NC 4-H Horse Program | Equine Short Courses | 4-H Calendar | Elluminate Series

North Carolina 4-H Horse Program Rulebook- Chapter I

2012 Program Enrollment forms available here.

The 2012 NC 4-H Horse Program Rulebook has now been updated.

2012 4-H Horsemanship Camp Applications are now available!


2012 State Horse Judging Contest Entry Forms are now available online!

Planning on attending the 2012 State Horse Judging contest? Make sure to reserve your hotel rooms prior to April 6th, 2012!

The 2012 Winter-Spring 4-H Horse Program Newsletter is now available.

The 2012 NC 4-H Horse Program Calendar of Events is now available.

2012 Horse Project Eligibility Cards are now available on the State 4-H Horse Show page.

The 2011 4-H Horse Program Advisory Board Meeting Minutes are now available.

The updated Open Horse Show Judges' List can be found here.

Remember to donate to the NC 4-H Horse Program Scholarship Endowment!

 

Find your local county extension office HERE.

The North Carolina 4-H Horse Program Rules and Regulations Manual

CHAPTER I. 

STATE 4-H HORSE SHOWS: GENERAL INFORMATION

 

I-A.      Overview

I-B.      Statement of Responsibility

I-C.      Policies

I-D.      Awards 

I-E.      Southern Regional Horse Show

I-F.      General Rules And Regulations

I-G.      Appeals And Complaints

I-H.      List Of Show Divisions And Possible Classes

 

I-A. OVERVIEW

This handbook of rules and show classes is intended to help establish a standard 4-H Horse Show policy within North Carolina. These ideas are presented as suggestions for possible rules and class lists for county and district 4-H horse shows. Some classes or divisions in the State Show will not be applicable to each county or district. If the county or district does not have sufficient interest in a given class or division, it should be removed from that county’s show. The list of classes in this program should not limit or restrict a county or district program. Each district is required, however, to offer a minimum number of standard qualifying classes (refer to item I-C.1.f. in this chapter).  Each county and district is encouraged to include any additional classes that are of local interest, but these classes will not be used in determining exhibitors for the State Show.  It is suggested that local shows add some fun classes (such as Costume, Egg and Spoon, Ride-A-Buck, Lead Line, Parent’s or Leader’s Pleasure, or Go-As-You-Please) to the class list for the enjoyment of members and spectators.  Horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys are eligible to participate in the N.C. 4-H Horse Program.  Wherever the words “horse” and “pony” appear, mules and donkeys are included.

 

I-B. STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

The North Carolina State Fair, Extension Horse Husbandry, the management staff of the North Carolina State 4-H Horse Show, and the state of North Carolina will in no way be responsible for any loss or damage that might occur. It will be a condition of the entry that each exhibitor shall hold the State Horse Show and its management blameless for any loss or accident that may occur to any animal, person, or property. Each exhibitor entering a horse in the State Horse Show agrees to obey the rules written in this book.

 

I-C. POLICIES

I-C.1. Conducting 4-H Shows

I-C.1.a.       Selection of Judges
It is strongly recommended that any judge used in 4-H shows be selected from competent horsemen outside the home county or district of a given show.  It is the show committee’s responsibility to select and hire show judges. The selected judges must be given a copy of the show rules and class procedures when hired, well in advance of the show date.

I-C.1.b.       Organizers
County Extension agents, horse club leaders, and 4-H members should all be involved in the planning and conducting of 4-H horse shows.

I-C.1.c.       Eligibility cards
Each year all active 4-H horse project members will be given a membership-eligibility card that must be presented when entering 4-H classes or 4-H horse shows.  Organizers of open shows should ask exhibitors entering a 4-H class to present a current horse project card.  Eligibility cards may be obtained from the Extension Horse Husbandry office.

I-C.1.d.       Stewards
Each 4-H horse show should have a steward appointed who will interpret and clarify rules. Any exhibitor with a question or complaint must speak with the show steward or show manager prior to approaching the judge. If appropriate, the steward or show manager will arrange an appointment for the exhibitor with the judge. No exhibitor or parent can discuss class placings or reasons for placings with the judge unless the steward has granted permission and is present.

I-C.1.e.       Profitability
The state horse show is not planned as a money-making operation. Any profits that may be made from the show will be to improve the 4-H Horse Program by supporting educational events and 4-H member scholarships.

