RULES

CONDUCT

The Tucson Hunter Jumper Association prohibits any cruelty or abuse to a horse by any person at any THJA show. An act or series of acts, that in the opinion of the Show Management and/or Judge can clearly and without a doubt be defined as abuse of horses shall be penalized by disqualification from the rest of the show. The following acts are included under the words cruelty and abuse, but are not limited to those terms: excessive use of the whip on any horse in a stall, runway, schooling area, competition ring or elsewhere on the competition grounds, before, or during a competition; rapping a horse’s legs with the butt end of a riding crop or other implement; riding an exhausted horse; excessive pressing of a tired horse; excessive use of spurs and/or bit; or riding an obviously lame horse.

The Tucson Hunter Jumper Association expects the competitors, trainers, and anyone attending a THJA show will behave in a sportsmanlike manner and follow THJA rules. Any person acting in a manner that is prejudicial to THJA or is unsportsmanlike may be asked to leave the THJA show. Acts that are prejudicial and/or unsportsmanlike include, but are not limited to: acting, inciting, or permitting another to behave in a manner deemed improper, unethical, dishonest, or intemperate; acts or remarks that are offensive and/or are made with the intent to influence or cast aspersions on the character and integrity of the judge; physical assault upon any person; cruelty to a horse; and misrepresentation of an entry or qualifications to enter a class.

Only persons with a valid driver’s license may operate any motorized vehicle, including but not limited to golf carts or motor scooters, on the show grounds.

ATTIRE AND EQUIPMENT

All riders, including those not competing, MUST wear ASTM certified protective headgear while mounted on a horse or pony anywhere on the show grounds. NO EXCEPTIONS.

All Riders participating in the show are required to wear: (1) properly secured ASTM certified protective headgear and (2) hard-soled riding boots with a heel (i.e. knee length English-style boots, Jodhpur boots, or paddock boots). Half chaps are permitted, NO full chaps. Riders are encouraged to show in proper riding attire. The minimum acceptable attire is an ASTM certified helmet, a long or short sleeved collared conservatively colored shirt tucked into breeches or jodhpurs, and clean half chaps with clean polished paddock boots. Hair should be neat and must be worn so the number shows at all times. English saddles are required.

Hunter Classes. Clothing should be neat and conservative in color. When possible, entrants are encouraged to show in proper riding attire: boots, breeches or jodhpurs, and riding coats in addition to properly secured ASTM certified head gear. Ladies should wear a rat-catcher shirt with a choker or stock tie. Gentlemen should wear a collared shirt and tie or stock tie.

Regulation snaffles, pelhams, and full bridles with caveson nosebands are recommended. The judge may penalize an entry for unconventional types of bits or nosebands. Martingales are NOT permitted in Hunter under Saddle classes. The use of boots, wraps, and bandages are prohibited in Hunter classes. Exceptions to this rule may be made in the discretion of the management when weather and footing conditions dictate.

Equitation Classes. Entries in these classes are being judged on the rider’s ability rather than personal attire. Riders are encouraged to wear conservative colored riding coats, breeches or jodhpurs, boots, and must wear properly secured ASTM certified headgear. Spurs, crops or bats are optional. Regulation snaffles, pelhams, and full bridles, with caveson nosebands are recommended. A judge, at his or her discretion, may choose to penalize a horse with non-conventional bits or nosebands. Martingales are permitted in classes over fences and in the jumping phase of classes requiring both jumping and flat work. They are prohibited on the flat in any class or phase of a class. Boots or conservative colored bandages on horses are permitted.

Jumper Classes: Riders are encouraged to wear regulation attire. Shirts must be long or short sleeved with a collar, tucked into breches or jodhpurs. Martingales are permitted in all classes. Boots and bandages are permitted. Spurs, crops, or bats are optional.

HUNTER & EQUITATION DIVISIONS

HUNTER CLASSES. Hunter classes will be judged on performance, soundness, way of going and, when indicated, manners and suitability. Hunter classes will be run over a course of at least six fences with at least one change of direction, except as noted below. Under saddle classes will be shown at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions, except as noted below. Simple changes of lead will not be penalized in classes with fences 2’3” and lower. No oxers may be used in classes with fences 2’ and lower in height. No in and outs may be used in classes with fences 2’6” or lower in height. Horses/ponies will not be jogged. The suggested number of classes in the hunter divisions: at least two over fences classes and one under saddle class.

EQUITATION CLASSES. Equitation classes will be judged on the rider’s hands, seat, and control of the mount over fences and/or on the flat. Over fences classes will be shown over a course of not less than six fences with at least one change of direction, except as noted below. No oxers may be used in classes with fences 2’ and lower in height. No in and outs may be used in classes with fences 2’6” or lower in height. Flat classes will be shown at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions, except as noted below. The suggested number of classes in the equitation divisions: one over fences class and one flat class.

Walk Trot Division: Open to juniors and adult amateurs on horses or ponies. The Hunter under Saddle and Pleasure classes will be judged on performance, soundness, manners and suitability. The Equitation class will be judged on the rider’s hands, seat, and control of the mount. All classes will show at the walk and trot in both directions. The rider may only cross enter the over fences classes of the Cross Rail Division at the same show.

