Show Manager’s Handbook

includes:

Requirements for Recognition

Checklist for Show Day

Course Designer’s Guide

Point Tabulation

Judge’s Cards for Unique Classes

Sample Entry Blank

Approved Judges

Other Rules That Affect Shows and Show Management

1. Application Fee: Application fee to hold a MIHJA show shall be $75

payable when the date is reserved. Where more than one show is held in a given year by the same management under the same name, each show is considered a separate entity. After show results and MIHJA fees collected by the show (such as non-member fees and application fees from new members) are received (postmarked within 10 days), the show will be refunded $25.00. If show management cancels an approved show, said application fee is forfeited. SHOW MUST COLLECT AND SEND MIHJA APPROPRIATE FUNDS WITH RESULTS. Under no circumstances will shows be granted recognition after the show has been held.

2. Approval Application Procedure: Application for show dates must be made on the Show Recognition form provided by the Association (available from the Secretary). The form must be filled out COMPLETELY and signed by an officer of the show requesting the date. At least one individual on the Three-Person Show Committee (see "Other") must be a member of MIHJA.

3. Show Approval Documentation: ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE MIHJA SECRETARY 60 (SIXTY) DAYS PRIOR TO APPLICABLE SHOW DATES. This time frame is necessary to advise our membership through the web site, and if possible via the newsletter, of all approvals. The Secretary shall send written confirmation of receipt and approval or denial of all applications in a timely manner. A rough draft of the show bill, listing all classes (including fence heights and a MIHJA application form) must accompany Show Recognition Form for new shows or shows that have made major changes to their prize list since their last recognized show.

5. New (non-established) shows: If two or more applications for the same dates are received, only the application FIRST received will be approved, provided all other requirements for recognition are met. No two shows will be awarded the same show date. Any other applications and fees received for the same date(s) will be returned advising show(s) of non-approval. All show dates for new shows must have majority Board approval. Secretary is to obtain approval from the Board via e-mail, fax, or written documentation.

6. Show Insurance: All shows must have Show Insurance (which is not Show Insurance) or a $75.00 deposit per show day at the time that show applications are submitted to the MIHJA Secretary to be used to cover the cost of "piggy-backing" the show to MIHJA’s insurance.

7. Stabling: Stalls must be of sturdy construction, in good condition, and safe for horses and ponies. Prize list / show bill must specify the type of stabling, and whether or not doors will be provided. For overnight stabling, adequate lighting must be provided. A telephone must be provided in a place that will be accessible at all hours (not in a locked tack room or house). If it is not in plain sight, there should be signs indicating where it is located. Water facilities shall be convenient and ample.

8. Restrooms: Adequate and sanitary toilet facilities must be provided on show grounds.

9. Communication: The horse show office must be staffed with adequate personnel and there must be proper communication between secretary, announcer, in-gate, each ring, and stables.

10. Show Arena: Showing ring and/or hunt course must be surrounded by a suitable barrier (fence). Gate is optional. For MIHJA recognized classes that are held after sunset, lighting that provides full and complete visibility is a requirement for the show ring and schooling area. Horses may not be exhibited in the show ring or schooled in the designated warm-up areas after the official hour of sunset unless lighting is provided that assures full and complete visibility.

11. Schooling Arena: Show management must provide a safe and sufficient area for schooling horses. Adequate lighting must be provided in schooling areas after dark. Schooling over obstacles in the ring or over any part of the outside course is permitted only at the time designated by the Show Committee. All other schooling over obstacles shall be permitted only at the time designated by the Show Committee. All other schooling over obstacles shall be permitted only within clearly identified areas and only at times designated by the Show Committee. Schooling over obstacles in any other area of the show grounds or at any other time is prohibited and shall constitute a violation. If possible, provide separate schooling areas for Hunters and Jumpers if they are shown simultaneously. It is recommended that each schooling area have a minimum of two obstacles, including at least one spread fence. SHOW MANAGEMENT HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SUPERVISING THE SCHOOLING AREA AND MAINTAINING A SAFE SCHOOLING ENVIRONMENT.

12. Jumps: Show facilities must have at least 7 jumps and they must be able to be lowered to 1’6" in order to accommodate all of the recognized classes. (For more details about jump requirements, see: Course Designer’s Guide)

1. Enforce all MIHJA rules from the time the entries are admitted to the show grounds until their departure.

2. Hire the necessary officials for the operation of the show (judge, secretary, announcer, steward, etc.) and see that they are properly qualified.

