CHSA- Connecticut Horse Shows Association

POINT OF CLARIFICATION REGARDING FENCE HEIGHTS AND DIVISION ELIGIBILITY

There has been some confusion lately regarding eligibility in certain divisions and fence heights.

The Points Chairman must go by the prize list specifications or the rules as stated in the rule book.  

The biggest confusion seems to be with the Open Hunt Seat Equitation over Fences classes and their respective heights.   The 15-17 age group in the rule book states that fences are not to exceed 3’6” then unless otherwise stated in the prize list – it is presumed that the class was run at 3’6” at that show.  If the prize list states that the 15-17 class will be run at 3’3” then that is the height recorded by the Points Person regardless of any height adjustments made by Management at the show.

There are many cases where Managers, in their effort to be user-friendly on show day, will  lower the fence height for a specific class so that persons of lesser ability can compete and thereby  “fill” that class.  This unfortunately happens most often when Open Equitation classes for Under 12, 12-14 and 15-17 riders are combined for lack of sufficient entries in any one section.  When these classes are combined on show day, the proper procedure is for all riders to jump the same course (if it includes under 12 – that means no combination) AT THE APPROPRIATE HEIGHT for their age group.

However, BEWARE – even if the fences are a foot lower on show day, it is still must be assumed by the Points Person to have run at the printed height in the prize list – or –in the absence of any height listing in the prize list - the height listed in the rule book.  Entering a class that is above your height limitation in the rule book will result in disqualification from your division from that show forward.

It is not OK to enter a class (even as a” filler”) where the class specifications as stated in the prize list (or absent that, as stated in the rule book) may jeopardize your eligibility simply because Management states  the class was run at a lower height than what the prize list or rule book states.

Reminders:  Short Stirrup riders may not jump over 18”, Pre-Children’s riders cannot jump over fences exceeding 2’6” and Children’s Equitation riders cannot jump over fences exceeding 3’. 

When in doubt, always check with the Show Steward regarding the rules.

 

Pre-Children's Equitation Rule Change

The following Pre Children's Equitation rule change was voted on and approved at the CHSA Board Meeting on April 8, 2008. It is now in effect.

PRE CHILDREN'S EQUITATION DIVISION

Open to junior riders who are eligible for Limit Equitation over fences as of December 1 of the current show year and have never shown over fences exceeding 2'6" at a recognized horse show. Riders may show horses or ponies. Fence height 2'0". At the same show, riders may not cross enter into Children's Equitation, Children's Pony Hunter, Pony Hunters, any Medal Classes that exceed 2' or any class where fences exceed 2'6". No combinations permitted.

Note: With this change a rider may not enter Pre Childrens' Equitation and the CHSA Children's Medal at the same show.

CHSA Rules Changes

The CHSA Board of Directors met on November 15, 2007 and approved many rule changes.  A few highlights include:

Pre-Children's Equitation is now a year end award eligible division.

Open to junior riders who are eligible for Limit Equitation over fences as of December 1 of the current show year and have never shown over fences exceeding 2’6” at a recognized hose show.  Fence height 2’.0”. At the same show riders may not cross enter into Children's Equitation, Children's Hunter Pony, Pony Hunters or any class where fences exceed 2'6"." No combinations.

Changes to Year-End Awards for 2008 Season:

X.E. Year-End Awards (p. 26) 
3.    There will be placings to eighth in all divisions.
4.    To be eligible for year-end awards horses or riders must have earned a minimum of 50 points and must compete in at least five shows during the show season, or at least 50% of the shows offering their classes.

IN ORDER FOR POINTS TO COUNT, MEMBERS AND HORSES/PONIES MUST SHOW UNDER THEIR REGISTERED NAMES.

Lifetime Horse or Pony Membership:
Lifetime Horse or Pony Membership:  An owner may nominate his horse or pony for Lifetime Membership for the fee of $100.  Should the horse or pony be sold or transferred to a new owner, in order for the points to count, the new owner must be a CHSA member and apply for transferal with a registration fee.

Please view all the new rule changes including several new and changed rules for Show Managers.

Rules and Regulations

The CHSA Board of Directors met April 10, 2007 and approved the following rule change:

Page 46:
Open Hunt Seat Equitation 12-14 Fences.  Fences not to exceed 3' .  Change of direction, one combination including an oxer required.  Optional USEF tests 1-7.
The rule changes in bold print.  The rationale for this change is to keep this age section in concert with our Open Hunter Seat Under 15 Fences, as well as the requirements of NEHC, CHJA and ultimately USEF, whose test number 6 includes jumping up to 3' at trot or canter. 

CHSA Bits & Pieces

The CHSA Board Of Directors approved the following rule changes at its recent meeting:

MODIFIED ADULT AMATEUR EQUITATION (REVISION -  effective 2/1/07)                         
Open to adult amateur riders who, as of Dec 1 of the current show year, have not won six blue ribbons at USEF, CHJA or CHSA recognized shows in Adult Equitation classes, excluding Modified Adult classes.  For amateurs who have won six blue ribbons, they are eligible for Modified Adult Equitation if, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, they have not shown in classes with fences 3’ or higher at more than three recognized horse shows within the past two show years.  Fences not to exceed 2’6”.  Riders in this division cannot show in any other recognized classes at the same show where fences exceed 2’6”.  Optional USEF tests 1-7.

