4-H

4-H Horse Council Rules
2006

Information

Important Rules 8. Gymkhana, Versatility & Trail
Horse Council & Fairboard 9. Horse Show
Cleaning 10. Jumping
Barn 11. Point System
Horse 12. Sweepstakes
Exercising 13. State Show
Class sign up 14. High Point Trophies

Important Information to Remember

Horse, Class Registrations, and State Show Applications and Fees are all due MAY 1^st. Each exhibitor will sign up for one showmanship class only. If there is more than one showmanship class selected, the first one on the form will be chosen by the staff. You must read all instructions and fill out the form correctly, even if signing up for every class you are eligible for, the correct classes must be chosen.

*** These are new for fair 2006.*** Changes are italicized and bold.

Jumping Sheets Due: JUNE 15^TH.

Any Registration that is handed in after the dead line must go to the Fairboard. If allowed to go to the fair, they lose all points and privileges.

These horse rules and the rules in the 4-H Horse and Pony Project Show Rules and Regulations book (formerly 1145), will be the rules followed for the fair. Including helmet rules.

These rules supersede all previous rules. Revised for 2006.

All patterns are in the 4-H Horse and Pony Project Show Rules and Regulations book (formerly1145). It is the exhibitors’ responsibility to get and learn these patterns if they are in any pattern classes.

1. Important Rules

1. All new ponies, as noted, will need to be measured. Animals under 56” will be shown as a pony. Any animal that measures 56” will have the choice to show as a pony or horse but will be required to remain in that classification as long as they are shown by that exhibitor. A ½” allowance will be made for animals with shoes. All ponies over seven years of age must have a permanent card with the height recorded. The cards will be kept by the superintendent and will transfer with ownership of the pony. Once a pony has a permanent card, they no longer need to be measured. An exhibitor that is 14 years or older may not ride a pony 50” and under in equitation or pleasure classes.

2. All exhibit horses/ponies, shall be entered and stabled on Sunday, 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. and remain on exhibit until the following Sunday at 6:00 A.M. If any youth or equine exhibit leaves the fairgrounds before the official release time (except for medical reasons or as per the rules) the earned equine premium money, all rewards and state show privileges, will be forfeited by the exhibitor.

3. Class corrections shall be made on Monday of fair week by noon. Classes can not be added.

4. Any request for a change of horse must be accompanied by a vet certificate. If the change is for safety reasons, the leader and exhibitor may request a change. If the Horse Council accepts the change, they will not receive point or be eligible for sweepstakes.

5. Mon. of Fair Week; beginning at 9:00 AM, ending at 11:00 AM, will be Pony Measurements. The Mandatory Meeting will be held per previous years. Sat. of Fair Week: 3:00 Awards Meeting

6. Open youth exhibitor definition: any youth not affiliated with an organized 4-H club or FFA chapter by April 1, of this year. These exhibitors are not eligible for State Show or High Point trophies.

7. Unsportsmanlike conduct, unfavorable attitude and other objectionable behavior of exhibitors will result in the loss of all points, loss of State Show selection, loss of class trophies, and any media attention. The judge and/or horse show superintendent will have the option to have the exhibitor removed for the day. The present executive members of the Horse Council and the Fairboard representative directors will meet to decide if the exhibitor should be removed for the rest of the fair week. The exhibitor has the option to attend this meeting.

8. Cruelty to any equine, including the use of illegal tack, by an exhibitor will be handled as stated in rule7 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

9. Cruelty to any equine inflicted by any other individual will be cause for removal from the Horse Complex by any Horse Council member and will be addressed with the horse representative of the Fairboard.

10. Do not damage or deface any structures or plantings on the fairgrounds.

11. All commercial and personal advertising will be placed in the designated area.

12. Definition of an adult: a person 18 years and older who is not an exhibitor. If you are an exhibitor and 19 years old, you are not an adult this week.

13. An exhibitor who does not show in their respective showmanship class will not be allowed to show in any further horse classes for the remainder of that fair week and will not receive a premium. The horse will remain on the fairgrounds until 6:00 am Sunday and proper care and exercising will continue through out the week. We will willingly work with any exhibitor that is showing another species to make every effort to keep them in their showmanship class.