3. It is recommended that prior to the show, Show Management notifies a local ambulance service regarding the date and the location of the show. On show day the name and number of the service should be posted in a prominent location in the horse show office, preferably near the telephone.

4. All MIHJA jumper classes must use two timers if electrical timing equipment is not available. If electrical timing equipment is used, there must be one back up timer. The judge will NOT be eligible to be a back up timer.

5. Each approved show shall have a copy of the current MIHJA rule book available for reference at al times during the show.

6. Ask each rider for their membership card or number (on entry blank). You must collect a fee from every non-member rider who participates in MIHJA recognized classes, payable to MIHJA and to be submitted with show results.

7. Furnish the judges in each class with a score card and exact class specifications. Note: Command Class and Pleasure Horse/Pony are unconventional in hunter/jumper shows and most judges are unfamiliar with them. If you do not use the score cards provided in this handbook for those particular classes, be sure to provide the judge with their descriptions from page 22 of the rule book.

8. Provide show secretary with blank sheets to fill in the horse’s name, number, owner, and rider. These may also be used as the Point Tabulation Sheets if they are in that format, or the Point Tabulation Sheets may be used by the secretary to keep from having to copy information later.

9. Provide a number for each competitor which shall be worn on the rider’s back, clearly visible to the judge at all times when in a competition. You may ask the riders to turn their numbers slightly towards the judge in flat and under saddle classes.

10. Make available MIHJA Application forms (available from the MIHJA Secretary and provided in show packets) at the horse show office. Ask those filling them out to please press hard - they are making three copies.

11. Members of the Three-Person Horse Show Committee (see Other Rules That Affect Shows and Show Management) must be selected and a list of their names posted in the horse show office and announced prior to the start of the show. One member of the Committee will be the Steward, who must be a MIHJA member who is NOT participating as an exhibitor in the show.

12. All exhibitors in the Pony/Small classes, or riding a pony in the MIHJA Medal must provide a MIHJA measurement card to confirm their pony or small horse’s size. If they have not yet been issued one, they must be measured on a flat, hard surface (preferably level cement) with a USEF approved measuring stick. They must be measured by the show steward, with a MIHJA Board member present, prior to being shown in said classes. Fill out the measurement form and submit it with the entries and non-member fees. Only juniors may ride a pony in Pony/Small Hunter. Adults may ride a small horse in Pony/Small or a pony in any other class.

The Course Designer must be named on the show application, and is responsible for laying out the course, building the obstacles and for the measurement of the course. The designer must be present at all sessions of the show and be available to report to the judge at any time that the course is ready in all respects. It is the duty of the jump crew to raise and lower the fences, but the course designer may measure at any time to confirm their height. The designer is responsible for the correctness of the course and must give consideration to any suggestions made by the judge and/or Three-Person Horse Show Committee. Copies of the courses must be given to the judge.

1. Height: 50% of all fences must be the height required for that class. No fence shall be more than 3 inches lower than the required height with the exception of the first fence, a brush, ditch*, or bank* (* in jumper classes only). In case of inclement weather, fence heights may be adjusted for safety reasons at the discretion of show management. MIHJA required fence heights are as follows:

a. poles on the ground - Trotting Pole Hunter

b. cross rails - Cross Rail Hunter

Short/Long Stirrup Equitation

Short/Long Stirrup Hunter

c. 1’6" - Beginner Horse Hunter

Beginner Rider Hunter

d. 2’ - Evergreen Hunter

Junior Equitation (11 & Under)

e. 2’-2’3"- 4-H/Pony Club Hunter

Baby Green Hunter

Novice Equitation (1st Year)

Novice Rider Hunter (1st Year)

Junior Equitation (12-14)

Pony/Small Hunter (ponies 13.2 and under)

MIHJA Mini Medal

f. 2’3"-2’6" - Novice Equitation (2nd Year)

Novice Rider Hunter (2nd Year)

Pony/Small Hunter (ponies over 13.2 - ponies 14.2)

Hopeful Jumper

g. 2’6" - Schooling Hunter

h. 2’6"-2’9" - Pre-Green Hunter

Intermediate Equitation

Adult Amateur Equitation

i. 2’9" - Low Hunter

Children’s Hunter

Adult Amateur Hunter

Junior Equitation (15-17)

Schooling Jumper

j. 3’ - MIHJA Hunter

Green Hunter (1st Year)

Junior Hunter (14 & under)

k. 3’3" - Green Hunter (2nd Year)

Junior Hunter (15-17)

Open Equitation

l. 3’3"-3’6" - Open Hunter

2. Width: In hunter courses all fences without wings must be at least 20 feet wide. If wings are used, wings must be at least 30 inches wide and at least 13 inches higher than the top element of the fence. The fence must be a minimum of 10 feet excluding wings. At shows held in indoor arenas, wings shall be optional. In equitation and jumper classes a narrow jump (8’) may be used with wings.

