premium will be given, but may not earn points toward trophies at the Sandusky County Fair. In the event an honorary member places in a show, a duplicate placing will be allowed to those 4-H members who are earning show points. The honorary member may not enter the show at the Sandusky County Fair, unless special arrangements are made with all judges so they will understand the situation. A traditional 4-H member is one who has joined a 4-H horse club by 4-H sign up deadline. A non-traditional member is one who joined a 4-H horse club after the deadline. All members must conduct themselves in the proper manner. No tobacco products, profane language, or alcohol products used by a 4-H member during any 4-H function. Any infraction of this rule during a 4-H function will be cause for a disqualification for the entire year. An animal carried as a project can be shown by only one 4-H member in Sandusky County. 3
COUNTY 4-H SADDLE HORSE PROJECTS GENERAL RULES 1. All projects pictures must be turned in by June 1. Pictures must include a current year clear picture full side view with all 4 legs and head. If the 1st falls on a Sunday or Holiday then the pictures can be turned in the first working day after the deadline and no later. Horseless horse members must fill out a form and turn it in. 2. Sandusky County 4-H members are to show only their own 4-H project animals at the Sandusky County 4-H Point Shows and 4-H Fair Classes. 3. 4-H members must meet quality assurance and record book requirements, and attend one 4-H point show in our county in order to be eligible to show at the county fair and be stabled in the 4-H horse barn. (P.A.S. show does not constitute qualifying for point show.) 4. 4-H members must meet their individual club's attendance requirements in order to be eligible the Sandusky County Fair. 5. Members taking a yearling or mare and foal project must be 11 years or older with 2 years or more of Horse Project experience. Any mare or yearling that would show in any other class than Mare & Foal or yearling must show at a point show in order to show at fair. 6. When used in the context of class divisions, the term "years of experience" shall be defined as follows: Experience starts with the first year in which a horse is taken as a project and does not include years in a horseless horse project. 7. A member may not show more than 2 entries in the same class. Effective 1/95. 8. All horses, ponies, and draft animals will be subject to random drug testing by a veterinarian at all Sandusky County 4-H Point Shows and 4-H fair competitions. Positive testing of an illegal drug use will result in the expulsion of that member and project animal from the Sandusky County 4-H Horse Program and all Sandusky County 4-H Horse Program and all Sandusky County 4-H Horse Shows and functions for the remaining year and the forfeiture of all points and awards acquired during the year. 9. Horseless Horse projects must be enrolled in a horse club and enter a horseless horse class at one or more county approved 4-H point shows in order to show in the horseless horse class at the fair. Boots, jeans, long sleeved collared shirts or approved English attire must be worn. Hats are optional. (1-7-03) 10. Ponies must measure 58" or under at the wither. Prior to entry in their first 4-H class, ponies must be measured at a designated place in the presence of the measuring committee, and the measurement put on record. If animal not measured it will be considered a horse. (Ponies cannot cross over to breed classes and horse classes). They must be measured at least once a year until they are 10 years old. Minis do not need to be measured. 11. Non-traditional members shall not be given showing privileges for that current year, nor be allowed stall space in the 4-H Horse Barn. However, they are welcome to participate in meetings, clinics and other non-competitive 4-H functions. 12. All classes with more than 20 entries shall be split. 4
13. All Rules in County Rule Book supersede State Rulebook, so if rule is not found in here, please check state rulebook. 14. Hardship rules are as follows: a. If there is more than one horse enrolled as a 4-H project, a hardship case will not be awarded. b. No points, year-end awards, and fair championships will be earned with the hardship case. 15. Members and parents must go to the show steward with a complaint. If you do not and proceed to the judge or the entry booth with the complaint, the member will be automatically disqualified for the day of showing. 16. Each club may/may not keep hi-points as they choose. It is a club extra benefit. Council high points are always kept the same. 17. New stalls are not to be marred, nailed, stapled, painted, or defaced in anyway. 18. There are to be no tack stalls in the 4-H horse barn. 19. All equine being shown and stabled in 4-H at Sandusky Co. Fair, need to be shown at a Sandusky Co. point show with the exception of Mare & Foal and Yearling Production. If the mare or yearling project is to be shown in something other than their class, they must show at a point show as well. 20. All equine must show in at least one (1) 4-H class during the Sandusky Co. Fair week or they will be asked to pay $25 to Horse Council. (At Council s discretion) 21. All 4-H point show bills must be done and approved by May 1. Show bills should also clearly list the show manager & show steward. Any changes should be posted at the show. 22. Donkeys and/or mules will be shown according to type. Donkeys/mules must be measured at 58 or under at the withers to be entered in pony classes. 23. All Queen and King court should wear appropriate attire while wearing the sash or representing the Horse department. 24. There will be no whips, crops, over/unders, etc. are prohibited during the Sandusky County shows, and 4-H activities during the fair including English classes. 25. Boots are required while riding at any 4-H function. Member must have close toed shoes on at any time while working their animal. 26. Any member who would like to show at the fair must show in that same class at a Sandusky County 4-H point show. NO EXCEPTIONS!! 27. Members that show in the Novice Division must decide to either show in the Novice Showmanship class or their age division class but not both. They will remain in that division for the remainder of the year. 5
