Ellis County Equine Association

P.O. Box 2763, Waxahachie Texas 75165

   

 

 

 

 

2008 ECEA Show Rules and Regulations

 All changes to the 2008 ECEA Show Rules are highlighted in red.

1.    As required by law, a current (Texas - 12 month, Out of State – 6 month) negative Coggins test conducted by a veterinarian is required on all equine entering the grounds.  The registration number of the test will be recorded on the show application to confirm current negative test status.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

 2.     Exhibitors show at their own risk.  As stated in Chapter 87 of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code, due to the inherent risk in equine activities, anyone participating in any such activity shall assume all liability for injury or death and hold the ECEA (Ellis County Equine Association), it's agents, assigns, officers, members and the owners or operators of locations where ECEA events are held, blameless and harmless of any liability, civil action or remedies.  The ECEA, ECEA members and the owners or operators of facilities where ECEA events are held are not responsible for accidents, theft, or any other damage to real or personal property. 

3.        No illegal drugs or alcohol will be tolerated.  Use of these or any illegal substances shall be reason for immediate ejection from the grounds.

4.    In all classes, the judge's decision is final. 

5.      No dogs allowed on the premises of the show grounds. 

6.    All returned checks are subject to a $25.00 returned check fee.  Any returned check not cleared up in a timely manner will result in forfeiture of any and all year-end awards. 

7.    Conduct not promoting sportsmanship, such as showing disrespect to anyone, obscene or vulgar language or gestures, inciting or causing conflict, excessive force or display of temper with animals or persons will not be permitted.  Use of such will be cause for immediate ejection from the grounds.  Conduct that exposes others to danger will not be tolerated.  Any violation should be reported immediately to any Officer or Director of the ECEA. 

8.    Divisions – Age is determined as of January 1 of the season year.  Exhibitors are required to compete solely in their actual age division. 

        Youth – An exhibitor who is 18 years of age or under. Youth will split into 3 divisions: 9 & under, 10–13 and 14–18.

       Adult – An exhibitor who is 19 years of age or older on January 1 of the show season. 

9.         Youth may not show or ride stallions. 

10.  All series shows count toward the ECEA End of the Year High Point and Special Awards.  Exhibitors must be a current ECEA member for points earned to count toward Year-End Awards and Daily Hi Point.  ECEA Members must participate in a division in at least 3 of the 5 ECEA Open Shows to qualify for that end of year award.  End of Year High Point Champions will be published in a later edition of the Hoof Prints. 

11.  To be eligible for the Open Show Year-End Awards, an exhibitor, or an individual specifically working on behalf of the exhibitor, must perform a minimum of 6 hours of event assistance duty at any scheduled ECEA function.  An official sign in –sign out sheet will be available. 

12.   Exhibitors need to be a member of ECEA to qualify for daily high point awards.  The DHP (daily high point) award is given to the horse/exhibitor that has the most points in each age division at the end of the show.  Starred classes do not count for DHP awards.  Exhibitors must show in halter, english and western performance classes (minimum 1 class) to be eligible for DHP and halter points will count for DHP. 

13.   ECEA's decision to cancel or interrupt an event due to inclement weather or dangerous conditions will be final.  In the event of a complete rainout, the following Saturday will be first choice to make-up the missed events.  If the next Saturday is not available, the next scheduled event will be double judged counting for double points with double entry fee.  The grounds fee will remain the same. 

14.   A committee of 3 ECEA officials will make the final decision on all refunds.  Refunds will be made by check and mailed within 10 days after the date of the show.  In case of rainout, rain checks will be given in the form of credits. 

15.   In all classes requiring patterns, the patterns will be posted at the registration area and or designated place at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the class.  Patterns may not be changed after they are posted. 

16.   Horses must be manageable.  Horses that pose a threat to other horses or persons will be asked to leave the grounds.  A committee of 3 ECEA officials will make the decision that a horse poses a threat to other horses or persons.  In the event a horse is required to leave, all daily show fees will be reimbursed and any points earned will be forfeited. 

