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Ride times are now posted for the September Show!
Show Rules & Regulations
Show Rules & Regulations
Entry Information
Entry Information
Entries will be accepted up to the day of the event and all entries on the same day as the competition will be considered late entries.
Late Entries: All entries after the early entry closing date (Monday before show weekend) will be accepted if space is available; However, they will not be applicable for the early entry discount offered.
Only one horse‐rider combination per entry. You are welcome to enter with more than one horse! To accomplish this you will have to complete a registration per competing horse-rider combo.
Please check-in at the Show Office upon arrival. Rider numbers will be given out upon check-in. We recommend that you check-in at least 30 minutes before your class starts.
Numbers must always be worn when a horse is being exercised or ridden.
Your number is how show organizers assign horse-rider points, please see the office immediately if you have lost your number.
No Shows
No Shows
All Riders that have not checked-in at the Show Office no later than 5 minutes before their first registered class starts will be considered a "No Show". If you have not contacted the show office prior to then you will be considered a scratch for the rest of the show. Time slots may be filled and no refunds will be given.
Exhibitors enter with this understanding and agreement.
Payment & Refunds
Payment & Refunds
All balances must be settled by the end of the competition.
You can make a payment prior to the show weekend (either by mail or using Venmo) or during the show weekend. To make a payment during the competition please see the Show Office!
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Check or Venmo(@KristinS1234)
Make Checks payable to: Harmonious Hooves
Mailing Address: Kristin Silk 15711 13th St, Milan, IL 61264
Refunds will be given in the form of cash or show credit — to be determined by the exhibitor.
Non-Negotiable Checks
Non-Negotiable Checks
Checks returned by the bank for any reason will be assessed a penalty of $25 or 10% of the check amount, whichever is greater. Upon notification of a returned check, accounts will be given three (3) days to make full payment including the penalty, which must be paid by certified funds, cashier’s check or money order.
Weather/Acts of God/Accidents or Emergency Policy
Weather/Acts of God/Accidents or Emergency Policy
Management reserves the right to delay or cancel any classes due to hazardous weather, Acts of God, Accidents or Emergencies. Every effort will be made to reschedule. There are no refunds for cancellations due to hazardous weather, Acts of God, Accidents or Emergencies.
Show Schedule and Ride Time Conflicts
Show Schedule and Ride Time Conflicts
We do our best to make sure all riders' schedule's are free of any time conflicts however, in the event a rider does have a show schedule conflict, it is the responsibility of the rider to inform the management of any show time conflicts as soon as possible. Organizers will do their best to reasonably accommodate any conflicts.
Please make all schedule change requests to the Show Office as soon as possible. Changes requested after 3pm the day prior to the time conflict will NOT be guaranteed a resolution; However, every effort will be made to accommodate for any conflicts.
Stall & Overnight Camper/Trailer Reservation Policies
Stall & Overnight Camper/Trailer Reservation Policies
Stall Reservation Policy:
Reservations: You can reserve a stall and overnight camper/trailer spot for a single day (Saturday or Sunday) or the full weekend. Below are the details:
One Day Reservation (24 hours):
This is a 24 hour reservation which starts at 5:00 PM the evening before your reserved day and ends at 5:00 PM on the reserved day.
For example, a Saturday reservation allows you to arrive as early as 5:00 PM Friday and depart by 5:00 PM Saturday.
Weekend Reservation (48 hours):
This is a 48 hour reservation which starts at 5:00 PM Friday and ends at 5:00 PM Sunday.
Arrival Time: To ensure a seamless arrival, please share your estimated arrival time with our Barn Manager & Show Organizer, Kristin Silk. If we haven’t heard from you within 6 hours of your reservation start date, we’ll assume you’re arriving on the day of your first registered class. You’re welcome to arrive at any time, but please note that outside of show office hours, organizers may not be immediately available to assist. If you need support upon arrival, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kristin Silk by Call/Text: (309) 738-3246 or Email: kristinsilktraining@gmail.com.
Rules -
Bedding:
Shavings are not included, you can bring your own or purchase bags from the barn.
