STATE OF MISSISSIPPI HORSE SHOW ASSOCIATION
REVISED 2008
I. INTENT
II. ASSOCIATION BY-LAWS
III. FACILITY RULES
IV. GENERAL RULES & REGULATIONS
V. AWARDS
VI. WESTERN CLASSES
VII. GAITED CLASSES
VIII. BUCKAROO
IX. REINING
X. PONIES
XI. LEADLINE
XII. TIMED EVENTS
XIII. CHALLENGED RIDING CLASS
XIV. VENDORS & SPONSORSHIPS
XV. SCHOLARSHIP
I. INTENT
1. THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI HORSE SHOW ASSOCIATION SHALL BE OPERATED IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI FOR THE PURPOSE SET FORTH IN THESE BY-LAWS AS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
2. THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THIS ASSOCIATION IS ORGANIZED IS TO PROMOTE THE WESTERN AND GAITED HORSES IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, TO ORGANIZE AND PRODUCE THE CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW, AND TO PROMOTE GOOD HORSEMANSHIP AND SPORTSMANSHIP AMONG ITS’ MEMBERS.
3. THIS ORGANIZATION SHALL BE MANAGED AND CONTROLLED BY THE OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS HEREIN SET FORTH IN THE ASSOCIATION BY-LAWS.
II. ASSOCIATION BY-LAWS
1. All events shall be governed by the rules of the State of MS Horse Show Association except that when this association has no rule, the published rules of AQHA shall govern where applicable, and all other events shall be governed in accordance with the published rules of the applicable association.
2. To join the State of Mississippi Horse Show Association, an initial fee of $200 is required. Each association is to pay an annual fee of $100 at the February meeting and the balance of $400 will be paid at the May meeting. No new association will be considered unless the membership drops below 12 associations.
3. If any association representative misses 2 consecutive meetings, a registered letter will be sent to both the director & secretary of said association. A phone call by the Chairman or Secretary of the State Horse Show will also be made. If 3 consecutive meetings are missed, the director and entire association will be disqualified from the State Show for that year only.
4. The State of Mississippi Horse Show Association will be governed by a board consisting of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Rules Chairman, Assistant Rules Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers are elected annually at the November meeting. All elected officers of the State Association must come from either current or past officers or assistant officers or directors. The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and Rules Chairman cannot hold a director’s position for that year. (Effective November 2008)
5. If a director cannot attend the director’s meeting; he/she needs to contact the Chairman and Secretary. The absent director may send someone to represent him/her. Another director may not vote for an absent director.
6. The State Secretaries and Treasurer will be paid $300 plus motel room at the State Championship Show. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Rules Chairman and Assistant Rules Chairman’s rooms will be paid during the State Show. All directors will have their lodging or hook-up expenses paid for during the state show.
7. The elected officers of the State Horse Show Association will receive $.35 cents per mile (one way) to attend the state show meetings and the state show.
8. Each association will work a designated number of events at the state show. The working order will be drawn at the May meeting.
a) A paddock master, 2 or 3 secretaries for the announcer, 2 gate men, and 2 or 3 arena workers, plus 2 persons for the office is required for each of the classes the association works. They will be responsible for 2 or 3 safety men in the classes to set up obstacles such as trail, western riding, reining, pole bending, or barrel racing.
b) Stalls are assigned by working order.
c) Directors are assigned four stalls and can buy two additional; officers are assigned two and can buy two additional. Under no circumstances are the director stalls to be sold for personal profit.
9. Each director or his appointee must be present at all times throughout the show. If a director appoints someone to take his/her place while he/she is off the show grounds, they must sign in at the office. A schedule will be made before the show starts for seven directors to be on the grounds at all times.
10. Radios will be provided for the ring steward and announcer.
11. The Board of Directors will select an "Official Photographer". This is the only person taking official photographs.
12. All meetings will begin at 7:00 PM on Friday nights, with the exception of September meeting which will begin before the championship show starts. The director’s and officer’s meetings will be held in November, February, May, July, & September.
13. After these rules are approved each year by the State Board of Directors, they cannot be changed or altered in any fashion without 2/3 majority of the board in favor of the change.
14. Pleasure & Timed Events will be held on a rotating basis each year. In 2007, timed events began the show and the pleasure events ended the show.
