The Rules 1.  It is mandatory that boots and helmets are worn while mounted on any horse in any class (including Western) or while mounted on the grounds.  This is an insurance requirement, any violation by any child or adult will result in a request to leave the show grounds and any entries will be forfeited.   Yes, it applies to adults too! 2.  All horses/ponies must have a coggins within one year of show date.  Flu/Rhino shots will be required this year.  Shots must be within 12 months of the date of the show.  A.In the case of vaccines administered by a veterinarian, the exhibitor, upon request by Competition Management, must provide documentation from the veterinarian documenting that the horse in question received the vaccinations; name of the vaccines and date of vaccine administration. B. In the case of vaccines administered by a person other than a veterinarian, the exhibitor, upon request by Competition Management, must provide a receipt which is signed by the owner, or agent with care, custody, and control of the horse; name and date of vaccine administration 3.  Horses shown in any  shanked bit (curb, reining, Pelham, Kimberwicke, etc.) must have a curb strap or chain.  No gag bits or mechanical hackamores in any class.  Bosals, English hackamores, bitless bridles are allowed in all classes but horse must be under control or will be asked to leave show ring. Snaffles or bosals are acceptable for all ages of horse in classes.  No tie downs in any class.  Martingales are not permitted in any flat class. 4.  Showmanship must have a halter and lead. Bridle is correct for English attire showmanship.  Silver is optional and will not be considered in any aspect of the judging.  Correct attire and cleanliness (clipped and brushed unless breed does not require clipping such as Welsh pony, draft horse, Friesian, etc.) of horse and exhibitor will be considered in showmanship.  Nylon halters are not considered proper show tack for halter or showmanship.   A plain leather halter is not expensive and can be bought at Chick’s, Rainbows End, or online. 6.  Mane banding and braiding is optional and will not be considered in the judging of any classes.  7.  Because of the time of year of these shows, bathing your horse is not required.  A good brushing will be fine. 8.  Classes will be split if there are more than six entries dependent upon the entries.  For Example:  4 junior riders enter with 3 adult riders, class would be split into junior and adult.  Split of classes will be determined by show management. Division will be designated with class number and the letter A. 9.  Patterns will be posted the day of show.  This is for showmanship, over fences and trail.  Additional Equitation and Horsemanship patterns are at the Judge’s discretion.  Please know your posted patterns before you enter the ring.  The judge or ringmaster will not tell you the pattern or review the pattern for showmanship, over fences and trail.  If you have any questions, ask the question before you enter the ring. 10. NO  DOGS please!  No dogs on show grounds at any time.  11. Please do not crowd other horses and riders especially at the entry gate.  This is counter- productive to a safe environment and a good performance.   This is an issue at many shows so please learn to deal with it appropriately. 12. All 4-H members should participate in a showmanship class since it is a requirement at the State 4-H show.   13. Equitation, Horsemanship, Lead Line, and 4-H Divisions: No cross entering between divisions the day of the show.  You may move up at the next show but cannot show two divisions on the same show day.  For Example:  If you show in beginner equitation, you cannot show in Intermediate or Advanced on that show day.  If you show in Intermediate, you cannot show in Beginner or Advanced for that day.  At the next show, you may change divisions if you wish.  Lead Line riders may not show in any other classes other than Halter, Beginner Showmanship, and Lead Line Trail.  14.  Green Horse Pleasure and Baby Green is a horse or pony in its first or second year of showing.  Can cross-enter other classes. 15.  Western Freestyle – horses work one direction of the ring at W/J/L, then you have one minute (individually) to show off something extra about your horse (your choice, short reining pattern, figure 8, tricks, anything unusual that you or your horse may do that is entertaining or impressive). 16. Western Conformation and Hunter Conformation  – horses work both ways of the ring, then may be asked to remove saddles for conformation judging.  Judged 50 percent on performance and manners, 50 percent on conformation.  Grooms allowed in ring. 17.  Abuse of horses during show will not be tolerated and you will be asked to leave show grounds.  Abuse is excessive, repeated yanking of the bit; hitting the horse in the head area with anything; gouging with spurs; excessive whipping especially in anger; etc.. 18.  If a question should arise, USEF rules will be used to determine answer.  19.  If there are less than 3 entries in a class, the class will be cancelled for the day. 20.  ECRRA  (East Coast Ranch Riding Association) rules will take precedance in all ECRRA classes.  Please read the rules on their website or on this website.  www.ecrrassociation.com