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Question: I am glad to see that CESHS is adding the new Pre-Childrens/Pre-Adult Division. Will
horses be able to cross enter into the Pleasure Division and the new Pre-Childrens/Pre-Adult Division at the same show?
Answer: Yes. We specifically took the word "hunter" out of the new division to permit cross-entering
to the Pleasure Horse division if otherwise eligible. Check out the Rule Book page for the complete text of the new
division.
*******
After several years of
various degrees of un-success…perhaps it is time to ask the question:
In a group class that specifies the horse is being judged on manners,
performance and way of going…
What type of performance and way of going
is the judge looking for and what constitutes a winning performance? Everything is relative. What I
might prefer in a Hunter under saddle, may be totally different in a pleasure horse under saddle class. Depends on the quality
of the horses involved. A good mover will always be difficult to beat. Unless that horse beats himself
( a buck, break, missed lead, etc.) Sometimes, something as simple as the way a horse wears his ears could determine
his finish in a class. I personally do not want to see a sour horse with his ears pinned in any under saddle
class! My winner should be a good mover that tracks straight, is relaxed, appears happy, and shown well. If
your horse has a great trot, make sure the judge sees it! If he does not have the best canter, maybe you want to hide out
in the crowd. Show me your horse's best attributes. On that note; Why do riders insist on hugging the rail in front of the
judge seated outside the ring. I can't evaluate your horses moment when you are on top of me and the rail. Take the
inside track, (inside the outside line of jumps.) Showmanship could make a difference. Show me your horse, don't make me hunt
for him!
Quality movement, manners, transitions, how well your
horse does it (performance!) and presentation will always do well ion my judge's card.
Head up, head down? Ideally, as close
to level with the wither as possible for the under saddle. Perhaps a bit higher for the
over fences.(A horse with head set too low will struggle to get of the ground.) On the forehand, pushing from behind? I personally do not care
for a horse on the front end, makes it difficult to get off the ground and across the jumps as mentioned above. Conversely,
pushing from behind would create the motor to keep things moving forward. Good energy, going slow? It is never about speed! It is about balance, momentum, and he
who does it most efficiently and smoothest. Does saddle type
make a difference?
Unless you are in tack considered unconventional by the judge. I do not know of any English saddles
considered unconventional.
Does the color or body type of the horse make a difference-it shouldn’t- but does it? Color certainly has nothing to do with a horses performance. But body type surely could. A bulky
Quarter horse type that tends to be a bit short strided and on the front end naturally, is going to find it difficult
to compete in a hunter under saddle class against a more refined, athletic type horse with balance and a good step.
It is all relative to the job at hand. (class type)
Be honest with yourself and your horse's ability. Don't ask
more of him (or yourself) than either of you are comfortable with at this particular time. Don't confuse the class specifications.(Hunter/Pleasure)
Be observant and see what is beating you. Have a friend video tape you and the entire class to see what you may need to improve
upon. Observe, observe, observe!!
Happy Horse Showing! Good Luck! ~DS
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Question: If your horse refuses the second fence of an "in an out", do you take the line again or just the
second fence?
Answer: (Submitted by Dan Short, licensed judge and exhibitor).
A hunter may re-jump the entire combination. (Realistically, they could jump just
the second element of say a two stride (or a one stride) where the approach to the second element is feasible). (USEF.HU123.1.C)
A jumper must re-jump the entire combination in the event of a refusal or run-out. And the clock keeps ticking!
(USEF.JP132.5) Exception: closed obstacles.
***********************
Question: Where on the Eastern Shore can someone drive their horses? And where can they get more information
on driving (groups, etc)? If you have information, forward it to ceshs@msn.com.
From exibitor: Thought I would chime in to direct the person to www.delmarvadrivingclub.com. The website has quite a bit of information as well as a few contacts with e-mail addresses. I do know that one
can drive at Redden Forest (Jester Tract) by calling the ranger and having them open the gates to allow access to the wonderful
sand roads through the forest. ********************************
Question: Can a long stirrup rider cross-enter into Hopeful Horse and Pony and Beginner Equitation?
Answer: (posted by Rand Thaw) Under the Long Stirrup rule, it states:
"Children competing in this division may not compete in any other recognized classes except Lead Line, if eligible, Kathryn
Barner, the Open Division and 4-H classes." Since neither Hopeful nor Beginner are recognized, the rider could enter
Long Stirrup and those divisions.
