HUNTER AND JUMPING SEAT EQUITATION JUDGES CLINIC

HUNTER AND JUMPING SEAT EQUITATIONJUDGES CLINIC

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859-225-6700 | USHJA.org

Provided by, and property of the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.

2 USHJA Hunter and Jumping Seat Equitation Judges Clinic

General Information

Table of ContentsGeneral Information

Responsibility and Accountability ...............................................................................................3Licensed Officials Conduct - PowerPoint ...................................................................................4Steps for ‘r’ Enrollment - PowerPoint ........................................................................................10Steps for ‘R’ Promotion- PowerPoint ........................................................................................15Conflicts of Interest (GR107, GR1037, GR1303) .....................................................................19Download the USEF Rulebook to your iPad .............................................................................20General Judging Topics ............................................................................................................21

Rule Changes 2012-2017

Hunter Division Rule Changes 2017 ........................................................................................22Equitation Division Rule Changes 2017 ...................................................................................25Hunter Division Rule Changes 2016 ........................................................................................22Equitation Division Rule Changes 2016 ...................................................................................25Hunter Division Rule Changes 2012-2015 ...............................................................................29Equitation Division Rule Changes 2012-2015 ..........................................................................43

General Judging Principles

Why Judge? ..............................................................................................................................50Hunters .....................................................................................................................................51Jumping Seat Equitation ...........................................................................................................64Riders’ Attire and Turnout .........................................................................................................71Tack ..........................................................................................................................................73Course Designers .....................................................................................................................73

Applicants

Judging History/Background .....................................................................................................74General Topics ..........................................................................................................................75Contracts, with Sample .............................................................................................................80Judge’s Card .............................................................................................................................82WIHS Jumper Phase Judge’s Card ..........................................................................................83Stagger Sheet ..........................................................................................................................85

Hunter Derbies

Judging Hunter Derbies ............................................................................................................962017 USHJA International Hunter Derby Specifications ...........................................................972017 USHJA National Hunter Derby Specifications ...............................................................1072017 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Specifications ....................................................................114

3USHJA Hunter and Jumping Seat Equitation Judges Clinic

General Information

RESPONSIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITYWe are honored to be the Co-Chairmen of the Licensed Officials Committee for the USEF. This long-standing committee licenses the judges, stewards, technical delegates and course designers for our federation competi-tions. The committee also looks into complaints and other problems relating to our officials.

We have noticed a concerning trend in our sport today that is escalating at an alarming rate. Too many exhibitors and trainers are blaming their shortcomings on judges, course designers, managers, footing, facilities, and even the weather! The more serious problem is that these unhappy people are often USEF Licensed Officials bashing fellow judges, course designers, trainers and managers!

While this is not a new problem, it has become magnified due to media, Internet and social networking. Any-thing said publicly is instantly spread to the entire universe through these means and many more. We should all be concerned because not only is this information distributed within the horse community; it is also disseminat-ed to an uninformed public.

We must all take more responsibility for our actions. From our experience, the vast majority of judges, stewards, managers and course designers take their roles very seriously and take great pride in doing their jobs to the best of their ability.

As an individual, if you are unhappy with results or circumstances you should search for honest solutions beyond blaming others. As a community, we must create a better perception about our sport if we wish to continue attracting new clientele. Certainly making public statements about officials we have licensed ourselves diminish-es credibility of our industry. Attempting to intimidate officials by constant complaining through stewards, at the back gate, or thru social media makes everyone look bad.

As professionals and licensed officials, we are the spokespersons of our sport. By acting in a respectable and professional manner we have the opportunity to shed a positive light on this sport that we love, as well as pave a golden path for the future.

We would also like to point out that being a Licensed Official of the United States Equestrian Federation is a privilege and an honor, not an entitlement. As a Licensed Official you are responsible to the USEF and account-able for your actions at all times, not just when you are serving in an official capacity. Your actions as an exhibitor and trainer reflect your integrity as an official. Your manners and behavior are constantly under the scrutiny of the entire industry. For example, information you put forth in various forms of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat, is a reflection of you as a Licensed Official as well as the United States Equestrian Federation.

USEF rule GR 1002.2 states...” The committee may at its discretion revoke a current license, place a license on probationary status, reduce a license by one level, temporarily suspend or refuse to renew an officials license....”

As a newly reseated Licensed Officials Committee we plan to enforce this rule regarding legitimate issues as needed.

We hope you will take this matter to heart and give your position in our sport the respect it deserves. Let’s all strive to set a higher standard for ourselves for the good of our sport.

LOC Co-Chairmen


General Information

Licensed Officials Conduct Overview

Agenda• Presenting Yourself

– Dress Code– Behavior

• Social Media• Conduct in the Booth• Accountability• Responsibility

• Handling Disgruntled Competitors

• Personal Conduct• Safe Sport policy• Rule Changes• Safety• What Makes a Good

Judge

Presenting Yourself: Dress Code• Shows Respect for:

– Yourself– Exhibitors you are judging– Competition management– Fellow officials– Learner judges


General Information

Presenting Yourself: Behavior• Always be professional in what you say and do

– In the ring – Outside the ring, including on social media

• Perception is reality!

Social MediaWhile serving as an official, DO NOT use any social media platform (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) or email to make comments about the competition at which you are serving as an official.

Social Media• Remember: What is posted in social

media never really goes away– Be careful what you say– Be careful what you post, including photos– Be aware of video footage of actions that you

might take while officiating


General Information

Conduct in the Booth• No cell phone use (includes texting)• Pay attention to the entire round (even if out of ribbons)

• No personal computer use• Show enthusiasm in your actions

Conduct in the BoothHowever…..• GR1034.3 states that “Except in the discharge of their official duty,

the use of cellular phones or other similar communication devices, including computers, by judges while in the ring (including center ring), judges’ box, judges’ stand or on any part of a course during a competition is strictly prohibited.”

• This rule gives you the authority to use your Rule Book while you’re judging.

Accountability• Treat exhibitors fairly

• Your position as a USEF judge is largely reflected in your actions


General Information

Responsibility• You represent your own conscience

• You represent USEF as well as yourself!

Handling Disgruntled Competitors• Be Courteous• Be Organized• Be Professional• Never defensive or angry

Personal Conduct• When not in official capacity – you are still being held to a higher standard as an exhibitor or spectator


General Information

Safe Sport Policy• Background check required for officials to renew in 2014 and every 2 years after

• Safe Sport Training will also be required every two years, and must be done before renewing your 2016 license.

• Stems from USOC policy• Protects athletes from possible misconduct

Rule Changes• Review the rule book• Know the class specifications

Safety of Horse and Rider• Take control of your ring• Don’t be afraid to act


General Information

What Makes a Good Judge?• YOU demonstrating your:– Experience– Integrity– Knowledge– Enthusiasm

YOU!

Thank You!


General Information

Steps for ‘r’ Enrollment

Hunter and Hunter Seat Equitation

Two Tracks• Learner Permit

– Prerequisites: Must have been an active competitor as a rider, trainer, handler, breeder, coach, and/or official in the division at USEF Competitions within the last 4 years.

– Must be at least 21 years old• Mentor Program

– Prerequisites: Must have been a professional horseman for a minimum of 5 years

– Must be at least 25 years old

Learner Judging• “Learner Judging” is required whether you’re applying for your ‘r’

license through the Learner Permit or Mentor Program. • A Learner Judge Card is required for each competition at which you

wish to Learner Judge.• When you are Learner Judging, you;

• Are not licensed as a USEF official in that division;• Are working with and learning from a licensed judge; and you• Do not turn in judges cards for results.


General Information

Learner Judge Card Applications• A Learner Judge Card Application must be submitted to USEF

– For each competition at which you wish to Learner Judge;– At least 14 days before the start of the competition; and– With $40 fee. – IMPORTANT – There are NO exceptions to this timeline!

• The Application – Must be signed by the Competition Manager; but– Does not need to be signed by the judge(s) you wish to work with.– It can be faxed, mailed, or submitted online (sign in on www.usef.org, click Licensed Officials,

then Online Licensed Officials/Clinic Forms.).– Check with the Competition Manager before submitting the online application to be sure they

are OK with this method. • You must get PRIOR permission from each judge you wish to learner with.• Each Judge must submit the Learner Judges Evaluation Form directly to USEF.

Learner Permit(Must Be Approved by LOC prior to Learner Judging)

Learner Permit Applicants

• Must be Senior Active Members in good standing of USEF and USHJA; and

• Submit a Learner Judge’s Permit Application with references and $60 fee to USEF.

• Exception: A Permit is not needed if you are already licensed in Hunter, Hunter Equitation, Hunter Breeding, or Jumper.

Learner Permit(Must Be Approved by LOC prior to Learner Judging)

Learner Judge Applicants, cont.• The Licensed Officials Department will send out evaluation forms to your

references & relevant committees– At least 10 evaluations must be returned, 3 of which must be from

relevant licensed officials or committee members. – The application will be reviewed by the Licensed Officials Committee at

one of their three in‐person meetings a year. Check the USEF website for deadlines.

– You will be notified in writing of the LOC’s decision within three weeks following the meeting.

• Learner Judge Permits expire three years from date of issuance.


General Information

Learner Permit Learner Judging Requirements ‐ Hunter

• You must Learner Judge– A minimum of:

• Six full days • At two USEF Licensed Competitions • Under a minimum of two different USEF ‘R’ Hunter judges.

– At least • two complete “A” or “AA” Rated Conformation Hunter Horse sections

or • two Pony Hunter Divisions that include a model.

*Attendance at the USEF Hunter Breeding Clinic or learner judging one Hunter Breeding section may substitute for one conformation section or Pony Hunter Division with a model

Learner Permit Learner Judging Requirements ‐ Hunter Seat Equitation

You must Learner Judge at least• 10 classes from the following list:

– Open Equitation, Federation Medal, Federation Pony Medal, Federation Adult Equitation, ASPCA Maclay, USET Talent Search, or WIHS

• At a minimum of two USEF Competitions• Under a minimum of two different “R” Hunter Seat Equitation

Judges• At least one competition must have “A” or “AA” rated Hunter

sections.

Mentor Program(Must Be Approved by LOC Prior to Learner Judging)

Mentor Program Applicants must be• Senior Active members in good standing of USEF and USJHA; and• At least 25 years of age;

In addition, they must have• Been a professional horseman for a minimum of five (5) years

(Individuals holding amateur status with USEF are not eligible);• Not been suspended by USEF within five (5) years preceding

application to be mentored;• Agreement from an official on the Approved Mentor list to mentor you.


General Information

Mentor Program, continued(Must Be Approved by LOC Prior to Learner Judging)

In addition, Applicants must• Submit a Mentor Application to USEF with $50 fee, signed by the person

who agreed to mentor you. References are not required. • The Application will be reviewed by the Licensed Officials Committee.

– You will be notified in writing of the LOC’s decision. • All Mentor Program requirements for ‘r’ licensing must be completed

within 3 years after approval into Program. • Once accepted into the Mentor Program and approved for ‘r’ licensure,

there is no expiration date to complete your promotion to ‘R’.

Mentor ProgramLearner Judging Requirements

Mentor Judge Program Applicants• Must submit a Learner Judge Card Application for each show at which they

intend to Learner Judge;• Each competition must be judged in its entirety;• Learner judge a minimum of two complete USEF National or Premier

competitions.• The competitions must be held at two different locations.

– One competition must be learner judged with the approved Mentor in both the Hunter and Hunter Seat Equitation divisions;

– The other competition must be with one or more different “R” judge(s).• Each “R” judge must submit the Mentor Learner Judge Evaluation Form

directly to USEF.


Mentor Judge Program Applicants• Must submit a Learner Judge Card Application for each show at which they

intend to Learner Judge;• Each competition must be judged in its entirety;• Learner judge a minimum of two complete USEF National or Premier

competitions.• The competitions must be held at two different locations.

– One competition must be learner judged with the approved Mentor in both the Hunter and Hunter Seat Equitation divisions;

– The other competition must be with one or more different “R” judge(s).• Each “R” judge must submit the Mentor Learner Judge Evaluation Form

directly to USEF.


General Information


• For Hunter: – One of the two required competitions must include one “A” conformation section or one Hunter Breeding section.

• If an “A” conformation section or Hunter Breeding section is not offered, attendance at a USEF Hunter Breeding Clinic can substitute.

• For Hunter Seat Equitation : – Learner judge a minimum of six classes of open equitation at two different National (“A”) or Premier (“AA”) USEF licensed competitions at two different locations.

Applying for ‘r’ LicenseLearner Permit or Mentor Program

• Must be Senior Active member of USEF & USHJA• Must have attended clinic within 2 years preceding application for

‘r’ licensing• Submit ‘r’ Recorded Judge Application form to USEF with fee and

list of references • Licensed Official Department will send evaluation forms to your references

and committees. At least 15 evaluations must be returned, 8 of which must be from relevant officials or committee members.

• Application will be reviewed by the Licensed Officials Committee and notification of decision will be sent in writing

Questions?• Don’t hesitate to contact the Licensed Officials Department if you have any questions about the licensing process.

• The easiest way is to use the email address set up for inquiries: [email protected].

THANK YOU!


General Information

Steps for Promotion to ‘R’

Hunter and Hunter Seat Equitation

Requirements for Promotion to “R”Applicants for promotion to “R” must be• A Senior member in good standing of USEF and USHJA;

• Currently licensed as an “r” in the division for which they are requesting promotion; and

• Have attended a Hunter/Hunter Seat Equitation Clinic within two years prior to application for “R” status.

Two TracksThere are two pathways to “R” status:• ‘Regular’ Track• Mentor Program – To be eligible for the Mentor Program, you must

– Be at least 25 years old, and have– Been a professional horseman for a minimum of five (5) years

(Individuals holding amateur status with USEF are not eligible);– Not been suspended by USEF within five (5) years preceding

application to be mentored;– Agreement from an official on the Approved Mentor list to mentor

you.


General Information

Regular TrackPromotion Requirements

IMPORTANT: See Definition page for the definition of ‘Judging’.

• You must have judged at least three competitions during the past three years in the division(s) you are applying for, and, in addition.

– Apprenticed with at least 3 different ‘R’ judges at 3 or more separate National or Premier competitions during the past 3 years in the division in which you are applying for;

– Prior to the competition, you must contact and receive permission from both competition manager and the ‘R’ judge with whom you wish to apprentice. You do not need to contact the Federation in advance and there is no fee for these experiences.

– The ‘R’ judge(s) with whom you apprentice must complete the Recorded ‘r’ Judges Evaluation Form and return it directly to the Federation (GR1057.8 & GR1059.8). This form should be given to the ‘R’ judge along with a stamped envelope addressed to USEF, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.

Mentor ProgramApprentice Requirements for ‘R’ Status

IMPORTANT: See Definition page for the definition of ‘Apprenticing’.

Applicants must apprentice in the Hunter and Hunter Seat Equitation divisions in their entirety at a minimum of two National or Premier competitions.• At least one of the two competitions must be with your Mentor;• The other must be with one or more different ‘R’ judges.• Each ‘R’ judge must submit the Mentor Training Evaluation directly to USEF.


(See definition of ‘Apprenticing’)

• Hunter– At least one of the two competitions must include an ‘A’ or ‘AA’ rated

conformation section, Pony Hunter division with a model, or a Hunter Breeding Section.

– If not offered, participation at a USEF Hunter Breeding Clinic can serve as a substitute.

• Hunter Seat Equitation– Must apprentice for at least 6 open equitation classes at 2 National or

Premier rated competitions.


General Information


• If you received your ‘r’ through the Regular Track, you must complete the Mentor Apprentice Requirements within three years of their applications.

• If you received your ‘r’ through the Mentor Program, there is no time limit for you to complete the Apprentice Requirements.

Applying for ‘R’ LicenseRegular Track or Mentor Program

Recorded ‘r’ Hunter or Hunter Seat Equitation judges wishing promotion to ‘R’ status must• Submit the ‘R’ Judge Application form with references and $50 fee per division

to USEF.– The Licensed Official Department will send evaluation forms to references listed on

your application and the relevant committees. – At least 15 evaluations must be returned, 8 of which must be from relevant officials

or committee members.• The application will be reviewed by the Licensed Officials Committee at one of

their three in‐person meetings each year.• You will be notified in writing of the LOC’s decision within three weeks

following the meeting.

DefinitionsWhat is the difference between judging and apprenticing?• Judging

– You will be judging when you are working towards your “R” through the “Regular” program.

– You will turn in judge’s cards that count towards the results.– Your name must be included on the Steward’s Report as a judge.

• Apprenticing– You are a licensed judge working with and learning from another licensed judge. – Judging is encouraged, but does not count towards the minimum requirements for

promotion through the Mentor program. – You do not turn in judge’s cards that count for results.


General Information

Questions• Don’t hesitate to contact the Licensed Officials Department if you have any questions about the promotion process.

• The easiest way is to use the email address set up for inquiries: [email protected].

THANK YOU!


General Information

Julie Winkel Robert Peebles

Conflicts Of Interest (GR107, GR1037, GR1303)

Parties and Dinners• Don’t go with friends• Don’t go with exhibitors• Bad perception for the sport• Socialize only with other officials from the same show

Sales and Leases• Know your conflict of interest rules• Do not judge horses you have sold within 30 days• Dot not judge horses you have leased within 30 days• Do not judge people you have done business with within 30 days

Training and Riding• Do not judge your own customers• Do not judge people that are riding for you• Do not judge people you ride for• Do not judge people you train for

What do you do when someone you should not judge is in the ring?• Call the steward• Mark your card in case• Contact that person through the steward and ask them not to show


General Information

Download the USEF Rulebook on to your iPad

1. Make sure you have iBooks installed on your iPad from the App store in iTunes2. In iBooks select the Collections Button3. Select the New Button at the bottom of the screen4. Type in the heading under which you want to file the rules. (Example: General Rules, Equi-

tation, Hunter, Jumper, Etc.)5. Tap New after each heading and add as many headings as you wish. Type in all headings

before you start to download the rule book.6. Now go to Safari on your iPad7. Type in USEF.org and go to the current rulebook.8. Go to the chapter in the USEF rulebook you want to put in your iPad ( i.e. Equitation) In the

upper right hand corner click on the arrow and select open in iBooks9. Tap the Library button10. Tap the Edit button11. Tap the Select All button12. Select the Move button13. Click on the heading where you want to store the attachment (Example: Equitation)14. The attachment will be moved to that heading and stored.

Continue downloading by going to #7 above and repeating the instructions until you have down-loaded all of the chapters.To update your iPad when there are rule changes

1. Determine which chapters in the USEF rulebook have changes2. To delete the current information in the selected chapter go to Collections, touch the chap-

ter you wish to delete (i.e. Equitation), touch edit, touch select all, touch delete. This will delete the information under the chapter (i.e. Equitation) but not the chapter title.

Using the same method you can download other information on to your iPad. Some suggestions are the USHJA International Hunter Derby and National Hunter Derby specifications, various med-al class specifications, the USHJA Competition Standards Guide, and USEF Presidential Modifica-tions. From iBooks you can search or scroll through these documents.To save the rules on your home screen as an App on iPhone or iPad

1. Go to usef.org and select the 2015 rule book2. Open the chapter you wish to download3. Tap “add to home screen”


General Information

General Judging TopicsA. Learner Judges

1. What are our responsibilities to learner judges?a. Our first responsibility is to judging the classb. From there we are responsible to help them learn to judgec. We are responsible to try to answer their questionsd. What are our responsibilities filling out our learner judge’s evaluation forms?

• We are required to do it• We are required to be honest

B. Charging Fees1. What are the standard rates?

• $500/day2. Is there such a thing as overtime? Yes

a. There are no rules for this.b. When would you charge?

• Only in extreme situations• We would request overtime, it is not required• How much would you charge?

C. What do you do if you have been cancelled?1. What do you charge?

• You do have a contract for a certain amount• You could charge for that amount• You need to understand the circumstances around being cancelled• Charging the full amount would be highly unusual

2. Do you charge for expenses paid out?• This is a good compromise• It is not fair to have to pay for a show you do not judge

3. Do you charge for work lost at home?• This would not normally be acceptable

D. How often should you judge?• Be careful not to judge so much the you lose your interest• Be careful that you do not judge too often in the same area

E. What do you do if you are asked to hold too many cards?• If you are not comfortable, tell the manager.• If you are comfortable in certain situations it is ok• Do what you think is right• There are rules pertaining to this


Rule Changes 2017

HunterDivisionRuleChanges2017RelevanttoJudges

HU112General1.Sectionsmustbedividedorcombinedbasedonthenumberofentriesinthefirstoverfencesclassandmaynotbecombinedordividedafterthefirstclass.Exception:Performance/HighPerformanceWorkingHunter,seeHU112.3.2.Nosectionmaybedividediftherearelessthan30entries.Exception:GreenHunterandYoungHunter,AmateurOwner,Children’sandAdultAmateurHuntersectionsrefertoHU118andsectionsgovernedbyUSHJAZoneSpecifications.3.InPerformanceHunterandHighPerformanceHuntersectionswhereindividualclassesmaybeentered,thesectionscanbedividedafterthirty(30)horseshavecompetedinthefirstoverfencesclass.Subsequentclassesmaybedividedoncetwelve(12)horseshavecompetedineachclass.ThenumberofChampionshipandReserveChampionshipsthatareawardedwillbedeterminedbythenumberofsectionscreatedfromdividingthefirstoverfencesclass.MultipleChampionshipsandReserveChampionshipswillonlybeawardedifaminimumoftwo(2)overfencesandone(1)undersaddleclasseshavebeenheldpersection.

a.Atalllicensedcompetitions,iftherearefewerthansixentriesineitherthePerformanceHunter3’3”orPerformanceHunter3’6”theymustbecombined,buttheycannotbecombinedwithanyotherhuntersections,exceptHighPerformanceHunter.IftherearesixormoreentriesineachPerformanceHuntersection,theymustbeheldseparately.b.Atalllicensedcompetitions,iftheHighPerformanceHuntersectionhasfewerthanthreeentries,itmustbecombinedwiththePerformanceHunter3’6”section.If,aftercombining,therearestillfewerthanthreeentriesinthecombinedsection,itmustbefurthercombinedwiththePerformanceHunter3’3”section.c.WhencombiningHighPerformanceHunterwithPerformanceHunters3’6”and/or3’3”,thecombinedsectionsmustofferthesamenumberofclassesofferedbythePerformanceHuntersection(s)withwhichitiscombined.d.WhencombiningHighPerformanceHunterwithanothersection,ifdifferentamountsofprizemoneyorentryfeeswereofferedintheoriginalsections,thecombinedsectionswillusetheloweramountforbothprizemoneyandentryfees.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16

6.DefintionofCaliforniaSplitc.UnderSaddle.ASectionwithtwelve(12)orlessmustbejudgedasoneclassusingtheCaliforniaSplit.SectionsthatarejudgedundertheCaliforniaSplitmusthaveresultsforSectionAandB.Arandomsplitwillbeusedforundersaddleclassesofmorethantwelve(12).

