OBSTACLE CHALLENGES Amended

Transcription

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

2 The purpse f the Obstacle Challenge Prgram is t prmte gd hrsemanship skills and prvide an educatinal venue fr members f CSHA. Obstacle Challenges are pen t any breed f hrse r any style f riding. The Hrse and Rider will encunter varius bstacles and smetimes challenging trail situatins which will better prepare the Hrse and Rider t negtiate them with accuracy. Thrugh educatin and experience, riding becmes mre pleasurable. Each Obstacle Challenge will encurage educatin, safety and fun. SEC. 1.0 Cmmittee and Respnsibilities 1.1 The State Cmmittee will administer this prgram. If necessary, in additin t the members prescribed in the bylaws, additinal cmmittee members may be appinted by the chairman t carry ut specific duties. Hwever, they will nt have vting privileges, nr are they cunted in btaining a qurum The State Chairman shall appint an Event Chairman fr purpses f managing the State Obstacle Challenge Champinship (SOCC). 1.2 It is the State Chairman's respnsibility t ascertain that Regins requesting sanctining are prvided with necessary infrmatin such as sanctining frms, prgram guidelines, result frms, etc. 1.3 The appinted chairman will keep accurate recrd f all Obstacle Challenges thrughut CSHA. This task may be delegated t the State Cmmittee Chairman in charge f memberships. SEC. 2.0 General Rules 2.1 Whenever the term hrse is used, it als applies t pnies and mules. 2.2 Whenever the male gender is used, it als applies t the female gender. 2.3 All Obstacle Challenges may be perfrmed inside an arena r utside At each bstacle event management shall, wherever pssible and feasible, prvide fr a suitable and safe means f bypassing the bstacle while prviding a smth transitin t the next bstacle Obstacles may be manmade r thse that naturally ccur n a trail. 2.4 Hrses may be f any breed r age. It is strngly recmmended that hrses be at least three (3) years f age. It is the rider's respnsibility t ascertain if his hrse is capable f cmpeting. 2.5 N special cnsideratin will be given t unsund r handicapped hrses. Allwances fr riders with permanent physical r mental disabilities are permissible. Example: A rider with cancer cannt pull him/herself up t munt and therefre can be allwed t use a munting blck withut penalty. A rider with a temprary r permanent disability must advise the Ride Management during the riders' meeting. This rule des nt apply t persn(s) with a temprary cast, etc. which is nt cnsidered a disability and it will be up t Event Management as t whether this persn can cmpete. 2

3 2.6 Ownership f a hrse is nt required. 2.7 Any type f cruelty t animals such as excessive use f spurs, crps, etc. will be penalized. If the abuse cntinues the rider will be disqualified and excused frm the cmpetitin. 2.8 All hrses are subject t the State f Califrnia Department f Agriculture's drug testing and drug use laws. If an Event Manager is ntified by the Califrnia Department f Agriculture that a hrse tested psitive, the event manager must ntify bth the Regin and State Chairmen The cmbinatin will lse all pints and/r awards earned at the event If the ffense is repeated, the rider, wner and/r trainer will be mitigated by the Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee. 2.9 Events are pen t nn-csha members Each rider is respnsible fr his wn safety and the safety f his munt. Earned pints and resulting awards are t be cnsidered secndary t safety Each participant must maintain cntrl f their munt thrughut the ride. Each bstacle is judged n hw the partnership wrks tgether. This wrking team shuld negtiate each bstacle with calmness and patience, mving safely thrugh the bstacle. Hrses shuld shw awareness, be attentive and nt spk, shy r spin. The hrse shuld nt stumble, tick r clip bstacles Riding duble r with a lse fal n the side is nt allwed Any persn under eighteen (18) years must have written cnsent f a parent r guardian in rder t participate in any sanctined Obstacle Challenge The participant is judged nly while negtiating bstacles All sanctined Obstacle Challenges shall be cnducted accrding t the state rules and guidelines A hrse at any event may nly be ridden by ne (1) rider in the event. Shuld a hrse qualify fr the SOCC under multiple riders, nly ne (1) rider will be allwed t enter the SOCC Obstacle Challenges are an event negtiated n a designed curse fr all cmpetitrs. Judging begins when the Hrse and Rider enter the curse and cntinues until the last bstacle has been cmpleted. Obstacle Challenges are meant t ridden in a cntinuus mtin. Hwever, a slight hesitatin t acknwledge the bstacle is acceptable. Riders must ride the same hrse fr the entire designated curse Riders may cmpete in a sanctined Obstacle Challenge that is nt in their Regin. If the rider's hme Regin has a high pint prgram, that Regin's prgram rules will determine hw pints and placing are earned fr Out f Regin rides N cntestant shall in any manr challenge an bstacle judge in any way that devalues their integrity. Any cntestant ding s will be disqualified fr that event and lse that ride cunting tward SOCC qualificatin. 3

