NRHA Handbook

REVISED 4/11

NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATIONMILLION DOLLAR SIRES:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:1993 Hollywood Jac 86 2006 Lil Ruf Peppy1995 Be Aech Enterprise1997 Hollywood Dun It1998 Topsail Cody1999 Smart Chic Olena2001 Topsail Whiz2002 Shining Spark2003 Reminic2004 Gallo Del CieloBoomernic2007 Grays StarlightGunner2008 Nu Chex To CashSmart Like JuiceWimpys Little Step2009 Smart Starbuck2010 Magnum Chic Dream2005 Custom CromeTWO MILLION DOLLAR SIRES:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2000 Hollywood Dun It2002 Smart Chic Olena2003 Topsail Whiz2005 Shining Spark2007 Gallo Del Cielo2009 Custom CromeLil Ruf Peppy2010 GunnerWimpys Little StepTHREE MILLION DOLLAR SIRES:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2002 Hollywood Dun It2004 Topsail Whiz2005 Smart Chic Olena2008 Shining SparkFOUR MILLION DOLLAR SIRES:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2004 Hollywood Dun It2006 Topsail Whiz2007 Smart Chic OlenaFIVE MILLION DOLLAR SIRES:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2007 Hollywood Dun It 2009 Smart Chic OlenaTopsail WhizSIX MILLION DOLLAR SIRES:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2009 Topsail Whiz 2010 Hollywood Dun ItSEVEN MILLION DOLLAR SIRES:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2010 Topsail Whiz

NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATIONMILLION DOLLAR RIDERS:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:1995 Bill Horn1997 Tim McQuay2003 Shawn FlaridaDuane Latimer2004 Todd Bergen2005 Dell Hendricks2005 Craig Schmersal2006 Andrea FappaniTom McCutcheon2007 Mandy McCutcheon2008 Brent WrightCraig L. JohnsonRandy Paul2010 Todd SommersTWO MILLION DOLLAR RIDERS:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2005 Tim McQuay2006 Shawn Flarida2010 Craig SchmersalAndrea FappaniTHREE MILLION DOLLAR RIDERS:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2008 Shawn FlaridaMILLION DOLLAR OWNERS:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2007 Lance GriffinTim McQuay2008 Arcese QuarterHorses USA2010 Rosanne SternbergNRHA DALE WILKINSONLIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:YEAR: NAME: YEAR: NAME:2008 Sally Brown2009 Don Burt2009 Don Hotz2010 C.R. Morrison

ForewordThe National Reining Horse Association is a non-profitOrganization dedicated to the promotion of the ReiningHorse. The Association was formed in 1966 to encouragethe showing of reining horses by providing worthwhilepurses for which they can compete, by developinga standard method under which all reining contestscan be conducted, and by acting as a forum for theirbreeders and trainers.In the fall of 1967 the Executive Committee of theNational Reining Horse Association appointed its firstDirectors. A Rules Committee was chosen from thesemen. This booklet contains a revised version of the originalground rules and further changes will be adoptedby the Board of Directors as deemed necessary. Decidingrule changes will not be difficult if our officersand Board of Directors remember the dedication andoriginal intent of our founders.© The NRHA Handbook is the copyrighted property of theNational Reining Horse Association. No person may useand/or reproduce this Handbook without the express writtenpermission of the National Reining Horse Association.Shows seeking sanctioning and receiving approval fromthe Association are expressly authorized to use the informationcontained in this Handbook.FOR THE MOST CURRENT OFFICIAL VERSION OF THEHANDBOOK, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT NRHA.COM. Newrules and changes to rules are in gray and underlined.2

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NRHA BYLAWSArticle I. Tittle, Objectives, Locations, Definitions ....................7Article II. Membership................................................................8Article III. Membership Meeting..............................................10Article IV. Officers and Executive Committee..........................10Article V. Election of Officers ..................................................10Article VI. Duties of Officers and Executive Committee ........11Article VII. Board of Directors ..................................................13Article VIII. Committees............................................................19Article IX. NRHA Affiliates ........................................................25Article X. Parliamentary Authority ..........................................26Article XI. Annual Statements ..................................................26Article XII. Indemnification......................................................27Article XIII. Contracts, Loans, Checks and Deposits ................27Article XIV. Miscellaneous Provisions ......................................27Article XV. Amendments ..........................................................28GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONSA. Election Procedures..............................................................29B. Rule Change Procedures......................................................33C. Affiliate Compliance ............................................................33D. International Affiliate Program ..........................................34E. Disciplinary Procedures........................................................35F. Causes For Disciplinary Action ............................................40G. Forfeitures ............................................................................41H. Failure To Pay ......................................................................41I. Legal Actions..........................................................................42J. Court of Law Convictions ......................................................42K. Convictions By Other Equine Organizations ......................42SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONSA. Membership ........................................................................45B. Non Pro Conditions..............................................................47C. Competition Licensing ........................................................51D. Categories of Competition and Class Eligibility ..................52E. Show Approval......................................................................60F. Ancillary Show Conditions....................................................64G. Aged Show and Closed Aged Show Conditions ..................66H. Breed Restricted Show Conditions......................................67I. Affiliate Show Conditions......................................................68J. Entry Level Slide Show Conditions........................................69K. Entry Level Ride Show Conditions ......................................69L. Green Show Conditions ........................................................70M. Trophies ..............................................................................70N. General Show Conditions ....................................................71O. Ties........................................................................................72P. Show Results..........................................................................73Q. Year End Awards ..................................................................75NRHA Payback Schedules A & B..............................................77Worksheet for NRHA Paybacks ................................................78NATIONAL REINING HORSE YOUTH ASSOCIATION BYLAWSArticle I. NRHYA Youth Mission Statement..............................79Article II. Title, Objectives, Location ........................................79Article III. NRHyA Executive Committee..................................79Article IV. Election of Officers ..................................................79Article V. Duties of Officers ......................................................80Article VI. General Governance................................................81Article VII. Membership Meeting ............................................81Article VIII. Membership and Regions ....................................814TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article IX. Removal of Officers ................................................82Article X. Amendments ............................................................82YOUTH SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONSA. Membership and Show Conditions ....................................83B. Approved Youth Reinings ....................................................83C. Incentive Awards..................................................................84D. Year-End Awards ..................................................................85NRHA Youth Point Scale................................................................85UNITED STATES NATIONAL GOVERNING BODYNRHA/US Equestrian Federation ....................................87NRHA SHOW STEWARDSA. Stewarding Privileges ..........................................................89B. Guidelines ............................................................................89C. Duties of the Show Steward ................................................90FREESTYLE REININGA. General Rules........................................................................93B. Judging of Freestyle Reining................................................94JUDGESA. Judging Privileges ................................................................97B. Judges Committee................................................................97C. Guidelines ............................................................................98RULES FOR JUDGINGA. General................................................................................101B. Scoring ................................................................................101Patterns ..................................................................................107NRHA JUDGES’ GUIDEGeneral Judging and Scoring Guidelines ..............................133Penalty Application ................................................................134Pre/Post Check........................................................................135No Scores ................................................................................136Penalty Score Zero..................................................................1385 Point Penalties ....................................................................1392 Point Penalties ....................................................................140Lead Penalties ........................................................................141Jog Penalties............................................................................142Spin Penalties ........................................................................142Wall Penalty............................................................................142Reviews ..................................................................................142Maneuvers ..............................................................................143Pattern Descriptions ..............................................................145A. Scoring ............................................................................150B. Maneuver Scores ............................................................151C. Misconduct/Re-Rides ......................................................152D. Reports/Conduct ............................................................153FREESTYLEA. Scoresheet ..........................................................................155B. Scoring/Penalties................................................................156JUDGING DIAGRAMSFigure 1. Bit Measurements ..................................................159Figure 2. Bit Measurements ..................................................160Figure 3A. Over/Under Spin Penalty Application..................161Figure 3B. Lead Departure Penalty Application ..................161Figure 4. Out of Lead/Delayed Change Penalty Application152Figure 5. Jog Penalty Application ..........................................163Figure 6. Out of Lead on Run-Around Penalty Application ..164Figure 7. Out of Lead on PartialCircle Leading to Run-Down Penalty Application ............165Figure 8. Sample Scorecard....................................................166Figure 9. Sample Freestyle Scorecard....................................1665

National Reining Horse Association3000 NW 10th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107-5302405-946-7400 phone • 405-946-8425 faxNRHA.com2010 NRHA OFFICERSPresidentAllen Mitchels4204 West 700 North, Michigan City, IN 46360219-879-3059 phone • allenmitchels@yahoo.comVice-PresidentBeth Himes11306 Lake Rd • Millersport, OH 43046614-205-7687 phone • himesbeth@hotmail.comDIRECTORS AT LARGERick Clark2011–20126328 Canonsburg RdCatlettsburg, KY 41129606-232-7423 phoneRick.Clark@clarkspns.comKit Cosper2011–20122425 Blue Banks Loop Rd NELeland, NC 28451910-233-2228 phonecosper@cosper.comTerry Griffin2010–2011Box 159Dewinton, AB TOL OXO, Canada403-938-3844 phonetgriffin@platinum.caDale Lopp2010–20118735 State Road 62Lanesville, IN 47136812-952-2760 phonedalelopp2000@yahoo.comRick Ramsey2011–201221184 Cartwright RdRush, KY 41168606-928-9001 home phone606-922-3742 phonerickramseytitle@hotmail.comRosanne Sternberg2010–2011Court Lodge OastTN 325 UJ Bodiam E Sussex,Great Britian940-206-0770 phoneusreiner@aol.comRHSF PresidentFrank Costantini14831 N Palmyra Rd • Diamond, OH 44412330-538-3142 phone • 330-538-9985 faxfranknrha@aol.comNRHA Executive DirectorDan Wall3000 NW 10th Street • Oklahoma City, OK 73107-5302Phone 405-946-7400*Refer to NRHA Reiner magazine or NRHA.com forappointed Board Members, Affiliate List, and Committees.6

NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATIONBYLAWSARTICLE I. TITLE, OBJECTIVES, LOCATION, DEFINITIONSSection 1. Title. This organization is incorporated under thelaws of the State of Oklahoma and shall be known as the NationalReining Horse Association, and shall at all times be operatedas a not for profit association in accordance with the lawsof the State of Oklahoma and the United States of America.Section 2. Objectives. To promote and encourage developmentof and public interest in agriculture and ranching throughthe promotion of public reining horse shows; the developmentof suitable and proper standards of performance and judgingintended to govern all reining horse contests sponsored andapproved by the National Reining Horse Association; to encouragethe development and breeding of better Reining Horses;and to develop and disseminate informational materialdeemed desirable to provide contestants and spectators a betterunderstanding of a proper performance of the reining horsein the show arena.Section 3. Place of Business. The principal office of the Associationshall be Oklahoma City, Oklahoma or as the Boardof Directors shall designate.Section 4. Upon the dissolution of the Association, the Boardof Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the paymentof all the liabilities of the Association, dispose of all theassets of the Association exclusively for the purposes of theAssociation in such manner, or to such organization or organizationsorganized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational,religious or scientific purposes as shall at the timequalify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section501(c)(3) or 501(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986or the corresponding provision of any future United States InternalRevenue Law, as the Board of Trustees shall determine.Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of bythe Court of Common Pleas of the County exclusively for suchpurpose or to such organization or organizations of said courtdetermine, which are organized or operated exclusively forsuch purposes.Section 5. The following definitions are applied to the use ofany title or term herein listed when used throughout the NRHABylaws, any NRHA Rules and Regulations, and any Policy or Procedureadopted and published as official by NRHA.1) Association – A general reference to NRHA.2) Board of Directors – That governing body comprised ofall Officers and Directors. Also may be generally referred toas “the Board” or “Board.”3) Committee Chairs – Appointed by the President to serveas the presiding member of the respective committee.4) Committee Members – Selected by the Committee ChairBYLAWS7

8to serve as a voting participant to the respective committee.5) Director – General Reference to a Director-At-Large andRegional/NAA Director.6) Directors-At-Large – Those six (6) members elected bythe entire membership to two-year terms of service. A Director-At-Largeis an Officer of the association and a memberof the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.7) Elections Administrator – Independent companyand/or NRHA staff member selected by the Executive Committeeto administer annual elections.8) Executive Committee – President, Vice President and sixDirectors-At-Large.9) Executive Director – Individual employed by NRHA tomanage the day-to-day activities and ongoing functions ofNRHA as described in these Bylaws.10) Ex-Officio Member – An individual who, by virtue ofhis/her office or position, has been appointed to be a memberof a committee or board.11) Member(s) – A general reference to those individuals andlegal entities that have paid a membership fee to the Associationand are further defined in these bylaws, rules and regulations.Unless otherwise described, wherever “member(s)”is found in the bylaws, rules and regulations, it is understoodto mean NRHA member or all NRHA members.12) NRHA – Abbreviation for the National Reining Horse Association.13) Officer – The President, Vice President, and six Directors-At-Largeare officers of the Association.14) President – Elected initially to the office of Vice Presidentby the membership to serve a two-year term, he/shethen progresses to the office of President to serve an additionaltwo-year term.15) Regional Director/NAA Director -Those members electedto a two-year term by their respective Affiliate Region orNAA country.16) RHSF – Abbreviation for the Reining Horse Sports Foundation.17) Vice President – Elected by members for a two-year termafter which he/she progresses to the position of Presidentfor a two-year term.ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIPSection 1. Membership is open to any individual of good characterand reputation that has an interest in reining horses andthe promotion of the reining horse. However, membership isa privilege and not a vested right and is granted, rejected orrevoked at the discretion of the Executive Committee.Section 2. Members shall be admitted and retained in accordancewith the rules and regulations of the National ReiningHorse Association.

