RULES

4-Rivers Horse Show Circuit Rules & Regulations
This association shall be known as the 4-rivers Horse Show Circuit and shall be operated as a non-profit organization. The rules as printed in the American Quarter Horse Association Official Handbook will be used at all shows unless otherwise stated in the rules and regulations of the 4-Rivers Horse Show Circuit. The rules set forth by the 4-Rivers Circuit printed in this book are the standing rules. No books from previous years may be used as a reference to said rules. The officials of the Circuit shall be the President, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President Halter/Pleasure, Vice-President Timed Events, Halter/Pleasure Point Recorder, Timed Events Point Recorder, Halter/Pleasure Point Auditor and Timed Events Point Auditor.
***New rules are highlighted***
I. Membership
Memberships are based on a yearly fee and must be paid at the beginning of each year. Memberships must be paid in full in order to partipate in the Circuit’s voting process.
A. Individual Membership: any individual who wishes to join the Circuit must pay a membership fee of $10.00, which entitles that person to 1 adult vote at the meetings.
B. Family Membership: any family who wished to join the Circuit must pay a membership fee of $15.00, which entitles that family to 2 adult votes at the meetings.

II. Hosting a 4-Rivers Horse Show
The individual in charge of a show must be in good standing with the organization in which they represent and the 4-Rivers HSC.
A. The individual in charge of a show is responsible for checking the organization’s show bill to ensure that it corresponds with the circuit rules.
1. Each show bill must have the date, time % payback, location of the 4-rivers show and the location of the next 4-Rivers show.
2. Each show bill must include the name and phone number of the person to contact in case of inclement weather, etc. (Include a number to be reached the day of the show)
B. All Point Classes must be included in all shows. Additional classes may be added at the discretion of the host.
C. The amount of payback will be determined by the individual organization. Advertised percent must be paid back in each class.
1. A Payback % sheet will be provided to the host.
2. Jackpot classes pay 3 places= 50-30-20
D. The person in charge of a particular show is responsible for seeing to it that the point recorders and treasurer get the information for their show.
E. The circuit will furnish registration forms in triplicate to all organizations.
1. Both Point Recorders are to receive the TOP 2 SHEETS.
2. These forms must be turned over to the Point Recorders immediately following the show, the same day.
F. The host is responsible for informing their judge of 4-Rivers HSC judging rules and class rules adopted by the Circuit.
G. The host is responsible for checking Coggins as individuals enter onto the show grounds. Every horse must have updated Coggins or they are not allowed to be on the show grounds.
H. Any 4-Rivers officer will not be banned from participating in a show they are helping to sponsor.
I. 4-Rivers will supply an electric timer, and 2 stop watches.

III. Horse Health Requirements
A. A negative Coggins test is required on ALL HORSE SHOW GROUNDS FOR ALL HORSES.
B. Each individual is responsible for complying with the Coggins test and health paper requirements for transporting horses within their state and out of state.

IV. Nominations and Points
A. Any exhibitor/horse may be nominated for year-end awards in one or a variety of point approved classes. Points will NOT be combined.
1. The contestant must be a member of the 4-Rivers Horse Show Circuit by paying a membership fee as outlined above.
2. A rider may only nominate one horse per event in each age bracket.
3. Only in Lead-Line timed event classes, can more than 1 child may nominate the same horse.
4. Nomination fees will be $5.00 per exhibitor/horse per year, plus $5.00 per each class.
5. Points will begin the day of the nomination. FEES MUST be received by the point recorder prior to the start of the portion of the show which the exhibitor is nominating in. If fees are not received, the points will not be counted for that day.
6. No other exhibitor of a nominated horse may receive points.
B. **THERE WILL BE 2 DOUBLE POINT SHOWS THAT WILL BE KEPT SECRET UNTIL THE END OF THE LAST SHOW**
a. At the end of the last show, the officers will put all the shows in a hat and will draw 2 shows out. The shows will be announced at that show. These will be the double point shows. The Point Recorders and Auditors will adjust points for the banquet.
C. Four places will be given in each event towards year-end awards.
a. Points will be awarded as follows:
1st place -- 5 points
2nd place -- 4 points
3rd place -- 3 points
4th place -- 2 points
One point will be given to all nominated entries that did not place, whom participated in the class. Disqualifications will receive NO points.


