COLOR COUNTRY EQUESTRIAN CLUB

AGE: The age of an individual or horse on Jan. 1st is maintained the entire year. For horse show purposes, a horse becomes one year old on January following actual foaling date.
ENTRIES must be in writing, signed by owner/authorized agent, and accompanied by proper fees. Parent/Guardian must sign the entry of a junior exhibitor. CCEC NON-MEMBER FEE: Every exhibitor (horse or equitation rider/showmanship handler) that is not a current member of CCEC must pay a non-member registration fee of $10 at each show.
REFUND OF ENTRY FEES Refunds of show fees (less an office fee of $6.00 or 10% of the entry fee, which ever is greater) will be made on receipt of a veterinarian’s certificate specifying the exact nature of the disability, and must be presented prior to the horse’s first class. Refund checks will be mailed unless applied towards another entry. There are no refunds for personal illness or failure to show your horse in any event marked on your entry blank. Riders scratching classes will be issed a show credit "stratch cash" if scratch is made at the office at least 2 classes before. Rider missing gate calls or making gate scratches will reecive no credit.
JUDGES: No one shall approach a Judge; until he/she first obtains permission from show committee or steward, who shall arrange an appointment at a proper time and place. THE DECISIONS OF A JUDGE IS FINAL.
CONDUCT/REFUSAL OF ENTRY: Show management reserves the right to refuse any entry of an exhibitor or the participation of any agent, trainer, rider, or driver who has shown an objectionable attitude toward a recognized show or previous unsportsmanlike behavior at a recognized show or to its management. Abuse, either physical or verbal, to show personal, show officials, Trainers, Exhibitors, or animals will not be tolerated at this show. Any reported abuse will be investigated, and upon verification by show management, the person/persons will be eliminated from further competition at this show, will forfeit all unused fees, and will be barred from the show grounds.
PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR: All riders riding in an English saddle must wear protective headgear while riding in the designated schooling, exercise areas and the show ring. Any rider violating this rule at anytime must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place. CCEC strongly encourages all riders to wear protective headgear passing or surpassing current applicable ASTM standards with harnesses secured while riding anywhere on the grounds. It is the responsibility of the rider or the parent or guardian or trainer of the junior exhibitor to see that the headgear worn complies with appropriate safety standards for protective headgear intended for equestrian use, and is properly fitted and in good condition, and the CCEC, Show Staff and licensed Officials are not responsible for checking headgear worn for such compliance.
PROTESTS: Any rider, driver, owner, agent, trainer or parent of a junior exhibitor may file a protest with the show must be made in writing, signed by protestor addressed to the secretary of the competition at which the alleged violation occurred, within 48 hours of the alleged violation.
CHANGES: Show management reserves the right to combine/cancel classes with fewer then 3 entries; to accept entries for unfilled classes at regular fee; to divide classes as entries warrant; to substitute listed officials. Exhibitors will be advised by the Show Office if classes are combined, cancelled or split.
NUMBERS: Exhibitors must appear in the ring suitably attired, with correct number on their back or on each side of the saddle pad, clearly visible to the judge at all times when in competition. Entries with incorrect or missing numbers may be eliminated.
GATE HOLDS/TACK CHANGES are limited to the horses/riders in consecutive classes, and shall not exceed 3 minutes. In classes where horses compete collectively, the in gate may not be closed sooner than 2 minutes after the last horse exits the ring from the previous class unless all entries for the next class are present. An official timer will be appointed. NO HORSE WILL ENTER THE ARENA ONCE THE GATE IS CLOSED.
RIBBONS: Ribbons are present in all classes to riders placing 1st through 6th. Ribbon Raffle tickets may be given in lieu of ribbon at exhibitors request. Winners need not be present to win daily ribbon raffle drawings, winners are responsible to pick up prizes won.
DOGS: All dogs must be on a leash. Owners must abide by all additional posted regulations for at each venue.
BEGINNING RIDER class are for walk/trot riders - Open to horses and ponies, of any age or breed, with Riders in the their first year of showing. Riders may not have shown more than one class in the same discipline prior to the current show year at any horse show. Walk/Trot contestants will not be allowed to lope or canter anywhere on the show grounds during a show nor compete in any class which calls for a lope or canter.
GREEN HORSE classes are open to horses and ponies, of any age or breed but restricted to horses in their first year of showing walk/trot/canter. May be shown by riders at all levels of experience. Horses and riders switching from English to Western or vice-versa may requalify for Green Horse status for the new discipline for one year.

DRESSAGE CLASSES - see USEF rule book for more details.