HU132General5.AfterallcompetitorshavehadanopportunitytocompeteoveracourseintheHighPerformanceHunterandPerformanceHuntersection,competitorswithfaultswhichwouldeliminatethecompetitorfromtheribbons,maybeexcusedbythejudgeatmanagement’sdiscretion,providedfour(4)morecompetitorsthanthenumberofribbonsawardedhavecompletedthecourse.InGreenHunterclassesridersareencouragedtowithdrawafteramajorfault.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16HU134SoundnessAllhorsesmustbeserviceablysound.Allhorsesbeingconsideredforanawardmustjogforsoundnesswithriderdismounted.(Exception:UnderSaddleclasses,classeswithspecificationsthatdonotrequirehorsestojog,unratedclasses,andclassesatLocalCompetitions).Horsesmaynotleavetheringuntilthejogisdeclaredofficialbythejudge.Ahorsethatleavestheringpriortothejogbeingdeclared


Rule Changes 2017

officialwillbeeliminated.Ahorsethatisunruly,onethatbreaksawayfromthehandleroronewhoseactionsthreatentoendangertherider,handler,orotherexhibitorsortheirentrieswillbeeliminated.(Exception:HunterBreedingandPonyBreeding).Ahorsemaynotbeeliminatedforreceivingoutsideassistanceinthejog.Inclassesrestrictedtoponiesajuniormustjogthehorseforsoundness.Horsesthatarenotserviceablysoundareineligibleforanaward,includingundersaddleclasses.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16Hunter&PonyHunterBreedingHU188General4.Eachentrywillhaveonlyonehandlerperclass.Thesamehandlerwillpresentthehorseinallphasesoftheclassincludingthejog.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16HU192USHJANationalHunterDerby9.NomorethanoneNationalHunterDerbymaybeheldduringagivencompetition.(Exception:Ifthereareforty(40)ormoreentriesintheNationalHunterDerby,theclassmaybesplitintotwo(2)separateclasses.Managementmustrefertospecificationstodeterminethesplitoftheclass).ManagementmaydetermineacutofftimeforenteringbeforesplittingtheNationalHunterDerbyintotwoclasses.Thecutofftimewillbenoearlierthan24hourspriortotheproposedstarttimeoftheNationalHunterDerby.Seewww.ushja.orgformorespecificinformation.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16


Rule Changes 2017

EquitationDivisionRuleChanges2017RelevanttoJudges

EQ102Judging 1. SOUNDNESS.Unsoundnessdoesnotpenalizeacompetitorunlessitissufficientlyseveretoimpairtherequiredperformance.Insuchcases,theimpositionofapenaltyisatthejudge’sdiscretion.(Exception:Hunter/JumpingSeatEquitationclassesheldatHunterJumperCompetitionswhere,inacaseofunsoundnesssufficientlyseveretoimpairtherequiredperformance,thejudge(s)musteliminatethecompetitorfromthatclassandinformthecompetitionmanager,whoinconjunctionwiththeOfficialVeterinarianandtheSteward,willevaluatedisqualifyingthehorsefromfurtherparticipationinthecompetition.)BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16EQ105Appointments5.Tack.c. Bootsandconservativecoloredbandagesarepermitted.Typeofsaddleisoptional.Martingalesarepermittedinclassesoverobstaclesandinthejumpingphaseofclassesrequiringbothjumpingandflatwork.Martingalesarenotpermittedontheflatinanyclassorphaseunlessclassspecificationsallowtheiruse.Changingofbitsbetweenphasesispermissible.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16EQ106Conduct3.DIVISIONOFCLASSES.InHunter/JumpingSeat,ifthereare40ormoreentriesatthebeginningoftheclass,itmaybedividedandrunastwoseparatesections.Allclasseswith50ormoreentriesatthebeginningoftheclassmustbedividedandrunastwoseparatesectionswithseparatetrophiesandribbons;forHunter/JumpingSeat,a“Californiasplit”method,asdefinedinHU112.7,mustbeusediftheclassrequiresnumericalscores.(Exception:RegionalandNationalEquitationFinalsandallEquitationClassics)BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16EQ107ClassRoutine2.FlatClassesandFlatPhases.c.Martingalesarenotpermittedontheflatinanyclassorphaseunlessclassspecificationsallowtheiruse.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16EQ108CourseRequirements2.InMaiden,Novice,Limitandclassesfor14yearsandunder,jumpscannotexceed3’(or0.90mwhenclassspecificationslistfenceheightinmetric.)3.InIntermediateclassesobstaclescannotexceed3’3”(or1.0mwhenclassspecificationslistfenceheightinmetric.)4.InOpenClassesandClassesfor15to17years,obstaclescannotexceed3’6”(or1.10mwhenclassspecificationslistfenceheightinmetric)andwingsareoptional.7.InIntermediate,15-17andOpenclasses,atleastonechangeofdirectionandacombinationarerequired.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/1613.Thetopelementofallobstaclesmustbesecurelyplacedsothataslightrubwillnotcauseaknockdown.Ifabreakawayorsafetycupsareusedthetopcupmustbethedeepestcupavailable.Aplankmaynotbeusedasthetopelementofajump.EQ110RequirementsforSpecificClasses1.Thefollowingagelimitclassesaresuggestedbutmayvaryaccordingtolocalconditions:

a.Forjuniors:14andunder,and15-17;and


Rule Changes 2017

b.Foramateurs:18to35,36andover.2.Juniors14andunder.Tests1-8.3.Juniors15-17.Tests1-19.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/165.b.Tobeshownoveracourseofnotlessthaneightobstaclesat3’6”withspreadsto4’(Exception:triplebartypeobstacles,maximumspreadof5’)whichmustincludeonecombinationincludinganoxerandtwochangesofdirectionafterthefirstobstacleand1/3oftheobstaclesmustbeoxers.Thetopelementofallobstaclesmustbesecurelyplacedsothataslightrubwillnotcauseaknockdown.Ifabreakawayorsafetycupsareusedthetopcupmustbethedeepeststandardcupavailable.Aplankmaynotbeusedasthetopelementofajump.AliverpoolorwaterisprohibitedinUSHunterSeatMedalclassesincludingRegionalsandFinals.Inaddition,allcoursesmustincludeatleastthreeofthefollowing:Bendingline,narrowjump(5’6”-8’),roll-backturn,fenceattheendofthering,longapproachtoasinglejump.Twoormoretestsofatleastthetopfourcompetitorsarerequired.Inclasseswiththirty-one(31)ormoreentries,atleastthetopeight(8)competitorsmustbecalledbackfortesting.Eightplacesmustbeawardedinclasseswiththirty-one(31)ormoreentries.Tests1-19.Anyexhibitorwhodoesnotparticipateinthetestingisplacedlastofthoseexhibitorscalledbacktotest.Shouldmorethanoneexhibitorfailtoreturnfortestingtheywillbeplacedatthejudge’sdiscretion.Onlyoneriderperhorse.Tofillaclasssixcompetitorsmustcompletethecourse(fiveinZones6,8,11and12).Forpurposesofdeterminingthenumberofentriesfortheincrementsystem,thenumberofentriesisdeterminedbythenumberofexhibitorswhocompletedthecourseinaclassorsectionoftheclass.Ifthereare40ormoreentriesatthebeginningofthisclass,itmaybedividedbyeveryothernumberandrunastwoseparatesections.Ifthereare50ormoreentriesatthebeginningofthisclass,itmustbedividedbyeveryothernumberandrunastwoormoreseparateclasses.CertificateofCompliance-AtRegionalI,RegionalIIandLocalMembercompetitions,Nationalmedalclassesmustbecertifiedbythefollowing:Acourseplanshowingtheactualheightandspreadofallthefences,signedbythejudgeandthecoursedesigner(thestewardmustsignifthecoursedesignerisnotpresentonthecompetitiongrounds)whichmustbeprovidedtothestewardnolaterthantheendofthecompetitiondayonwhichthenationalmedalclassisheld.Thesignedcourseplanmustbeincludedinthesteward’sreporttotheFederation.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/166.U.S.PONYMEDALCLASS….CertificateofCompliance-AtRegionalI,RegionalIIandLocalMembercompetitions,Nationalmedalclassesmustbecertifiedbythefollowing:Acourseplanshowingtheactualheightandspreadofallthefences,signedbythejudgeandthecoursedesigner(thestewardmustsignifthecoursedesignerisnotpresentonthecompetitiongrounds)whichmustbeprovidedtothestewardnolaterthantheendofthecompetitiondayonwhichthenationalmedalclassisheld.Thesignedcourseplanmustbeincludedinthesteward’sreporttotheFederation.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/168.ASPCAHORSEMANSHIPCLASS…CertificateofCompliance-AtRegionalI,RegionalIIandLocalMembercompetitions,Nationalmedalclassesmustbecertifiedbythefollowing:Acourseplanshowingtheactualheightandspreadofallthefences,signedbythejudgeandthecoursedesigner(thestewardmustsignifthecoursedesignerisnotpresentonthecompetitiongrounds)whichmustbeprovidedtothestewardnolaterthantheendofthecompetitiondayonwhichthenationalmedalclassisheld.Thesignedcourseplanmustbeincludedinthesteward’sreporttotheFederation.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/1610.WASHINGTONINTERNATIONALHORSESHOWEQUITATIONg.WIHSEquitation…CertificateofCompliance-AtRegionalI,RegionalIIandLocalMembercompetitions,Nationalmedalclassesmustbecertifiedbythefollowing:Acourseplanshowingthe


Rule Changes 2017

actualheightandspreadofallthefences,signedbythejudgeandthecoursedesigner(thestewardmustsignifthecoursedesignerisnotpresentonthecompetitiongrounds)whichmustbeprovidedtothestewardnolaterthantheendofthecompetitiondayonwhichthenationalmedalclassisheld.Thesignedcourseplanmustbeincludedinthesteward’sreporttotheFederation.BOD1/16/16Effective12/1/16


Rule Changes 2017

KNOW BEFORE YOU SHOW2017 Competition Rules: Understanding the rules in order to be compliant in 2017

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2016Summary of Rule change Rule Number

MEDAL/MACLAY CLASS LIMITS: This rule change limits the number of times a rider can compete in US Hunter Seat Medal and ASPCA Maclay qualifying classes once quali� ed for the Finals. Speci� cally, the rule limits riders to 14 qualifying classes in a qualifying period, and states that if a rider is not quali� ed after 14 classes, the rider may continue to compete until quali� ed. The rule changes also allow half points to be awarded for classes with three to � ve riders who complete the course. Further, it states "Any rider in his or her � nal junior year may not compete in any qualifying classes held at a competition with a start date after August 31 of that competition year."

EQ 110.4 (Tracking No. 232-15)EQ 110.8 (Tracking No. 272-15)EQ 110.5 (Tracking No. 013-16)EQ 110.8 (Tracking No. 014-16)

PREFERRED STIRRUPS FOR EQUITATION: This change provides updated guidance on appropriate stirrups for use in the Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation section. This rule recommends riders use "stainless steel stirrup irons that promote proper position of the foot in the iron as well as a correct leg position." Further the rule recommends stirrup irons provide judges with a" clear and unobstructed view of the position of the foot in the stirrup." However, it states "judges may not eliminate a rider for using a particular style of stirrup iron."

EQ 105.6 (Tracking No. 225-15)

EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2016Summary of Rule Change Rule Number

GREEN HUNTER AND AGE VERIFICATION FOR YOUNG HUNTERS: These rules change the Green Hunter nomenclature of Pre-Green, First Year and Second Year Green Hunter to a simpler, more descriptive naming structure: Green Hunter 3'0", 3'3", 3'6" and 3'9". Each section will be A-rated by the USEF. Similarly, the Green Conformation Hunter will now be Green Conformation 3'6", and the Regular Conformation Hunter will be the High Performance Conformation Hunter. At the same time, these changes add Young Hunter sections offered at 3'0", 3'3" and 3'6". In order to compete in these sections, horses will have to have their age veri� ed with USEF.

GR 313.6 (Tracking No. 300-15)GR 1131.3 (Tracking No. 384-15)HU 103.1 (Tracking No. 379-15)

JUNIOR HUNTER AWARDS: This change splits the 3'3" Junior Hunter Awards into four award categories (Small Junior Hunter 3'3" 15 yrs. & under, Small Junior Hunter 3'3" 16-17 yrs., Large Junior Hunter 3'3" 15 yrs. and under and Large Junior Hunter 3'3" 16-17 yrs.) and added the new USHJA 2'0", 2'3", 2'6", 2'9" and 3'0" Hunter, which are designed to provide organizers with the � exibility to piggyback them with pre-existing sections or conduct them as their own sections.

GR 1131.3 (Tracking No. 304-15)

USHJA OUTREACH COMPETITIONS: This change clari� es and enhances the de� nition of a USHJA Outreach competition in order to broaden the potential for sport growth by allowing USHJA Outreach competitions to take place on either one competition day or over multiple competition days with a maximum of two competition rings (one hunter and one jumper) per day.

GR 902.3 (Tracking No. 309-15)GR 305.1 (Tracking No. 299-15)

SOUNDNESS IN EQUITATION: In hunter/jumping seat equitation classes at Hunter Jumper competitions the judge(s) must eliminate a competitor from that class in a case of unsoundness suf� ciently severe to impair the required performance. In addition, the judge will inform the competition manager, who in conjunction with the Of� cial Veterinarian and the Steward, will evaluate disqualifying the horse from further participation in the competition.


EQUITATION CLASS SPLIT: This change allows competitions to split Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation classes and run them as two separate class-es, if there are 40 or more entries at the beginning of the class. This provision was already in place for the US Hunter Seat Medal and USEF Talent Search but not for other equitation classes.


AGE GROUP EQUITATION SPLITS: This change updated the rule for Age Group Equitation classes to bring their age group splits in line with today's standards ("14 and under" and "15-17") and make it consistent with age group splits elsewhere in the Rule Book. The rule change also adds fence heights in metric.


MEDAL TESTING: This rule now mandates that larger medal classes must bring back the top eight riders for further testing. This change aims to promote fairness in larger classes where points now go down to eight places, because the test in a medal class can change the results signi� cantly.


HORSE ENTRY REQUIREMENT: This change reduces the horse entry standard requirement for two-day National Junior/Amateur competitions and Premier, National, Regional I and Regional II competitions which utilize only one competition ring or offer only hunter and equitation classes.

HJ 202.3 (Tracking No. 315-15)

COMPETITION RATINGS: This change clari� ed the number of rated sections that must be offered and held or judged at Hunter rated National and Premier competitions. An accompanying change to GR313 also expands the menu of classes managers may choose from to meet the required number of rated sections.

HU 160.1 (Tracking No. 354-15)

USHJA PONY BREEDING CHAMPIONSHIP: This change adds the opportunity for establishing a USHJA Pony Breeding Championship. HU 187.6 (Tracking No. 355-15)

USHJA PONY HUNTER DERBY: This change creates a USHJA Derby program for ponies. More information, including speci� cations for the 2017 competition year, can be found at www.ushja.org/ponyhunterderby .

HU 191 (Tracking No. 372-15)

USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY WELCOME STAKE: This rule change establishes a USHJA International Hunter Derby Welcome Stake at Special Competitions in order to provide a stepping stone between the National Hunter Derby and International Hunter Derby. The class is geared toward younger or greener horses looking to gain experience before taking on the International Hunter Derby.

HU 192.1 (Tracking No. 373-15)

PONY JUMPER CROSS ENTRY: This rule change removes the cross-entry restriction on Pony Jumpers. JP 118.4 (Tracking No. 364-15)

Reminder: The microchipping requirement will begin to be phased in at the start of the 2018 competition year (December 1, 2017). Visit USHJA.org/microchipping for more information about microchipping.


Rule Changes 2016


HU110General1.Sectionsmustbedividedorcombinedbasedonthenumberofentriesinthefirstoverfencesclassandmaynotbecombinedordividedafterthefirstclass.Exception:Performance/HighPerformanceHunterandanyothersectionswhereindividualclassesmaybeentered,seeHU110.4.2.Nosectionmaybedividediftherearelessthan30entries.Exception:Green,AmateurOwner,Children’sandAdultAmateurHunterrefertoHU111,HU113,andsectionsgovernedbyUSHJAZoneSpecifications.3.Anysectionwith50ormoreentriesatthebeginningofthefirstclassmustbedivided.Ifthereare50ormoreentriesremaininginasectionafterithasbeendivided,thesectionmustberedividedbyeveryothernumber.Onceasectionhasbeenredivideditmaynotbedividedfurther.4.InPerformanceHunter,HighPerformanceHunterandanyothersectionswhereindividualclassesmaybeentered,thesectionscanbedividedafterthirty(30)horseshavecompetedinthefirstoverfencesclass.Subsequentclassesmaybedividedoncetwelve(12)horseshavecompetedineachclass.ForChampionships,seeHU145.Atalllicensedcompetitions,iftherearefewerthansixentriesineitherthePerformanceHunter3’3”orPerformanceHunter3’6”theymustbecombined,buttheycannotbecombinedwithanyotherhuntersections,exceptHighPerformanceHunter.IftherearesixormoreentriesineachPerformanceHuntersection,theymustbeheldseparately.Atalllicensedcompetitions,iftheHighPerformanceHuntersectionhasfewerthanthreeentries,itmustbecombinedwiththePerformanceHunter3’6”section.If,aftercombining,therearestillfewerthanthreeentriesinthecombinedsection,itmustbefurthercombinedwiththePerformanceHunter3’3”sectionWhencombiningHighPerformanceHunterwithPerformanceHunters3’6”and/or3’3”,thecombinedsectionsmustofferthesamenumberofclassesofferedbythePerformanceHuntersection(s)withwhichitiscombined.WhencombiningHighPerformanceHunterwithanothersection,ifdifferentamountsofprizemoneyorentryfeeswereofferedintheoriginalsections,thecombinedsectionswillusetheloweramountforbothprizemoneyandentryfees.[…]7.DefinitionofaCaliforniaSplit:TheCaliforniaSplitisusedtodividelargeclasses.CompetitionmanagementmaychoosetosplitclassesusingtheCaliforniaSplitaftertheclasshasstarted.Thejudgekeepstrackoftwicethenumberofplacingsrequiredforeitherribbonsorthejogorder.Atthecompletionofthejog,thejudgecreatestwoseparateordersusingalternatingnumbersinthefollowingmanner:thehighestscoreisfirstinSectionA,thesecondhighestscoreisfirstinSectionB,thethirdhighestscoreissecondinSectionA,thefourthhighestscoreissecondinSectionBandsoonuntilallplacingsareawardedorthejogorderiscomplete.Theresultistwosectionsofthesameclassbeingpinnedseparately.[…]Effective5/1/16–4/1/17HU117General8.Atrackisestablishedonceahorsehaslandedfromafenceorcompletesarequiredtestandfollowsthehorseuntiltheconsecutivefenceisjumpedorthenexttestisexecuted.Uponcompletionofeachconsecutivefenceorperformanceofthenexttest,thetrackiserased.Crossingatrackbetweenobstaclesand/orrequiredtestsshallconstituteadisobedienceandwillbepenalizedbythejudge(s).Exceptions:a.Acoursediagramthatrequiresaridertocrosshistrack.b.Snakeormultiplepaneljumpsthatarejumpedconsecutively.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU123Tack


Rule Changes 2016


HU110General1.Sectionsmustbedividedorcombinedbasedonthenumberofentriesinthefirstoverfencesclassandmaynotbecombinedordividedafterthefirstclass.Exception:Performance/HighPerformanceHunterandanyothersectionswhereindividualclassesmaybeentered,seeHU110.4.2.Nosectionmaybedividediftherearelessthan30entries.Exception:Green,AmateurOwner,Children’sandAdultAmateurHunterrefertoHU111,HU113,andsectionsgovernedbyUSHJAZoneSpecifications.3.Anysectionwith50ormoreentriesatthebeginningofthefirstclassmustbedivided.Ifthereare50ormoreentriesremaininginasectionafterithasbeendivided,thesectionmustberedividedbyeveryothernumber.Onceasectionhasbeenredivideditmaynotbedividedfurther.4.InPerformanceHunter,HighPerformanceHunterandanyothersectionswhereindividualclassesmaybeentered,thesectionscanbedividedafterthirty(30)horseshavecompetedinthefirstoverfencesclass.Subsequentclassesmaybedividedoncetwelve(12)horseshavecompetedineachclass.ForChampionships,seeHU145.Atalllicensedcompetitions,iftherearefewerthansixentriesineitherthePerformanceHunter3’3”orPerformanceHunter3’6”theymustbecombined,buttheycannotbecombinedwithanyotherhuntersections,exceptHighPerformanceHunter.IftherearesixormoreentriesineachPerformanceHuntersection,theymustbeheldseparately.Atalllicensedcompetitions,iftheHighPerformanceHuntersectionhasfewerthanthreeentries,itmustbecombinedwiththePerformanceHunter3’6”section.If,aftercombining,therearestillfewerthanthreeentriesinthecombinedsection,itmustbefurthercombinedwiththePerformanceHunter3’3”sectionWhencombiningHighPerformanceHunterwithPerformanceHunters3’6”and/or3’3”,thecombinedsectionsmustofferthesamenumberofclassesofferedbythePerformanceHuntersection(s)withwhichitiscombined.WhencombiningHighPerformanceHunterwithanothersection,ifdifferentamountsofprizemoneyorentryfeeswereofferedintheoriginalsections,thecombinedsectionswillusetheloweramountforbothprizemoneyandentryfees.[…]7.DefinitionofaCaliforniaSplit:TheCaliforniaSplitisusedtodividelargeclasses.CompetitionmanagementmaychoosetosplitclassesusingtheCaliforniaSplitaftertheclasshasstarted.Thejudgekeepstrackoftwicethenumberofplacingsrequiredforeitherribbonsorthejogorder.Atthecompletionofthejog,thejudgecreatestwoseparateordersusingalternatingnumbersinthefollowingmanner:thehighestscoreisfirstinSectionA,thesecondhighestscoreisfirstinSectionB,thethirdhighestscoreissecondinSectionA,thefourthhighestscoreissecondinSectionBandsoonuntilallplacingsareawardedorthejogorderiscomplete.Theresultistwosectionsofthesameclassbeingpinnedseparately.[…]Effective5/1/16–4/1/17HU117General8.Atrackisestablishedonceahorsehaslandedfromafenceorcompletesarequiredtestandfollowsthehorseuntiltheconsecutivefenceisjumpedorthenexttestisexecuted.Uponcompletionofeachconsecutivefenceorperformanceofthenexttest,thetrackiserased.Crossingatrackbetweenobstaclesand/orrequiredtestsshallconstituteadisobedienceandwillbepenalizedbythejudge(s).Exceptions:a.Acoursediagramthatrequiresaridertocrosshistrack.b.Snakeormultiplepaneljumpsthatarejumpedconsecutively.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU123Tack

1.Snaffles,pelhamsandfullbridles,allwithcavessonnosebands,arerequired.a.Judgesmaypenalize,butmaynoteliminate,ahorseorponythatcompetesinasnaffle,pelham,orfullbridlethatisunconventional.Unconventionalsnaffles,pelhams,orfullbridlesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,huntergags,kimberwickes,etc.b.Judgesmusteliminateahorseorponythatcompetesinillegalbitsornosebands.Illegalbitsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,threerings,gags(otherthanthehuntergag),etcetera...Illegalnosebandsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,drop,flashandfigureeightnosebands.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU124Equipment2.ElectronicCommunicationDevicesb.Electroniccommunicationdevicesusedforpurposesofcoaching,etc.,betweencompetitorsandindividualsoutsidetheringshallbeprohibitedinallclasses.c.ExhibitorswhohaveachronicconditionmayapplyforaPresidentialModificationexemptingthemfromthepro-visionsofthisruleinaccordancewithGR152.Ridersmaynotusethesedevicesinoverfencesclasses.d.Anexhibitorwhohasachronicconditionandhaspreviouslybeengrantedatleastoneannualpresidentialmodificationrelatedtothecondition,maysubmitanapplicationforapprovalofaspecialthree-yearpresidentialmodificationrelatedtothesamecondition.Theapplicationmustbeaccompaniedbysufficientsupportingdocumentationthattheconditionisunlikelytoimproveduringthethree-yearperiod.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU125Attire1.Protectiveheadgear.Allridersmustwearprotectiveheadgear.SeeGR801.2.Whilecompetinginajumpingclass,ifarider’schinstrapbecomesunfastened,theridermaystop,re-fastenthechinstrapandcontinuehis/herroundwithoutpenaltyorelimination.Ajudgemay,butisnotrequired,tostopariderandaskthemtorefastenachinstrapwhichhasbecomeunfastened,againwithoutpenaltytotherider.2.Attire.Ridersarerequiredtowearconservativelycoloredcoats(black,blue,green,greyorbrown)whicharefreefromadornmentwhichinthejudge’sopinionisoverlydistracting.Shirtsmusthaveachoker,similarcollarortie.Breechesmaybebuff,canary,tan,rustorwhite.4.Inappropriateattire.WhenmanagementpermitsHunterorHunterSeatEquitationriderstoridewithoutjackets,ridersmustweartraditional,short,orlong-sleevedridingshirtswithchokersorties.Poloshirtsandfullchapsarenotpermittedexceptinunjudgedwarm-upclasses.ManagementorJudgemayeliminateanexhibitorwhoisinappropriatelyattired.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU134Faults2.d.Crossingthetrack.Atrackisestablishedonceahorsehaslandedfromafenceorcompletesarequiredtestandfollowsthehorseuntiltheconsecutivefenceisjumpedorthenexttestisexecuted.Uponcompletionofeachconsecutivefenceorperformanceofthenexttest,thetrackiserased.Crossingatrackbetweenobstaclesand/orrequiredtestsshallconstituteadisobedienceandwillbepenalizedbythejudge(s).Exceptions1.Acoursediagramthatrequiresaridertocrosshistrack.2.Snakeormultiplepaneljumpsthatarejumpedconsecutively.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU143HunterClassics12.Attire:ridersarerequiredtocomplywithHU125.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU178FederationMeasurementVerification


Rule Changes 2016

1.TheCEOoftheFederationmay,athis/herdiscretion,causeameasurementverificationtobeundertakenofanyanimalcompetinginadivision,sectionorclassrequiringmeasurementataLicensedCompetition.2.Theanimalisrequiredtobepresentedtothestewardwithinonehourofthecompletionoftheanimal’slastclassonthedayofthemeasurementverificationwithinthesectionrequiringmeasurement.Atthattime,theanimalwillbemeasuredorthepresenterwillinformthestewardthattheanimalwillbepresentedforanappealmeasurementseeHU179.5b/c.Theanimal’smeasurementcardwillbeforfeitedandtheanimalwillbesuspendedfromshowinguntilitispresentedfortheappealmeasurement.Ifthemeasurementverificationisonthefirstdayofthesection,theanimalmayfinishcompetinginthesectionorclassrequiringmeasurement.Theanimalwillbephotographedbythemeasurementtechnicianontheleftandrightsides,frontandbackatthetimetheanimalistaggedformeasurementverification.Thephotographswillbeusedtoverifytheidentityoftheanimalattheappealmeasurement.3.Theanimalmaybepresentedtobejoggedshodorunshod,priortomeasurement.a.Ifjoggedwithshoes,shoesmayberemovedafterthejogbutnochangestothehoofmayoccurpriortothemeasurement.b.Ifjoggedwithoutshoes,allchangestothehoofmustbedonepriortothejogbutnochangestothehoofmayoccuraftertheanimalhasbeenjogged.4.Theanimalmaynotreceiveoringestanysubstancesotherthanhayandwateruntilthemeasurementiscomplete.5.Theanimalmustbesound.TheOfficialShowVeterinarianwilldetermineageandsoundness.Iftheanimalisdeterminedtobeunsound,themeasurementverificationcannotbecompletedandtheanimalmaynotcompeteuntilanappealmeasurementiscompleted.6.AStewardappointedbytheFederationwillperformthemeasurement(s).7.Ifananimalisfoundtobeoutsidethepermittedheightrangethatisdeterminedbytheanimal’smeasurementcardby1/4”,theownerforfeitsentryfeesandwinningsforthatcompetition.AllpointsaccumulatedforHorseoftheYearandZoneHorseoftheYearAwardstothatdateareforfeited.SaidanimalissuspendedfromcompetinginFederationLicensedCompetitionsfor90daysfromthedateofthemeasurementverificationandanewmeasurementcardwillbeissuedtotheownerattheendofthesuspensionperiod.a.ThecurrenttrainerandtheStewardwhoconductedtheoriginalmeasurementofananimalthatisfoundtomea-sureoutsideofthepermittedheightrangethatisdeterminedbytheanimal’smeasurementcardmaybesubjecttopenaltybytheFederation.b.Iftheanimalremainsinitscurrentheightsection,theanimalmaycontinuetocompeteasbefore.c.ThedecisionofthemeasuringofficialsisfinalunlessanappealisfiledwiththeFederationwithinfourteen(14)days(seeHU179.5bandc).8.AnanimalmayonlybeselectedforaFederationMeasurementVerificationonetimeineachcalendaryear.Animalsthatare15yearsofageorolderarenotsubjecttoFederationMeasurementVerification.