I-C.1.f.       Classes
According to the North Carolina 4-H Horse Advisory Board, all district 4-H Horse shows must offer the following minimum standard qualifying class list:

 

I-C.2.   Steward Rules

I-C.2.a.       Nature of  Role
The steward must be a knowledgeable horseman and have an understanding of 4-H rules and procedures. This is an optional position in show management. A steward has no authority in connection with the management or judging of a show. He or she is solely responsible for interpreting rules and should protect the interest of exhibitors, judges, and show management. He or she should report any rule infractions to the proper officials and make recommendations. The steward is not a policeman and is not expected to look for rule infractions, but the steward should investigate any situations in which rules are not upheld.

I-C.2.b.       Specific Duties
The steward’s duties are as follows:

1. Interpret and clarify rules and advise on eligibility for a particular class. Show management is responsible for enforcing these rules.
   
   
2. Report to management any misrepresentation or substitution of entry without waiting for a protest.
   
   
3. Measure officially any horses that are questioned relative to size and class eligibility.
   
   
4. Report to show management any rule offense or rule violations. Show management is responsible for enforcing rules.
   
   
5. Serve as a mediator between the exhibitors and the judges. Exhibitors may not speak to the judge concerning a class without permission from the steward. Judges are encouraged to help youths, but in no instance should judges be abused as a result of their placings. All exhibitors and parents should display good sportsmanship at all times.
   
   
   

I-C.3.  Age Requirements for Exhibitors

I-C.3.a.       General
Each exhibitor must have reached age 9 on or before January 1 of the current year and must not have reached age 19 before January 1 of the current year. Younger members (5 to 8 years of age) may participate in a noncompetitive manner in Cloverbud classes and activities if offered.

I-C.3.b.       Junior
Junior classes are open only to those youths who have not reached age 14 before January 1 of the current year.

I-C.3.c.       Senior
Senior classes are open only to those youths who have reached age 14 as of January 1 of the current year and who have not reached age 19 as of January 1 of the current year.

I-C.3.d.       Cloverbud
Cloverbud classes are open only to those youths who have reached age 5 as of January 1 of the current year and who have not reached age 8 as of January 1 of the current year.

 

I-C.4. Eligibility and Certification of Exhibitors

I-C.4.a.       Membership
Each exhibitor must be an active and participating member of a 4-H club and meet the requirements for membership as established by the local club or county program.

I-C.4.b.       Certification
All eligible 4-H members will be given a 4-H Horse Project Card (an eligibility card) signed by their 4-H club leader and Extension agent. Rules for membership into the 4-H Horse Project will be determined by the county; however, the 4-H member is encouraged to participate in other 4-H events besides the 4-H horse show. It is the responsibility of the county Extension agent and horse club leader to certify the eligibility of their 4-H members, including Little Britches status and Short-Stirrup status of the 4-H member.  This information is to be verified and signed by the agent. Please note that 4-H members must obtain a separate eligibility card for each project horse they intend on showing for the current year.

 I-C.4.c.      Horse Ownership
Each horse show exhibitor must manage at least one horse of any age or breed as a 4-H horsemanship project. It is recommended that the horse be owned by the 4-H member or his family. However,  the horse can be owned by another person if the exhibitor meets the requirements of eligibility in item I-C.4.d. and is certified by his or her club leader and county Extension agent.

I-C.4.d.       Horse Care
The horse must be managed and under the care of the 4-H member since May 1 of the current year. Project horses should not be trained on a regular daily basis by a professional within 60 days before competing in 4-H classes. Professional advice and instruction of the 4-H member is encouraged whenever possible. Such assistance can include occasional riding or handling of the horse by the professional but cannot include regular daily training and care of the horse within 60 days of competition. Youths boarding their horses at public stables that feed their horses and clean their stalls are eligible to participate in 4-H horse shows if the 4-H members ride and care for the horses on a regular basis. The state Extension horse specialist’s office will be glad to give advice and guidance when requested.

I-C.4.e.       District Qualification
All exhibitors wanting to show at the State Show must qualify in the district 4-H shows held in the Extension districts in which they are active.

I-C.4.f.       Division Qualification
Each exhibitor in the State Show must qualify each horse in each respective division at the district show in which he or she wishes to participate. Exhibitors must qualify in both the Hunter and Western divisions in the district show if they plan to participate in both divisions at the State Show. (Exhibitors qualifying only in Western Pleasure in the district show will be allowed to enter only Western Division classes at the State Show.) Exhibitors will be allowed to enter any class in the divisions for which they qualified at the district show. The horses and exhibitors must meet the class requirements for the divisions they enter. Exhibitors should refer annually to the rules in this rulebook for the respective classes and the rule supplement that is enclosed in their qualifying packets and found on the Extension Horse Husbandry Web site.