D. An exhibitor/horse MUST participate in THREE SHOWS after the nomination to be eligible for year-end awards.
E. There will be a $.50 circuit charge per class, per horse at each show to be used towards YEAR-END AWARDS.—this money must be sent to the treasurer within 10 days of the show.
F. The age of the contestant, as of January 1, will be their age throughout the season.
1. If an incorrect age of a horse or rider is used in an approved show, and proven, that the horse and/or rider will be banned from participation in any future 4-Rivers HSC event for that year.
2. Contestants must nominate in his or her age group, and/or any open class and may only participate in these classes.
G. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES may the exhibitor who is nominated for a particular class use a horse other than the one specified on the nomination form, unless the exhibitors falls into a rule stated below.
1. Any rider in the 12 year and under age groups, who has nominated a horse that is not suitable for any reason, has the option of changing horses, but this must be done by the end of the 3rd show. The Vice President of Halter/Pleasure or Timed Events must be approached with the suitable reason for the change and they must approve the switch. (Examples: exhibitor is unable to control the horse or the horse is unsafe for the exhibitor and other exhibitors, etc.) The point recorder and point auditor of their division must be notified immediately so any points accumulated can be transferred to the replacement horse. This is a one time option.
2. In the event a nominated horse becomes injured or deceased, a substitute horse may be used for the remainder of the year.
a. A circuit official (Point Recorder) must be notified prior to the change. It must be made clear that this will be the replacement for the remainder of the year.
i. Prior points accumulated will then be carried over to the replacement horse.
b. The owner must verify the horse’s condition with a statement from a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours [3 days].
H. Point Recorder must disclose the results of points already accumulated upon request up until after the last show, and then points will be kept secret until the awards banquet.
I. In the event of a tie in a class at the end of the season, the tie will be broken by the exhibitor/horse with the most 1st place wins in that class.
J. ALL-AROUND AWARDS
a. Six of these awards will be given at the end of the year. They will be broken into three divisions and be given in both Halter/Pleasure and Timed Events.
i. Pee-Wee- 8 & Under
ii. Junior- 9-18 Years
iii. Senior- 19 years & older
b. Every individual that is a member and is nominated in at least one class is eligible.
c. The exhibitor will be charged a $5 fee for a one time nomination for one horse/ one rider. (This money will be used for the All-Around Awards at the end of the year, only. Plus the winners will receive a first place prize money, which will be added up to buy an award for each winner)
d. The exhibitor may select up to 5 classes, by putting an (*) mark by each class on their nomination sheet before handing the sheet into the Point Recorder.
e. The exhibitors must sign up before the show starts. Nominations for the All-Around Awards will closed at the end of the 3rd show. Points will not be accumulated unless nominations are paid prior to the beginning of the show.
f. Halter/Pleasure/ Timed Events participants can nominate up to 2 horses in different classes but the points will not be combined together. They will count as separate exhibitors. Exhibitor must pay $5 per horse/rider combination.(Horses rode by the same rider CANNOT compete against each other.)
g. All points will be tabulated for the year and the horse/rider combination in each age division will win in their division. If there is a tie the exhibitor with the most 1st place awards will win. If there is the same 1st, 2nd's and 3rd's the two will split 1st and 2nd place money and both be given 1st place.
h. The points for these awards will be kept secret until the awards banquet. These awards will be chosen by the officers.
K. Exhibitors must make arrangements to pick up their Year-end Awards or money by the BANQUET or they will forfeit it back to the club. {Officers are not responsible for exhibitors' awards or money after the banquet.}

V. Judges
A. Cannot judge more than one 4-Rivers HSC show during the season.
B. May not be a member of the 4-Rivers HSC.
C. May still show in another 4-Rivers HSC show, but may not nominate for year-end awards.
D. Must wear western attire when judging a 4-Rivers show: long sleeves, jeans/slacks, western hat and footwear.
E. The host club may choose the judge at their discretion, but they must be 18 years and older. (the club is responsible for making sure their judge is aware of all the rules of the 4-Rivers HSC and AQHA rules.
F. The judge must judge all classes properly, and set up a pattern in pattern classes, even if there is only one participant.
G. The judge’s decision is FINAL.

VI. Participant Conduct
A. If any individual has a complaint, they may address the Ring Master or Steward; BUT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY THEY ADDRESS THE JUDGE until after all the events are completed. Any addressing of the judge during the show will result in automatic dismissal from the remainder of the show. Any profanity addressed to the judge, either during or after the judged events will result in the removal of any points accumulated for that particular show. If an individual had reason to discuss certain matters with a judge, he or she must do so with a 4-Rivers officer present.
B. If a member or non-member participated in a 4-Rivers show demonstrates any form of unsportsmanlike conduct, the 4-Rivers Officers have the authority to ask the individual to withdraw their entries and leave the premises immediately. This individual will not be allowed to participate in future 4-rivers shows.
C. If a member or non-member participating in the 4-Rivers show has a complaint regarding matters of the host organization they must abide by the following procedures:
i. Approach any 4-Rivers officer with the complaint.
ii. The officer(s) will listen to the complaint and at their discretion will approach the member of the host with the matter and handle it accordingly.
1. Any 4-Rivers member who is nominated for points or individuals associated with that person must follow this procedure, or points will be revoked for that particular show.
2. Individuals that are not members for the 4-Rivers HSC will be asked to follow the same procedure. If they do not, a 4-Rivers officer will deal with the incident accordingly: prizes revoked, leave premises, etc.
iii. Of an individual has a complaint regarding the rules set forth by the 4-Rivers HSC they must abide by the following Grievance Policy:
1. The contestant and/or individual will submit a Written Complaint to the 4-Rivers HSC to have the grievance reviewed by the officers.
2. If the exhibitor and/or individual with the complaint does not follow the procedures, they will be asked to leave the premises immediately.