2. Horse Council/Fairboard rules:

1. The Horse Council meetings are the first Wednesday of every month, except Spring Break and possibly Christmas Break. Please check with the Extension Office to verify the date/place for these dates as schools will likely be closed.

2. The Fairboard meetings are the first Monday of every month. Call the extension office for the location and the time. (269) 657-7745.

3. The Fairboard has a policy to cover rules and deadlines for Specialty trophies.

4. No rule changes will be made during fair week. Anyone wishing to implement new rules must come to the Horse Council meeting. Any suggestions or complaints are to be submitted in writing and can be given to the Horse Council. Horse Council will review and will recommend suggestions to be presented to the Fairboard. The Fairboard has final approval on all decisions regarding the Van Buren Co. Youth Fair.

5. All bills for horse related activities or expenses will be submitted for Horse Council approval. It is also recommended that alternative funding should be sought before submission.

6. At the April meeting, each club representative will get a copy of the general rule and the by-laws.

7. Club representatives are responsible to let the Horse Council know of any leader changes at the December meeting.

8. The clubs must choose their club representatives by the December Horse Council meeting. It is their responsibility to let the council secretary know who their club representatives are.

3. Cleaning Rules:

1. The Michigan Department of Agriculture Health and Sanitation requirements must be met by all horse/pony exhibitors. Please refer to the Health Regulations located in the back of the current year’s premium fair book.

2. Wheelbarrows should not be left (empty or full) by the spreaders or between the barns. Let’s not make unsightly obstacles. Manure must be cleaned up around the spreaders at all times. Please: No twine in the spreaders—Thank you!

3. When an exhibitor’s horse/pony is out of its stall in the barn area, each exhibitor is responsible for cleaning up any manure deposit left by his/her animal. This rule also applies to the wash rack area and the areas around the barns.

4. Exhibitors must help clean barns. The horse barn superintendent will maintain an exhibitor checklist.

4. Barn Rules:

1. No open toed shoes are allowed in the barn area. (exhibitors)

2. No electric grooming equipment will be allowed.

3. No horse/pony is allowed in the aisle-way of the barns. The aisle ways must be passable at all times, for safety purposes. No tack allowed in the aisles at any time.

4. Horses are to be led & walked at all times near the barns. No trotting.

5. Exhibitor’s horse/pony can only be tied at the wash rack.

6. No nails or screws allowed into the supporting wood (6 X 6’ of the barn.)

7. For security reasons, two approved adult persons shall stay overnight in each barn. Each club is required to provide a minimum of 1 approved adult each night. The list of names of these adults shall be provided to the Superintendent on staff on Sunday. Changes to the list of names will need to be submitted to the Superintendent on staff on the day of the change. The Superintendent will provide the Fairboard with a copy of the list of names for each night.

8. A bulletin board (2 X 3) should be furnished by each 4-H club to be used in the horse barns fair week.

9. Water barrels (painted red) with pails attached are located in each horse shelter and are to be used for fire safety purposes only. 4-H leaders are requested to check them periodically during the week to make certain they are full of water and free from debris.

5. Horse Rules:

1. An exhibitor with a mare and foal must choose which he/she will show. A stallion may be exhibited only during the year in which he is foaled. As a safety factor, proof of gelding may be requested by the superintendent.

2. No tranquilizer shall be administered to any horse/pony during fair week except by a vet. A tranquilizer is defined as: a mind-altering drug designed to calm or otherwise change the disposition of the horse/pony.

3. If any horse/pony is to receive any medication or vitamins during fair week, it must be reported on the emergency sheet. The barn superintendent must approve all non-prescription medications.

6. Exercising:

1. Exhibitors or horses/ponies creating a biting or kicking problem will be asked to voluntarily take their animal home. Premiums earned will be paid. Fairboard decision will be final.

2. No practicing gymkhana at any time on the fairgrounds.

3. Exhibitor must remain straddling the horse and facing forward.

4. Exercise time will be from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily as space allows. No horses out of the barns after 10:00 PM. Pee Wees and Novice exhibitors with permission may use the North arena for exercise during the week of fair. Adult and or parental supervision is required during any exercise time. Any exhibitors in the North ring without supervision will be excused.

5. Longeing may only be done between the hours of 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM in the designated areas. Under normal circumstances only the exhibitor may longe his/her own animal.