4 2.20 During the Pilt Prgram: Rule changes can be made t the prgram at any time during the first tw (2) years. Reslutins must be dne fr the third and final year f the pilt prgram. SEC. 3.0 Prgram Registratin/Fees 3.1 Each rider must cmplete an fficial Registratin/Release Frm. Registratin fee(s) will be determined by the Event Management. Sign up time, starting time and extra activities will be psted n the website. There may be additinal rules psted n the event website. 3.2 CSHA membership is required and must be kept current t participate in SOCC and Regin Prgrams. 3.3 Each hrse and rider cmbinatin cmpeting at a sanctined Obstacle Challenge will be charged a $3.00 State Obstacle Challenge Rider fee. These fees shall be sent t the state ffice fr depsit n later than ne (1) week after Obstacle Challenge. 3.4 In rder t participate in a Regin High Pint Prgram, a rider shall submit a Regin Prgram Registratin Frm and fees t the Regin Chairman. 3.5 All fees are due and payable prir t any ride at which the prgram member desires t receive credit twards SOCC eligibility. 3.6 There is n limit as t the number f animals an individual may cmpete n. Hwever nly ne (1) hrse and rider cmbinatin per categry may qualify t ride at the SOCC. SEC. 4.0 Categries and Divisins 4.1 There will be six (6) categries: Advanced, Intermediate, Nvice, Yuth, In Hand, and Assisted Rider. 4.1.a A hrse can nly be entered in ne (1) categry ther than Assisted Rider where the same hrse can be ridden multiple times. 4.1.b The Assisted Rider categry will always g last Definitin f Categries: Advanced: A rider and hrse cmbinatin wh can n lnger qualify fr Intermediate r any cmpetitr that wants t advance frm Intermediate Intermediate: A rider and hrse cmbinatin wh has nt placed first r secnd at the SOCC fr mre than tw (2) years r, a rider has declined t participate at the SOCC, any rider and hrse cmbinatin wh has nt placed first in the Regin fr mre than tw (2) years. Or any cmpetitr that wants t advance frm Nvice Nvice: Applies t bth hrse and rider team that have nt wn three (3) r mre first places in the nvice categry in any Obstacle Challenge during the 4

5 5 current ride year. After winning three (3) r mre first places in the nvice categry, rider and hrse must step up t Intermediate the fllwing ride year Yuth: Yuth cmpetitrs are seventeen (17) years ld and under as f January 1 f the current year All yuths must wear a ATSM/SEI apprved Equestrian helmet. Can have an adult n curse as supprt, but n caching is allwed In Hand: Any hrse nt shwn in any ther categry ther than Assisted Rider can be shwn In Hand (saddled r unsaddled). Hrse can nly be shwn at the Nvice level. At this time, In Hand is nt eligible fr SOCC Assisted Rider: All assisted rider and hrse cmbinatins shall be accmpanied by an adult n ft which may verbally assist, and/r n a Lead Line. Assisted Riders categry will nt cmpete at SOCC. All Assisted Riders must wear an ATSM/SEI apprved equestrian helmet. 4.2 At the SOCC, each categry will have the fllwing divisins excluding the Assisted Rider categry: 17 and under and ver A rider's age, fr the purpse f determining divisin, shall be the rider's age as f January 1st f the current ride year. 4.3 At the SOCC, cmbining f divisins r categries shall nt be allwed. 4.4 Nvices/Intermediates, defined fr SOCC, must nt have ridden the same hrse and placed first r secnd place at the SOCC fr mre than (2) tw years in the Nvice/Intermediate categries, except fr the junir rider thirteen (13) and under wh may cntinue t cmpete in the Nvice/Intermediate categries and are nt required t mve up unless apprved by a parent Exceptin will be that if nly ne (1) persn is shwing in the Nvice r Intermediate categry that win will nt cunt as a third win having t advance t the higher categry. 4.5 Once a hrse/rider cmbinatin cmpetes three (3) times at a higher level, they may nt drp back dwn. SEC. 5.0 Equipment and Attire 5.1 Equipment Hrses will be shwn in a bridle r halter depending n the class. Bridleless entries will nt be allwed t shw. Specific bit r reins are the rider's chice. Hwever, if yu use a slid muthpiece shank style bit, a get dwn rpe r lead rpe is encuraged. Using ne r tw hands n a shank is allwed, but if yu begin the class using ne hand and switch t tw hands, it may result in a lwer scre. N tie dwns are allwed. Leg prtectin/bell bts are allwed. Be aware bstacles may include

