Rules / Division

RULES / DIVISION

Prizelist Rules

  • Prize lists must list the applicable rules under the appropriate divisions.
  • SWVEP must be listed on the prize list. The prize list must be made public no later than 2 weeks prior to the show date. The online version must be posted to the Association website AND an easily found farm or facility’s website and/or is available on FaceBook, as an example.
  • Show managers must have a copy of the rule book & show evaluation form available at the show.
  • Judge(s) must be listed on the prize list. A mailing list will be available to the show management for notification to all current members.

 

Show Manager Rules

  • All SWVEP member shows will follow the rules of VHSA, USEF, and USHJA where applicable. Modifications are made to accommodate local conditions. However, VHSA, USEF, and USHJA rules shall be used as the overriding format under which all Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation classes and divisions are run.
  • Management must enforce all rules of the Association from the time entries are admitted to the competition grounds until their

 

Judges:

  • Local shows may hire knowledgeable horse-persons who do not hold USEF judges cards. It is the show management’s responsibility to provide qualified judges and to provide all judges with SWVEP rules and class descriptions. Judges must not have any ongoing relationship with any host institution or its riders.

 

  • Options for the use and hiring of judges for SWVEP horse shows:
      1. In the event that a SWVEP horse show manager hosts two separate horse shows during one week (or any other multiple contiguous days), if there will only be one ring in use each day, there must be different judges for each SEPARATE horse show.
      2. If two rings are used during the course of any show, the judge may move from one ring to the other ring.
      3. In the event that one horse show is contested over multiple days, one judge may be used on all days.
      4. In the event that two rings are going simultaneously at any show, two judges must be used.

 

  • In cases where two judges are available and are similarly qualified, the judges should be rotated for multiple-day shows, or in the case of two separate horse shows on one weekend.

 

Horse Show Rules/ Protocol

  • In cases in which a rule is not delineated in SWVEP rulebook, USEF rules may apply.
  • Any show that is canceled for any reason (including acts of god) may retain that date for the next year, provided that the SWVEP show fees are paid. Cancellation of a show for a second year (for any reason) will result in the loss of that date regardless of priority or payment. However, a show date may, with 30 days notice and SWVEP approval, be loaned to another management without restriction, thereby retaining “ownership” of the date by the lending party. A show may be rescheduled without paying an additional fee.
  • Shows must have an official announcer, show secretary, and a gate attendant at each ring. Further, these officials and the judge(s) must have effective, immediate, and reliable communication for the entire duration of the show. There should also be a punctual and competent ring crew present for every class and course change for the duration of the show.
  • All riders riding in Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation sections, while riding anywhere on the competition grounds, must wear properly fitting protective headgear which meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. The harness must be secured and properly fitted. Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place

 

  • Animal welfare – in keeping with the most current USEF rules (see current USEF rules for a complete listing of prohibited acts), the following acts are prohibited:
      1. Riding an exhausted horse
      2. Excessive pressuring of a tired horse
      3. Riding or lunging an obviously lame horse

 

  • The judge’s decision is:
    • No one may enter the under saddle portions of a recognized hunter division that has not competed in at least one over fences
    • Horses may not be exhibited in the competition ring or schooled in the designated warm-up areas after the official hour of sunset unless lighting is provided that assures full and complete
    • All recognized shows must have an EMT, or qualified emergency medical personnel, present during all sessions of the horse It is strongly encouraged that the EMT be present during schooling sessions.

 

  • Competition Reporting Requirements:
    • Each competition must forward full results, postmarked within 10 days of the competition, indicating the winners, the names of all horses and owners and all corrections, changes and additions to the prize This material is needed in order that winnings of exhibitors may be included in the Association’s permanent records.
    • Show secretaries or managers are required to verify horse and rider are members of the association before showing.

 

  • Show secretary/ managers must send a list of all entries to SWVEP within 10 business days.
  • Results filed past 10 working days will incur a $50.00 fine, and an additional $20.00 per late day in order for points to count. Points filed past 30 working days will incur an additional $75.00. Additionally, the show will forfeit its date for the following year and must refile for dates in subsequent years. Use of incorrect membership forms by show management will also result in a $75.00 fine.
  • Results sent to the Points Secretary may be filed on the form available on the SWVEP website or HSO. Points must be emailed to the points secretary and show managers must keep the hard copy of the points sheets until year-end points are finalized in case of discrepancies.
  • Failure to settle indebtedness to member shows will be dealt with in the following way. Show management shall send a registered letter along with a copy of the non-negotiable check to the member informing them of their indebtedness. SWVEP will then contact said member giving them ten (10) working days to settle their debt and/or respond with proof of payment. If after ten (10) working days the issue is not resolved, the member’s points will be deleted from the show in question. The member will not be allowed to compete at subsequent shows until all fees are paid in full

 