6. No riding double or bareback except in designated bareback riding classes.

7. Exhibitors only shall ride their exhibit horses/ponies. No one other than the exhibitor may ride an exhibitor’s horse/pony at any time during fair week; the exception to this rule would be a Posse horse and the Horse Council shall be notified at or by the April Horse Council meeting.

8. A parent or responsible adult must accompany the pee wee and remain with him/her during their exercise time and longeing. (see rule # 4 above)

9. English or Western boots must be worn when riding, with the exception of the costume class.

10. Monday after the meeting there will be a two hour window for exercise in the main arena, this will be supervised and it is stressed that there is no riding on the grass.

7. Class Sign-Up Rules:

1. All exhibitors must show in only one fitting and showing class. Please note rule #1.13 above for further clarification regarding this requirement. An exhibitor who fails to comply with this rule will not receive any horse/pony premium money.

2. Age Divisions are as follows;

· Pee Wee lead-line exhibitors: 6 - 9 years during current calendar year.

· Pee Wee exhibitors: 6 - 9 years during current calendar year.

· Young exhibitors: 10-12 years old during the current calendar year.

· Junior exhibitors: 13-14 years old during the current calendar year.

· Senior I exhibitors: 15-16 years old during the current calendar year.

· Senior II exhibitors: 17-19 years old during the current calendar year.

· Novice exhibitors: 13-19 years old during current calendar year.

· Performance Exhibitors: 10-19 years old during current calendar year.

3. Performance horse/pony definition: a horse/pony that as a result of training for gymkhana events and/or because of its way of going is not eligible for regular Stock Seat Equitation and Pleasure classes. Performance horses may go in any English Classes, but points will not be awarded toward the English High Point trophy. They must show in Performance Fitting and Showing, Performance Equitation, Performance Pleasure. They must show in at least four of these six classes: reining pattern, western riding, and a minimum of 3 of the 4 gymkhana classes.

4. Lead line definition: A lead line is required. Exhibitors may not go into championship classes and they do not receive any points. The only classes that the lead line exhibitors may participate in are showmanship, lead line equitation and lead line pleasure and driving.

5. Novice exhibitor’s definition: First year horse/pony exhibitors, ages 13-19 years old may show as a novice exhibitor. Exhibitors are only eligible to show as a novice their first year at the Van Buren Youth Fair, unless they have shown at a youth fair in the State of Michigan, even if they switch horses/ponies. Novice exhibitors may ride either English or Western. Novice exhibitors will not receive any points. They many not enter any championship classes. Novice exhibitors may show in Novice classes, bareback, trail, and the four gymkhana classes.

6. Classes that do not receive any points or count towards State Show selection and high point trophies: Pee Wee Lead Line, Novice Classes, and Versatility.

7. An exhibitor with a horse/pony three years old and over must show in an equitation class. An exhibitor, who fails to comply with this rule, may not receive any horse/pony premium money or State Show privileges. If this criterion is not met, the exhibitor will not be allowed to show in any further horse classes for the remainder of the week. The horse will remain on the fairgrounds until 6:00 am Sunday and proper care and exercising will continue through out the week.

8. Dressage: Exhibitors may choose their entry level. You may not enter in Level II. A score of 60% or higher must move to the next level. A score of 50-59% may choose to stay or move up a level. You may ride dressage in either saddle seat or hunt seat appointments.

9. All championship classes are optional. PeeWee may not go in any championship classes.

10. PeeWee, 9 year olds only, may enter the gymkhana and trail classes at the discretion of their parents.

11. A limit of two exhibitors sharing a horse is permitted, as long as it does not conflict with classes. Both exhibitors may enter individually run classes, common courtesy would suggest that the exhibitors request changes in the order of go if a tack change is required.

8. Gymkhana, Versatility, and Trail Rules:

1. Trail class starts at 9:00 A.M. sharp. Pee Wee exhibitors are required to go first for the trail class. All pee wee exhibitors wishing to participate need to sign in by 10:00 to be eligible for this class.

2. All exhibitors that are participating in the trail class will be signed in by 11:30, no one will be allowed to sign in after the cut off.

