Rules and Regulations

ALL BEGINNER CLASSES IN THIS SHOW REFER TO THE ABILITY AND EXPERIENCE OF THE RIDERS AND NOT THE TRAINING LEVEL OR EXPERIENCE OF THE HORSES. RIDERS IN THESE CLASSES CANNOT SHOW IN OTHER CLASSES.

1.-AGE REQUIREMENTS: YOUTH ONLY / All exhibitors must be 18 and under

2. -Junior exhibitors must be at least 9 years of age (or turn 9) and must not have reached his/her 14th birthday during this 4-H year - October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016.

3.- Senior exhibitors are those who turn 14 years of age or older between October 1, 2015 and September 30 of 2016. Senior eligibility terminates on December 31 of the year the member has his/her 19th birthday.

4.Entries: $10.00 per class

5.No refunds will be made on scratches.

6. Awards will consist of: ribbons 1-6 to each class winner. Ribbons will be awarded to “Little Britches” class participants;.

7. Participants of beginner classes cannot show in another class in the same division.

8. No Admission Fee. The public is invited to attend.

9. No Stallions.

10. Negative Coggins Test required (within one year for Virginia horses; within six months for all out-of-state horses).

11. No alcohol allowed on the grounds.

12. Show Committee reserves the right to vary classes and overall management.

13. The management reserves the right to remove anyone who exhibits unsafe behavior.

14. Sportsmanship and good conduct are required.

15. Horses that are known to kick should be marked by tying a red ribbon in the tail. No points will be deducted.

16. Exhibitors do not have to be enrolled in 4-H.

17. Exhibitors may be responsible for proof of age and the eligibility of their animal.

18. Exhibitors should provide for their own accident and health insurance.

19. Effective January 1, 2000, protective headgear is required for youth of 4-H age and younger in all mounted equine activities sponsored by Cooperative Extension. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) certified protective headgear for equestrian activities is preferred (including secured harness). It is highly recommended that adults participating in VCE sponsored equine activities wear protective headgear.

20. Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place. Policy for the Qualifying Show requires all riders to wear protective headgear passing or surpassing current ASTM-SEI (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards with harness secured while riding anywhere on the competition grounds. It is the responsibility of the rider, or the parent or guardian of the rider, to see to it that the headgear worn complies with appropriate safety standards for protective headgear intended for equestrian use, is properly fitted, and in good condition. Neither the Show Staff nor volunteers are responsible for checking headgear worn for such compliance.

21. Headgear designed for other uses such as motorcycle, bicycle, skating, etc. is not acceptable.

22. Disabled riders may be required to have at least one attendant. Due to the fact that levels of disability vary greatly, final decision on types of assistance (leaders & side walkers) needed by a disabled rider will be made by the Show Committee, judges, and parent/guardian of the rider. Ultimate responsibility for the safety of all riders is assumed by the parent or guardian.

23. Judge’s decision is final.

24. Appropriate tack and attire is recommended. English or Western tack and attire may be used in Walking, Racking, and Country Pleasure classes.

25. Safety precautions must be observed.

26. Youth must be supervised by an adult. The show staff is not responsible for chaperoning.

27. Ponies are 14.2 hands and under.

28. Exhibitors are expected to comply with current humane and drug regulations.

29. The show staff, committees, and facility staff are not responsible for injury or loss to anyone involved or attending.

30.Stalls are available on a first come/first served basis. Exhibitors are encouraged to stable all horses and ponies. Stall fees of $6.00 to be paid at show secretary booth.

31.The Show is not responsible for lodging and meals.

32.Do not tie horses to trees, shrubs, rings or fences.

33.Camping is available on site with approval. Contact the SW VA 4-H Center at (276) 676-6180.

34. The show reserves the right to refuse, decline and/or return entry or to ask any person(s) to leave the grounds.

35. NO PETS ARE ALLOWED, even if left in a vehicle! DO NOT BRING THEM!

36. 4-H members planning to attend the State 4-H Horse Show can have their horses measured on the day of the show. The May 28th show will serve as qualifier for Southwest District 4-H members for the State 4-H Horse Show. 4-H members desiring to qualify at a show outside normal district boundaries must notify that show management at least 30 days prior to the show.

37. Due to the 4-H Center grounds being used by different groups for various disciplines and events, the ring is a grass surface. Participants must start and stop all Gymkhana classes inside the ring. You may wish to modify your performance based on these facts.