Please clean your stall prior to departing.
Safety:
We do not allow more than one horse per stall.
Please be respectful of others in the barn with you.
Reservation Time Extension Policy & Fees
Reservation Time Extension Policy & Fees
We are happy to accommodate requests for additional time! Ex: early arrivals, late departures, etc.
Please contact Kristin Silk before your arrival to make arrangements.
Call/Text: (309) 738-3246 or Email: kristinsilktraining@gmail.com
Without prior approval, arriving more than 30 minutes before your reservation's start time or departing more than 30 minutes after your reservation's end time may result in an Early Arrival/Late Departure Fee of $50 per hour.
This fee may be waived if your late departure is due to weather conditions, show schedule changes, or other unforeseen circumstances, provided these are promptly communicated to the show office. The Show Authority reserves sole discretion in determining eligibility for these exceptions.
Footing & Arena Dimensions
Footing & Arena Dimensions
All show arenas are limestone base with sand.
Indoor Arena | Dressage arena dimensions: 75’ x 185’
Red Arena | Hunter/Jumper arena dimensions: 200’ x 300’
White Arena | Warm up arena (southeast of Red Arena) dimensions: 100’ x 200’
Negative Coggins Test Result
Negative Coggins Test Result
All horses/ponies who enter Black Spur Equestrian Center must present, either prior to or upon arrival, an up to date negative coggins test result. State regulations require a negative Coggins test within the past 12 months to participate in equestrian events. You will be denied entry without the negative test result.
You may:
Upload the test results during online registration
Mail it to our show office before the show
Email to our show organizer - kristinsilktraining@gmail.com
Bring it with you day of competition.
Any boarders of Black Spur, who have an up to date negative coggins test on file, do not need to provide another to compete.
If you have provided us with a negative coggins test within the show year (2025) AND it is still within the required "past 12 month period", you do not need to provide another to compete.
*If the Show Office cannot locate the one you previously provided, we will reach out to you, no later than 3 days prior to competition, to request another copy.
Helmets
Helmets
Properly fastened protective headgear which meets or exceeds ASTM/SEI standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag are required at all times while mounted at Black Spur Equestrian Center.
Facility's Leash Law
Facility's Leash Law
All dogs are required to be leashed or securely confined while on show grounds.
Any owner whose dog disrupts a competitor's round will be responsible for compensating that competitor for the cost of the class their dog interrupted.
Note: Owner's have friendly, well-behaved dogs which may be loose on the grounds at any given time.
Minors
Minors
Exhibitors: Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of minor exhibitors shall release the Horse Show Management and Facility from liability for any injuries sustained by the minor. No entry from a minor will be accepted, nor will a competition number be issued, unless the entry form is accompanied by a release and both are signed by a parent or legal guardian.
*Signatures from individuals who are not related to the minor will not be accepted.
Spectators: All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Show Authority
Show Authority
Show Management reserves the right to:
refuse any entry;
disqualify any exhibitor and/or their horse;
require an exhibitor to forfeit their ribbons and winnings;
return any entry and/or stall fee before or during the show
—all for cause and without liability for damages or compensation. Show management also reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary for the safe and efficient conduct of the competition.
Liability/Loss/Injury
Liability/Loss/Injury
The show grounds, show committee, show management, and their respective officers shall not be held liable for the following:
Injuries sustained by exhibitors, spectators, subcontractors, or employees, regardless of the manner in which they occur.
Loss, destruction, theft, or damage to any articles or property, regardless of type or nature, though reasonable precautions will be taken to safeguard exhibitors’ property.
Any loss or damage to horses or ponies on the grounds.
All horses and ponies entered in the competition will be under the supervision of the horse show management. By participating in the show—whether as a spectator, exhibitor, rider, trainer, agent, employee, or representative of any of the aforementioned—individuals agree to release Black Spur Equestrian Center and its officials from liability for any injury or loss incurred during or in connection with the show. This includes injuries or losses resulting directly or indirectly from the negligent acts or omissions of the show’s officials, directors, employees, or agents.