I-C.4.g.       Multiple Classes
Exhibitors may enter more than one showmanship class, but they must qualify in each division in which they enter showmanship. When one project horse is shared by two exhibitors, it may be shown in different showmanship classes by each exhibitor, providing both the exhibitors and the horse are qualified to participate. If an exhibitor has more than one horse, he or she may show each qualified horse in different showmanship classes.

I-C.4.h.       Multiple Horses
Exhibitors may qualify multiple horses for the State Show but may enter only one horse in each class with the exception of the Western Trail, Reining classes, Western Riding, and Speed Events wherein an exhibitor may qualify and exhibit one horse and one pony in each class. The horse or pony can participate only once in each class.

I-C.4.i.        Qualifying Points
The following point system will be used in earning qualifying points toward attending the State Show. Each exhibitor and horse must earn one or more qualifying points in each division to be eligible to participate in that division in the State Show.

  Under this system, a district having larger classes will have more exhibitors at the State Show.

I-C.4.j.        Cross-Entry
Horses will not be allowed to cross-enter between horse and pony classes or division sections (for example, Working Pony Hunter Over Fences and Working Hunter Over Fences or English Pleasure and Three-Gaited Park).

I-C.4.k.       Entry Forms
The district show secretary will be given entry forms for the State Show. The secretary should fill in the  4-H member’s name, horse’s name as it appears on the Coggins test, and qualifying division and certify that the child is eligible to attend the State Show by signing or stamping the entry form. The agent advising the district show or the show secretary must sign the entry form. The qualifying forms (including a list of 4-H members, their horses’ names, and the divisions in which they are qualified) must be forwarded to the state Extension horse specialist’s office immediately following the district show.

I-C.4.l.        Nonpoint Classes
The following nonpoint classes may also be offered during the State 4-H Horse Show. With the exception of the Dressage Division, exhibitors are required to have qualified at their respective district shows in any qualifying class to be eligible to participate in the State 4-H Horse Show. Exhibitors should refer to the annual N.C. 4-H Advisory Board Meeting Minutes, State 4-H Horse Show Rule Supplement found on the Extension Horse Husbandry Web site and in this manual for class descriptions, rules and guidelines, and a list of classes.

 

English Division—Saddle Seat—Trotting (Horses and Ponies)

English-Type Mares and Geldings In-Hand

Non-Trotting Division (Horses and Ponies)

Non-Trotting Mares In Hand
Non-Trotting Gelding In Hand

Hunter Division (Horses and Ponies)

Hunter-Type Mares In-Hand
Hunter-Type Geldings In-Hand
Restricted Working Hunter Over Fences
Hunt Seat Equitation Medal Class (Refer to item III-C.4.i.(1) in this manual for class eligibility.

Western Division (Horses and Ponies)

Stock-Type Halter Mares and Stock-Type Halter Geldings
Stock Seat Equitation Medal Class (Refer to item III-E.4.i.(1) in this manual for class eligibility.)

Cloverbud Division (Horses and Ponies)

Cloverbud Showmanship
Cloverbud Equitation
Cloverbud Pleasure

Adaptive Riding Division

Walk-Trot Equitation
Adaptive Trail

Dressage Division (Horses and Ponies)

(Consult the Basic Dressage Manual for a complete listing and description of class rules and regulations.)
Training Level Test 1
First Level Test 1
Walk-Trot Test 1
Dressage Suitability
Dressage Equitation
Walk-Trot Test 2
First Level Test 3
Training Level Test 3
Baby Novice Combined Test*
Novice Combined Test*
Training Combined Test*

*Note: To compete in the combined tests at the State 4-H Horse Show, each exhibitor must complete a hunter course of at least eight fences at his or her respective district show.

Classes may change annually in accordance with Advisory Board recommendations.

