| 2008 GENERAL RULES AND JUDGING INFORMATION |
Riders do not have to enter all the events. They may enter the one or ones they want to. The fewer the
events the less likely the person will win a high point buckle since they are awarded for most points
accumulated.
More than one rider may use the same horse in individual performance events.
The arena may be used for warm up at designated times with the understanding that any obstacles set up
will not be practiced on, around or over. The only exception to this is a rider who is using a new horse that
he/she has not practiced with.
In classes with individual performance the rider needs to wait for the judge's nod to begin his/her ride.
In classes with obstacles and patterns, they need to be ridden exactly as drawn. Penalties will be applied
if they are not.
Gaits as trot and lope need to be performed where indicated in any pattern work or penalties may be
incurred. In Gymkhana events it will simply result in longer time. Penalties will be assigned for break in
gait up in classes limited to walk or trot as the high gait. In gymkhana events a 5 second penalty will be
applied for every gait break up for more than 3 strides.
Review attire rules and be sure athlete is appropriately dressed to compete.
According to National Rules - riders may use adaptive equipment without penalty. Adaptive equipment
MUST be declared on rider profile. It goes from there to the judge's information.
Level C, B, A
Riders will ride with only one hand on the rein UNLESS approved modification is on file. The index finger is
to between the reins with remaining fingers wrapped around the reins. The reins are to be split reins but
may have a rubber band or tape around them carried under the hand. The rider will see the back of
his/her hand when looking down. The tail of the reins is draped on the side of the neck of the hand
carrying the reins. Ex: reins carried in right hand, rein tails drape down right side of neck. It doesn't matter
which hand carries the reins but do not change hands during the class. The only exception is Trail.
In Trail, come to the obstacle, stop, change rein hand if needed, work obstacle, stop then put reins back
into original hand. Click here to go to trail course pattern and more information. Page 44 of SO Equestrian
Rules has judging grid.
Although backing is a mandatory trail obstacle we are substituting pass forward between saw horses.
Saw horses will be draped with saddle blankets to make them more challenging.
The rider's free hand is not to touch the horse or saddle.
In Stock Seat Equitation riders will be judged while waiting in the line up. Click here to go to equitation
pattern and more information.
When the rider is on the rail as part of a group and asked to reverse, he/she is to turn toward the inside
of the arena away from the rail.
Riders will not be asked to reverse at a lope.
Page 36 of SO Equestrian Rules has a judging grid for Stock Seat Equitation.
In Showmanship at Halter horses will be shown in a flat nylon or leather halter. This same style halter will
be used in the classes that require a horse handler. SO Equestrian rules for Showmanship are on pages
59 - 62 Click Here for Showmanship at Halter patterns
Gymkhana Events
The patterns for all these events are in the National rules and are standard.
For barrels, pole bending and figure 8 stake race National Rules only allow levels BI and A. We have all 4
levels and have our rules in order. SO Equestrian rules Gymkhana events pages 55 through 57.
Equipment is the same as used in the performance events. Page 52 states wire, metal or rawhide device
as part of leather chin strap is prohibited. Check with Equestrian Advisor if any question - standard chin
straps currently in use are a combination of leather and metal and will be perfectly legal.
The courses will be shortened for the riders performing at a walk. Those with a horse handler will have all
three courses set up in the arena at the same time. They will perform all three courses prior to leaving the
arena. There will be three teams in the arena at one time. Yes, this will work. We have done it for two
years now. We furnish a timing/recording crew for each event.
Suggestions to help riders make better time
Stand in stirrups if want to - this gets rider weight over withers and helps speed horse up
Slight weight shift by rider is acceptable as long as rider balance not compromised
Can hold onto saddle horn or swells to help balance
Can hold reins best way
EXCEPTION - may use single rein for gymkhana events - all levels
May change hands on the reins
Talk to the horse
events the less likely the person will win a high point buckle since they are awarded for most points
accumulated.
More than one rider may use the same horse in individual performance events.
The arena may be used for warm up at designated times with the understanding that any obstacles set up
will not be practiced on, around or over. The only exception to this is a rider who is using a new horse that
he/she has not practiced with.
In classes with individual performance the rider needs to wait for the judge's nod to begin his/her ride.
In classes with obstacles and patterns, they need to be ridden exactly as drawn. Penalties will be applied
if they are not.
Gaits as trot and lope need to be performed where indicated in any pattern work or penalties may be
incurred. In Gymkhana events it will simply result in longer time. Penalties will be assigned for break in
gait up in classes limited to walk or trot as the high gait. In gymkhana events a 5 second penalty will be
applied for every gait break up for more than 3 strides.
Review attire rules and be sure athlete is appropriately dressed to compete.
According to National Rules - riders may use adaptive equipment without penalty. Adaptive equipment
MUST be declared on rider profile. It goes from there to the judge's information.
Level C, B, A
Riders will ride with only one hand on the rein UNLESS approved modification is on file. The index finger is
to between the reins with remaining fingers wrapped around the reins. The reins are to be split reins but
may have a rubber band or tape around them carried under the hand. The rider will see the back of
his/her hand when looking down. The tail of the reins is draped on the side of the neck of the hand
carrying the reins. Ex: reins carried in right hand, rein tails drape down right side of neck. It doesn't matter
which hand carries the reins but do not change hands during the class. The only exception is Trail.