TACK AND APPOINTMENTS
The dress code for Training through Fourth Levels is a short riding coat of conservative color, with tie, choker or stock tie, breeches or jodhpurs, boots or jodhpur boots, a hunt cap or riding hat with a hard shell, derby or top hat. Half chaps and/or leggings are not allowed. Gloves of conservative color are recommended. In "Cowboy Dressage" classes only a Western style shirt, hat and boots and optional chaps may be worn (western spurs with rowels are not allowed). For all tests above Fourth Level, the dress code is: a dark tailcoat with top hat, or a dark jacket with a bowler hat or hunt cap, and white or light colored breeches, stock or tie, gloves, and black riding boots. Any exhibitor may wear protective headgear at any level of competition without penalty from the judge.

In extreme heat management can allow competitors to show without jackets. However, competitors must wear a regulation hat and solid white or very pale colored long or short sleeved shirt, without neckwear. T-shirts are not permitted.

One whip no longer than 43.3" including lash may be carried in all classes.

An English or Dressage style saddle is required for all classes except Cowboy Dressage which may be ridden in a western style saddle with horn.

For Training, First and Second Level tests, a plain snaffle bridle is required with either a regular cavesson, a dropped noseband, a flash noseband (a combination of a cavesson noseband and a dropped noseband attachment) or a crossed noseband. A padded noseband is allowed. Exception - in Cowboy Dressage Classes a western style bridle with or without nose band and a plain snaffle may be used.

For Third and Fourth Level tests same as above, or a simple double bridle (bridoon (snaffle) and bit (curb) and curb chain, lip strap and rubber or leather cover for curb chain optional, cavesson noseband only).

Martingales, bit guards, any kind of gadgets (such as bearing, side, running, balancing reins, tongue tied down, etc.), any kind of boots (including “easy-boots”) or bandages (including tail bandages) and any form of blinkers, ear muffs or plugs, nose covers, seat covers, hoods are, under penalty of elimination, strictly forbidden except in the warm up ring. In the warm up ring only running martingales (with snaffle only), boots, bandages (without magnets) and ear muffs are permitted. Single direct side reins are permitted only when longeing (mounted or unmounted) only with one lunge line.

GENERAL RULES
Dressage classes are open to professional and amateur riders on horses, mules and/or ponies of any origin unless otherwise specified.

All tests may be called during the competition. If test is announced, it is the responsibility of the competitor to arrange for a person to announce the test. Unless an exception is made by the judge, the announcing of the test must start with the first movement. Lateness and errors in announcing the ride will not relieve the rider from “error penalties”.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

CCEC uses current USEF and USDF tests.

All tests begin with the entry at A and ends after the final salute, as soon as the horse moves forward; except in Freestyle, where the test begins in the first stride after the salute and ends at the final salute. Anything before the beginning or after the end of the test has no effect on the marks. The competitor should leave the arena in the way prescribed in the test.

If during the test (between the time of entry and the time of exit at A) the horse leaves the arena with or without the rider (all four feet outside the fence or line marking the arena perimeter) the competitor is eliminated.

TACK AND APPOINTMENTS

ENGLISH CLASSES

FLAT CLASSES

Required: Exhibitors will compete with English bridle and saddle, Conservative coats of any tweed or Melton, breeches or jodhpurs and boots. Protective headgear is required at all time when mounted. When jackets are waived due to hot weather, a traditional short or long sleeved riding shirt with chokers or ties are required. Regulation snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, all with cavesson nose bands
Optional: Spurs, crops or bats.
Prohibited: Hackamores or gags, tie downs, martingales or other training devices, leg wraps, t-shirts or polo shirts, any electronic communication device (cell phone, pager, walkie-talkie, etc). Exception: A handicapped participant may use electronic devices if, prior to the class, alerts the judge and show manager.

OVER FENCES/JUMPING CLASSES
Required: Exhibitors will compete with English bridle and saddle, Conservative coats of any tweed or Melton, breeches or jodhpurs and boots. Protective headgear is required at all time when mounted. When jackets are waived due to hot weather, a traditional short or long sleeved riding shirt with chokers or ties are required. Regulation snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, all with cavesson nose bands
Optional: Spurs, crops or bats, running/standing martingales.
Prohibited: Hackamores, tie downs, or other training devices, leg wraps, t-shirts or polo shirts, any electronic communication device (cell phone, pager, walkie-talkie, etc). Exception: A handicapped participant may use electronic devices if, prior to the class, alerts the judge and show manager.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

ENGLISH EQUATION - Open to all riders and all horses and ponies, of any age or breed. Riders all eligible to enter classes based on current division status and age as of January 1st of the show year. All equitation classes will be judged on the rider’s seat, hands, and body position at all three gaits. Only the rider is judged. Backing, dismount and mount, and individual work may be required at the request of the judge.

ENGLISH PLEASURE HORSE CLASS - Horses shown in standard English Equipment. To be shown at the walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring with light contact with the horse’s mouth is required. Horse should show purity of gaits. To be judged on performance 80%, appointments 20%.

