ShowRules

GYPSY HORSES WEST BY NORTHWEST

SHOW RULES 2008

I. Approval for GHW Shows

Organizations or individuals wishing to stage or sponsor an approved GHWN show must complete the following procedures to obtain approval if their results are to be recognized by GHWN.

A. Reserve a show date at a location. Submit to the show committee, the Application for Approval, at least 60

days prior to the proposed show date.

B. Application for Approval shall include all details plus a complete premium list showing all classes, judges’

names and qualifications, show dates, and times

C. To be approved a show must offer these minimum classes:

In Hand Classes: Stallions – all ages

Geldings – all ages

Mares – all ages

Grand and Reserve Championships for the above classes

Performance Classes: 2 classes

Driving class

One of any other type of performance class:

under saddle, trail, showmanship, obstacle, etc

*Other halter and performance classes are optional.

D. The show must be open to all registered Gypsy Horses. Registration with either the Gyspy Horse (vanner or cob registries) is required. A registration copy must be submitted with entry form. If pending registration, a

pending registration slip/note must be provided from the registry entity to validate registration is in

process.

E. Only show managers (chairpersons) may hire or have any contact with the judge(s) for their shows.

F. Results must be complete and returned to GHWN office within 15 days. If results are approved, GHWN will issue a statement of acceptance. Results will be available upon request.

G. Entry forms should include the following information:

1. Location, dates, starting time.

2. Names of judge(s) and show manager(s) or chairperson(s).

3. Cost of entry fees, stalls, parking hookups, any other fees.

4. Closing date.

5. Premiums and/or awards to be given.

6. Complete class list with class descriptions and requirements.

7. Post entry information

II. Officials

A. Show Manager/Managers (Chairperson/Chairpersons)

1. Any reputable person may act in the capacity of the show manager or chairperson.

2. Show managers shall have the authority to enforce all rules referring to the show.

3. Show managers shall see that judges hired for the show receive a schedule of classes and class

descriptions, sent at least 2 weeks prior to the show.

B. Stewards

1. The Show Manager must provide competent ring stewards to manage the arena and assist the judge. Any reputable person may act as a ring steward. He/she shall refrain from discussing the horses or

exhibitors with the judge/judges.

C. All Officials

1. Show Managers, ring stewards, and any employees of that show and their immediate families shall

not show or have horses shown that are leased to or registered in any of the above persons’ names.

D. Regulations governing judges

1. Any judges hired to judge a GHWN show are required to know the official show rules and comply with

them. Judges shall appear for their assignment suitably attired to appear before an audience.

2. A judge shall not appear on the show grounds prior to 1 hour before judging (unless he/she is judging other events, for example at a fair). A judge shall not visit the stall area, nor speak with owners, trainers,

exhibitors, or owners’ representatives nor inspect or discuss any horse entered in the show before the

judging, nor shall he/she review the program until after the judging has been completed.

3. A judge may not exhibit at any competition in which he/she is adjudicating.

4. The GHWN office will supply every show with official judging cards. These will have all class

descriptions for the appropriate class printed on the official card, when possible.

5.Shows held under management of Fairs will have cards provided from their office.

III. Ribbons and Awards

A. The following is required for ribbons:

1. Placement to (6th) place.

2. 1st blue, 2nd red, 3rd yellow, 4th white, 5th pink, 6th green

3. Grand Champion – Blue, red, and yellow; or white; or solid purple

4. Reserve Champion – Red, yellow, white; or pink; or purple/white

IV. Drugs and Artificial Appliances and Irritants

A. The use of stimulants or depressants or any drug affecting the showing of the horse in hand or in

performance is strictly forbidden.

B. Any horse showing any sign of gingering or other irritants to produce a higher tail carriage shall be

disqualified.

C. Switches, artificial tails or manes, are prohibited and shall result in disqualification.

D. Use of pads, wedges, chains, trailer shoes, weights, weighted ankle boots, elastic bands, shackles, or

any other appliances that enhance a horse’s action will NOT be allowed on any show grounds of GHW

approved shows. Un- weighted bell boots, splint boots, or quarter boots for protection may be used in

warm up arena only.