15. Within a 14 day time period of the end of the show, a complete list of winners will be posted on the website and mailed to each director.
III. FACILITY RULES
1. A negative Coggins test is required for each horse entering the show grounds. Each association is responsible for determining that each horse they send to the state show has a negative Coggins test.
2. No dogs are allowed in the Equine Center. All dogs on the show grounds must be kept on a leash.
3. Horses are to be washed in designated wash areas only.
4. All 4 wheelers and scooters are banned from the show grounds. No bicycles are to be around the arena area or stall barns. Golf carts are to be driven only by licensed drivers.
5. The fairground facility requires 24 hour security in which ½ is paid by the fairgrounds and the remaining ½ is paid by the championship show.
6. The fairground facility requires insurance for any shows held at the equine center. This expense is paid by the championship show.
7. Every horse must have a stall or pay a $5 grounds fee. There will be no horses tied out overnight.
IV. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. No alcohol on premises.
2. No hearing devices (other than hearing aids) may be used during the show unless prior approval by the State Board of Directors.
3. The annual championship show will consist of both qualifying and open events.
4. Pattern books will be available for $2.00.
5. A set of 2 numbers will be given to each individual to be displayed on each side of saddle blanket or back. One set of numbers is to be assigned to each rider.
6. Once an entry is turned in, no refunds will be made. In order to have all entries published in the program book, all entries must be in the hands of the Show Secretary no later than the date decided on at the July meeting. Any association that has not paid all fees by show time will not be allowed to show.
7. "Open Classes" – In open classes, each association may send as many contestants as they wish. You must show in 3 association shows (or to 3 judges) in the association which you represent at State to be able to show in the open classes at the State Show. The timed event people must compete against 3 separate clocks in the association in which you represent at the State show to be able to show in the open classes at the State show. Each association will pay $7 for each open entry.
8. In "Qualifying Classes" each association may send seven entries with 2 alternates listed in the event one of the first seven is unable to attend. Each association determines their own rules for the selection of the seven entries. You must show in the qualifying classes in 3 association shows (or to 3 judges) in the association which you represent at State to be able to show in the qualifying classes at the State Show. The timed event people must compete against 3 separate clocks in the association in which you represent at the State show to be able to show in the qualifying classes at the State show. Each association will pay $2 extra for each qualifying entry in addition to the $500 guaranteed money paid.
9. All entries will be entered on forms furnished to each association secretary. No late entries or submissions are allowed in any class after the entries are turned in to the state show secretary. In the event of an error by the Association secretary, the State Show secretary or assistant show secretary, this issue will be reviewed by the Rules Committee.
10. There will be one horse/one rider in all events. No person may show two horses in the same event, except the 4-D Barrel Class. The horse/rider signed up is the only ones allowed to show. Violators will be disqualified and banned from the rest of the show for that year.
11. The announcers (4) will be furnished for the show. The announcers will alternate as assigned by the show office.
12. Poor sportsmanship, fighting, foul language, and unruly conduct on the show grounds by a spectator or exhibitor will result in disqualification and removal from the show grounds for the entire show.
13. Protests must be in writing and filed with the show secretary before the winners are called out in the class. For a protest to be considered valid, there must be evidence of a rule violation. Problems other than a rules violation can be appealed to the Board of Directors. Forms for protest are available in the show office. A fee of $100 cash must be paid at the time of protest. The fee will be refunded only if the protest is honored and ruled in favor of the person protesting.
14. A. At the State of Mississippi Championship Show, a horse cannot represent more than one State of MS Horse Show Association. If a rider does use a horse in this manner, the horse and riders will be disqualified for the remainder of the show. B. No horse or rider can represent more than one State of Mississippi Horse Show Association at the State Championship Show.
15. Parking spaces and hook-ups will be reserved around the director barn and warm up arena for officers and directors only. This barn will be for the officers and directors only.
16. The qualifying entry (not open entry) will be given a medallion.
17. A committee, appointed by the State Chairman, will be in charge of contacting the judges. This committee will present the judge’s credentials and fees to the Board of Directors for approval. They will then let the State Chairman know to write contracts & confirmation letters. There are to be 2 western judges, both judging at the same time and 1 ringmaster. They have to stand at opposite ends of the arena. (No husband/wife teams).
