CHILDRESS 4-H HORSE CLUB PLAYDAY SERIES RULES
- An entry form with parent’s signature must be filled out at each series event (or completed via online form.)
- Entry fee are as follows $5/event or $35/all events in division.
- Contestants MUST participate in two out of the three series days offered to qualify for All-Around buckle award.
- A 10 point system will be used to determine All-Around awards. 1st Place - 10 points / 2nd place – 7 points / 3rd place – 5 points / 4th place – 3 points / 5th place – 2 points / Participant – 1 point
- Contestants will accumulate points only in events of the age group they are declared. Child may be moved up an age division for all events, but must remain in that age group through the season. The contestant must declare age group at the first entry.
- Contestants may move up in an age division to participate in an event not offered in their age division. Points will be awarded to the contestant for that event, but will not be added to all around points for their declared age division nor for the age division of the event.
- In lead line, the person leading the rider shall do so by foot and not horseback. Parent must lead or be nearby contestant in arena at all times.
- Any dispute will be settled by arena JUDGES, according to the Texas 4-H State -Horse Show Rules and Regulations Handbook. All decisions of judges are FINAL. --- All disputes will be settled before contestant leaves arena for that event.
- Announced times and scores are unofficial.
SPORTSMANSHIP
- Conduct yourself in an appropriate manner at all times. - Corrections of your horse is allowed, however, abuse of any horse will not be tolerated. - Encourage your kids, however yelling at a rider in the arena during an event will result in a NO TIME or Disqualification.
- No alcohol or glass containers – NO EXCEPTIONS!!
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
- The state law being enforced by the Texas Animal Health Commission requires you to have a current Coggins test on horse being transported or in contact with other horses. You must have a current Coggins on every horse you bring to an event or you will not be allowed to participate or stay on the grounds with your animals.
- The stop watch will be the official time for all timed events. - The flag person will be the judge of broken patterns or rules. If for some reason he/she is unsure the arena workers (setters of barrels, poles, etc……) can assist him/her and their decision will be final. - A 5-second penalty will be applied for knocking over each pole or barrel. Failure to complete a pattern or breaking a pattern will result in a no time.
- Mistreatment of animals during judged or timed events will result in a no placing (judged) or no time (speed), this will be determined by the judge or flagger.
- In the timed events, all gates will be CLOSED while the child is running the event. - It will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to insure the safety of their child when the gate is opened when the child is leaving and returning to the alley way. A parent/guardian must be at the gate when it is open. Parent/Guardian is a must at gate before contestant can run event.
- All contestants must wear western attire for all EVENTS, this includes: western hat/helmet, long sleeve button up shirt and western boots. No baseball caps, visors, or tennis shoes will be allowed.
- No one other than the contestant may show or ride a horse in the arena during Judged events that may affect the performance of other contestants.
- Please pick up all trash at the arena.
SHOWMANSHIP AT HALTER
- The showmanship class is judged on an exhibitor’s ability to execute practical and basic halter class maneuvers from the ground. The class should always be judged with this in mind, giving credit to the exhibitor who can correctly perform each maneuver of the total pattern or run. Judges should refrain from conducting the class routine in any manner that attempts to trick, confuse, or mislead exhibitors. In showmanship at halter, conformation of the horse is not judged.
Attire. Exhibitors should be neat, clean, and well-groomed. Clothing shall be as stated in the section on judged classes. Chaps and spurs are NOT permitted in showmanship.
Equipment. Use a clean halter that is adjusted to fit the horse. The halter should fit well on the horse’s head, to maximize response to subtle halter cues. Silver halters shall not count over a nice, clean, well-fitted halter. Lead straps are often attached to a chain and snap. The lead strap may be snapped below the jaw in the center ring of the halter, or the chain can be run under the horse’s chin and snapped to the upper or lower halter ring on the right side of the horse’s head.
Horse Fitting and Grooming. The horse should be clean and well-groomed. Manner of fitting for mane and tail may vary according to recognized practices for a particular breed of horses. A well-groomed horse that is clean, properly trimmed, and conditioned does have a justified advantage in showmanship at halter. Underweight or thin horses may be penalized.