28. Proper show attire: Rider will wear a solid colored long sleeve button up shirt with a collar. NO BLING ON THE SHIRT and NO ZIP UP SHIRTS. Blue or Black jeans with no rips or holes in them. No bling on the jeans. There are to be no chaps, vests, or jackets worn. 4-H members may wear a scarf and a belt if you chose. In the English Classes, you may wear proper English attire if desired, but it is not required. Immediate disqualification from the class if appropriate attire is not worn. NO EXCEPTIONS!! This is at all Sandusky County point shows and the 4-H show at the fair. GENERAL PLEASURE CLASS RULES: SANDUSKY COUNTY 4-H PLEASURE RULES These classes will be judged on the performance of the horse at the discretion of the judge. Entries will be penalized for excessive speed or being on the wrong leads. Horses are to be shown at a walk, trot, and lope both ways of the ring on reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. The judge may ask for a reverse at the walk or trot, but not at the lope. Draft horses/ponies not eligible for these classes unless shown on an individual run. 1. If Easy Gaited Classes are offered. Easy gaited horses must show in this class and are not eligible to cross over between the two types. 2. Miniature Horses may be shown in a snaffle bit regardless of age of animal. 3. Numbers shall be placed on both sides of the saddle pad. RULES FOR SPECIFIC CLASSES: See State Rule Book for rules on Trail in Hand and Pattern Classes. 1. BAREBACK EQUITATION - The rider is to be mounted bareback on the horse when he enters the ring, and may be ridden english or western. The class will be judged as a regular equitation class. (No Draft) 2. PONY CLASSES - 58" and under is considered a pony. To be judged on performance of the pony according to type and breed. (No Draft) 3. JR WESTERN PLEASURE - Any youth from age 8-13 may compete, showing Western on a horse or pony. Class is to be judged on performance according to type and breed. (No Draft) 4. SR WESTERN PLEASURE - Any youth from age 14-18 may compete, showing Western on a horse or pony. Class is to be judged on performance according to type and breed. (No Draft) 5. EGG & SPOON - The egg must rest in the spoon at all times. No part of the contestant's body may touch the egg after it is placed in the spoon. The contestant may ride english or western and must have a saddle. The manner in which the class is conducted is up to the discretion of the judge. (No Draft) 6
4-H RULES FOR SANDUSKY COUNTY GYMKHANA EVENTS GENERAL RULES: These rules are to be applied to any contestants inside the arena: Un-sportsman like conduct in the arena shall be cause for immediate disqualification. 1. When your class is called and/or if you are in the makeup area your shirts must be buttoned up to the second button from the top and tucked in with the sleeves fastened or there will be a 5 second penalty added to your time. 2. Number shall be prominently displayed on both sides of the saddle pad. 3. A maximum of two reruns shall be allowed in the event of timing equipment failure or pattern placement. 4. Timing point shall be 20 feet from any fence or barricade. 5. A NO TIME SCORE will be used for ALL 4-H speed events for knocked over obstacles instead of the state rule of 5 seconds. 6. If your helmet falls of while you are in the arena it will be considered a disqualification. 7. ABSOLUTELY no whips, crops, over/unders, or hitting in front of the cinch are prohibited during any of the Sandusky County shows, and 4-H activities during the fair. RULES FOR SPECIFIC CLASSES: See State Rule Book for rules for Barrel Race, Speed & Control, Pole Bending. BALL RACE 1. Contestant shall ride down to the barrel with a ball, throw the ball into the barrel, ride around the outside of the barrel and back to the starting point. 2. There will be a NO TIME if the ball misses or bounces out of the barrel. 3. The barrel must be placed at least 20 feet from any fence or barricade. SPEED & ACTION 1. Seven markers are needed. Use four of the markers to form a 12 foot wide by 24 foot long box. Lines are to be made on both of the 24 foot sides as well as the back side of the box using lime or similar substance. The remaining 3 markers are to be placed at 7 foot intervals (from center to center) in a straight line parallel and maximum of 200 feet from the starting line or a minimum of 25 feet back from the furthest rail, allowing for different arena sizes. 2. The horse and rider are to start by running through the box and part the start/finish line. Then continue to the markers 200 feet away, ride through two markers, circling the center marker 7