As a condition of entry, each exhibitor shall hold the horse show harmless for any loss or accident involving their horse(s), pony(ies), employee(s), or equipment, whether caused by illness, fire, or any other circumstance.
Signed Release (Paper Copy)
Signed Release (Paper Copy)
Black Spur Equestrian Center requires that ALL competitors physically sign their Release Agreement for ALL shows.
You may:
Download the release form and upload the signed release during online registration
Mail the signed release to our show office before the show weekend
Email the signed release to our show organizer before the show weekend
Bring the physical copy with you OR sign one at the Show Office on the first day of competition
Class/Championship Eligibility
Class/Championship Eligibility
Show Championship Eligibility - The Champion and Reserve Champion titles are awarded to the top two horse/riders that acquired the most points performing over the course of the series.
Ties - In case of a tie score, the Championship and/or Reserve is awarded to the horse/rider that accumulated the most points over fences.
Children's Class Eligibility - All exhibitors who have not reached their 18th birthday as of December 1 of the current competition year are eligible to compete in Child classes.
Beginner Class Eligibility - All exhibitors who haven’t shown in more than 8 horse shows in a year are eligible to compete in Beginner classes.
Judging
Judging
All horses competing must be serviceably sound, as determined by Judge and Show Officials.
Hunter Classes: Judged on performance, way of moving and soundness.
Equitation Classes: Judged on the rider’s position, control, and effectiveness in guiding the horse over a course.
Jumping Classes: Judged on the horse and rider’s ability to complete a course of jumps with the fewest faults (e.g., knocked rails, refusals) and, in some cases, within the time allowed.
Medal Classes: Judged on the rider’s equitation, including position, control, and precision.
Dressage Tests:
Introductory: Judged on the rider’s ability to perform basic walk and trot movements with accuracy, relaxation, and correct geometry. Horses must show willingness.
Training Level: Judged on the horse’s suppleness, obedience, and quality of walk, trot, and canter movements, with accurate figures and transitions.
First Level: Judged on the horse’s balance, suppleness, and engagement in walk, trot, and canter, including lengthenings and more complex figures.
Second Level: Judged on the horse’s collection, impulsion, and precision in movements like shoulder-in, travers, and simple changes, with fluid transitions.
Third Level: Judged on the horse’s increased collection, suppleness, and strength in movements like half-pass, flying changes, and extended gaits.
Fourth Level: Judged on the horse’s advanced collection, balance, and accuracy in movements like tempi changes, working pirouettes, and expressive extensions.
Faults
Faults
Faults are scored according to the judge’s opinion and, depending on severity or division, may be considered minor faults, major faults or elimination.
Hunter Classes
Minor Faults:
Uneven pace or slightly rushing.
Wrong lead or late lead change.
Slightly long or short distances to jumps.
Minor break in gait (e.g., brief trot in canter).
Subtle manners issues (e.g., slight head-tossing).
Major Faults:
Knocking down a rail.
Refusal at a jump (often leads to low placing).
Significant break in gait (e.g., stopping or trotting for several strides).
Going off-course or missing a jump (may lead to elimination).
Obvious lameness (leads to elimination, as horses must be serviceably sound).
Elimination:
Going off-course (e.g., missing a jump, jumping out of order).
Three refusals at jumps (or fewer, per show rules).
Fall of horse or rider.
Obvious lameness (horse not serviceably sound, as determined by judge/show officials).
Dangerous behavior (e.g., excessive bucking, rearing, or unmanageable conduct).
Schooling Show Note: Minor faults are often forgiven in beginner divisions if the round is otherwise smooth. Judges may allow retries for off-course or refusals in beginner divisions for learning, but lameness or falls result in immediate elimination.
Jumper Classes
Minor Faults:
Time faults (1 fault per second over time allowed in timed rounds).
Light rub of a rail (if it stays up, may not be penalized but noted in schooling shows).
Major Faults:
Knocking down a rail (4 faults).
First refusal or run-out (4 faults).
Second refusal (additional faults or elimination, per show rules).