Section 3. Each member of the Association shall pay annualmembership dues to the NRHA. Said dues are due andpayable at the commencement of each calendar year. The calendaryear of this Association shall be January 1, through December31 of each year. A youth membership is also available.All membership dues and charges for the NRHA Reiner shallbe set by the Board of Directors.Section 4. Life Membership in the National Reining Horse Associationis considered an individual membership and is alsoavailable. Dues for a life membership shall be set by the Boardof Directors.Section 5. All money paid to NRHA will be required to be inU.S. Funds.Section 6.No exhibitor or owner may be required to be a memberof any organization other than the National Reining HorseAssociation in order to compete in an NRHA approved reining eventor class, with the exception that dual memberships may be requiredfor NRHA/National Equestrian Federation or FederationEquestre Internationale dual approved events, breed associationaffiliates/alliances dual approved events and memberships in one’sown local affiliate for participation in the regional/country NRHAAffiliate Championship circuit series. Although highly encouraged,membership in one’s National Association Affiliate shall be strictlyvoluntary. Non-competitors desiring membership in theNRHA may apply directly to the NRHA Office.Section 7. A voting Member is a Member who is nineteen (19)years of age or older as of January 1 of the calendar year, andwho is a member in good standing prior to receiving notice ofa general membership meeting at which association businesswill take place.Section 8. Voting by the Membership.a) The membership of this Association shall annuallyand/or biannually elect the officers and directors under theprocedures called for within these Bylaws and the NRHAHandbook. A majority of the ballots cast shall determine theoutcome of officer and director elections. In the case of atie vote, the Board of Directors shall vote to break the tie.b) The members of this Association may vote on such additionalissues that appear on the election ballot as follows:i. Bylaw amendments under the procedures governed byArticle XV.ii. Other Association issues as determined by the Boardof Directors that may be placed on the ballot for the voteof the general membership.c) The casting of ballots by members shall be by electronicinternet vote established with a commercial internet votingservice selected by the Board of Directors. For memberswho do not have computer access or elect not to use the electronicinternet voting alternative, the Association shall, upon9

10request, provide that member with a mail-in paper ballot.d) Procedures for the electronic internet vote and the mailinpaper ballot shall be established by the Nominating Committeewith approval by the Board of Directors.e) There shall be no official paper election ballots accepted atthe annual General Membership Meeting. All voting by mail-inpaper ballots shall be sent directly to an elections administratorappointed by the Executive Committee of the Association.f) The results of the internet voting shall be combined withthe tally of the mail-in ballots and announced by the electionsadministrator within one (1) week after the cut-offdate/time for voting.ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGSection 1. The Annual General Membership Meeting of the Associationshall be held on a date and at a time and place designatedby the Board of Directors. Notice of the annual meetingshall be published in the NRHA Reiner magazine and on theAssociation’s website at least 6 months prior to the date of themeeting. A detailed agenda shall be published in the NRHA Reinermagazine and on the Association’s website at least sixty (60)days prior to the date of the meeting. Members desiring to placeitems on the agenda or resolutions to be considered at the meetingshall submit same in writing to the Association’s office at least120 days prior to the annual scheduled meeting.Section 2. Special meeting of the membership may be calledby the Board of Directors to be held at a time and place designatedby the Board of Directors. Notice for special meetings willbe given in the official publication of the Association orthrough special mailing to each member at least thirty (30) daysprior to the meeting. Business transacted at all special meetingsshall be confined to the objects stated in the call and noticeof the meeting and matters germane thereto.Section 3. At any meeting of the Association, whether it is ageneral membership meeting or a special meeting, the memberspresent shall constitute a quorum regardless of the numberactually present.ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS ANDEXECUTIVE COMMITTEESection 1. The officers of the Association shall be a President,a Vice President, and six (6) Directors-At-Large. These officers shallcomprise the Executive Committee of the Association. The salariesof all officers and agents of the corporation shall be fixed by theBoard of Directors at the Board’s sole discretion.ARTICLE V. ELECTION OF OFFICERSSection 1. The election of officers (generally referred to as theannual election) shall be held each year during a 30 day period

of time designated by the Board of Directors at their first meetingof the year. The term of all newly elected officers of the Associationshall commence on January 1 following the elections.a) So as to have continuity in the officers of the Association,three Directors-At-Large will be elected annually. Every otheryear a Vice-President shall be elected and the existing VicePresident will advance to the President’s Chair.b) The President and Vice President shall serve two-year terms,respectively.c) A Director-At-Large shall serve a two (2) year term and shallbe eligible for nomination and re-election by the generalmembership at the end of that term.Section 2. Nominations of candidates for the offices open forelection shall be submitted by the Nominating Committee tothe Board of Directors no less than one hundred twenty (120)days prior to the start of the annual election. All candidates forofficer positions must have a minimum of 1 year previous experienceon the NRHA Board of Directors prior to taking office.Section 3. At the written request of ten (10) members of theAssociation, a candidate other than those submitted by theabove mentioned committee may be placed into nominationand it shall be immediately given to the membership, providedsaid written requests for nomination is placed in the handsof the NRHA office, not less than ninety (90) days before theannual election.Section 4. Each member of the Association, in good standingat the time of the election shall be entitled to one (1) vote. Absenteeballots bearing the signature of the member in goodstanding will be accepted provided they are received by the ElectionsAdministrator not less than five (5) days prior to the endof the election close date. There will be no proxy voting acceptedby the Association.Section 5. All voting for officers shall be by mail-in absenteeballot or by electronic internet voting and the results shall becounted and reported by an Elections Administrator appointedby the Executive Committee. The term of all newly electedofficers of the Association shall commence on January 1 followingthe elections.Section 6. In the event of a tie in the election of officers, theBoard of Directors will vote to break the tie.ARTICLE VI. DUTIES OF OFFICERS ANDEXECUTIVE COMMITTEESection 1. Executive Committee. The President, Vice Presidentand the six elected Directors-At-Large are the officers of the Associationand shall comprise the Executive Committee.a) The Executive Committee shall be charged with the dailyoperational responsibilities of the Association as delegatedby the Board of Directors and these bylaws, specifically11

limited to those decisions necessary, on a daily basis or requiringimmediate attention, for continuity as establishedby the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Active Resolutionsadopted by the Board of Directors and Policies and Proceduresapproved by the Board of Directors. Any such decisionor action taken by the Executive Committee as allowed hereinrequires a majority approval of the officers who comprisethe Executive Committee.b) Any such actions taken under this Section shall be reportedin the Executive Committee minutes and in detail at thenext regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors.c) The Board of Directors has the oversight responsibility forthe Executive Committee of this association and can countermandany actions or decisions the Board deems appropriate.d) The Officers of the Association shall not, without priorBoard of Director’s approval, bind the Association to any longterm contractual obligations. For purposes of these Bylaws,long term contractual obligation is defined as any contractualagreement which requires expenditures of funds on behalfof the Association and shall be in effect for a period inexcess of two (2) years. Furthermore, the officers shall nothave the authority to bind the Association to any agreement,debt, obligation, or expenditure of Ten Thousand ($10,000)Dollars or more, without the prior approval of the Board ofDirectors. No cumulative expenditures totaling Ten Thousand($10,000) Dollars or more is permitted to any one (1)person, partnership, corporation, or out of the same transactionduring the current fiscal year without prior Board ofDirectors approval.Section 2. Duties of the President.a) The President shall be the Executive Officer of the Association.He shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directorsand membership meetings. Within any limitationsimposed by the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, orthe Board of Directors, he shall have general power to conductand manage the affairs and business of the Associationand shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board arecarried into effect; subject, however, to the right of the Directorsto delegate any specific powers, except such as maybe by statute exclusively conferred upon the President, toany other officer or officers of the Association. He shall beex-officio a member of all committees, with the exceptionof the Nominating Committee.b) The President does not set policy or obligate the organizationor its resources independent of the Board of Directors.c) He shall execute bonds, mortgages, contracts and otherdocuments approved by the Board of Directors requiring executionon behalf of the Association.d) The President shall oversee the activity of the ExecutiveCommittee, Standing Committees (with the exception of the12

Nominating Committee) and other Board created committeesto assure they are functioning in accordance with thepolicies and vision set forth by the Board of Directors.Section 3. It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to performall of the duties of the President, in the event of his/her absenceor incapacity to serve. In the Event that both the Presidentand the Vice President are absent or unable to serve, theBoard of Directors shall appoint an Executive Committee memberto serve in that capacity until either officer has returnedto service.Section 4. Removal. Any Executive Committee Member maybe removed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors wheneverin its judgment, the best interests of the Association wouldbe served thereby. However, such removal shall be without prejudiceto the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.Section 5. Vacancies. If the office of any officer, or agent, oneor more, becomes vacant for any reason, the Board of Directorsmay choose a successor or successors, who shall hold office forthe unexpired time in respect of which such vacancy occurred.ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORSSection 1. The business of this Association shall be managedby its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall be comprisedof the Executive Committee and a number of electedDirectors including: Regional Directors as defined in Section1 a). and National Association Affiliate Directors (NAA Directors)as defined in section 1 c).a) Regional Directors. The NRHA Board of Directors shallbe empowered to create, delete or modify regions which shallencompass specified geographic areas on any Continent withan NRHA membership, the boundaries of which maychange from time to time as determined by the Board ofDirectors of the Association. NRHA members from each AffiliateRegion which has achieved an NRHA membership of500 shall elect at least one director to the NRHA Board ofDirectors. An additional director shall be elected from theAffiliate Region when total NRHA membership in the regionreaches 1,000 members and another seat shall be electedfor each additional 500 members. In order to maintain parityat the one (1) director for each 500 members ratio, totaldirectors to be elected within each U.S. Region will bebased on membership numbers as of December 31st of theprior year. Then a determination will be made of the additionaldirectors to be elected based on the total U.S. NRHAmembership. Regions with the greatest number of excessmembers over their 1/500 ratio will be allowed to elect oneadditional director until the 1/500 ration is achieved in totalfor the U.S. Commencing with the 2012 Election year,regional director terms shall be staggered based on a for-13

mula determined by the Board of Directors and publishedwithin Section A. Election Procedures, General Rules andRegulations of the NRHA Handbook. Membership numbersas of December 31 of the prior year will be used to determinecurrent term director seats available for the AffiliateRegions. All newly elected Regional Directors shall serve aterm of two years which shall commence on January 1 followingthe elections. Should a country with an NAA, at anytime upon direction by the NRHA Board, be incorporatedinto an Affiliate region, continuation of the NAA designationand participation in the IAP shall be at the discretion of theNRHA Board.b) Elected Affiliate Regional Directors:i. Shall be a citizen of a country that is associated witha region from which they are elected.ii. Shall be a resident of the Region from which they areelected.iii. Shall be a member in good standing of the NRHA.iv. Serve an initial term of two years and may be re-electedby NRHA members within their Region for additionaltwo year terms.v. The nomination of candidates and election proceduresof Regional Directors shall be established by the Boardof Directors and published within the General Rules andRegulations of the Association Handbook.vi. The NRHA Board of Directors shall be empowered tofill vacancies occurring among the U.S. Regional Directorsby a majority vote of the remaining U.S. Regional Directorsand Officers. Vacancies occurring among RegionalDirectors from foreign Affiliate Regions shall be filledaccording to the procedures established in the GeneralRules, Section A of the NRHA Handbook. An individualelected to fill a vacancy shall come from the same AffiliateRegion in which the vacancy occurred, shall meetthe same qualifying criteria and shall serve the unexpiredterm of their predecessor.c) NAA Directors. Each National Association Affiliate (NAA)with 200 members, that is not part of any region shall havethe right to one seat (NAA Director) on the NRHA Board providedat least four (4) NRHA approved shows with a full slateof classes were held in that country during the previous calendaryear. One additional director seat will be available whenthat NAA reaches 1,000 members and another seat for eachadditional 500 members. Membership numbers as of December31 of the prior year will be used to determine currentyear director seats available to the NAA country. The termof all newly elected NAA directors shall be two years commencingJanuary 1 following the elections. In the event thereis a change in NAA status, the elected Directors will serve theremainder of the term for which they were elected.14

d) Elected NAA Directors.i. The nomination and election of the NAA director(s) shallbe administered by the respective NAA under the proceduresapproved by the NRHA Board of Directors.ii. NRHA members in good standing, residing in each NAAcountry shall be allowed to participate in the nominationand election process of the NAA Director(s) from their respectivecountry.iii. Each year the NAA must advise NRHA of the electedNAA director(s).iv. Shall be a citizen of the NAA country or a country thatis associated with a region from which they are elected.v.Shall be a resident of the NAA country they are representing.vi. Shall be a member in good standing of the NRHA.vii. Shall be a member in good standing of the NAA.viii. Each NAA’s Board of Directors shall be empoweredto fill vacancies occurring among that country’s NAA Directors.An individual selected to fill a vacancy shall meetthe same qualifying criteria and shall serve the unexpiredterm of their predecessor.e) Voting for Regional Directors shall be accomplished byelectronic internet voting where practical and applicable orby mail-in absentee ballot and the results shall be countedand reported by an Elections Administrator appointedby the Executive Committee.f) At no time shall there be more than one (1) member ofan immediate family (as defined within the General Rulesand Regulations of this Association) serving on the Board ofDirectors of the Association.g) The President of the Reining Horse Sports Foundation(RHSF) shall be ex-officio a member of the NRHA Board ofDirectors.h) In the event of a tie vote, the Board of Directors will voteto break the tie.Section 2. The Board of Directors shall have general chargeof the affairs, finances and property of the Association.a) The Board of Directors shall make an annual report of thegeneral state of the affairs and finances of the Associationto the membership at the Annual General Membership Meeting.A copy of this report shall be published on the “MembersOnly” page of the Association’s website.b) In addition to the responsibilities charged to the Boardof Directors by these Bylaws and any applicable state statutes,the Board of Directors shall be responsible for:i. Clarification of and commitment to the organization’svision and mission.ii. Interpretation of the mission to the general membershipthrough public relationships.iii. Establishment of goals, long-range plans, and strategicguidance.15

iv. Setting policies and other major guidelines for operationof the organization.v. Ensuring transparency and public accountability.vi.Protecting the organization’s financial stability and solvency.vii. Establishing specific orders, resolutions policies andprocedures for the Executive Committee and staff to performand/or apply to daily operations between meetingsof the full Board of Directors.c) If a “Policy Manual” and/or “Procedure Manual” ismaintained by the Association, it shall be subject to reviewand approved by the Board of Directors by January 31 ofevery even year or more frequently if the Board of Directorsdeems necessary. The entire contents of Policy and/orProcedure Manuals shall be accessible by all members andstaff of the Association through the “Members Only” sectionof the NRHA website. There shall be no official policy or procedurerepresented, recognized or enforced by the Associationor any representative thereof, other than those documentedin a Policy and/or Procedure Manual. No policyor procedure shall supersede the Bylaws or Rules and Regulationsof the Association.Section 3. In the event the Board of Directors retains a personor qualified firm to be Executive Director of the Association,this person shall not be a member of the Board of Directors.The Board of Directors may retain an Executive Directorto perform the function for a contract term not to exceed sixty(60) months. The duties, function, and remuneration for theposition of Executive Director will be dictated by the Board ofDirectors. The Executive Director shall be a position to work inconjunction with the President of the Association and not exclusivethereof.a) Under the direction of the President of the Association,the Executive Director shall be responsible for the safe keepingand maintenance of the policy and/or Procedure Manual,and the Corporate Record Book which shall contain theArticles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Active Board Resolutions,Rules and Regulations, Special Rules of Order, Standing Rules,official minutes of the Board of Directors and Executive Committeemeetings, and quarterly and year-end financial statements,all of which shall be available for reference at eachBoard of Director’s Meeting and accessible by all membersand staff of the Association through the “Members Only” sectionof the NRHA website.Section 4.In addition to the powers and authorities these Bylawsexpressly confer upon them, the Board of Directors mayexercise all such powers of the Association and do all such lawfulacts that are not prohibited by statute or by these Bylaws.Section 5. Board of Director Meetings.a) The Board of Directors of this Association shall have a reg-16

ularly scheduled meeting during each fiscal quarter. However,in no event should more than 120 days pass before thenext regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.b) The meeting of the Board of Directors may be held at suchplace within the state of Oklahoma or elsewhere, as the majorityof Directors from time to time may determine, or asmay be designated in the notice calling the meeting. Anymeeting held outside the state of Oklahoma shall be consideredsolely for the convenience of the Board of Directorsand shall not be considered as conducting business in thejurisdiction where the meeting takes place.c) Special meetings of the Board may be held at any timeand place on the call of the President or of a majority of theBoard, in either case upon ten (10) days’ notice by first-classprepaid mail, or five (5) days’ notice delivered personally orby telephone or electronic mail. Such notice shall state thedate, time and place of the meeting and shall be deemedgiven at the time when personally delivered, deposited inthe mail, sent by electronic mail or orally transmitted to recipientvia telephone.d) Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meetingof the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereofmay be taken without a meeting if all members of the Boardor committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writingor by participation, and the writing or acknowledgmentof participation are filed with the minutes of proceedingsof the Board or committee. Any Director or committee membermay waive notice of any meeting. The attendance of aDirector or committee member at a meeting shall constitutea waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a Directoror committee member attends a meeting for the expresspurpose of objecting to the transaction of any businessbecause the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.The business to be transacted and the purpose of any regularor special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be specifiedin a notice, or waiver of notice of such meeting. Oneor more directors may participate in a meeting of the Board,by means of teleconference or other similar audio/video communicationsequipment by means of which all persons participatingin the meeting can hear and/or see each other.e) All Resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors shallbe identified by both a numerical and subject index and shallbe made a part of the Corporate Record Book. Resolutionsmay be amended or rescinded at a later date upon a twothirdsvote of the Board of Directors. Active resolutions shallbe published on the “Members Only” section of the Association’swebsite.Section 6. Quorum. A quorum for the purposes of these Bylawsis defined as a majority of the members of the Board of Direc-17