E. Evidence of ANY inhumane treatment to a horse, whip marks that raise welts or abusive whipping or

shanking in or out of the show ring shall result in disqualification of that horse and exhibitor for the balance of that show and shall result in forfeiture of all trophies, ribbons, awards, and points won by that horse.

G. No person shall alter, change, or attempt to hide or enhance the natural color of a horse by dye, bleach,

or paint. This does not preclude a person from enhancing the natural color of a horse’s mane, tail, and

feathers, which may have sustained weather/sun damage, or covering a wound or scar. Hoofs may be

colored. Any horse that has been color enhanced beyond these guidelines will be disqualified for the

entire show.

V. Ring Procedure

A. Attire

1. It is the tradition of the show ring that all handlers, drivers, and riders be correctly attired for their

classes. All handlers to wear long sleeve garments and full length pants/britches. Arms and legs must be covered. Sandals or sport styled shoes (sneakers, tennis, jogging, court, etc) and dresses or skirts will not be allowed in the show ring halter classes, with the exception of skirts being allowed in

costume; driving classes; or specified classes like Jog In The Park. Headers should be suitably attired

or wear a lab coat. Management or officials must bar any entry or person from entering the ring if not

suitably attired to appear before an audience. See specific division for full explanation on attire.

2. No farm, individual, or horse names or logos may be displayed on exhibitor, horse, header, or vehicle,

except in wagon hitch classes.

B. The same exhibitor must handle only the same horse through an entire class. Exceptions: Championship

classes. Should additional handlers be required due to physical limitations or emergencies, approval

must be obtained from the judge. At no time will a handler let a horse stand unattended except when

class calls for it.

C. Once class is called and the gate is opened to enter the ring, the gate will be closed after 3 minutes has

elapsed from the time the first exhibitor/horse enters the ring. The gate will remain open until the last

horse/exhibitor enters the ring, as long as there is a continuous flow of entries into the ring.

Announcer/Gate person shall state when timing of 3 minutes begins. Once class is called and the gate

is closed, any horse leaving the arena for any reason is disqualified. It is the owner/handler/exhibitor/s

responsibility to be on time for classes. Announcements to barn areas are a management courtesy – not

mandatory.

D. Names of horses being exhibited will not be made known to the judge prior to the show. Exhibitors will be issued a number for each horse to be displayed on the back of the exhibitor or on the cart whenever the horse is in the ring. This number will stand for the entire show.

E. Conduct or coaching designed to distract a horse or otherwise interfere with the showing of an exhibitor’s horse will not be tolerated. An exhibitor, affected, may file a protest with the show management. The offending exhibitor is subject to losing placing in the class.

F. An unruly horse must be excused from the ring by the judge for safety reasons. Gypsy Horses are to be mannerly and manageable with kind, responsive, willing disposition; possessing and showing good sense and basic intelligence in the show ring.

1. A horse must be excused from the ring by the judge, ringmaster or steward. An exhibitor cannot protest this action. Horse does not get placed.

2. Stallions to be excused when the handler is unable to correct the dropped stallion and/or stallion behavior in a timely fashion, or the stallion persists repeatedly.

Horse does not get placed.

G. Conduct by an exhibitor, owner, or immediate family member of an unsportsmanlike, abusive, or

detrimental nature will not be tolerated, including but not limited to threatening, abusive, or intimidating conduct, physical, verbal or written, toward any individual or show official. Any person guilty of such conduct should be reported immediately to management. The show management may suspend the

offender for the duration of that show. Any person accused of such unseemly behavior may appeal

his/her case to the Board of Directors, which shall render a decision. If found guilty, such a person may

be banned from future participation in GHWN show activity.

H. Exhibitors and/or owners may not protest to the judge directly or by inference, the placing of any horse,

while in the show ring. Any person guilty of such conduct will be excused from the show and forfeit any awards received at that show, and the right to show in any additional classes at that show. No entry fees will be returned. A formal protest of class placings may be filed at the show office for a $50 cash fee.

Protest must be made within one hour of the conclusion of the class being protested.

I. Any person who makes payment with a non-negotiable check or who refuses to pay an entry fee, stall

rent, etc will be ineligible to show at any GHW show until such indebtedness is settled. All awards will be

forfeited, until indebtedness is rectified within 30 days.