6 5.2 Clthing water. Any type saddle and any type bridle r bsal with mecate, side-pull, hackamre, "natural" hackamre with prperly tied mecate as shwn in Appendix B, are mandatry. N bareback pads are allwed. It is the rider's respnsibility t determine the apprpriateness f his tack and t ensure that such tack is fitted and used prperly The Event Management has the authrity t require the remval f any piece f equipment r accutrement which is unsafe r judged t be inhumane A halter with lead rpe r halter bridle and hf pick are encuraged t be carried A knife capable f cutting a lead rpe r tack must be carried by all adult riders n their persn. Junir riders 17 and under shall nt be asked t carry r use a knife While there is n specific dress cde t cmpete in the Obstacle Challenge, bts r riding shes with a heel are mandatry in all divisins including Assisted Rider assistants. ATSM/SEI apprved Equestrian Helmets are ptinal fr adults and mandatry fr yuth, 17 and under and Assisted Riders. Please cnsider that yu are riding in a judged cmpetitin; appearance matters. Yu shuld present yurself and yur hrse as a neat and clean package with apprpriate gear. Extra pints will be nt be awarded fr silver r "shw attire". SEC. 6.0 Sanctining Fees 6.1 All CSHA Trail Obstacle Challenges shall charge a Sanctin Fee. This fee shall be sent t the state ffice r Sanctin Chair at least ne (1) mnth befre the challenge. Only Sanctined Challenges shall cunt tward the SOCC eligibility. 6.2 The Sanctin Fee will be $25.00 per event. 6.3 Trail Obstacle Challenges shuld nt be scheduled t be held during a Quarterly meeting weekend r the weekend f the Annual Cnventin. 6.4 If an utside rganizatin is wanting t c-sanctin their event and is nt using the CSHA Obstacle Challenge Rules, they must submit their rules and sanctin fees t the State Chairman fr apprval r rejectin 90 days prir t the event. The Sanctining Fee will nly be depsited upn apprval f the rules t be used. They must fllw the rules n reprting the results and paying the rider fees. SEC. 7.0 Challenge Event Manager Respnsibilities 7.1 He\She will interpret state rules and will have the respnsibility f making the final ruling. 7.2 He\She shall ride, r designate a rider n hrseback, the curse and bstacles prir t the first cmpeting rider Apprval f the curse design is cntingent upn the bstacle instructins being categry apprpriate. 6

7 7.3 The Challenge Event Manager shall be available fr instructing judges n their respective bstacles. 7.4 He\She shall have the authrity t disqualify any participant frm an bstacle, r if apprpriate, frm the entire ride fr unsprtsmanlike cnduct r cnduct that may reasnably result in physical harm t any persn, animal r prperty. 7.5 Yuth riders must have an adult at the arena, nt n the curse, t be able t respnd t a judge s request t have smene handle the hrse. 7.6 The Challenge Event Manager shall evaluate the curse and bstacles as t the fllwing: The evaluatin f the curse shall endeavr t allw adequate space fr multiple hrses waiting t negtiate the bstacle The evaluatin f the bstacles will include appraising the terrain, especially as it pertains t the skills f the Nvice participant Placement f the bstacles and judge s belngings s that they d nt becme part f the bstacle r impact the way f ging f the participant unless s intended. SEC. 8.0 Regin Respnsibilities 8.1 T request sanctining f an event, the Regin Chairman must submit the apprpriate sanctin frms and fees t the State Sanctining persn. 8.2 In Regins withut a Obstacle Challenge Chairman, the spnsring persn r club must submit the apprpriate sanctin frms and fees t the State Obstacle Challenge Sanctining persn and prvide a cpy t the Regin President Regin Chairmen may charge their prgram members a Regin Obstacle Challenge Prgram registratin fee fr the regin's Obstacle Challenge high pint awards prgram. Each Regin may charge what is necessary t accmmdate the needs f its prgram members. 8.3 After a sanctined Obstacle Challenge the Regin Chair shall prvide the State Obstacle Challenge Sanctining Chair with the fllwing: Within 7 days, a cpy f the Official Ride Results Frm with infrmatin filled ut cmpletely Within 14 days, ne (1) check fr all Obstacle Challenge Riders Fees cllected. The check shall be made payable t CSHA with a nte fr Obstacle Challenge in the mem Failure t submit frms and fees pstmarked by the required time perid shall result in penalties equal t duble the amunt f the riginal fees In the event it becmes necessary t assess penalty fees and these fees are nt paid, the club r Regin hlding the ride shall nt acquire Sanctin Status n future rides until said fees are paid in full. 7