tors. Once it is established that a quorum exists, any questionthat may come before the meeting shall be decided upon by asimple majority of such quorum, with the exception however,that in extraordinary circumstances, if a majority of the directorsto form the initial quorum is not achieved, then the presidingofficer may determine if there is a minimum of 36% of thetotal Board members present, and, if so, continue the meetingand any question coming before the meeting would require atwo-thirds majority to act as if the entire board were sitting.Section 7. Any Board of Director that misses more than two(2) unexcused meetings per year may be removed for cause.Section 8. By resolution of the Board of Directors, the Directorsmay be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at eachmeeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sumfor attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or astated salary as a Director. No such payment shall preclude anyDirector from serving the Association in any capacity and receivingcompensation in addition to his fee of the Director.Section 9. A Director of the Association shall stand in a fiduciaryrelation to the Association and shall perform his or her dutiesas a Director, including his or her duties as a member of anycommittee of the Board upon which he or she may serve, ingood faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be inthe best interest of the Association, and with such care, includingreasonable inquiry, skill and diligence, as a person of ordinaryprudence would use under similar circumstances. In performinghis or her duties, a Director shall be entitled to rely ongood faith information, opinions, reports or statements, includingfinancial statements and other financial data, in each caseprepared by any of the following:a) One or more officers or employees of the Association whomthe Director reasonably believes to be reliable and competentin the matters presented;b) Counsel, public accountants or other persons as to matterswhich Director reasonably believes to be within a professionaland expert competence of such person;c) A Committee of the Board upon which he or she does notserve, duly designated in accordance with law, as to matterswithin its designated authority, which a Director reasonablybelieves to merit confidence.A Director shall not be considered to be acting in goodfaith if he or she has knowledge concerning the matter inquestion that would cause his reliance to be unwarranted.In discharging the duties of their respective positions, theDirector shall at all time use the skill and diligence a personof ordinary prudence would use in similar circumstances.So long as the Director uses such skill and diligence as a personof ordinary prudence would use under similar circumstances,he or she shall not be held personally responsiblefor any actions taken on behalf of the Association.18

Section 10. Removal: Any Officer, Director, or the presidentof the Reining Horse Sports Foundation may be removed fromthe Board of Directors by a majority vote of the Board of Directorswhenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the associationwould be served thereby. However, such removal shallbe without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the personso removed.Section 11. An officer, director, employee, or staff member otherthan the President, attending an NRHA sponsored or approvedevent or any other horse show shall not attend in any officialcapacity unless authorized by the Executive Committee or thefull Board of Directors as the case may be except for any officialmeeting.Section 12. Confidentiality. NRHA will protect its own confidentialand proprietary information as well as the information entrustedby financial institutions, members and suppliers. Directors,officers, committee chairs/members, employees of NRHAand/or agents acting on behalf of the Association shall maintainin confidence among themselves all confidential and proprietaryinformation and shall not disclose or distribute any confidentialor proprietary information except when authorized bythe officers of the Association or compelled by statute. All confidentialand proprietary information shall be utilized by thoseentrusted with it or granted access to it, only for the purpose(s)permitted in connection with their service to NRHA. Confidentialinformation shall be those matters involving the following.a) Any matter concerning NRHA personnel not otherwise publiclyreported;b) Issues relating to discipline, grievance and/or granting ofAssociation privileges;c) Terms of ongoing contractual negotiations and agreements;d) Membership lists and associated personal information;e) Communications from legal counsel relating to pendingor threatened litigation;f) And any other matter that is determined by no less thantwo-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors tobe of a confidential nature. All other matters shall be consideredcommon knowledge among the NRHA membershipand staff.ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEESSection 1. Standing Committees. The Association shall have thefollowing Standing Committees which shall report directly tothe Board of Directors. Any chairman or committee memberof a Standing Committee may be removed by majority voteof the Board of Directors and their replacement selected inthe same manner as the original appointment. The new membershall serve out the balance of the term of the memberremoved. Standing Committees shall keep minutes of their19

meetings and other records appropriate to their purposes andprovide a quarterly report of their activities to the Board of Directors.With the exception of the Nominating Committee andthe Compensation Committee, summaries of standing committeemeetings shall be published in the “Members Only” sectionof the NRHA website. Standing Committee appointments shallbe for the same two-year term as the incoming President.a) Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shallbe comprised of no less than (3) three and no more than (5)five members of the Board of Directors of the Association.Members of this committee shall be appointed by a majorityvote of the Board of Directors at the first board meetingof the year. The chairperson of this committee shall be selectedfrom within the committee itself by the committeemembers. No member of the Executive Committee may serveon or ex officio as a member of this committee.i. The Nominating Committee shall develop explicit criteriaand qualities for board membership and submit tothe full Board for approval.ii. The Nominating Committee shall be responsible forsubmitting a list of qualified candidates for the annualelection of officers by the general membership, havingfirst determined the candidate meets the eligibility criteriaand their willingness to serve as an officer of the association.At least two candidates shall be submitted forthe position of Vice President.iii. The Nominating Committee shall organize and overseethe Regional Director elections. They shall also assistthe NAA Director elections to the extent of a written requestfor assistance is made by an NAAiv. The Nominating Committee shall develop recommendedguidelines for the annual electronic internet vote andmail-in absentee ballots and submit that proposal to theBoard of Directors for approval.v. The Nominating Committee shall be guided byRoberts Rules of Order Newly Revised and the AmericanBar Association’s Guidebook for Directors of Nonprofit Corporationsin executing their duties under this article.vi.Additional duties and responsibilities of the NominatingCommittee may be enumerated by Board Resolutions to befiled with the Active Resolutions in the Corporate Record Book.b) Finance Committee. The Finance Committee shall be comprisedof no less than (3) three and no more than (6) six members.Three members shall be Board of Director membersand up to three additional members, who possess financialor accounting background, may be appointed from withinor outside the board, but shall be NRHA members in goodstanding. The chairperson and members of this committeeshall be appointed by the President of the Association withapproval by the balance of the Board of Directors.20

i. Duties of the Finance Committee. The Finance Committeeshall have responsibility over the Association’s auditing,accounting and control functions.ii. The Finance Committee duties shall include, but are notlimited to, choosing services needed in financial management,reviewing financial performance and approving theindividual value center budgets prior to submission of theAssociation’s annual budget to the Board of Directors fortheir approval. The Finance Committee shall monitor cashflow and provide quarterly financial reports to the Boardof Directors. The Finance Committee shall be responsibleto publish in the Members Only section of the NRHA websitea quarterly financial report within 15 days after reviewby the Board of Directors and the annual audited financialstatement within 4 months after the end of the fiscalyear. The Board of Directors may grant extensions to thistime in 30 day increments on a case by case basis for reasonablecause when requested by the Finance Committee.The Committee shall ensure that the annual financial statementis presented to the general membership at the nextAnnual General Membership Meeting.iii. Additional duties and responsibilities of the FinanceCommittee may be enumerated by Board Resolution tobe filed with the Active Resolutions in the CorporateRecord Book.c) Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committeeshall be comprised of three (3) members of the ExecutiveCommittee of the Association. The chairperson and membersof this committee shall be appointed by the Presidentof the Association with approval by the Board of Directors.i. Duties of the Compensation Committee. The CompensationCommittee shall have the responsibility to recommendsalaries for the Executive Director, the Chief FinancialOfficer, and any other staff positions as determinedby the Board of Directors.ii. The Compensation Committee’s duties shall includecompletion of an annual performance evaluation onthose positions determined in (i) above and make a reportincluding necessary recommendations to theBoard of Directors.iii. Additional duties of the Compensation Committee maybe enumerated by Board Resolution to be filed with theActive Resolutions in the Corporate Record Book.d) Investment Committee. The Investment Committee ofthe Association shall be comprised of the Executive Committeewith the Reining Horse Sports Foundation President andthe Chief Financial Officer of the Association serving as advisorsto this committee.i.The duties of the Investment Committee shall be to evaluatethe Association’s short-term, mid-term and long-term21

22financial needs relative to the investment of the Association’scash assets and to present an investment policy forapproval to the Board of Directors. The Investment Committeeshall consult with professional investment counselin this endeavor. Following approval of the investment policyby the Board of Directors, the investment Committeeshall proceed with the investment decisions made, monitorclosely the performance of the investments and makenecessary adjustments to achieve the overall investmentgoals of the Association. The Investment Committee shallkeep minutes of their meetings and provide quarterly reportsof their activities to the Board of Directors. Summariesof current Investment Committee activity shall be publishedon the “Members Only” section of the NRHA website.ii. Additional duties of the Investment Committee maybe enumerated by Board Resolution to be filed with theActive Resolutions in the Corporate Record Book.e) Bylaw Committee.The President, at the beginning of his/herterm of office shall appoint a Bylaw Committee, comprised ofno less than three (3) and no more than six (6) members. Theseappointments shall be approved by the Board of Directors. BylawCommittee duties and responsibilities shall be:i. To review bylaws and make recommendations to theExecutive Committee for maintenance as necessary.ii. To receive and review all bylaw amendment proposalsthat may be submitted by any member, committee or board.iii. To work with the author of any bylaw amendment proposalsubmitted to determine the desired intent of theproposed amendment and further refine the wording ifnecessary to achieve the desired result.iv. To work with the author of any bylaw amendment proposalsubmitted to assure the language is in proper formas it relates to the governance, operations and functionsof the Association.v. To assure any bylaw amendment proposal being submittedcomplies with the Articles of Incorporation,Oklahoma State Statutes, Federal law, and does not conflictwith Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised or any SpecialRules of Order of this Association.vi. To recognize duplicate or similar bylaw amendmentproposals submitted and work with their authors to consolidate,modify or otherwise reduce the number of proposalsaddressing the same or similar issue.vii. To collect form the authors or proponents of the proposedbylaw amendment, a statement in support of theamendment that presents the benefit(s) of this amendmentto the Association and, with the approval if its authors,edit this statement so that it is suitable for publicationand presentation to the voting membership.

viii. To accept from opponents of the proposed bylawamendment, a statement against the amendment thatpresents the negative impact this amendment would makeupon the association and, with the approval of its authors,edit this statement so that it is suitable for publication andpresentation to the voting membership.ix. To compile proposed bylaw amendments and statementsfor and against each into a publication or presentationformat that can be attached to an email, reproducedin the NRHA Reiner, posted on the NRHA website, and incorporatedinto electric and paper ballots.x. The Bylaw Committee shall work from an unbiased positiontoward any proposed bylaw amendment received.They shall not edit any proposed amendment or statementexcept with the permission of the author, nor shallthey continue edits after the author has approved a finalversion of the proposed amendment or statement.The committee does not have the authority to approveor deny the submission of any proposed amendment unlessits intent or the result of its application is contraryto the NRHA Articles of Incorporation, Oklahoma StateStatutes, or Federal law.xi. Additional duties of the Bylaw Committee may be enumeratedby Board Resolution to be filed with the ActiveResolutions in the Corporate Record Book.Section 2. Additional Committees. The Board of Directors mayauthorize additional committees to be utilized for assistance inthe operation and management of the Association. Such committeesshall be formed by board resolution which shall definethe committee name, the purpose of the committee and committeeguidelines to be followed. This resolution shall becomean Active Resolution to be filed in the Corporate Record Bookand may be modified or rescinded by the Board of Directors.a) Upon direction of the Board of Directors, the Presidentshall appoint a committee Chairperson of such committee.Regional or NAA Directors shall be given first considerationfor Chairperson positions.b) The Chairperson shall appoint the members of theirrespective committee. The Committee shall consist of theChairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and a minimum of three(3) additional members. All appointments shall bemade for a two (2) year term which shall coincide withthe term of the incoming President. Should a Chairpersonvacancy occur for any reason, the President shall appointa new Chairperson to fill the remainder of the term,giving first consideration to those current members ofthe respective committee. If a vacancy appears amongcommittee members, the chairperson shall appoint a newmember to fill the remainder of the term. All chairperson23

and committee member appointments are subject to theapproval of the Executive Committee.c) Responsibilities, tasks, and projects may be assigned to acommittee by the President, Executive Committee or Boardof Directors. The committee Chairperson shall preside overthe activities of the Committee.d) Committees shall each be assigned a member of the Associationstaff to serve the committee in a liaison capacity.The Staff Liaison shall be a non-voting support person functioningunder the direction of the committee Chairperson.e) Committees shall keep minutes of their meetings and providequarterly reports of their activities to the Board of Directors.When Committees are engaged in matters that involvepresenting a recommendation to a higher authority,they shall submit a Committee Recommendation Report onthe issue at hand to the respective higher authority. This reportshall become a part of and published with the permanentminutes of the meeting in which it is presented. Summariesof current individual committee activity shall be publishedon the NRHA website.f) No person shall be involved, as chairperson or member,with more than three (3) Additional Committees simultaneouslyduring their term in office.g) Officers may only be involved in committees ex-officio asa member with the exception that no officer shall serve onor ex-officio as a member of the Nominating Committee.h) Advance selection of committee chairs and committeemembers shall be accomplished during the last quarter ofthe preceding term year by the incoming Executive Committeein order to accomplish education and orientation for allnewly elected chairpersons prior to the first official boardmeeting of the new calendar year.Section 3. Task Force. The Board of Directors, President, orExecutive Committee may commission a Task Force which shallbe utilized for a specific purpose of limited scope and duration.a) The Task Force shall be active only until the assigned taskis completed and a formal written report has been preparedat which time the Task Force shall be dissolved.b) A Task Force shall consist of at least five (5) but no morethan nine (9) members and one (1) Chairperson, all appointedby the President. Should a chairperson vacancy appearfor any reason, the President shall appoint a new Chairpersonfor the duration of the Task Force, giving first considerationto those current members of the Task Force. If a vacancyappears among members, the President may appointa new member for the duration of the Task Force.c) All appointments shall be subject to the approval of theBoard of Directors.d) The task, project, and responsibility of the Task Force shall24