1.Snaffles,pelhamsandfullbridles,allwithcavessonnosebands,arerequired.a.Judgesmaypenalize,butmaynoteliminate,ahorseorponythatcompetesinasnaffle,pelham,orfullbridlethatisunconventional.Unconventionalsnaffles,pelhams,orfullbridlesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,huntergags,kimberwickes,etc.b.Judgesmusteliminateahorseorponythatcompetesinillegalbitsornosebands.Illegalbitsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,threerings,gags(otherthanthehuntergag),etcetera...Illegalnosebandsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,drop,flashandfigureeightnosebands.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU124Equipment2.ElectronicCommunicationDevicesb.Electroniccommunicationdevicesusedforpurposesofcoaching,etc.,betweencompetitorsandindividualsoutsidetheringshallbeprohibitedinallclasses.c.ExhibitorswhohaveachronicconditionmayapplyforaPresidentialModificationexemptingthemfromthepro-visionsofthisruleinaccordancewithGR152.Ridersmaynotusethesedevicesinoverfencesclasses.d.Anexhibitorwhohasachronicconditionandhaspreviouslybeengrantedatleastoneannualpresidentialmodificationrelatedtothecondition,maysubmitanapplicationforapprovalofaspecialthree-yearpresidentialmodificationrelatedtothesamecondition.Theapplicationmustbeaccompaniedbysufficientsupportingdocumentationthattheconditionisunlikelytoimproveduringthethree-yearperiod.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU125Attire1.Protectiveheadgear.Allridersmustwearprotectiveheadgear.SeeGR801.2.Whilecompetinginajumpingclass,ifarider’schinstrapbecomesunfastened,theridermaystop,re-fastenthechinstrapandcontinuehis/herroundwithoutpenaltyorelimination.Ajudgemay,butisnotrequired,tostopariderandaskthemtorefastenachinstrapwhichhasbecomeunfastened,againwithoutpenaltytotherider.2.Attire.Ridersarerequiredtowearconservativelycoloredcoats(black,blue,green,greyorbrown)whicharefreefromadornmentwhichinthejudge’sopinionisoverlydistracting.Shirtsmusthaveachoker,similarcollarortie.Breechesmaybebuff,canary,tan,rustorwhite.4.Inappropriateattire.WhenmanagementpermitsHunterorHunterSeatEquitationriderstoridewithoutjackets,ridersmustweartraditional,short,orlong-sleevedridingshirtswithchokersorties.Poloshirtsandfullchapsarenotpermittedexceptinunjudgedwarm-upclasses.ManagementorJudgemayeliminateanexhibitorwhoisinappropriatelyattired.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU134Faults2.d.Crossingthetrack.Atrackisestablishedonceahorsehaslandedfromafenceorcompletesarequiredtestandfollowsthehorseuntiltheconsecutivefenceisjumpedorthenexttestisexecuted.Uponcompletionofeachconsecutivefenceorperformanceofthenexttest,thetrackiserased.Crossingatrackbetweenobstaclesand/orrequiredtestsshallconstituteadisobedienceandwillbepenalizedbythejudge(s).Exceptions1.Acoursediagramthatrequiresaridertocrosshistrack.2.Snakeormultiplepaneljumpsthatarejumpedconsecutively.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU143HunterClassics12.Attire:ridersarerequiredtocomplywithHU125.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15HU178FederationMeasurementVerification


Rule Changes 2016

EquitationDivisionRuleChanges2016RelevanttoJudges

EQ101Eligibility3.Stallionsareprohibited.(Exception:USEFTalentSearchClass/Finals;HunterSeatEquitationclassesrestrictedtoadults;classesrestrictedtoabreedifdivisionrulesforthebreedofhorseriddenpermittheiruseforjuniors,andifthedivisionrulesforthebreedofhorseriddenpermitjuniorstoridestallions).BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15EQ105Appointments1.Protectiveheadgear.Allridersmustwearprotectiveheadgear.SeeGR801.2.Whilecompetinginaclass,ifarider’schinstrapbecomesunfastened,theridermaystop,re-fastenthechinstrapandcontinuehis/herperformancewithoutpenaltyorelimination.Ajudgemay,butisnotrequired,tostopariderandaskthemtorefastenachinstrapwhichhasbecomeunfastened,againwithoutpenaltytotherider.Headgearmustbefreefromnon-traditionaladornment.2.Attire.Ridersarerequiredtowearconservativelycoloredcoats(black,blue,green,greyorbrown)whicharefreefromadornmentwhichinthejudge’sopinionisoverlydistracting.Shirtsmusthaveachoker,similarcollarortie.Breechesmaybebuff,canary,tan,rustorwhite.3.Spurs,cropsorbatsareoptionalbutifusedmustbeaconservativecolor.4.Inappropriateattire.WhenmanagementpermitsHunter/JumpingSeatEquitationriderstoridewithoutjackets,ridersmustweartraditional,short,orlong-sleevedridingshirtswithchokersorties.Poloshirtsandfullchapsarenotpermittedexceptinunjudgedwarm-upclasses.ManagementorJudgemayeliminateanexhibitorwhoisinappropriatelyattired.5.Tack.a.InHunterSeatEquitation,snaffles,pelhamsandfullbridles,allwithcavessonnosebands,arerequired.Judgesmaypenalize,butmaynoteliminate,ahorseorponythatcompetesinasnaffle,pelhamorfullbridlethatisunconventional.Judgesmusteliminateahorseorponythatcompetesinanillegalbitoranosebandotherthanacavesson.Illegalbitsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,tworings,threerings,gags(otherthanthehuntergag),etcetera.Illegalnosebandsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,drop,flashandfigureeightnosebands.b.InJumpingSeatequitation,snaffles,pelhams,fullbridles,gags,tworingorthreeringbitsarerequired.Judgesmaypenalize,butmaynoteliminate,ahorseorponythatcompetesinansnaffle,pelham,orfullbridlethatisunconventional.Judgesmusteliminateahorseorponythatcompetesinanillegalbitornoseband.Legalnosebandsincludeleathercavesson,flashandfigureeight.Illegalnosebandsincludebutarenotlimitedtodropnosebands.6.Stirrupsmustbesilverincolorornon-coloredstainlesssteel.Ridersenteringtheringwithstirrupsthatdonotconformwillbeeliminated.(Exception:quickreleasesafetystirrupsandstirrupswithjointedbranchesarepermittedwhentheremainingareaofthestirrupbranchissilverincolorornon-coloredstainlesssteelanddoesnotundulyobscurethejudge’sviewoftherider’sfootinthestirrup).Effective12/1/15–8/31/166.WhenshowingintheHunter/JumpingSeatEquitationsectionitisrecommendedthatridersusetraditionalstainlesssteelstirrupironsthatpromoteproperpositionofthefootintheironaswellasacorrectlegposition.Itisfurtherrecommendedthatridersusestirrupironsthatallowjudgesaclearandunobstructedviewofthepositionofthefootinthestirrup.Judgesmaynoteliminateariderforusingaparticularstyleofstirrupiron.(Exception:seeEQ101.4)BOD2/29/16Effective9/1/167.ElectronicCommunicationDevices.


Rule Changes 2016

b.Electroniccommunicationdevicesusedforpurposesofcoaching,etc.,betweencompetitorsandindividualsoutsidetheringshallbeprohibitedinallclasses.c.ExhibitorswhohaveachronicconditionmayapplyforaPresidentialModificationexemptingthemfromthepro-visionsofthisruleinaccordancewithGR152.Ridersmaynotusethesedevicesinoverfencesclasses.d.Anexhibitorwhohasachronicconditionandhaspreviouslybeengrantedatleastoneannualpresidentialmodificationrelatedtothecondition,maysubmitanapplicationforapprovalofaspecialthree-yearpresidentialmodificationrelatedtothesamecondition.Theapplicationmustbeaccompaniedbysufficientsupportingdocumentationthattheconditionisunlikelytoimproveduringthethree-yearperiod.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15EQ107ClassRoutine1.Overobstacles.a.Theperformancebeginswhenthehorseentersthering.b.Eachcompetitor’sroundwillbescoredontherider’sperformance.c.Eachcompetitormaycircleoncebeforeapproachingthefirstobstacle.Hethenproceedsaroundthecoursekeepinganevenpacethroughout.d.Ifarefusaloccursinadoubleortriple,competitorsmustre-jumpallobstaclesinthecombination.e.Thejudgewilldetermineabasescoreforeachcompetitor’sperformance.Aknockdownpenaltyoffour(4)pointsperrailwillbedeductedfromthebasescore.f.Inclasseswithatimeallowed,aone(1)pointdeductionpersecondoverthetimeallowedwillbedeductedfromthebasescore.g.Thefollowingconstitutemajorfaults:

1.Arefusal.2.Trottingoncoursewhennotpartofatest.3.Crossingyourtrack;Atrackisestablishedonceahorsehaslandedfromafenceorcompletesarequiredtestandfollowsthehorseuntiltheconsecutivefenceisjumpedorthenexttestisexecuted.Uponcompletionofeachconsecutivefenceorperformanceofthenexttest,thetrackiserased.Crossingatrackbetweenobstaclesand/orrequiredtestsshallconstituteadisobedienceandwillbepenalizedbythejudge(s).Exceptions:

a.Acoursediagramthatrequiresaridertocrosshistrack.b.Snakeormultiplepaneljumpsthatarejumpedconsecutively

h.Thefollowingconstitutefaultsatthejudge’sdiscretion: 1.Alossofstirrup(s). 2.Alossofrein(s).i.Aneliminatedridermustleavetheringimmediately.Ifeliminationoccursduringaride-off,thecompetitorisplacedlastofallthosechosenfortheride-off,butplacedbeforeanyridersnotparticipating(seeEQ112).Thefollowingactionswillresultinelimination:

1.Fallofhorseandrider(ridershallnotremountinthering).2.Threecumulativerefusals.Exceptions:RiderswillbeeliminatedaftertworefusalsintheU.S.HunterSeatMedalFinals,U.S.PonyMedalFinals,MaclayFinals,USEFTalentSearchclassandtheWIHSEquitationJumperphase.3.Offcourse.4.Trottingorcanteringthroughthein-gateorout-gate.

j.Anyorallcompetitorscanbecalledbacktoperformatawalk,trotandcanterortoexecuteanyappropriatetestsincludedinclassrequirements(seeEQ110andEQ112).Ifariderdoesnotattemptapartofthetest(e.g.,failstoback,failstohalt)ascoreof50shallbegivenforthefirstoccurrence.Ifa


Rule Changes 2016

riderattemptsthetest,butencountersdifficulty(e.g.,lossofcounterlead,breakingtothecanterinfrontofatrotfence),upto10pointsmaybededucteddependingonseverity,foreachoccurrence.2.FlatClassesandFlatPhases.a.InHunterSeatorJumpingSeatEquitationflatclassesorphases,judgesmustworkcompetitorsingroupsoftwenty(20)orless.b.Lightcontactwiththehorse’smouthisrequired.c.Competitorsshallproceedatleastoncearoundtheringateachgaitand,oncommand,reverseandrepeat.Theordertoreversecanbeexecutedbyturningeithertowardorawayfromtherail.Entriesthenlineuponcommand.d.Alltestsmustbeontheflat.e.InadditiontotheclassrequirementsofEQ110andEQ112,inIntermediate,OpenEquitationclassesforriders12yearsofageandolder,ASPCAMaclayclasses,andallU.S.HunterSeatMedalclasses,ridersmaybeaskedtoworkcollectivelywithoutstirrups.f.InadditiontotheclassrequirementsofEQ110andEQ112,inOpenEquitationclassesforriders12yearsofageandolder,ASPCAMaclayclasses,andallU.S.HunterSeatMedalclasses,judgesmaycallformoreadvancedflatworksuchasshoulderin,shoulderout,haunchesin,haunchesout,andchangingdirectioncollectively.3.Outsideassistancewillbepenalizedatthejudge’sdiscretion.4.Incasesofbrokenequipmentorlossofshoe,thecompetitormustcontinueorbeeliminated.Exception:seeEQ105.1forprotectiveheadgear.5.Thenumberofcompetitorswhocompletethecoursewillbeusedtodeterminethenumberofentrantsfortheincrementsystem.6.Inanytwo-phaseequitationclass,i.e.theWIHS,MaclayandtheUSEFTalentSearch,aridermustcompletebothphasestobeeligibleforaribbonintheoverallstandings.Exception:U.S.HunterSeatMedalseeEQ110.5.7.Nomedalclasswithanationalyear-endfinalsmayrunconcurrentlywithanyotherclassorsectioninthesamering.Exception:PonyMedalsandWIHSEquitationHunterPhase.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15EQ110RequirementsforSpecificClasses5.b.Tobeshownoveracourseofnotlessthaneightobstaclesat3’6”withspreadsto4’(Exception:triplebartypeobstacles,maximumspreadof5’)whichmustincludeonecombinationincludinganoxerandtwochangesofdirectionafterthefirstobstacleand1/3oftheobstaclesmustbeoxers.Thetopelementofallobstaclesmustbesecurelyplacedsothataslightrubwillnotcauseaknockdown.Ifabreakawayorsafetycupsareusedthetopcupmustbethedeepeststandardcupavailable.Aplankmaynotbeusedasthetopelementofajump.AliverpoolorwaterisprohibitedinUSHunterSeatMedalclassesincludingRegionalsandFinals.Inaddition,allcoursesmustincludeatleastthreeofthefollowing:Bendingline,narrowjump(5’6”-8’),roll-backturn,fenceattheendofthering,longapproachtoasinglejump.Twoormoretestsofatleastthetopfourcompetitorsarerequired.Eightplacesmustbeawardedinclasseswiththirty-one(31)ormoreentries.Tests1-19.Anyexhibitorwhodoesnotparticipateinthetestingisplacedlastofthoseexhibitorscalledbacktotest.Shouldmorethanoneexhibitorfailtoreturnfortestingtheywillbeplacedatthejudge’sdiscretion.Onlyoneriderperhorse.Tofillaclasssixcompetitorsmustcompletethecourse(fiveinZones6,8,11and12).Forpurposesofdeterminingthenumberofentriesfortheincrementsystem,thenumberofentriesisdeterminedbythenumberofexhibitorswhocompletedthecourseinaclassorsectionoftheclass.Ifthereare40ormoreentriesatthebeginningofthisclass,itmaybedividedbyeveryothernumberandrunastwoseparatesections.Ifthereare50ormoreentriesatthebeginningofthisclass,itmustbedividedbyeveryothernumberandrunastwoormoreseparateclasses.CertificateofCompliance-Nationalmedal


Rule Changes 2016

classesmustbecertifiedbythefollowing:Acourseplanshowingtheactualheightandspreadofallthefences,signedbythejudgeandstewardwhichmustbeincludedinthesteward’sreporttotheFederation.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/1510.WASHINGTONINTERNATIONALHORSESHOWEQUITATIONg.WIHSEquitation2.JumperPhase-ThecourseshouldbeofthetypeusedinaHighJuniorJumpercompetition.Tobeshownoveraminimumof10jumpsat1.10m(3’7”).Aminimumofeithertwodoublecombinationsoronetriplecombinationarerequired.Theremustbeatleasttwochangesofdirectionafterthefirstfence.Inaddition,atleasttwoofthefollowingarerequiredandmorearerecommended:vertical-nogroundlines;Liverpool;narrowjump-minimumwidth5’6”;oneormoreofthefollowing-triplebar,swedishoxer,fanjump.BOD1/17/15Effective12/1/15



Hunter Division Rule Changes 2012-2015 Relevant to Judges

HU106 Regular Hunter – Definition and Classifications

3. Pre-Green –

f. No jogging is required. EC 12/19/11 Effective Immediately

8. Thoroughbred Hunter –

a. Thoroughbred restricted classes are open only to horses that are recorded with the Federation, registered with USHJA and are in possession of Breed Registry papers. Horses must have been either registered with The Jockey Club or meet one of the criteria below. All horse shows must require riders to verify registration on the day of the horse show through one of the following methods:

1. The Jockey Club Certificate of Foal Registration or a copy thereof

2. The horse’s lip tattoo, the horse’s 5-cross pedigree and the successful tattoo look-up result from The Jockey Club’s Tattoo Identification Services, (located at www. registry.jockeyclub.com)

3. If neither of the above is available, a letter from The Jockey Club verifying the horse’s identity.

b. Fences set at 3’0” spreads not to exceed height of fence.

c. Cross entry into other sections is allowed unless otherwise stated in the prize list.

d. Championships must be offered in accordance with HU146.

e. This section will be C rated for Zone Horse of the Year Awards as per GR313.6. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

HU108 Adult Amateur

1. Unless the USHJA submits their Zone specifications to the Federation by August 1 of the previous year, the following specifications will apply for the Adult Amateur Hunter section:

a. To be ridden by amateurs who are no longer eligible to compete as junior exhibitors. Horses and riders entered in Adult Amateur Hunter sections may not compete in the Amateur Owner Hunter section at the same competition. Riders entered in Adult Amateur Hunter sections may not compete in any other class in which obstacles are required to exceed 3’9’ (1.15m) at the same competition. (Exception: USHJA National Hunter Derby).

b. Horses may be entered in Junior Hunter sections at the same competition if ridden by a member of the same family.

c. Ponies may be ridden by adults, however ponies shown by adults at a Licensed Competi-tion cannot be shown by juniors at the same competition. (Exception: when competing at a multi-breed/discipline competition, a pony may be shown in the breed restricted hunter section by an adult and then also shown by a junior rider in hunter classes restricted to ponies. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

HU109 Non-rated Classes

e. Walk-Trot.

1. Classes that the exhibitor is asked to walk and trot only. These classes are



exempted from non-member fees per GR901.9(5).

2. The horse must give the appearance of being a safe and suitable mount for the class. The safety of all exhibitors is of primary concern in walk-trot hunter, walk-trot pleasure and walk-trot equitation classes. Effective 12/1/13.

HU110 Pony Hunter

5. Ponies shown by a junior cannot be shown by an adult at the same competition, except in breeding classes in-hand and in accordance with HU108. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

HU111 Junior and Children’s Hunters

9. All horses showing in the Junior Hunter Section at Regular Competitions must have a Feder-ation measurement card.

a. A large Junior Hunter is over 16 hands.

b. A small Junior Hunter is 16.0 hands and under.

1. Beginning, December 1, 2014, and ending November 30, 2015, an application may be made for a one time re-measurement from the Large Junior Hunter sec-tion to the Small Junior Hunter section.

2. No penalties will be associated with this re-measurement and the horse may immediately begin competing in its new section.

14. Junior Hunter 3’3”. Open to junior riders. Riders may not cross enter into any class at 3’6” or higher in the hunter division, higher than 3’9” in the equitation division or higher than 1.20m in the jump-er division at the same competition. . Horses entered in the Junior Hunter 3’3” section may not cross enter into the Children’s Hunter section at the same competition. Horses entered in Junior Hunter 3’3” sections may not cross enter into Junior Hunter 3’6” sections at the same competition. When the Junior Hunter 3’3” is offered as one section, no exhibitor may ride more than three (3) horses in the section. BOD 9/30/14 Effective 12/1/14.

SUBCHAPTER HU-3 COURSES

HU119 General

1. All obstacles, except those noted below, must be set at required height. The required height may have a variance of no more than 2” over or under. Exceptions:

a. Walk fences may not exceed 2’ in height and spread.

b. Trot fences may not exceed 3’ in height and spread for horses and 2’ in height for ponies in classes restricted to ponies.

c. Brush obstacles, hedges, split-rail fences, simulated rock or stone walls, ditches, banks and other specialty jumps designed to simulate natural obstacles found in the hunt field.

d. The first fence of any hunter course.

5. In all rated hunter sections, at least two different courses are required. At least one change of direction (change of lead) is required in every course. All “A” rated sections at National and Pre-mier rated shows, except for Green Hunter Pony sections, must offer an over fence class as a handy hunter. This handy hunter class may not be the first class of a section nor can it be the designated first round of a classic when using one round of a section as the first round of a classic. Effective 12/1/11



7. In over fences classes, riders shall not be required to hand gallop the first fence of a line consisting of a measured distance. Effective 12/1/12

HU120 Course Diagrams

1. Course diagrams must be posted at least one half-hour before scheduled time of class unless they have been illustrated in the prize list. The plan or diagram of the course must show the obstacles which must be taken in the order indicated by numbers but apart from this the rider is not bound to follow a compulsory track. An arrow is used on the diagram to indicate the direction in which each obstacle is to be taken. When distances between related fences in all classes, rated or unrated, are 100’ or less, the distance must be included on the posted course diagram. Effective 12/1/11

2. All posted courses at Federation-licensed competitions must include the numbers of fenc-es to be jumped (i.e. Fences 1-8). Effective 12/1/12

HU121 Height of Obstacles

When a range of fence heights is allowed in a class or section, the minimum height must be used unless a higher height is specified in the prize list. Effective 12/1/12

3. Amateur Owner Sections:

a. Obstacles at National and Premier rated competitions must be 3’6”.

b. Obstacles at “B” and “C” rated competitions and competitions in Zones 11 and 12 may be 3’3” or 3’6”.

c. If a 3’3” Amateur Owner Hunter Section is offered, obstacles are to be set at 3’3”.

d. If a competition offers both 3’3” and 3’6” Amateur Owner Hunter sections, regardless of the competition’s rating, the obstacles must be set at 3’3” and 3’6” respectively.

e. No minimum height r equired at Local Competitions. Effective 12/1/11

8. Junior Hunter Sections:

a. Obstacles must be 3’6” in all classes. (Exception: Fences may be 3” lower in Zones 11 and 12 and in the Junior Hunter 3’3” section. Effective 12/1/13)

b. No minimum height required at Local Competitions. Effective 12/1/11 ...

10. Pre Green. Fences not to exceed 3’ or 3’3”. (See HU106.3) Effective 12/1/12

11. Green Pony Hunter: 2’3” for small, 2’6” for medium and 2’9” for large. (See HU124 regarding spread of fences).

12. Regular Pony Hunter: 2’3” for small, 2’6” for medium and 2’9’-3’ for large (see HU124 regarding spread of fences).

13. Performance Working Hunter 3’3”

14. Performance Working Hunter 3’6”.

15. Three-Year-Old Hunter: Not to exceed 2’9”. Effective 12/1/12

16. Small Hunter Sections: 3’ Effective 12/1/11

17. Green Conformation: 3’6”. Effective 12/1/12

18. Regular Conformation: 3’9”. Effective 12/1/12



19. Thoroughbred Hunter: 3’0” BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14

HU122 Type

3. Every course must have at least four different type obstacles. (Exception: see HU145.10). The jumpable portion of all obstacles must be a minimum width of eight feet wide.

4. A minimum 2” difference is required for the back element of an obstacle. A ground line is required for all obstacles except in Handy Hunter classes.

6. In Handy classes obstacles must simulate those found in trappy hunting country. The course must have at least two changes of direction and at least one in and out as well as three of the following: hand gallop a jump, bending line, rollback turn, fence at the end of the ring or open a gate while mounted or trot over one obstacle (exception: in and outs are optional for Pony Handy cours-es). BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14 Judges must place emphasis on promptness and tight turns with precedence being given in that order. Handiness is defined as time and ground saving movement without adversely affecting performance or style. Brilliance of pace is defined as a faster pace than ordinary, without sacrificing performance or style. Hand Gallop is defined as a significant increase in pace without sacrificing performance or style. Effective 12/1/11. Exception: Ins and outs are optional for Pony Handy Hunter classes. Effective 12/1/13.

7. For all hunter classes restricted to Ponies, the first obstacle of all courses must be a ver-tical. Effective 12/1/11. For pony hunter handy courses, leading over one obstacle as well as opening a gate are prohibited. Effective 12/1/13.

HU123 In and Outs

2. An in and out is two jumps set for one or two strides. The distance may be adjusted during a class requiring different fence heights. Exception: The distance must be adjusted in Pony Hunter classes, see HU124. Effective 12/1/11

HU124 Pony Hunter

1. Heights and Spreads.

a. Fences may be a maximum of 3” lower in Zones 11 and 12.

b. No minimum height required at Local Competitions.

c. Spread of jump may not exceed height and must be measured including flowers, brush and ground lines.

d. If a competition offers a team or pairs class or a pony hunter classic in which ponies of mixed heights are permitted, the prize list must state the height of the fences and stip-ulate all judging requirements. Effective 12/1/12

2. Distances.

a. If the distance between related fences is less than 100’ (including in and outs), the distance must be adjusted for each height section.

b. In “B”, “C” and Local rated sections, there must not be any other fences in the same line as an in and out. Effective 12/1/11

HU124 Pony Hunter

In the event that any or all of the Pony Hunter sections (Small, Medium, Large) are combined, the course designer may add or remove fill as necessary to meet the requirements of HU124.1c (spread of a jump). Every effort should be made to make the jump look as similar as possible at



each height. Any removed fill should not be left next to the jump, and should be placed within an island or decoration, or removed completely from the ring. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

SUBCHAPTER HU-4 ATTIRE, TACK AND EQUIPMENT HU125 Tack

1. Snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, all with cavesson nosebands, are required.

a. Judges may penalize, but may not eliminate, a horse or pony that competes in an un-conventional snaffle, pelham, or full bridle. Unconventional snaffles, pelhams, or full bridles include, but are not limited to, hunter gags, kimberwickes, etc.

b. Judges must eliminate a horse or pony that competes in bits other than snaffles, pel-hams or full bridles, and nosebands other than cavesson nosebands. Illegal bits include, but are not limited to, three rings, gags (other than the hunter gag), et cetera... Illegal nosebands include, but are not limited to, drop, flash and figure eight nosebands.

2. Horses must return to the ring for conformation or soundness wearing a snaffle, pel-ham or full bridle with a cavesson noseband.

3 Martingales of any type are prohibited in Under Saddle, hack and tie-breaking classes. Standing and running martingales used in the conventional manner are allowed for all over fences classes. All other martingales are considered illegal. A judge must eliminate a horse or pony that competes in a martingale other than a standing or running martingale used in the conventional manner. Effective 4/1/14

4. The total maximum weight of equipment allowed to be added to a horse’s leg, front or hind (sin-gle or multiple boots, fetlock rings, etc), is 500 grams or 17.637 ounces (shoe excluded). Failure to comply with this paragraph will incur disqualification. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

HU127 Attire

1. Formal Attire. Riders are required to wear scarlet or dark coats; white shirts with white stock; white, buff or canary breeches and protective headgear. See GR801.2. While competing in a jumping class, if a rider’s chin strap becomes unfastened, the rider may stop, re-fasten the chin strap and continue his/her round without penalty or elimination. A judge may, but is not re-quired, to stop a rider and ask them to refasten a chin strap which has become unfastened, again without penalty to the rider. Members of the Armed Services or the Police may wear the Service Dress Uniform. Effective 12/1/11

HU129 Ladies Side Saddle Attire

5. Collar: Same material and color as coat unless bona fida member of a recognized hunt has been invited to wear the hunt colors in which case, the collar should conform to the livery of the hunt and be worn only on coats of the hunt livery color.