Classes: Walk Trot Hunter under Saddle; Walk Trot Pleasure; Walk Trot Equitation

Cross Rail Division: Open to juniors and adult amateurs on horses or ponies. To be judged on performance, soundness, and manners. The hunter and equitation courses will consist of at least six cross rail fences (12” in height) with at least one change of direction to be negotiated at either the trot or canter. Under saddle classes will show at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions. The rider may only cross enter into the Future Show Stars Division at the same show.

Classes: Cross Rail Hunter over fences; Cross Rail Equitation over Fences; Cross Rail Hunter under Saddle; Cross Rail Equitation

Future Show Stars Division: Open to juniors and adult amateurs on horses or ponies. Open to any horse/pony and rider combination that does not compete in classes over fences above 2’6” at this show. The hunter and equitation courses will consist of at least eight fences 18” – 2’ in height with at least one change of direction. Trotting is permitted and simple changes of lead are acceptable. Under saddle classes will show at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions. The rider may only cross enter into the Short Stirrup Division at the same show.

Classes: Future Show Stars Hunter over fences; Future Show Stars Equitation over Fences; Future Show Stars Hunter under Saddle; Future Show Stars Equitation

Short Stirrup Hunter and Short Stirrup Equitation Divisions: Open to riders 12 years of age and under as of December 1 of the current show year. Riders may not compete in classes with fences above 2’6” at the same show. Trotting is permitted and simple changes of lead are acceptable. Flat classes will be judged at the walk, trot, and canter. Fences 2’0” – 2’3”.

Classes: Short Stirrup Hunter over fences; Short Stirrup Equitation over Fences; Short Stirrup Hunter under Saddle; Short Stirrup Equitation

Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter and Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation Divisions: Open to junior and adult amateur riders who are not competing in classes over fences above 2’9” at the same show. Horse/pony and rider combination may not cross enter the Children’s/Adult Amateur Divisions at the same show. Simple changes allowed. Fences 2’ – 2’3”

Classes: Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter over fences; Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation over fences; Low Children’s/Adult Hunter under Saddle; Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation.

Modified Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter and Modified Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation Divisions: Open to junior and adult amateur riders who are not competing in classes over fences above 3’0” in this show. Fences 2’3” – 2’6”.

Classes: Modified Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter over fences; Modified Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation over fences; Modified Children’s/Adult Hunter under Saddle; Modified Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation.

Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter and Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation Divisions: Open to junior and adult amateur riders. Horse/pony and rider combination may not cross enter the Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Divisions at the same show. Fences 2’6” – 2’9”.

Classes: Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter over fences; Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation over fences; Children’s/Adult Hunter under Saddle; Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation.

Schooling Hunter Division: Open to all. Horse/pony and rider combination may not compete in classes over fences above 3’ at the same show. Fences 2’3” – 2’6”.

Classes: Schooling Hunter over fences; Schooling Hunter under Saddle.

Open Hunter Division: Open to all. Fences. 2’6” – 2’9”.

Classes: Open Hunter over fences; Open Hunter under Saddle.

Open Equitation Division: Open to juniors and adult amateur riders. Fences. 2’9” – 3’0”.

Classes: Open Equitation over fences; Open Equitation.

MEDALS

THJA Mini Medal

Open to all junior and adult amateur members of the Tucson Hunter Jumper Association who are not showing over fences above 2’9” at the same show. To be shown over an equitation type course of not less than eight fences at 2’6” in height, including at least two changes of direction. No combinations. At least the top four riders will return for further testing (USEF Tests 1-8). Four entries are required to fill the class.

THJA Medal

Open to all junior and adult amateur members of the Tucson Hunter Jumper Association. To be shown over an equitation type course of not less than eight fences at 2’9” – 3’0” in height, including at least two changes of direction and one combination. After the over fences phase, the top six riders (if available) will return for a group flat phase. Martingales are permitted for the over fences phase only – no martingales in the flat phase. Scores from each phase shall count equally. At the judge’s discretion, at least the top four riders will return for further testing (USEF Tests 1-8). Four entries are required to fill the class.

THJA Flat Medal

Open to all junior and adult amateur members of the Tucson Hunter Jumper Association. Entries will work collectively on the flat and will be asked to demonstrate at least two advanced flat work skills such as turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches, counter canter, leg yields, lengthening and/or collection of the stride, work without irons, and/or other tests deemed appropriate by the judge. Four entries are required to fill the class.

MEDAL FINALS: To qualify for the medal finals, which will be held at a show in the late fall of each show year, a rider must earn 10 points in a particular THJA Medal Class. Once qualified for the finals in a particular THJA Medal class, riders may no longer compete in that Medal class. Qualified riders may compete in the next higher THJA Medal Class, but may show in only one Medal Finals class. If a rider qualifies for two THJA Medal Finals, the rider must ride in the Finals with the highest fences, e.g. if a rider qualifies for both the Mini Medal and the THJA Medal, the rider must ride in the THJA Medal Final.

Points are awarded as follows:

For Classes with 3 to 5 entries – 5 points for first, 3 points for second, 2 points for third, 1 point for fourth, and 0.5 point for fifth.