e directed by the authority calling for the appointment ofthe Task Force.e)The Chairperson shall preside over the activities of theTask Force.f) A Task Force shall be assigned a member of the Associationstaff to serve in a liaison capacity. The Staff Liaison shallbe a non-voting support person functioning under the directionof the Chairperson.g) The Task Force shall keep minutes of their meetings andprovide a monthly report of their activities to the Board ofDirectors. Findings and recommendations of the TaskForce shall be published in the “Member’s Only” section ofthe Association’s website unless it has been determined bya two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors that theactivities, findings and recommendations of subject TaskForce are to be considered confidential.ARTICLE IX. NRHA AFFILIATESSection 1. NRHA recognizes the following types of Affiliates:a) National Association Affiliatesi. Only one affiliate per country will be recognized as a“National Association Affiliate.”ii. Must have twenty-five (25) members in good standingwith the NRHA.iii. At least four (4) NRHA approved shows with full slatesof classes must be held within each respective country,during the previous calendar year.iv. Each National Association Affiliate must submit annuallya summary report of its past and current year activitiesand future plans to promote reining and NRHA intheir respective country. If the NAA participates in the InternationalAffiliate Program as outlined in General Rulesand Regulations, they must report financial informationon the distribution of IAP rebates.b) Breed Association Affiliatesi. Must have ten (10) members that are in good standingwith the NRHA.c) Regional Affiliatesi. Must have twenty-five (25) members that are in goodstanding with the NRHA.ii. No more than one (1) Regional Affiliate will be sanctionedwithin a 50-mile radius. Affiliates in good standinghave first priority.iii. If annual dues are not received by the NRHA office byMarch 1 of the current year and the affiliate did not holdReining events the previous year, that geographical areawill become available for the formation of a new affiliate.Section 2. Each NRHA affiliate must have on file with the NRHAa properly executed NRHA Agreement of Affiliation as preparedby the Affiliate Committee and approved by the NRHA Board25

of Directors. Additionally, the affiliate must also send to the NationalReining Horse Association annual dues to be set by theBoard of Directors and otherwise comply with the NRHA Rulesand Regulations.Section 3. An affiliate in good standing has the right to recommendto the Board of Directors, one representative whosename will be published in the NRHA Reiner magazine.Section 4. All NRHA Affiliate officers must be members in goodstanding with NRHA.Section 5. Affiliation with the NRHA is a privilege, not a vestedright, and is granted or rejected at NRHA’s discretion on anannual basis according to its procedures and requirements.Section 6. All affiliate associations are required to have Bylaws.If an affiliate does not have a specific set of Bylaws written onits behalf, it must adopt the Bylaws of the NRHA. All affiliatesare required to have either their Bylaws, together with any andall amendments, or a proper resolution adopting the NRHA Bylawsfor itself on file with the NRHA. All affiliates are requiredto follow the rules as set forth in the NRHA Handbook. Priorto becoming an affiliate, the Bylaws of the new affiliate mustbe approved by the Executive Committee. Any subsequentchanges in the Bylaws of the affiliate must also be approvedby the Executive Committee.Section 7. No affiliate association shall have, in any manner,the authority, express or implied, to act for, or bind, the NRHAin any manner.Section 8. NRHA does not assume responsibility for the actsor omissions of its affiliate associations, their officers, directors,employees, or any other of their representatives.Section 9. Within one year, Affiliates will be expected to developand maintain a website for the purpose of communicatingwith their members and with NRHA. All sites will be linkedto the website.ARTICLE X. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITYSection 1. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’sRules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Association inall cases to which they are applicable and in which they are notinconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of orderthe Association may adopt. Any Special Rules of Order must beapproved within a bylaw amendment pursuant to Article XV.ARTICLE XI. ANNUAL STATEMENTSSection 1. An annual audit of the NRHA financial statementsshall be performed by an independent certified public accountingfirm at the close of each fiscal year. Results of said auditwill be reported at the next general meeting of the membershipfollowing the completion of said audit and published onthe NRHA website within four months after the close of the fiscalyear or within any extension that may be granted by theBoard of Directors pursuant to ARTICLE VIII, Section 1. B) ii. Such26

accounting firm shall be an independent as defined by the AIC-PA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) Independenceguidelines.ARTICLE XII. INDEMNIFICATIONSection 1. The Association shall indemnify each of its directors,officers, employees and committee members whether or not thenin service as such, against all reasonable expenses actually andnecessarily incurred by him or her in connection with the defenseof any litigation to which the individual may have beena party because he or she was a director, officer or employee ofthe Association. The individual shall have no right to reimbursement,however, in relation to matters as to which he or she hasbeen adjudged liable to the Association for negligence or misconductin the performance of his or her duties, or was derelictin the performance in his or her duty as a director, officer or employeeby reason of willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence,or reckless disregard of the duties of his or her office oremployment. The right to indemnity for expense shall also applyto expense of suits which are comprised or settled if the courthaving jurisdiction of this matter shall approve such settlement.The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in additionto, and not exclusive of, all other rights which such director,officer or employee may be entitled.ARTICLE XIII. CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITSSection 1. Contracts. The Board of Directors may authorize anyofficer or officers, agent or their designees, to enter into any contractor execute and deliver any instrument in the name of andon behalf of the Association, and such authority may be generalor confined to specific instances. This authority in no way conflictswith the authority of the President to enter into agreementsas set forth under the obligations and duties of an officer.Section 2. Loans. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of theAssociation and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued inits name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors.Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.Section 3. Checks, Drafts, etc. All checks, drafts or other ordersfor the payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtednessissued in the name of the Association shall be signedby such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Associationand in such manner as shall from time to time be determinedby resolution of the Board of Directors.Section 4. Deposits. All funds of the Association not otherwiseemployed shall be deposited from time to time to the creditof the Association in such banks, trust companies, or other depositoriesas the Board of Directors may select.ARTICLE XIV. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONSSection 1. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Associationshall be signed by such officer or officers or their designees,as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.27

Section 2. Whenever written notice is required to be given toany person, it shall be given in writing to and delivered by firstclass,prepaid mail, telecopy, personal delivery, overnight courier,or electronic mail. Any notice given must be given to thelast address, telecopy number or electronic mail address of themember shown on the Association’s records. Notice shall bedeemed given at the time of delivery through the means of deliveryutilized, and, if for meetings, shall state the date, placeand hour of the meeting and purpose or purposes for whichthe meeting is called.Section 3. Whenever any written notice is required by statute,or by the Bylaws of this Association, a waiver thereof in writing,signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice,whether if before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemedequivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance of a person,at any meeting, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting,except where a person attends a meeting for the expressedpurpose of objecting to a transaction of any business becausethe meeting was not lawfully called or convened.Section 4. Minutes and Financial Reports. The minutes of allBoard of Director meetings, Executive Committee meetings, andcommittee meetings shall be published on the NRHA “MembersOnly” section of the NRHA website. Included in those minutesshall be the attendance, absence or excused absence ofmembers of the respective board or committee. Voting resultsfor rule changes shall be recorded and reported so that the generalmembership can see how their elected representatives arevoting. Only the Board of Directors and Executive Committeemeeting minutes shall be published in the NRHA Reiner. Issuesrelative to disciplinary proceedings of individual members shallbe handled pursuant to Section C-H of the General Rules andRegulations of the NRHA Handbook and the details of thoseproceedings shall not be published. Minutes of meetings calledfor within this section shall be published no more than 120 daysafter the respective meeting for which they pertainARTICLE XV. AMENDMENTSSection 1. Amendments to the Bylaws may be submitted byany member, committee or board and must be properly statedon the official Bylaw Amendment Form, signed by two members,and submitted to the NRHA office at least 120 days priorto the date of the annual elections established by the Board ofDirectors. Written notice of the proposed amendments shall belisted in detail on the NRHA website and in the NRHA officialpublication or by a special mailing to the membership at leastthirty (30) days prior to the annual elections. These amendmentswill be considered and voted on during the annual elections,and must be passed by two-thirds of the members voting.28

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONSA. ELECTION PROCEDURESSection 1. General.a) Each U.S. region shall be handled as a completely separateelection with unique nomination deadlines, voting ballotsand election dates.b) The Regional Director’s Nominating Committee (RDNC)shall maintain a list of desirable attributes that Regional Directorcandidates should possess. This list shall be includedin the U.S. Regional Director Nomination Guidelines.c) For procedures regarding elections for countries other thanthe U.S. see Article VII, Section 1 (c) of the Bylaws.Section 2. Nomination.a) Candidate nomination elements, as described in this document,shall be compiled into a “Regional Director NominationsGuidelines” document for publication on the NRHAwebsite, in the NRHA Reiner and circulation among the Affiliatesof U.S. Regions. (See Regional Director NominationGuidelines.)b) The open date and closing deadline of the nominationperiod will be unique to the date of each region’s RegionalAffiliate Finals (RAF). Each region’s nomination period shallclose no sooner than 120 days before the start of that respectiveregion’s RAF. Write-in candidate applications shallclose no sooner than ninety (90) days before the start of thatrespective region’s RAF.c) The RDNC shall accept nominations up to the close of nominationdeadlines for each region.d) Candidate nominations may be made by affiliates.Nominations must be made in the form of a letter upon affiliateletterhead and signed by an officer of the affiliate. The languagemust include “The (name of affiliate) nominations(name of candidate), (NRHA #) as a candidate for RegionalDirector of the (name of region) for the (year) election.” Abiography of the candidate, including their credentials, mustaccompany the nomination letter. Only one candidate is allowedper nomination letter. There is no limit to the numberof nominations that can be made by an affiliate. Affiliatesshall only nominate candidates to represent their respectiveregion.e) Write-in candidates may be accepted if the nomination isaccompanied by a minimum of ten (10) signatures from membersin good standing residing within the respective region.The nomination language must include “(name of candidate),(NRHA #) desires to run for Regional Director of the (nameof region) for the (year) election. This request is supported bythe members listed below.” On the same document, supportingmembers must sign and print their names and providetheir NRHA number. A biography of the candidate includingtheir credentials must accompany the nomination.29GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

f) The RDNC shall monitor incoming nominations to assurethat at the least the minimum number of candidates nominatedin each region will fill the number of Directors relativeto that region and shall take action to stimulate nominationsif any Region is not generating enough nominationsto fill the respective number of Director positions open inthat region. Such action would include:i. Sending notices directly to each affiliate in the region.ii. Networking for candidate recommendations that theRDNC could then encourage an affiliate to nominate.iii. Networking for candidates to be write-in nominees.g) The RDNC shall verify that candidates meet the requirementsof the position. The RDNC shall also verify that candidatesunderstand the commitments of serving on theBoard of Directors.h) Candidate biographies shall be organized by region forpublication on the NRHA website, in the NRHA Reiner magazine,and distributed to respective affiliates for inclusionin their newsletters.Section 3. Elections.a) Regional Director elections shall be conducted by onlineelectronic voting (eBallot) and alternative/absentee paperballoting.b) Specific election dates shall be determined for each regionbased on the dates of their respective RAF, which willallow at least thirty (30) days for votes to be placed eitherelectronically online, or by absentee paper ballot. The eBallotonline voting option and absentee paper ballot votingshall terminate 7 days prior to the start of the RAF. Votingin person by paper ballot shall be available during the RAFon the RAF show grounds and shall terminate at 2:00 pmon the last Saturday of each respective RAF.c) An NRHA staff member shall be designated “Elections Administrator.”This person should also be the RDNC staff liaison.They will:i. Agree to maintain the integrity and confidentiality ofthe Regional Director elections.ii. Set up the online eBallots with the assistance of andunder the direction of the RDNC.iii. Interface with eBallot as necessary.iv. Draft and send election notices and voting instructions.v. Maintain voter eligibility lists specific to each region andintegrate them with the eBallots.vi. Fulfill requests for paper ballots.vii. Input properly completed and sealed paper ballotsin the eBallot system.viii. Finalize the tally of each regional director electionand announce the results.d) During the week before each region’s election opens, allmembers of the respective region will be provided with vot-30

ing instructions and unique login password that will allowaccess to their specific region’s online eBallot. Instructionswill contain information about how a paper ballot may beobtained if a member chooses not to vote electronically.e) Members will e-mail addresses on file with NRHA will receivethis information via e-mail. Members without an e-mailaddress on file, and those with e-mails that bounce back,will be sent this same information by regular mail.f) Any eligible member choosing to vote by traditional paperballot may e-mail, fax, or call the NRHA Elections Administratorto request an absentee paper ballot or vote inperson at their respective RAF by paper ballot, which shallbe available there. (No ballots will be printed in the NRHAReiner or available for download off the website)g) Voters choosing to use paper ballots shall include theirNRHA number, signature, printed name and date where indicatedon the ballot. They shall place the ballot into an envelope,seal it, and sign their name ACROSS the seal. Any incompleteballot or improperly sealed ballot envelope shallrender the ballot invalid.h) Sealed paper ballots shall be mailed/delivered to the NRHAElections Administrator, who is the only person allowed toopen them. Upon opening a ballot envelope, the ElectionsAdministrator shall immediately input the absentee paperballot vote into the eBallot system, thereby integrating it withthe online voting process where it will be included in theresults of the election. All paper ballots shall be input no laterthan the end of the business day following the day theyare received by the Elections Administrator.i) The NRHA staff person who attends each RAF shall workin conjunction with the Elections Administrator and agreeto uphold the integrity of the election. They shall also workin conjunction with the hosting affiliate to conduct paperballoting, which will be available until 2:00 pm on the lastSaturday of the respective RAF at which time the NRHA staffperson shall be responsible to collect any paper ballots completedduring the RAF, count the votes, add these paper ballottotals to the eBallot totals provided by the Elections Administratorand produce the results of the election by thatsame Saturday evening during the RAF show. The NRHA staffperson shall return the paper ballots collected at the RAFto the Elections Administrator where they will be counteda second time and the results validated.j) Upon completion of the validated final tally by the ElectionsAdministrator, the respective region’s election resultsshall be immediately released via e-mail notice to all affiliateswithin the respective region and published on the NRHAwebsite and in the NRHA Reiner magazine.k) Any paper ballots submitted for each respective electionshall be retained for thirty (30) days. If the viability31

of the election is not questioned during that time they shallbe shredded.Section 4. U.S. Regional Director Nomination Guidelines. TheNRHA Regional Director Nomination Committee will accept nominationsfor regional director candidates for regional directorelections in the fall each year based on the following criteria:a) Nominations. Candidates are nominated to serve for twoyear terms. Nominations may be made by affiliates or maybe written in. (See Section 2 Nominations for specific procedures.)b) Qualifications. Candidates should possess the followingattributes:i. Knowledge of the reining horse industry.ii. Evidence of commitment to the Association’s objectivesthrough personal involvement in the industry (diversityof non pros, professionals, judges, breeders,stallion owners, etc.).iii. Potential to bring a special expertise or experience tothe board (i.e. background in general management, accounting,legal, marketing, advertising, promotions, sponsorships,human resources, information technology, showproduction and management, breeding, training, etc.)iv. Prior board-level experience at the regional/affiliatelevel or within some form of non profit entity.v. Willingness to support board views even when not personallyin agreement.c) Commitment.i. Ability to serve knowing the time commitment expectedof them.ii. Financially willing to commit to the expense, whichcould include at least the procurement of a personal computerand accessories, if necessary, for video conferencing(web cam, microphone, broadband connection)and at most for personal travel, airfare, lodging, transportationand meals when attending a minimum of four(4) Board of Directors meetings per year.iii. Time commitment to participate in meetings eitherin person or via teleconference and/or video conferencemeetings (if available), and willingness to become educatedabout issues at hand as necessary.iv. Willingness to actively serve on board-level committeesas chair/vice chair or member.d) Requirements. Candidates must:i. Be at least 25 years of age.ii. Be a permanent resident of the region they are nominatedto represent.iii. Be a current member of the affiliate that nominatedthem. A write-in candidate requires no affiliatemembership.iv. Be a member in good standing with NRHA for a periodof not less than two (2) years.32