8 8.4 Each Regin may design and hld as many challenges as are needed t accmmdate the needs f the Regin. 8.5 Regins shall nt make changes t the State Obstacle Challenge rules. Hwever, Regin prgrams are encuraged t develp rules that gvern their year-end high pint prgram. 8.6 Each Regin Chairman will endeavr t prepare the participants in their Regin t cmpete at the SOCC. 8.7 By September 1st f the challenge year, the Regin Chairman shall prvide a list f their qualified riders including their categry and divisin t the SOCC chairman. Hwever, riders can qualify up t the last scheduled challenge and the Regin Chairman can prvide a late entry list 10 days prir t SOCC chairman. SEC. 9.0 State Obstacle Challenge Champinship (SOCC) 9.1 During the pilt prgram, each area Nrthern, Central, and Suthern shall hld their wn champinship. At the end f the three (3) year pilt prgram, this will revert int ne (1) State Champinship. 9.2 The SOCC Chairman shall be appinted n a rtating basis. The rder f rtatin shall be: Nrthern Regin prgrams, Central Regin prgrams, Suthern Regin prgrams and then back t Nrthern Regin The SOCC Chairman will appint a Challenge Chairman ther than themselves r the State Chairman fr purpses f the SOCC The SOCC Chairman shall endeavr t hld the champinship at a lcatin that is suitable fr champinship level cmpetitin. 9.3 Champin and Reserve Champin buckles shall be awarded t qualified riders placing first and secnd place in each categry and divisin as budget allws and as set frth in Rule 4.2. In the event there is a tie fr Champin r Reserve Champin, there will be n tie breaker, but instead a duplicate award will be created. This respects the fact that nce smene has earned their way t state and achieved a perfrmance wrthy f either Champin r Reserve Champin, they shuld nt be denied an award because f a tie breaker. 9.4 Apprpriate awards shall be given t qualified riders placing third thrugh sixth. 9.5 Eligibility The rider must be a CSHA member (see CSHA Bylaws fr a definitin f member) The rider must be registered t a Regin Obstacle Challenge Prgram. If yur Regin des nt have an Obstacle Challenge Prgram, rider may jin anther Regin s prgram 8

9 9.5.3 The rider must cmplete three (3) CSHA sanctined Obstacle Challenges with the same hrse in the same categry and age divisin within the ride year t be eligible t cmpete in the Year End State Obstacle Challenge Champinship. 9.6 The ride year is defined as Nvember 1 st thrugh Octber 31 st f each year. 9.7 There is n limit as t the number f times a hrse and rider cmbinatin may becme a CSHA State Obstacle Challenge Champin subject t the limitatins in rule 4.4 (this rule explains this sentence). 9.8 The SOCC Chairman shall publish the tie breaker prtcl prir t the start f the SOCC fr places first thrugh sixth. 9.9 The State Chairman will remain in a neutral psitin in rder t mediate any ptential prtest(s) that might arise frm the SOCC. SEC Prtests 10.1 All prtests relating t a CSHA Obstacle Challenge Judge will be addressed t and handled by the Judges Cmmissin as set frth in the Judges Cmmissin Chapter All ther prtests must be filed in writing t the entity hlding the Obstacle Challenge within frty-eight (48) hurs after the cnclusin f the event A fee f $50.00 must accmpany the prtest and made ut t CSHA with Obstacle Challenge Prtest written in the mem and submit t the State Cmmittee Chairman The rganizatin hlding the Obstacle Challenge will immediately ntify the Regin Obstacle Challenge Chairman f the prtest The Regin Obstacle Challenge Chairman may frm a cmmittee t hear the prtest r refer the prtest t the State Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee The Regin Chairman must infrm the State Chairman f the prtest If the Regin has n Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee, the Regin President will refer the prtest t the CSHA State Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee. The Regin President will attend the hearing The Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee and Regin Chairman will meet in persn t cnduct a hearing n the prtest If the prtest is upheld, the depsit will be returned. If the prtest is verruled, the depsit will be frfeited t the State Obstacle Challenge Prgram The decisin f the prtest will be final and may nt be appealed. 9