6. Vest: Of plain white, buff or yellow material, unless bona fida member of a recognized hunt has been invited to wear the hunt’s livery in which case, the vest should conform to the livery of the hunt and be worn only with habits of the hunt livery color.

7. Buttons: Must conform to hunt livery. Usual specifications are: Brass or bone on vest. Black bone on black or dark blue coat. If bona fida member of a recognized hunt has been invited to wear the hunt button, it should be engraved with the hunt emblem, otherwise it should be plain.

8. Boots: Black, without tops: of plain black calf without tabs. Boot garters, if worn, plain black. Zip-pers and laces are not permitted.

11. Gloves: Plain; heavy wash leather or brown leather gloves.



12. Rain Gloves: White or light colored rain gloves. Should be carried on off (right) side under billets and just showing in front of saddle flap.—Fingers forward, thumbs in. Effective 2/1/14

HU130 Ladies Side Saddle Tack and Equipment

1. Sandwich Case: Required for appointments. Must be combined sandwich case and flask. Sand-wich case must contain a plain white-meat sandwich, crusts removed, cut on the diagonal, wrapped in wax paper; a linen handkerchief or napkin is optional and flask must contain sher-ry or tea.

2. Bridle: Must be either double or pelham. First definitely preferable. All leather must be flat. A cavesson noseband must be used. Rubber, laced, and plaited reins are not permissible. Stitched in leather preferred.

3. Breastplate: Optional, but preferred. All leather must be flat.

4. Martingales: Not permitted on the flat or in Hunter Hack, permitted in over fences classes.

5. Saddles: Must be plain English type. May have doeskin or suede seat and pommel. Lining may be leather or linen. Numnahs and saddle cloth not permitted.

6. Girths: Triple fold leather. No elastic permitted. Cannot be shaped. Balance girth, either sepa-rate or stitched to triple fold girth, is necessary. First definitely preferable. Girth cover not permitted.

7. Irons: Should be regular side saddle iron with oval eye or safety stirrup. Should be large, workman-like and polished, without pads. Effective 2/1/14.

SUBCHAPTER HU-5 JUDGING.

HU131 General

1.

c. At an in and out, the faults committed at each obstacle are considered separately. In case of a refusal or runout at the 2nd obstacle of an in and out, the competitor may rejump both obsta-cles of the in and out. EC 4/16/12 Effective Immediately

3. In all classes over obstacles, all horses being considered for an award must jog for soundness in the judge’s order of preference prior to being judged for conformation. Two more entries than the number of ribbons must also be jogged if there are sufficient entries. Horses may not leave the ring until the jog is declared official by the judge. A horse that leaves the ring prior to the jog being declared official will be eliminated. A horse that is unruly, one that breaks away from the handler or one whose actions threaten to endanger the rider, handler, other exhibitors or their entries will be eliminated. (Exception: Hunter Breeding and Pony Breeding). A horse may not be eliminated for receiving outside assistance in the jog. Effective 4/1/14

6. In cases of broken equipment or loss of shoe while competing, the rider or handler may choose to continue without penalty. If they decide to stop to address the situation that rider/handler will be eliminated. In the case of the jump(s) falling over due to weather or act of God, the rider must remain in the ring until receiving instructions from the judge(s) or be eliminated. In this instance, the decision of the judge(s) is final. BOD 1/19/13 Effective Immediately.

8. Obstacle Not Properly Set. If a competitor jumps an obstacle that has not been reset, or has been reset improperly, due to it being downed by a previous competitor, the weather, or some other factor, the competitor receives no penalty. However, if the competitor knocks down the obstacle he will be penalized accordingly. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

HU132 Definition of Competed



A horse has competed in an over fences class when the horse’s entry number and a score for at least the first jump are recorded on the judges card. A horse failing to complete the entire course is not eligible to receive points, awards, or prize money. A horse has competed in an under saddle class when the horse has entered the ring. When three or fewer horses compete in an under saddle class, all horses’ numbers must be listed on the judges card regardless of whether they receive an award. Effective 12/1/13.

HU133 Soundness

All horses must be serviceably sound. All horses being considered for an award must jog for sound-ness with rider dismounted, (Exception: Under Saddle classes, classes with specifications that do not require horses to jog, unrated classes, and classes at Local Competitions). Horses may not leave the ring until the jog is declared official by the judge. A horse that leaves the ring prior to the jog being declared official will be eliminated. A horse that is unruly, one that breaks away from the handler or one whose actions threaten to endanger the rider, handler, or other exhibitors or their entries will be eliminated. (Exception: Hunter Breeding and Pony Breeding). A horse may not be eliminated for receiving outside assistance in the jog. In classes restricted to junior riders, a junior must jog the animal for soundness. Horses that are not serviceably sound are ineligible for an award, including under saddle classes. Effective 4/1/14, BOD 6/1/14 Effective Imme-diately

HU136 Faults

3. The following constitute elimination. ...

e. Fall of horse and/or rider (rider shall not remount in the ring). Effective 12/1/12

f. Stopping for loss of shoe or broken equipment. BOD 1/19/13 Effective Immedi-ately.

g. In model classes, a horse or pony that breaks away from the handler or one whose actions threaten to endanger the rider, handler, other exhibitors or their entries. Ex-ception: Hunter Breeding and Pony Breeding classes. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

HU137 Pony Hunter

Manners of the pony and suitability of the pony to the rider must be emphasized in all classes. Extreme speed must be penalized. Suitability of a pony for a rider is de-termined by height of rider as related to the height of the pony. Judges must penalize but not necessarily eliminate an entry not having such suitability and manners. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

SUBCHAPTER HU-6 CLASS SPECIFICATIONS

HU145 Hunter Classics

1. The following Hunter Classics may be offered:Adult Amateur Hunter Classic, Chil-dren’s Hunter Pony Classic, Children’s Hunter Horse Classic, Pre-Green Hunter Clas-sic, Small Hunter Classic, Pony Hunter Classic, Green Pony Hunter Classic, Open Hunter Classic, 3’3” Junior Hunter Classic, 3’6” Junior Hunter Classic, 3’3” Junior Hunter Classic, 3’6” Amateur Owner Hunter Classic, 3’3” Ama-teur Owner Hunter Classic. Six (6) entries are required to conduct a Hunter Classic. If there are less than six (6) entries in any one Hunter Classic, it may combine with other sections of the same rating. If Hunter Classics are combined and a horse is shown in more than one section qualifying for the Hunter Classic, the exhibitor must declare to the Competi¬tion Secretary which section bonus points are to count toward. Hunter Classics can¬not be divided in any manner and held by section if there are less than six (6) entries in each divided section. Exception: “A” rated sections must have twelve (12) entries to divide. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

4. At National and Premier competitions, in sections with an “A” rating, Hunter Clas¬sics conducted



using either a designated hunter class as the first round or a separate two round class must offer at least $1000 in prize money and sections with a “B” or “C” rating must offer at least $500 in prize money. (Exception: Pony Hunter Classics in sections with an “A” or “B” rating must offer at least $500 in prize money; Children’s Hunter Pony is not required to offer prize money). At Regional I and Regional II com-petitions, in sections with a “B” or “C” rating, Hunter Classics conducted using either a designated hunter class as the first round or a separate two round class must offer at least $250 in prize money (Exception: Children’s Hunter Pony is not required to offer prize money). At Premier, National, Regional I and Regional II competitions, when a Hunter Classic is conducted as a separate two round class, the minimum prize money offered as stated above.

7. A minimum of the top 12 entries, if available, or 50% of the entries in the first round,

whichever is greater, will return for the second round. If a horse or pony is eliminated in the first round of competition, they may not return for the second round. If a horse/ rider combination does not return for the second round or is eliminated during the second round of a clas-sic, a score of zero will be combined with the first round score and the horse/rider combi-nation will be placed accordingly. If possible, twelve places are to be awarded. ...

9. Bonus points will be awarded toward Horse of the Year Awards in the horse’s re-spective section and are based on the number of horses that compete in the classic. In a Hunter Classic using a designated class of the hunter section as the first round, the number of horses that compete in the classic is determined by the number of horses who have entered and competed in the first round of the classic, not the designated class used as the first round. In a Hunter Classic held as a separate two round class, the number of horses that compete in the classic is determined by the number of horses who compete in the first round of the classic.

The bonus points are as follows:

a. In a Hunter Classic using a designated class as the first round, the bonus points for Zone HOTY are determined by adding one point for each entry that competes in the first round of a classic to the applicable increment in GR1131.5 and multiplying the result by 1.25.

b. In a Hunter Classic held as a separate two round class, the bonus points for Zone HOTY are determined by adding one point for each entry that competes in the first round of a clas-sic to the applicable increment in GR1131.5 and multiplying the result by 1.5.

c. In a Hunter Classic using a designated class as the first round, the bonus points for National HOTY are determined by adding one point for each entry that competes in the classic to the applicable increment in GR1131.5 and multiplying the result by 1.75.

d. In a Hunter Classic held as a separate two round class, the bonus points for National HOTY are determined by adding one point for each entry that competes in the classic to the applicable increment in GR1131.5 and multiplying the result by 2. BOD 9/30/14 Effective 12/1/14.

11. An open numerical judging system must be used. If there are multiple judging panels, one judging panel must be appointed as the tie breaker.

15. A horse may not compete in more than one classic per section but may compete in an open classic, a USHJA National Hunter Derby, or a USHJA International Hunter Derby at the same competition. A horse is limited to competing in a maximum of two classics or derbies or combination of classics and derbies per competition. (Exception: Leagues approved by the Federation in accordance with GR915.3b).



16. If more than 30 horses are entered in a Junior Hunter Classic, the classic must be split in ac-cordance with HU117. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

SUBCHAPTER HU-7 CHAMPIONSHIPS

HU149 Ties

1. In case of a tie score the Championship and/or Reserve is awarded to the horse that accumulated the most points over fences. If horses have an equal number of points over fences and no points under saddle, the tied horses will be asked to compete in a hack off, or independent under saddle class, to be judged on soundness and performance at the walk, trot and canter. Com-petitors may be asked to hand gallop at the discretion of the judge. (Exception: Green Hunters.) Any competitor may concede to the other if they choose not to hack off, or if both competi-tors agree, they may choose to break the tie with a coin toss. Effective 4/1/14

SUBCHAPTER HU-8 CONDUCT

HU160 Scheduling

1. “A” rated Hunter sections may be held and judged on one or more days. If held on one day “A” sections would be limited to a maximum of four classes per section (3 over fences and 1 under saddle). If held on two or more days, three to five performance classes must be offered (Excep-tion: Pony Hunter and Junior Hunter sections).

b. National rated competitions must be held and judged over a minimum of three days on the same competition grounds. A minimum of five “A” rated hunter sections must be offered and a minimum of two performance classes from two different “A” rated Hunter sections must be scheduled and judged on each of the three days. “A” rated Hunter sections must be held and judged over two or more days. (Exception: High Performance Working Hunter, Performance Hunter 3’6”-3’9”, Performance Hunter 3’3” and pony hunter sections). A minimum of $5,000 in prize money must be paid in the rated Hunter sections of a National competition. A maximum of $2,000 of Hunter Classic and/or USHJA National Hunter Derby prize money can be used towards calculating the $5,000 of required prize money for a National rated competition.

c. Premier rated competitions must be held and judged over a minimum of five (5) days on the same competition grounds. A minimum of five “A” rated Hunter sections must be offered and a minimum of two performance classes from two different “A” rated Hunter sections must be scheduled and judged on four of the five days. “A” rated Hunter sections must be held on two or more days. (Exception: High Performance Working Hunter, Performance Hunter 3’6”-3’9” and Performance Hunter 3’3”). A minimum of $24,000 in prize money, including add-back money if any, must be paid in the rated Hunter sections of a Premier competition. A maximum of $5,000 of Hunter Classic, USHJA International Hunter Derby and/or USHJA National Hunter Derby prize money can be used towards calculating the $24,000 of prize money, including add-back mon-ey if any, which must be paid for a Premier rated competition. If an add-back is offered, the minimum required prize money for that section must be guaranteed, and the add-backs must be clearly indicated in the prize list. Exception: If sections are canceled or entries are insufficient to award all prize money, then additional money not awarded must be pooled and redistributed 60% to the champions, and 40% to the reserve champions of the remaining “A” rated hunter sections. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14

HU162 Prize Money

2. No more than 60% of the prize money in the required classes for an “A” rated section may be of-fered on any one day when the division is held on two or more days, exception: “A” rated sections in which all required classes are held on one day. Prize money offered in Model classes and Clas-sics at Premier rated competitions including add-back money, if any, in rated Hunter sections, does not count toward the minimum prize money required for a section’s rating nor is it considered for purposes of deter-mining 60% to be offered. BOD 9/30/14 Effective 12/1/14.



HU168 Sections Required for Regional II Rating

Except at competitions offering “A” or “B” rated Hunter sections, at least two (2) “C” rated sections (Green or Regular Conformation, Green Working, High Performance Working, Amateur Owner, Junior, Pony, or Green Pony Hunter, Children’s Hunter, Adult Amateur Hunter, Pre-Green Hunter, or Thorough-bred Hunter) must be offered. Divided sections count as a single section. Competitions restricted to side saddle may offer a Ladies Hunter Side Saddle Section as the only “C” rated Hunter section. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

SUBCHAPTER HU-10 MEASUREMENT HU170 General

1. Horses or ponies competing in any division, section or class where height is a requirement must be measured. Measurements will be conducted in accordance with HU171.1 below.

2. Competition Management is required to check measurement cards for horses or ponies show-ing in divisions, sections, or classes where height is a requirement. Management shall not provide a back number to an animal entered in such sections unless the exhibitor or his agent is in possession of:

a. The original or a copy of a measurement card issued by the Federation. Equine Canada measurement cards are not acceptable proof of height.

b. A copy of a valid measurement form.

3. It is the responsibility of each owner to possess a valid measurement card for horses and po-nies showing in divisions, sections or classes where height is a requirement.

4. Failure to comply with this rule by the owner, trainer or competition will result in a charge pursuant to GR6 and GR7.

5. Competition management may, at its discretion, confirm any of the foregoing information elec-tronically with the Federation office.

7. All horses and ponies that are presented for measurement of any kind are subject to drug testing.

8. Measurements must be performed by a steward and the official competition veterinarian. The of-ficial competition veterinarian must confirm the age of the horse or pony and that it was jogged and is serviceably sound. Upon the official competition veterinarian’s verification of soundness, the steward’s measurement is final. The steward and the official competition veterinarian shall sign the measurement form. A steward may not measure a horse or pony that is owned by a member of his family or by any of his or his family member’s clients. (See GR1039.4)

b. The steward shall be either a steward officiating at the competition or a steward authorized in writing to conduct the measurement by the Federation CEO or Executive Director. If the official competition veterinarian is not present at the competition, or not available when on call (see GR1210.3) the measurement may be con-ducted by a steward and a judge officiating at the competition, or another steward officiating at the competition; however, the measurement will be for the purposes of that competition only and no measurement card will be issued. Measurement forms will be sent to the Federation, but will not be given to the owner. (Exception: Exhibitors will not be penalized by having points withheld for measurement forms that are incorrectly filled out by USEF stewards and /or competition management and/or competition veteri-narians.

9. Stewards who perform measurements and other competition officials present who measure horses or ponies at a competition are responsible for their true measurement and must use the Federation approved measurement stick (See HU174). The names of the measuring stewards will be printed on the measurement card and they and other measuring officials will be subject to charges of rule violations for hearing and determination pursuant to Chapters GR6 and GR7 if it is subsequently determined that a measurement is incorrect.



11. Measurements must take place at a Licensed Competition in which the horse or pony is entered to compete. Once the pony or horse has been measured the measurement is effective whether or not the pony or horse does in fact compete; whether or not the pony or horse competes, it is also subject to drug testing.

12. Measurement forms received by the Federation that have inconsistencies or errors may be denied a measurement card at the discretion of the Federation. If the horse or pony is denied a measurement card, The Federation will notify the owner of the horse or pony and they must be measured before they are eligible to show. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

HU171 Required Measurements

1. A horse or pony must be measured each competition year until it reaches the age of eight. Horses and ponies that are seven years and under will be issued a Temporary Measurement card designating the year measured. Horses and ponies that are eight years of age and over will be issued a Standard Measure-ment card which does not need to be renewed. Horses and ponies may not be measured by the same steward for their Standard Measurement Card and the card preceding the Standard Measurement card. The Federation will invalidate a Standard Measurement card that does not comply with this rule.

a. Those horses and ponies that are measured (and for which a valid measurement form is received by the Federation office) in the month of December immediately preceding the calendar year in which they turn eight years of age will be issued a Standard Measure-ment card that does not have to be renewed.

b. For ponies, with the exception of ponies under eight years old, once a pony is is-sued a Stan-dard Measurement card, a new card will not be issued unless the height of the pony is protested and upheld, or unless an appeal is made and the re-measurement results in the pony moving to a section other than that indicated on its current measurement card.

c. For horses, with the exception of horses under eight years old, once a horse is issued a Stan-dard Measurement card, a new card will not be issued unless the height of the horse is pro-tested and upheld, or unless an appeal is made and the re-measurement results in the horse moving to a section other than that indicated on its current measurement card.

2. All horses and ponies issued a Standard Measurement card prior to December 1, 2014 are not required to be re-measured for a Standard Measurement card. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

HU173 Completing the Measurement Form

1. The measurement form must be filled out completely in triplicate before measurement takes place. Measurement cards will not be issued if the form is not completely filled out and legible. Exhibitors are cautioned to make sure their measurement forms are filled out accurately and completely.

b. It must include the name and address of the owner and his/her Federation membership number, if appli-cable, must be given. The form must be signed by the trainer furnishing the above information immedi-ately before the animal is measured and then signed by the competition officials appointed to measure.

c. The trainer who signs the entry blank at the competition must provide the information that appears on the measurement form. The trainer must be 18 years or older and is responsible for the accuracy of such information and care should be taken that all is in order before signing. When the trainer signs the form he/she is certifying that all information is complete and correct. Charges of rule violation for hearing and determination pursuant to Chapters GR6 and GR7 shall result for failure of compliance with this Rule. If a measurement form is signed by a person under the age of 18 and submitted to the Federation office, the measurement will be invalid. The official completing the form must designate on the form that the owner is a current member or that the membership has been applied for (See HU172) and that the horse or pony is entered in a class at that competition. The white copy is given to the owner or trainer and the blue copy, with applicable fee, is returned to the Federation office. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14



HU179 Protesting Height

1. An owner or trainer may protest the height of only one horse or pony competing in a class in which he is also competing. The CEO or Executive Director of the Federation may at his/her discretion can require a protest measurement to be conducted on any animal or animals competing in a division, section or class requiring measurement at a Licensed Competition.

2. A protest questioning the height of a horse or pony showing in a division, section or class requir-ing measurement shall be filed in accordance with GR603, except that the measurement shall be conducted pursuant to HU170 - HU181 rather than GR512-GR514, and the protest must be filed with the steward and must be filed at least one hour prior to the end of the competition day on which the horse or pony is showing in a division, section or class requiring measurement.

5. Protest Results. If a horse or pony is found to be outside the permitted height range that is determined by the animal’s measurement card (e.g. Small Hunter Pony, Large Junior Hunter, etc.), the owner forfeits entry fees and winnings for that competition. All points accumulat-ed for Horse of the Year and Zone Horse of the Year Awards to that date are forfeited. Said animal is suspended from competing in USEF Licensed Competitions for ninety (90) days from the date of the protest and a new measurement card will be issued to the owner at the end of the suspension period.

a. The current trainer and the Steward who conducted the original measurement of a horse or pony that is found to measure outside of the permitted height range that is determined by the horse or pony’s measurement card may be subject to penalty by the Federation.

b. If the horse or pony remains in its current height section, the animal may continue to compete as before.

c. The decision of the measuring officials is final unless an appeal is filed with the Federa-tion within fourteen (14) days (see HU180.5 b and c). BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14

HU180 Measurement Appeal

5. Appeals of protest measurements,b. If the appeal is upheld, a Temporary Measurement card is issued to animals seven years of age

and under and a Standard Measurement card is issued to animals eight years of age or over. The Temporary and Standard Measurement cards cannot be protested for the remainder of the com-petition year. BOD 1/12/12 Effective 12/1/12

HU175 Measurement Surface

3. All Licensed Competitions having divisions, sections or classes requiring measurement are responsible for providing a Federation Approved Measurement stick and a suitable surface for measurements and for failure to do so charges of rule violation shall result for hearing and determi-nation pursuant to Chapters GR6 and GR7. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

HU184 U.S. Junior Hunter

3. Phases.d. Handy Hunter. Obstacles should simulate those found in trappy hunt country. The course must

have at least two changes of direction and at least one combination. Horses are required to trot over one fence on the course, may be asked to lead over one obstacle or open a gate while mounted. Emphasis shall be placed on “handiness” for this round. Effective 12/1/11.

SUBCHAPTER HU-13 USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY AND USHJA NATIONAL



HUNTER DERBY

HU188 International Hunter Derby

5. Prize Money must be distributed in accordance with the official USHJA Class Specifications at www.ushja.org. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14

HU189 USHJA NATIONAL HUNTER DERBY

6. Prize Money must be distributed in accordance with the official USHJA Class Specifications at www.ushja.org.

7. Riders, owners and trainers must be current active members of USEF and USHJA to partici-pate in this class. (See GR202). Horses and ponies must be registered with the USHJA to participate in this class. Exception: Foreign residents and horses and ponies in good stand-ing with their National Federation are eligible to compete in this class.

a. Money won in a USHJA National Hunter Derby will only count for any USHJA National Hunter Derby program standings or awards if the rider, owner and trainer are current Active member of the Federation and USHJA and the horse is registered with USHJA.

b. USHJA Zone Horse of the Year bonus points will only be awarded for placing in a USHJA National Hunter Derby if the owner is a current Active member of the Federation and USHJA and the horse is recorded with the Federation and registered with USHJA. For additional information and Zone residency requirements see GR1110 and GR1111. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14

HU190 USHJA Pre-Green Challenge

USHJA Pre-Green Challenge may be offered at USEF Licensed Premier, National, Region-al I or Regional II Competitions and at Competitions approved for a Special Competition Status.

1. USHJA Pre-Green Challenge is open to horses of any age in their first or second year of competing over fences set at 3’ or 3’3”.

2. A horse which has received a pre-green reinstatement in accordance with USEF rules is allowed to compete in a USHJA Pre-Green Challenge.

3. Horses are not required to jog for soundness.

4. All USHJA Pre-Green Challenge classes must meet the requirements set forth by USHJA. Information on class procedures, class requirements, judging system and course require-ments is available from the Programs Department in the USHJA office and on the website at www.ushja.org.

a. The USHJA Pre-Green Challenge may be held as a separate two (2) round class or com-petitions may utilize the last class of a Pre-Green section as the first (1st) round of the Pre-Green Challenge. At least twelve (12) horses, if available, must return for the second (2nd) round. Prize lists must specify if more than twelve (12) horses will be invited to return for the second (2nd) round.

5. Competition management will collect and remit to USHJA the per horse entrant fee along with the class results within ten (10) days of the competition. The USHJA Pre-Green Chal-lenge entry fee is capped at ten percent (10%) of prize money offered. The per horse entrant fee will be $15 at Premier, National and Special competitions and $10 at Regional I and Re-gional II competitions. The per horse entrant fee may be added to the entry fee.

6. This per horse entrant fee is not included in calculating the ten percent (10%) entry fee maximum.



7. Zone bonus points will be awarded to the horse in the Pre-Green hunter section. However, horses may be ridden by Professionals, Juniors, or Amateurs.

8. Zone bonus points will be awarded for a USHJA Pre-Green Challenge as follows:

a. For a USHJA Pre-Green Challenge in which the first round is the last class of the Pre-Green Section, Zone bonus points will be awarded as follows: 1st-40, 2nd-32, 3rd-28, 4th-24, 5th-20, 6th-16, 7th-12, 8th-10, 9th-8, 10th-6, 11th-4 and 12th-2.

b. For a USHJA Pre-Green Challenge which is held as separate two round class, Zone bo-nus points will be awarded for a as follows: 1st-80, 2nd-64, 3rd-56, 4th- 48, 5th- 40, 6th-32, 7th-24, 8th-20, 9th-16, 10th-12, 11th-8 and 12th-4.

9. A minimum of $750 must be offered when a USHJA Pre-Green Challenge is held at a Premier rated competition or a competition that has been approved for a Special Competition status, a minimum of $500 when held at a National rated competition and a minimum of $250 must be offered when held at a Regional I or Regional II rated competition. If the 10% cap is less than $50, management may charge an entry fee up to the maximum of $50.

10. Prize Money must be distributed in accordance with the official USHJA class specifications at www.ushja.org. Competitions choosing to pay to further places utilizing different payout percentages must state this in their prize list.

11. A competition may choose to offer add-back prize money in addition to the prize money offered, however, the minimum required prize money must be guaranteed. If add-back prize money will be offered, this must be stated in the prize list.

12. Riders, owners and trainers must be current Active members of USEF and USH-JA to par-ticipate in this class. (See GR202). Horses must be registered with the USH-JA to participate in this class. Exception: Foreign residents and horses in good standing with their National Federation are eligible to compete in this class.

a. USHJA Zone Horse of the Year bonus points will only be awarded for placing in a USHJA Pre-Green Challenge if the owner is a current Active member of the Federation and USH-JA, the horse is recorded with the Federation and registered with USHJA. For additional information and Zone residency requirements see GR1110 and GR1111.

13. No more than one Pre-Green Challenge may be held during a given competition and compe-titions have the option of offering only one (1) fence height, or both fence heights within the class. If offering only one height, it must be the 3’0” height that is offered.

14. Two (2) judges are required for Premier rated competitions and competitions that have been approved for a Special Competition status, one of whom must hold a Registered (large R) USEF Hunter License. The second judge may hold a Registered (large R) or Recorded (small r) USEF Hunter License. Only one (1) judge is required for National rated competitions and that judge must hold a Registered (large R) USEF Hunter License; only one (1) judge is required for, Regional I and Regional II rated competitions, and that judge must hold a Re-corded (small R) USEF Hunter License. Two (2) judges are encouraged when feasible. When utilizing two judges, regardless of competition rating, the second judge may hold a Regis-tered (large R) or Recorded (small r) USEF Hunter License.