Points/ Recognized Divisions

  • All horse shows recognized by SWVEP and exhibitors shall be governed by the Association
  • In order for points to count, all division specifications and rules must be adhered to.
  • Unless otherwise noted below, all rules will defer to USEF/ USHJA.
  • The show calendar year is from December 1-November 30th.
  • Points are final on November 30th of the current year.
  • Any point discrepancies need to be filed in writing within 30 days of the proposed fault.
  • 3 entries must complete the 1st over fences class of each division for points to count.
  • 3 entries must complete a medal class for points to count.
  • Recognized Divisions that qualify for points:

 

Introductory Equitation                                             Maiden Equitation

Novice Equitation                                                        Limit Equitation

Pleasure Pony                                                               Adult & Jr Pleasure Hunter

Pony Hunter                                                                 Future Hunter

Pony Equitation Flat                                                   Jr Equitation Flat

Adult Equitation                                                          Children/ Adult Hunter

Future Hunter Horse and Pony

 

Results/ Points

  • Six (6) ribbons must be awarded in each recognized Championship and Reserve Championship ribbons must be awarded in each recognized division.
  • No Championship can be awarded in any division unless two out of the three scheduled classes in that division have been placed. If a competition is in progress and must be stopped due to a storm, loss of daylight, or other emergency, the Show Committee will decide whether to recommence, cancel, or combine classes.
  • For a Hunter division at a one-day show to count fully, a minimum of two (2) entries must enter, compete and complete all classes of the
  • The Champion and Reserve Champion titles are awarded to the top two of the four horses which acquire the most points over fences. Only those four horses will be awarded under saddle points toward the All under saddle points, however, will count toward the SWVEP Year End High Score awards. In case of a tie score, the Championship/Reserve is awarded to the horse that accumulated the most points over fences. If the horses are still tied, they may hack to break the tie or flip a coin.

 

Placing Points awarded
1 10
2 6
3 4
4 2
5 1
6 .5
Champion 20
Reserve Champion 15

 

 

Hunter Division

  • To be judged on performance, manners, and way of
  • Martingales of any type are prohibited in under saddle
  • Boots and bandages are In the case of inclement weather, show management may permit the use of bell boots only
  • No one may enter the under saddle portion of a recognized pony division that has not competed in at least    one over fences
  • Recognized Pony divisions are open to any age junior regardless of the size of the
  • Ponies competing in the recognized Pony Hunter divisions must be shown by a
  • Ponies shown in the pony hunter sections may not be shown by an adult in a recognized division at the same competition
  • Small ponies are not to exceed 12.2 hands, medium ponies are over 12.2 and do not exceed 13.2 hands, and large ponies are over 13.2 and do not exceed 2 hands.
  • Judged on performance and Manners and suitability of a pony to the rider will be emphasized. Extreme speed is penalized. Judges must penalize but not necessarily eliminate an entry not having such manners and suitability.

 

 

Division Specifications

 

Introductory Equitation – Open to junior and amateur riders, mounted on horses or ponies in his/her 1st year of showing whom have never shown over fences. Division classes to consist of: 1) walk equitation 2) walk/trot equitation 3) walk/ trot/ individual canter.  Judged on position, control, guidance, and suitability of mount.

Novice Equitation – Open to junior and amateur riders, mounted on horses or ponies in his/ her 1st or 2nd year of showing who have never shown over fences higher than 18”. Riders over 55 years of age, who have not shown in 2 years or more, are also eligible.  Division classes to consist of 1) walk/ trot/ canter 2) poles course 3) poles course. The course can not exceed 5 poles. Trotting is not to be penalized. Judged on position, control, guidance, and suitability of mount.

Maiden Equitation: Open to junior and amateur riders, mounted on horses or ponies, that have shown for no more than 3 years or over fences higher than 2’. Riders over 55 years of age, who have not shown in 2 years or more, are also eligible.  Division classes to consist of 1)  walk/trot/canter 2) cross rails course 3) cross rails course. Courses are to be a minimum of 7 fences set at 18”. Simple changes are not to be penalized. Judged, on position, control, and guidance.

Limit Equitation: Open to junior and amateur riders, mounted on horses or ponies, who have shown for no more than 4 years or over fences higher than 2’3. Riders over 55 years of age, who have not shown in 2 years or more, are also eligible.  Division classes to consist of 1) walk/ trot/canter 2) course A 3) course B. Courses to be a minimum of 7 fences set at 2’. No oxers permitted. Judged on position, control, and guidance.

Open Equitation: Open junior and amateur riders, mounted on horses or ponies, who have not shown over fences higher than 2’6. Division classes to consist of 2 courses at 2’3 and 3) walk/ trot/ canter class. Courses to be a Minimum of 7 fences set at 2’3. At least 3 jumps must be oxers. Judged on position, control, and guidance. 2 entries are required to fill this class.

Pony equitation on the flat: Open juniors or amateurs mounted on ponies. To be shown at a walk, trot, and canter in both directions. Judged on position, control, and guidance. Can be combined with Jr. Equitation on the flat if fewer entries.

Junior Equitation on the flat: Open to junior riders mounted on horses. To be shown at a walk, trot, and canter both directions. Judged on position, control, and guidance. Can be combined with Pony equitation on the flat.

