Halter: Evaluates conformation of the horse as a breed. Halter classes are divided by age and sex. Horses are shown with a leather halter and are traveled before the judges so that lameness and quality of movement can be evaluated. Horses are judged on balance, structural correctness, breed and sex characteristics and degree of muscling. Of these, balance is the most important. Jumping: Jumping is a true test of a horse's athletic ability to perform over fences. Jumping consists of at least four obstacles and a minimum of eight jumps. Scores are based on time and penalty faults. Faults are assessed when a horse refuses to jump, knocks down an obstacle, or causes an obstacle to be knocked down. English: A preliminary class for English riding disciplines in which judges evaluate a hunter-type horse on the flat at a walk, trot and canter. Emphasis is placed on smoothness of gait, free-flowing stride and willingness to perform. Exhibitors must wear traditional English attire. Gaited Horses: While no specific classes are offered for Gaited Breeds, all classes are open to gaited horses. Mark the registration sheet with "Gaited Horse" and substitute breed specific gaits as appropriate to approximate the gaits specified in the class. Western Pleasure: Contestants compete simultaneously, traveling the perimeter of the arena, and at the discretion of the Judge, are asked to walk, jog, lope and reverse the direction of the horse. Horses are evaluated on quality of movement while staying quiet and calm, traveling on a loose rein. Timed Events: A class judged solely by a timer. Pole Bending: A timed event in which the speed and agility of the horse are tested as horse and rider weave through a course of six poles spaced 21 feet apart, twice circling end poles before turning and racing to the finish line. A five-second penalty is added for each pole knocked down. Barrel Racing: A race in which exhibitors follow a course consisting of three barrels in triangular "cloverleaf" pattern. Riders choose to circle either the right or left barrel first, race to the opposite barrel and complete the course after circling the third barrel and racing down the center of the three barrels to stop the timer. Knocking over a barrel carries a five second penalty. |
| About Us |
| Spartanburg Horseman's Association |
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You Must Be a Member to show
at Our shows
SHA Annual Membership Fee:
$30 / Family & $20.00 Single
(Note: Family members must live at
same residence)
All exhibitors must be a member
of SHA.
SHA Hand Books are available at
the registration booth during shows
for all members. Rules and
regulations for SHA members are
listed.
South Carolina State Law requires
that an original copy of negative
Coggin's Test, performed within the
last 12 month period, be shown for
each horse attending the show.
These will be checked.
Pee Wee Exhibitor: 12 years and
under
Youth Exhibitor: 13 to 18 years of
age
Adult Exhibitor: 19 years and over
Park Pass: $40.00
SC State Parks now require
admission fees. SHA offers a
discounted park pass which is valid
at all SC State Parks. Passes are
good for one year. Park passes
are good for all passengers in the
pass vehicle and may be
purchased at the show registration
booth during shows.
at Our shows
SHA Annual Membership Fee:
$30 / Family & $20.00 Single
(Note: Family members must live at
same residence)
All exhibitors must be a member
of SHA.
SHA Hand Books are available at
the registration booth during shows
for all members. Rules and
regulations for SHA members are
listed.
South Carolina State Law requires
that an original copy of negative
Coggin's Test, performed within the
last 12 month period, be shown for
each horse attending the show.
These will be checked.
Pee Wee Exhibitor: 12 years and
under
Youth Exhibitor: 13 to 18 years of
age
Adult Exhibitor: 19 years and over
Park Pass: $40.00
SC State Parks now require
admission fees. SHA offers a
discounted park pass which is valid
at all SC State Parks. Passes are
good for one year. Park passes
are good for all passengers in the
pass vehicle and may be
purchased at the show registration
booth during shows.
Trail Class
In this class each horse shall be asked to negotiate through obstacles. Obstacles are to be negotiated by
exhibitors individually with only one horse in the arena at a time. This class shall be judged 100% on the obstacle
course; there is no rail work. This includes the distance from the beginning of an obstacle to the beginning of the
next obstacle. Any horse not performing the gait required properly should be penalized in the same manner as not
completing the obstacle. Failure to follow the prescribed obstacles, or course of travel through obstacles, will result
in automatic elimination. A drawn course will be provided by show management, reviewed for compliance with
required procedures and approved by the judge and steward. The course will show the line of travel through
obstacles and the gait required to perform obstacles. Changes or revisions will not be permitted after posting. The
course will specify how a horse is to negotiate or travel between obstacles that seem appropriate. Tack and attire
will be appropriate for the breed. Bits are not required. For additional rules refer to the AQHA rulebook.
Open Gaited Class (All Breed)
The exhibitors will enter the ring to the right of the rail at a walk and circle the arena in a counterclockwise
manner. The sequence of gaits will be; walk, show gait, reverse and repeat and then line up. The judge may ask for
a back from the line up. Tack and attire will be appropriate for the breed. Bits are not required.
Tots Lead Line
This class is for rider’s 7yrs old and younger. Each rider must be accompanied by at least one handler who will
lead the horse/pony into the ring to be judged. The exhibitors will walk into the ring one by one and walk past the
judge and line up. The judge will inspect the exhibitors and then tie the class. Appropriate show attire is required.
SHA reserves the right to refuse entry into a class or to ask an
individual to be excused from a class, in the event of possible safety
risk to the rider or other participants or to the animal. If the individual does not
comply with SHA's request their membership can be suspended or revoked
depending on the board's decision. Safety to all our members is our main goal
and our responsibility as a group.
In this class each horse shall be asked to negotiate through obstacles. Obstacles are to be negotiated by
exhibitors individually with only one horse in the arena at a time. This class shall be judged 100% on the obstacle
course; there is no rail work. This includes the distance from the beginning of an obstacle to the beginning of the
next obstacle. Any horse not performing the gait required properly should be penalized in the same manner as not
completing the obstacle. Failure to follow the prescribed obstacles, or course of travel through obstacles, will result
in automatic elimination. A drawn course will be provided by show management, reviewed for compliance with
required procedures and approved by the judge and steward. The course will show the line of travel through
obstacles and the gait required to perform obstacles. Changes or revisions will not be permitted after posting. The
course will specify how a horse is to negotiate or travel between obstacles that seem appropriate. Tack and attire
will be appropriate for the breed. Bits are not required. For additional rules refer to the AQHA rulebook.
Open Gaited Class (All Breed)
The exhibitors will enter the ring to the right of the rail at a walk and circle the arena in a counterclockwise
manner. The sequence of gaits will be; walk, show gait, reverse and repeat and then line up. The judge may ask for
a back from the line up. Tack and attire will be appropriate for the breed. Bits are not required.
Tots Lead Line
This class is for rider’s 7yrs old and younger. Each rider must be accompanied by at least one handler who will
lead the horse/pony into the ring to be judged. The exhibitors will walk into the ring one by one and walk past the
judge and line up. The judge will inspect the exhibitors and then tie the class. Appropriate show attire is required.
SHA reserves the right to refuse entry into a class or to ask an
individual to be excused from a class, in the event of possible safety
risk to the rider or other participants or to the animal. If the individual does not
comply with SHA's request their membership can be suspended or revoked
depending on the board's decision. Safety to all our members is our main goal
and our responsibility as a group.