B. RULE CHANGE PROCEDURESSection 1. Rule change submissions that may add, alter, oramend any rule in the NRHA Handbook may be submitted byany NRHA member in good standing, NRHA Committee, NRHAStaff, or the NRHA Board of Directors.Section 2. A rule change proposal must reviewed at a minimumof two NRHA Board of Director meetings and publishedand presented to the general membership in the NRHA Reinermagazine and on the NRHA website. The last date of submissionfor rule changes will be published in the NRHA Reinerand the NRHA website. All rule changes must be voted onby the Board of Directors and only the NRHA Board of Directorsmay pass a rule change. The NRHA Board of Directors mayvote to approve, modify and approve, or recommend the rulechange be reviewed by the appropriate committee(s) prior tothe date of the vote. On the date of the vote, the rule changewill either be passed, defeated or no action will be taken.Section 3. Each committee may review any proposed rulechange and provide a recommendation or approve or disapprovethe rule changes.Section 4. During the course of the day to day managementof the association, if the occasion should arise that is notclearly written or defined by the NRHA Handbook, in the bestinterest of the association and its members, the Officers ofthe Association are empowered to make clarifications asneeded to the NRHA Handbook. Any changes under this provisionwould then be corrected in the manner outlined inthe NRHA Handbook.C. AFFILIATE COMPLIANCERenewing Affiliates shall submit a complete and correct annualrenewal application listing officers who are NRHA membersin good standing and dues, for the current year to NRHA by January31 of each year. Affiliates failing to submit completed andcorrect renewal applications by January 31 or whose renewalapplications remain incomplete or incorrect after January 31,will realize all NRHA business including show approval, will beheld in a suspended status until a complete and correct renewalapplication has been presented to NRHA or until March 1whichever comes first. If a complete and correct renewal applicationis still outstanding by March 1 of the current year Affiliatestatus will be annulled. If the Affiliate Officers are notcurrent members of NRHA in good standing by March 1 of thecurrent year, Affiliate status will be annulled. Annulment of Affiliatestatus will be published in the NRHA Reiner.After March 1, an annulled Affiliate may re-apply for renewalby paying a re-instatement fee of $50 and resubmitting acomplete and correct affiliate application representing officerswho are current members of NRHA in good standing.D. INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATE PROGRAMDesignation as an NRHA National Association Affiliate is a33

privilege, not a right, bestowed by the NRHA Board of Directors,according to procedures formulated by the Executive Committeeof the NRHA.Section 1. National Association Affiliate Rights andResponsibilities:a) Once the privilege of regional affiliate is granted, and theregional affiliate has been an affiliate in good standing forat least a year and has 25 members and meets the showrequirements of the NAA program, the regional affiliate willhave the right to apply for the NRHA National AssociationAffiliate program. Each affiliate wishing to participate in theNational Association Affiliate program shall apply to theNRHA by October 31 of the year prior whether it wishes toadopt the program.b) National Association Affiliates will review all Non Pro declarationsfrom their individual countries and make the decisionreference approval. Any disputes can be appealed tothe NRHA Executive Committee.c) Once the privilege of National Association Affiliate statusis granted and it has reached 100 NRHA members, the NationalAffiliate will have the right to apply for the NRHA InternationalAffiliate Program. Each National Association Affiliatewill inform the NRHA by October 31 of the year priorwhether it wishes to adopt the program.Section 2. NRHA International Affiliate Program Rights andResponsibilities:a)The National Association may elect to establish a joint membershipbetween the National Association Affiliate and the NRHA.b) All Reining events will be NRHA approved.c)All records will be maintained in the official NRHA database.Section 3. In support of the International Affiliate Program,NRHA will agree to the following:a) NRHA recognizes the National Association Affiliate as theorganization to provide governance and leadership for thesport of Reining on a national level within that country.b) NRHA will rebate to the National Association Affiliate $20for each member in their country that has NRHA membership.c) NRHA will rebate to the National Affiliate fifty percent(50%) of NRHA’s show fees for every show that is NRHA approvedand held either inside of the country’s geographicborders, or run under the auspices of that National AssociationAffiliate.d) NRHA will authorize all protests originated within a respectivecountry to be adjudicated by the National AssociationAffiliate. The appeal process will be to the NRHA ExecutiveCommittee.e) NRHA will authorize the National Association Affiliateto make a recommendation on all show approvals withinthat country.f) NRHA will provide database information requested by theNational Association Affiliate. NRHA will maintain histori-34

cal records for National Association Affiliates participatingin the International Affiliate Program.E. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES(Protests, Negative Show Representative’s Reports and Judges’Grievances)Section 1. Membership in the Association carries responsibilitiesas well as certain rights. Any member of the Associationmay be disciplined, fined or suspended upon a showing of goodcause. Any non-member may be denied membership and theprivileges relating thereto whenever it shall be established bysatisfactory evidence to the NRHA Executive Committee thatsuch non-member is not a worthy candidate.Section 2. Anyone who becomes a member of the Associationor is subject to any portion of the Bylaws, rules and regulationsaccepts and agrees to be bound by all the Bylaws, rules andregulations of the Association and all terms and conditions ofthis Handbook.Section 3. Anyone who becomes a member of the Associationor is subject to any portion of the Bylaws, rules and regulationsand terms and conditions of this NRHA Handbook renouncesany recourse, which he or she may have against the Associationin connection with the enforcement of those rules. Thiswould include any associated or related corporation, trust orother business entity.Section 4. Disciplinary Procedure. Whenever anyone believesthat conduct at an NRHA approved event of a member or nonmemberwarrants disciplinary actions, or whenever anymember believes that he or she has been harmed by a violationof these Rules and Regulations, he or she must file withinfifteen (15) days of the actual incident, and/or within fifteen(15) days of having gained knowledge of the incident, a protestin writing with the NRHA office.a) Any protest must be accompanied by a cashier’s check,certified check, money order, credit card authorization orcash in the amount of $100 to be considered validly filed.b) A protest must be signed by an individual or individuals.c) Any standing or additional committee, as a committeeand/or the chairman of that committee, may file a protestfor an alleged rule violation that falls within that committee’sdomain. In case of these protests, the $100 protest feeis waived.d) For Non Pro eligibility rule violations, see B. NON PRO CON-DITIONS (6).e) Timely filing will be determined by the postmark on theenvelope. A protest may NOT be filed with a show representative’sreport. A show representative may file a protest separatefrom the show representative’s report.f) A show representative’s protest is subject to the fifteen (15)day filing requirement above, but is exempt from the $100filing fee, except when the show representative is directly35

involved as an exhibitor in a particular class.g) The filing of a judge’s grievance setting forth conduct warrantingdisciplinary action will also constitute a validly filedprotest and the $100 filing fee will be waived. See Judges Sectionc. Guidelines, (7).h) The $100 protest fee will be assessed only against the firstentity named in each protest.i) All protest fees are non-refundable in every instance of protest.j) Violations of the NRHA Handbook discovered by NRHA duringthe course of business shall be referred to the ExecutiveCommittee to determine the need to refer to a hearing body.Section 5. Hearing Body: The Hearing Body shall be responsiblefor the conduct of all disciplinary activity involving membersof NRHA. The Hearing Body shall consist of nine (9) membersin good standing with a quorum consisting of five (5) members.Members of the Hearing Body shall not serve concurrentlyon the NRHA Executive committee or on the NRHA Board ofDirectors. The nomination of prospective members of the HearingBody will be the responsibility of the NRHA Executive Committee.The final approval of those nominees will be the responsibilityof the NRHA Board of Directors. Once the nominationand approval process is complete the Hearing Body shall functionindependently of the nomination and approving bodies.a) The term of office of a member of the Hearing Body shallbe three (3) years. No term limitations apply and a currentmember of the Hearing Body may be re-nominated. Eachyear the nomination and approval process shall produce threenew members of the Hearing Body. In the event that a memberof the Hearing Body (for any reason) has not finished aterm, the nomination and approval process will provide anindividual to fulfill the remainder of that term. [In the firstyear of the Hearing Body’s existence the nomination and approvalprocess shall produce three (3) individuals to fill onethree (3) year term, three (3) individuals to fill two (2) yearterms, and three (3) individuals to fill one (1) year term.] TheHearing Body is authorized to remove any of its membersfor any reason by a majority vote. The empty seat will thenbe filled through the nomination and approval process.b) All rulings of the Hearing Body are final, however any partysubject to a ruling of the Hearing Body has the right toappeal the ruling by submitting a non-refundable paymentof $500 to NRHA within ten (10) days of the official date ofthe Hearing Body ruling. The appeal will be reviewed by theexecutive Committee of NRHA and will either be supportedor overturned by that body.Section 6. Hearing Body Procedure: The Hearing Body hasthe responsibility of managing a protest or dispute from the timethat a case is officially filed at the NRHA office until that caseis either rejected or brought to resolution at a deciding hearing.All cases will be subjected to a preliminary review, the re-36

sult of which is either rejection of the case or advancement ofthe case to the full Hearing Body for final resolution. When acase is officially filed with the NRHA office, the NRHA staff membersin charge will forward all pertinent information about thecase to a member of the Hearing Body designated as the “manager”of that case along with two additional Hearing Body membersdesignated as the “preliminary jury.” The “manager” and“preliminary jury” will review the case on it’s merits and, alongwith NRHA counsel, either reject the case or advance it to a hearingby the full Hearing Body. For those cases designated for advancement,the manager will have the responsibility, (along withNRHA counsel), of presenting the facts of the case at the hearing.[All members of the Hearing Body will serve as managersand/or preliminary jury members. Cases will be assigned by theNRHA staff on a purely rotational basis. An individual memberof the Hearing Body may be the manager of or a preliminaryjury member on more than one case at a time if the case loadso requires.] The makeup of the Hearing Body will be publicknowledge, but he manager of and preliminary jury memberson specific cases will be confidential. All evidence pertaining toa case, all testimony in the hearing and all Hearing Body memberdeliberations will be confidential. The manager of a caseand the preliminary jurors on that case will vote in the decidinghearing. The result of the deciding hearing will be presentedto the party involved by NRHA counsel.a) If the Preliminary Jury recommends a hearing, the PreliminaryJury may also submit a sealed recommendation fordiscipline to be opened only in the event there is a hearingand the Hearing Body has determined that disciplinary actionis warranted.b) If the Preliminary Jury finds the matter is not sufficientlyserious to warrant a hearing, all parties will be advisedaccordingly. However, the Preliminary Jury may issue a letterof concern to any party or parties relative to the matterunder consideration.c) In the event the Preliminary Jury finds that a hearing beforethe Hearing Body is warranted, the affiliate or personaccused of the violation shall be given not less than thirty(30) days written notice of a time and place for a hearing beforethe Hearing Body.d) The Preliminary Jury for judges may choose to direct thejudge to submit to an Investigative Judges Review, rather thanhold a hearing before the Hearing Body. A judge must complywith the decision of the committee or request in writinga hearing before the Hearing Body within fifteen (15) daysof receipt of notice.e) In the absence of the physical presence of a sufficient numberof members of the Hearing Body to constitute a quorum,a telephonic conference call may be used in order toachieve a quorum.37

f) In the event a quorum cannot be achieved in order to heara disciplinary matter, the accused may elect to continue withthe disciplinary hearing with less than a quorum or continuethe matter until a quorum is achieved.g) In the event the accused does not elect to continue withthe disciplinary hearing with less than a quorum or a quorumcannot be achieved because of disqualifications or recusalby Hearing Body members, the President shall appointadditional NRHA members to hear the disciplinary matter,first from the full Board of Directors and then from the pastPresidents.Section 7. The accused shall have the opportunity to appearin person at the hearing, with or without counsel, and to beheard and to present evidence and testimony on his or her ownbehalf and to hear and refute any evidence offered against himor her. Should the accused choose to appear at the hearing,the accused does so at his or her own expense. Additionally,any costs associated with counsel for the accused shall be borneby the accused, regardless of the outcome of the hearing. Theparties will receive a decision from the Hearing Body immediatelyafter deliberation.Section 8. Proceedings before the Hearing Body shall be informal,and rules of evidence, both at common law or providedby Oklahoma rules of civil or criminal evidence, need not bestrictly observed. The standard by which admissibility is determinedis whether the evidence is such that an ordinary prudentperson is willing to rely upon it. As an NRHA member, participantat an NRHA approved event or a person appearing beforethe Hearing Body, the accused person agrees that all witnessesand participants in such hearing shall be immune from anycivil liability whatsoever, including, but not limited to, libel, slander,invasion of privacy, defamation, or product of disparagement,for testimony given in the course of preparation for orat the hearing.Section 9. Except as provided elsewhere in these Rules and Regulations,in regard to any violation of NRHA rules and regulationsby an individual, member, non-member, or entity, theHearing Body shall impose at a minimum the following sanctions:a) First Offense not less than thirty (30) days probation.b) Second Offense not less than thirty (30) days suspension.c) Third Offense not less than a one-year suspension.d) In the event the Hearing Body does not necessarily feelthat there has been a violation of the NRHA Handbook butthe Hearing Body feels the matter should be addressed, theHearing Body is authorized to issue a letter of concern orreprimand to any party or parties.In addition to the minimum sanctions set forth above,the Hearing Body shall have jurisdiction to invoke any orall of the following sanctions, including but not limited to,38

evocation or denial of membership privileges, revocationof participation privileges in all NRHA approved events,denial of privilege of access or presence on the showgrounds of an NRHA approved event, denial of privilegeto advertise in NRHA’s official publications and/or an assessmentof a fine. In the case of a violation by a show committee,affiliate, similar organization, or by the NRHA itself,the Hearing Body may take such action as necessaryto remedy the violation and where appropriate, disciplinethe organization in question.Section 10. In the event sanctions or other requirements areimposed and ordered by the Hearing Body, such as the returnof prize money, prizes, trophies, etc., the sanctions shall continuebeyond the original sanction period imposed and orderedby the Hearing Body so long as there is any unfulfilled or uncompletedrequirement/sanction. In the event a sanction orrequirement is unfulfilled or unsatisfied for sixty (60) days thatperson’s membership shall be revoked. After fulfilling all obligations,that person may re-apply for membership, and judgingand Non Pro privileges.Section 11. When a member is disciplined, the order of the HearingBody will be presented to the NRHA Board of Directors andthe name of such member or non member will be published inthe official NRHA publication, “The NRHA Reiner.”Section 12.a) In the event a member suspended for any reason entersa horse as an owner or rider at any NRHA approved event duringthe period of suspension either as owner, rider, or agent,the RNHA will impose an additional six (6) month period ofsuspension and all show prizes and awards will be forfeitedto the NRHA as per the current NRHA Handbook.b) Reinstatement Fee: Members who are suspended forany reason must pay the association a $100 fee to reinstatetheir membership.c) Non Pro Privileges: A Non Pro that has received disciplinaryaction and/or suspension must relinquish their Non Procard or Non Pro Life Card to the NRHA office within fifteen(15) days of receipt of the result of the deciding hearing. Oncethe duration of the disciplinary action and/or suspension isconcluded, a general membership card may be issued to theindividual upon proper application and payment of the reinstatementfee and they may re-apply for his/her Non Proprivileges according to NRHA policy.d) A Non Pro that has received disciplinary action and/or suspensionmay re-apply for his/her Non Pro privileges (as statedin they current Non Pro Conditions) once the durationof the disciplinary action and/or suspension is concluded.Once re-approved for Non Pro privileges, the Non Pro wouldbe eligible for the same divisions as previous to the suspension,providing that the Non Pro’s eligibility did not change39

during the length of the disciplinary action and/or suspensiontime period.e) Judging Privileges: A judge that has received disciplinaryaction and suspension of any kind may regain his/her judgingprivileges once the duration of the disciplinary action and/orsuspension is concluded by reapplying in writing to the ExecutiveCommittee. Reinstatement of judging privileges willbe at the discretion of the Executive Committee with the recommendationof the Judges Committee.f) NRHA Professionals Privileges: An NRHA Professionalthat has received revocation of NRHA Professional status, disciplinaryaction and/or suspension of any kind may regainhis/her NRHA Professional status once the duration of thedisciplinary action and/or suspension is concluded by applyingin writing to the Executive Committee. Reinstatementof NRHA Professional status will be at the discretion of theExecutive Committee following recommendation by the ProfessionalsCommittee.Section 13. If the Hearing Body deems the submission of aprotest to be malicious and/or frivolous, appropriate disciplinaryaction may be taken.Section 14. Any member interfering with or attempting to influencethe outcome of a protest investigation or hearing maybe subject to disciplinary action by the NRHA.Section 15. The decision and action of the Hearing Body shallbe final and binding upon all parties, however, any aggrievedparty to any protest may appeal the decision of the Hearing Bodyupon the payment of a $500 fee to the NRHA within ten (10)days of the announcement by the Hearing Body of its decision.Section 16. All disciplinary hearings shall be held at the principaloffice of the NRHA, or any other location as determinedby the Hearing Body.Section 17. The NRHA has the right to publish the name ofany member, current or not, in the appropriate suspension orprobation list.F. CAUSES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONABUSESection 1. A member of the Association shall not abuse or mistreatany horse in any manner whatsoever on the show grounds.Abuse is defined as an action, or failure to act, which a reasonablyprudent person, informed and experienced in the customs,accepted training techniques and exhibition procedures,would determine to be cruel, abusive, inhumane or detrimentalto the horse’s health.Section 2. Individuals will be subject to the disciplinary proceduresset forth in Article E if it is determined that therewas a willful abuse of the horse under any of the followingcircumstances:a) The individual physically participates in the abuse of the animalor shows the horse in a condition to be considered abuse.40