J. No class will be allowed to enter the ring after midnight or before 8:00 a.m. at all GHW-approved shows.

VI. In Hand Classes General Rules

A. Gypsy Horses to be shown in hand at the walk and trot. Horses must also be viewed in motion from the

side. Judged on Conformation, Quality, Temperament, Type, and Way of going.

1. In Hand Ring Pattern to be posted before classes begin.

2. Classes may not enter the ring until the previous class has been dismissed.

B. Horses to be shown not parked, which means all four feet are flat on the ground and at least one front

and one rear cannon bone remain perpendicular to the ground.

C. Horses may be body clipped or shown in full coat. This includes facial and ear hair.

D. Horses must be serviceably sound, in good condition, and well groomed. Judges may check teeth.

E. No youth 17 years of age or under may show stallions with the exception of weanling and yearling colts.

F. Refer to V. (A) Ring Procedure. Appropriate dress does not include shorts, T-shirts, skirts/dresses or

open-toed shoes. Hats and gloves are optional in halter classes.

*Exceptions: Skirts/dresses being permitted in costume classes, driving classes;

or specified riding classes.

G. Tack – Exhibitors may use any style of tack that compliments their horse.

H. Stallions Tack/Roller is optional for showing stallions. Stallion tack is defined as having a bitted bridle;

side reins; surcingle; and crupper.

I. One assistant handler may enter the ring with the handler.

VII. In Hand Division

Classes will be divided into age groups. Age will be determined as of January 1st. A horse's age will increase annualy to the next year of age on January 1st, no matter it's month and day of foaling.

. Age groups can be combined based on number of entries or show. The following is a list of accepted halter classes:

A. These classes would be the same for stallions, mares, and geldings:

1. Weanlings

2. Yearlings

3. Two to Five year olds

4. Five years and up

5. Green horse – first time showing

6. Champion and Reserve Jr. and Sr.

7. Champion of Champions (in hand)

B. Specialty In Hand Classes

1. Broodmares – must be at least 4 years and older and must have produced a foal in utero in the current or

previous year who is registered with any of the Gypsy Horse registries.

2. Produce of Dam – 2 produce, either sex to be shown, dam not to be shown. One handler per horse.

3. Get of sire – 3 get, either sex to be shown, sire not to be shown. One handler per horse.

4. Mare and Foal – must be current year foal. One handler per horse.

5. Best matched pair – one handler per horse.

VIII. Performance Division

A. PLEASURE DRIVING

1. Driver’s Responsibility

a. It is the responsibility of the driver to see that he/she and all attendants and passengers are

neatly attired appropriate to the vehicle driven for their class, and that the horse/horses are

properly presented.

b. The driver should strive to control the horse’s movements with discreet use of vocal aids.

Excessive use of vocal aides may be penalized.

c. The driver must be prepared to enter the ring when the class is called. Management may

give permission for the class to be held for an entry which requires an equipment change.

d. In pleasure driving, the exhibitor shall be neatly attired. Hat and gloves are required. No

part of the exhibitors leg may be exposed. Not permitted, are: t-shirts; short sleeved shirts;

blue denim jeans.

e. An appropriate whip shall be carried in hand at all times while driving. The thong on the

whip must be long enough to reach the shoulder of the horse. Or, shoulder of the farthest

horse in a multiple hitch. A driver not in compliance with the above shall be disqualified.

2. Leaving Arena

a. No entry may leave the arena after judging has begun without permission from the judge

and/or ringmaster; however, in the event of an accident and/or equipment failure which

requires either medical attention or repair, the turnout must leave the arena as soon as

possible.

b. If asked to leave the ring by the judge and/or ringmaster, the turnout must do so as soon as possible.

3. Groom

a. The term groom refers to the person who in the opinion of the judge is capable of assisting

in the event of difficulty.

b. In Pleasure Driving Competitions: 4-in-hands and unicorns are required to have 2 grooms

on the vehicle to assist in the event of difficulty. Pairs or Tandems are required to carry one

groom. A groom is optional for single horse turnouts.

c. Grooms must be appropriately dressed and must wear a hat and gloves

d. Grooms are not allowed to leave their respective positions on the vehicle while it is in

motion. Exceptions:

Grooms dismounting to head the horses immediately prior to a halt and to shift

weight to aid balance to prevent an accident.

e. When a groom is put down to head the horse or horses during a line-up, he or she must be

remounted before the driver moves off.

f. In the case of single horse turnouts without a groom, a person (header) may enter the ring

and position themselves in front of their assigned turnout, when turnouts come into the

lineup. Headers are not required to wear a hat, but must be neatly attired.