Method of Showing. Walk, trot, turn, stop, back, and pose the horse as shown in the posted pattern or by the judge’s instructions. The horse is always led from the left side. The exhibitor’s right hand is held closest to the halter, with the distance being highly dependent upon the mannerisms of the horse, the size of both the horse and the exhibitor, and breed standards. The excess amount of lead is folded or loosely coiled in the left hand and held about waist high. Never wrap the excess lead around the hand or make a coil so small that a sudden jerk could cause the lead to wrap around the hand. At both the walk and the trot, the exhibitor’s shoulder should be about even with the horse’s 24 throatlatch. In this position, the horse is beside the exhibitor, allowing the judge a clear view of the horse’s travel. Movement at both gaits should be brisk and sharp, as opposed to slow and dull. Speed of travel is somewhat related to straightness of travel, and the slower a horse moves, the greater chance for deviation from a straight line of movement.
When leading to or from a judge or ringmaster, stops and turns are very important. The exhibitor should always allow plenty of space between the horse and the judge. Stops should be executed squarely and without hesitation, as the stop is an important maneuver preceding a correct turn or reverse of direction.
Turns of more than 90 degrees should always be executed to the right. Pushing the horse away, rather than pulling the horse around, will allow more distance between the horse’s and the exhibitor’s feet. In addition, turning to the right allows the horse to use the right hind foot as a pivot point. The horse can then cross the left front foot over the right front to execute a very uniform and smooth turn. This results in the horse remaining in essentially the same tracks after the turn is completed and provides the judge a good view as the horse is walked or trotted away. Immediately following a turn or reverse of direction, the exhibitor should look back to make sure the horse is lined up with the judge. Class routines may require walking or trotting back into the lineup of horses. The exhibitor should lead all the way through the line, stop, reverse, and then lead into the line to set up. If asked to change positions in the line, back the horse out of the line, and approach the new position from behind. Pose or set up the horse with its feet set according to its type or breed. Stock horse breeds stand square. Move the horse’s feet by pushing or pulling on the lead strap as necessary with the right hand. Touching the horse’s body with a hand or foot to change the horse’s position is penalized.
Once set up, the horse should be presented in such a way as to not distract the judge’s attention from the horse. The exhibitor stands on the opposite side of the horse when the judge is toward the front and on the same side as the judge when the judge is toward the rear of the horse. This method of presentation is preferred by most judges for youth exhibitors. For safety reasons, at no time should an exhibitor stop and stand directly in front of the horse. The primary objective is to show the horse. Exhibitors should stand where they can see the judge and the judge can see them, but without obstructing the judge’s view of the horse. The basic position of the exhibitor should allow constant observation of the horse’s position and also permit observation of the judge. Staring at the judge keeps an exhibitor from continually observing the horse and keeping the horse set properly. Exhibitors should maintain eye contact with the horse. It is acceptable to glance at the judge from time to time, but an exhibitor should NOT do this continuously.
Exhibitors should keep their proper position in line and allow reasonable space (at least 5 feet) between horses on either side. Keep horses from making contact with a competitor or encroaching on space rightfully belonging to another exhibitor.
Scoring. Exhibitors will be scored from 0 to infinity with 70 denoting an average performance. Patterns will be divided into 6 to 10 maneuvers, as specified by the judge, and each maneuver will be scored from +3 to -3 with ½ point increments acceptable that will be added or subtracted from 70. Maneuver scores should be determined independent of penalties, and should reflect equal consideration of both performance of the exhibitor’s pattern and the form and effectiveness of the exhibitor and presentation of horse to result in the following scores: +3 excellent, +2 Very Good, +1 Good, 0 Average or Correct, -1 Poor, 2 Very Poor, -3 Extremely Poor. Exhibitors overall form and effectiveness should also be scored from 0 to 5 with 0 to 2 being Average, 3 Good, 4 Very Good, 5 Excellent.
Penalties.