15. When more than one (1) judge officiates, all judges will sit together and provide one (1) score. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.



Equitation Rule Changes 2012-2015 Relevant to Judges

EQ101 Definition

The Equitation Division is divided into three sections: Hunter, Saddle and Western Seats. Judges officiating these sections shall be licensed accordingly unless permitted in the rules of the specific Equitation Finals (Exception: GR1004.4). Effective 4/1/13.

EQ102 Eligibility

2. In Equitation classes only the rider is being judged, therefore, any horse that is suitable for a particular style of riding (i.e., Hunter/Jumping Seat, Saddle Seat or Western/Reining Seat) and is capable of performing the required class routine is acceptable.

3. Stallions are prohibited. (Exception: USEF Talent Search Class/Finals; classes restricted to a breed if division rules for the breed of horse ridden permit their use for juniors, and if the division rules for the breed of horse ridden permit juniors to ride stallions). Effective 9/1/14

EQ104 Judging

8. At Federation licensed hunter and/or jumper competitions, judges may not adjudicate from the same location as the starter, or from a place where competitors and/or trainers are per-mitted to congregate. Effective 12/1/11

EQ107 USHJA Zone and Regional Championships ...

3. Zone or Regional Championships are conducted under the same regulations as the Finals, except a minimum of 25% of the riders must be called back for a work-off.

4. A minimum of five competitors are required to complete the class.

5. Judges for a Zone or Regional Championship must hold a valid USEF license and must be approved by USHJA.

7. Judges chosen for Regional Medal classes are encouraged to design the course. A course designer approved by USHJA must be used to design the course in lieu of the judges. The course must be posted at least one hour prior to the class. Effective 12/1/11

EQ109 Appointments

1. Personal ...While competing in a jumping class, if a rider’s chin strap becomes unfastened, the rid-er may stop, re-fasten the chin strap and continue his/her round without penalty or elimina-tion. A judge may, but is not required, to stop a rider and ask them to refasten a chin strap which has become unfastened, again without penalty to the rider. Effective 12/1/11

4. A rider will be eliminated for competing with a tail wrap. Effective 12/1/12

5. The use of stirrups that have entirely black branches is not permitted in any Equitation class. The use of stirrups which have entirely black branches will automatically result in elimination. Effective 12/1/13.

EQ110 Class Routine

1. Over Obstacles. The performance begins when the horse enters the ring. Except for refusals jump-



ing faults of the horse are not to be considered unless it is the result of the rider’s ability. No rider can be eliminated until ten riders have completed the course, or a number equal to the ribbons being awarded. (Exception: three refusals, fall of horse and/or rider and off course). The following will result in elimination:

a) fall of horse and/or rider (rider shall not remount in the ring Effective 12/1/12);

b) three cumulative refusals (exceptions: USEF Medal Finals, USEF Pony Medal Finals, Maclay Finals, USEF Talent Search class and the WIHS Equitation Jumper phase, exhibitors will be eliminated after two cumulative refusals); c) off course; and d) trotting or cantering through the in-gate or out-gate. In the event of an elimination, the rider must exit the ring immediately. If elimi-nation occurs during a ride-off, the competitor is placed last of all those chosen for the ride-off, but placed before any riders not participating (see EQ114)... BOD 1/14/12 Effective Immediately. ... If a rider does not attempt a part of the test (e.g., fails to back, fails to halt) a score of 50 shall be given for the first occurrence. If a rider attempts the test, but encounters difficulty (e.g., loss of counter lead, breaking to the canter in front of a trot fence), up to 10 points may be deducted depending on severity, for each occurrence. Effective 12/1/13.

6. In any two-phase equitation class, i.e. WIHS, Maclay, and the USEF Talent Search, a rider must complete both phases to be eligible for a ribbon in the overall standings. Exception USEF Medal, see EQ113.9. EC 4/16/12 Effective Immediately

EQ111 Course Requirements

1. All obstacles must be at least 5’6” wide across the jumpable portion. Effective 12/1/11 ...

7. In Intermediate, 14 years and over and Open classes, at least one change of direction and a com-bination are required. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

11. In Open Equitation classes for riders 12 years of age and older, ASPCA Maclay classes, and all USEF Medal classes, the course must include at least two changes of direction, a combination including an oxer and 1/3 of the obstacles must be oxers. In addition, all courses must include at least three of the following: Effective 12/1/13.

12. In USEF Hunter Seat Medal classes courses must be 3’6” with spreads to 4’. (Exception: triple bar type obstacles, maximum spread of 5’.) The top element of all obstacles must be securely placed so that a slight rub will not cause a knockdown. If breakaway or safety cups are used the top cup must be the deep-est standard cup available. A plank may not be used as the top element of a jump. Effective 12/1/12

17. Schooling Rules for all equitation classes will follow USEF Jumper Schooling Rules (see JP Appendix A) EXCEPT that Swedish Oxers (maximum 12” difference), tarps, coolers and liverpools are acceptable. EC 4/16/12 Effective Immediately

EQ112 Requirements for Specific Classes

9. U.S. HUNTER SEAT MEDAL CLASS

a. To be shown over a course of not less than eight obstacles at 3’6” with spreads to 4’ (Exception: triple bar type obstacles, maximum spread of 5’) which must include one combination including an oxer and two changes of direction (change of lead) after the first obstacle... Effective 12/1/12. ... Certificate of Compliance - National medal classes must be certified by the following: A course plan showing the actual height and spread of all the fences , signed by the judge and steward which must be included in the steward’s report to the Federation. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14 ...A high performance jumper individual is eligible to judge the Finals with a guest card provided that the individual has either judged the East or West Coast Finals of the USEF Talent Search class or held a Hunter Seat Equitation Judges’ Card within the last ten years. Effective 4/1/14

10. U.S. Pony Medal Class



...If distances between related fences are less than 100’ (including in and outs), the distances must be adjusted for each height section. Effective 12/1/11 ... Certificate of Compliance - National medal classes must be certified by the following: A course plan showing the actual height and spread of all the fences , signed by the judge and steward which must be included in the steward’s report to the Federation. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

11. U.S. Adult Equitation Class

... Certificate of Compliance - National medal classes must be certified by the following: A course plan showing the actual height and spread of all the fences , signed by the judge and steward which must be included in the steward’s report to the Federation. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

13. USEF Show Jumping Talen Search Class - A test of the abilities of an individual as a show jump-ing rider, is open to Junior/Young Riders under Federation rules, who are members of the Federation.

A. Definitions and Eligibility

1. Junior Rider - An individual who has not reached his 18th birthday as of December 1st of the current competition year. The age of an individual on December 1st will be maintained throughout the entire competition year (See GR127).

2. Young Rider - Individuals are eligible as Young Riders from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 16 until the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 21 (See GR 149).

3. Winners of the Finals, who are Junior or Young Riders under Federation rules, may continue to compete in the USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASS, in pur-suit of additional wins leading towards Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals in recognition of these wins, but may not compete in future Finals.

4. Non-U.S. citizens may compete in the USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH class, but not the Finals.

C. Class Specifications – The USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASS will be conducted using a star (*) level based on the difficulty and class specifications. Star levels will be conducted as follows:

1. For a 1* or 2*, both the Jumping and Flat phases of the USEF SHOW JUMPING TAL-ENT SEARCH CLASS must be held in a jumper or equitation competition ring.

2. For a 3*, the Jumping phase of the USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASS MUST be held in one of the main Grand Prix Jumping competition rings.

3. The time allowed for all levels will be figured at 350 meters per minute.

4. The time must be manually or electronically timed for 1* and 2* USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASS.

5. The time must be electronically timed for 3* USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASS.

6. The Jumping phase of the class shall be held prior to the Flat phase over a Junior Jumper styled course with a minimum of ten numbered fences at the respective heights, spreads, and other obstacles as delineated below.

a. (1*) - Fence heights will be 1.10m to 1.15m (3’7” to 3’9”) with a minimum of three (3) spreads (as defined in JP123), excluding triple bar (if any). The course must include one (1) double and one (1) triple combination (or three (3) doubles), and at least one (1) Liverpool covered with water.



b. (2*) - Fence heights will be 1.15m to 1.20m (3’9” to 3’11”) with a minimum of three (3) spreads (as defined in JP 123), excluding triple bar (if any) and water obstacle. The course must include one (1) double and one (1) triple combination (or three (3) doubles), one (1) water-filled Liverpool, and a water-filled water jump (min-imum 2.45m (8’) (if dug in with or without a rail over it, or if above ground must have a rail over it). The water must be colored black or blue so the bottom is not visible.

c. (3*) - Fence heights will be 1.20m (3’11”) with a minimum of three (3) spreads (as de-fined in JP123), excluding triple bar (if any), and water obstacle. The course must include one (1) double and one (1) triple combination (or three (3) doubles), one (1) water-filled Liverpool, and a dug in water-filled open water jump of 3.05m to 3.65m (10’ to 12’) without a rail over it. The water must be colored black or blue so the bottom is not visible.

7. Certificate of Compliance: All levels of USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASSES must be certified by the following: A course plan showing the actual height and spreads of all the fences, signed by the Judge and Steward which must be included in the Steward’s report to the Federation.

8. Altering Jumping Specifications: The specifications at which a given 1*, 2* or 3* USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASS is held may be altered from that listed in the prize list with the joint approval of the Course Designer, Judges and compe-tition management only in the case of inclement weather, or unsafe conditions. See GR832.6 for class postponement due to weather conditions. All changes MUST be specifically noted in the Steward’s report for the competition.

9. Flat Phase: In the flat phase, riders will show in both directions as a group at the working walk, the working trot sitting, and the working trot rising, as well as show-ing a lengthening of stride; the working canter, and the working canter showing a lengthening of stride. All riders shall be required to show at the working canter on the counter lead for at least one full revolution of the arena in both directions. No more than 12 shall counter canter at one time. Judges may require any additional tests on the flat (see EQ113). In addition, basic dressage movements maybe be tested includ-ing but not limited to Shoulder-in, Shoulder-out, Haunches-in, and Haunches-out. At least 12 riders, if available, must be called back for the flat phase.

D. Course Requirements

Although the USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASS is located and described in the Equitation (EQ) Chapter of the USEF Rule Book, both the course materials and equipment used and the conduct of the class will be in accordance with the rules and procedures delineated in the Jumper (JP) chapter of the USEF Rule Book unless specifically noted herein. This specifical-ly includes, but is not limited to, rails, planks, gates, jump cups, breakaway safety cups, lath or plasticine, numbers, and flags.

E. Other Judging Considerations

1. Jumping Phase - To be judged on style, function and execution.

a. The performance begins once the audible tone is sounded.

b. Time and jumping faults must be taken into consideration in the judge’s evaluation of the rider.

c. Rules regarding Time to Start (JP134.3 and .4) and Starting and Stopping (JP135.1) will apply.

d. Two refusals will incur elimination.

e. The proper use of the whip should not be penalized.



f. Water Obstacle. In the event that there is an obvious fault at the water obstacle, first score the fault within the context of the round. Unless the fault is caused by a MA-JOR rider error, it should not be considered a MAJOR riding fault.

g. No separate water jump judge is required.

2. Flat Phase - To be judged on rider’s position, seat and the correctness and effectiveness of the aids. Excellence and effectiveness on the flat will be rewarded. The performance be-gins when the class is called to order.

F. Other Class Considerations

1. If 40 or more entries are received the USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASS may be split and run as two (2) separate classes. If 50 or more entries are received, the USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH CLASS must be divided equally and run as two (2) separate classes.

2. Competitors must use the same horse in both phases. Competitors may ride stallions.

3. At least 12 riders, if available, must be called back for the flat phase.

4. All riders must ride in the jumping phase, which will be offered first and constitutes en-try into the class as a whole, regardless of whether the rider is one of those called back for the second, flat phase. To fill a class, SIX COMPETITORS MUST COMPLETE THE COURSE.

G. Saddlery

1. There are no restrictions on saddles.

2. Change of bridle is permissible, between phases.

3. Blinkers are prohibited.

4. No martingales of any kind are permitted in the flat phase.

5. Only running martingales used in the conventional manner are permitted in the jumping phase. Standing martingales, draw reins, or restricted running martingales are prohibit-ed.

6. Reins must be attached to the bit(s) or directly to the bridle.

7. Gags and hackamores are not allowed in the flat phase.

8. The total maximum weight of equipment allowed to be added to a Horse’s leg, front or hind (single or multiple boots, fetlock rings, etc.), is 500 grams or 17.637 ounces (shoe excluded). Failure to comply with this paragraph will incur disqualification.

H. Qualifying For The Finals

A graduated point scale based on difficulty and class specifications, a 3* being the most dif-ficult and a 1* be the least difficult, will be used for Finals qualification. Information about the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East and West and qualifying procedures for each can be found on the USEF web site by clicking HERE. Qualifying procedures cannot be changed without the approval of the USEF Show Jumping High Performance Committee follow-ing notification of USHJA of such changes.

I. Talent Search Finals

The USEF SHOW JUMPING TALENT SEARCH FINALS will be judged by at least one judge who holds an “R” Registered status in the Hunter Seat/Jumping Equitation Division. Additional indi-viduals are eligible to judge with a guest card. Effective 9/1/14



14. Washington International Horse Show Equitation ...

g. WIHS Equitation: Conventional tack per JP111. Reins must be attached to the bit(s) or di-rectly to the bridle. Only running martingales used in the conventional manner is permitted in the Jumper Phase. Boots and conservative colored bandages are permitted in both phases. Ef-fective 12/1/12 Certificate of Compliance - National medal classes must be certified by the following: A course plan showing the actual height and spread of all the fences , signed by the judge and steward which must be included in the steward’s report to the Federation. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

h. Procedures for the WIHS Equitation Finals: Held at the Washington International Horse Show in October Judging

1. All three phases of the Finals will be judged under the Open Numerical Scoring system by two panels of two judges seated in two separate locations. Each panel may include one high performance jumper rider, provided that the rider has either judged the East or West Coast Finals of the USEF Talent Search class or held a Hunter Seat Equitation Judges’ Card within the last ten years. Each panel shall submit a single score, and the two separate scores will be averaged to produce a final score for each rider for each phase. Effective 4/1/13.

3. Jumper Phase - ... Rules regarding Time to Start (JP134.3 and .4) and Starting and Stopping (JP135.1) will apply. EC 3/19/12 Effective Immediately

15. USHJA Hunterdon Equitation Cup Classic.

a. At least 10 Hunter Type Jumps including a minimum of 2 jumps with no ground lines. ...

d. The class will be conducted in a three round format.

1. Round 1- Hunter Round. Score will be announced.

2. Round 2- Handy Hunter Round, handiness will be emphasized. The top 20 riders will return in reverse order of scores from Round 1. The score from Round 2 will be announced.

3. Round 3- The course will consist of components of Round 1 and/or Round 2 up to a maximum of 8 jumps. A minimum of the top 4 riders and a maximum of the top ten riders will switch horses and return in reverse order of the combined score from Round 1 and Round 2. The course will be announced with the final competitors in the ring and all fences will be judged. The final score will not be announced.

e. The two judges will sit together and provide one numerical score for all phases of the class. Specifications cannot be altered without the consent of the USHJA. Effective 7/2/13. 17. USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal

1. Open to Junior Active Members of the Federation and USHJA who have not reached their 18th birthday (per USEF rules).There are no cross entry restrictions.

2. A minimum of three (3) riders must complete the course for points to count for this class.

3. This class must be held in a jumper ring utilizing jumper style fences and the course should be of the type used in a low Junior or amateur Jumper class. The course must include at least eight fences set at 1.0m (3’3”) in height, at least one double or triple combina-tion, and at least three spreads from 1.0m to 1.15m (3’3”to 3’9”). Natural fences, a liverpool, and a small water jump may also be included at the course designer’s discretion. Start and Finish markers must be used. Time allowed will be figured at 350 meters per minute and may be timed either electronically or manually.



4. The class is to be judged on the rider’s equitation style, technical merit, judgment and exe-cution of an efficient, time saving pace and track. One (1) point will be subtracted from the rider’s score for each commenced second taken over the time allowed and four (4) points will be deducted for each knockdown on course. Judges are asked to walk the course when possible and where there are striding options, the judges are asked not to penalize an option that might be used to achieve the best result appropriate to the track taken and the individual horse/rider combination. JP135 (the competition round) and JP136 (Timing) will apply. No work-off is required. Two refusals will incur elimination.

5. If 50 or more entries compete, the class will be pinned with two firsts, two seconds, two thirds, and so on through two eighths, with full points going to each placing.

6. The following tack and saddlery restrictions apply to this class:

a. Blinkers are forbidden.

b. Running martingales used in the conventional manner are permitted. Standing mar-tingales, draw reins, or restricted running martingales are prohibited.

c. Reins must be attached to the bit(s) or directly to the bridle. Gags are prohibited.

7. Riders who accumulate a minimum of ten (10) points during a given qualifying period may compete at a USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final. Full points will be awarded in qualify-ing classes providing at least eight riders complete the course. If there are fewer riders, points will be awarded on a reduced scale based on the maxi-mum number of ribbon winners.

Point Scale:8 or more riders: 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 17 riders: 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 16 riders: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 15 riders: 5, 4, 3, 2, 14 riders: 4, 3, 2, 13 riders: 3, 2, 1The USHJA may elect to give awards to high scoring riders as it determines. BOD 9/30/14 Effective 12/1/14.

8. Following each class, competition management must send a check made payable to the USHJA in the amount of $5.00 for each competing entry.

9. For specifications regarding USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Finals, see www. ushja.org. BOD 1/12/14 Effective 12/1/14.

SUBCHAPTER EQ-3 SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION SECTION

EQ113 TESTS FROM WHICH JUDGES MUST CHOOSE

... Equitation tests must not have exhibitors trotting or cantering through in gate or out gate; any exhib-itor choosing to trot or canter through the in-gate or out-gate must be eliminated (see EQ111). BOD 1/14/12 Effective Immediately reached their 18th birthday (per USEF rules).There are no cross entry restrictions.



Why Judge• As exhibitors, we expect and deserve competent judges.• As horsemen, judging is a way to give back to our sport.• Judging is an invaluable learning tool

o Learn what it takes to wino Network with other judges/professionalso See new horseso Get exposure to other areas of the countryo Makes you a better exhibitor

What Is Your Job As A Judge?• Your job is to put the class in order according to your preference

o Watch the horses and riderso Put the horses and riders in an ordero Turn in the results at the end of the classo This is your only job

• As a judge you must remain:o ProfessionalDress like a professionalAct like a professionalTreat your job and others around you with respectDon’t under estimate the importance of your jobDo only your job

o ImpartialDon’t treat your friends or your enemies any differentlyDon’t let sales or leases influence your decisionsDon’t be intimidated by certain exhibitors

o StrongHave confidence in your knowledge and abilityHave confidence in your decisions

• As a judge you should:o Be preparedBring your own judging toolsBring your own personal itemsKnow your rulesKnow your specs

o Be efficientBe ready with your resultsBe ready with your stand by listBe ready with your equitation tests



HuntersHunter Over Fences

Counting Strides

a. Should you count strides?• Counting strides is not required• You can sense when someone adds or takes out a stride without necessarily counting

b. How important is it? - The number of strides and its importance is relative to many things:• The course• The competition• The division• The conditions

c. Does the division matter? Yes• Green division vs. open divisions• Levels of horses• Age and experience of riders• Age and experience of riders• Type of class - Hunter/Jumper

d. Does it matter whether or not the distances are marked on the course chart? (HU121)• The distances marked on the course chart are a scale, not a requirement• Unmarked distances should not be counted

Hunter under Saddle

What do you do with unsoundness in the hack?• If you feel a horse is unsound that horse should not be pinned• If you feel the horse is extremely unsound, you can ask that horse to leave

What type of contact is expected in a hunter under saddle class?• Light Contact

Does it make a difference if the rider sits the canter or uses a half seat?• Based on back ground of the judge• If the rider is using a half seat to “mask” a problem it matters

Should you take the time to split large under saddle classes?• If you have a large under saddle you should take the time to split ito Easier to judge wello Safero Often actually faster than not splitting the same class

• Do not let time constraints rush you or prevent you from doing a good job

What is the best way to split large under saddle classes?• Watch quickly the first direction• Pull your top 8 or 10 into the center• Reverse the rest of the class• Call in any others you like• Excuse the rest• Work the remaining horses and riders the second direction



• Don’t feel you have to stick to the order in which you called them in• Really take the time now to watch and compare your top horses

Do you penalize “fast trotting” in an under saddle class?• The horse should be balanced and relaxed in the trot• Any exaggeration is probably wrong

If you have a close under saddle class, should the trot or the canter hold more importance?• Horses jump from the canter, so that should hold more weight• In the field a comfortable and efficient gallop is a necessity

Quality in Hunters

All horses are not created equal• Some are more beautiful• Some are better movers• Some are better jumpers

We need to reward excellence in:• Beauty• Movement• Jumping Style• Manners

Looks• A pretty or “typey” horse should get an edge• These horses are show hunters and should look the part

Movement• Good movement should give a horse an edge

o Pretty movemento Efficient movemento Comfortable

• A pretty or “typey” horse should get an edge• These horses are show hunters and should look the part

Jumping Style – • Good jumping should be the first priority• Good jumping style needs to be rewarded

Quality gets the edge• If a quality horse has a round equivalent to a horse of lesser, quality he wins• The quality horse does, however, still need to have an equivalent round.• Quality alone does not win the classes• If a horse of lesser quality has the best round of the class, he is eligible to win that class

Quality and Number Scores• A horse’s quality can be reflected in his score• As examples:

o A horse that is not pretty, not a good mover, and not a great jumper could not score in the 90’so A horse that is not a good jumper should certainly not get into the 80’s and if he is a

really bad jumper, not even the 70’so A top quality horse that has a few minor mistakes in his round could still possibly

score in the 80’s



Quality is hard to teach• Experience is the best teacher• Natural feel for quality is a factor• Watch and learn from the masters

Open Numerical Scoring System

Pros and Cons• Pros

o Spectators love ito Exhibitors love ito You know where you stando Shows how tight competition can beo Allows competitors to track their progress over a longer time periodo Allows you to follow the classo Efficient for grooms and trainerso Educational

• Conso Intimidating for judgeso More worko Makes for tiring dayo Can be humiliating

General Comments• Your first score is the most important

o Your class is based on the first score you giveo All the other scores are based on your first scoreo Take enough time that your first score is what you wanto Begin thinking of the score you will give early in the round If everything goes well, what would I score this? If everything goes well, where would I put this horse in the order?

• Use a wide range of scoreso Don’t be afraid to have an opiniono Leave enough room between scores to fit other scores

• The order of the class is what is the most importanto The end result is what countso Keep a stagger first, and then score the round accordingly

• Judge your own classo Don’t worry or consider what the other judges are doingo Don’t worry about what the spectators are thinkingo Keep your concentration on your staggero Have confidence

• Don’t be rushed with your scoreso Take enough time to be sure of your scoreo You can wait to give your score if you have too Have confidence



Open Numerical Scoring• When horses go in the order (early or late) should not make a difference• How do different divisions affect the scores?• How does the level of the show affect the scores?• Is there such a thing as “marking on a curve”?

General Numerical Scoring Scale 90’s Excellent. Great performance and exceptional quality. 85-89 Very good. Solid performance and good quality. 80-84 Good. Quality horse or rider with perhaps a minor error. 75-79 Fairly Good. An average horse with a minor error or a high quality horse with a couple of minor errors. 70-74 Sufficient. Might be a bit below average with a few minor mistakes or errors. 65-69 Insufficient. Poor performance with some more serious errors or poor quality. 60-64 Fairly Bad. Very Poor quality, adding strides in lines, poor jumping. 56-59 Bad. Bad performance, bolting, very dangerous jump, kicking out, extreme speed, running away

Standardized Scores• Stopping

o Once - 40o Twice - 30o Three times - No score

• Rail down – o Hunters – 45o Equitation - Deduct -4 faults for each rail down from original base score

• Extra stride in a combination - 50• Breaking Gait - 55

General Marker Scores 65 Skip change behind without trotting 55 Trotting on course, breaking gait 50 Adding extra step in the In and Out 45 Rail down 40 One refusal 30 Two refusals (Elimination in USEF Talent Search and WIHS Jumper phase) 20 General lowest score for all deductions, but rider/horse has finished the course (this can also be applied in Washington Equitation and Talent Search when deducting many time faults. Do not go into negative scores) 0 Elimination

Notes - Consider your A, B C’s. • Generally think of 95 as an A• Above is an A+• Down to 90 is an A-• 80’s are B’s and 70’s are C’s using the same + and – applications.

Large Classes• Don’t get hung up on number scores that are out of contention• Don’t be afraid to duplicate scores



Miscellaneous

Suitability• How does suitability affect your results in pony hunter classes?

o If you notice it, it is probably wrongo Suitability can vary in importance according to:DivisionCompetitionClass

• How does suitability affect your results in pony equitation?o Related more to “picture”o Still a factor

• Does suitability countless now that we have age restrictions in the pony division?o Less of a factor, but still a factor

• Does suitability count in divisions other than the pony divisions?o If you notice it, it is probably wrongo If suitability is affecting the performance it is certainly a factor

Courtesy Circles• What do you do if a rider makes 1½ or 2 courtesy circles?

o 1½ courtesy circles are generally overlookedo 2 courtesy circles should constitute a refusal or a score of 40

• Does it matter if a rider has his horse led into the ring for the round?o Technically the horse can be led up to the ring, but not into the ring

• How do you score a hunter round if the rider picks up the wrong lead?o If he does a flying change?This would probably become a tie breaker between equal rounds It is not necessarily a major faultThe level of competition, or the division would be a factor in scoring

• If he does a simple change through the walk or trot?o This would probably become a tie breaker between equal roundso It is not necessarily a major faulto The level of competition, or the division would be a factor in scoring

• How do you score an equitation round if the rider picks up the wrong lead?o If he does a flying change?This is a serious mistake in the equitationThis is not an automatic score but should be penalized accordinglyThe level of competition or division is a factor as well

o If he does a simple change through the walk or trot?This is a serious mistake in the equitationThis is not an automatic score but should be penalized accordinglyThe level of competition or division is a factor as well



Safety• What do you do if?

o It is getting dark and the manager wants to keep going?o The weather conditions are threatening safety? (GR832)o The horse and rider in front of you are dangerous?o The footing is dangerous? In each of these cases the judge should speak first to the show manager If you need help in this situation you can enlist the help of the stewardShow Management has final say in safety issues.