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There is no question this time - just a reflection. I have often thought the dress of some exhibitors, especially
when jackets are excused due to heat, left more than a little to be desired. Here is the USEF Rule:
HU119 Attire.
1. Formal Attire. Riders are required to wear scarlet
or dark coats; white shirts with white stock; white,
buff or canary breeches and protective headgear. See GR801. All Hunter and Hunt
Seat Equitation riders must
wear protective headgear while jumping in accordance with
General Rules, GR801.2. Members of the Armed Services or the Police may wear the Service Dress Uniform. BOD 1/14/07 Effective 12/1/07
2. Inappropriate attire. When management permits Hunter
or Hunter Seat Equitation riders to ride without jackets, riders must
wear traditional, short, or long-sleeved riding shirts with chokers
or ties. Polo shirts and chaps are not permitted except in unjudged warm-up classes. Management or Judge may eliminate an exhibitor who is inappropriately attired.
Traditional shirt with chokers or ties. And I would venture
to guess this means with the choker fastened and the tie pulled up, as well as the collar buttoned. Despite the heat,
or other elements, our sport requires a level of decorum, as well as respect to the judge. The next time you enter the
ring, think about that "may eliminate."
*********
Question: Is it possible for someone to compete in the hack portion of a hunter division, such as Junior Hunter
or Children's Hunter, without doing the over fences portion and be placed above someone who did jump and take points
away from them?
Answer: (researched by Rand Thaw). Yes. Sometimes. Other times, no. Let me explain:
CESHS Rules provide, in the hunter divisions, that horses must complete a course over fences to maintain under saddle ribbons.
The problem arises when our shows are also MHSA rated. MHSA refers to the USEF rules, in this case HU128. If the
show is "C" MHSA, the hack ribbon may be kept without completing a jump course. If the show is "A" or "B" rated, the
horse must complete a jump course.
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Questions: Is a pelham bit permitted in CESHS classes? In Pleasure classes? What about converters?
Answers: (submitted by Dan Short, licensed judge and exhibitor)
A Pelham is certainly an acceptable bit in any class. (USEF.HU117.1)
In fact, it is quite fashionable at the "A" shows in the big equitation divisions, and the breed (AQHA, APHA.etc.)
shows. However, when I see a Pelham in a pleasure class, it is an indication to me that maybe the horse is
perhaps not so pleasurable and needs more control. I personally make a note on my judge's card and it may be a tie breaker.
I know of no
rule against bit converters on a Pelham bit, provided they are attached properly. You see more bit converters at
the local levels for children on ponies that need more control and can't deal with double reins. Bit converters are not
something you would likely see in the hunter rings at the bigger shows.
A judge may penalize for unconventional
type bits or nosebands. (USEF.HU117.1) This includes those clever fake gag snaffles with the inside top loop
for the cheek pieces and bottom loops to attach the reins. They are often missed, but may
be cause for elimination! Competitors may
also be refused an award unless they return to the ring for conformation or soundness with the same complete bridle in
which they have performed. (USEF.HU11.2)
This might be the place to mention correct
attire with the popularity of half-chaps. Half-chaps are not proper attire and may be cause for elimination. (USEF.HU119.2)
May=
How serious the infraction, the level of competition, and the judges own personal feelings on the matter. Judge's discretion.
Must=
according to the USEF rule book, written in stone! No wiggle room here.
************************
Question: What are the Combined's guidelines with regards to braiding for the CESHS Shows? Is it a
requirement or personal preference? And will you not be judged highly if your pony/horse is not braided?
Answer: There is no rule regarding braiding at CESHS shows. The overall turnout of your animal is
a factor in any show, but secondary to performance. Maybe some of our local trainers and judges could weigh in on this
one.
****************************************
Question: What are the definitions of beginner and novice?
Answer: Neither "Beginner" nor "Novice" are defined in the CESHS rule book as they are not divisions recognized
by CESHS. Each show that offers such a division should define it in the program. Generally,
"Beginner" is subjective, while "Novice" refers to not having won 3 classes in a recognized show.
**************************************
Question: Can
you cross enter into other divisions if you are in the Open Division or Limited Adult?
Answer: (posted by Rand Thaw) The Open Division is section T of Rule XIV.
There are no restrictions on what the horse or rider can enter at the same show.
