2026 · Version 7.3 · Effective March 2026
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ESC Participant Code of Conduct
183 matching sections
SP608 Division of Classes Classes may be divided by gender of the horse or rider, age of the horse or rider and/or status of the rider. If the number of entries in a class exceeds the maximum number recommended per the chart below, show man…
SP609 Showing Stallions Whether stallions may be shown will be determined by the breed and/or discipline for which they are competing.
SP610 Showing Ponies 1. Ponies may not be shown as a horse in one class and a pony in another class at the same show. 2. Ponies who are shown in a class restricted to a horse (if pony classes are offered at said show) may not be shown as a …
SP611 Hors de Concours Show Management may permit an exhibitor to show a horse Hors de Concours (unjudged). If a horse is shown Hors de Concours, that horse cannot be shown for a prize in the same ring on the same day. However, the rider of…
SP612 Managing the Schedule 1. From time to time, it may be necessary to change the schedule. It is incumbent on the manager to work with all affected exhibitors to negotiate such changes and to ensure those changes are posted and announced…
SP613 Time Outs Personal Time-Out 1. An exhibitor may request one Personal time-out during a class which may last up to five minutes to make adjustments, repair broken equipment, or replace a cast shoe. 2. To request a time-out, the exhibit…
SP614 Warm-up and Schooling Areas Shows must provide adequate warm-up and schooling areas which include the necessary equipment for scheduled classes. Such must be properly lit if exhibitors will be utilizing these areas after sunset.
SP615 Attention-Getting Devices Devices used to arouse attention from a horse (excluding proper use of a whip) are prohibited during warm-up and show sessions. Such devices include but are not limited to: laser/strobe lights, tape measures,…
SP616 Accidents, Injuries or Fatalities 1. Horse shows should develop an Accident Preparedness Plan in concert with the facility and state and local regulations. This plan should be shared with horse show officials prior to the start of com…
SP617 Workouts 1. All horses chosen for a workout must be worked both ways of the ring at each gait asked for by the Judge. This does not have to include all gaits requested during the initial class. 2. Workouts shall be judged as a new and…
SP618 Conduct Violations Conduct violations are to be addressed by the Show Commission through a unanimous decision that may include loss of ribbon, disqualification or denial of entry. Any investigations or sanctioning by the Show Commissi…
WL701 Show Safety Reporting & Suspension Policy 1. Harassment of any kind is illegal in every state and must be reported immediately by calling 911. State and federal police are the only institutions legally permitted to investigate and con…
WL702 Violation of the ESC Drug & Medication Policy Constitutes risks to animal welfare and may result in loss of ribbons, suspensions and/or fines.
WL703 Cruelty, Abuse or Inhumane Treatment of Horses Individuals at an ESC exhibition may not abuse or inhumanely treat a horse or pony. Any inhumane actions against a horse or pony may constitute elimination from the show, or other actions…
WL704 Horse Protection Act Equine Sports Council strongly encourages all participants to be knowledgeable and follow the guidelines established in the Horse Protection Act of 2025. https://equinesportscouncil.org/usda2025regulations/