3. Courses: Hunter courses shall consist of 7-9 jumps. Of these 7-9 jumps, 6 of the eight must consist of straight or approved broken lines (i.e. two outside lines and one diagonal line) the other two may be single straight jumps. All courses must have at least one change of direction except Short/Long Stirrup, Trotting Pole, and Cross Rail classes where changes of direction are optional.

    a. MIHJA Medal and Mini Medal Classes - The course must contain a minimum of 8 (eight) fences with or without wings. The course designer and/or judge MUST incorporate at least 2 (two) equitation tests from the USEF rule book into the course.

    b. MIHJA Medal and Mini Medal Finals - Same as above, however IT SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO BEFIT A MEDAL FINALS PERFORMANCE (at least 10 jumps, preferably 12-15).

5. Colors: All poles on jumps in Hunter classes must be a solid color. Approved colors are Rust, Gray, White, Green, & Brown. Striped or colored poles are only allowed during Equitation and/or Jumper classes.

Horses over 14.2: one-stride In-and-out 24’, two-stride 36’. Distances may be adjusted according to footing and other relevant factors.

1. Shows are not required to award Grand and Reserve Championship ribbons for any equitation divisions.

2. To be eligible to earn points won in an under saddle class, the entry must complete the course in at least one class over fences.

3. At least 3 (three) classes must be held in a division to award a championship, one of which will be an under saddle class (except in jumper divisions, where all classes are over fences).

4. Shows must offer ribbons to Grand and Reserve Champion winners, but championship prizes are optional.

5. Only the first 6 places shall count regardless of the number of ribbons offered.

6. It is important to provide all of the information listed on the Point Tabulation Sheets, including the number of entries in each class.

7. Points to determine division championship: The MIHJA secretary will use different point scales depending on the number of entries to determine year-end awards, HOWEVER, horse shows only use one point scale to determine division champions at a show regardless of the number of entries: 1st - 10 points, 2nd - 6 points, 3rd - 4 points, 4th - 2 points, 5th - 1 point, 6th - 1/2 point. Add all over fences classes - sub total. Circle top four horses' points. Only these top four can earn under saddle points toward championship. If a tie exists, award to the horse with the most points over fences (greater sub total).

1. Schedule: All MIHJA recognized shows must offer all MIHJA recognized classes.

2. Non-negotiable Funds: MIHJA approved shows having problems with collecting non-negotiable entry fees may enlist Board services in collecting such funds using the following procedure: Submit name and address of MIHJA member, copy of entry blank designating rider(s) involved and copy of NSF check to the MIHJA Treasurer, and MIHJA will take action to collect the money for you.

3. Prize List / Show Bill: Suggestions for prize lists / show bills and requests for approval may be obtained by contacting the MIHJA Secretary. A sample entry blank should be included with this handbook.

4. Read and follow rule book carefully: No credit will be given for divisions and/or classes whose specifications are not in accordance with MIHJA rules.

5. Mailing: Following approval, the MIHJA Secretary will send the horse show packet to the show manager or show secretary which should include: MIHJA rule book, membership forms, this handbook, results sheets, and the MIHJA mailing list. IT IS REQUIRED THAT THE PRIZE LIST / SHOW BILL BE SENT TO ALL MEMBERS.

6. Recognized Shows: Each barn shall be limited to 3 (three) MIHJA recognized shows per show season (December 1 - November 30). If a barn allows a non-profit group (such as a local pony club) to use their facilities for a MIHJA show, that show shall not count towards the three show limit.

7. Refund of entry fees: It is required that show management refund (or credit towards entry in another division) entry fees of horses who, after having been officially measured, are not eligible for the Pony/Small Hunter division. Any other refund of entry fees for any reason will be at the discretion of the individual show management. Each show must clearly state its policy regarding refunds on its prize list / show bill.

