Competing horses in HF is the most active part of the game. Many members and establishments hold monthly, or sometimes weekly, events. Some establishments even have their own showing system for registered horses. Below are the main points, rules, and hints to showing horses successfully in HF.
General Rules
- All events must be posted on the Awaiting Approval Forum.
- Please use this guideline for your posted shows.
- Shows using the rollover entry option must post an (R) at the end of their show name in the subject line. Read more about that in our guidelines here.
- Events must be scheduled at least one week in advance of the closing date for entries, but preferably sooner.
- Reserved event dates MUST be held to that date. If you cannot get the results finished on time, please post a notice that the results are postponed until further notice. Please have the results out within two weeks of the original date.
- You are allowed to backdate a show up to a month behind. If you have missed prior shows (IE association shows) due to life circumstances, please contact an officer to discuss the situation and running the missed shows. Your association should be active and not be several months behind, and member’s entries have been skipped due to this problem. Therefore we no longer allow more than a month of backdating.
- Results to an event must be posted on the Event Results Forum.
- Members MUST post a list of the association points and monetary payouts for each class/race with EACH show result. If it’s a standard HF show, reference that standard HF points apply must also be visible. Remember, it’s wise to make results as easy as possible for your association members.
- No equitation or showmanship classes (unless riders are absolutely required).
- Realistic classes only.
Racing, Steeplechasing, and Endurance
- Race horses, endurance horses, and steeplechasers of all racing breeds and on all track types get double points, and they may not show under saddle during their racing career. Race horses may compete in halter classes and specific classes for racers, but no others.
- Only two races per horse per month. All like-breed/like-race race days should be at least a week apart, though this is no longer mandatory.
- Due to racing restrictions in scheduling, if you have reserved a race date you MUST STICK TO IT. If you absolutely have to reschedule, please make sure you allow a week at the least for entries, and a week before or after for any other like-breed races.
Picture Shows
If you are holding a picture show, it must be judged by a total of at least three members. Halter classes are to be judged on conformation, type, movement, and show. Performance classes are to be judged on the horse’s movement under saddle and conformation. Futurity classes are to be judged on conformation, type, movement, and show. Liberty classes are to be judged on movement and conformation.
Breed Nationals or World Shows
Every breed association/registry must have a way to qualify for its National/World Show. Every breed association/registry must hold one show at least every other month, preferably more often.
Sport Horse Classes
Sport Horse In-Hand is to be judged on the horse’s suitability for Dressage, Jumping, and/or Hunter, conformation, movement and type. Sport Horse Under Saddle is to be judged on the horse’s soundness under saddle and its suitability as a Sport Horse.
Entering An Event
Members may enter as many horses as they please, but must follow each individual event’s rules for how many horses are allowed per class. The way to enter the event must be described in the event rules. Please do not overrun a class with your entries so that no other members have a chance at placing.
Competing Your Horses
- Horses may start competing as weanlings in halter or with their sire/dam in a Get of Sire/Produce of Dam class.
- Horses may not compete under saddle until they are three years of age. EXCEPTION: Some breed competitions may offer two year old futurities (e.g. stock horses, Thoroughbred racehorses).
- Futurity Performance classes have ages determined by each association/registry.
- Junior Horse Performance classes are for usually only horses three to five years old, this is subject to the association’s discretion.
- Open classes are for horses over four years of age.
- Thoroughbreds and Stock horses may begin racing as two year olds. Arabians may begin racing as three year olds.
- Endurance horses may begin racing at four years old.
- Generally a horse will show in no more than four under saddle classes. Show holders should specify their requirements.
- Horses should show in disciplines that are acceptable cross entry. For example, a Level Four dressage horse may also show in Sport Horse Show Hack, but it will not be also showing in Working Hunter, Reined Cow Horse, and Pleasure Driving.
- Horses may enter ONE event per day.
- Mares in foal may not compete in under saddle or driving classes. Halter, in-hand, and liberty classes are permitted.
Competing Guidelines
HF is very realistic, and therefore we take members who overshow their horses very seriously. If caught overshowing, a member will be held responsible. If you need help with what is/is not consider overshowing, please post on the Forum. We will all be more than happy to help you out. You may also visit this handy class description list at the HFAHA.