Special Interest Classes
The following special interest classes may be offered on a nonpoint basis. Additional information will be supplied annually as per the State 4-H Horse Advisory Board’s recommendations:

Pleasure Pairs
Costume Classes
Versatility

 

I-C.4.m.      Entry Form Submission
It is the 4-H member’s responsibility to complete the entry form and mail it with the entry fees and a photocopy of a current negative Coggins test for equine infectious anemia (current through the last day of the State Show) along with their current, completed 4-H eligibility card, Code of Conduct, and appropriate show fees to the appropriate person before the postmark deadline date. Incomplete or incorrect entry forms will be returned to the sender (See the entry form for specific penalties concerning returned entries.)  No entries will be accepted if received after the advertised deadline date.The horse’s name on the entry form must be the same as that appearing on the Coggins test and the 4-H eligibility card for the entry to be accepted.

I-C.4.n.       Refunds
Refunds will be made to any individual canceling before the entry deadline in accordance with current Advisory Board policy. Current policy as recommended by the Advisory Board is that no State Show fees (including entry and stall fees) will be refunded if the amount is less than $25. Entries canceled after the deadline will be refunded only upon receipt of a veterinarian’s or physician’s certificate. Stall fees will also be refunded upon receipt of a physician’s or veterinarian’s certificate if show management is notified up to one week before the  show. Requests for stall fee refunds will not be honored after this date. Individuals must submit to the State 4-H Horse Program Office a completed Refund Request Form, including all required information, by the advertised deadline date for a refund to be processed.

I-C.4.o.       Optional Participation
Participation in any 4-H horse show should be optional and enjoyable for the exhibitor. No 4-H member is required to exhibit in a 4-H horse show to complete a horse project.

 

I-D. AWARDS

I-D.1. Class Awards
A special award and ribbon for first place and ribbons only for second through tenth places will be awarded in each class, depending upon class entries. Ribbons will be awarded according to the following number of entries per class. 

I-D.2. Championship Awards
Championship awards will be based on points earned in performance classes only. (Showmanship is considered a performance class.)

I-D.3. Showmanship Classes
Showmanship classes will have ribbons for the first 10 places, depending on class entries.

I-D.4. Sportsmanship Awards
A sportsmanship award will be presented to the 4-H member who best exemplifies good sportsmanship and leadership during the show. The award may or may not be designated in memory of an outstanding 4-H youth. Individual members and leaders are encouraged to submit nominations for this award during the State 4-H Horse Show. Nominations should include the nominee’s name, county, and the reason you feel this member deserves the award. The State Show committee will select the winner from their observations and after a careful review of all nominees.

I-D.5. Championship and Reserve Championship Awards
The following championship and reserve championship awards will be made to the individual horse and rider that earned the most points in each division: 

I-D.6. Championship Points

I-D.6.a.
Points will be awarded based on the following number of entries per class: 

I-D.6.b.      The number of horses in a class will be determined by the number actually shown.

I-D.6.c.      Under no circumstances shall a disqualified contestant receive points; however, each horse brought into the ring will constitute an entry and will be counted.

I-D.7. Class Ties

I-D.7.a.      Ties for first place in any class will be decided by a work-off with points being given according to placing after a work-off.

I-D.7.b.      All other ties may be decided by the flip of a coin or a work-off with the consent of the exhibitors involved.

I-D.7.c.      The total points of the exhibitors involved in a tie will be split equally among the exhibitors unless a work-off is used to split the tie.

I-D.8. Championship Ties

I-D.8.a.      English and Western Divisions
Championship ties will be broken on the basis of total equitation or horsemanship points earned. If a tie still exists, the contestant with the most points in the showmanship classes will be declared the champion. If a tie still exists, the exhibitor who places in the greater number of classes will be declared the champion.

I-D.8.b.      Hunter and Short-Stirrup Divisions
Championship ties will be broken by awarding the championship to the horse and rider who earn the most points in Over-Fences classes. Ties will be broken based on the rider accumulating the most points in classes in the following order: Equitation Over-Fences, followed by Equitation On-the-Flat, and, finally, total points earned in showmanship plus Equitation Over-Fences and On-the-Flat classes. If a tie still exists, the horse and rider placing in the greatest number of classes will be declared the Hunter Champion.

I-D.8.c.      Speed Events Division
Championship ties will be broken by awarding championship points in the least number of classes, followed by the horse or pony with the most first place finishes. If still tied, horses or ponies will runoff according to the keyhole versatility class rules.

I-D.8.d.      Dressage Division
Champion ties will be broken by awarding the championship to the horse or pony scoring the most points in the least number of classes, followed by the horse or pony with the most first place finishes.