Short Stirrup Equitation: Judged at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring. May
be asked to halt and back. No more than eight to canter at one time. (Page 45 of the CHSA Rule Book)

Hunt Seat Equitation Divisions - i.e. Short Stirrup Eq, Children's Eq., Junior Eq. etc.  In the CHSA 2006 rule book on page 45. Therefore, under the heading Specifications:  New first sentence:
" A hunt seat equitation division consists of 3 or more classes.  There must be at least two classes over fences and one on the flat.  To calculate equitation division championships in the event of a tie:  the rider with the most points over fences will become the champion, the other, reserve.  If after this calculation, there are an equal number of points over fences, the riders will remain tied."  Then delete "Championship is determined on points accumulated in each division." Continue to "Riders must remain on the same.......".    to end.

If you have any questions or comments please email: chsa@chsaonline.com

New CHSA Darkness Rule

The CHSA Board of Directors met on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, and It has come to our attention that some shows are running into the evening hours due to the popularity of some classes and divisions.  Therefore, in consideration of the safety of our CHSA membership (horses and riders) the following rule regarding outdoor shows that extend into the evening hours is as follows:

As of September 15, 2006, CHSA requires that no later than one half hour past the official hour of sunset all performance classes must be concluded unless there is artificial lighting that assures full and complete visibility comparable to daylight clarity.

No show may hold classes for more than 12 hours unless proper lighting is available for show rings and schooling areas.  This mean that horses may not be exhibited in the show ring or schooled in the designated warm-up areas unless lighting is provided that assures full and complete visibility comparable to daylight clarity.

Non-compliance will result in the following:
    No CHSA recognition of any classes after 1/2 hour past sundown
    A fine of $250.00

Further violations will result in additional penalties.

If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to contact a CHSA Board Member or email chsa@chsaonline.com.

Dogs at Horse Shows - New Rule

It is now a USEF rule (and penalties may be leveled) that dogs are not allowed to be loose on the grounds at a horse show.  They must be contained or on a leash.  (GR 3301.6)

As of January 16, 2006, it is a USEF rule that dogs are not permitted to be loose on horse shows grounds. They must be contained, or on a leash. And, you may not lead a dog while you are riding on your horse at any time. There will be a penalty imposed if the rule is not followed as well as the issuance of warning cards.  In addition, some shows' insurance companies are now not allowing dogs (other than those owned by management) on their property during a horse show.  As CHSA is affiliated with USEF, we follow their rules, even though the show you are attending may not be USEF recognized.

CHSA Rule Changes

In November 2005, the Board of Directors made the following change to the point system for CHSA Annual Awards.  These changes will replace Rule X C. on page 25 of the current rule book. As of the beginning of the show year - December 1, 2005, the point system for year-end awards was changed to be in sync with other equine organizations.  All classes were to be pointed as follows:

• 1st = 10 points
• 2nd = 6 points
• 3rd = 4 points
• 4th = 2 points
• 5th = 1 point
• 6th = ½ point

Championships and Reserves awarded on points accrued in divisions will additionally receive: Championship = 10 points and Reserve = 6 points

At the meeting on January 10, 2006 the Board of Directors passed the following rule modification which will go into effect immediately:  “Performed Championship" classes (ridden or driven) will have the following points awarded:

• Champion = 12 points
• Reserve =     10  points

then the numbering resumes as in regular classes

• Third =         4    points
• Fourth =        2   points
• Fifth =           1   point 
• Sixth =         ½    point

Cynthia Jensen, President CHSA

New Hemlet Rule Effective December 1, 2005

Effective December 1, 2005, The US Equestrian Federation, of which CHSA is affiliated, has announced new rules regarding helmets.  All riders must wear helmets that meet or exceed ASTM/SEI standards, regardless of age or status.  As an affiliated association of the USEF, we follow their rules and our approved horse shows must also follow suit.

The Official Word from USEF:
We would like to provide you with some information regarding the USEF requirements of GR318.2 and 318.3 effective for competitions with a start date of December 1, 2005 and later.

The rule will read as follows:  

GR318. Dress.
"2. It is compulsory for riders in all Hunter, Jumper and Hunt Seat Equitation classes, and Paso Fino classes, both open and breed restricted including Hunter Hack, where jumping is required and when jumping anywhere on the competition grounds to wear properly fastened protective headgear which meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. It must be properly fitted with harness secured. A Show Committee must bar riders without protective headgear from entering the ring for classes in which protective headgear is required and may bar any entry or person from entering the ring if not suitably presented to appear before an audience. 3. Except as may otherwise be mandated by local law, all juniors riding in Hunter, Jumper and Hunter Seat Equitation sections, and all sub-juniors riding in the Paso Fino division, while riding anywhere on the competition grounds, must wear properly fitting protective headgear which meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)/SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) standards for equestrian use and carries the SEI tag. Harness must be secured and properly fitted. Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place."   

To check out the current manufacturers and models of headgear available which meet the ASTM/SEI standard, please go to the SEI web site at the following link www.seinet.org/CPL/astm1163_04a.htm. Please note that CHSA or USEF does not endorse any particular model or brand of headgear.

CHSA Bits & Pieces

CHSA Point Changes (Voted at the Board Meeting 11/08/05)

In order eliminate confusion between CHSA and other organizations, starting on December 1, 2005,  for the 2006 Show Season, the CHSA point system for Year End Awards will change. 

All points toward Year Awards will be calculated as follows:

1st = 10 points
2nd = 6 points
3rd = 4 points
4th = 2 points
5th = 1 point
6th = ½ point (.5). 

This includes all Championship and Reserve placings regardless of whether performed or awarded on points accumulated.  The method of multiplying points will remain the same (see pp. 23-25 of the Rule Book).

If you have any questions or comments - email chsa@chsaonline.com