) The individual designates himself or herself as the exhibitoron the show entry form.UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCTSection 1. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Unsportsmanlikeconduct shall be defined as any action of disrespect,deceit or fraud directed to judges, show management,show representatives, the NRHA (which shall not have a 15 dayrestriction), NRHA members or other exhibitors.Section 2. Unsportsmanlike conduct shall also include failureto respond to any reasonable request by the NRHA, includingfailure to respond to disciplinary investigation inquiries afterseven (7) days notice to respond has been given.Section 3. Individuals accused of unsportsmanlike conduct willbe subject to the disciplinary procedures set forth in Article E.G. FORFEITURESSection 1. Any rider participating in a class or division in whichhe/she (or the horse he/she is riding) is not eligible will be fined$25 for the first offense. After receipt of the notice, any second offensemay result in a fine of $200. When a horse/rider is found tobe ineligible, the earnings will be forfeited to the NRHA and all prizesand awards will be returned to the appropriate secretary.Section 2. Upon receipt of any forfeited earnings, NRHA willredirect the forfeited earnings to the show committee to be redistributed.NRHA will make corrections to the class placing andearnings in the NRHA database. It is the responsibility of theineligible and/or disciplined exhibitor and/or owner to returnall forfeited earnings to the NRHA and all prizes and awardsto the appropriate show secretary.H. FAILURE TO PAYAny member may be suspended and denied privileges of theAssociation and any non member, and any non member approvedshow or official thereof, may be denied privileges of theAssociation for failure to pay when due, any obligation owedto the Association, NRHA Reiner Magazine or any NRHA approvedshow for failure to pay entry fees, stall fees, office charges, premiumsor any other fees or charges connected with the exhibitionof reining horses; provided, however, that fifteen (15) daysbefore action, written notice of the account due and the intentionto suspend and withhold privileges of the Association shallbe delivered to such member or non member. This provisionalso includes the payment of any costs, fees or obligations fora check that is returned to the NRHA or any show or affiliatethat has been deemed by a bank to be paid by an account thatcontains non-sufficient funds. Any suspension and denial of privilegesunder this section shall terminate upon full payment ofthe obligation due. This rule shall further apply to the rider,owner, or agent for any unpaid debts related to the entry, exhibition,showing, stalling, or any related fee of an entry at anapproved NRHA event. Agent is defined as anyone who actsand/or signs on the behalf of an owner or rider.41

I. LEGAL ACTIONSEvery member, former member, and non-member, includingany corporation, LLC, partnership, trust, estate, or other legalentity that may be subject to these rules at any time, agreesthat he, she, or such entity will not commence any action,whether in law or equity, against the NRHA in any courts otherthan those federal and state courts located in Oklahoma County,Oklahoma. If unsuccessful in any attempt to overturn anyNRHA decisions, actions, rules or regulations, said person orentity agrees to reimburse NRHA for its reasonable attorney fees,court costs and other expenses in connection with the defenseof such suit.J. COURT OF LAW CONVICTIONSWhen knowledge is gained of a conviction of an individual ofa felony, animal abuse or moral turpitude under municipal, county,state or federal law, whether or not the NRHA is involved, theNRHA may subject the convicted person to discipline under theterms set forth in Article E. Any discipline imposed will be stayedpending completion of any statutory appeals. Acceptance of aconviction by NRHA will be given after notice to the sanctionedindividual or entity, who may request a hearing before the NRHAHearing Body to present lack of due process by the convictingcourt of law to merit NRHA’s refusal to impose discipline.K. CONVICTIONS BY OTHER EQUINE ORGANIZATIONSNRHA Executive Committee may accept suspension rulings pertainingto cruel or inhumane treatment of horses from otherrecognized equine related associations and state racing commissions.The effect of such acceptance is to suspend the individualfrom NRHA membership privilege, or for non-members,to deny membership privileges, for a length of time equal tothe suspension for which reciprocity is given. Acceptance of suchrulings by NRHA will be given after notice to the sanctioned individualor entity, who may request a hearing before the NRHAExecutive Committee to present lack of due process by the reportingassociation to merit NRHA’s refusal to give reciprocity.42

SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONSA. MEMBERSHIP(1) All riders and owners (including business entities) of horsesshowing in NRHA approved competition must be membersin good standing. Every member is issued a membership cardwith an ID#. This number must be used in all official communicationwith NRHA, and the card (or a photocopy) must alsobe shown to the entry secretary when entering NRHA approvedclasses. Renewals and new memberships can be applied forat any NRHA approved show. A temporary card will be issuedwhich is good for forty five (45) days from issue. Entry formsmust identify the horse with the correct competition licensenumber, the rider with the correct and current membershipnumber, and the owner or owners with the correct and currentmembership numbers to identify the ownership entity asrecognized in the NRHA database. Any deviation from the aboveinformation may affect earnings for Top Ten purposes. It is theresponsibility of riders and owners to be aware of and abideby all the rules and regulations set forth in this NRHA Handbook.Any person or entity in violation of NRHA rules may besubject to, but not limited to, fines, forfeitures, probation and/ordisciplinary procedures.(a) Memberships: (For countries participating in the InternationalAffiliate Program, total membership fees may vary.)General membership dues ......................................$95Youth membership dues ..........................................$35Three Year General membership dues ..................$270Life membership dues (Individual only) ............$2,000Associate membership dues ....................................$20Associate, Associate Non Pro and Associate Youth membersare only eligible to show in Category 10 classes and do notreceive a printed copy of the NRHA Reiner, do not have votingprivileges, and does not fulfill the ownership requirementfor licensing a horse except for Category 10 classes.NRHA memberships, Non Pro Declarations, and/or NRHAProfessionals applications, including the NRHA Reiner, commencewhen the membership is received. Membershipsand NRHA Reiner subscriptions are not retroactive.Life Memberships When a Life member becomes deceased,the membership will end on December 31 of the currentyear. This will allow for any horses that may be currentlyshown under the membership to continue to do so for TopTen purposes or otherwise.NRHA memberships, Non Pro Declarations and/or NRHAProfessionals Applications received with show resultswill be made effective the first date of the respective show.Memberships paid at shows– If a member applied throughthe NRHA Office or at a show and is required to pay againSHOW RULES AND REGULATIONS45

at another show, NRHA will refund the second membershipif it is paid within thirty (30) days of the first membership.If it was paid after thirty (30) days, there will be no refundand NRHA retains the money.Annual and Three Year memberships end December 31.The first issue of the NRHA Reiner will be received in 6-8weeks after the membership is received by NRHA.Non Pro – A Non Pro Declaration and one-time $25 fee mustaccompany membership application, unless already on fileat the NRHA office. Non Pro Declarations can be applied forand submitted at any NRHA approved show. (If a Non Promembership has lapsed for more than one calendar year,the applicant will be required to re-file a Non Pro Declaration,including the fee.)Youth Non Pro - A Non Pro Declaration and one-time $25fee must accompany membership application, unless alreadyon file at the NRHA office. (If a Youth Non Pro membershiphas lapsed for more than one calendar year, the applicantwill be required to re-file a Non Pro Declaration, includingthe fee.)(b) NRHA Reiner Magazine Subscription and Postage FeesUSA: May elect digital or printed (see postage below) version—one(1) per address. Associate members may elect anDigital Reiner at no cost or purchase a subscription at theNon Member price:CURRENT NRHA MEMBER NON-MEMBER3rd Class Mail–Youth $25 $353rd Class Mail–General $0 $35Digital Reiner $0 $01st Class Mail $55 $65International: May elect digital or printed (see postage below)version—one (1) per address. Associate members may electan Digital Reiner at no cost or purchase a subscription at theNon Member price:CURRENT NRHA MEMBER NON-MEMBERDigital Reiner $0 $0Canadian Postage $50 $60All Other Countries Postage $85 $95(2) Owners must join NRHA either jointly or individually if competitionlicenses list dual or joint ownership using and, or, and/or,or simply commas. Each joint membership will be entitled toone vote per membership. However, if either party intends tocompete in NRHA events, they must have separate membershipssince ALL RIDERS MUST HAVE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPSto trace earnings.(3) NRHA cannot be responsible for any payments or paperworknot received in the NRHA office. It is recommended that anytime-sensitive materials be sent to the NRHA office by guaranteeddelivery.46

B. NON PRO CONDITIONS(1) Definition and conditions of a Non Pro Membership:(a) A person who at the time of Non Pro application has notwon in excess of $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars)in Category 1, 2, and 6 open reining competition.(b) A person who has not directly (money) or indirectly (goodsor services) received remuneration to work in any mannerin the following activities on the premises of a reining horsetraining operation or in a venue where reining horses areshown: training or assisting in training and/or showing areining horse or teaching a reining horse rider.(1) For purposes of this rule, a reining horse training operationis any facility where reining horses are trained.(c) Employees of a reining horse training operation may beconsidered Non Pro provided they do not teach reininghorse riders or train reining horses that are outside of theirimmediate family ownership.(1) Any preparation of a horse on the ground, includinglunging, or astride at a walk is not considered training.(d) A person who has not given instruction on showing ortraining of a performance horse for direct or indirect remunerationwithin the past 5 years.(1) For purposes of this rule, a performance horse willbe defined as a Reining, Cutting, Cow Horse, WesternPleasure or Western Riding horse(e) A person who has not trained horses astride in any equinediscipline for direct or indirect remuneration within thepast 5 years.(f) An NRHyA Youth member can be selected for any approvedexchange program through the NRHyA. The selected NRHyAmembers shall not be in jeopardy of losing his/her Non Prostatus through participation in approved exchanged programs.(g) A Non Pro applicant that can be a certified instructor ina national equine equitherapy as exampled by the NorthAmerican Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).The excepted instructor shall only teach students enrolledwith an approved organization or students prescribedsuch rehabilitation by a licensed medical doctor. A Non Proapplicant excepted under this provision must have disclosedthis information on the Non Pro Declaration that is submittedto the NRHA office.(h) Payment of entry fees and/or expenses by anyone otherthan the Non Pro, his/her immediate family, or a corporation,partnership or other business entity in which the NonPro and/or a member of his/her immediate family are thesole and only owner, shall be considered remuneration.(i) A non pro can accept payment of entry fees and/or expensesfor demonstrations, exhibitions, or international compe-47

titions where the Non Pro is representing their National Federation,or competition where the Non Pro is representingtheir college or university as an individual or part of a team.(j) A horse shown in Non Pro competition must be solely andcompletely owned by one of the following: (a) the Non Pro,(b) a member or members of his/her immediate family, or(c) a corporation, partnership, or other business entity providedthat the Non Pro and/or a member or members ofhis/her immediate family are the sole and only owners ofthat business entity and the ownership of that business entitydoes not change to include non immediate family membersor entities. Ownership will be evidenced by the competitionlicense.(2) Definition of immediate family: husband, wife, parent, parents-in-law,step-parent, legal guardian, child, step-child, brother,sister, half brother and half sister. For Non Pro riders underthe age of 19, the definition also includes aunt, uncle,grandmother and grandfather. All relationships must be currentand lawful.(a) It is the responsibility of the Non Pro to file an ImmediateFamily Form with the NRHA prior to showing an immediatefamily member’s horse. The Non Pro is also responsiblefor updating that form with any changes. If there is notan Immediate Family Form on file with the NRHA office, aNon Pro may be forfeited out of any NRHA Non Pro classesin which they have shown.(3) Any transaction relating to the sale or transfer of a horseto a Non Pro other than by immediate family members mustbe at fair market value. The Non Pro is responsible for documentingsaid transaction in a satisfactory fashion in the eventof any protest. If a Non Pro and/or his/her immediate familymember sells a horse and then buys it back, the Non Pro and/orhis/her immediate family member cannot show that horse inNon Pro classes for 180 days from the time he/she originallysold the horse.(a) The Executive Committee shall have the right to reviewin detail any transaction regarding the purchase or sale ofa horse by the holder of an NRHA Non Pro card if in theirjudgment there was intent to misuse the rules of the Association.At the Executive Committee’s discretion, there shallbe a review if a horse is repurchased or resold. Included inthe review shall be methods of procurement, all transferrecords, cancelled checks, and deposit slips if so directed bythe Executive Committee. The procurement of mortality insuranceand a receipt of payment to a third party is an acceptableproof of sale. The original owner’s knowledge ofthe sale is not necessary for proof of sale involving an agent.All parties to a transaction in violation of these NRHA rulesare subject to disciplinary action.48

