The following rule changes for the American Saddlebred In-Hand Division will be effective as of April 1, 2016. Please refer to the United States Equestrian Federation Rule Book, Subchapter SB-13 In-Hand and Model; SB174 and SB175.
SB174 Attendants [Chapter Subchapter SB-13 In-Hand and Model]:
Only two people per animal are permitted in the ring. Handlers and attendants must be neatly and appropriately dressed in clean and well-fitted clothes. Each may carry or use a whip not exceeding 6 feet, including lash; the lash shall not have been altered in any way except no more than two ribbon streamers attached that are eight inches or less in length. It must be a standard whip of suitable style.
SB175 Judging Procedures [Chapter Subchapter SB-13 In-Hand and Model]:
1. Conformation and finish count 50 percent of the total score. All entries should be judged according to the standards for the ideal American Saddlebred type and conformation. Defects must be penalized. Way of going and natural action count 50 percent of the total score. Labored way of going to be severely penalized. All entries should be judged according to the standards for the walk and trot. Undesirable traits should be penalized.
-- via ASHA