Saddlebred Show Protocol

ASB 2.0 Saddlebred Show Protocol Tack & Apparel:

Horses must be presented in traditional Tack & Apparel suitable for the type of class they are entered in. In warm-up areas, leather straps without attachments are allowed as action devices, as well as rubber/elastic devices attached to leather straps. However, chains or rollers as action devices are not allowed. Certain modifications to the horse's appearance are generally permitted, such as discreetly applied hair in the mane or tail, tail braces, and mouth controls. Quarter boots and bell boots are allowed in specific classes. Horses with sight loss in one eye may be shown with an artificial eye or contact lens. During inclement weather, polo boots or bandages may be permitted. Dress requirements may be adjusted in extreme temperatures or weather conditions. Artificial changes of color or markings, other than those to the mane or tail, are prohibited. Competitors may carry or use a whip not exceeding 6 feet in length, including the lash. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. Whips longer than 6 feet are not allowed in the warm-up area. Animal Welfare:

Horses must not display any lameness or unsoundness that impairs their performance, or suffer from respiratory issues, or complete blindness in both eyes. Shoeing:

Pads and wedges are permitted to protect the feet and limbs from the impact of the horse's natural gait and to uphold the integrity of the hoof wall. Similarly, protective hoof bands are allowed to maintain the integrity of the hoof and prevent the loss of a shoe, which could potentially cause hoof trauma. However, exceptions to this regulation apply in the English Country Pleasure, Western, and Hunter Country Pleasure sections. Tail Presentation:

Horses may be presented with their tails in a natural, unset state in any class without incurring penalties. The surgical release of the ventral sacrocaudal muscle is allowable if performed by a licensed veterinarian. No horse is allowed to participate in the American Saddlebred Division if any chemical or irritant is used to alter the horse's tail carriage. Judging and Workouts:

Horses are required to be exercised in both directions of the ring, executing all necessary gaits as directed by the judge(s). Workouts will be assessed as a separate class. Judges have the discretion to excuse unruly horses or exhibitors demonstrating inappropriate or unsafe behavior. Penalties/Elimination:

Penalties may be incurred for a variety of actions and behaviors, including mixed gaits, unbalanced action, labored movement, poor manners, and similar infractions. Horses showing signs of inhumane treatment will be disqualified from the competition. Maiden/Novice/Limit Classes:

Maiden/Novice/Limit classes are open to horses/riders/drivers who have not achieved one/three/six first place ribbons respectively in any under saddle/driving class of any breed and/or discipline. Participation in any under saddle class contributes to the Maiden/Novice/Limit status of a horse/rider in under saddle classes, but it does not impact the status of a horse/driver in driving classes. Conversely, the status for Maiden/Novice/Limit in driving classes does not affect the status for Maiden/Novice/Limit in under saddle classes. Equitation, Academy, Lead Line, and/or non-cantering classes do not impact the Maiden/Novice/Limit status of a horse or rider. Ribbons won in one-horse classes do not count. Master Classes:

Classes in this category are designated solely for amateur riders or drivers who are aged 50 years and older. These classes are evaluated based on amateur class criteria and do not include conformation judging, where horses are assessed without Tack & Apparel. Line Up:

Entries must continue in the second direction to reach the lineup. Failure to comply will result in disqualification. In classes where backing is required, either the judge(s) or ringmaster, acting under the judge's guidance, must lead the lineup. Stripping:

Refer to the show’s prize list for stripping requirements. Horses with excessively low backs face significant penalties in all stripped performance classes. Only two attendants per horse are permitted in the ring. In classes where manners are particularly crucial, such as Ladies, Juvenile Exhibitors, Amateurs, and Owners classes, riders must remount and return to the lineup before judges can submit their evaluations. Stripping at any other ESC Network show is at the show’s discretion and should be noted in the prize list. Restrictions on Attention-Getting Devices and Noisemakers:

Objects such as tape measures, blow horns, bamboo poles, explosives, fire extinguishers, baby powder, and whips exceeding 6 feet in length are strictly forbidden within and around the makeup and competition rings during scheduled competition sessions or at any times specified by Competition Management.