10 SEC Obstacles There are generally ten (10) t sixteen (16) bstacles in any given Obstacle Challenge. In sme cases, there may be ne (1) bstacle incrprating several bstacles that flw tgether. Sme bstacles shuld test if the partnership is able t trust each ther. Fr example, if the bstacle is t rpe a steer head, the bject is nt t judge the ability t rpe the steer, but the patience the partnership gives t ne anther in cmpleting the task at hand. Riders will cmplete bstacles in rder they are laid ut in the curse instructins. SUGGESTED OBSTACLES: This sectin prvides riders with sme general guidelines fr executing bstacles Leading: Hrse t fllw willingly nt crwding r lagging. Excess rpe shall be held in the nn-leading hand The hrse must be led with a halter and lead rpe, nt the reins, with the fllwing exceptins: Hrses wearing a halter-bridle d nt have t be led with a separate halter. The rein must be unclipped frm the bit rings and crrectly fastened t the leading-ring f the halter bridle If a hrse is wearing a bsal [Spanish hackamre] and a mecate, r snaffle bridle and a mecate, the rider may tie the mecate int a leading-hitch (see Appendix A). Riders will nt be penalized fr using the mecate, s hitched, in lieu f a halter and lead rpe Hrses wearing a Western bridle with a bsal and mecate [under bridle] may be led by the mecate When sending a hrse thrugh r int an bstacle, a halter and lead rpe must be used. Sending is nt cnsidered a Nvice Obstacle Reins shuld be secured t the hrn f Western saddles r kntted and/r apprpriately secured, if n saddle hrn is available Stirrups withut fenders n saddles such as English, endurance, Australian, etc., shall be secured by running the stirrups up the leathers r secured by crssing ver the saddle A rider grund handling his hrse thrugh challenging terrain such as ver lgs r thrugh tight spaces shall secure a safe psitin prir t asking his hrse t negtiate the bstacle Munting: Hrse will stand quietly and nt mve ff when munted. Style f munting is nt cnsidered, nly a smth munt that des nt unbalance the hrse. A rider must have the reins in hand while munting Dismunting: Hrse will stand quietly and nt mve ff. Style f the dismunt nt cnsidered, nly a smth dismunt that des nt unbalance the hrse. A rider must have the reins in hand while dismunting.