 

I-E. SOUTHERN REGIONAL HORSE SHOW

I-E.1. Overview

I-E.1.a.       Total Number of Horses
North Carolina is allowed to send 42 horses to participate in the Southern Regional Horse Show. Multiple exhibitors may show the same horse; consequently, more than 42 exhibitors could compete.

I-E.1.b.       Expenses
All exhibitors will be expected to pay their own expenses in attending the show. The county horse clubs or district horse advisory boards are encouraged to help exhibitors from their area in meeting this expense. The State 4-H Horse Advisory Board approved the awarding of gifts to all North Carolina delegation members showing at the Southern Regional 4-H event. All North Carolina delegation members will receive a NC 4-H Horse Program T-shirt at the event. Additional horse-related items may also be provided to show exhibitors.

I-E.1.c.       One Horse Per Member
Each 4-H member will be allowed to qualify only one horse for the Southern Regional Horse Show (unless the horses were champions or reserve champions at the State Show). The individual member may choose which horse to take if more than one horse qualifies. If there are openings remaining after the entry closing date, members qualifying more than one horse will be given the opportunity to bring an additional horse. These additional horses and youths will be ranked and placed in the lowest priority group.

I-E.1.d.       Selection
Southern Regional Horse Show exhibitors will be selected on points earned at the State 4-H Horse Show within a respective show division. The total number of eligible exhibitors for Southern Regional competition will be based upon a percentage of the number of exhibitors within a division (not including invitational divisions, such as dressage) as compared to the number of exhibitors in the entire show. Within each division, a specific priority system has been developed.

 

I-E.2. Qualification Selection Procedure
The following qualification selection procedure will determine the 42 horses that represent North Carolina:

I-E.2.a.       Reserved Positions
One qualifying position is reserved for a 4-H member exhibiting in the roping, the highest Dressage Division ride score from either the Training- or First-Level Dressage classes, and reining. To be considered for the Southern Regional Reining position, applicant must compete in Reining at the State 4-H Horse Show in the current year and follow the guidelines specified below. The State 4-H Horse Advisory Board executive committee shall select a 4-H member based upon participation in that 4-H Horse Program’s activities and performance at ropings and reining events. Exhibitors wishing to be considered as a roping or reining representative must submit a letter requesting consideration to the state Extension horse specialist’s office before the State 4-H Horse Show. The executive committee has the option to reject applications based on lack of 4-H participation.

I-E.2.b.       Other Positions
The remaining 40 qualifying positions will be selected based upon the following formula:

* W = Western; HS = Hunt Seat; SS = Saddle Seat; SE = Speed Events; NT= Non-Trotting

** If all slots within a division are not filled, that is, Roping, Non-Trotting, or any other division, open qualification spots will be recalculated on a percent basis between remaining divisions with adjustments made in the total number of exhibitors eligible to participate at Southern Regional's.

Example                

120 Western Division exhibitors divided by 240 total exhibitors = 0.50 

0.50 x 38 qualifying positions = 19 

19 Western Division exhibitors will be given the opportunity to exhibit at the Southern Regional's.

I-E.2.c. Slots
Qualification slots within a division will be determined based on the following priority system:

1. The champions (including horses and ponies) in each qualifying division.
   
   
2. The top-points-earning horses and ponies within each division will be selected from the greatest number of points accumulated during the State 4-H Horse Show to the least within the division.
   
   
3. When all individuals within a division who have earned points in the State 4-H Horse Show have declined a Southern Regional qualifying slot, the remaining slots will be reapportioned between the remaining divisions using the percent-basis formula.
   
   
4. All horses qualified for the Southern Regional Horse Show must have shown and earned a point at the State 4-H Horse Show or received reserve qualification slots as mentioned in items I-E.2.a and I-E.2.b.
   
   
5. Ties will be broken giving priority to the horses or ponies having earned the highest places, starting in the largest class and working to the smallest class.

I-E.3. Entry Procedures
All exhibitors in the State Show will receive a class list and entry form for the Southern Regional Show in their State 4-H Horse Show packet. All interested youths should complete the entry form. The completed form and entry fees must be returned to the Extension horse specialist by a specified deadline. The deadline will be advertised in the Operating Procedures in each exhibitor’s show packet.All submitted and completed forms will be ranked and accepted according to the priority schedule outlined above. Youth not submitting their completed forms by the deadline will lose their eligibility. Accepted entrants will receive rulebooks, information on motel accommodations, and other related materials. All entry forms not accepted will be returned along with the entry fees. Entry forms for the top 42 horses will be forwarded to the Southern Regional Horse Show.