Abuse(HU102)• What constitutes abuse?• How do you handle abuse?• Is abuse cause for elimination?• Abuse can be cause for elimination• If you suspect abuse enlist the help of the steward to handle it

Miscellaneous• Broken Equipment (HU132.6)• Loss of Shoe• Jump Falling while horse/rider is on course

o Stop the ridero Decide whether they should stay in the ring, or be permitted to leaveo Have them proceed when jump is put back in ordero Judges decision on all questions is final

Common Faults - Hunters

Swaps - All mistakes are measured in degrees.• A relaxed, casual swap the last stride is not a major mistake• A severe swap, early and diving to a corner could be considered a major mistake in some classes• Changing leads in a straight line is a serious mistake• Any mistakes should be measured against the quality of the horse• Swaps are not necessarily a deal breaker• Judging is not “fault and out”• Judge from a positive sense, not negative• Be careful to not kill quality just because of minor mistakes

Rubs - All mistakes are measured in degrees• A light rub in an otherwise good round should not be considered a major mistake• A hard rub coming down on the back rail of an oxer should be considered a major fault• Any loss of form with a rub is a consideration



• Distance mistakes coupled with rubs are a factor• Rubs are not necessarily a deal breaker• Judging is not a “fault and out”• Don’t kill quality for minor mistakes

Pace• Even pace is the point• Work at the pace that makes the course work• Extreme pace should be penalized• Uneven pace is a fault• Major pace changes are a major fault• Brilliance that suits the course and conditions should be rewarded• Slow pace or “walking” the turns should be considered a fault

Flying Changes• Flying changes should be relaxed and invisible• If you notice the change, it is probably wrong• Late changes are considered a fault

o The degree of “lateness” should be measured against quality and the roundo A step or two late should not be considered a major fault

• Cross Cantero Cross cantering the turn is a major mistakeo Cross cantering in the line is a major mistake

• Counter Cantero Counter cantering the turn is a major mistakeo Counter cantering in the hunters is not an option

Brilliance• Freshness, soundness, and good expression should be rewarded• Mechanical, sore, and sour should be penalized• Brilliance is also related to pace

o Even paceo Up to paceo Confident with pace

• A brilliant round is more than not making mistakeso Don’t just judge mistakeso Reward excellence and life

Miscellaneous• Tripping during a round should be penalized according to severity• Use of the stick to be penalized



• Tacko Unusual tack should not eliminate a horse, but can affect the results, according to the roundso Tack can be a tie breakero Unusual tack can includeHarsh bitsUnusual martingalesTight, or very loose martingalesUnusual or controversial bits

o If you notice it, it is probably wrong



Handy HuntersA. Definitions

• Handiness is defined as ground saving movement without adversely affecting either performance or style.

• Brilliance of pace is defined as a faster pace than ordinary without adversely affecting either perfor-mance or style.

B. How important is the “handy” factor?

• It is a handy hunter class and should be different.• The degree of difficulty must be factored in.• Brilliance and daring should be factored in.• This is a chance to show off and take risks.

C. How do style and quality fit in the formula?

• Good jumping is always required.• If someone takes a risk and makes a mistake, it is still a mistake.• These classes sometimes are a place for horses with ability, but perhaps less quality, to shine.

D. Do judges have any say in the course?

• If you think the course is too difficult for the competition you should talk to the course designer.• If you think the course is too difficult for the conditions you should talk to the course designer.• If you think the course could be more “handy” you can also discuss this with the course designer.

E. What are you looking for?

• Tight turnso Balance should remaino Prompt, but not rushed

• Brilliant pace• Bold options• Interesting and daring approaches• Promptness



Conformation

Model• Do you always move the model winner?

o Each class is judged separately.o In each performance class the conformation of the horses is considered in relation to the horses

ahead and behind them in that class.o Don’t take for granted that the model winner made the model class.

• Do bar shoes make a difference in the conformation division? (HU127.1)o Bar shoes are a factor in the conformation divisiono Bar shoes are an indicator of weaknesso Bar shoes should be considered a fault to some degreeo Bar shoes could be a tie breaker

• What do you do with cloudy eyes in the conformation division? (GR841)o Cloudy eyes are a serious fault in conformationo Cloudy eyes are not seen as a reason for elimination in the hunters anymore

• Should fake tails affect the results in the conformation division?o Fake tails should not be noticeableo Fake tails are legalo Fake tails that are overdone could be a factor

• What do you do with a horse in the lineup if he did not do the model class?o In each performance class the conformation of the horses is considered in relation to the horses

ahead and behind them in that class.o If a horse that did not model still looks like a better horse than the others in front of it, it should

move up.o How does movement affect the model class results?Movement is an indicator of conformation faultsMovement should be a factor in the model class resultsMovement could be a tie breaker between equal horses

Conformation Percentages - What are they and what do they mean?• All conformation performance classes are to be judged 70% performance, 30% conformation

(HU115.7) Pony Hunters conformation must not exceed 25% except in Model (HU147.b)• This means that after the performance portion of any conformation class, the horses are lined up and

judged on their conformation.• The judge’s opinion on the animal’s conformation counts for the percentage of the total score men-

tioned above.• After the animals are judged on conformation they may be moved on the line.• The final results are not done until conformation has been considered.• Model competitors in performance classes

o Does the model winner have to move up and how much?Each class is judged separately In each performance class the conformation of the horses is considered in relation to the

horses ahead and behind them in that class



o What if you miss or don’t do the model? In each performance class the conformation of the horses is considered in relation

to the horses ahead and behind them in that class

If a horse that did not model still looks like a better horse than the others in front of it, it should move up

Don’t take for granted that the model winner made the model!



Soundness (HU134)

Over Fences• Jogging the horses

o Have a plano Where should they go?o Give the plan to the in-gate person so he can direct themo Horses should Jog in the correct orderJog in a straight lineBe sure they jog far enough

o Don’t be afraid to re-jog if you have a questiono Back number should be clearly visible to the judgeo Listen to the results to the results to be sure announcer them correct

• What do you do if you question one or more of the horses?o This rule is to protect the horseo Re-jog all the horseso If you are comfortable with the second jog, pin the class and forget about ito If you decide a horse is lame, have the ringmaster quietly excuse the horseo Be fairo Don’t be intimidated

• What is serviceable?o If you are not sure the horse is lame, it is probably oko If you are not sure the horse is ok, it is probably lameo Serviceable means the horse is sound enough to do its job comfortably

• How does unsoundness factor into the conformation class?o Jog the class, and if you question one of the horses, jog all the horses a second timeo Decide if you think the horse(s) in question is lameo If you decide the horse is lame, have the ringmaster quietly excuse the horse before you form a

new line.o Pin the class

• Judging soundness of the windo If you think a horse is unsound in the wind, or makes a noise, he must not be given a ribbono If you think a horse is unsound in the wind and you are doing number scores he should receive

no score• Grunting

o If you think a horse is grunting because he has an unsoundness of the wind he should receive no scoreo If you think the horse is grunting because of temperament you may score the horse using your

own judgment• How do you account for perceived unsoundness in an over fences class that does not jog?

o If you feel certain that a horse is too lame to be jumping, and you can tell without jogging you may choose not to score that horse

o If you feel a horse is too sore to jump well and to give a great performance, you may choose to score him, but lower than normal



Conformation Classes - How does unsoundness factor into the conformation class?• Jog the class, and if you question one of the horses, jog all the horses a second time• Decide if you think the horse is lame• If you decide the horse is lame have the ringmaster quietly excuse the horse and rider before you

form a new line• Pin the class and remember to account this into the class percentages

Under Saddle• In the under saddle, pin only the horses you feel are sound.• If there are more ribbons than horses, the lame horse does not get a ribbon.

Model Classes• If you think a horse is unsound in the model class, excuse them from the ring• Pin the class



Jumping Seat Equitation

Riders Style in Equitation• All riders are not created equal.

o Some have better:PositionStyleCorrectnessKnowledge

o We need to reward excellence in:PositionStyleCorrectnessKnowledge

• Quality can be reflected in number scores. Examples:o A rider with poor position or no style could not score in the 90’s.o A rider with great style and position with minor mistakes in their round could still score in the 80’s.o A rider with minor position faults, and some lack of style could still win the class with a great

round if the riders with style and position don’t match his/her round.• Invisible Aids-Flat and Fences

o The point is to become invisible in one’s ridingo If you notice something, it is probably wrong.o We are looking for invisible, effortless riding style.o We want a great round, without knowing how it happened.

Over Fences• Rails Down

o Score the round as if there was no rail down.o Deduct four points from the score for each rail.o Do not constitute an automatic score of 45.

• Counting Strideso The number of strides done on a course is not the only factoro The rider should find the right number of strides that suit his horse for each piece of a particular

courseo Fewer strides are not always bettero The number of stride chosen by the rider should be appropriate for his horse’s stride, the type of

jump being jumped, and the approach and landing of the jump• Turns

o Riders should be rewarded for doing more difficult options wello The inside turn is not always the best turno Turn options should be determined by the horse’s ride ability, the type of jump being jumped,

and the approach and landing of the jump• Understanding the questions of the course:

o The rider should demonstrate their understanding of the course.



o The rider should answer correctly the questions of the course.o While they are executing the course, the pieces should fit together seamlessly.o If possible the judge should walk the course so they understand the questions that are being

asked.• Jumping style of the horse

o Even in equitation the jumping style of the horse is a factor.o Bad style at a single jump caused by a bad ride is a fault.o Bad jumping throughout a round caused by bad riding is also major.o A horse jumping with a stiff head and neck can be attributed to the fault of the rider.

• Releaseso Lower levelsLong ReleaseLong Release with mane

o Intermediate levelsLong ReleaseShort Release

o Advanced levelsAutomatic Release

◊ Not below the line of the mouth◊ Not interrupting the jump, or descent of the neck◊ Short Release

• Rider Positiono Ahead of the motionRider leaning forward ahead of the horseAlso called “perching”

o With the motionRider following and staying with the balance of the horseHorse is always with this riderNot ahead or behind the horse

o Behind the motionRider leaning back behind the balance of the horseThis rider is usually, but not always stiffHorse is automatically ahead of the rider in this position

• Wrong Leado This is a major fault in equitationo Should not be overlooked, even with a great roundo Should be placed at the bottom of comparable rounds

• Correct use of the sticko Behind the lego Properly timedo Correct at natural obstacles in jumper type courseso Incorrect in a normal class under normal conditionso Never correct on the shoulder



• Brillianceo Executing the course with flairo Great turn out of horse and ridero Fresh, interested horseo Sound, happy horseo A horse that does the course willingly, and beautifullyGreat jumping styleDaring strides, risky turns and approaches-done wellRewarding excellence

• Miscellaneouso A spooky horse, in different situations, well handled by the rider can be acceptable:At a spooky jumpAround a spooky ringDoesn’t have to kill a rider’s score

o Equitation Classes vs. Talent SearchesEquitation classes are judged as such under the rules of the USEF.Talent Searches are based on their own specs and can be very different.Three refusals are allowed in the equitation division.

Equitation on the Flat• Wrong Lead

o This is a major faulto Place the lowest of comparable riderso Should not eliminate if the competition is pooro Degree of severity based on level of riders and division

• Flat Worko Above the bitHigh headLoss of contactStargazing

o On the bitOn contactRelaxed tension in the reinsHorse accepting bit and legsFace of the horse on the perpendicularHorse moving forward

o Behind the bitLoss of contactLoss of forward movementFace of the horse behind the perpendicular

o MiscellaneousKnow the gaits required for each classWork all the gaits in both directionsDon’t be afraid to split large classes



Equitation Testing• Which tests are you allowed to do?

o There are 19 tests available to use in the USEF rule book (EQ112)o Certain tests are allowed for certain levels of riderso Working Collectively as a group on the flat is one of the 19 tests

• How does the test affect the results?o Riders are called back to test in an order of preferenceo This is the starting off point of your final resultso You as the judge need to decide if one riders test warrants moving him up or down in the order

• What happens when riders don’t show up for the test?o If one rider fails to show up they move down to the final spoto If more than one rider fail to show up they move down to the bottom spots remaining in the

same order in which they were called backo If none of the riders choose to return they remain in the same ordero You do not go lower in your order to find more riders to test

Best Child Rider - How do you determine a Best Child Rider?’• More than just style• Consistency is the key• Who would you want to ride your horse?• Must have entered the class• Not based on points won at that competition• Riders competing in equitation classes should not be excluded if eligible under the competition rules

Soundness• Over Fences

o If the horse is slightly unsound and it affects the performance pin the round lowero If the horse is significantly unsound do not pin the roundo If necessary, have the steward speak to the exhibitor of the lame horse

• On the flato If the horse is slightly unsound and it affects the performance pin the rider lowero If the horse is significantly unsound do not pin the ridero If necessary, have the steward speak to the exhibitor of the lame horse

• Soundness of the windo This is not a factor in the equitation division and should not be counted

Tack and Equipment• Does it matter what bit a horse shows in?• What do you do about unusual tack?• What do you do about tack that is adjusted unusually?

o Tack that is adjusted unusually can be used as tie breakers between equal roundso Examples:Very short martingales



Bits adjusted very high in mouthExtremely tight or twisted curb chains

• Are different types of tack allowed in different types of classes?o Hunter tack in hunter seat equitation classeso Jumper tack in jumper medal classesGagsThree ringsRunning Martingales

• What about boots/wraps in equitation classes?o Boots are allowed in all equitation classes

• Rider will be eliminated for competing with a tail wrap

• Also in the WIHS hunter phase

Common Faults – Jumping Seat Equitation

Rails Down• Score the round as if there was no rail down• Deduct four points from the score for each rail• Does not constitute a score of 45• Examples: a round that would score 85 without rail down would become 81 with one rail down; or a

poor round that would score 65 would become 61

Wrong Lead• Flat Classes

o This is a major faulto Place the lowest of comparable riderso Should not eliminate if the competition is poor

• Over fences (opening circle)o This is a major faulto Should not be overlooked, even with a great roundo Place the lowest of comparable rounds

Jumping Style of the Horse• Even in Equitation jumping style is a factor• Bad style at a single jump caused by a bad ride is a fault• Bad jumping throughout a round caused by bad riding is also major

• A horse jumping with a stiff head and neck can be attributed to the fault of the rider

Invisible Aids• The point is to become invisible in one’s riding• If you notice something, it is probably wrong• We are looking for invisible, effortless riding style• We want a great round, without knowing how it happened



Understanding the Questions of the Course• The rider should demonstrate their understanding of the course• The rider should answer correctly the questions of the course• While they are executing the course, the pieces should fit together seamlessly

Brilliance• Executing the course with flair• Great turn out of horse and rider• Fresh, interested horse• Sound, happy horse• A horse that does the course willingly, and beautifully• Great jumping style• Daring strides, risky turns and approaches done well• Rewarding excellence

Flat Work• Above the bit

o High heado Loss of contacto Stargazingo Incorrect

• On the bito On contacto Relaxed Tension in the reinso Horse accepting bit and legso Face of the horse on the perpendicularo Horse moving forwardo Correct

• Behind the bito Loss of contacto Loss of forward movemento Face of the horse behind the perpendicularo Incorrect

Rider Position (EQ104)• Ahead of the motion

o Rider leaning forward ahead of the balance of the horseo Also called “perching”o Horse is automatically behind the rider in this position

• With the motiono Rider following and staying with the balance of the horseo Horse is always with this rider



o Not ahead, or behindo Correct

• Behind the motiono Rider leaning back behind the balance of the horseo This rider is usually, but not always, stiffo Horse is automatically ahead of the rider in this position

Correct Use of the Stick• Behind the leg• Properly timed• Correct at Natural Obstacles in jumper type courses• Incorrect in a normal class under normal conditions• Never correct in excess• Never correct on the shoulder

Releases• Lower levels

o Long releaseo Long release with mane

• Intermediate levelso Long releaseo Short release

• Advancedo Automatic Release -Not below the line of the mouth -Not interrupting the jump, or descent of the neck

Different situations• A spooking horse, well handled by the rider

o Over a particular jumpo At the whole courseo Around the ringo Not necessarily score the rider too severely

• Use of the stick

USHJA offers an educational DVD, Get Connected featuring USEF Tests 1-19, illustrating how the tests are correctly performed. This DVD can be purchased at www.ushja.org.



Rider’s Attire And Turnout

Rider’s Attire - The rider’s attire should be• Clear• Well-fitting• Conservative

Hunter Classes• The rider’s attire is to be conservative, traditional and understated.• The rider’s attire is to ensure that the rider does not detract from the horse• If you notice the rider’s attire, it is probably wrong• The rider’s attire can be a tie breaker between equal rounds• Remember, it is a horse show, so turn out of the rider can get the edge• The rider’s attire should not prevent the best horse with the best round from winning the class

Equitation Classes• The rider’s attire is to be conservative, traditional and understated• The rider’s attire is to insure that the rider does not detract from the horse• If you notice the rider’s attire, it is probably wrong• The rider’s attire can be a tie breaker between equal rounds• Remember, it is a horse show, so turn out of the rider can get the edge• The rider’s attire should not prevent the best rider with the best round from winning the class

Helmets• Must be ASTM approved

o The chin strap must be fastened and correctly adjustedo All ages, at all times (GR801)o Alert Steward if there is a problem/questiono Stop rider if chin strap is not done up

• What do you do if you think a rider is not wearing an approved helmet?o The best thing to do is to have the steward look into it for you.

• What about different helmet colors?o Helmets are to be of dark and conservative color

• What about decorations on helmets

Chin Straps• What if they are not properly adjusted?

o The best answer is to have the steward handle thiso You may ask the steward to do something about this

• What if the strap is not buckled?o If it is a junior rider the chin strap must be buckled or they are eliminated

• What if the strap comes unbuckled while showing? (GR 801.3)



Chaps• Chaps are not permitted except in unjudged warm-up classes.

Braiding• Hunters

o It is a horse show, and braiding can add to the overall pictureo There are no rules saying hunters need to be braidedo Tradition dictates that hunters show braidedo It is the norm that hunters are shown braidedo Does the specific show have rules pertaining to braiding

Equitation• It is a horse show, and braiding can add to the overall picture• There is no rule saying equitation horses need to be braided• It is the norm that equitation horses are braided at the bigger shows• Does the specific show have rules pertaining to braiding



Tack (HU126-127, EQ105)• Unusual tack should not eliminate a horse, but can affect the results according to the rounds• Tack can be a tie breaker• Unusual tack can include

o Harsh bitso Unusual martingaleso Very tight or loose martingaleso Unusual or controversial bits

• If you notice it, it is probably wrong• Bandages/Boots

o Any boots are illegal on hunterso Any bandages are illegal on hunterso Tail wraps (bandages) are also illegal in the hunters

Course DesignersWhat is your role with the design of the course?

• Are the jumps all visible from the judge’s stand?o When you are sitting in the spot from which you will judge, be sure you can see all the jumps

easilyo Ask the course designer to move a jump if necessaryo Ask the course designer to move any decorations that need moving

• Are the jumps set properly?o Check your course chart to be sure jumps are set for the correct directiono Be sure the jumps are at the correct heighto Be sure the jumps are set evenly-not higher on one side or the othero If a particular jump does not seem correct, say something

• Are the lines riding as intended?o If the lines are not set correctly, say somethingo If you don’t think the course is appropriate for the level of competition, say somethingo If you think there are safety issues, speak up

• Dotted Lineso Is a dotted line appropriate for the class?o Is the dotted line necessary for the class?o Does the dotted line actually save time?o Does the dotted line allow for an appropriate approach to the first jump?o Used both before and after each round if they are in place


Applicants

Know the History

Hunters - The attributes of a good field hunter have become the foundation blocks of how we created a format to critique the show hunter today. Athleticism and style are rewarded, while poor form and poten-tially dangerous technique are given a lower score.

Equitation – Equitation classes are• Designed as a training tool, stepping stone to make good riders;• Used to develop good riding skills;• Used to develop good style of riding; and• An opportunity to show knowledge of basics and style

Judging • Originated as a voluntary position;• Has always commanded respect; and is• Great job to give back to the sport.

Background of Judges

Know that• Each judge has his own background in

o Hunterso Jumperso Equitationo Dressageo Eventing

• This background influences each judge’s results:o Different judges see the same things differently;o These differences are a good thing; o Don’t be afraid to let your background guide you


Applicants

General Topics

Before the Competition• Receive and return contract

o Bring a copy of the contract with you to the horse showo Bring a copy of your expense sheet with you

• Acquire and read the prize list (GR1212.1)• Get contact information

o Horse show officeo Horse show manager

• Make travel arrangementso Fly or driveo Make flight arrangementsDo you make flight arrangements or does the show?Plan travel earlyGet the cheapest fares possibleWhat time will the show end and when should you book your return flight?Arrange travel from the airportWill they pick you up and where?Do you get a rental car and where is the hotel?

o Arrange transportation to the showDo they pick you up?Are there others that need a ride?Do you drive yourself and where is the show?

◊ Mileage rates (Government .50 cents/mile)◊ Tolls◊ Parking fees

Judging Tools• Pens

o Easier to read on the cardo Can get messy if you make a lot of mistakes/changeso Run out of ink-bring severalo Consider bringing white out if you use pen

• Pencilso Not as easy to read on your cardo Point breaks at just the wrong momentConsider mechanical typeBring sharpenerBring plenty of either type

• Scratch papero Useful for keeping your stagger in large or important classeso Useful for keeping notes to yourselfo Useful for sending standbys to announcer or in-gate


General Information

• Number Score Sheeto These are sheets of paper for your stagger with number scores already on the pageo Useful for large or important classes with number scores

• Any other tools your system might call foro Rulerso Colored Pencilso Colored Pens

Dress/Attire• Dress like a professional

o You are representing not only yourself, but the USEF and the USHJAo Dress like you respect your jobo Dress to command respect

• Dress also for comforto Can be long dayso Can be uncomfortable conditionso Foot wear can be criticalWalking in “bad footing”Lots of time on your feet

• Dress in layerso Over the long days weather conditions changeo Often you are in the sun when it is cool in the shadeo Often you are in the shade when it is warm in the sun

• Be sure to bring:o Hatso Sunscreeno Sunglasseso Towelo Heating Pado Bug Spray

Be Prepared• Arrive at the show at least 30 minutes before the start of the show-the earlier the better

o Arrive with:Pads of paperPens and pencilsWhiteoutPrize list, time scheduleRule BookSnacksWater/drinksMagazines, busy work

-This is only for long waits between rounds at some shows-Do not read or do other things if horses are in or near the in-gate


Applicants• At the horse show:

o Find the horse show officeo Meet the show secretarieso Get clipboard, judges cards (check for extra judges cards on the clipboard as well)o Get your radio, and find out which is your channelo Get ring assignment and find your ring

• At the judge’s booth:o Locate the nearest restroomo Locate the nearest trashcano Find out the names of: In-gate person, starterAnnouncerCourse DesignerSteward

o Find your course diagramso Check to see that the course is set properly and that you can see all the jumps clearly

Do a good job• Be Systematic in your judging. As an example:

o Record horse’s number as he enters ringo Make a notation of color, markings, or other things that will jog your memory latero Make a notation about movement/qualityo Watch the round and mark your card as the horse goes aroundo Compare with the other rounds, and give a scoreo Move that horse’s number over to your stagger in the appropriate spoto Use the same system for every horseo Have systems also for your models:Start on the same side of each horseWork your way around the horse the same way with all the horsesDo your jog and new line the same each time

o Have a system also for your hack classeso Check to make sure tack is correct, especially in the equitation classeso Watch for suitability, especially in the pony divisions

• Always move major faults over to the side and mark the scoreo This will prevent you inadvertently using major faultso This will help you keep your card straight

• It is a good idea to keep even your major faults separatedo Refusals could be 36-42 as an exampleo Rails down could be 44-46 as another exampleo These major faults might get ribbons, so it is best to have them already separated

• At the end of the dayo Pick up your personal belongingso Pick up trash, and throw it awayo Take your stagger sheets home and throw them away thereo Take your clipboard, cards, and radio to the office


Applicants

Bookkeeping• Setting up your card

o Be sure you have all your cards and some extras on your clipboardo Be sure class name and number are written on the top of the cardo Check how many ribbons to award and make a noteo Put a description of the course and the jumps across the cardo Ask announcer for number of entries in the class before you begin, and mark it on your cardo Draw a line under where the last number on your card should goo Write the number in the class on the top of the cardo Be sure your columns are set up as necessary if you are doing your stagger on the cardo Mark the last column in your card-the first box you won’t be usingo Place your cards in the correct order

• Using your card to judge over fenceso Know your symbolso Mark each box as a jumpo Know which columns you will use to write something to remember each horse, and use ito Write the number down for each horse in the box for thato Leave some room for some general notationsGreat jumperGood moverVery uneven

o Leave a box for your number score, if you judge with numberso Keep your staggerThis is your order of placing as the class progressesSome people keep this stagger on the side of the cardSome people keep this stagger on a separate paper If you use this system, keep your stagger with youAt the end of the day throw this away at your hotelDo not throw this paper away at the show

o Keep checking that the amount of numbers on your stagger match the number of entries that have gone in the classThis will prevent you “losing” a number, which happens In very large classes you will not keep track of all the riders, so you will just have to be careful

to include all the numbers you intend too Keep your stagger currentThis will have you ready for a standby if they askThis will have you ready for results at the end of the class

o Keep double the amount of numbers you think you will needThis will insure you don’t miss anythingThis will insure you are ready if they call for the “California Split” unexpectedly

• Using your card to judge Models and Hackso HacksDraw lines on card to keep groups


Applicants

Make your first order on the left side of cardMake any changes in your order as you go on the rightPut at least a color by each number so you can find them in the line up

o ModelsAs you walk the line put horses in an order on the left sideMake a few notations next to each number so you rememberAfter you have walked the line, and watched them jog, write a new order on the right side of

the card if you need to change anythingAs a learner judge:

◊ Stay out of the way of senior judges while they are judging◊ Listen, but remain quiet while senior judges are talking

• Using your card to judge equitationo For testing, mark your test in a new place on your cardo Score the rider’s test in these boxeso Keep a new stagger relative to the testingo You can fill in the remainder of the placings on the top of the card while you are waiting for the

first person to testo Know how you are going to test, and what the test is before the end of the classo Have your test written out on a separate piece of paper before the class is finished-for the in-

gate person if it is necessaryo Know the testing requirements of all equitation classes before you start the class (pay particular

attention to local medals)• Jogging

o Jog two more horses than placingso Have a plan for the jogWhere should they go?Does the in-gate person know so they can direct them?

o Watch the jogBe sure they are in the right orderBe sure they are sound

o Listen to the results to be sure announcer has what you do• When the class is over

o Fill in the results at the top of the card completelyo Fill in the number of entries at the top of the cardo Sign the cardo Put completed cards on the bottom of your clipboardPut them sidewaysThis allows you to hand used cards to runner while you are still watching a round


Applicants

Contracts• Get a contract from the horse show!• DON’T ACCEPT CONTRACTS UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR LICENSE• Sign and return the contract• Keep a copy of the contract• What do you do if you can’t judge a show you have agreed to?

o Contact the show as early as possible• Find a replacement option for the show

o Call with a solution to the problem you have createdo Have a few names of people you have spoken to available as optionso If your choices are not acceptable offer to look furthero Allow them to find a replacement if that is preferable for them

• Avoid this as much as possibleo Bad for the exhibitors who are expecting youo Bad for the horse show managero Bad for your reputation


Applicants

Sample Contract

This contract confirms that {official’s printed name} is a current licensed {judge, steward, TD, or CD) with USEF with a rating of {USEF rating} and agrees to officiate {name of competition}, which is a USEF licensed competition, to be held on the dates of {date range of competition} at {city and state}. The classes/divisions you are to judge {change if for other official) are: {list classes/divisions}. They will begin on {date} and the committee would like you available one hour prior to the start of your first class.Compensation

• Fee ? per day of officiating• Travel Expense Airfare – roundtrip from (home airport) to (destination airport). Flight arrangements made by• Ground Transportation – Will competition supply Rental Auto (will competition arrange?), shuttle, personal driver, etc.• Personal auto - Mileage at $.50 per Mile• Airport Parking• Meals while traveling and at the competition (Receipts required)• Per Diem - $ per day.