11 11.4 Hf check: Hrse will stand quietly. The criterin fr this bstacle is a safe leg pick up nt the methd f cueing the hrse t pick up the leg. If the rider is hlding the hrse rather than tying him, letting g f the lead rpe will be a penalty unless the hrse is tied t a statinary bject Water crssing: The hrse shuld walk quietly thrugh the water. Hrses will nt be penalized fr stpping t drink. Hrses will nt be penalized fr acknwledging the bstacle befre entering it Uphill: A rider is t be psitined apprpriately maintaining the center f balance. N penalty fr hlding the mane r neck t secure the frward psitin. Hrse t negtiate a slpe in a safe manner. At rider s discretin, hrse may stp t blw, as needed Dwnhill: The rider is t be psitined apprpriately maintaining the center f balance. Riders may use a hand n the saddle t supprt themselves but must nt d s in such a way as t unbalance the hrse. Hrse t negtiate the slpe in a safe manner. At rider s discretin, hrse may stp t blw, as needed Step ver: This is a frward mtin bstacle. Hrse t lk at an bstacle and prceed ver carefully aviding striking the bstacle. Size f an animal relative t an bstacle t be cnsidered. Small hrses and pnies are nt t be penalized fr hpping very tall step vers, if they therwise negtiate the bstacle calmly and with deliberatin. Fr cnsecutive, in stride step vers, ride management will endeavr t select bstacles that are n higher than apprximately 12 inches Bridge: The hrse shuld walk acrss quietly. N penalty fr acknwledging the bstacle befre starting t crss. Hrse shuld step n and ff the bridge quietly Gate: Cmpetitrs may be required t negtiate a gate. The hrse and rider cmbinatin will mve thrugh the bstacle quietly, deliberately and under the rider's directin. A rider must keep their hand n the gate at all times. Mving r adjusting hand psitin n the gate while negtiating the gate is allwed Drag r Pull: The rider may hld rpe r dally. N tying hard and fast. The rider shuld demnstrate awareness by lking at bth the drag bstacle and the directin they are ging. The drag is a frward mtin bstacle and the pull is a backward mtin bstacle. The hrse r rider shuld never becme entangled in the rpe. The hrse is t stand quietly during preparatin then pull r drag an bstacle quietly and in cntrl. Wrapping the rpe arund the rider's wrking hand is t be severely penalized. Excess rpe shuld be held in the rein hand never in the wrking hand Standing tied: Sme bstacles may require riders t tie their hrse. Hrses will be tied with the halter and lead rpe, crrectly cnfigured halter-bridle r ther apprved means using a knt that is safe and apprpriate fr the situatin and hrse. The knt must be secure and the hrse must be tied in a lcatin that is safe fr the hrse, the rider, bystanders, r ther tied hrses and their handlers. Hrses will stand quietly while tied Securing the hrse: Advanced nly. This shuld be perfrmed in an area where the hrse may demnstrate the skill but nt be in danger f escape (rund pen, crral, arena, etc.). Sme bstacles may require riders t secure their hrse by means

12 12 ther than tying which may include grund tie, hbbles r high lining. Rider will have the ptin f remving the saddle and/r bridle befre perfrming this skill(s) and will be judged accrdingly. Rider is respnsible fr prviding their wn hbbling equipment Statinary Obstacles: These are such things as slickers, ballns, maps, trash, etc. A rider is t maintain cntrl f the hrse as he acknwledges the bstacles Mving Obstacles: These are such things as backpackers, bicycles, baby strllers, vehicles and carts. A rider is t maintain cntrl f the hrse as he acknwledges the bstacles. Safety f all parties, including thse persns prviding the bstacle, is the primary cncern Jumping: Jumping n, int, ff f, thrugh, r ver any bstacle, unless required t d s, is a majr fault Wha: At a walk, an animal shuld stp n cmmand with little aid frm the rider. Effrt will increase slightly fr the jg and again fr the lpe. The hrse shuld stand quietly after the stp Skills: The fllwing abilities will help riders negtiate bstacles successfully. This list is meant nly t prvide a reference fr riders. Riders and hrses may be asked t perfrm the fllwing skills in the negtiatin f trail bstacles: Wha - respnds t halt cues withut argument Be able t ask hrse t stand quietly Execute all gaits calmly and as directed. All gaits natural t a breed are acceptable Be able t mve the hrse laterally [side t side] Make turns n the frehand and/r hindquarters Be able t back the hrse in a straight line, arund bjects and/r ver an bstacle. Backing shuld be categry apprpriate as determined by the Event Manager. SEC Judging Standards 12.1 Riders Cntrl: The rider must maintain cntrl f the hrse at all times. This will be maintained by having the rider cntrl either with the reins, lead rpe, grund tie, hbbles r high lining r ther means as instructed. Rider's cntrl f the hrse is whether munted r unmunted. Rider shuld als cntrl the hrse by knwing HOW t ask their hrse t execute the bstacle as well as keep the hrse under cntrl if the hrse shies r spks. If un-munted, the rider is t lead as set frth in rule The hrse shuld be lead quietly either behind r slightly t the side f the rider. While leading the hrse the rider shuld nt let the hrse crwd r lean n rider While keeping cntrl f the hrse, riders must als maintain cntrl f items needed t cmplete the bstacle such as, but nt limited t, rpes, buckets, flags, gates, etc.