 

I-F. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

I-F.1. Precedence of Rules
Rules in this book will have precedence over all other rules. US Equestrian Federation (USEF, formerly American Horse Show Association, AHSA) rules will be used for any Hunt Seat, Saddle Seat, Dressage, and Non-Trotting rules not covered in this book. American Quarter Horse Association rules (AQHA) will be used for any Western or Speed Events Division rules not covered in this book.

I-F.2. Proof of Horse Health
All horses must submit and show proof of a negative Coggins test for equine infectious anemia (EIA) or swamp fever within the past 12 months before participating in the State 4-H Horse Show.  (The Coggins test must be current through the last day of the State Show.) Additional health papers may be requested at the direction of the NCDA&CS State Veterinarian. A photocopy of the current Coggins test must be enclosed with the entry forms to the State Show. The horse’s name that appears on the Coggins test must be the same as that which appears on the entry form for the entry to be accepted. Those not complying will be returned to the sender. Photocopies may be returned upon completion of the show. Youths are encouraged to have all horses vaccinated for tetanus and Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis (sleeping sickness).

I-F.3. Control of Horses
All exhibitors must have their horses under complete control at all times. Horses must enter the ring unassisted, and the gate must be closed before starting the class or course. Riders will not be allowed to leave the ring until their horses are walking under control. No horses will gallop into or out of the show ring because this endangers other exhibitors and spectators. Riders having difficulties in the ring and desiring to leave should request permission to be excused from the ringmaster or judge.

I-F.4. Right of Refusal
Show management reserves the right to refuse an exhibitor entry into any class or event if they deem that entry unsafe for the exhibitor or other exhibitors or animals. All show officials have the authority and must dismiss from the ring any entry that is unruly or not in sufficient control for the safety of the handler or other exhibitors.

I-F.5. Classes Offered
Horse show classes in this rulebook may be offered at the discretion of the state 4-H Extension horse specialist’s office. Class rules may be amended. Exhibitors should refer to the annual “Rule Supplement” sheet that is distributed with the show packets. Not all classes listed in this rulebook are offered at the State 4-H Horse Show. State 4-H Horse Show classes are designated annually during the State 4-H Horse Advisory Board Meeting.

I-F.6. Right to Alter
Show management reserves the right to alter or modify any class or contest procedures, obstacles, or patterns in this book due to safety concerns.

I-F.7. Treatment of Horses
Cruelty or rough handling of horses will not be allowed at any show or event. A horse and exhibitor may be excused from the ring, show, or event for lack of control, cruelty, rough handling, or unsportsmanlike conduct. The standard by which conduct or treatment will be measured is that which a reasonable person, informed and experienced in general accepted equine training and exhibition procedures, or veterinary standards would use to determine whether the incident is cruel, abusive, or inhumane. The stewards, show-event management, or judge may disqualify anyone mistreating an animal or demonstrating unsportsmanlike conduct.

I-F.8. Stallions
Stallions are not allowed to be shown in 4-H horse shows or classes except for yearling colts in halter or in‑hand classes.

I-F.9. Horse and Rider Combinations
At the State Show, a horse may be exhibited by more than one rider only if both riders qualified for the State Show on the same horse in different classes at the district show. In no instance will the contestant-horse combination be allowed to show in the same class twice. Each exhibitor and horse may participate only once in a class with the exception of the Western Trail and Reining classes whereby an exhibitor may qualify and exhibit one horse and one pony in each class.

I-F.10. Restricted Ring Entry
No person other than the exhibitors and show officials will be allowed in the ring while any class is being judged.

I-F.11. Cancellation of Classes
All scheduled classes will be held. Classes with less than five entries for more than two consecutive years may be canceled or combined where appropriate at the discretion of the North Carolina State 4-H Horse Advisory Board.

I-F.12. Riding Over Show Grounds
Riding over the show grounds, except in the immediate area of the horse show ring, is strictly prohibited. No horse will be allowed to proceed at any gait faster than a walk on the State Fairgrounds property except within the riding rings. Youths are reminded that signs have been posted in certain areas that forbid horses. As good 4-H members, you should obey these signs. Failure to follow these courtesies on the fairgrounds could result in dismissal from the show.

I-F.13. Timing
In timed events, an electric timer will be used if available. In all cases, two stopwatches should be available and used for the official time if no timer is available. The average of the two stopwatches used by the official timers will be considered the official time.