17.   Tack and equipment must be in good condition.  Tack and equipment may be rejected if deemed too harsh or inappropriate by the judge.  Cruel or inhumane bits and tack will not be allowed.  Use of such will be cause for immediate ejection from the arena grounds. 

18.   Dress code:

       Boots or footwear as stipulated in class rules is required.  Western hats and English or safety hats are required in riding classes.  Suitable attire is required in all classes.  Long sleeved shirts are required for Western classes and sleeved shirts are required for English classes.  Coats are optional.

 19.  All protests regarding violations of rules and rules only must be taken to the ring steward before the class is pinned and/or has left the arena.  All other conflicts or protests must be taken to the event chairman, in writing, for resolution on the day of the event in which the conflict occurred.  All such protests must be accompanied by a $35. fee, which will be refunded if the claim is sustained.  A committee consisting of at least three ECEA Officials (members of the Open Show Committee or the Board of Directors and/or the Ring Steward) will resolve any conflict. 

20.   Tie Breaker:  In the event of a tie for an Open Show Year-End Award, the following tiebreaker will determine the winner.  We will compare the number of 1st places and whoever has the most 1st places is the winner.  If there is still a tie, then we will compare the number of 2nd places and so on, through 6th place.  If there is still a tie after all the comparisons through 6th place is done, then the winner will be determined by the flip of a coin.  If the flip of a coin is used, both exhibitors will be contacted and will be given the choice to attend the coin toss where a least 3 Board or Event Committee Members will be present. 

Open Show Class Rules – Note :  1 Horse 1 Rider Rule Applies. 

21.   Points awarded as each show are based on: 

# Horses in Class

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

6 or more

6

5

4

3

2

1

5

5

4

3

2

1

0

4

4

3

2

1

0

0

3

3

2

1

0

0

0

2

2

1

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

Placings of 7th and beyond receive 0 points

Note:  Halter grand champions receive 2 points more than the winner of their division.  Reserve champion will receive 1 more point than the winner of their division. 

22.   Halter -  Horses to be shown in halter tack only.  Horses shall enter ring and line up at the discretion of the judge.  Entries shall be judged individually, standing and also at the walk and trot.  Horses stand squarely and naturally.  Exhibitors shall not be penalized for touching or moving a horse's leg with their hands.  Horses will be judged towards the ideal standards for their breed.  Points count towards horse. 

23.   Most Colorful at Halter – Horses to be shown in halter tack only.  Horses shall enter the ring and circle the judge at a walk as a group.  At the judge's request, all horses shall reverse at the walk and again circle.  Horses shall then be lined up head to tail on the rail and be judged while standing squarely and naturally.  Color shall count for 60%; conformation, action, quality and manners for 40% of total score.  Points count towards horse. 

24.   Yearling Longe Line – Class is limited to yearlings.  The purpose of the class is to reward: 

a.     Quality of movement

b.    Conformation

c.     Trainability

Even though the appropriate levels of training will be recognized, these horses are not expected to demonstrate behavior or performance beyond that necessary for a reasonable presentation to the judge. 

Horses are to be shown in a halter, regular or show type is acceptable.  For the longing demonstration, the only attachment allowed to the halter is the longe line.  The longe line may not exceed 30 feet (9.14 m) in length with a chain or snap attached to the halter.  The longe line must hang free from the halter without touching any part of the horse.  It is permissible to use a longe whip as long as the exhibitor does not touch the horse with it 

Gaits to be judged according to gaits for western pleasure and hunter under saddle.  Judge(s) will be outside of the longing circle.  The exhibitor will enter the arena and await the signal.  Once a signal is given, the exhibitor will be allowed 1 and ½ minutes to present their horse.  At the end of 45 seconds a signal will be given as a halfway mark.  Another signal will be given at the end of the run. 

It is suggested that the horse jog (trot) and lope (canter) in each direction, as they will be scored each way.  The exhibitor may begin work in the direction of their choice (counter or clock-wise).

At the end of 1 and ½ minutes, a signal will be given and the exhibitor shall at the request of the show management; either 1) retire from the longing area and retire to the far end of the ring, or 2) leave the ring and wait nearby to return for the conformation judging.  If the horses remain in the ring, they are to stand quietly on the rail while the other exhibitors are being judged. 

The horses are judged 70% on movement and 30% on conformation suitable to purpose.  Judges may not discriminate for or against bulk, but rather look for a total picture, emphasizing balance and athletic capability.

25.  Showmanship – The exhibitor is judged on his/her ability to present the horse.  The exhibitor is asked to execute a pattern posted that includes walk, trot, pivot, stop and backing as dictated by the posted pattern.  Grooming and the appearance of the exhibitors are taken into account toward the final score.  The exhibitor should continue showing the horse until the judge has dismissed the class.  The exhibitor may be disqualified for touching the horse. 

26.  Leadline – Open to all exhibitors as long as they do not cross over into any riding classes other than Walk & Whoa.  A halter and lead rope must be used under the bridle. 

27.   Green Horse – A green horse is four years old or younger. 

28.  English Pleasure – Horses are to be shown in English tack.  Horses are to be shown at a walk/trot or walk, trot, canter, in both directions of the arena.  The horse should stand quietly and back readily.  It is the judge's option to require the exhibitor to back their horse or extend any gait.  The horse is judged on performance, manners, conformation, quality and substance.

29.  English Equitation – The equitation class is to determine the riding ability of the rider.  The rider should have a workman like appearance, seat and hands light and supple, conveying the impression of complete control.  Each rider will work individually following the posted pattern.  The judge may or may not require all riders to return for rail work.  9 and under exhibitors will walk/trot only. 

30.  Western Pleasure – Horses are to be shown in Western tack.  Horses to be shown at walk, jog, lope or walk/jog in both directions of the arena.  The horse should stand quietly and back readily.  It is the judge's option to require the exhibitor to back their horse or extend any gait.  The horse is to be judged on performance, manners, conformation, quality and substance. 

31.  Western Horsemanship – The riders will be judged on seat, hands, and ability to control and show the horse.  Each rider will work individually following the posted pattern.  Judge may or may not require all riders to return for rail work.  9 and under exhibitors will walk/trot only. 

32.  Trail – May use Western or English tack.  Classes to be judged on the performance of the horse over or around obstacles with the emphasis on manners, response to rider, and attitude.  All classes will use 4 to 6 obstacles.  9 and under and green horse exhibitor patterns will be walk/trot only. 

33.   Yearling in Hand Trail – See APHA Rules Book SC-192. 

34.  Walk & Whoa – Participants have the option of an attendant walking with their horse.  Participants can cross over to lead line but no other riding classes. 

35.    Reining – See reining rules in current AQHA Rule Book. 

        End of Year Awards will be awarded in the Following Divisions: 

          Yearling Halter- Mares and Geldings only

Halter -2- 5 & 6 & over-per gender: Mares and Geldings.  Stallions all ages. 

Western - All Western classes Walk/Trot Western, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Showmanship and Trail.

English  - All English classes English Walk/Trot, English Pleasure and Equitation .

Youth - English & Western in each age division, 9 & under, 10 – 13, and 14 – 18.  Open halter points earned by Youth Exhibitors will count toward DHP and Year-End Youth Awards. 

Yearling Performance Horse – Grand & Reserve – Total number of points for Yearling Longe Line and Yearling in Hand Trail.

Halter, Leadline, Walk & Whoa, Green Horse, Color Spotted Breed, and Color Solid Breed  and Reining classes have individual awards for Grand & Reserve.

Year End All Around Champion – Exhibitor in each age group with the most accumulated points including halter and performance classes.  Exhibitor must compete in 3 of 5 shows, including halter, english and western (1 class minimum).  Halter points do count towards Year End All Around.

 

ECEYA RULES 

1.         All youth are required to participate in the management of the youth show in order to have their ECEYA year end field trip funded by ECEYA.

2.         The president of ECEYA is required to attend ECEA meetings to report on ECEYA news.

3.         All youth must participate in at least 4 meetings and/or activities to receive a participation award.

4.         Nominees for ECEYA officers must be a ECEYA member, in good standing with the ECEA and have dues currently paid.

5.         All youth should display themselves in good sportsmanship like manner at all times.