and returning to the box. (Rider can turn either right or left around the center marker.) The rider must then ride past the start/finish line and stop within the box. 3. Disqualification include: failure to start/finish between the start/finish markers, knock down any of the 7 markers, leaving the finish box before released by the judge, and jumping markers, the horse hoof touches the line before released by the judge. RULES FOR MISCELLANEOUS CLASSES 4-H WALK-TROT EQUITATION - May be ridden English or Western using the proper tack and attire. Open to any 4-H member who has not shown in any 4-H or open show canter class. If a member shows in any canter class he/she is no longer eligible for this class. To be shown at a walk and trot both directions of the ring. (English riders are required to post) Riders may be asked to back, mount and dismount, and may be asked to perform a pattern. There is a two year eligibility for this class effective 2005 unless members are Honorary members. WALK-TROT NOVICE CLASSES- Novice (1-2 year) showmanship, walk trot, walk trot trail, walk trot barrels, and walk trot stakes. These classes are only available to those riders who are in walktrot and have not cantered in any class. The only except is showmanship where any member who is in their 1 st or 2 nd year may enter. Draft members who have not entered a canter class may qualify if they are in their 1 st or 2 nd year, show in their own showmanship and walk trot. They may show in walk trot trail, walk trot barrels, and walk trot stakes. Any cantering in any of the classes will result in an automatic DQ for that class. HORSELESS HORSE- Will be judged on basic grooming of the horse, parts of the horse, colors and markings, and identify grooming tools. Knowledge will come from the Horseless horse handbook. There will be no pattern work or independent control of the horse. DRAFT RULES ATTIRE FOR ALL DRAFT CLASSES Clothing should be the same as stated in the county rule book. Rider will wear a solid colored long sleeve button up shirt with a collar. NO BLING ON THE SHIRT. Blue or Black jeans with no rips, holes or bling on them. Immediate disqualification from the class if appropriate attire is not worn. NO EXCEPTIONS!! GENERAL APPEARANCE AND EQUIPMENT Clothing should be clean and neat. Tack and Equipment should be clean, properly adjusted and in good repair. Style of Harness, Halter, Cart, Wagon, and etc., shall not be considered in judging. DRAFT FITTING AND GROOMING To be judged on the member's ability to braid, groom and turn out his/her own Draft horse, pony or mule (mules are not braided) without any assistance. The member will have a 30 minute time limit to braid and turn out their project in the show ring. The member is allowed one handler for the horse and to hand items as needed. 8
DRAFT SHOWMANSHIP A show stick is optional in all Draft Showmanship Classes. NO trailer will be allowed. Draft animals are not asked to pivot on a turn. Members shall walk and trot according to the judges pattern. DRAFT WALK-TROT EQUITATION To be ridden with saddle, a bridle and bit, at a walk and trot both directions of the arena and asked to back. 4-H SADDLE HORSE POINT SHOW Points for year end awards will be accumulated as follows: Number of Points 5,4,3,2,1-With first place being 5pts, 2 nd place being 4pts, 3 rd place being 3pts, 4 th place being 2pts, and 5 th place being 1pt, regardless of how many are in the class. Riders must attend 2/3 of the point shows to be eligible for year end awards. In the case that the county only has 2 point shows, the fair show will be included for year end awards. TRADITIONAL WAY TO BREAK TIES 1. Most first places 2. Member showing in most number of classes in questioned category 3. Flip of a coin COMPLETE LISTING OF COUNTY YEAR-END HORSE CLUB AWARDS County Year End Class Winner Awards - awarded to the member with the most accumulated points in each class from that year's County 4-H Point Shows (first-fifth placings). County High Point Awards - Awards will be given to the following High Point category winners. Reserve High Point Awards will also be given. 1. High Point Senior Overall - all classes count including Egg and Spoon. 2. High Point Junior Overall - all classes count including Egg and Spoon. 3. High Point Draft - all draft classes count. 4. High Point Senior Contester - all timed events count. 5. High Point Junior Contester - all timed events count. 6. High Point Western Senior - Western Showmanship, Pleasure, Horsemanship, Reining, Trail, Western Riding, Egg and spoon, and Bareback if ridden western. 9
7. High Point Western Junior - Western Showmanship, Pleasure Horsemanship, Reining, Trail, Western Riding, Egg and spoon, and Bareback if ridden western. 8. High Point English Senior - English Showmanship, Equitation, Pleasure, and Bareback if ridden english. 9. High Point English Junior - English Showmanship, Equitation, Pleasure, and Bareback if ridden english. 10. High Point Novice- Novice showmanship, walk-trot, walk-trot trail, walk-trot barrels, and walk-trot stakes. 11. Horseless Horse- 1 st place will receive a trophy. State Fair Representatives - awards to all State Fair Representatives. Special Awards - awarded to outstanding adult individuals for their support of the 4-H Horse Program. Sportsmanship Award - awarded to outstanding senior 4-H member. Nomination made by advisors and voted by all 4-H members in attendance at the year end banquet. Additional Awards Any additional awards may be presented at Horse Council s discretion, outside parties wishing to give any awards must do so through the discretion of Horse Council by the October Council meeting. 10