3 Points: Break of gait at walk or trot for up to two strides / Over or under turning up to 1/8 of a turn / Ticking or hitting cone / Sliding a pivot foot / Lifting a pivot foot during a pivot or set-up and replacing it in the same place
5 Points: Not performing the gait or not stopping within 10 feet of the designated area / Break of gait at walk or trot for more than 2 strides / Splitting the cone (cone between the horse and handler) / Horse stepping out of our moving the hind end significantly during a pivot or turn / Horse stepping out of set-up after presentation / Over/under turning 1/8 to ¼ turn
10 Points: Exhibitor is not in the required position during inspection / Exhibitor touching the horse or kicking or pointing their feet at the horse’s feet during the set-up / Standing directly in front of the horse / Loss of lead shank, holding chain or two hands on shank / Severe disobedience including rearing or pawing; horse continually circling exhibitor
Disqualifications. Loss of control of horse that endangers exhibitor, other horses or judge / Horse becomes separated from exhibitor / Failure to display correct number / Willful abuse / Excessive schooling or training; use of artificial aids / illegal equipment / Off pattern, including: knocking over or wrong side of cone or marker; never performing designated gait; over or under turning more than ¼ turn; must place below exhibitors who complete pattern correctly
Class Routine. Exhibitors may enter the arena single-file, moving around the arena counter-clockwise before lining up at the judge’s instruction. Once in line, each exhibitor will perform individually. At many shows, exhibitors will be asked to enter the arena individually and work a pattern designed by the judges. Regardless of the manner used, judges should draw patterns clearly and make instructions that are easily understood by exhibitors. Where patterns are posted, such instructions should be available for the exhibitor to review prior to the start of this class (at least 1 hour before, if possible).
WALK/TROT | WESTERN PLEASURE
This class recognizes a horse for functional correctness, quality of movement, attitude, and manners.
Horses are shown at a walk, jog, and lope on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. Horses must work both ways of the ring, at all three gaits, to demonstrate their ability with different leads and transitions. Riders may be asked to extend the jog at the judge’s discretion. An extended jog is a definite two-beat lengthening of stride and covering more ground. Cadence and balance with smoothness is more essential than speed. Horses may be required to reverse at the walk or jog and to go from any gait to another gait at the discretion of the judge. For safety of the exhibitors, a reverse at a lope or extended jog shall not be called. Horses should back easily and stand quietly. The judge may ask that only finalists be backed. Horses are to be reversed to the center of the arena.
Large numbers in this class may require qualification heats to accommodate all horses. Arena size will dictate heat size. After each heat, all horses should be brought to the center with the finalists identified. Any portion of a class or heat may be placed on the rail for extra work by the judge at any time.
At no time shall a fault-out system that results in exhibitors being eliminated individually be used. A positive approach should be used, the winners or finalists being announced and the remainder of the class being dismissed from the arena as a group. Individual horses should not be pulled off the rail while the class is being judged. Entries shall be penalized for being on wrong leads, but not necessarily disqualified. Excessive speed and breaking gait are to be penalized. Horses with a low head carriage and/or head carriage behind the vertical and/or a sullen, lethargic, emaciated, drawn, or tired look will be penalized. Horses which lack forward motion at any gait may be penalized. The class will be judged on the performance and condition of the horse at the discretion of the judge.
BARREL RACING
Failure to follow the pattern is a Disqualification, backing, extra turns, and wrong way turns are broken patterns (contestant must keep forward motion)
Knocking over a barrel shall carry a 5 second penalty for each
The course must be measured exactly. If the pattern is too large for the available space, the pattern should be adjusted by the show officials to fit the arena. Remember to leave adequate space between the barrels and the arena fence (approximately 20 feet), and set the course to allow ample room for stopping.
The barrel racing contest is strictly a timed event. An electric timer should be used for official time. If one is not available, the average time of at least two watches will be the official time. In the event of a tie, the horse declared the winner in the runoff must run the pattern in not more than two seconds more than its original time, or the runoff must be held again. The exhibitor is allowed a running start. Timing shall begin as soon as the horse’s nose reaches the starting line and will be stopped when the horse’s nose passes over the finish line. At a signal from the starter or timer, the exhibitor will go to barrel number 1, turning to the right around this barrel, then on to barrel number 2, this time turning to the left. At barrel number 3, the exhibitor makes the same left turn around this barrel.
As soon as the turn is completed around the third barrel, the exhibitor sprints the horse to the finish line. This barrel course may also be run to the left. For example, the exhibitor will start to barrel number 2, turning to the left around this barrel, then to barrel number 1, turning to the right, then to barrel number 3, turning to the right, followed by the final sprint to the finish line. (See barrel racing pattern.) An exhibitor touching a barrel with hand or body is NOT a disqualification.