18. No lunging of horses will be allowed in the Equine Building during practice time. Practice time will be from 5 – 7 in the morning.
19. Equipment used during the show must be approved by the State Show Board of Directors. (Phones, clocks, scoreboards, barrels, poles, etc)
20. No one can serve as Ring Master if they will be showing under that judge. The ring steward will not show the program book or any other papers with names and numbers of contestants on it to the judges at any time.
21. All stalls are $40.00 each with 2 bags of shavings per stall; this price is for 1 night or all week.
22. No stalls will be available until 12:00 PM on Wednesday. If anyone is found in violation of the stall rule, the association the horse is from will be fined $50 per horse per day. This does not apply to working Officers and Directors.
23. All classes will be worked with a maximum of 25 horses per cut. A working order is posted in the program book. Riders will ride in their posted cut, except when he/she is in the work off for the previous class and in the first cut of the next class. The Chairman and Secretary of the State Show have to be notified of possible conflicts ahead of time. If an exhibitor misses their cut for any reason other than this, they will not be allowed to ride in another cut. Any class with 25 or less entries will ride as one cut.
24. There will be no music or unnecessary talking. Spectators should be reminded to stay off fence rails. Spectators will not be allowed in the arena entrance and exit area.
25. All classes with 12 & under exhibitors will have four safety personnel in the ring at all times. No one with a child in the class can be a safety person for that class.
26. ¼ inch rubber bands and magic seats may be used.
V. AWARDS
1. Hi-Point awards will be given in the following categories: Pony Judged, Pony Speed, 12 & Under Judged, 12 & Under Speed, 13 – 17 Judged, 13 – 17 Speed, 18 & Over Judged, 18 & Over Speed, Gaited 17 & Under, Gaited 18 & Over.
2. Pony Buckaroo, Big Horse Buckaroo, Beginner Barrels, & Jackpot Barrels will not be included in figuring hi-points.
3. Points will be awarded on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. In the event of a tie, the following rules will be used to break the tie.
a) Hi-point will go to the person, not the horse.
b) The rider who showed one horse will be considered over the rider who accumulated points on more than one horse.
c) The rider who won over the greatest number of horses.
d) The rider must have shown in three or more classes.
4. Pony hi-points will be figured on pony events. Pony classes will not be counted on for the 12 & under hi-points. Pony riders must show in two events in order to qualify for a hi-point award.
VI. WESTERN CLASSES
1. Attire as follows in western pleasure class: Hat, western boots (pointed toe or rounded, shiny or rough finish) western saddle, long sleeve shirt with collar (can be a slinky for girls or women). Vests, chaps, spurs (western), jackets or gloves are optional.
2. Open Western Pleasure will be called the Melvin Pearson Memorial Western Pleasure Class for the next 10 years, beginning in 2001. This is in honor of a man who worked hard for this association and supported it for many years.
3. Men’s Western Pleasure will be called the G.A. Liles Memorial Men’s Western Pleasure for the next 10 years, beginning in 2008. This is in honor of a man who worked hard for this association and supported it for many years.
4. AQHA rules apply to all western pleasure classes.
VII. GAITED CLASSES
1. There will be a one judge system used.
2. All classes will be worked with a maximum of 18 horses per cut. The working order is posted in the program book. Riders will ride in their posted cut. If they miss their cut, they will not be allowed to ride in another cut. Any class with 18 or less entries will be ridden as one cut.
3. Tack must be either western or English style. No combination of these styles will be allowed in the gaited classes.
4. Gaited horses will not be asked to back. Except western saddle trail class.
5. In gaited classes, one or two hands on the reins are optional, but may not be changed after the class has begun.
6. Gaited classes – 6 ounce chains may be used but no boots only on padded horses. Classes will be designated as Open Flat Shod, Open Padded, and Open Gaited (Pads or Flat Shod) except for Saddle Trail.
GAITED (ENGLISH)
1. Cut back English style saddle. Plain breast strap may be used.
2. Single rein bridles and bits are to be used. The reins may be either smooth leather or laced leather but not long and hanging like western reins. Rhinestone brow bands are allowed.