8. Three-Person Horse Show Committee: It will be the responsibility of each MIHJA approved show to appoint a three-person horse show committee, one of which will be the Steward, an the other two from MIHJA members present. If possible, at least one person should be a Board member. The names of the members of the committee are to be posted in the horse show office and announced prior to the start of the show. This committee should be available at all times before and during the show to act in an executive capacity. It shall be the duty of this committee to enforce all the rules of our organization.

9. Classifications for MIHJA approved shows:

For one day shows-

Hunters - may only offer 2 (two) O/F classes and 1 (one) U/S class in all hunter divisions.

Jumpers - may only offer 3 (three) classes of any USEF jumper table in all jumper divisions.

For two or more day shows-

Hunters - may only offer 3 (three) O/F classes and 1 (one) U/S class in all hunter divisions.

Jumpers - may only offer 4 (four) classes of any USEF jumper table in all jumper divisions.

10. To change classifications for MIHJA approved shows: Approved shows may change their classification by inserting the following statement in their prize list / show bill: "If there are 20 or fewer animals exhibiting at the show, management has the option of canceling one day of the horse show. All exhibitors that are showing must inform management of their intent to exhibit two days prior to the show date to determine horse count. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to contact the show regarding any schedule change. Show management will not be responsible for exhibitors who do not adhere to these requirements".

11. Appeal of denial: A show whose application for show dates is denied may appeal the ruling to the Board, which will make a final decision after giving affected parties an opportunity to be heard. Appeal must be made in writing. The decision of the Board shall be final.

12. Horse-Free Zone: An area must be designated and clearly marked away from horses for spectators to safely view the show.

13. Protective Headgear Rule: No one (junior or adult) may ride anywhere on show grounds without wearing protective headgear meeting USEF ASTM SEI standards. Harness must be secured and if said headgear has a brim it must be flexible or semiflexible. Any rider violating this rule at any time is prohibited immediately from further riding until approved headgear is properly in place. Show management reserves the right to prohibit from competition and/or to excuse from the show grounds any rider who refuses to comply with this rule.

14. Show Results: Show results must be postmarked to the MIHJA Secretary on forms supplied in the horse show package within 10 days of the last day of the show. The show MUST furnish the number of entries in each class for the purpose of point tabulation. Shows are required to retain a copy of the official show results until the end of the current show season or for 30 days whichever is longer. In the event of a Point Inquiry, each show will fax or mail a copy of the results from each of their shows directly to the Inquirer. These results will NOT go through the Point Secretary. Failure to comply will result in a forfeiture of that portion of the application fee set aside for this purpose ($25). For the second consecutive offense, the show and/or show management may be denied approval for one year as of date of second offense. Shows should retain their receipts and submit them to the Treasurer to be reimbursed for postage. It is strongly recommended that show results be provided to local newspapers and Chronicle of the Horse, and other equine periodicals for publication.

15. Rider Attire: Riders must wear appropriate show attire (i.e. ratcatcher for ladies / shirt and tie for men, boots, breeches or jodhpurs, hunt coat, and approved helmet). The judge may deem it appropriate to waive the hunt coat requirement depending on the weather, but a ratcatcher or dress shirt and tie must still be worn. The only exception is the jumper divisions, in which riders may wear a solid colored polo shirt instead.

17. Disputes: In all situations not covered by MIHJA rules, USEF rules shall prevail. If any conflict occurs between MIHJA and USEF rules, the MIHJA rules shall prevail. Questions or disputes in connection with any phase of competition will be referred to the Three-Person Horse Show Committee for ruling. The current USEF rule book (available online at www.usef.org) will be used to settle any questions or protests not covered by the MIHJA rule book. If the disputing party is not satisfied with the verdict, he/she must present a written protest to the MIHJA President along with a $35.00 fee within 2 (two) weeks of the date of the incident.

18. Other duties of show management:

a. Prevent manual poling with unauthorized poles or the abuse of a horse anywhere on show grounds.

b. Eliminate, without waiting for a protest to be made, any competitor who has made an entry of a horse or rider that is ineligible.

c. Receive and act upon protests and charges by contacting the Three-Person Horse Show Committee and report whatever action is taken to MIHJA no later than the date when results are sent.

d. Pay premiums and other indebtedness of the show within 60 days.

e. It is highly recommended that food be provided on show grounds. If food will not be available, it should be so noted on the prize list / show bill.

f. The Show Committee may reserve the right to divide or combine classes should the best interests of the show require it. Dividing and combining will be done in accordance with current USEF rules. For example:

Trotting Pole Hunter - divide by eligible riders and eligible horses (where riders and horses are both eligible they show in the riders’ group), or randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

Cross Rail Hunter - divide by eligible riders and eligible horses (where riders and horses are both eligible they show in the riders’ group), or randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

Short Stirrup Hunter - divide by age: 11-12, 10 & under

combine with Long Stirrup Hunter

Long Stirrup Hunter - divide by age: 13-17, 18 & older

combine with Short Stirrup Hunter

Beginner Horse Hunter - div. randomly, rider# (ev/odd) etc,

combine with Beginner Rider Htr.