I-F.14. Reruns and Rerides
No rerun or reride will be given to any contestant if handicapped by an equipment failure or an accident to the horse or rider.

I-F.15. Splitting Classes
The Executive Board will make the decision on splitting large “under-saddle” classes based on class entries as presented at the pre‑show meeting.

I-F.16. Orders-of-Go
All heats and working orders will be drawn at random and posted daily with the class orders-of-go.

I-F.17. Exhibitors per Heat
The number of exhibitors selected from each heat to return to the finals will be left to the discretion of the judge. Judges do not have to select the same number of exhibitors from each heat.

I-F.18. Number of Rings
Two rings will be used concurrently during the show. Efforts have been made to eliminate or minimize class conflicts between the rings. In cases of conflicts, however, the show management will cooperate wherever possible to allow youths to participate in conflicting schedules if notified in advance. It will be the exhibitor’s responsibility to choose the preferred class when no solution is available to work out the conflict. Please note: Entry fees will not be refunded to youths who miss a class due to scheduling conflicts.

I-F.19. Gate Calls
It is not a responsibility of the announcer to announce gate calls. When time permits, announcers at their discretion may make announcements to update exhibitors in the paddock and barn areas concerning the progress of the classes in the arena(s). It is each exhibitors’ responsibility, however, to stay aware of which class is in the arena and when his or her class is entering the arena. For all " individual go" classes, there will be an "on-deck" cone prior to the 1st cone on course. If an exhibitor is called to the "on-deck" cone and misses this call, then the exhibitor has officially missed their gate call and will be refused entry into the class. It is the responsibility of each exhibitor to be at the on-deck cone at the required time. In all other classes, the gate will be closed when the last visible horse in paddock area for that heat and/or class enters the ring. No additional entries will be accepted to that class and/or heat..Show management may authorize and exhibitor being moved in the order-of-go to help alleviate a class conflict, if notified before the class starts. There are no class holds for tack changes.

I-F.20. Entry Fee for Champions
There is no entry fee for championship awards. Championships are based on points earned in performance classes. They are listed in the class list for award scheduling purposes.

I-F.21. Forbidden Substances and Methods
The North Carolina 4-H Horse Program has adopted American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) rules concerning drug use in horses during a 4-H sanctioned horse show. Exhibitors are responsible for being knowledgeable of and following the guidelines for drug use as prescribed in the current AQHA rulebook for that year. All groups sponsoring 4-H shows or 4-H classes reserve the right to have horses tested for drugs by a qualified veterinarian. Disciplinary actions of those tested positive will be referred to the Executive Committee of the N.C. 4-H Horse Advisory Board for action. All protests are to be filed with the Grievance Committee following appropriate protest rules. If the drug test is returned positive, the exhibitor will be fined a $50 penalty. In an effort to incorporate drug-testing procedures, there will be an administrative fee charged to every entry at the State 4-H Horse Show. For current rules, either refer to the AQHA website at www.AQHA.com or call 1-806-376-4811.

I-F.22. Schooling Supervisors
All schooling times are subject to availability of schooling supervisors. If there are no schooling supervisors, there will be no schooling sessions and the rings will be closed. Sign-up sheets for volunteers willing to serve as schooling supervisors are available during the State 4-H Horse Show. A schooling supervisor, designated with the authority to maintain order in schooling areas, will be on duty each day of the show. A 4-H member may ride or lunge another 4-H member’s horse but must wear an exhibitor back number. An adult may lunge or lead a 4-H member’s horse but may not mount or ride a 4-H members horse unless that horse is deemed “dangerously uncontrollable” and the adult has received written permission from the schooling supervisor. Permission will only be given when the schooling supervisor is announced to be on duty. Exhibitors who violate this rule can be disqualified at the show committee’s discretion.

I-F.23. Headgear
The use of protective headgear approved by US Equestrian Federation (USEF) is required in all Hunt Seat, Short-Stirrup, and Speed Events Division classes and when mounted on the show grounds. In addition, US Equestrian Federation (USEF) approved headgear of any riding style (with fastened harness) is encouraged and approved for optional use in all show division classes. A current list of approved protective headgear for all styles of riding can be obtained from US Equestrian Federation (USEF).

I-F.24. Functional Heel
The State Show management will enforce that all riding during the event (and all 4-H activities) must be done with a boot that has a “functional heel,” which is defined as a heel that stops the forward movement of the boot through the stirrup.