FLAG RACE
The flag race pattern: rider must ride down to the barrel (may circle on the right or left side of barrel), grab flag from bucket, and ride back with flag
Rider MUST have flag in his/her possession to receive a time
Failure to follow the pattern shall cause Disqualification, backing, extra turns, and wrong way turns are broken patterns (contestant must keep forward motion)
Flag race is a timed event. Each contestant will begin from a running start. A clearly visible starting line should be provided. An electric timer should be used when possible. Otherwise, at least two watches should be used with the average time of the watches to be the official time. In the event of a tie, the horse declared the winner in the runoff must run the pattern in no more than 2 seconds more than its original time, or the runoff must be held again. Touching the barrel with hand or body is NOT a disqualification.
POLE BENDING
The pole bending pattern is to be run around six poles. The poles are to be 21 feet apart, with the first pole 21 feet from the starting line. A horse may start either to the right or to the left of the first pole and then run the remainder of the pattern accordingly (see the Pole Bending diagram). Failure to follow the pattern shall cause Disqualification, backing, extra turns, and wrong way turns are broken patterns (contestant must keep forward motion) Knocking over a pole shall carry a 5 second penalty for each Pole bending is a timed event. Each contestant will begin from a running start. A clearly visible starting line should be provided. An electric timer should be used when possible. Otherwise, at least two watches should be used with the average time of the watches to be the official time.
In the event of a tie, the horse declared the winner in the runoff must run the pattern in no more than 2 seconds more than its original time, or the runoff must be held again. It is recommended that all poles have at least a 14-inch base.
Touching a pole with hand or body is NOT a disqualification. If a pole is down, horse must pass on proper side of base to be a qualified run
GOAT UNDECORATING
Contestants’ time starts when horse crosses the timeline. Goats will be held by a ten (10) foot rope stretched ten (10) feet in front of stake. Contestant must dismount and remove the ribbon. Time stops when contestant crosses the timeline with the ribbon and the judge drops the flag. The timeline is at the stake.
Contestant will receive a no-time for running over the goat/holder. If horse runs over goat or rope, with or without contact, there will be a ten (10) second penalty.
Parents will be allowed in the arena during a run but must stay 30 feet behind the stake. If the parent assists the contestant in any way while behind the 30-foot line, a ten (10) second penalty will be assessed. If the parent assists in front of the 30-foot line, the contestant will receive a no-time.
GOAT TYING
Goat Tying is a timed event. Starting line will be the timer. Goat shall be staked with a rope at least 10 feet in length and goat holder must hold goat at full length of rope behind stake, until contestant passes timer. A collar will be used on goat.
Stake will be driven into ground so that none of it is visible. Goat will be held until contestant passes the timer. The contestant must be mounted and must ride from starting line to goat, dismount, throw goat by hand (if goat is down when contestant reaches it, the goat must be cleared of the ground) and tie any three (3) legs together with a string or pigging string, indicating tie is finished by a signaling of hands in air and then stand clear of goat.
Goat must remain tied for at least five (5) seconds. In the event, the goat breaks the tie, and comes loose, before the 5 second time limit is up, it will result in a no time. 3 Legs must be crossed and tied, to qualify as a legal tie. Once contestant signals his/her tie is complete, contestant may not again touch the tie or goat. If the contestant does, it will result in a no-time. Time will start when the mounted contestant crosses the starting line (timer) and will stop when flag judge signals the completion of the tie. Same flagmen will be used for the entire event.
If the goat breaks loose from stake, contestant may receive a re-run, at the judge’s discretion. A five (5) second penalty will be awarded if contestant’s horse touches the rope or goat.
CALF DUMMY ROPING
Contestants (ages 7 and under) will stand on a box that measures 2’ x 2’ and 20” tall to be placed 36” behind the rear of the dummy. Contestants (ages 8 and up) will stand behind a line drawn on the ground to be place 5’ behind the dummy while roping or they will be disqualified. The contestant will have three runs with one loop per run. Time will begin when contestant nods, contestant cannot swing loop before the nod. Time will stop when contestant pulls his/her slack.
The three times will be averaged, and a miss will be a No Time. If roper touches the ground during the run (ages 7 and under) or cross the line (ages 8 and up) it will be considered a miss. Calf’s head must look through the loop but may catch entire dummy. The hat rule will not be enforced during the dummy-roping contest. Each contestant may choose whether or not he/she wears a cowboy hat while performing in this event.