Adult Equitation on the flat: Open to adults on horses or ponies (not entered in a pony division). To be shown at a walk, trot, and canter in both directions. Judged on position, control, and guidance. Can be combined with Jr. Equitation on the flat.

Student Equitation: Open to junior or amateur riders mounted on a horse or pony owned by a school or lesson program. Riders may not have shown over fences 2’6 or higher. Division classes to consist of 2 over fences 3) walk/trot/canter. Courses to be a minimum of 7 fences set at 2’3 and 2’6 (rider’s choice). Simple changes will not be penalized. Judged on position, control and guidance.

Child/Adult Hunter: Open to junior or amateur riders mounted on horses. Riders may not have shown over fences higher than 2’6. Horse and rider combination can’t compete at 2’9 or higher at the same show. Division classes to consist of 2 over fences and an under saddle class. Courses to be a minimum of 7 fences set at 2’6”. Division will be split if there are 3 entries in the Adult and 3 in the Children. Judged on performance, manners, and way of going.

Future Hunter Horse: Open to horses in their 1st or 2nd year of showing over fences that have not shown over fences higher than 2’.Division classes to consist of 2 courses and an under saddle. Courses to be a minimum of 7 jumps offered at 2’, 2’3, or 2’6. Judged on performance, manners, and way of going.

Future Hunter Pony: Open to ponies in their 1st or 2nd year of showing over fences that have never shown over fences 18” or higher.  Division classes to consist of 2 courses and an under saddle. Courses to be a minimum of 7 jumps offered at 18”, 2’, 2’3.  Judged on performance, manners, and way of going.

Adult Hunter Pleasure– Open to Adult riders mounted on horses or ponies. Classes offered will include; Walk/Go As You Please, Walk/Trot, and Walk/Trot/Canter. If fewer than 3 entries, Adult Hunter Pleasure may be combined with the Junior Hunter Pleasure Division and/ or Pony Pleasure Division. To be judged on manners, suitability, and way of going.

Junior Pleasure Horse– Open to junior riders mounted on horses. Classes offered will include; Walk/ Go as you please, Walk/Trot, and Walk/Trot/Canter. If fewer than 2 entries, Jr Pleasure Horse may be combined with the Junior Hunter Pleasure Division and/or the Pony Pleasure Division. To be judged on manners, suitability, and way of going.

Pleasure Pony Hunter – Open to ponies shown on the flat ridden by a Junior. Classes offered will include;  Walk/Go As You Please, Walk/Trot, and Walk/Trot/Canter. If fewer than 3 entries, the Hunter Pleasure Pony division may be combined with the Junior Hunter Pleasure Horse division and/ or the Adult Hunter Pleasure Horse division. A pony can be considered a horse at a show if the pony is not exhibited in a pony restricted division such as pony. Therefore, it is acceptable for an adult to ride a pony in the Adult Pleasure Division as long as the pony is not shown in pony restricted division at the same show.

Small/Medium & Large Pony Hunter – Open to ponies ridden by juniors. Ponies shown in this division may not be shown by an adult. Division to consist of 2 over fences and an under saddle. Courses to be a minimum of 7 fences. Small ponies (not to exceed 12.2h) to jump 18”, medium ponies (over 12.2h – not to exceed 13.2h) to jump 2’, large ponies (over 13.2h- 14.2) to jump 2’3. Judged on performance, manners, and way of going. Large and small/ medium divisions must be offered split, but if there are fewer than three ponies in each section the divisions must be combined. Lines less than 72′ must be set at appropriate distances.

SWVEP Jr/Amateur Medal: Open to junior or amateur riders, mounted on horses. Riders may have not shown over 2’6. Fences are to be offered at 2’3 & 2’6. The course must include at least 2 changes of direction and must have a minimum of 7 fences. All riders without a major fault are to be called back on the flat. Both phases count 50%. USEF Equitation tests 1-6 & 9 may be used. To be judged on position, control, and guidance. The same horse must be used for both phases. 3 riders must complete the course for points to count.

SWVEP Pony Medal: Open to junior riders mounted on ponies. Riders may not have shown over 2’6. Small ponies to jump 18’, medium ponies to jump 2’, large ponies to jump 2’3”. The course must include at least 2 changes of direction and must have a minimum 7 fences. All riders without a major fault are to be called back on the flat. Both phases count 50%. USEF Equitation tests 1-6, & 9 may be used. To be judged on position, control, and guidance. The same horse must be used for both phases. 3 riders must complete the course for points to count.

SWVEP Beginner Medal: Open to junior and amateur riders mounted on horses or ponies. Riders may not have competed in any medal final previously. Riders may not have shown over 2’6”. Fences 2’. The course must include at least 2 changes of direction and must have a minimum of 7 fences. All riders without a major fault are to be called back on the flat. Both phases count 50%. USEF Equitation tests 1-5 may be used. To be judged on position, control, and guidance. The same horse must be used for both phases. 3 riders must complete the course for points to count.