Rules and Class Descriptions

General Rules:

Eligible Competitors: All horses and ponies, yearlings to five year olds, who are being prepared to compete in Jumpers, Dressage, Eventing or Hunters. Six and seven year olds can compete in the schooling classes only. All horses must provide proof of registration with a YHS recognized registry (WBFSH recognized registries, most USEF recognized registries) to compete in the qualifying classes. Not recognized documentation includes but is not limited to: Vet notes or certificates, USEF Registration Card, PHR papers, insemination records, etc. Please contact the office if you are uncertain about the eligibility of your horse.

- Any horse with a double clear round at a USEF/USHJA rated show will automatically qualify for the finals

- All horses competing at the YHS qualifiers must have proof of ID/registration.

- Schooling Classes open to 6 and 7 yo (no breed registration required)

For undersaddle classes:

If the rider falls off or dismounts the horse for any reasons without being asked specifically by the judge, the horse and rider will be excused from the ring. If the judge feels that the rider/horse or handler/horse combination is unsafe for anyone involved or if the horse looks irregular in his gates, the judge will excuse the said combination from the class. All persons entering any Young Horse Show venues must be wearing adequate footwear (closed toe shoes).

Fees/Refunds:

Office fee is non-refundable.

Class and grounds fees will be refundable until closing date.

Stall or Trailer In Fees will be refundable up to 72 hours before the show due to injuries or illness. Documents will need to be provided.

NO REFUND OR SCRATCHES ON SHOW DAY

Scores: Each horse will receive a Final Score per class entered that will be based on a scale from 1 to 10 or a % for dressage tests.

Professional Handlers: Due to liability issues, professional handlers are mandatory for the in-hand and jump chute divisions. We have arranged for a minimum of two professional handlers to be present at the show. Their fees are included in the class.

Bridles: Mandatory for 2 year olds and older. Optional for yearlings. Make sure to have reins with clips that are easy to remove.

In Hand & At Liberty Qualifier- Horses ages 1-4yrs (All disciplines)

Horses will be presented in-hand after a 2 to 3 minute at-liberty phase. Horses will be judged on conformation, quality of all three gaits, overall athleticism and overall impression. The conformation of each horse will be assessed by the judge(s) independently. The horses will be scored on conformation (30%), quality of all three gaits (30%), overall athleticism (30%) and overall impression (10%).

Needed score to qualify for the finals: 7.5 or above.

Horse equipment provisions:

  • Horses 2 years and older will be required to compete in a bridle with a bit with removable reins.

  • Yearlings can compete in a halter with an optional chain shank.

  • No boots or wraps are allowed.

Jump Chute Qualifier- Horses ages 2-4yrs (All disciplines)

Horses will jump an age appropriate chute of up to three jumps.

Maximum Heights and Spreads

  • 2 year olds - 1.10m (3’6”) height, 1.15m (3’9”) spread

  • 3 year olds - 1.15 (3’9’) height, 1.20m (4’) spread

  • 4 year olds - 1.20 (4’) height, 1.30 (4’3”) spread

Note: an increase of 3” will be optional at finals in each age group.

These heights are a guideline and may be lowered if necessary. They will be carefully adapted to each horse according to their ability and willingness. Each horse will be judged based on scope, technique, carefulness and willingness. The jump chute is composed of 3 fences: a cross rail, a vertical and an oxer, with a distance of approximately 21 feet between the first and second fence and 24 feet between the second and third fences. The distance will be modified slightly depending on the age group. Feel free to indicate to the handlers and/or officials the way your horse has been schooled. We will take it into consideration and adapt our system when possible. Our default system is for the horse to be walked or trotted into the jump chute, released, and then caught at the end of the chute and/or preferably the use of the “Rond d’Avrincourt” when personnel is sufficient. Most finals will follow the Rond d’Avrincourt method (minimal horse handling) if possible. Note: horses can be excused after 2 refusals or if their behavior is dangerous to our handlers or themselves.