3. Attire should be a saddle suit. Shirt worn under coat may either be sleeveless, short sleeve, or long sleeve. Coat length should be from fingertip to mid calf. Pants should have tie downs or underpass. Pants should also be made of suitable suiting fabric. No overalls. Jeans may be worn but must be new black jeans. No faded black jeans. Slinkies may be worn by the ladies or girls but must be worn under a coat.
4. Boots may either be English style or western boots.
5. Riding whips may be used and are not to exceed 48" in length.
6. Spurs are optional, but if worn must be English style.
7. Hats may be Hamburg’s top hats, derby, snap brim or helmets. These are optional for ladies.
8. The length of the bits being used should not exceed 10" from the top of the ring that attaches to the bridle to the ring attaching to the reins.
9. Braids on the horse should be attached neatly at the forelock (may be tied to caveson at top of head) and mane.
GAITED (WESTERN)
10. Western tack including saddle. Single rein bridles may not be laced but must be western style. Breast straps are optional.
11. Rider may ride either one handed or two handed, but rider must not switch from one to the other during the class.
12. Walking horse bits (as discussed under English) are allowed.
13. Attire must be Western in styling with long sleeves and collars which also includes bands, standup or tuxedo. Western style hats are to be worn. Hats are optional for ladies.
14. If spurs are worn, they must be western style.
15. Saddle Trail Class was voted in on a permanent basis. Rules: regular keg shoes, no plantation shoes, and no pads. Walk, trail gait, and back required. The rules under Gaited (western) apply.
VIII. BUCKAROO
1. Buckaroo contestants will be split into two divisions – Pony & Big Horse.
2. Contestants will not be required to take feet out of stirrups.
3. Ponies and horses will not be required to back and no lope is allowed.
4. The age limit will be nine (9) years and under.
5. There will be no more than 25 riders per cut.
6. There will be four (4) safety people in the arena at all times. No one who has a child in that class is allowed in the arena to be safety personnel.
IX. REINING
1. Will be 17 & under and 18 & over (not qualifying classes).
2. Pattern will be left to the discretion of the judges.
3. Pattern will be posted as soon as available.
X. PONIES
1. Maximum height for ponies is 52".
2. Ponies will be measured at the State show. They will be measured from the withers to the ground (including shoes). Each association will be responsible for measuring their own ponies and providing these measurements to the State Show secretary.
3. There will be four (4) safety people in the ring at all times. No one having a family member in the class may be safety personnel.
XI. LEADLINE
1. This class is for exhibitors who are 6 years and under. The leader must be 15 years and older. No stallions are allowed to be ridden.
2. The class will enter the ring at a flat footed walk, turning to the right and proceeding in a counterclockwise direction on the rail. The class will be worked at a walk, both directions of the ring.
3. The rider will be judged on his/her basic position in the saddle (hand position, seat position, and back position). Contestants riding a gaited horse may use one or two hands but cannot switch during the class. A Western horse must use a legal Western show bit. A lead must be held by the person leading the horse. The rider may wear Western or English in this class, but the saddle must match the rider. The rider’s feet must be in the stirrups.
4. There must be four (4) safety people in the arena. They shall not be family members of contestants in the arena.
5. Attire (Western) – western hat, long sleeve shirt, cowboy boots, western saddle and any legal western bit. Spurs, chaps, vests, jackets, or gloves are optional.
6. Attire (English) – English hat, pants, boots, coat, English saddle & bridle. Either hunt seat or saddle seat attire.
7. No contestant in the Lead Line class will be allowed to be tied, buckled, or fastened in the saddle in any manner.
XII. TIMED EVENTS
1. All timed events classes will be set up with 2 holding pens in the arena. The five contestants that are running and the next 5 up. One handler per child (17 & under) will be allowed in the holding pen. No spectators lining the fence. There will be a drag at the start of each class and after every 10 riders.
2. No hats or caps may be worn in timed events. Shirts are to be tucked in and sleeves rolled down. Safety helmets only will be allowed and must fit properly. In the event a safety helmet comes off or a hat or cap is worn, the run will be disqualified.
3. ¼ inch rubber bands or a magic seat may be used.