The Limited Adults
division is section L of Rule XIV. Neither the horse nor the rider may compete
in classes in which fences exceed 2’6” at the same show.
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Question: Are bitless bridles allowed at CESHS shows?
Answer: That depends – are you talking about
Western or English? In either case, CESHS does not have a specific rule, but
we refer to USEF rules.
In the Western rule for USEF, SUBCHAPTER WS-1, WS 105 TACK, the bits which are permitted are discussed.
The use of a hackamore is dependant upon the age of the horse:
4. Hackamores are permitted in
any class on a junior horse five years old and under. A hackamore includes a bosal rounded in shape and constructed of flexible
braided rawhide or
leather and must have a flexible nonmetallic core attached to a suitable headstall with maximum diameter of 3/4” at
the cheek. Attached reins may be of hair, rope or leather. No
other material of any kind is to be used in conjunction with a bosal,
i.e., steel, metal or chains
(Exception: smooth plastic electrical tape is acceptable).
Under the Hunter rules, SUBCHAPTER HU-4 ATTIRE, TACK AND EQUIPMENT,
HU117 Tack:
1. 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.
**********
Question: My friend just got a brand new large pony imported from Canada. Well, he's cute and everything,
but he's a dunish, buckskin color. I just wanted to ask if his color will count against her in the show ring? Because we travel
along the Zone 2 circuit and have pretty nice and stiff competition. Do you think that just because of his color that
he will get counted off points?
**************
Question: Can you please clarify if classes such as the Limited Adult
Hack (also English Pleasure Hack/Park Mount) if the under saddle portion and the jumping are
judged separately or as a whole? There was some debate about this last year
when a rider chose not to jump after riding in the under saddle portion and the jump height was not announced until after the under saddle portion was
completed. Not all horses jump well and the rider needs to make
an informed decision based on safety and ability. Is
it possible that the jump height can be announced prior to the under saddle portion so those needing to can scratch the class prior
to riding in the under saddle portion?
Answer: (posted by Rand Thaw - other input welcomed): This is a series of questions.
The individual classes give guidance to parts of this. English Pleasure Park Mount requires an extended
trot, no obstacles or jumps. English Pleasure Hack includes obstacles encountered in cross-country
pleasure riding, including one or more jumps 18" to 2", judged 50% on the flat and 50% on the obstacles. English
Pleasure Combination Hack requires the exhibitor to jump two fences - 2' for ponies, 2'6" for horses. Limited
Adult Combination Hack requires the exhibitor to jump two fences at 2'3". That gives the number and height
for each class. If the jumps do not fit within those specifications, the class will not count for High Score Award Points.
What happens when the exhibitor does not complete the jumps is not spelled out. In English
Pleasure Hack, 50% of the judging is on the obstacles, but those could be more than just jumps. The question
was discussed at our CESHS board meeting in September, 2006. The consensus was that if the jumps were not completed,
then the class was not completed, and the exhibitor would not be eligible for an award in that class.
Addition: (from Dan Short, licensed judge) - It is the responsibility
of the exhibitor to know the requirements of a class entered before the class begins. If it is not spelled out, or you do
not understand, then by all means check with the steward. Know before you enter the ring.
If someone decided mid-class they did not wish
to jump and that were the class specifications, they would absolutely be refused an award on my judge's card. The class specifications
were not met. They are eliminated! Even if there are more ribbons then horses. If only one horse completes the class
specifications, only that horse receives an award.
***************************
Did you know:
One procedure that is often misapplied is that for pony measurement. The pony must be measured
before competing at the show.
If you are showing a CESHS show, the measurement is by the Measurement Committee (see Rule IV). CESHS
notes the measurement on your registration form (CESHS) and card.
If you are showing at an MHSA show, whether you are showing MHSA classes or not, you need an MHSA or USEF
measurement card. The steward and one judge or a member of the measurement committee complete the measurement and a
specific form. If the owner is an MHSA member, the measurement if free; otherwise, the fee is $10.00. The
entry blank for the show must be completed. At that point, the show secretary should notify the exhibitor of the entry
number but not give the number to the exhibitor. That information must be provided to the steward. After
the measurement, the exhibitor should take the signed form to the show secretary to receive the entry number for the day.
An MHSA measurement card cannot be protested at a CESHS show. Likewise, a USEF card cannot be protested
at an MHSA or CESHS show.
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