The following are new rule changes from the United States Equestrian Federation.
RULES EFFECTIVE FOR 2017 COMPETITION YEAR
Effective 12-1-16
EQ115 Good Hands
- Changing name from NHS Good Hands to The Good Hands.
RD101.1 Roadster Eligibility
- All horses competing in Roadster Horse classes must have a Roadster ID number issued by the ARHPA.
Effective 2-1-17
HK103.2 RD103.1 and SB102 Welfare Rules
- Eliminating use of any chemical or other irritant to alter the pony/horse's tail carriage.
- Eliminating use of chains or rollers as actions devices on the competition grounds.
- Adding stipulations/explanations regarding shoeing and surgical release of tails.
- Removing reference to cob tails and docked tails; requiring appearance of short tail.
SB157.5 Western Country Pleasure
- Allows professionals (with restrictions) to compete in Junior Horse, Maiden/Novice/Limit Horse classes in addition to prospect and open classes.
Effective 4-1-17
HK110 Hackney Division of Classes
- Requires classes with 16 or more entries to be divided. Gives competition management discretion on how to divide.
RD109.7 USTA Roadster Classic
- Changing qualifying period for 2018 competition.
SB111 American Saddlebred Division of Classes
- Reduces the maximum number of entries allowed to compete in classes.
RULES EFFECTIVE FOR THE 2018 COMPETITION YEAR
GENERAL
GR1056 Hackney Judges
- Requires clinic prior to learner judging.
- Applicant may be denied due to little or no experience with breed.
- Learner judge under a minimum of two different Registered "large R" judges.
GR1069 Roadster Judges
- Recommends clinic prior to learner judging.
- Applicant may be denied due to little or no experience with discipline.
- Learner judge a minimum of five Roadster classes.
- Learner judge with a Registered "large R" judge.
GR1070 American Saddlebred Judges
- Requires clinic prior to learner judging.
- Applicant may be denied due to little or no experience with breed.
- Require learner judge to officiate an additional competition unless one experience is on a panel of judges.
GR1071 Saddle Seat Equitation Judges
- Requires clinic prior to learner judging.
- Applicant may be denied due to little or no experience with discipline.
- Require learner judge to officiate at an additional competition unless one experience is on a panel of judges.
GR135 Maiden, Novice and Limit Classes
- Allows horse to only "start over" by switching between driving and under saddle classes.
GR839 Cruelty to and Abuse of a Horse
- A horse presented for competition must not exhibit signs of recent cruelty or abuse.
GR844 Necropsy
- Outlines requirements for horses that die while at a Licensed Competition.
HACKNEY DIVISION
HK135 Appointments
- Martingales are required in Hackney Roadster Pony classes.
ROADSTER DIVISION
RD102.2 Type and Conformation
- Better defines the type of horse for the Roadster Division.
RD106 Appointments
- How to handle and entry that does not have a standard size seat or proper vehicle for class.
AMERICAN SADDLEBRED
SB101 Half American Saddlebred
- Adding rules for Half American Saddlebreds to compete.
SB103.9 Attention Getting devices
- Strengthens competition management’s ability to limit attention getting devices at designated times.
SB104.1 Appointments
- Prohibits the use of and eliminates those that compete with a high tail crupper which attaches to the saddle.
SB108.3 Amateur Owner Trainer Classes
- Establishes perimeters regarding ownership, training, and professional assistance for AOT classes.
SB115.2 and SB1336 Park Horse Gaits
- Requires a Park horse to be shown at a Park Trot.
SB161 Saddle & Bridle’s Working Western Pleasure Class
- Requires a minimum of three obstacles.
SADDLE SEAT EQUITATION
EQ113 Bight of Reins
- Riders penalized for switching bight of rein to left side.
EQ117 Championships
- Must work minimum number of riders per number of ribbons awarded in class; including one entry classes.
EQ118 Tests
- Must work minimum number of riders per number of ribbons awarded in class.
- Removing addressing reins as test. Separating tests 2 and 3 for clarity.
RULES EFFECTIVE FOR THE 2019 COMPETITION YEAR
GR1202.1 Competition Manager
- Must complete education requirements
The complete USEF Rulebook may be viewed online.
-- via ASHA