Total compensation including expenses will be paid to the official for services rendered at the conclusion of the competition.Cancellation:

Should this competition be cancelled for any reason after this contract has been signed by both parties, the competi-tion agrees to pay the official as follows: If the competition cancels this contract

{time period – e.g. two months or more} prior to the competition, the official shall receive no compensation other than expenses incurred, including airline ticket if purchased by the official.

If the competition cancels this contract less than {time period} prior to the competition, the official shall receive {e.g., one-half the fee for time contracted to officiate ($amount)}, plus expenses incurred including airline ticket, if purchased by the official.

If the official must cancel at any time, the official shall forfeit all compensation for the competition, and shall reimburse the committee for any airline expenses incurred. The official shall assist in finding a suitable substitute acceptable to the competition committee.Contact information:Competition address and contact information:

Phone Number on the competition grounds: {facilities name and#} Motel/hotel phone number: {motel name and #}

To be Completed by official:If smoker, special requirements:_________________________________________________________________________Diet Requirements____________________________________________________________________________________Special Needs_______________________________________________________________________________________Assignment:_________________________________________________________________________________________

This agreement may not be transferred, assigned or reassigned by either party without the prior written consent of the other party.

To indicate that the above terms of this judging assignment are agreeable to you, kindly sign the enclosed extra copy of the agreement and return it to: {name, address}. Unless extended in writing by us this offer shall expire thirty (30) days from the date hereof, and any acceptance by you received by us thereafter shall not be binding upon us, unless we waive such requirement in writing.

I agree to the terms of this contract:

Competition: {name of competition} Competition #: {USEF competition #)

Competition Representative_______________________ Title of Representative___________________________________

Signature of Representative_______________________

Address:_________________________________City/State________________________________Zip ________________

Telephone___________________________Fax:_______________________Email:________________________________

Accepted and Agreed to:

Officials Name:_______________________________________Officials Signature:________________________________

Address:_________________________________City/State________________________________Zip________________

Telephone___________________________Fax:_______________________Email: _______________________________

USEF Member #_______________________Breed/Discipline #:____________________SSN or Tax ID #:______________


Applicants

Name of Horse Show

Class: Ring:Jumper Height: Table:

Judge Note: Ribbons:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 <60s 70s 80s 90s

Judge's Signature:

12

Entry Notes

11

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5 6 7 8 9 10

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____ 67

____ 66.75

____ 66.5

____ 66.25

____ 66

____ 65.75

____ 65.5

____ 65.25

____ 65


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Hunter Derbies


Hunter Derbies

Judging Hunter DerbiesA. Classic Hunter Round (First Round)

1. To be judged as any hunter round-jumping style, pace, distance, etc.• Athletic jumping style to be emphasized and rewarded• Brilliance to be emphasized and rewarded• Boldness to be emphasized and rewarded• Jumping higher options to be rewarded with one bonus point each to be added to

original score for the round• Minor mistakes not to be penalized too heavily

late changesminor spooksminor changes in paceetc.

• Number score to be given and announcedB. Handy Hunter Round (Second Round)

1. To be judged as any hunter round-jumping style, pace, distance, etc.• Athletic jumping style to be emphasized and rewarded• Brilliance to be emphasized and rewarded.• Boldness to be emphasized and rewarded.• Jumping higher or more difficult option fences to be rewarded• Minor mistakes not to be penalized too heavily

late changesminor spooksminor changes in paceetc.

• Number score to be given and announced.C. Second Score Handy Hunter Round (Ranging from 1-10)

1. Handy Bonus Score• This score is based on the handiness of the round• Jumping higher options to be rewarded with one bonus point each to be added to

original score for the round• Tighter, shorter, and handier turns before and after fences• More creative and risky approaches• Risk taking and boldness• Brilliance and pace• Score based on the handiness of the round• Very handy round score 5-10• Cautious or careful round score 0-5

*Note-A horse with a very handy round can and should receive a high Handy Bonus Score even if he has major mistakes in his round.

D. Jumping Higher OptionsIn both rounds of the hunter derby horses that jump the higher options should be rewarded accordingly. The recommended system is to use 1 point added to the score of the round for each higher jump jumped. Example: If your score would be an 83 for a round, but they jumped four of the higher options, the score would be given as an 87.


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USHJAINTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY

2017 CLASS SPECIFICATIONS**Effective for competitions starting December 1, 2016-November 30, 2017

Changes from 2016 marked in Bold Italic and Underlined

I. Competition Requirements

A. USHJA International Hunter Derby (IHD) classes may only be offered at USEF licensedPremier and National* rated competitions and competitions approved for a SpecialCompetition status.

* National competitions which meet or exceed the competition standards of a Premierrating, but do not meet the prize money and/or horse entry standard requirements of aPremier rating are eligible to host an International Hunter Derby during the 2017competition year. The competition Steward must verify in his report to the Federation thatthe National competition met all other requirements of a Premier competition.

B. Competition Management will collect and remit to USHJA the per horse entrant fee of $50.

C. Competition Management will remit complete results for each round and the overall,including prize money awarded, to USHJA and USEF within 10 days of the conclusion of thecompetition.

D. For all classes, competition management is required to provide copies of the course toriders prior to the start of the course walk and are encouraged to have them available forspectators.

E. Competition Management must hold the following meetings:1. Officials Meeting should be held prior to the Riders Meeting. Derby Judges, CourseDesigner, Steward, and Competition Manager are required to meet prior to the start ofthe class to review the specifications, judging system and to walk the course.2. Riders Meeting must be held prior to the start of the class. Course designer and atleast one officiating Judge and Steward must attend this meeting to answer anyquestions regarding the course, judging system and class specifications. Attendance bythe riders is suggested but not mandatory. Copies of the course(s) must be available fordistribution at the Riders Meeting.

F. The USHJA International Hunter Derby is a featured class of the horse show, and must bepresented as such with regard to arena size and location, jump quality, decorations, footing andring preparation, lighting, etc. The Derby ring must have spectator seating, a quality sound


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system, and a dedicated announcer with no other duties during the class. An electronicscoreboard is recommended.

G. It is important for competition management to make sure that information on the scoringsystem is available to spectators.

II. Prize Money and Entry FeeA. A minimum of $10,000 prize money must be offered per class.

B. When the Optional Rider Ranking Tiered System is used, Tier II (section B) must haveadded money in addition to the base $10,000 prize money required. See section IV formore information.

C. A competition may choose to offer add-back prize money in addition to the prize moneyoffered, however, the minimum required prize money must be guaranteed. If add-backprize money will be offered, this must be stated in the prize list.

D. Prize money must be paid to a minimum of 12 places as follows:1st – 30%2nd - 22%3rd – 13%4th – 8%5th – 6%6th – 5%7th – 4%8th – 3%9th – 3%10th – 2%11th – 2%12th - 2%

1. Competitions wishing to offer additional prize money above the minimum required(including any add-back money if applicable) and pay additional placings must printthe information in the prize list and notify the USHJA of the final prize moneydistribution. If a change in prize money and placings occurs after the prize list isprinted, the competition must follow all USEF rules regarding changes to the prize list(See GR904). The prize money awarded to each placing below 12th place must notexceed the amount awarded to 12th place.

D. If there are fewer than twelve (12) entries in the class, prize money must be paid accordingto the breakdown in Section II.C, through the last placing entry. Any remaining prize moneynot awarded due to fewer than twelve (12) entries may be split and awarded equally to allentrants that place in the class.

E. The entry fee cannot exceed 10% of the prize money offered and must include the $50 perhorse fee.

III. Bonus Points and AwardsA. In order for International Hunter Derby National HOTY bonus points/money to be awarded,riders must complete the USHJA Exhibitor Declaration Form which must be submitted to the


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show office by the end of the competition.

B. National HOTY bonus points/money are awarded to each horse’s respective section asdeclared at the time of entry. Riders may only declare one hunter section for National HOTYpoints/money. Only Juniors or Amateurs may declare for the applicable Junior or AmateurOwner section. Horses declared in open sections will be awarded both bonus points and thevalue of their money won for their declared hunter section, toward the appropriate HOTYstandings. (See HU189.4 for bonus point structure.)

C. For USHJA Awards purposes, a computer ranking system tracks the money won for boththe horse and rider, both nationally and regionally.

IV. Optional Rider Ranking Tiered SystemA. Management has the option to offer the Rider Ranking Tiered System. The Tier II purse

will be in addition to the original minimum $10,000 base prize money. If the RiderRanking Tiered System is used, it must be published in the competition’s prize list.

B. Rider Ranking will be determined November 30 based on the rider’s three previouscalendar years’ cumulative earnings in International Hunter Derbies. The top 40 riderswill determine Tier I. The remaining riders will determine Tier II. All riders are alwayseligible for Tier I money. Tier I riders are restricted to Tier I money.

C. When offering the Tier Rider Ranking System, a minimum of twelve (12) horses andriders will return to the Handy round in the Tier I section. A minimum of twelve (12)horses with riders from Tier II will return to the Handy round in the Tier II section.(There will often be an overlap of riders)

D. Prize money must be paid to a minimum of twelve (12) places as follows:1st – 30%2nd–22%3rd – 13%4th – 8%5th – 6%6th – 5%7th – 4%8th – 3%9th – 3%10th – 2%11th – 2%12th –2%

1. Competitions wishing to offer additional prize money above the minimum required(including any add-back money if applicable) and pay additional placings must printthe information in the prize list and notify the USHJA of the final prize moneydistribution. If a change in prize money and placings occurs after the prize list isprinted, the competition must follow all USEF rules regarding changes to the prizelist (See GR904). The prize money awarded to each placing below 12th place mustnot exceed the amount awarded to 12th place.

2. Tier II added money may not exceed Tier I added money.

E. If there are fewer than twelve (12) Tier II entries in the class, prize money must be paidaccording to the breakdown in Section IV.E, through the last placing entry. Any remainingprize money not awarded due to fewer than twelve (12) entries may be split and awarded


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equally to all horses with Tier II riders that place in the class.

V. Membership and Participation Requirements

A. Riders, Owners and Trainers must be current Active members of USEF and USHJA beforethe start of the class.

B. Horses must be recorded with the Federation and registered with USHJA.

C. Exception: Foreign residents and horses in good standing with their National Federation areeligible to compete in this class. However the points and/or money won will not count for anyUSEF or USHJA standings or awards unless they are also members of USEF and USHJA, andthe horse is recorded with USEF and registered with USHJA.

D. The same horse may not compete in the USHJA International Hunter Derby and theNational Hunter Derby at the same competition.

E. Horses entered in this class are not required to show in any other hunter or jumperclasses at the horse show.

F. Riders are limited to competing no more than four (4) horses in each class, however, acompetition may choose to further limit the number of horses a rider can compete to three(3)horses, as long as the competition notifies the USHJA 60 days in advance of the date of theclass and such limitation is printed in the prize list.

G. Attire: Refer to HU125 in the USEF Rule Book for current specifications.

H. In accordance with HU143.14 the same horse-and-rider combination must compete in bothrounds of the International Hunter Derby.

VI. Enrollment Policy-International Hunter Derby Program —A. There is an optional annual Enrollment Fee for the 2017 series. Horses DO NOT need to beenrolled to compete in an International Hunter Derby. Horses DO need to be enrolled to beeligible for Regional Awards, to be included on the USHJA IHD Money Won list and tocompete in the 2017 Derby Championship.

1. Upon enrollment in the Derby Program, horses’ earnings, from date of enrollmentforward through November 30, 2017, will be included on the USHJA InternationalHunter Derby Money Won list and count toward Regional Awards. Horses must beenrolled in the program before competing in a Derby, if they wish the money won inthat Derby to count toward standings, regardless of the start date of the competition.

2. Money (and points) won by horses not enrolled in the Derby Program will count towardHOTY awards, but will not be included on the USHJA International Hunter DerbyMoney Won list or Regional Award Standings.

3. Owners must declare their horse’s region upon enrollment of the horse and the regionmay not be changed during the Derby Series year.

4. Owners may choose one region in which to declare their horse(s); the region declareddoes not have to be the owner’s home region.

5. Regions are generally based on the number and location of Derby Series classes and areas follows:


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✓ North Region: Includes Zones 1, 2 and 5.✓ South Region: Includes Zones 3 and 4.✓ Central Region: Includes Zones 6 and 7.✓ West Region: Includes Zones 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and British Columbia.

B. Annual Enrollment Fee:• Opening Date of Enrollment until February 1 of each series - $350• February 2 until June 1 of each series- $550• June 2 until November 30 of each series - $750

Horses may only be enrolled online and it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to enroll hishorse in a timely manner in order to be eligible to receive credit for money won. Therewill be no exceptions allowed regarding enrollment dates for program eligibility.

VII. Jog FormatA. All horses entered in the International Hunter Derby class must jog for soundness during theOfficial Jog prior to the start of the first round in order to compete. The Official Jog must beheld within hours of the start of the first round. This jog will be run in a manner similar to anFEI jog.

B. A horse must be officially entered in the class before it will be allowed to jog.

C. Proper attire is required (i.e., riding clothes or proper attire which an exhibitor would wearto compete in a model class).

D. All horses must be presented at the Official Jog with their actual competition number andwearing a conventional hunter bridle, including noseband.

E. The judging panel for the Official Jog shall consist of the competition veterinarian and aminimum of one judge from the judging panels officiating for the class.

F. The jog surface must be level. Horses shall be evaluated from the side and followingconsultation with the veterinarian, the decision of the participating judge(s) is final andbinding and not subject to further appeal of any kind.

G. If a horse does not pass the jog; the exhibitor may request to re-present the horse to thejudge(s). The judge(s) may decide to allow the horse to re-present at any time up to one hourprior to the start of the class. The vet and one of the judges from the original panel must bepresent.

VIII. Stabling/SchoolingA. All horses competing in the Derby class must be on the competition grounds aminimum of 24 hours prior to the start of the first round of the class.

B. All horses will be monitored and must remain on the competition grounds until the horse isfinished competing in the Derby class. Any horse that leaves the premises prior to completingits participation in the Derby class is disqualified.


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C. All horses must be ridden in official horse show schooling areas unless competitionmanagement designates a specific schooling area for derby horses. Riders must wear thehorses’ competition number while mounted.

IX. Order of GoA. The order of go must be posted a minimum of one hour prior to the start of the class.

B. The draw may be performed by hand or competition management may host a computerdraw.

C. In the case of multiple horses being ridden by the same rider, every effort will be made sothat there will be a minimum of eight horses (if available) separating multiple rides. All horsesmust be ridden in the sequence that appears on the jumping order in the first round of thecompetition. In the second round horses will return in reverse order of their first round scores(lowest to highest). When multiple rides occur, competition management will determine afair separation between horses for the order of go. Should a jump-off occur, horses will returnin the same order in which they competed in the second round.

X. Judging RequirementsA. There will be a total of four judges for this class. Judges will be seated separately intwo panels consisting of two judges per panel.

B. Each judging panel may consist of either two R-licensed hunter judges or one R-licensed hunter judge and one r-licensed hunter judge.

C. All judges must be Federation licensed and in good standing with the Federation andUSHJA.

D. No guest cards will be granted for this competition.

E. Prior to the start of the class, one judging panel must be designated as the tie breakingjudging panel for the first round and another panel must be designated as the tie breakingjudging panel for the second round. The tie breaking judging panel for the first round will alsobe designated as the tie breaking judging panel for the jump-off round.

XI. Judging SystemA. The Classic Hunter Style Round shall be judged and numerically scored on quality,movement, jumping style, manners and way of going. Pace and brilliance are to be rewarded.In addition to this base score, each judging panel must award an Option Bonus Scoreconsisting of one additional point for every higher height option fence jumped. These twoscores must be announced separately and then added together to determine each horse-and-rider combination’s score for this round from each judging panel. The scores of all the judgingpanels will be added together to determine the total score of each horse-and-rider combinationfor this round.

B. The Handy Hunter Round shall be judged and numerically scored on quality, movement,jumping style, manners and way of going. Pace and brilliance are to be rewarded. Jumpingdecorations to utilize a shorter track is NOT permissible. In addition to this base score, eachjudging panel must award an Option Bonus Score consisting of one additional point for everyhigher height option fence jumped and each judging panel must award a Handy Bonus Score


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consisting of between zero and 10 bonus points to each horse-and-rider combination forhandiness of round. These three scores must be announced separately and then added togetherto determine each horse-and-rider combination’s score for this round from each judging panel.The scores of all the judging panels will be added together to determine the total score of eachhorse-and-rider combination for this round.

C. The Jump-Off Round, if required, shall be judged and numerically scored on quality,movement, jumping style, manners and way of going. Pace and brilliance are to be rewarded.Jumping decorations to utilize a shorter track is NOT permissible. In addition to this basescore, each judging panel must award an Option Bonus Score consisting of one additional pointfor every higher height option fence jumped and each judging panel must award a HandyBonus Score consisting of between zero and 10 bonus points to each horse-and-ridercombination for handiness of round. These three scores must be announced separately and thenadded together to determine each horse-and-rider combination’s score for this round from eachjudging panel. The scores of all the judging panels will be added together to determine the totalscore of each horse-and-rider combination for this round.

D. The total scores of each horse-and-rider combination from each round will be addedtogether to determine their final overall Hunter Derby score. This score will determine the finaloverall standings for the class.

E. A judging assistant must be present during all phases of the competition. The duties of thejudging assistant include notifying the Judges if a rail comes down and when a horse jumps thehigher height option fences. The judging assistant is not required to be a licensed official and isnot responsible for the scoring of the judging panels. A competition staff member may fill thisrole.

F. The Option Bonus Score of one additional point for each higher height option fence jumpedmust be awarded even if there is a refusal, rail down or loss of good jumping style at thathigher height option fence, providing that the horse-and-rider combination does jump thehigher height option fence.

XII. Tie Breaking ProceduresA. Neither judging panel may award the same base score to any two competitors in any oneround unless a competitor’s score is below the cut-off score.

B. All ties in all rounds will be broken by the base score (before adding height and/orhandy bonus points) of the designated tie breaking judging panel.

C. Unless the prize list states that more than twelve (12) entries are to return for thesecond round, only the top twelve (12) horses from the first round, after all ties arebroken, are eligible to return for the second round.

D. All ties for overall first place in the class will compete in a jump-off round. In the case ofunsafe conditions preventing a jump-off from being held, the tie will be broken using thesecond round base score (before adding height and handy bonus points), of the designatedjump-off tie breaking judging panel.

E. Ties for other than first place in the overall standings will be broken using the secondround base score (before adding height or handy bonus points) of the designated jump-off


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tie breaking judging panel.

XIII. Award PresentationsA. For all Member Event Series classes, USHJA will provide ribbons for the first round,second round and the overall standings. All riders in the top 12 overall (or their designatedrepresentative if they are not available) must ride for ribbons in order to receive prize money.

B. Competition management may offer additional awards (e.g., highest placing juniorowner, highest placing amateur, highest placing thoroughbred, highest placing ridercompeting on only one entry in the class).

XIV. Course RequirementsA. The course diagrams for each round must be posted a minimum of one hour before the startof the first round, unless the second round and/or jump-off are held at another time. In thatcase, the course for the second and/or jump-off rounds must be posted a minimum of one hourprior to the start of the second round. Copies of the course(s) must also be available fordistribution at the Riders Meeting.B. Jumps in all Rounds

1. Obstacles must simulate those reminiscent of the hunt field and the coursemust offer a variety of Derby jumps with different appearances such as: naturalpost and rail, stone wall, white board fence or gate, coop, aiken, hedge, oxer,brush, logs, natural foliage.2. Natural obstacles such as banks and ditches are allowed.3. A minimum 2” difference is required for the back element of an obstacle.4. Ground lines are not to exceed 18” in depth from the vertical plane of thejump. For appropriate jumps, no ground line is necessary.5. The jumpable portion of any obstacle must be a minimum of eight feet onits front face.6. Flat cups may only be used for obstacles involving logs and/or in accordancewith Federation rules.

C. Classic Hunter Style Round (First Round)1. A minimum of 10 obstacles must be offered in the Classic Hunter Style Round.2. Fences must be set at 3’6 to 4’0” in height, exception option fences. No more than50% of the course may be set at 3’6 in height.3. The course must include four higher height option fences set at a minimum of 4’3” inheight (no maximum height). The number of higher height option fences cannot exceedfour and the jump cups on those fences must be normal deep cups of 25-30 mm. If thereis a difference in difficulty between any two tracks containing height options, thehigher options should include the more inviting obstacles and be on the less difficulttrack.4. At least one in and out.5. At least one bending line.6. At least one line with an unrelated distance.7. At least one fence with a long approach.

D. Handy Hunter Round (Second Round)1. A minimum of eight obstacles must be offered in the Handy Hunter Round.2. Fences must be set at 3’6” to 4’0” in height, exception option fences. No more than50% of the course may be set at 3’6” in height.


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3. The course must include four higher height option fences set at a minimum of 4’3” inheight (no maximum height). The number of higher height option fences cannot exceedfour and the jump cups on those fences must be normal deep cups of 25-30 mm. If thereis a difference in difficulty between any two tracks containing height options, thehigher options should include the more inviting obstacles and be on the less difficulttrack.4. The course should simulate riding over hunt country and must include aminimum of three of the following handy options: tight turn options, differenttracks, clever options for jump approaches, pen type obstacles, hand gallop ajump, trot a lowered obstacle not to exceed 3’0” in height, execute a walk fencewhile mounted not to exceed 12” in height. Leading over an obstacle and openingand/or closing a gate(s) while mounted or not mounted is not permitted.Gimmicky options are not appropriate.5. Unless the prize list states that more than 12 entries are to return for thesecond round, then only the top 12 horses from the first round, after all ties arebroken, are eligible to return for the second round.

E. Jump-Off Round1. A minimum of eight obstacles must be offered in the jump-off round.2. Fences must be set at 3’6’ to 4’0” in height, exception option fences.3. The course must include four higher height option fences set at a minimum of 4’3” inheight (no maximum height). The number of higher height option fences cannot exceedfour and the jump cups on those fences must be normal deep cups of 25-30 mm. If thereis a difference in difficulty between any two tracks containing height options, thehigher options should include the more inviting obstacles and be on the less difficulttrack.4. The course should simulate riding over hunt country and must include a minimum oftwo of the following handy options: tight turn options, different tracks, clever optionsfor jump approaches, pen type obstacles, hand gallop a jump, trot a lowered obstaclenot to exceed 3’0” in height, execute a walk fence while mounted not to exceed 12” inheight, halt and/or back. Leading over an obstacle and opening and/or closing a gate(s)while mounted or not mounted are not permitted. Gimmicky options are notappropriate.

XV. OtherA. The USHJA International Hunter Derby is a two round class with a jump-off round whennecessary. Competition Management may apply to hold the Derby class in its entirety on oneday or may apply to hold the first round on one day and the second round and jump-off (whennecessary) on the following day. If the two day format is utilized, the class must be held onconsecutive days with the first round on day one and the second round and jump-off (whennecessary) on day two. When applying to host a Derby class, competition management mustdesignate the format they intend to follow and apply for the day(s) and date(s) accordingly.Competition management must then list the format they have been approved for in their prizelist, schedule, and any other form of advertising for the Derby class. Any request to change theformat, location, date(s), licensee and/or management team applied for and approved must bemade in writing to the USHJA a minimum of 60 days before the date(s) of the class and allexhibitors must be notified of the change.

B.USHJA reserves the right to accept/approve the hosting of an International Hunter Derby atany time after the application deadline has passed, including during the current series.


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Applications to host a Derby after the application deadline has passed will be considered on acase-by-case basis.

C. For an exception to International Hunter Derby Class Specifications, competitions mustapply in writing to the USHJA a minimum of 90 days in advance of the date of the class andallowing enough time that any exception will be in the prize list. USHJA, in its sole discretion,may waive the above time requirements in situations of extenuating circumstances. Requestsfor exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

XVI. USHJA Contact InformationA. If questions arise pertaining to the International Hunter Derby that cannot be answered fromthe class specifications provided, one of the following USHJA representatives must becontacted to resolve any questions regarding the judging procedures or class specifications:

Shelly Nelson -USHJA Assistant Managing Director of Hunter Programs (859) 225-6722

Ron Danta-Chairman of the Intl. Htr. Derby Task Force (803) 243-0700

Mary Babick - USHJA Hunter Working Group Chair (732) 239-1235

XVII. Cancellation PolicyA. Competitions approved to host an International Hunter Derby must hold the class with aminimum of three entries, unless the entire competition is cancelled. Cancelling the classwithout cause (i.e., an act of God), is grounds for future applications to host an InternationalHunter Derby to be denied.