We initially will set the chute at an inviting height so the horse can become accustomed to the chute and then we will raise the jumps accordingly. Placing rails may be placed to help the horse. If we or the judge(s) feel the horse’s welfare is at stake (e.g., lack of preparation, lack of ability, fear), the horse will be excused from the class. The horses will receive equally weighted scores for scope, technique, carefulness, and willingness at the conclusion of their jumping effort.

Needed score to qualify for the finals: 7.5 or above.

Horse equipment provisions:

  • Horses will be required to compete in a bridle with a bit and removable reins.

  • Front leg wraps or protective boots are encouraged.

  • No Hind end wraps or boots.

Flat Classes for Sport Under Saddle Qualifier - Horses age 3-5yrs - (All disciplines)

Judges will assess the basic gaits of the horse under saddle and its rideability. Up to two horses and riders will be in the ring at once when possible, with the judge(s) asking the riders to walk, trot, canter and lengthen the gaits. Horses will be scored on the quality of their gaits under saddle, as well as their overall impression and rideability.

What the Judge is looking for: The judge wants to see a horse that is relaxed and willing to do his job, with an age appropriate frame. The judge will look for a forward, balanced, and relaxed horse with a softly connected way of going that best demonstrates his/her gaits. Horses will receive a score for walk (25%), trot (25%), canter (25%) and rideability (25%). The scores will be based on the individual horse, not on a relative basis.

Needed score to qualify for the finals: 7.0 or above.

Horse equipment provisions:

  • Riders may use a dressage, jumping or all-purpose saddle.

  • Riders are encouraged to use a smooth snaffle or 3-piece bit. Bits that will not be allowed for this class are Pelhams, Kimberwickes, Elevator, Gags or Mikmars with shanks.

  • Riders may not use draw reins, side reins, chambons, degogues, neck stretchers or any other head setting device in the class.

  • Dressage whips or riding crops are permissible.

Jumping Under Saddle - Horses age 4 and 5

The Jumping Class is designed similarly to European Young Horse classes which are designed to assess a horse’s jumping talent undersaddle, while at the same time building confidence and experience. Horses will jump an age-appropriate course of approximately 8 to 10 jumps. They will be required to go over the course twice with a short break in between trips.

Heights: .85m to 1.00m (2’9”-3’3”) height, width as per USEF Rule Book (four-year old), 1.00m to 1.20m (3’3”-3’9”) height, width as per USEF Rule Book (five-year old).

The course will be designed with an inviting course structure set with the young horse in mind. Time is neither set nor judged. For the YHS sanctioned classes, the horse will be scored over each obstacle and scored for each movement before, during and prior to the fences, then combined for a total score.

What the Judge is looking for: The focus of the judging is on the horse’s jumping “style” (e.g., scope, technique, carefulness and willingness). Horses should be ridden in a soft and balanced frame and with adequate pace that enables them to negotiate each jump in their best form. (This class is modeled after the“Bundeschampionat” Young Horse series in Germany).

Needed score to qualify for the finals: 7.0 or above or a double clear round

Dressage Under Saddle - Horses age 4 and 5

Horses will demonstrate their basic rideability, harmony with their rider, and willingness to perform using the new YHS dressage Test. The tests can be performed by any horse and rider pairing of any discipline who is capable of walking, trotting, cantering, and halting. The tests incorporate all three gaits, basic changes of direction, circles, and half-circles. Tests may be read for riders.

What the Judge is looking for: The judge wants to see a horse that is relaxed and willing to do his job. They look for balanced, smooth transitions and clear, rhythmic gaits. They also want to see circles that are balanced, round and the correct size, lines that are straight, and immobile halts.

Needed score to qualify for the finals: 62% or above

Horse equipment provisions:

  • Riders may use a dressage, jumping or all-purpose saddle.

  • Riders are encouraged to use a FEI-dressage legal bit for this class. The only bits that will not be allowed for this class are Pelhams, Kimberwickes, Elevator, Gags or Mikmars with shanks.

  • Riders may not use draw reins, side reins, chambons, degogues, neck stretchers or any other head setting device in the class.

  • Dressage whips or riding crops are permissible.

  • No boots or wraps may be used on the legs during the class.