3. Gymkhana classes start with a mandatory inspection following pattern classes. The mandatory helmet check will be on Monday afternoon and an inspection ID will be affixed to the helmet. This helmet will be the only one allowed for the exhibitor in gymkhana and hunter classes. We will also inspect helmets prior to gymkhana starting on Friday, should there be a need. All exhibitors and their horse/pony should be in the make-up area as soon as the inspection is complete or noon whichever comes first. Appointments shall not be changed after the inspection is complete. All questions will be addressed with the Judge. The Judge’s decision is final.

4. Versatility consists of a series of classes that will be building over the next few years until the established criteria has been determined by the Horse Council and Show personnel. Versatility will have placing ribbons, belt buckles for each age group, and a savings bond award for the Senior winner. The fairbook will list class requirements for Versatility eligibility.

9. Horse Show Rules:

1. Judges may not judge more than two years in a row.

2. Adults are to lead in the lead line and costume classes. Only one adult and 1 exhibitor will be allowed in the costume class. (The costume class is now a Fun Show activity.)

3. All horse shows will run rain or shine.

4. No disruptive behavior along or on the rail will be tolerated during classes. No one may be between the rail and the announcer’s stand with the exception of show personnel.

5. Bareback equitation rules are as follows: The exhibitor will mount the horse/pony at the entrance gate (sandy area) in the arena and proceed down the rail single file. When the class is excused, all exhibitors will dismount in the line up and lead their horse/pony from the ring.

6. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to be his/her classes on time. Once the gate is closed he/she may not enter the class.

7. There will be a meeting on Saturday of fair week at 12:00 PM with all available Executive Horse Council members and the Horse Show Superintendent and Assistants at the announcer’s booth. This meeting will be to verify all point totals and trophy winners.

10. Jumping & Hunter Hack

1. The spring jumping clinic will be optional.

2. A parent and leader (knowledgeable in jumping) must sign the jumping release form.

This form states that this horse and rider combination has either: a. been seen jumping by the leader b. attended the spring jumping clinic c. had previous schooling in jumping.

3. Exhibitors with an approved horse change after May 1^st cannot enter jumping classes at fair.

11. Point system:

1. Fitting & showing classes (1-10 Placing)

A. Six or more entries:

1^st place- 20 6^th place- 15

2^nd place- 19 7^th place- 14

3^rd place- 18 8^th place- 13

4^th place- 17 9^th place- 12

5^th place- 16 10^th place- 11

If there are 5 or less entries ½ point value will be given in the same descending order, i.e., 10,9, etc. (see 3 B below)

Only “A” Rating may receive rosettes and “A” awards may exceed placing.

2. Championship Fitting & Showing 1^st – 6^th places

Champion – 6 points

Reserve Champion 5 points

3rd place 4 points

4th place 3 points

5^th place 2 points

6^th place 1 point

3. Equitation, pleasure, and performance classes (1-6 placing)

A. Six entries or more: B. Five entries or less:

1^st place 12 1^st place 6

2^nd place 11 2^nd place 5

3^rd place 10 3^rd place 4

4^th place 09 4^th place 3

5^th place 08 5^th place 2

6^th place 07

4. Championship equitation, pleasure, and performance classes (1-6 placing)

1^st place- 6 4^th place- 3

2^nd place- 5 5^th place- 2

3^rd place- 4 6^th place- 1

5. Grand Championship classes (1^st and 2^nd places)

A. Fitting & showing, Equitation and Pleasure (all have the same point values)

Grand Champion- 2 points

Reserve Grand Champion- 1

Horse Contests and Special Awards:

12. Showmanship sweepstakes: See livestock contest rules in premium fair book of current year.

13. State Shows rules:

1. To qualify for state 4-H show, a 4-H exhibitor must reach the age of 13 as of Jan 1^st 2006. A member’s eligibility continues through the calendar year during which the member attains the age of 19. For participation consideration for the State Show we will require a written notice, as well as an essay (2 pages, hand written) (Topic for 2006 – How has the 4-H Horse and Pony project impacted your life.) from all exhibitors wishing to go to State Show. There will also be two dates offered for the work days (Community Service for our requirements). These dates are: May 13^th from 9-1, and Sunday May 14^th from 1-5. Bring rain gear and be prepared to work rain or shine. These work day requirements will be fulfilled before fair week for State Show consideration. One work day is defined as a minimum of 4 hours. The minimum requirement will be one day. There is a $15.00 non refundable application fee due on May 1^stalong with all other paperwork. All paperwork as noted in the opening paragraph of this rule booklet is due on May 1^st. If you sign up for jumping but don’t get the paperwork in by the June 15^th deadline, you will not be able to participate in hunter hack at the State Show Qualifier.