For Classes with 6 or more entries – 10 points for first, 6 points for second, 4 points for third, 2 points for fourth, 1 point for fifth, and 0.5 point for sixth.

JUMPER DIVISIONS

JUMPER CLASSES: Unless otherwise specified, current USEF rules will apply. Member shows must include at least 2 classes in each jumper division offered. The show must specify which USEF tables the classes will run under in their prizelist. Classes will be run over a course of eight to ten jumper type fences. Classes are open to all riders on any horse or pony. Entries in the Puddle Jumper Division may only cross enter the Schooling Jumper Division at the same show.

Puddle Jumper Division: Fences 2’6” (.85 meters), spreads to 2’9” (.85 meters).

Schooling Jumper Division: Fences 2’6 – 2’9” (.85 - .95 meters), spreads to 3’ (.95 meters)

Level 1 Division: Fences 3’1” (.95 meters), spreads to 3’7” (1.10 meters).

Level 2 Division: Fences 3’3” (1 meter), spreads to 3’9” (1.15 meters).

Level 3 Division: Fences 3’7” (1.10 meters), spreads to 4’1” (1.25 meters).

YEAR END AWARDS

The Tucson Hunter Jumper Association gives Year End awards based upon points accumulated for placings at Tucson Hunter Jumper Association recognized shows. Horses must be shown at three or more THJA recognized shows to be eligible for a year end award in any Hunter or Jumper division. Riders must show in three or more THJA recognized shows to be eligible for year end awards in any Equitation division.

To be eligible for year end awards, the following membership requirements must be met: 1) all owners of horses entered in hunter and jumper classes must be THJA members in good standing at the time of the show; 2) a horse entered in the hunter and jumper classes must be registered with THJA at the time of the show; 3) the rider entered in any equitation or THJA medal class must be a THJA member in good standing at the time of the show. Owners and riders may join at any THJA show prior to showing and have the points count from that show towards year end awards. If an owner/rider joins at a show, the membership form must be filled out and presented to the Show Secretary with full payment prior to the horse showing.

Year End Awards will be given for Champion, Reserve Champion, and third through sixth place in the following divisions:

Walk Trot Division: All classes in the division (hunter and equitation) count towards one set of awards. Riders can only win Year End Champion one time. After winning the Championship, the rider may continue to compete in the Walk Trot division, but no points will be awarded for a year end award in subsequent years.

Cross Rails Division: All classes in the division (hunter and equitation) count towards one set of awards.

Future Show Stars Division: All classes in the division (hunter and equitation) count towards one set of awards.

Short Stirrup Hunter Division

Short Stirrup Equitation Division

Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter Division

Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation Division

Modified Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter Division

Modified Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation Division

Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter Division

Children’s/Adult Amateur Equitation Division

Schooling Hunter Division

Open Hunter Division

Open Equitation Division

Puddle Jumper Division

Schooling Jumper Division

Level 1 Jumper Division.

Level 2 Jumper Division.

Level 3 Jumper Division.

Points will be awarded for the placings in THJA recognized shows as follows: classes with less than 3 entries – no points; classes with 3 to 5 entries – 5 points for first, 3 points for second, 2 points for third, 1 point for fourth, and 0.5 point for fifth; classes with 6 or more entries – 10 points for first, 6 points for second, 4 points for third, 2 points for fourth, 1 point for fifth, and 0.5 point for sixth.

SHOW RECOGNITION

To receive THJA recognition of a competition, the show manager must submit an application to the THJA Show Committee with a list of classes to be offered. A check, made out to THJA, in the amount of $75 must accompany the application form. To reserve a date on the yearly calendar of shows, the show application must be received by the horse show committee on or before January 10 of the show year. The Show Committee will review the application for THJA recognition and a letter will be issued indicating whether THJA recognition is granted or denied. If the show is not approved, the application fee will be returned to the person applying for THJA recognition. The final prize list including the name of the judge must be sent to the Chairperson of the Horse Show Committee at the THJA address no later than 10 days prior to the first day of competition.

As a condition of receiving THJA show recognition the competition, its management, and its manager agrees to abide by the rules of the Tucson Hunter Jumper Association as published at www.tucsonhunterjumper.com. A copy of the rules must be available during the show.

In addition, the competition and its management agrees to the following:

1) to collect a fee of $1.00 per horse, known as the THJA fee and forward this money along with the results to the THJA within 10 days of the conclusion of the competition;

2) to have first aid personnel on the grounds for the entire show, including warm up;

3) carry event insurance and provide THJA with a certificate of insurance listing Tucson Hunter Jumper Association and its board of directors as additional insureds; and

4) to defend, indemnify and hold harmless THJA, its Directors, Officers, Committee Members, volunteers, agents and employees from all losses or damages, including but not limited to all claims arising out of the competition, for personal injury or property loss or damage suffered during or in connection with the competition, whether or not those injuries or losses resulted directly or indirectly from negligent acts or omissions of THJA or its Directors, Officers, Committee Members, volunteers, agents, and employees.

2010 THJA RULES

TUCSON HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION