Rules
.......................................................................

1. Helmets must be worn at all times.

2. Judge's decisions are final.

3. No dogs allowed on the show property.

4. Competitor's numbers must be worn in the warm-up areas and the show ring at all times.

5. Test readers are the competitor's responsibility.

6. Competitors are asked to respect signs prohibiting entry to certain parts of the show grounds.

7. Park in designated areas only.

8. Use designated warm-up areas only.

9. All lungeing is to be done outdoors, and not in the warm-up ring.

10. Parents are responsible for their children.

11. Non-competitors are not allowed to school horses on the show grounds.

12. Jumps that are set up on the property where the show is being held are off limits and not to be used.

13. Riders are expected to be neat and clean in their appearance. Riders with long hair must wear hair nets or tie their hair back in a braid or bun. At the first two shows of the season, due to cold weather, the dress code is relaxed. At all other shows riders are requested to wear either a white collared shirt or white turtle neck and a jacket or dark blue or black crew or v-necked sweater. No hoodies are allowed. Wear light coloured breeches - grey, white or tan. Riding boots are preferred, but low heeled boots will be allowed. Running shoes and hiking boots are not allowed. In the event of very warm weather, at the judge's discretion, the rule about sweaters or jackets could be waived.

14. Tack checks are not compulsory for schooling shows, but may be asked for at any time. It is recommended that if a designated Steward is available to get a tack check before entering the ring for the first time.

15. Riders may compete in up to four consecutive tests on one horse. Riders must rider in consecutive tests, and may not skip tests within a level.

16. On one show day, a horse may show in up to a total of six tests between Walk Trot and First Levels, including all equitation classes. Any horse competing in levels above that will show in no more than 4 tests. An exception of one additional ride per horse will be allowed for a freestyle, pas de deux or quadrille.

17. A Junior rider is one who has not attained his/her 14th birthday as of January 1st.

18. Junior members between the ages of 12 and 13 may move up to the senior division if they wish. Once a Junior member has moved up to the Senior division they must remain in the Senior division. At the age of 14, all Junior members must move up to the Senior division.

19. An Open Division will be available for coaches, trainers and judges wishing to compete at Hoofbeats.

20. In Group Classes, no more than six horses will be in the ring to be judged at one time. Group classes may be divided at the discretion of the show organizers.

21. Group Equitation classes will be divided into 3 classes and offered in both Senior and Junior divisions:
     

    Walk Trot Equitation For riders whose highest test level is Walk Trot	Walk and trot (both rising and sitting, with an understanding of diagonals) movements in both directions will be required.
    Training Level Equitation For riders whose highest test level is Training Level	Walk and trot (both rising and sitting, with an understanding of diagonals), and canter (both leads) movements will be required.
    First Level Equitation For riders whose highest test level is First Level	Walk, trot (both rising and sitting, with and understanding of diagonals), and canter (both leads) movements will be required, as well as the knowledge to ride accurate figures in both directions.

     

22. Riders must have entered and ridden a test in three shows during the same season to qualify for year end awards for that test level at the end of the season.

23. Horse and rider combinations that have been awarded Champion or Reserve Champion awards at the end of the season are asked to move up one test level in the next season, or may ride that test Hors Concours. The rider shall receive scores and comments from the judge but will not be eligible for ribbons or year-end awards for any class ridden Hors Concours.

24. Please be courteous and notify the competition of a scratch by calling the Times Secretary before the show date. Entry fees, not including the insurance fee, will be returned only under the following circumstances:
    - Notification of the Times Secretary
    - An obviously lame or sick horse
    - Personal injury to the rider

25. General members are invited to present any ideas, and/or issues they may have at the first part of any Executive meeting by making an appointment with one of the Executive members.

26. Flagrant disregard of these rules can lead to disbarment from future shows.

27. No mounting or dismounting will be allowed in the judges section of the arena. Please take the mounting block into the ring to mount your horse.
    
    Policy: If the show is running ahead of schedule, a rider will not have to ride until their scheduled time. However, if there are any other riders ready and willing to go, the riding order may be changed. The Show Secretary and Judge must be notified. Alternatively, an unscheduled warm-up may be called or an existing warm-up may be lengthened. Listen to the announcer for these changes.
    
    Policy: The Judge may disqualify a horse and/or rider if judged unfit to compete.

Ring Etiquette

1. When entering the arena, announce your presence by calling 'gate' or 'door' to warn others.

2. Pass oncoming traffic left shoulder to left shoulder.

3. If you are walking or halting, move to the inside of the track to allow riders to continue.

4. Just as you would not change lanes without checking your mirrors, make sure you look behind you before you return to the outside track. This will prevent you from cutting off another rider.

5. Yield to inexperienced riders or very green horses.

6. Stay two horse lengths behind those that are in front of you.

7. Give the right-of-way to riders that are practicing specific patterns or complex movements such
   as serpentines or leg yields.

8. If you find yourself with less than adequate control of your horse, warn other riders with a calm call of 'Heads up!'

9. Be considerate to younger riders and lend a hand if possible.

10.  If a horse is loose, a rider has fallen, or a horse has taken off, halt and stay still until the
    situation is under control.

More specific rules may apply in specific situation, but in general, always be aware of your location in relation to other riders. When in doubt be calm and try to go to the inside of the tack and halt as to resolve the problem. These rules will help you avoid accidents and will also help you to stay calm while on your horse if everyone follows them.