VII. Class Rules
All point approved classes will be offered at each show, will be listed on the show bill and will be open to horse of any breed, except classes where specified.
A. General Rules
i. All stallions 1 year or older, must be exhibited by a person 18 years or older.
ii. A horse can show in a class one time only-it may not compete against itself.
iii. All contestants placing in classes at a show must pick up their winnings and resolve any discrepancies the same day. No money will be distributed, or collected after that day.
1. If a member writes a bad check or does not pay for their show fees their year-end awards will be held until fees are paid.
iv. The show host and point recorder should announce and record complete names of the contestant and horse, so points can be recorder correctly.
v. Contestants must use the same name of person and horse as put on the nomination sheet throughout the year or points will not count.
vi. In the event a morning show runs over the scheduled time, 30 minutes will be given for warm up prior to the start of the first class of the evening show
vii. Any contestant wishing to compete in the Jackpot classes must participate with the same horse and rider combination in at least one other class of the same sort. Examples: poles jackpot participant must ride in another poles class.
viii. Lead-in participants can ONLY COMPETE IN LEAD-IN CLASSES; excluding showmanship and stick horse.
ix. Individuals with disabilities may have an assistant for participation. A doctors special care form with needs and a disability statement is needed.
x. Walk-Trot 8 & under participants can only compete in walk trot classes. Exhibitors can oly ride in one age group for the day. {Exhibitors that walk-trot can only wakt-trot.}
B. Halter/Pleasure
i. In no halter classes, including classes for weanlings, shall any male and female horse be exhibited in the same class (excluding Jackpot)
ii. Contestants must be in complete western attire: Long Sleeves, western hat, jeans/slacks and approved western footwear. (Judge may change attire for that day due to weather conditions)
iii. Lead-in horsemanship 6 years and under will be judged on horsemanship of the exhibitor, NOT costume.
iv. Showmanship and Horsemanship shall be judged on the contestants’ performance and must include a pattern.
1. Horsemanship-8 years and under will complete patterns and/or rail work at the walk and trot ONLY.
v. Yearling Lunge Line contestants have 90 seconds to show the yearling in both directions at all three gaits (walk, trot, lope.)
1. It will be announced when half the time is up.
2. Judging will be based on movement, conformation and disposition.
vi. Safety should be considered for the Trail Class obstacles.
1. All obstacle must be AQHA approved, as listed in the current AQHA official handbook.
2. A minimum of 5 obstacles must be used in the trail class.
3. The horse will be judged at all three gaits
4. The official judge will judge all obstacles.
vii. Reining classes will complete patterns selected by the judge from the current AQHA official handbook.
C. Timed Events
i. No whipping, slapping or popping will be allowed in front of he cinch during timed events at any 4-Rivers approved show.
ii. All timed events participants must wear jeans/slacks and approved western footwear, with the exception of stick-horse riders.
iii. In lead-in flag race 5 years and under, a ten second penalty will be added to the time if the leader had to hand the flag to the rider.
iv. If a timer misses the time, the rider will get a re-ride with no penalties for the previous ride.
1. Any penalties that occur on the re-ride will count against them.
2. A three-minute rest period will be given between each try.
v. There must be an electric timer.
1. The circuit will supply an electric timer.
2. If the timer is not functioning, 2 stopwatches may be used in place of it.
vi. In case of a tie, a re-ride or a flip of a coin will determine the winner, but will be the decision of the contestant, not the host holding the show.
vii. Anyone breaking the gait (three strides) in a Walk/Trot only class will be given a NO TIME.
1. The officers will resolve any discrepancies in this class.
viii. Team of Two Barrel Racing
1. Consists of a team of 2 horses and 2 riders. Rider/horse combination stays the same thru-out the season. In case of injury to a horse refer back to the nomination and point rules.
2. Either horse/rider may start the race, but the second horse/rider cannot pass first horse/rider until the turn at the third barrel is completed.
3. First horse/rider cannot cross their own path between the barrels until second horse/rider has crossed first horse/rider’s path.
4. Teams cannot split and make other teams with other horse/riders.
5. This event has not age limit.
6. Two stop watches will be used and time starts when first horse/rider crosses the starting line and ends when second horse/rider crosses back over starting line.
ix. Horse may not compete against themselves in any event. The exclusion to this rule is the Lead-In around the Barrel 5 years and under.
x. Riders can only nominate 1 horse per event, but riders can ride up to 3 horses per event.
***PLEASE read the rules and regulations carefully and if you have any questions or need further clarification, please speak with an officer of the circuit. Thank you and Have a Great Show Season***