In Trail, come to the obstacle, stop, change rein hand if needed, work obstacle, stop then put reins back
into original hand. Click here to go to trail course pattern and more information. Page 44 of SO Equestrian
Rules has judging grid.
Although backing is a mandatory trail obstacle we are substituting pass forward between saw horses.
Saw horses will be draped with saddle blankets to make them more challenging.
The rider's free hand is not to touch the horse or saddle.
In Stock Seat Equitation riders will be judged while waiting in the line up. Click here to go to equitation
pattern and more information.
When the rider is on the rail as part of a group and asked to reverse, he/she is to turn toward the inside
of the arena away from the rail.
Riders will not be asked to reverse at a lope.
Page 36 of SO Equestrian Rules has a judging grid for Stock Seat Equitation.
In Showmanship at Halter horses will be shown in a flat nylon or leather halter. This same style halter will
be used in the classes that require a horse handler. SO Equestrian rules for Showmanship are on pages
59 - 62 Click Here for Showmanship at Halter patterns
Gymkhana Events
The patterns for all these events are in the National rules and are standard.
For barrels, pole bending and figure 8 stake race National Rules only allow levels BI and A. We have all 4
levels and have our rules in order. SO Equestrian rules Gymkhana events pages 55 through 57.
Equipment is the same as used in the performance events. Page 52 states wire, metal or rawhide device
as part of leather chin strap is prohibited. Check with Equestrian Advisor if any question - standard chin
straps currently in use are a combination of leather and metal and will be perfectly legal.
The courses will be shortened for the riders performing at a walk. Those with a horse handler will have all
three courses set up in the arena at the same time. They will perform all three courses prior to leaving the
arena. There will be three teams in the arena at one time. Yes, this will work. We have done it for two
years now. We furnish a timing/recording crew for each event.
Suggestions to help riders make better time
Stand in stirrups if want to - this gets rider weight over withers and helps speed horse up
Slight weight shift by rider is acceptable as long as rider balance not compromised
Can hold onto saddle horn or swells to help balance
Can hold reins best way
EXCEPTION - may use single rein for gymkhana events - all levels
May change hands on the reins
Talk to the horse
| Offered for 2008: Performance Events Showmanship at Halter Stock Seat Equitation Working Trail Gymkhana Events Barrel Race Pole Bending Figure 8 Stake Race |
LEVEL D RIDERS
The exceptions listed here apply to all riders in Level D. They do not apply to any other level.
This level is not addressed in National Rules. Due to the ability of athletes in this division we will follow
national rules when possible. Agreed upon modifications are addressed to meet the needs of riders. Click
here to send questions or make suggestions for something that has not been addressed.
When making a request for modification that will affect all, state how the modification needs to be
implemented and all reasons for the request. It will be put out for all participants (that we can contact by
email) to review and provide feedback. This will have a time line for return.
Rider's feet may be secured in stirrup by means of rubber band. It is to be of such strength to break
without difficulty should the rider come unbalanced. We do not want anyone hung up.
When you are using a Level D horse for any level higher, be sure to change the reins to split reins
UNLESS there is a modification on file according to the rules. Trigger snaps on the ends of your reins
make changing them a 'snap' (couldn't resist).
The exceptions listed here apply to all riders in Level D. They do not apply to any other level.
This level is not addressed in National Rules. Due to the ability of athletes in this division we will follow
national rules when possible. Agreed upon modifications are addressed to meet the needs of riders. Click
here to send questions or make suggestions for something that has not been addressed.
When making a request for modification that will affect all, state how the modification needs to be
implemented and all reasons for the request. It will be put out for all participants (that we can contact by
email) to review and provide feedback. This will have a time line for return.
Rider's feet may be secured in stirrup by means of rubber band. It is to be of such strength to break
without difficulty should the rider come unbalanced. We do not want anyone hung up.
When you are using a Level D horse for any level higher, be sure to change the reins to split reins
UNLESS there is a modification on file according to the rules. Trigger snaps on the ends of your reins
make changing them a 'snap' (couldn't resist).
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This link will take you to the National
Special Olympics Equestrian Rules.
The link will take you to the PDF
file and page 1 of Equestrian rules.
You can enter the page number
into the PDF page number box and
it will go to the specific page. The
download is slow. This does beat
starting at the beginning of the
national site.
Special Olympics Equestrian Rules.
The link will take you to the PDF
file and page 1 of Equestrian rules.
You can enter the page number
into the PDF page number box and
it will go to the specific page. The
download is slow. This does beat
starting at the beginning of the
national site.
This information first published
to the website April 1, 2008.
to the website April 1, 2008.
The date of any changes to
information will be noted here
so you are sure you are
dealing with the most current
information.
information will be noted here
so you are sure you are
dealing with the most current
information.
The New Mexico Equestrian Special Olympics competition is held in Clovis, New Mexico in
September of each year. The competition is open to all comers who meet the requirements set
forth by Special Olympics. This section presents the rules for the classes offered at the show.
September of each year. The competition is open to all comers who meet the requirements set
forth by Special Olympics. This section presents the rules for the classes offered at the show.
| This site is hosted by Abrazos Adventure, the horse connection Portales, New Mexico |