Class Rules

Class Rules:

Height and Type of Obstacles
The course will be offered at two fence heights 2' and 2'6 with the exhibitor choosing which height best suits his/her horse at this point in their training. Fifty percent or more of the obstacles must be at least the required height and none may be more than 2'' over or under. The course should include fences typically found in a hunter course and should include two changes in direction.
Horses must be shown over a minimum of eight obstacles the required height in all A, B,C or schooling rated sections.
Obstacles must simulate those found in the hunting field such as natural post and rail, brush, stone wall, white board fence or gate, chicken coop, aiken, hedge, oxer, etc. A ground line is required for all obstacles.

An in and out is considered as two obstacles in the required number of obstacles. It must never be used at the start of a course. An in and out may have one or two strides. The distance may be altered during a class requiring different fence heights.

The top element of all obstacles must be securely placed with cups at least 1 1/2 inches deep and 3 inches wide so that a slight rub will not cause a knockdown and must be equally secure for different heights in the same class.

Course Diagrams
Course diagrams must be posted at least one hour before scheduled time of class unless they have been illustrated in the prize list. The plan or diagram of the course must show the obstacles which must be taken in the order indicated by numbers but apart from this the rider is not bound to follow a compulsory track. An arrow is used on the diagram to indicate the direction in which each obstacle is to be taken. When distances between fences in “A” or “B” rated classes are 90’ or less from base to base, the distance must be included on the posted course diagram. If the area of the courtesy circle is to be restricted by a mandatory line, the line must be indicated on the diagram and a corresponding barrier must be erected on the course. As this becomes part of the judging specifications, this policy must be clearly stated in the prize list and announced at least one hour prior to the class.

Tack
Regulation snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, all with cavesson nose bands, are recommended. A judge may penalize for non-conventional types of bits or nosebands. Standing martingales are allowed for all over fence classes.
Light pads and bar shoes are permissible Boots, wraps and bandages are prohibited. In the case of inclement weather competition management may permit the use of bell boots

Judging
All classes must be judged on performance and soundness and when indicated, conformation, suitability or manners. When a horse makes two faults at one obstacle only the major fault will be counted. (Exception: refusals count in addition.) When an obstacle is composed of several elements in the same vertical plane, a fault at the top element is the only one penalized. At a combination, the faults committed at each obstacle are considered separately. In case of a refusal or runout at one obstacle in a combination, the competitor may rejump the previous as well as the following obstacles. Judges must penalize unsafe jumping and bad form over fences, whether touched or untouched. In classics and when a class is held on an inside or outside course, brilliance should be emphasized. Circling once upon entering the ring and once upon leaving is permissible. In case of loss of shoe, rider may either continue without penalty or be eliminated.In the event of elimination, the horse must exit the ring immediately.
Soundness
All horses must be serviceably sound. Horses that are not serviceably sound are ineligible for an award.

Faults
1. The following faults are scored according to the judge's opinion, and depending on severity, may be considered minor or major faults.
a. Minor or Major Faults
(1) Showing an obstacle to a horse. (2) Missing a lead change. (3) Kicking out. (4) Spooking. (5) Jumping out of form. (6) Jumping into corners of obstacles.
b. Major Faults
(1) Knock down of any part of an obstacle. (2) Refusals. (3) Trotting while on course when it is not specified. (4) Bucking. (5) Stopping for loss of shoe or broken equipment. (6) Circling while on course. (7) Dangerous jumping.
c. Elimination
(1) Three refusals. (2) Off course. (3) Jumping a fence before it is reset. (4) Bolting from the ring. (5) Fall of horse or rider.
2. The following may or may not be considered as faults, depending on their severity and frequency.
a. Light rubs. b. Swapping leads in a line. c. Late lead changes. d. Excessive show of animation. e. Adding or eliminating a stride in a line.