4. Description of Gaits:

(The following descriptions constitute the ADS approved standard for performance of each of the

required gaits in a pleasure driving competition.)

a. WALK: A free, regular, and unconstrained walk of moderate extension is ideal. The horses

should walk energetically, but calmly, with even and determined pace. The walk is a four -

beat gait.

b. SLOW TROT: The horse should maintain forward impulsion while showing submission to

the bit. The trot is slower and more collected, but not to the degree required in the

dressage- collected trot. However, the horse should indicate willingness to be driven on the

bit while maintaining a steady cadence.

c. WORKING TROT: This is the pace between the strong and the slow trot. The horses go

forward freely and straight; engaging the hind legs; the position being balanced and

unconstrained. The steps should be as even as possible. The hind feet touch the ground in

the foot prints of the forefeet. The degree of energy and impulsion displayed at the working

trot denotes clearly the degree of suppleness and balance of the horse/horses.

d. STRONG TROT: This is a clear, but not excessive, increase in pace and lengthening of

stride while remaining well balanced. Excessive speed will be penalized.

e. HALT: Horses and vehicle should be brought to a complete square stop without abruptness

or veering. At the halt, horses should stand attentive, motionless and straight with the

weight evenly distributed over all four legs.

f. REIN BACK: Rein back is defined as a backward movement. Horse/horses must move

back. To be performed in two parts:

1. The horse must move backward three to five steps in an unhurried manner, in a

straight line.

2. Walk forward willingly to former position.

5. Class Specifications

a. In a Working Pleasure Driving class the entries are judged primarily on the suitability of the

horse to provide a pleasant drive.

b. To be shown both ways of the arena at a walk, slow trot, working trot, and strong trot.

c. To stand quietly, and to rein back.

d. To be judged:

70% on performance, manners, and way of going of the horse(s).

20% on the condition and fit of harness and vehicle.

10% on neatness of attire.

B. OBSTACLE – DRIVING or IN HAND or UNDER SADDLE

1. Obstacle course must be posted at Show Office not less than two (2) hours prior to class.

2. Entries will be evaluated on responsiveness and willingness, plus general attitude.

3. Maximum time 60 seconds per obstacle; judges are encouraged to advance on to the next obstacle

any horse taking excessive time at an obstacle. Horse to be penalized for any unnecessary delay

or excessive time at object. Refusals do not constitute class disqualifications.

4. Obstacle Requirements:

Must be a minimum of 5 obstacles and a maximum of 8.

a. Care must be used to avoid setting any obstacle in a way so as to be hazardous to horse or

exhibitor.

b. Tires and stair steps are prohibited.

c. Course to be set to widest cart in an obstacle driving class.

5. Suggested Obstacles for Classes

a. Back through or out of obstacle. (driving, or halter, or under saddle)

b. Walk through water or simulated water. (driving, or halter, or under saddle)

c. Put on and remove equipment. (eg: raincoat, saddle, etc) from rider or horse.

d. Walk through narrow passage. (driving, or halter, or under saddle)

e. Pick up object (letter, umbrella, bucket, flag, etc) and place in designated location. (driving, or

halter, or under saddle)

f. Cross a simulated bridge. (driving, or under saddle, or halter)

g. Drive/walk pattern created with poles, pylons. (figure 8, serpentine, cloverleaf)

h. Stand horse in circle, ground tie, walk around. (halter, or under saddle dismount)

i. For driving class: put wheel in circle; pivot with horse not stepping into circle, 90 degree

minimum. (two wheeled, or 5th wheeled vehicles).

j. Side pass, either or both directions. (halter, or under saddle)

6. Off course is defined as:

a. Taking an obstacle in wrong direction.

b. Negotiating an obstacle from the wrong side.

c. Skipping an obstacle unless directed by judge.

d. Negotiating obstacles in wrong sequence.

e. Off pattern.