BEGINNING RIDER ENGLISH PLEASURE WALK/TROT - Open to horses and ponies, of any age or breed, with RIDERS in their first year of showing in the English Division. Riders may not have shown more than one class in the same discipline prior to the current show year at any horse show. To be shown at a walk and a trot both ways of the ring with light contact with the horse’s mouth. Special emphasis shall be on the walk. Horses shall be required to back up. To be judged on performance and manners 80%, appointments 20%. Walk/Trot contestants will not be allowed to lope or canter anywhere on the show grounds during a show nor compete in any class which calls for a lope or canter.

GREEN HORSE ENGLISH PLEASURE - Open to horses and ponies, of any age or breed but restricted to horses in their first year of showing under English tack. To be shown at a walk, trot and canter with light contact with the horse’s mouth. Shall not be asked to gallop or reverse at the canter. May be asked to back. Judged performance 80%, appointments 20%.

OVER FENCE/JUMPING CLASSES - Open to all riders and all horses and ponies, of any age or breed. Riders all eligible to enter classes based on current division status. Pattern to be posted. The horse will be judged on the quality of gaits, response to the rider, manners and disposition. The horse should perform with reasonable speed, well mannered, free and easy moving over a designated pattern. Three refusals, fall of rider or horse, or being off course will result in elimination.

WESTERN CLASSES, including Reining.
Required: Exhibitors will compete with Western bridle and saddle, Western style shirt, hat and boots.
Optional: Spurs and chaps.
Prohibited: Hackamores, tie downs, martingales or other training devices.
Exception: An exhibitor may, at any time, choose to substitute style headgear with a helmet, without being penalized. Horses age 5 and under may be exhibited in a snaffle bit or hackamore.

TRAIL CLASSES

Required: Saddle, bridle, boots or a sturdy equivalent with heels, long pants and long or short sleeve shirt, hat or helmet.
Optional: Spurs and chaps.
Prohibited: Mechanical hackamores, tie downs, martingales or other training devices, crops, tank or halter-tops, or flat-soled footwear.
Exception: Horse show in a shank bit (whether English or western) must be ridden one handed, horses of all ages may be show in an unshanked snaffle bit with two reins.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

WESTERN EQUATION - Open to all riders and all horses and ponies, of any age or breed. Riders all eligible to enter classes based on current division status and age as of January 1st of the show year. All equitation classes will be judged on the rider’s seat, hands, and body position at all three gaits. Only the rider is judged. Each rider will be judged on seat, hands, and the ability to control and show a horse at a walk, jog, and lope both ways of the ring. Rein back, dismount and mount, and individual work may be required at the request of the judge.

WESTERN PLEASURE HORSE CLASS - Horses shown in standard Western Equipment. To be shown at the walk, jog, and lope both ways of the ring on a reasonably loose rein without undo restraint. Horse should show purity of gaits. To be judged on performance 80%, appointments 20%.

BEGINNING RIDER WESTERN PLEASURE WALK/TROT - Open to horses and ponies, of any age or breed, with Riders in the their first year of showing in the Western Division. Riders may not have shown more than one class in the same discipline prior to the current show year at any horse show. To be shown at a walk and a trot both ways of the ring on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraints. Special emphasis shall be on the walk. Horses shall be required to back up. To be judged on performance and manners 80%, appointments 20%. Walk/Trot contestants will not be allowed to lope or canter anywhere on the show grounds during a show nor compete in any class which calls for a lope or canter.

GREEN HORSE WESTERN PLEASURE - Open to horses and ponies, of any age or breed but restricted to horses in their first year of showing under Western tack. To be shown at a walk, jog and lope on a reasonable loose rein without undue restraint. Shall not be asked to gallop or reverse at the lope. May be asked to back. Judged performance 80%, appointments 20%.

REINING CLASSES - Open to all riders and all horses and ponies, of any age or breed. Riders all eligible to enter classes based on current division status. Pattern to be posted. The horse will be judged on the quality of gaits, response to the rider, manners and disposition. The horse should perform with reasonable speed, well mannered, free and easy moving over a designated pattern. Off course will result in elimination. In Green Rider and In Green Horse class the rider may ride two handed, but if he choose to do so, must start two handed and finish two handed.

TRAIL CLASSES - Open to all riders and all horses and ponies, of any age or breed. Riders all eligible to enter classes based on current division status and age as of January 1st of the show year. Rider is to pilot horse over a series of obstacles in a posted pattern. Exhibitor may compete in English or Western attire and appointments. Class is to be judged on the horse’s and rider’s performance, manners and horse’s obedience. Time allowed for refusal of each obstacle will not exceed 30 seconds. Three refusal at any one obstacle will result in elimination. The rider has the right to refuse to attempt any obstacle. Loss of points will result. Rider should tell the Trail Judge he/she is making a deliberate choice so that it is not misunderstood as off-course. Disqualification occurs if off-course. The following are considered off-course: fall of horse and/or rider enters or exits incorrectly, does an obstacle out of order, skips or passes an obstacle in course without informing Trail Judge of deliberate choice not to attempt.