4. Running order for speed events will be on rotation basis – working order is posted in the program book.
5. The barrels to be used in the barrel classes will be plastic. First and second barrel will be set 28’ from the clocks and 21’ from the fence. The third barrel will be set 116’ from the timer line or at the discretion of the Rules Committee.
6. The quad pattern will be set up as follows: 30’ between center poles 15’ each way of center of area. The 4 corner poles will be set 63’ from the center of the center poles and 21’ from the fence. Only people with proper authority are to set up patterns. Patterns are changeable if the Board deems necessary.
7. A contestant will be called by the announcer by his/her number only.
8. A contestant must ride within his/her association’s working order.
9. A contestant will be disqualified if they run out of order or before the announcer calls his/her number, unless due to announcer error. They will not be given a re-ride. They will also be disqualified if anyone assisting them enters the arena. Only working officials will be allowed inside the arena.
10. All timed events will be run with a closed gate.
11. Each speed event rider will have one (1) minute to start after his/her number has been called by the announcer. The number may be called no more than 3 times. The rider may have assistance in the run out area during this time.
12. Any excess unsportsmanlike conduct such as reaching out with hand to knock extra poles or barrels over because horse has run badly or deliberately running horse into gate or beating horse in the head with whip will result in disqualification for the rest of the show.
13. Should the clock stop or some other malfunction, the rider will get up to two (2) reruns. However if he/she has a clean run on the first rerun, that time will stand and he/she may not take a second re-ride. The rider will be told immediately if the clock malfunctions so that the rider may save his/her horse for the rerun or reruns. Reruns will run within their association.
14. If horse and rider break the pattern in any way before the clock malfunctions, there will be no rerun.
15. In case of a tie, the riders must come within two seconds of the previous time. Ties are to be run off. It is the rider’s responsibility to be present for the run off. Ties will be announced.
16. Any rider knocking over a barrel or pole will be penalized five seconds. The rider is permitted to "touch" or "set up" a barrel or pole.
17. No speed event rider or reining rider will be allowed in the arena before their class starts unless there is a break in the show.
18. The arena race will be run with one barrel in the end of the arena. The arena race will be set up as follows: one barrel will be placed 116’ from the timer line and in the center of the arena. A five second penalty will be added for knocking over a barrel.
19. If a contestant rides in the beginner barrels, he/she can not ride in any other timed event.
20. 4 – D Barrel Rules will apply to the 4-D Barrel Class.
XIII. CHALLENGED RIDING CLASS
1. Handicapped riders are not required to wear boots. Each rider is to have two safety people and one person leading the horse. The safety people are to be on each side of the horse and must remain beside the horse at all times while in the show arena. They are to be close enough to reach the rider at all times, but does not have to hold onto the rider unless needed. This is mandatory. These safety people are to be at least 18 years of age. Safety helmets are to be worn by each contestant. There is no other dress code for this class.
XIV. VENDORS & SPONSORSHIPS
1. The cost of ads in the show program book will be as follows:
a. $100 for full page
b. $60 for ½ page
c. $30 for ¼ page
d. $15 for business cards
2. Vendor and tack trailers will be parked in designated areas. These trailers may use electrical hook-ups for the purpose of their business. Vendors inside and outside will be charged $150 for their booth space.
3. $150 for class sponsors – This includes full page ad, name in program book, announced at the beginning of the class and upon presentation of awards, and can provide a banner. The banner must be received by noon on Wednesday.
XV. SCHOLARSHIP
State of Mississippi Horse Show Association Scholarship Requirements:
1. The applicant must fill out a scholarship application.
2. The applicant must be a senior in high school or graduate the year the scholarships are awarded.
3. Applicant’s most recent high school transcript, with most recent cumulative GPA (2.5 or better) must be attached to the application.
4. National test scores. (ACT / SAT)
5. A letter of recommendation from high school principal/counselor/home school administrator.
6. A letter from his/her association director.
7. A recent photograph.
8. An essay from the applicant expressing how their participation in the association has helped them, and what horses mean to them.
9. Must participate in association shows and the state show 2 years out of the 4 years of high school.
10. A $500 scholarship will be awarded to each recipient’s college of choice. (Up to two scholarships will be awarded).
11. All paper work must be in by May 1st of each year. The winners will be announced at the July meeting of each year.