*Off course will result in elimination.

C. PLEASURE RIDING

All pleasure classes are to be judged on performance and way of going. Manners to be considered.

Passing up a slower horse/rider should be done with respect for space. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FASTER RIDER TO TACTFULLY AVOID THE SLOWER RIDER. No crowding permited. Crowding penalized.

When meeting another horse: Meet left shoulder to left shoulder.

All horses may be asked to back. Leather and synthetic saddles will be considered equally appropriate for all riding classes.

1. English Pleasure

a. The English Pleasure Gypsy Horse must display an absolutely agreeable attitude, and while his

gait must be collected and balanced, he need not have high action. The Pleasure horse must

exhibit impeccable manners and a quiet, deliberate, and willing performance on a light rein. The

Pleasure horse shall, at all times, give the appearance that he enjoys the work is he doing and that

he is indeed a pleasure to ride and enjoy.

b. Rider to wear attire appropriate to type of tack using in English Pleasure. This can be Hunt

seat, Saddle Seat, or Dressage type, therefore a hunt jacket and britches, or dressage coat and

britches, or Saddle Seat would be required with appropriate shirt. Correct Field or Dress Boot,

Dressage Boot, or Jodhpur Boot is required, as is the appropriate helmet or derby.

c. Gaits

1. The Walk should be flat-footed, free, elastic, ground covering, with a four-beat cadence.

Horses must show purpose and intent to travel from one point to another and a willingness to

perform a true flat-footed walk without undo restraint.

2. The Pleasure Trot should be a pleasant, easygoing trot with elasticity and freedom of

movement.

3. The Canter should be slow, smooth, collected, straight on both leads, and with a definite

three-beat cadence. Transition from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless at

the will of the rider without anticipation on the part of the horse.

2. Western Pleasure

a. Equipment Use

1. With use of ring snaffle, rider must maintain two-hand contact on the bit.

2. With use of any shanked bit, one-hand contact must be maintained.

3. Bosals and bitless bridles are acceptable. Either two hand or single hand cues

with relaxed reins.

b. Rider Attire

1. Western style hat and boots. Riding helmets acceptable.

2. Chaps and Spurs are optional.

c. The Western Pleasure Gypsy Horse is to be shown with a light rein, but still maintaining contact

with the horse’s mouth, unless the bosall or bitless bridle is the tack. He should respond readily

and willingly to the aids. To be shown at a walk, jog in the walk-jog class or at walk, jog, lope in the walk-jog-lope class.

d. Gaits

1. The Walk should be elastic and ground covering.

2. The Jog - Trot should be free, slow, easy, without a tendency to mix gaits.

3. The Lope should be smooth, slow, straight, with a three-beat cadence.

3. Examples of Faults

The Gypsy Horse is noted for its calm, tractable personality; behavior problems should be penallized. For safety reasons an unruly horse must be excused from the ring by the judge, ringmaster or steward. An exhibitor cannot protest this action.

a. Lack of Gypsy Horse type and conformation, hair (feather)

b. Lack of elasticity in movement

c. Lack of flexion

d. Tail switching

e. Turning sideways

f. Forging

g. Four-beat canter

h. Too choppy

i. Strung out

j. Leaving hocks behind

k. Going wide at knees or hocks

l. Unequal motion of front feet

m. Cross cantering

n. Mixed gaits

o. Hitching

p. Landing on heels

q. Paddling

r. Winging

s. Heavy on the forehand

t. Tail to one side

u. Tongue lolling

v. Tossing the head

w. Wrong lead

x. Resisting the bit

y. Mouth open

z. Head too low or high

aa. Nose out

bb. Sour ears

D. Jumping

1. English Hunter Style

a. Non-timed over 18” rails.

b. Judged on attractiveness over fences.

c. No penalty to speed on approaches to jump.

d. Judge to mark down for refusals.

2. Rider attire for Jumpers

a. Long sleeve, tucked in shirt.

b. English britches and boots (of any color).

c. Jackets, optional.

d. Safety helmet

E. TRAIL

While basic Vanner type will be considered, emphasis will be upon the horse’s ability to perform the job at hand. His attitude is one of controlled eagerness, complete obedience, stability, and tractability. He must display flawless manners and immediate response to the aids. The class will be judged on performance with emphasis on manners.