13 Cinch checks are nt required On Curse: The rider is t fllw directins as given and stay n curse. Excessive respnse, avidance r rider's misunderstanding f the directin will be penalized. The participant must remain within the bundaries f the bstacle as marked. Aviding r ging utside marked bundaries cnstitutes being ff curse Caching: It is the participant's respnsibility t negtiate the bstacle n their wn s a true test f their skills can be assessed. Once a participant has presented himself r herself t the bstacle judge there shall be n further cntact by anther persn Caching is defined as any verbal, gesture r implied assistance t a rider n curse and executing the bstacle Only Participants in the Assisted Rider categry can be cached. Bth Cach and Rider shall be marked with the full penalty pints if caching ccurs, regardless f when the caching ccurs during the bstacle negtiatin. SEC Scring Standards 13.1 Participants will be scred n negtiating the bstacles by utilizing an fficial scre card as prvided by the State Obstacle Challenge Cmmittee Obstacle assistants r helpers will nt participate in the judging r scring f the bstacles except when instructed t prvide verificatin f an actin/cmpletin f the bstacle t the bstacle judge Scring values will be assessed per bstacle as fllws: 10 = Perfect, n mistakes 9 = Minr mistakes 8 = A few mistakes 7 = Abve Average 6 = Adequate jb 5 = Average 4 = Obvius mistakes 3 = Made effrt, skills need develpment 2 = Made an effrt 1 = Skills nt there 0 = Des nt knw hw t d the bstacle Scring f 10 Perfect, n mistakes. 13

14 Scring f 6 9 Abve average perfrmances shuld include (the mre they are exhibited the higher the scre): Rider shuld fllw exact path and perfrm nly bstacles indicated n the class pattern and/r set during the walk-thrugh. Where pssible, all bstacles shuld be entered and exited straight and precisely in the middle. Many bstacles such as lg and rck piles require a meandering line and that shuld be taken int cnsideratin, as shuld the hrse that shws a degree f difficulty in handling a straight line. Unless therwise required by the pattern, the hrse shuld travel n a straight path thrugh an bstacle with the least amunt f guidance frm the rider and maintain that line. Hrse shuld carry his head lw enugh that he can see his path but nt s lw as t lse sight f his surrundings. Once the bstacle under his feet is accmplished, the hrse shuld naturally pick his head up t check ut his surrundings and track t the next bstacle with curisity and intent. The rider shuld allw the hrse enugh rein t have the ability t get his head dwn s he may perfrm a task, but nt s much rein that the rider lses the ability t cntrl r help the hrse if needed r the reins becme in danger f getting entangled n the bstacle r the hrse s legs. Once a hrse is set n his path by the rider, he shuld maintain that path with little r n further guidance until asked fr a change f directin r gait. The hrse shuld maintain a smth even cadence f gait where pssible with little r n rider assistance. Rider shuld allw hrse t adjust his wn gait in an bstacle where it is necessary. The rider shuld nt have t cntinually make adjustments themselves. The hrse shuld be allwed t travel at his natural speed while shwing the ability t take care f bth himself and his rider. (keep in mind the natural travel speed in gaited hrses, as well as the natural speeds due t varius cnfrmatins in ther breeds, i.e.; shrt strides vs. lng strides, shrt legs n a tall lg vs. lng legs n a tall lg). When a change f directin is required in an bstacle, the hrse shuld shw a willing attitude t accept the rider s instructin and have the ability t re-adjust his fcus and feet t the new path. The hrse places his feet clearly and cnfidently between bstacles such as rcks, lgs, etc. The hrse acknwledges and adjusts t varius terrain quickly and clearly i.e. mud, water, sand, inclines, declines, ditches, etc. The hrse shws the ability t acknwledge a scary bstacle but prceeds with willing cautin and curisity withut cmprmising its calm, relaxed attitude and way f ging (frward mtin). There is n sign f hesitatin, refusal, balk, r break f frward mtin. Scring f 5 pints An average perfrmance is evidenced by the hrse and rider cmbinatin successfully cmpleting the bstacle but exhibiting the fllwing tendencies: 14