(4) Procedure for those applying for Non Pro status:(a) An applicant must complete the official NRHA Non ProDeclaration, and submit it to the NRHA office with the appropriatefee.(b) Persons applying for Non Pro status must answer all questionson the Non Pro Declaration, agree to abide by the NonPro Code of Conduct and Ethics, and sign the Non Pro Declarationaffirming the truth of all statements given as wellas acceptance of the rules and regulations relating to NRHANon Pro membership.(c) A Non Pro card is a privilege and not a right. The NonPro Committee can screen all applicants. The Non Pro Committeecan require at any time a Non Pro to submit his/hercard for review of applicability. The Non Pro Committee canrefuse a Non Pro card to anyone deemed not in compliancewith the eligibility criteria set forth in the NRHA Handbook.(d) An applicant must complete a Non Pro Declaration priorto entering a Non Pro class. Non Pro status will be grantedon a temporary basis and is subject to revocation pendingpublication in the NRHA Reiner and approval by the NonPro Committee. Non Pro status will be null and void and anyNon Pro earnings and prizes will be forfeited if it is determinedthat the applicant is not eligible under NRHA NonPro conditions, as defined in the NRHA Handbook. Failureto comply with the application requirements as specified inthis Handbook may result in disciplinary action.(e) Denial of Non Pro status may be appealed to the ExecutiveCommittee.(f) A professional (excluding members in the Apprentice Program)desiring to obtain Non Pro status may do so after meetingall Non Pro conditions for a period of time equal to thenumber of years they have not met the Non Pro requirementswith a minimum of three (3) years and a maximum of five(5) years. The NRHA office may then be notified and the officialNon Pro Declaration and fees may be submitted forapproval or disapproval by the Board of Directors or theirdesignate. The applicant will be notified of the approval ordisapproval by the NRHA office and shall not show in NRHANon Pro competition until notified.(g) A professional that attains Non Pro status after fulfillingstated criteria, shall be eligible for any classes or divisionsbased on their current eligibility.(5) Should a member wish to protest the eligibility of a Non Pro,he may file a protest with the NRHA office in accordance withthe procedures set forth in the disciplinary procedure section.The protest must be signed by a current member in good standing.In protests regarding the eligibility of a Non Pro, the fifteen(15) day rule for filing such protests is not applicable. Inthese types of protests, he or she must file within the current49

or subsequent year of the actual incident. Upon receipt of avalidly filed protest, the Non Pro Committee may choose to requestthe individual in question to voluntarily return his or herNon Pro card. If the individual chooses not to surrender hisor her card, the committee shall send the issue to the InvestigationReview Committee established for Non Pros.(6) Penalty—Should the Executive Committee determine a NonPro has made a false declaration, the Non Pro will forfeit allNon Pro winnings earned during the current year, and be subjectto disciplinary procedures. When a horse/rider is found tobe ineligible, the earnings and awards will be forfeited to theNRHA. Upon receipt of the earnings, NRHA will redirect theforfeited earnings to the show committee to be redistributed.NRHA will make corrections to the class placing and earningsin the database. It is the responsibility of the ineligible exhibitorto return all forfeited earnings to the NRHA and all prizes andawards to the show secretary.(7) Renewing Non Pro status: If a Non Pro membership haslapsed for more than one calendar year, the applicant will berequired to complete the NRHA Non Pro Declaration and submitit to the NRHA office with the appropriate fee.(8) Relinquishing Non Pro Status: A Non Pro that gives up his/herNon Pro status, and becomes a professional must notify theNRHA office in writing within thirty (30) days of the change. NonPro earnings in any category/class will not be utilized in determiningcurrent eligibility, with the exception of the Rookie Professionalclass (see definition of Rookie Professional in D. Categoriesof Competition and Class Eligibility, Category 1).(9) Non Pro Apprentice Exemption: Apprentice status mustbe granted prior to an applicant apprenticing with an NRHAProfessional. Applicants must allow ninety (90) days minimumfor processing applications. Individuals that begin Apprenticeshipprior to Apprentice status being granted are in violationof the Non Pro conditions and their Non Pro statuswill be in jeopardy. Failure to comply with the applicationrequirements as specified in this Handbook may result in disciplinaryaction.(a) A Non Pro may participate in the Apprentice Program onlyonce. The Non Pro must complete an Apprentice ProgramApplication.(b) An Apprentice Program applicant may be subject to a personalinterview with the Non Pro Committee.(c) Apprentice status must be granted by the NRHA Boardof Directors following the recommendation of the Non ProCommittee.(d) The applicant must apprentice with a member of theNRHA Professionals and physically work at that Professional’sfacility.(e) All NRHA previous Non Pro as well as Open earnings will50

e used to determine the Apprentice’s class eligibility. TheApprentice can only show in Open division classes duringthe apprenticeship period.(f) All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.(g) There is no earnings limit.(h) Apprenticeship is a twelve (12) month consecutive period.At the end of that time, the apprentice may remain anopen rider. In this case, previous Non Pro earnings will bebacked out for eligibility purposes. If the Apprentice doesnot remain an Open rider, the Apprentice must then reapplyfor Non Pro status and is subject to the Non Pro conditions.Any monies won during the 12 consecutive month Apprenticeshipshall be applied to their Non Pro eligibility.C. COMPETITION LICENSING(1) Horses competing in NRHA approved competition may berequired to have a competition license. Owners and co-ownersmust be current members of the NRHA prior to the horsebeing shown in any show except Entry Level Slide, Entry LevelRide and Green shows. (see Show Rules and Regulations, A.Membership).(2)Beginning January 1, 2002 a horse’s registered breed name willbe used as the NRHA competition name. Owners of non-registeredhorses may select a name, provided the name does not appear inthe NRHA database prior to the date of application.(3) For NRHA aged shows, the age of a horse shall be determinedas follows:(a) For horses foaled in the Northern Hemisphere, age willbe determined by a calendar year starting January 1 of theyear foaled. The horse is a weanling during the year foaledand a yearling during the following year.(b) For horses foaled in the Southern Hemisphere, age willbe determined one of two ways:(1) Horses foaled July 1 through December 31 will be considereda weanling during the next calendar year afterwhich it was foaled and a yearling during the subsequentyear. (For example: a horse foaled in the Southern HemisphereJuly 1, 2007–December 31, 2007 will be considereda weanling in 2008 and a yearling in 2009).(2) Horses foaled in the Southern Hemisphere January 1through June 30 will be considered a weanling during thecalendar year in which it was foaled and yearling duringthe following year.(4) Competition licenses are permanent when issued to each horseand are not renewed each year. A fee will be charged for the originallicense, for replaced licenses, for transfers of ownership, andlicenses requested by the owner to be reprinted for any reason(examples: person or horse name changes or gelding status). Aphotocopy of the horse’s registration papers (or photographs ofthe front, back and each side in the case of unregistered horses)51

must be submitted with each license application. Applications areavailable at the NRHA office.(5) In the case of a competition license transfer, it is the responsibilityof the purchaser to obtain and submit all transfer paperworkand fees prior to the horse being shown. The transferof or application for a competition license will be effectivethe date it is received in the NRHA office or at an NRHA approvedRide or Slide show and is not retroactive.(6) The competition license will be returned to the recordedowner. The owner will be responsible for getting photocopiesof the license to any person needing them for entry in any NRHAapproved event.(7) To enter NRHA approved competition, the competition license(original or photocopy) must be shown to the show secretarytaking the entries when a competition license is required.All competition license applications and transfers of ownershipmust be completed prior to competing.(8) If a horse is shown without correct ownership on the competitionlicense the show secretary will be fined $10 and the riderwill be fined $25. A second offense may result in the rider beingdisqualified and forfeited from the class and a $200 fine.(9) Lost Competition Licenses:Competition licenses that have beenlost for any reason such as: lost in the mail, misplaced, destroyed,or not received from the previous owner, can be replaced by completingthe Affidavit process and submitting the appropriate fee.(10) Any misrepresentation or false statement on the licenseapplication shall constitute unsportsmanlike conduct and willsubject owner and/or exhibitor to disciplinary action as set forthin the NRHA Handbook.(11)When a horse is gelded, such fact must be reported to the NRHAoffice immediately. This must be done by providing the NRHA officethe horse’s original competition license and a statement fromthe owner of record indicating the date the horse was gelded. TheNRHA office will make the appropriate notation on its records andon the competition license and return the license at no charge.If the owner requests the license be reprinted, fees will apply.D. CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION ANDCLASS ELIGIBILITYClass Eligibility is based on the rider’s and/or the horse’s earningsas of January 1 of the current NRHA year.It is the responsibility of the owner and/or rider to be awareof the official earnings of the horse and/or rider as recordedby NRHA. When limits of eligibility are surpassed during theshow year, the exhibitor can complete the year in that specificclass or division. Any rider participating in a class or divisionin which he/she (or the horse he/she is riding) is not eligiblewill be fined $25 for the first offense. After receipt of thenotice, any second offense may result in a fine of $200. Whena horse/rider is found to be ineligible, the earnings and awards52

will be forfeited to the NRHA. Upon receipt of the earnings,NRHA will redirect the forfeited earnings to the show committeeto be redistributed. NRHA will make corrections to the classplacing and earnings in the database. It is the responsibilityof the ineligible exhibitor to return all forfeited earnings tothe NRHA and all prizes and awards to the show secretary.CATEGORY 1(NRHA Approved Ancillary classes; World Champion and TopTen awards to apply. Requires a General, General Non Pro,Youth or Youth Non Pro membership in order to show.)OPEN—Subject to the general conditions, any rider holdinga valid card may show any horse in this class.INTERMEDIATE OPEN—Open to any rider holding a valid NRHAcard who has earned less than $25,000 in all NRHA Categoriesexcept 3, 7, 9 and 10 over the previous three calendar years.For members giving up Non Pro cards please refer to the NonPro conditions section 9.LIMITED OPEN—Open to any rider holding a valid NRHA cardwho has earned less than $10,000 in lifetime earnings all NRHACategories except 3, 7, 9 and 10 at the start of the NRHA year.For members giving up Non Pro cards please refer to the NonPro conditions section 9.ROOKIE PROFESSIONAL—Open to any rider, except those holdingan NRHA Non Pro, Youth, or Youth Non Pro card, who hasnot earned more than $5,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings, allcategories, at the start of the NRHA year. Those holding an Youthcard are not eligible for this class. Can run concurrent with anyCategory 1 Open, Intermediate Open, or Limited Open class.NON PRO—Open to any rider holding a valid NRHA Non Procard as defined in the Non Pro section of the NRHA Handbook.INTERMEDIATE NON PRO—Open to any rider holding a validNRHA Non Pro card who has earned less than $15,000 in allNRHA Categories except 3, 7, 9 and 10 over the previous threecalendar years.LIMITED NON PRO—Open to any rider holding a valid NRHANon Pro card who has earned less than $4,500 in all NRHACategories except 3, 7, 9 and 10 over the three previous calendaryears.PRIME TIME NON PRO—For persons 50 and older as ofJanuary 1st of the NRHA year who hold a valid NRHA Non Procard. This class may run concurrent with the Category 1 NonPro, Intermediate Non Pro, or Limited Non Pro class.NOVICE HORSE LEVEL 2—Subject to the general conditionsbut restricted to horses that have not earned more than $25,000in lifetime earnings in all NRHA categories except 3, 7, 9 and10. Also available in the Non Pro division, however, the NonPro division would be restricted to riders with a valid NRHA NonPro card and would be restricted to the rules of ownership asstated in the Non Pro Conditions.53

NOVICE HORSE LEVEL 1—Subject to the general conditionsbut restricted to horses that have not earned more than $5,000in lifetime earnings in all NRHA categories except 3, 7, 9 and10. Also available in the Non Pro division, however, the NonPro division would be restricted to riders with a valid NRHA NonPro card and would be restricted to the rules of ownership asstated in the Non Pro Conditions.CATEGORY 2NRHA Approved Aged Shows (Futurity, Derby and other approvedAged Shows; see G. Aged Show Conditions. Requiresa General, General Non Pro, Youth or Youth Non Pro membershipin order to show.)LEVEL 4 OPEN– Any rider holding a valid NRHA card may showin this division.LEVEL 3 OPEN– Open to any rider holding a valid NRHA cardwho is not in the Top 40 money earners in open classes basedon open earnings in Category 2 and 6 events for the previous threecalendar years. In addition, the Top 25 Non Pro riders based ontotal earnings in Category 2 and 6 events over the previous threecalendar years, are not eligible. For members giving up Non Procards please refer to the Non Pro conditions section 9.LEVEL 2 OPEN– Open to any rider holding a valid NRHA cardwho is not in the Top 140 money earners in Open classes basedon Open earnings in Category 2 and 6 events for the previousthree calendar years. In addition, the Top 50 Non Pro ridersbased on total earnings in Category 2 and 6 events over the previousthree calendar years are not eligible. All riders who areeligible for Level 1 Open are eligible for Level 2 Open. For membersgiving up Non Pro cards please refer to the Non Pro conditionssection 9.LEVEL 1 OPEN– Open to any rider holding a valid NRHA cardwho has earned less than $50,000 in lifetime NRHA earnings allcategories at the start of the NRHA year. For members giving upNon Pro cards please refer to the Non Pro conditions section 9.PRIME TIME OPEN AGED SHOW – Open to any rider holdinga valid NRHA card who is 50 or older as of January 1 of the NRHAyear. This class may run concurrent with the Category 2 Open,Intermediate Open, or Limited Open class.LEVEL 4 NON PRO– Restricted to Non Professional riders andeligible horses as defined in the Non Pro section of this book.LEVEL 3 NON PRO– Open to any rider holding a valid NRHANon Pro card who is not in the Top 25 money earners basedon total earnings in NRHA Category 2 and 6 events over the previousthree calendar years.LEVEL 2 NON PRO– Open to any rider holding a valid NRHANon Pro card who is not in the Top 125 money earners in NonPro classes based on Non Pro earnings in Category 2 and 6 eventsfor the previous three calendar years. All riders who are eligiblefor Level 1 Non Pro are eligible for Level 2 Non Pro.54

LEVEL 1 NON PRO– Open to any rider holding a valid NRHANon Pro card who has earned less than $25,000 in lifetime NRHAearnings all categories at the start of the NRHA year. For membersgiving up Non Pro cards please refer to the Non Pro conditionssection 9.PRIME TIME NON PRO AGED SHOW – Open to any rider holdinga valid NRHA Non Pro card who is 50 or older as of January1 of the NRHA year. This class may run concurrent withthe Category 2 Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, or Limited Nonpro class.SNAFFLE BIT or HACKAMORE Subject to the general conditionsbut limited to 3, 4, and/or 5 year old horses to be shownin a smooth snaffle bit with a broken mouthpiece (conventionalO ring, eggbutt or D ring) with ring no larger than 4" (102mm) and no smaller than 2" (51 mm). One inch (25 mm) in fromthe cheek the mouthpiece must be a minimum 5 ⁄16" (8 mm) diameterwith a gradual decrease to the center of the snaffle. Optionalcurb strap is acceptable, however curb chains are not acceptable.A flexible, braided rawhide, leather, or rope bosal,the core of which may be either rawhide or flexible cable, maybe used in lieu of a snaffle bit, but can be no larger than ¾”(19 mm) in diameter at the cheek; there must be a minimumof a 2 finger space (approximately 1 1 ⁄2" [38 mm]) between thebosal and the horse’s nose. Absolutely no rigid material will bepermitted under the jaw or on the noseband in connection withthe bosal, regardless of how covered or padded. Horse hairbosals are prohibited. Horses entered in this class may be riddenwith one or two hands at any time during the class.Show committees are allowed to offer the following SnaffleBit or Hackamore classes or any combination of these classes:3 year old; 3 and 4 year old; 4 year old and under, 5 andunder; 4 and 5 year old. Open and Non Pro divisions maybe offered.7 & UP: Open to any rider holding a valid NRHA card and horsesthat are 7 years of age or older. Refer to the competitionlicense section of the NRHA Handbook to determine the ageof the horse. Also available in the Non Pro division, however,the Non Pro division would be restricted to riders with avalid NRHA Non Pro card and would be restricted to the rulesof ownership as stated in the Non Pro conditions.CATEGORY 3(See Youth Show Rules and Regulations. Requires a Youth orYouth Non Pro membership in order to show.)YOUTH (10 & UNDER SHORT STIRRUP)—Open to any Youthrider who is age 10 or under on January 1 of the current NRHAyear. This class is to be run with the Short Stirrup pattern (Pattern11) only. Riders may use a horse without the restrictionsof ownership for Youth classes as defined in the Youth Conditions.This class will not count for Top Ten standings nor toward55