1. English Trail Horse: To be shown at a walk, trot; and canter, if canter is noted in the show bill.

Emphasis on the walk, trot, and attitude of the horse while being tested over obstacles.

2. Western Trail Horse: To be shown at a walk, jog trot; and lope, if lope is stated in the show bill.

Emphasis on the walk, trot, and attitude of the horse while being tested over obstacles.

3. Obstacles for Trail Horses – both English and Western. Horses are required to work over and

through a course, which includes a minimum of five obstacles and a maximum of eight. Obstacles

should be realistic and simulate those found on the trail.

a. Special care should be taken not to use any obstacle that is apt to injure the horse or rider or be

detrimental to the horse’s normal responses. They should be designed and used as an aid in

measuring maneuverability, response to aids, flexibility, and the horse’s overall ability as a using

trail horse. The horse should be scored on the manner and attitude with which he performs each

obstacle. A smooth, deliberate performance is desired, rather than merely negotiating the

obstacle. Horses are to be penalized for any unnecessary delay while approaching obstacles.

b. Judges are encouraged to advance on to the next obstacle any horse taking excessive time at an

obstacle. Any horse with a major fault/denial may be eliminated at the judge’s discretion.

4. Examples of Trail Obstacles

a. Control Obstacles

1. Gates

2. back throughs

3. side passes

4. Turns on forehand & quarters

5. Serpentines

b. Agility Obstacles

1. Jumps

2. Walk Overs

3. Cavalettis

4. Bridge

c. Calmness

1. Water, 2. Plastic,

3. Brush

4. Plants,

5. Carrying Objects,

6. Drag with rope

IX. EQUITATION

Equitation is judged on the rider. Equitation classes can be separated by seat type or combined. Appropriate attire as explained in the division section for the specific type applies. Chaps are not to be worn in equitation classes.

X. Points Division

A. All classes placed to 6th place.

1. First place can earn up to 5 points (ahead of 5 horses).

2. If there are fewer than 6 horses in the class, winner (and others) earn points for the number of

horses he/she beats.

i.e.) If there are 4 in the class:

1st gets 3 points, 2ndgets 2 points, 3rd gets 1 point, 4th gets 0 points.

3. It makes no difference if there are more than 6 horses in the class, point structure remains the

same.

4. If there is only 1 horse in the class, it will be awarded ½ point (to reward their effort to enter)

B. All of the First and Second place horses in each sex’s halter classes compete for Grand Champion of

that sex. The Grand gets 3 points, the Reserve gets 1 points.

1. If Stallions and Geldings are combined in one class, the points would be awarded in

whichever sex category the horse is.

C. The Grand Champions of each sex compete for "Supreme Halter Horse" (Champion of Champions).

The Supreme Horse gets another 3 points.

D. If there is more than one judge, the same point schedule is used for each separately.

E. If there are Mare and Foal, Get of Sire, Produce of Dam, and Color classes, those classes do not

participate in the Grand and Supreme classes.

F. All performance classes have the same point structure.

G. Official show results will be sent by the show manager/secretary to the GHWN Secretary. Points, will

be kept by Secretary or other designated GHW member.

H. National High Point Awards:

1. There could be a High Point and Reserve for each sex halter class and each performance

class (could be general “riding” and “driving” since shows don’t necessarily have the same

classes offered).

2. The Overall High Point Horse – all points earned in all halter classes plus performance

classes added in here.

3. Trophies, plaques, etc to be given, will be dependent on show management guided by

GHW.

Show Rules are the rules that set guidelines for a show, from it's beginning to it's end. Providing details for requirements and giving direction for the exhibitors and the officials.

It is the responsibility of an exhibitor to know the show rules of a show that they will participate in. The rules need to be provided to the judge well before a show.

Here are the Show Rules for Gypsy Horses West by Northwest.

You may use these, all or part, if you are in need of show rules.

GYPSY HORSE

SHOW PROMOTION and RESOURCES

"GYPSY HORSES WEST BY NORTHWEST"