15 Nt entering an bstacle straight (where pssible) r setting up fr an bstacle incrrectly. Nt maintaining a straight line thrugh an bstacle where required r maintaining an even balance in an bstacle. A hrse that ccasinally has difficulty fcusing n the rider s instructin and, at times, is slightly distracted. The hrse frequently hits an bstacle with legs r feet such as lgs r rcks (keep in mind that sme bstacles in these types f events are s difficult t maneuver that a hrse may have t place his feet n tp f sme lgs r rcks t negtiate the bstacle at all). Scring f 1 4 pints Belw average perfrmances will be evidenced by (the mre they are exhibited, the lwer the scre): Break f gait r erratic gait between and/r ver bstacle. Rushing thrugh bstacle r hurrying t finish and nt maintaining an even cadence. When bstacle is partially cmpleted, the scre is nt 0 but shall be a belw average scre n the part f bstacle cmpleted. A hrse that cntinually has difficulty maintaining his path and gait withut cntinual guidance frm rider. The hrse is easily distracted. A rider excessively micr-managing the hrse thus resulting in lack f bstacle wnership by hrse. Scring f 0 pints A zer scre will be given fr an bstacle/task when: The bstacle is missed, refused 3 times, r the judge mtins rider n due t equine/rider safety cncern. The scre shall be 0 n that particular bstacle nly. Rider must memrize their pattern. While n curse, n utside assistance r caching is allwed. Judges cannt assist riders t stay n curse. Zeres will be given fr bstacles that are nt cmpleted and in the rder nted n the instructins Bypass: Bypass pints will be assessed a value f 0 pints It is the participant s respnsibility t bypass any bstacle they deem as beynd their team s skill level. Safety and cmmn sense shuld always be kept in the participant s mind Disqualify: Disqualificatin pints will be assessed a value f 0. Any Obstacle Judge may disqualify a participant frm their bstacle fr safety reasns. The bstacles must be executed as stated in the judge s directins Refusal: Refusal pints will be assessed a value f -1, -3, -6 t a ttal f 0 pints. 15

16 If a hrse refuses at an bstacle, the participant will be allwed a ttal f three attempts t cmplete. Each failed attempt will assessed PENALTY POINTS. 1st attempt: -1 pints 2nd attempt: -3 pints 3rd attempt: -6 pints If the hrse refuses a third time, the participant is dismissed frm the bstacle. Ttal pints shall be The definitin f a refusal is a hrse that mves their feet away frm the bstacle in any directin. Lking and snrting are nt cnsidered refusals N Scre: Shuld a rider quit a challenge due t injury t the hrse r rider, r fr any reasn, a scre f NS will be entered in the bstacle scre n the Official Scre Sheet and the ttal scre fr the rider shall indicate NS. Credit fr the ride will nt be given when the ride is nt cmpleted Time: Each hrse and rider team will be timed while n the Obstacle Curse. Time can be used as a Tie Breaker. SEC JUDGES 14.1 Thse judging the Obstacle Challenge curse must be knwledgeable hrsemen/hrsewmen apprved by the Event Manager and must have the ability t evaluate hrsemanship skills, such as a rider's skill f cntrlling and maintaining the hrse. Additinally, this persn shuld be familiar with the natural mvement f a hrse. Hlding any special judging card frm AQHA r any ther rganizatin is nt required, but thse credentials shuld be taken int cnsideratin The number f bstacle judges needed depends n the curse, the number f bstacles and the availability in the area fr qualified judges. Depending n the curse, usually ne (1) t three (3) judges are needed. Mst curses tend t dictate the need fr mre than ne (1) judge due t time cnstraints and tpgraphy. Sec Curse/Pattern 15.1 The curse pattern and directins are prvided during the rider walkthrugh. Different patterns may be assigned t specific classes f the day. The patterns will change daily. Yu are strngly encuraged t memrize yur pattern befre yu start yur cmpetitin. Rider may carry map and directins during cmpetitin. N penalty will be assessed. NO HORSES WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE COURSE PRIOR TO OR AFTER THEIR CLASS G Order: A G Order will be psted each mrning at the shw ffice. The rder will be fllwed. If the entry is nt ready t g n time they may frfeit their entry fee. If yu feel yu will have verlapping classes, please ntify the Event Manager prir t yur g s arrangements can be made. SEC Awards Unless therwise nted: Yu MUST BE PRESENT t pick up yur awards. They will nt be mailed. 16

17 APPENDIX B 17

18 A natural hackamre with prperly tied mecate. 18

19 APPENDIX C Quick Release Knt 19

20 APPENDIX D Bwline Knt Imagine the wrking end f the rpe as a rabbit, and the standing end f the rpe as the tree. First a lp is made near the end f the rpe. This will be referred t as the rabbit's hle. The "rabbit" cmes up ut f the hle, ges rund behind the tree (right t the left), and then ges back dwn the hle. 20