Going off-course or missing a jump (elimination).
Fall of horse or rider (elimination).
Obvious lameness (elimination, as horses must be serviceably sound).
Elimination:
Going off-course (e.g., missing a jump, jumping out of order).
Two refusals at jumps (or three, depending on show rules).
Fall of horse or rider.
Obvious lameness (horse not serviceably sound, as determined by judge/show officials).
Exceeding the time limit by a significant margin (e.g., twice the allowed time, per USEF).
Dangerous behavior (e.g., horse bolting or uncontrollable).
Equitation Classes
Minor Faults:
Slight position errors (e.g., toes out, unsteady hands).
Wrong diagonal at trot or late diagonal correction.
Minor loss of rhythm or pace.
Slightly unbalanced transitions in flatwork.
Major Faults:
Wrong lead or missed lead change.
Rider-caused jumping errors (e.g., chipping, dropping a rein).
Going off-course or missing a jump (may lead to elimination).
Significant position errors (e.g., losing stirrups, leaning excessively).
Obvious lameness (elimination, as it affects rider performance).
Elimination:
Going off-course (e.g., missing a jump, incorrect pattern in flat phase).
Three refusals at jumps (or fewer, per show rules).
Fall of horse or rider.
Obvious lameness (horse not serviceably sound, as determined by judge/show officials).
Dangerous behavior (e.g., horse rearing uncontrollably, affecting rider control).
Dressage Tests (All Levels)
Minor Faults:
Slightly inaccurate geometry (e.g., oval circle, off-center line).
Subtle resistance (e.g., mild head-tossing, tail-swishing).
Slightly early or late transitions.
Minor rider position errors (e.g., leaning slightly forward).
Major Faults:
Incorrect movement (e.g., wrong gait, missed figure like leg-yield).
Significant resistance (e.g., stopping, rearing, or breaking gait).
Going off-pattern (first error: 2-point deduction; second: 4 points; third: elimination).
Major rider errors (e.g., incorrect aids causing horse confusion).
Obvious lameness (elimination, as horses must be serviceably sound).
Elimination:
Three errors of course (off-pattern, e.g., performing wrong movement or figure).
Use of voice by rider (considered an unauthorized aid, per USDF rules).
Fall of horse or rider.
Obvious lameness (horse not serviceably sound, as determined by judge/show officials).
Dangerous behavior (e.g., horse bolting, rearing, or leaving the arena).
Leaving the arena during the test (horse’s entire body exiting the ring).
Schooling Show Note: At lower levels (Introductory/Training), minor faults like uneven circles are scored lower but not heavily penalized; off-pattern errors are significant. Judges may forgive one or two errors of course with deductions (2 and 4 points) and provide feedback, but three errors or lameness result in elimination.
Western Dressage Tests
Minor Faults:
Slightly uneven geometry (e.g., imperfect serpentine).
Subtle resistance (e.g., pinned ears, slight stiffness).
Minor gait irregularities (e.g., uneven jog tempo).
Slight rider position errors (e.g., uneven rein tension).
Major Faults:
Incorrect gait (e.g., fast trot instead of jog, canter instead of lope).
Significant resistance (e.g., refusing to move forward, breaking gait).
Going off-pattern (deduction per error; multiple errors may lead to elimination).
Major rider errors (e.g., heavy hands causing horse distress).
Obvious lameness (elimination, as horses must be serviceably sound).
Elimination:
Three errors of course (off-pattern, e.g., incorrect gait or figure).
Use of voice by rider (considered an unauthorized aid).
Fall of horse or rider.
Obvious lameness (horse not serviceably sound, as determined by judge/show officials).
Dangerous behavior (e.g., horse bolting, rearing, or exiting the arena).
Leaving the arena during the test (horse’s entire body outside the ring).
Schooling Show Note: Judges emphasize relaxation and rider effort, especially in introductory levels; minor tack/attire issues may be overlooked. Similar to dressage, minor errors may be coached in introductory levels, but three errors, lameness, or safety issues lead to elimination.
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