The USHJA International Hunter Derby and the related format and specifications are the sole properties of theUSHJA and may only be held, conducted or used upon the terms and conditions specified by the USHJA.USHJA reserves the right to change language in documents related to the conduct of the USHJA InternationalHunter Derby as necessary for the purposes of consistency and clarity.

Any deviations from the class specifications for the USHJA International Hunter Derby are not permittedwithout the express written permission from USHJA prior to the printing of the prize list.

For any rules not specified above, please refer to the current USEF Rule Book.

© 2015-2016 USHJA 11

permitted without the express written permission from USHJA prior to the printing of the prize list.



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© 2016-2017 United States Hunter Jumper Association, Inc.1

USHJA NATIONAL HUNTER DERBY SPECIFICATIONS-2017*Effective for competitions starting December 1, 2016, to November 30, 2017

Changes from 2016 marked in bold, italics and underlined.


A. A National Hunter Derby may be offered at USEF Licensed Premier, National, Regional I and Regional II rated competitions, or competitions that have been approved for a Special Competition status.

B. Competition Management will collect and remit to USHJA the $25 per horse entrant fee at Premier and National rated competitions and competitions thathave been approved for a Special Competition status, and the $15 per horse entrant fee at Regional I and Regional II competitions.

C. No more than one National Hunter Derby may be held during a given competition. (Exception: If there are forty (40) or more entries in the National Hunter Derby, the class may be split into two (2) separate classes.). Management may determine a cutoff time for entering before splitting the National Hunter Derby into two classes. The cutoff time will be no earlier than 24 hours prior to the proposed start time of the National Hunter Derby.

1. Should management choose to split a class of 40 or more entries, they must offer one National Hunter Derby and one National Hunter Derby restricted to Juniors and Amateurs.

2. Cross entry of horse or rider between the two National Hunter Derbies is not permitted.

3. The two National Hunter Derbies may run concurrently or separateat the discretion of competition management.

4. Prize money must be doubled and allocated with 50% offered to each of the two National Hunter Derbies.

D. Competition management will remit complete results including prize money awarded to USHJA and USEF within 10 days of the conclusion of the competition.

E. The National Hunter Derby is a featured class of the horse show, and must be presented as such with regard to arena size and location, jump quality, decorations, footing and ring preparation, lighting, etc. The ring used must have spectator seating, a quality sound system, and a dedicated announcer with no other duties during the Derby.

F. It is important for Management to make sure that the pointing and scoring system is fully understood by spectators. USHJA requests that announcers


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announce scores using their own style, but containing the following information in a clear manner:

1. First Round"The judges score an 84. An additional four points will be awarded for the four higher option fences that were taken, giving our entry a final score of 88 for this round."

2. Second Round"The judges score an 82 for this round. An additional four points will be awarded for the four higher option fences that were taken, giving our entry a final score of 86 for this round.” Handiness is taken into account in the judges’ base score.

II. Prize Money and Entry Fee

A. A minimum of $2,500 prize money must be offered per class in Premier and National rated competitions and competitions that have been approved for a Special Competition status.

B. A minimum of $1,000 prize money must be offered per class in Regional I rated competitions.

C. A minimum of $500 prize money must be offered per class in Regional II rated competitions.

D. Regional I and Regional II rated competitions may offer more than the minimum prize money required provided that the competition is held over more than one day.

E. A competition may choose to offer add-back prize money in addition to the prize money offered, however, the minimum required prize money must be guaranteed. If add-back prize money will be offered, this must be stated in the prize list.

F. If two National Hunter Derbies are held (a National Hunter Derby and aNational Hunter Derby restricted to Juniors and Amateurs) prize money must be doubled and allocated 50% to each derby. Payouts within each section will follow the model listed in Point G below.

G. Prize money must be paid to a minimum of 12 places as follows:

1st-30%2nd-22%3rd-13%4th-8%5th-6%6th-5%

7th-4%8th-3%9th-3%10th-2%11th-2% 12th 2%

1. Competitions wishing to offer additional prize money above the minimum required (including any add-back money if applicable) and pay additional placings must print the information in the prize list and notify the USHJA of the final prize money distribution. If a change in prize money and


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placings occurs after the prize list is printed, the competition must follow all USEF rules regarding changes to the prize list (See GR904). The prize money awarded to each placing below 12th place must not exceed the amount awarded to 12th place.

H. If there are less than 12 entries in the class, prize money must be paid according to the breakdown in Section II.F through the last placing entry. Any remaining prize money not awarded due to less than 12 entries may be split and awarded equally to all entrants that place in the class.

I. The entry fee cannot exceed 10% of the prize money offered including the per horse entrant fee.

III. Membership and Participation Requirements

A. Riders, owners, and trainers must be current Active members of USEF and USHJA to participate in this class. (see GR202).

B. Horses and ponies must be registered with USHJA to participate in this class.C. Exception: Foreign residents and horses and ponies in good standing with

their National Federation are eligible to compete in this class.D. USHJA Zone HOTY bonus points will only be awarded if the owner is a

current Active member of USEF and USHJA and the horse is recorded with USEF and registered with USHJA.

E. Money won will only count for any USHJA National Hunter Derby standings or awards if the rider, owner and trainer are current Active members of USEF and USHJA, and the horse is registered with USHJA.

F. The number of horses a rider can compete in a National Hunter Derby may be limited if so specified in the prize list.

G. The prize list may specify that in order to be eligible to compete in a National Hunter Derby, a horse must compete in one or two classes at the same competition.

H. The same horse may not compete in the USHJA National Hunter Derby and the USHJA International Hunter Derby at the same competition.

I. Competing in the USHJA National Hunter Derby does not qualify a horse or rider for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship.

J. Horses entered in this class will NOT be required to jog for soundness. Any unsoundness during the competition will be reflected in the scores from the judges (GR 1034.7).

K. Attire: Refer to HU125 in the USEF Rule Book for current specifications.

IV. Zone HOTY Bonus Points and Awards

A. In order for National Hunter Derby Zone HOTY bonus points to be awarded, riders must complete a USHJA Exhibitor Declaration Form prior to the conclusion of the competition.

B. Points accrued by horses shown by Professionals may be awarded to the declared Pre-Green section Performance Hunter 3’3” or Small Hunter.


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© 2016-2017 United States Hunter Jumper Association, Inc. 4

C. Points accrued by horses shown by Juniors or Amateurs may be awarded to the declared Pre-Green section, Performance Hunter 3’3”, or the applicable Children’s, Pony, Adult Amateur, Amateur Owner 3’3”, Small Hunter or Junior Hunter 3’3.

D. The money won and points won in the USHJA National Hunter Derby will only be awarded towards a declared Hunter section for HOTY points if a horse competes in the declared section a minimum of 1 time during the competition year.

E. National HOTY bonus points will not be awarded. (see HU189.7b)F. At Premier or National rated competitions, or competitions approved for

Special Competition status, zone bonus points will be awarded as follows:

1st – 752nd – 603rd – 544th – 455th – 386th – 30

7th – 238th – 159th – 1010th – 711th – 512th – 3

G. At Regional I or Regional II rated competitions, zone bonus points will be awarded as follows:

1st – 502nd – 403rd – 354th – 305th – 256th – 20

7th – 158th – 109th – 710th – 511th – 312th – 2

H. For USHJA Awards purposes, a computer ranking system tracks the money won by horse and rider, both nationally and by zone.

V. Judging Requirements and Judging System

A. Each class may have the option of having either one or two panels of judges. Each panel will consist of two judges sitting together. One judge on each panel must be a “R” judge, the other judge on each panel may be either a “R” or “r” judge. Each panel will provide one score for each round. See “E” for calculating the Overall Score.

B. No panel may award the same base score to any two competitors in any one round.

C. The first round shall be judged on performance, hunter pace, jumping style, quality and substance, and movement. After the judges base score is given, one point will be added for each high option fence jumped. The Option Bonus Score of one additional point must be awarded even if there is a refusal, rail down or loss of good jumping style at that higher height option fence, providing that the horse-and-rider combination does jump the higher height option fence. (Maximum of four points.)

D. The second round shall be judged on performance, hunter pace, jumping style, quality and substance, movement, handiness and brilliance of pace. Handiness is defined as ground saving movement without adversely affecting performance or style. Brilliance of pace is defined as a faster pace than


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ordinary, without sacrificing performance or style. Handiness is taken into account in the judges’ base score. After the judges’ base score is given, one point will be added for each high option fence jumped. The Option Bonus Score of one additional point must be awarded even if there is a refusal, rail down or loss of good jumping style at that higher height option fence, providing that the horse-and-rider combination does jump the higher height option fence. (Maximum of four points.)

E. Overall Score - The final score from each round will be either averaged or added as specified in the prize list to obtain the overall total for each horse.

VI. Tie Breaking Procedures

A. No panel may award the same base score to any two competitors in any one round unless a competitor’s score is below the cut-off score.

B. Any ties in all rounds will be broken by the base score (before adding heightbonus points) of that round.

C. Unless the prize list states that more than 12 entries are to return for the second round, only the top 12 horses from the first round, after all ties are broken, are eligible to return for the second round.

D. All ties for overall first place in the class will compete in a jump-off round. In the case of unsafe conditions preventing a jump-off from being held, the tie will be broken using the second round base score (before adding height bonus points).

E. Ties for other than first place in the overall standings will be broken using the second round base score (before adding height bonus points).

F. Prior to the start of the class, if two judging panels are used, one panel must be designated as the tie breaking panel for the first round and another panel must be designated as the tie breaking panel for the second round. The tie breaking panel for the first round will also be designated as the tie breaking panel for the jump-off round.

VII. Schooling

A. During the two rounds of the National Hunter Derby, all horses entered must be ridden in official horse show schooling areas unless Managementdesignates a specific schooling area for National Hunter Derby horses. Riders must wear their horse’s Derby competition number while mounted. This includes horses entered simultaneously in another class, if any. Entered horses ridden or schooled elsewhere on the competition grounds or NOT wearing their Derby competition number will be eliminated from competing in the Derby and the entry fee will be forfeited.

VIII. Order of Go

A. The order of go must be posted a minimum of one hour prior to the start of the class.


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B. The draw may be performed by hand or competition Management may host a computer draw.

C. In the case of multiple horses being ridden by the same rider, every effort will be made so that there will be a minimum of eight horses (if available) separating multiple rides. All horses must be ridden in the sequence that appears on the jumping order in the first round of the competition. In the second round horses will return in reverse order of their first round scores (lowest to highest). Due to multiple rides or rider conflicts, any rider may elect to move up in the order. Should a jump-off occur, horses will return in the same order in which they competed in the second round.

IX. Awards Presentation

A. Judges are required to pin to 12th place (plus two reserve placings) for the purpose of awarding zone bonus points.

B. Ribbons and prize money are required to be awarded through 12th place per the prize money breakdown provided in section II.F.

C. All riders in the top 12 overall (or their designated representative if notavailable) must ride for ribbons in order to receive prize money. Although not required, a show may choose to award separate ribbons for the first round if so stated in the prize list.

D. Competitions may award ribbons to the highest placing junior hunter rider and highest placing amateur hunter rider in addition to the awards for the overall top 12 riders if so stated in the prize list.

X. Course Requirements

A. The course diagrams for each round must be posted a minimum of one hour before the start of the first round, unless the second round is held at another time. In that case, the course for second round must be posted a minimum of one hour prior.

B. Jumps in ALL Rounds1. Obstacles must simulate those reminiscent of the hunt field and

course must offer a variety of Classic jumps with different appearances such as: natural post and rail, stone wall, white board fence or gate, coop, aiken, hedge, oxer, brush, logs, natural foliage.

2. Natural obstacles such as banks and ditches are allowed.3. A minimum of 2” difference is required for the back element of all

oxers.4. Ground lines are not to exceed 18” in depth from the vertical plane of

the jump. For appropriate jumps, no ground line is necessary. 5. The jumpable portion of any fence must be a minimum of 8 feet on its

front face.6. Flat cups may only be used for log fences and in accordance with

Federation rules.7. Distances will not be adjusted for ponies.8. Fence height 3’0”9. There must be four option fences set at 3’5”.


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C. Classic Hunter Style Course (First Round)1. A minimum of ten obstacles must be offered in the Classic Hunter

Round.2. At least one in and out3. At least one bending line4. At least one line with an unrelated distance5. At least one long approach

D. Handy Hunter Course (Second Round)1. A minimum of eight obstacles must be offered in the Handy Hunter

Round.2. The course should simulate riding over hunt country and must have a

minimum of two handy options, such as: tight turns, different tracks, clever options for jump approaches, pen type obstacles, hand gallop a jump, trot a lowered obstacle not to exceed 2’6” in height, halt and/or back. Gimmicky options are not appropriate.

3. Unless the prize list states that more than 12 entries are to return for the second round, then only the top 12 horses from the first round,after all ties are broken, are eligible to return for the second round.

XI. USHJA Contact InformationPlease contact one of the following USHJA representatives, if questions arise pertaining to the USHJA National Hunter Derby that cannot be answered by the Show Steward or Management based on the class specifications provided.

Shelly Nelson- USHJA Assistant Managing Director of Hunter Programs(859) 225-6722

Louise Serio- Chair of the National Hunter Derby Task Force(610) 636-0678

Mary Babick- USHJA Hunter Working Group Chair(732) 239-1235

The USHJA National Hunter Derby and the related format and specifications are the sole properties of the USHJA and may only be held, conducted or used upon the terms and conditions specified by the USHJA. USHJA reserves the right to change language in documents related to the conduct of the USHJA National Hunter Derby as necessary for the purposes of consistency and clarity.

Any deviations from the class specifications for the USHJA National Hunter Derby are not permitted without the express written permission from USHJA prior to the printing of the prize list.



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USHJA PONY HUNTER DERBY SPECIFICATIONS Effective for competitions starting December 1, 2016, to November 30, 2017


A. A USHJA Pony Hunter Derby may be offered at Federation Licensed

Premier, National, Regional I and Regional II rated competitions, or competitions that have been approved for a Special Competition classification.

B. Competition Management will collect and remit to USHJA the $25 per pony entrant fee at Premier and National rated competitions and competitions that have been approved for a Special Competition classification, and the $15 per pony entrant fee at Regional I and Regional II competitions.

C. No more than one Pony Hunter Derby may be held during a given competition and that class may not be split by pony size.

D. Competition management will remit complete overall results, including prize money awarded, to USHJA and the Federation within 10 days of the conclusion of the competition.

E. For all classes, competition management is required to provide copies of the course to riders prior to the start of the course walk and is encouraged to have them available for spectators.

F. The Pony Hunter Derby is a featured class of the competition, and must be presented as such with regard to arena size and location, jump quality, decorations, footing and ring preparation, lighting, etc. The ring used must have spectator seating, a quality sound system, and a dedicated announcer with no other duties during the Derby.

II. Prize Money and Entry Fee

A. A minimum of $1,500 prize money must be offered per class at Premier and

National rated competitions and competitions that have been approved for a Special Competition classification.

B. A minimum of $1,000 prize money must be offered per class at Regional I rated competitions.

C. A minimum of $500 prize money must be offered per class at Regional II rated competitions.


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D. A competition may choose to offer add-back prize money in addition to the prize money offered, however, the minimum required prize money must be guaranteed. If add-back prize money will be offered, this must be stated in the prize list.

E. Prize money must be paid to a minimum of 12 places as follows:

1st-30% 2nd-22% 3rd-13% 4th-8% 5th-6% 6th-5%

7th-4% 8th-3% 9th-3% 10th-2% 11th-2% 12th 2%

1. Competitions wishing to offer additional prize money above the minimum required (including any add-back money if applicable) and pay additional placings must print the information in the prize list and notify the USHJA of the final prize money distribution. If a change in prize money and placings occurs after the prize list is printed, the competition must follow all Federation rules regarding changes to the prize list (See GR904). The prize money awarded to each placing below 12th place must not exceed the amount awarded to 12th place.

F. If there are less than 12 entries in the class, prize money must be paid according to the breakdown in Section II.E through the last placing entry. Any remaining prize money not awarded due to less than 12 entries may be split and awarded equally to all entrants that place in the class.

G. The entry fee, including the per pony entrant fee, cannot exceed 10% of the prize money offered.

III. Membership and Participation Requirements

A. Riders, owners, and trainers must be current Active members of the

Federation and USHJA to participate in this class. B. Ponies must be registered with USHJA to participate in this class. C. Ponies must have a valid measurement card or form issued by the Federation. D. Exception: Foreign residents and ponies in good standing with their National

Federation are eligible to compete in this class. E. USHJA National and Zone HOTY Championship points will only be

awarded if the owner is a current Active member of the Federation and USHJA and the pony is recorded with the Federation and registered with USHJA.

F. Points earned will only count for any USHJA Pony Hunter Derby standings or awards if the rider, owner and trainer are current Active members of the Federation and USHJA, and the pony is registered with USHJA.

G. Riders may compete on a total of four ponies but no more than two of any one size.


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H. Rider age and pony size: See HU101.1 for current Federation policy. Any rider under the age of 18 years may compete on any pony that is eligible for the Green Pony Hunter section provided that pony has been declared to earn Championship points in the Green Pony Hunter section.

I. The prize list may specify that in order to be eligible to compete in a Pony Hunter Derby, a pony must compete in one or two classes at the same competition.

J. In accordance with HU145.14 the same pony-and-rider combination must compete in both rounds of the Pony Hunter Derby.

K. A Green pony that competes in a USHJA Pony Hunter Derby is no longer eligible for green reinstatement.

L. Attire: Refer to HU127 in the Federation Rule Book for current specifications.

IV. HOTY Championship Points and Awards

A. National and Zone HOTY Championship points will be awarded for

placing in a USHJA Pony Hunter Derby. B. In order for Pony Hunter Derby National and Zone HOTY Championship

points to be awarded: 1. Ponies must be recorded with the Federation and registered with USHJA. 2. Recorded owner of pony must be a current Active member of the

Federation and USHJA. 3. Riders must complete the USHJA Exhibitor Declaration Form prior to the

conclusion of the competition. 4. A minimum of 12 ponies must compete in the first round at Premier and

National rated competitions and competitions that have been approved for a Special Competition classification.

5. A minimum of six ponies must compete in the first round at Regional I and Regional II rated competitions.

C. Riders may only declare one pony hunter section, per competition, in which to earn Championship points. Children’s Pony may not be declared for Championship points.

D. A pony eligible to be shown in the Green Pony Hunter section may be declared to earn Championship points in the applicable Green Pony Hunter section.

E. National Championship points will be awarded for the overall placings as follows:

1st – 75 2nd – 60 3rd – 54 4th – 45 5th – 38 6th – 30

7th – 23 8th – 15 9th – 10 10th – 7 11th – 5 12th – 3


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F. Zone Championship points will be awarded for the overall placings as follows: 1st – 50 2nd – 40 3rd – 35 4th – 30 5th – 25 6th – 20

7th – 15 8th – 10 9th – 7 10th – 5 11th – 3 12th – 2


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G. For USHJA awards purposes, a computer ranking system tracks the points earned by pony and rider in each zone. (See IV.F) Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the competition year.

1. In order for points earned to be applied toward USHJA standings and awards, a minimum of three entries must compete in the first round.

2. For minimum number of entries required to earn HOTY Championship points see IV.B.

V. Official Jog Format

The top 14 ponies must jog for soundness between rounds. VI. Judging Requirements

A. Each class must have a minimum of two judges. All judges will sit together

and provide one score. B. One judge must be an R judge, the other may be either an R or r judge. C. All judges must be Federation licensed and in good standing with the

Federation and USHJA. D. No guest cards will be granted for this competition.

VII. Judging System

A. The judging panel will provide one score and the scores from each round will

be added together to obtain the overall total for each pony. This overall total score will determine the final overall standings for the class.

B. The Classic Hunter Style Round shall be judged and numerically scored on quality, movement, jumping style, manners and way of going. Pace and brilliance are to be rewarded.

C. The Handy Hunter Round shall be judged and numerically scored on quality, movement, jumping style, manners and way of going. Pace and brilliance are to be rewarded. Handiness is taken into account in the judges’ base score. Jumping decorations to utilize a shorter track is NOT permissible.

D. The Jump-Off Round, if required, shall be judged and numerically scored on quality, movement, jumping style, manners and way of going. Pace and brilliance are to be rewarded. Handiness is taken into account in the judges’ base score. Jumping decorations to utilize a shorter track is NOT permissible.

VIII. Tie Breaking Procedures

A. The judging panel may not award the same base score to any two competitors

in any one round unless a competitor’s score is below the cut-off score. B. Unless the prize list states that more than 12 entries are to return for the

second round, only the top 12 ponies from the first round are eligible to return for the second round.

C. All ties for overall first place in the class will compete in a jump-off round.


Hunter Derbies

In the case of unsafe conditions preventing a jump-off from being held, the tie will be broken using the second round score.

D. Ties for other than first place in the overall standings will be broken using the second round score.

IX. Order of Go

A. The order of go must be posted a minimum of one hour prior to the start of the class.

B. The draw may be performed by hand or Competition Management may host a computer draw.

C. In the case of multiple ponies being ridden by the same rider, every effort will be made so that there will be a minimum of eight ponies (if available) separating multiple rides. All ponies must be ridden in the sequence that appears on the jumping order in the first round of the competition. In the second round ponies will return in reverse order of their first round scores (lowest to highest). Due to multiple rides or rider conflicts, any rider may elect to move up in the order. Should a jump-off occur, ponies will return in the same order in which they competed in the second round.

X. Awards Presentation

A. Judges are required to pin to 12th place (plus two reserve placings). B. All riders in the top 12 overall (or their designated representative if not

available) must ride for ribbons in order to receive prize money. C. Although not required, a show may choose to award separate ribbons for the

first and second round if so stated in the prize list. D. Competition management may offer additional awards. (e.g., highest placing

junior owner, highest placing pony per size - small, medium, large, highest placing rider competing on only one entry in the class.)

XI. Course Requirements

A. The course diagrams for each round must be posted a minimum of one hour

before the start of the first round, unless the second round is held at another time. In that case, the course for second round must be posted a minimum of one hour prior. Copies of the courses must also be available for distribution.

B. Jumps in ALL Rounds 1. Obstacles must simulate those reminiscent of the hunt field and the

course must offer a variety of classic jumps with different appearances such as: natural post and rail, stone wall, white board fence or gate, coop, aiken, hedge, oxer, brush, logs, natural foliage.

2. Natural obstacles such as banks and ditches are not allowed. 3. A minimum of 2” difference is required for the back element of all

oxers. 4. Ground lines are not to exceed 16” in depth from the vertical plane of

the jump. For appropriate jumps, no ground line is necessary. 5. The jumpable portion of any fence must be a minimum of eight feet

on its front face. 6. Flat cups may only be used for log fences and in accordance with

Federation rules. 7. Fence heights: Small Pony - 2’3”; Medium Pony – 2’6”; Large Pony


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2’9”- 3’0”. One hundred per cent of fences must be set at the appropriate height per pony size.

C. Classic Hunter Style Course (First Round) 1. A minimum of ten obstacles must be offered in the Classic

Hunter Round. 2. At least one in and out. 3. At least one bending line. 4. At least one line with an unrelated distance. 5. At least one long approach.

D. Handy Hunter Course (Second Round) 1. A minimum of eight obstacles must be offered in the Handy

Hunter Round. 2. The course should simulate riding over hunt country and must include

a minimum of two handy options, such as: tight turn options, different tracks, clever options for jump approaches, pen type obstacles, hand gallop a jump, trot a lowered obstacle not to exceed 2’0” in height, halt and/or back. Leading over an obstacle and opening and/or closing a gate(s) while mounted or not mounted is not permitted. Gimmicky options are not appropriate.

3. Unless the prize list states that more than 12 entries are to return for the second round, then only the top 12 ponies from the first round are eligible to return for the second round.

E. Jump-Off Round 1. A minimum of eight obstacles must be offered in the jump-off round. 2. The course should simulate riding over hunt country and must include


XII. USHJA Contact Information

Please contact one of the following USHJA representatives, if questions arise pertaining to the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby that cannot be answered by the Show Steward or Management based on the class specifications provided.

Katie Patrick-USHJA Sports Director (859) 225-6725

Mary Babick-USHJA President (732) 747-3909 The USHJA Pony Hunter Derby and the related format and specifications are the sole properties of the USHJA and may only be held, conducted or used upon the terms and conditions specified by the USHJA. USHJA reserves the right to change language in documents related to the conduct of the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby as necessary for the purposes of consistency and clarity.

Any deviations from the class specifications for the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby are not permitted without the express written permission from USHJA prior to the printing of the prize list. For any rules not specified above, please refer to the current Federation Rule Book.


Hunter Derbies

2’9”- 3’0”. One hundred per cent of fences must be set at the appropriate height per pony size.

C. Classic Hunter Style Course (First Round) 1. A minimum of ten obstacles must be offered in the Classic

Hunter Round. 2. At least one in and out. 3. At least one bending line. 4. At least one line with an unrelated distance. 5. At least one long approach.

D. Handy Hunter Course (Second Round) 1. A minimum of eight obstacles must be offered in the Handy

Hunter Round. 2. The course should simulate riding over hunt country and must include


3. Unless the prize list states that more than 12 entries are to return for the second round, then only the top 12 ponies from the first round are eligible to return for the second round.

E. Jump-Off Round 1. A minimum of eight obstacles must be offered in the jump-off round. 2. The course should simulate riding over hunt country and must include


XII. USHJA Contact Information

Please contact one of the following USHJA representatives, if questions arise pertaining to the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby that cannot be answered by the Show Steward or Management based on the class specifications provided.

Katie Patrick-USHJA Sports Director (859) 225-6725

Mary Babick-USHJA President (732) 747-3909 The USHJA Pony Hunter Derby and the related format and specifications are the sole properties of the USHJA and may only be held, conducted or used upon the terms and conditions specified by the USHJA. USHJA reserves the right to change language in documents related to the conduct of the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby as necessary for the purposes of consistency and clarity.

Any deviations from the class specifications for the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby are not permitted without the express written permission from USHJA prior to the printing of the prize list. For any rules not specified above, please refer to the current Federation Rule Book.


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HUNTER AND JUMPING SEAT EQUITATION JUDGES CLINIC

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