2. Each exhibitor may enter only one horse in the State Show. This horse must be in the continual care of the 4-H member and designated as a project animal by the date specified in the member’s county. Send registrations to the extension office by May 1^st, or deliver in person at the May Horse Council meeting (first Wednesday in May). This means that any member changing a project horse after the deadline for any reasons such as sickness, accident, etc. may not show at the state 4-H show even though a county committee may approve a change in horses after the deadline for their own fair or show.

4. In the case of a “tie”: highest points in- a. Fitting & showing (then to) b. Equitation (then to) c. Fitting & showing championship class, etc.

6. All selected exhibitors are required to attend a state 4-H horse show orientation meeting and fairgrounds clean up following the fair. At this time, they must decide whether or not they are going to go to the State Show. If they change their minds after this time, unless due to the horse’s illness or injury (with a vet slip), or personal illness (with Dr. slip) the exhibitor will forfeit his/her next year of eligibility. If the exhibitor does not attend this meeting, or call the State Show coordinator to be excused their slot will be filled with the next exhibitor.

7. After the selection of the initial state qualifiers there will be an alternate chosen and registered. The alternate will not pay a registration fee. The initial qualifiers are required to pay all fees. Reimbursement for the initial qualifier will be considered at the first Horse Council meeting after the State Show coordinator has received the State Show results. The reason and date of notification of inability to attend will be taken into consideration at this time. It is strongly recommended that the alternate should reimburse the initial qualifier for expenses. Anyone requesting reimbursement from the Van Buren County 4-H Horse Council for the State Show must fill out the application form and return it either prior to or at the July Horse Council meeting.

8. Alternates will need to plan ahead so as to be available on extremely short notice should an exhibitor need to cancel. Alternates will be notified of their status as soon as there is an opening.

9. It will be the responsibility of the individual who is canceling their attendance at the State Show to contact the State Show coordinator two weeks prior to the State Show so that the alternate can be contacted. Any exhibitor not showing up at the State Show will forfeit any future State Show considerations.

10. All state 4-H horse show participants must participate in the annual fairgrounds cleaning meeting the week after the fair. State Show participants that do not participate in the clean up, will loose their Horse Council money towards their State Show expenses.

11. The State Show fees are due the day of the State Show Qualifier. Cash is the preferred method of payment, checks need to be made out to the Extension Office. Any checks that do not clear will disqualify the exhibitor from the State Show for the current calendar year.

14. High Point trophies:

1. All championships are included.

2. To be eligible to compete for high point trophies, an exhibitor must belong to a 4-H club and showing as a 4-H member at the fair.

3. In the case of a “tie”: highest points in- a. Fitting & showing (then to) b. Equitation (then to) c. Pleasure (then to) d. Fitting & showing championship classes, etc.

High Point Revolving all around trophy - The total points that the exhibitor earned will count toward this trophy.

High Point Gymkhana trophy - All points earned and the exhibitor must have me the minimum requirements under the Gymkhana/Performance horse rules. No English points, no trail points.

Gymkhana Exhibitors will not be eligible for any of the high point trophies below. Gymkhana Exhibitors will be eligible for the High Point all around trophy.

Trail class points will be added to the Exhibitors total score, not as either English or Western, only as “points earned”.

High Point Revolving English horse trophy
English points only - English showmanship, English day classes only - No gymkhana or trail points

High Point Revolving Western horse trophy
Western points only - Western showmanship, Western day classes only & reining - No gymkhana or trail points

High Point Revolving English pony trophy
English points only - English showmanship, English day classes only - No gymkhana or trail points

Abbey Baker Memorial Revolving High Point Western pony trophy
Western points only - Western showmanship, Western day classes only & reining – No gymkhana or trail points

Stephanie Tucker Memorial Revolving Pee Wee trophy Showmanship, highest Equitation and highest Pleasure. Tie to be decided with Showmanship class, then the Equitation, then Pleasure. This trophy is the only revolving trophy that PeeWees are entitled to earn.

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Important Information to Remember

Last modified: April 2006