SCHEDULE AND CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

( VHSA rated classes in bold green italics )

( Last Class of Hunter Divisions will be on the Flat )

 ( see SHSA bylaws and VHSA rules for additional information )

SHOW BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 8:30 AM

1,2,3:  Open/Working Hunter – Open to horses & ponies. Fences 2', 2'6" or 3'0" (rider’s choice).

4,5,6:  Green Hunter Horse - Open to horses in their first or second year showing over fences. Fences 2', 2'6" or 3'0" (VHSA min. 2'6")

7,8,9:  Green Hunter Pony - Open to ponies in their first year of showing over fences. Fences 2' (Small), 2'3" (Med) and 2'6" (Large).

10,11,12:   Pony Hunter – Open to 14.2 hands and under. Juniors only. Fences 2' (Small), 2'3" (Med) and 2'6" (Large).

13: SHSA/VHSA Equitation - Open to all riders.  Only the rider is judged, based on correct position and ability. Fences 2' or 2'6" (VHSA 2' for Small Ponies, 2'3" for Medium Ponies, and 2'6" for Large Ponies and Horses). Equitation tests may be asked.

14,15,16:  Junior/Children’s Hunter - Open to riders 17 and under. Horses only. Fences 2'6" or 3'0" (rider’s choice).

17,18,19:  Amateur Adult Hunter - Open to adult amateur riders. Horses only.  Fences 2'6" or 3'0" (rider’s choice).

20,21,22:  Baby Green Hunter - Open to horses and ponies in their first year of showing over fences. May trot or canter. Fences 18", 2' or 2'6".

23,24,25:  Novice Equitation Over Fences – Open to riders in their second year of showing over fences. Simple changes not penalized. Fences 2'. Equitation tests may be asked.

** 20 Minute Schooling Break **

26,27,28:  Hunter Pleasure - Open to horses and ponies ridden in proper hunter attire and tack. First class Walk/Trot, middle class Go As You Please, third class Walk/Trot/Canter.

29,30,31:  Beginner Equitation Over Fences – Open to riders in their first year of showing over fences.  May trot or canter a simplified course of 4 fences, no higher than 18". Flat class is walk/trot only. May not cross enter into any over fences class.

32,33,34:  Short Stirrup Hunter - Open to horses & ponies ridden by children 12 & under.  First two classes over 18” fences, third class is Walk/Trot/ Canter.  Short Stirrup riders, horses & ponies may not cross enter into any other VHSA Associate division except Hunter Pleasure.

** LUNCH BREAK **

(Concessions will be Available)

START NOT BEFORE NOON

 (Call 757-653-7817 on day of show to confirm estimated start time)

35,36:  All Breed Conformation - Judged closest to the standard of the breed represented while still maintaining correct conformation.

37:  Model Hunter in Hand - Judged on way of going, conformation, and suitability to become or produce a hunter. Shown in simple snaffle bridle ONLY.

38:  Open Showmanship - Shown in a halter (Western) or bridle (English/Hunter). Judged pattern in hand. Judged on grooming, attire, fitness and performance.

39:  Lead Line –

40,41,42:  Maiden Walk-Trot Equitation - Open to riders 9 years and younger who have not won a year end award in this division. Walk/Trot only. Rider may cross enter into Beginner Pleasure and Beginner Equitation Over Fences only.

43,44,45:  Walk-Trot Equitation - Open to riders 10 years old and older in their 1st or 2nd year of showing who have not won a year end award in this division. Rider may cross enter into Beginner Pleasure and Beginner Equitation Over Fences only.

46,47,48:  Beginner Pleasure - Open to riders in their first or second  year of showing or who are eligible to compete in Maiden Walk/Trot or Walk/Trot Equitation. All classes are Walk/Trot only. Rider may only cross enter into Maiden Walk/Trot or Walk/Trot Equitation, and Beginner Equitation Over Fences.

49,50,51:  Green Pleasure – Open to horses in their first or second year of showing. First and third classes are Walk/Trot(jog) with a mandatory canter(lope) in the middle class.

52,53,54:  Open Walk/Trot (30 & Over) - Open to riders 30 years and older and to all disciplines. Judged at a walk, trot (jog). Judged according to the standards of the discipline exhibited.

55,56,57:  Open Walk/Trot Pleasure - Open to all riders and disciplines. To be judged at a walk and trot (jog) only. To be judged according to the standards of the discipline exhibited.

58:  Suitability for Dressage - Open to horses that have not competed in a Dressage Test above First Level. To be judged in a way to confirm that the horse has had proper basic dressage training.

59:  Novice Equitation - Open to riders in their first year of showing at the canter. Tests may be asked.

60,61,62:  Novice Pleasure - Open to riders in their first year of cantering. First and third classes are Walk/Trot/Canter. Middle class is Go As You Please.

63:  Adult Equitation - Open to all riders 18 years and older. Walk/Trot/Canter. Tests may be asked.
64,65,66:  Adult Pleasure - Open to all riders 18 years and older. First and third classes are Walk/Trot/Canter. Middle class is Go As You Please.

67:  Junior Equitation - Open to all riders 17 years and younger. Walk/Trot/Canter. Tests may be asked.

68,69,70:  Junior Pleasure - Open to all riders 17 years and younger. First and third classes are Walk/Trot/Canter. Middle class is Go As You Please.

GENERAL RULES

·    Show will be held based on the number of pre-entries received by 5 p.m. Thursday September 9 and in consideration of weather conditions.  Status of show will be posted at the SHSA website.  Schedule will be revised based on the classes that fill.

·    A negative Coggins test performed within the past 12 months must be presented upon entry to the premises.

·    ALL RIDERS must wear an ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet, properly fitted and secured, while mounted.

·    Management reserves the right to refuse entries, combine/separate/cancel classes, and determine order of entry to the arena.  All decisions are final.

·    Children’s and Amateur Adult Hunter may be combined if either division does not have sufficient entries.

·    Stallions permitted in conformation classes with adult handlers only.

·    The judge’s decisions are final.

·    Entry Fees: $10.00 per class ($9.00 per class if pre-entered at least 48 hours prior to show via SHSA website at www.shsava.org

·    Day Stalls:  Available day of show for $25/stall.  Call 757-569-7530 before day of show to confirm availability and reserve space.

·    River Birch Farm is a smoke-free establishment.

·    The consumption of drugs and/or alcohol on the premises is strictly prohibited. 

·    Dogs are not allowed anywhere on the premises.

·    Participants and spectators realize and accept the inherent risk of equine activities.  Pursuant to Va. Code Ann. 3.2-6200 through 3.2-6203, River Birch Farm, SHSA, VHSA and show management will not be responsible for any loss or damage that occurs. As a condition of entry, each participant and spectator shall hold River Birch Farm, SHSA, VHSA and show management harmless for any loss, accident, sickness and/or injury to him/her and/or horse, pony or equipment regardless of cause.