IF.25. Safety or Flack Vests
Safety or flack vests are considered optional attire or equipment in all divisions and classes and can be worn either over or under approved riding attire.

I-F.26. Dress Code
The dress code described under each show division in this manual will be strictly enforced unless show management makes pre-approved changes.

I-F.27. Finality of Decisions
The decision of the judge is final. All horses and ponies cannot win, so the judge’s decision, on whatever it may be, should be accepted in the true spirit of sportsmanship and 4-H membership. When an exhibitor or exhibitor’s parent, leader, or agent is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct, the show management may suspend such exhibitor’s rights to participate in future classes or shows for such period as judged appropriate. The exhibitor’s parent, leader, friend, or agent can and will be barred from the show grounds for unsportsmanlike conduct or improper behavior.

I-G. APPEALS AND COMPLAINTS

  I-G.1. Source
Appeals and complaints must be directed by an exhibitor, a grievance committee designated by show management,or a spokesperson for the exhibitor and should be registered with the steward. The show committee will serve as the appeals committee. This committee will confer with the steward and act upon any protested class.

I-G.2. Form
A verbal protest, accompanied with $50 cash, must be filed with the paddock coordinator by the complaining party within the time the protested class is announced or until the gate is closed for the next class, whichever comes first. A written protest must be submitted within 15 minutes. If the appeals committee upholds the protest, the deposit will be refunded. If the protest is overruled, the deposit shall be forfeited to the N.C. 4-H Horse Program Fund.

I-G.3. Exclusions
Eligibility of exhibitors and horses and the judges' decision cannot be protested. All youths and horses must have been certified by local county Extension agents and club leaders to participate in 4-H classes or 4-H shows. A judge’s decision is final in regard to eligibility.

 

I-H. LIST OF SHOW DIVISIONS AND POSSIBLE CLASSES

The North Carolina State 4-H Advisory Board conducts an annual review of classes offered. The rules in Chapter II clarify judging procedures in each class. The rules are also intended to teach youths the proper show procedures, equipment, and attire for their type of horses when shown in the North Carolina 4-H Horse Program.

English Division (Saddle Seat--Trotting) for Horses and Ponies (14.2 hands and under)

Saddle-Type Halter
Saddle Seat Showmanship
Saddle Seat Equitation
Park Pleasure
Saddle Seat English Pleasure
Western Pleasure- English Type
Hunter Pleasure- English Type

Non-Trotting Division/Non-Trotting Showmanship

Non-Trotting Equitation
English Non-Trotting (Two Gaits)
Western Non-Trotting (Two Gaits)
Go-As-You-Please—Non-Trotting (Other Non-Trotting Horses) (Two Gaits)
Walking Horse Pleasure (Three Gaits)
Racking Horse Pleasure (Three Gaits)
Other Non-Trotting Horse Pleasure (Three Gaits)

Hunter Horse Division and Hunter Pony Division (14.2 hands and under)

Hunter Showmanship
Bridle Path Hack
Hunter Halter
Working Hunter over Fences
Equitation over Fences
Equitation on the Flat
Working Hunter on the Flat
Hunter Hack

Short-Stirrup Division—for Horses and Ponies

Working Hunter over Fences Halter
Hunter under Saddle Showmanship
Equitation over Fences
Equitation on The Flat

Western Horse Division and Western Pony Division (14.2 hands and under)

Western Showmanship
Reining
Western Riding
Stock-Type Halter
Stock Seat Equitation
Stock Seat Equitation Medal Class
Stock-Type Hunter under Saddle
Trail
Western Pleasure

Cloverbud Division

Showmanship
Pleasure
Equitation

Little Britches Division

Stock Seat Equitation
Showmanship
Western Pleasure
Western (Walk, Jog)
Halter

Speed Events Horse and Pony Division (14.2 hands and under)

Barrel Race
Stake Race
Texas Barrels
Pole Bending
Flag Race                                               

Dressage Division

Training Level Test 1
Training Level Test 2
First-Level Test 1
First-Level Test 2
USDF Introductory Level Tests A and B
Dressage Equitation
Dressage Suitability
Baby Novice Combined Training
Novice Combined Training
Training Level Combined Test

Adaptive Riding Division

Walk-Trot Equitation
Showmanship
Trail

Special Invitational Classes

Pleasure Pairs
Versatility
Costume Classes

 

Back to 4-H Horse Program Rulebook Menu

Staff | Contact Us | Sponsors | Popular Links | Maps & Directions