Beginner Rider Hunter - divide by age: 17 & under, 18 & up

combine with Beginner Horse Htr.

Evergreen Hunter - divide randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

4-H/Pony Club - divide by 4-H or Pony Club

can not be combined

Baby Green Hunter - divide by 1st year and 2nd year horses

can be combined with Novice Rider

Novice Rider Hunter - divide by 1st year and 2nd year riders

can be combined with Baby Green

Schooling Hunter - divide randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

Pony/Small - divide by size according to # of entries. i.e. If there are 2 smalls, 2 med, 10 larges, and 5 horses

you can run s/m and horses as one division, and large ponies as one division.

can not be combined

Children’s Hunter - divide by age: 14 & under, 15-17

combine with Amateur Adult

Pre-Green Hunter - divide by 1st year and 2nd year horses

can not be combined

Low Hunter - divide randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

Adult Amateur Hunter - divide randomly, rider# (ev/odd) etc., or by age: 18-35 and 36 and older

combine w/ Children’s Hunter

MIHJA Hunter - divide randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

Green Hunter - divide by 1st year and 2nd year horses

can not be combined

Junior Hunter - divide by age: 14 & under, 15-17. Age groups can be divided by Small (15.3 7/8 & under) and Large (16h & over)

can not be combined

Open Hunter - divide randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

Hopeful Jumper - divide randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

Schooling Jumper - divide randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

Short Stirrup Equitation - divide by age: 11-12, 10 & under

combine with Long Stirrup Eq.

Long Stirrup Equitation- divide by age: 13-17, 18 & older

combine with Short Stirrup Eq.

Junior Equitation - divide by size according to # of entries. i.e. If there are 4 11 & Under, 9 12-14, and 4 15-17, you can run 11 & Under and 15-17 as one division, and 12-14 as one division.

combine with Adult Equitation

Adult Equitation - divide randomly, rider# (even/odd) etc., or by age: 18-35 and 36 and older

combine w/ Junior Equitation

Novice Equitation - divide randomly, rider# (even/odd) etc., or by age: 17 & under, and 18 & older

can not be combined

Intermediate Equitation - divide randomly, rider# (even/odd) etc., or by age: 17 & under, and 18 & older can not be combined

Open Equitation - divide randomly, rider# (even/odd) etc., or by age: 17 & under, and 18 & older

can not be combined

MIHJA Medal - divide randomly, rider# (even/odd) etc., or by age: 17 & under, and 18 & older

can not be combined

Pleasure Horse/Pony - divide horses and ponies, or randomly, rider # (even/odd) etc.

can not be combined

Command Class - divide randomly, rider# (even/odd) etc.,

can not be combined

Shows may also employ the "California Split" method for dividing any classes. When using this method, each exhibitor competes as usual. When pinning the class, the judge takes the very best competitor of all and they are 1st place in the "A" section. The next best competitor is awarded 1st place in the "B" section. The next best competitor is 2nd place in the "A" section, then 2nd in "B", 3rd in "A", 3rd in "B", and so on. In very large classes there can be "C", "D", etc. where the third best competitor overall is 1st in the "C", fourth best is 1st in "D", fifth best is 2nd in "A", etc. Although it is a show management decision, it is very important to make sure that the judge is comfortable with the California Split before deciding to use this method, and especially before announcing any results. Sometimes a California Split can be good for an all-day warm-up if show management would like to see everyone get a ribbon without affecting any point standings.

19. Failure to follow rules: Failure of a horse show to comply the requirements outlined in this handbook shall constitute a violation of the rules and will subject the horse show to fine, censure, or revocation of its dates (and/or penalty) at the Board’s discretion. Fines not to exceed $50.00.

20. Board Member phone list: It is recommended that shows (especially new shows) make a list of the Board members’ phone numbers, including cell phones, to have at the horse show office during the show in case there aren’t any Board members present and any questions or problems come up during the course of the show.