Youth Rookie (18 & Under) or Rookie eligibility). There will beno penalty for holding the saddle with either hand. The ridermay ride with standard reins, or with any type of closed reinsand may ride with one or two hands on the reins at any timeduring the class.YOUTH (13 & UNDER)—Open to any Youth rider who is age13 or under on January 1 of the current NRHA year. Riders mustuse horses with ownership as defined in the Youth Show Rulesand Regulations.YOUTH (14-18)—Open to any Youth rider who is age 14 to 18 onJanuary 1 of the current NRHA year. Riders must use horses withownership as defined in the Youth Show Rules and Regulations.YOUTH ROOKIE (18 & Under)—Open to any youth rider whohas not earned more than twenty-five (25) points in NRHA Youthclasses at the start of the NRHA year. Riders may use a horse withoutthe restrictions of ownership for Youth classes as defined underYouth Conditions. Will not count toward Top Ten Standings.Youth Rookie may be run concurrent only with Youth classes.UNRESTRICTED YOUTH—Open to Youth members 18 & under.Rider may use a horse without the restrictions of ownershipas defined under the Youth Conditions. However, if he/shedoes show a horse not owned by him/her or by an immediatefamily member in this class, he/she will not be eligible toshow any horse in any Non Pro/Rookie class at the same show.Youth showing their own horse remain eligible for the Non Proclasses, provided they meet the normal Non Pro requirements.This class will not count for Top Ten standings. It may be runconcurrent only with Youth classes.CATEGORY 4(NRHA approved Breed Restricted classes (excluding agedshows) restricted by breed. NRHA rules to apply, but not forNRHA World Champion and Top Ten awards. Requires a General,General Non Pro, Youth or Youth Non Pro membershipin order to show.)Jr. ReiningSr. ReiningAll Age ReiningAmateur ReiningYouth ReiningOpen ReiningNon Pro ReiningCATEGORY 5(NRHA approved Ancillary classes, NRHA rules to apply, butnot for World Champion and Top Ten awards. Requires a General,General Non Pro, Youth or Youth Non Pro membershipin order to show.)ANCILLARY GELDING INCENTIVE CLASSES – Any ancillary classmay offer this division. Entry into this class may be made only af-56

ter entry into the corresponding class. The added money of theGelding Incentive class cannot be higher than the added moneyof the corresponding class. These classes may be jackpotted or mayhave added money. There may or may not be a judges fee.INTERMEDIATE HORSE LEVEL – Subject to the general conditionsbut restricted to horses that have not earned more than$50,000 in lifetime earnings in all NRHA categories except 3,7, and 9. Also available in the Non Pro division, however, theNon Pro division would be restricted to riders with a valid NRHANon Pro card and would be restricted to the rules of ownershipas stated in the Non Pro Conditions.ROOKIE LEVEL 2—Open to any rider holding a valid NRHA NonPro card who has earned less than $500 in lifetime earnings inall NRHA categories except 3, 7, 9 and 10 or 100 youth points (excludingpoints earned in the Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup class).Riders may use a horse without the restrictions of ownership forNon Pro classes as defined under Non Pro conditions. Horses areto be shown one handed. Rookie Level 2 reining can only be runconcurrent with Rookie Level 1 or Prime Time Rookie.ROOKIE LEVEL 1—Open to any rider holding a valid NRHA NonPro Card who has earned less than $200 in lifetime earningsin all NRHA categories except 3, 7, 9 and 10 or fifty (50) youthpoints (excluding points earned in the Youth 10 & & Under ShortStirrup class). Riders may use a horse without the restrictionsof ownership for Non Pro classes as defined under Non Pro conditions.Horses are to be shown one handed. Rookie Level 1reining can only be run concurrent with Rookie Level 2 or PrimeTime Rookie. In order to offer Rookie Level 1, Rookie Level 2must also be offered.PRIME TIME OPEN DIVISION—Open to any rider holding avalid a NRHA card who is 50 or older as of January 1 of the NRHAyear. This class may run concurrent with the Category 1 Open,Intermediate Open, or Limited Open class. Money won in PrimeTime competition will not count towards World Championawards and will be used for determining eligibility status forthe Rookie class only.PRIME TIME ROOKIE—For persons 50 and older as of January1st holding a valid NRHA Non Pro card. Entry in this classmay be made only after entering either the Rookie Level 1 orRookie Level 2 class. This class must run concurrent with a regularRookie class. Money won in Prime Time Rookie competitionwill not count toward World Champion Awards and will beused for determining eligibility status for the Rookie class only.SENIOR HORSE—Subject to the general conditions but restrictedto horses that are 6 years of age or older and class mustalso be FEI approved. Refer to the competition license sectionof the NRHA Handbook to determine the age of the horse.Also available in the Non Pro division, however, the Non Prodivision would be restricted to riders with a valid NRHA Non57

Pro card and would be restricted to the rules of ownershipas stated in the Non Pro conditions.CATEGORY 6(NRHA Approved Closed Aged Shows, NRHA rules to apply, butnot for World Champion and Top Ten awards, see G. Aged ShowConditions. Requires a General, General Non Pro, Youth orYouth Non Pro membership in order to show.)Competition in this category is “closed.” Closed competitionsfor these purposes are defined as those not open to allparticipants other than as described and defined in the NRHAHandbook. Closed aged shows require entry using specific criteriaother than defined in the NRHA Handbook, i.e. specificbreeders’ futurities and derbies that require stallion subscription,foal nomination, breed or gender restrictions, orother such requirements to enter.The NRHA Executive Committee will act on shows applyingfor approval as a “closed” aged show, but not specificallydescribed herein. The NRHA will consider the merit of anyshow requesting approval as a “closed” competition.The Category 6 classes are to be patterned after the Category2 classes.GELDING INCENTIVE CLASSES—Any Category 2 or 6 class mayoffer a Gelding Incentive class. Entry into this class may be madeonly after entry into the corresponding class. The added moneyof the Gelding Incentive class cannot be higher than the addedmoney of the corresponding class. The Gelding Incentive classmay be jackpotted or may have added money. There may ormay not be a judges fee.MARE INCENTIVE CLASSES – Any Category 2 or 6 class may offera Mare Incentive class. Entry into this class may be made onlyafter entry into the corresponding class. The added money ofthe Mare Incentive class cannot be higher than the added moneyof the corresponding class. The Mare Incentive class may bejackpotted or may have added money. There may or may notbe a judges fee.CATEGORY 7(NRHA Approved Affiliate Championship classes; requires qualificationthrough the NRHA Affiliate Championship programto enter. Requires a General, General Non Pro, Youth or YouthNon Pro membership in order to show.)CATEGORY 8(NGB & FEI COMPETITIONS-)(NGB-National Governing Body, FEI-Federation Equestre Internationale;to include recognized and/or approved eventssuch as World Equestrian Games, Pan Am Games, CRI’s-Concoursde Reining International, CRIO’s-Concours de ReiningInternationale Official, etc.)58

CATEGORY 9(Freestyle classes only, NRHA rules to apply, but not for WorldChampion and Top Ten awards. See Freestyle Reining sectionof the NRHA Handbook. Requires a General, General Non Pro,Youth or Youth Non Pro membership in order to show.)FREESTYLE OPEN – Any rider holding a valid NRHA card mayshow in this class.FREESTYLE NON PRO – Any rider holding a valid NRHA NonPro card may show in this class.CATEGORY 10(Entry level classes only. NRHA rules to apply. See show conditionssection of the Handbook. Not for World Champion andTop Ten awards. Requires a General, General Non Pro, Youth,Youth Non Pro, Associate or Associate Non Pro membershipin order to show.)ENTRY LEVEL SLIDE OPENOpen to any rider holding a valid NRHAmembership card and has less than $500 in NRHA lifetime earnings,all categories or less than 50 lifetime Youth points (excludingpoints earned in the Youth 10 && Under Short Stirrup class).ENTRY LEVEL SLIDE NON PROOpen to any rider holding a validNRHA Non Pro membership card as defined in the membershipand Non Pro section of the NRHA Handbookand has less than $500or less in NRHA lifetime earnings, all categories or less than 50 lifetimeYouth points (excluding points earned in the Youth 10 & &Under Short Stirrup class). Rider may use a horse without the restrictionsof ownership as defined under the Non Pro Conditions.ENTRY LEVEL SLIDE YOUTH Open to any rider under 18 yearsof age and holding a valid NRHA Youth membership card andhas less than $500 or less in NRHA lifetime earnings, all categoriesor less than 50 lifetime Youth points, (excluding points earnedin the Youth 10 & & Under Short Stirrup class). Rider may usea horse without the restrictions of ownership as defined underthe Youth Conditions.ENTRY LEVEL RIDE OPENOpen to any rider holding a valid NRHAmembership card and has $0 (zero) in NRHA lifetime earnings,all categories except Category 10 and zero lifetime Youthpoints (excluding points earned in the Youth 10 && Under ShortStirrup class).ENTRY LEVEL RIDE NON PRO Open to any rider holding a validNRHA membership card and has $0 (zero) in NRHA lifetime earnings,all categories except Category 10 and zero lifetime Youthpoints (excluding points earned in the Youth 10 && Under ShortStirrup class). Rider may use a horse without the restrictions ofownership as defined under the Non Pro Conditions.ENTRY LEVEL RIDE YOUTH Open to any rider under 18 yearsof age as of January 1 holding a valid NRHA Youth membershipcard and has $0 (zero) in NRHA lifetime earnings, all categoriesexcept Category 10 and zero lifetime Youth points (excluding59

points earned in the Youth 10 & & Under Short Stirrup class).Rider may use a horse without the restrictions of ownership asdefined under the Youth Conditions.GREEN REINER LEVEL 1Open to any rider holding a valid NRHAAssociate card and has less than $100 in NRHA lifetime earnings,all categories excluding Green Reiner classes, has less than twentyfive (25) lifetime Youth points (excluding points earned in theYouth 10 & & Under Short Stirrup class) and less than fifty (50)Green points.GREEN REINER LEVEL 2 Open to any rider holding a valid NRHAAssociate card and has less than $100 in NRHA lifetime earnings,all categories excluding Green Reiner classes, has less thantwenty five (25) lifetime Youth points (excluding points earnedin the Youth 10 & & Under Short Stirrup class) and less than100 Green points.AFFILIATE LEVEL CLASSES—The NRHA recognizes the need fordiversity in classes held at different levels of competition and indifferent geographical areas, as well as to generate promotionalactivity for affiliate groups. This diversity allows for growth anddevelopment of affiliate and uniqueness in show management.Among these types of classes are: Ladies, Men’s, Leadlineand many additional classes with a variety of individual conditionswritten by the affiliate or show management. Theseclasses often use NRHA rules with a noted variation in showconditions to accommodate the specific class.NRHA does not sanction these classes for national competition,but does recognize and encourage their use for thegrowth and development of the affiliates, the interest of theexhibitors, and the overall management of the reining show.Official NRHA trophies and plaques will not be awardedin Affiliate Level classes.E. SHOW APPROVAL(1) Official NRHA show approval forms must be submitted tothe NRHA office by the deadline as follows:AA and A Level Events—not less than 180 days prior to theentry closing date of the showB Level Events—not less than ninety (90) days prior to theentry closing date of the show.C Level Events—not less than thirty (30) days prior to thefirst day of the show.Any changes made to information on a submitted showapproval must be done in a timely manner and is to the discretionof the NRHA as to whether or not the change can beaccepted. Any show submitted for NRHA approval that is receivedby post, fax, or email in the NRHA office after the appropriatedeadline or an approval form that is not completedin full may be subject to a $100 late fee.(2)Approvals are awarded on a first come basis except in the caseof an established show. To preserve a preferential show date, an60

established show must contact the NRHA office in writing, notless than six (6) months in advance of the anticipated show date.(3) There will be no NRHA sanctioned events scheduled duringthe same show week (defined Monday–Sunday) as NRHAowned events (i.e. NRHA Futurity or the NRHA Derby) or theweek prior to the NRHA Derby without the approval of the NRHAExecutive Committee. NRHA Executive Committee approval willbe required for any NRHA sanctioned events to be held in thesame geographic region or within 500 miles of an Affiliate orContinental Finals.(4) The Show Department may approve shows meeting showapproval criteria outlined in the NRHA Handbook. Any showthat appears not to be in the best interest of the sport of Reiningor the National Reining Horse Association may be deniedapproval by the NRHA Executive Committee.(5) It is show management’s responsibility to ensure that the showclassification requirements are met for their event and that properdocumentation is kept in the event of a protest. Failure to doso may result in a review and possible disciplinary action.(6) Show Classifications:(a) C Events:(A) Less than $500 added money to the entire event.(B)Follow all guidelines as set forth in the NRHA Handbook.(C) Show secretary must be NRHA certified or pre-approvedby the NRHA office.(b) B Events:(A) $500 - $49,999 added money to entire event.(B) Follow all NRHA guidelines.(C) Must have a show secretary, show manager and showrepresentative/steward. All three must have currentNRHA memberships at the time the show approvals aresubmitted to the NRHA Office.(D) Show Secretary or show manager must be certifiedby the NRHA.(E)Show Representative/Steward, Show Secretary, and ShowManager must be three separate individuals and the ShowRepresentative/Steward cannot be an immediate familymember (as defined in the Non Pro conditions) of the ShowSecretary and/or the Show Manager.(c) A Events:(A) $50,000–$99,999 added money to entire event.(B) Must have a show secretary, show manager and showrepresentative/steward. All three must have currentNRHA memberships at the time the show approvals aresubmitted to the NRHA Office.(C) Show Secretary or show manager must be certified bythe NRHA.(D) Show Representative/Steward, Show Secretary, andShow Manager must be three separate individuals and61

62Show Representative/Steward cannot be an immediatefamily member (as defined in the Non Pro conditions) ofthe Show Secretary and/or the Show Manager.(D) Judges not to judge over 12 hours per day, actual judging,not including breaks. If a judge judges over the 12 hourlimit, the event may be fined $500 for the first hour and $100for each additional hour over. The Show Representative/Steward(s) will be required to report this to NRHA. Fines that areincurred due to conditions that are unforeseen may be waivedfollowing an appeal to the Executive Committee.(E) Paddock Manager for the entire event. A Paddock Managermust be an NRHA member and his/her responsibilitiesshall include the following: Get exhibitors into the arena inproper draw order at the appropriate time; maintain communicationswith exhibitors as to the progress of the class,upcoming drags, and scratches; maintain communicationswith the announcer regarding scratches and exhibitorschecked in to aid in scheduling breaks and lunches, etc; andbe aware of emergency procedures in the instance of a situationwith horse or rider in the makeup pen area.(F) Videographer for all classes.(d) AA Events:(A) $100,000 or more added money to entire event.(B)Must have a Show Secretary, Show Manager and Show Steward.All three must have current NRHA memberships at thetime the show approvals are submitted to the NRHA Office.(C) Show Secretary or Show Manager must be certified bythe NRHA.(D) Show Manager must be certified by the NRHA.(E) Show Steward, Show Secretary and Show Manager mustbe three separate individuals and cannot be immediatefamily members (as defined in the Non Pro conditions).(F) Judges not to judge over twelve (12) hours per day, actualjudging, not including breaks. If a judge judges overthe twelve (12) hour limit, the event may be fined $500for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour over.The Show Representative/Steward (s) will be required toreport this to NRHA. Fines that are incurred due to conditionsthat are unforeseen may be waived following anappeal to the Executive Committee.(G) An NRHA Show Steward must officiate for the entireduration of the show.(H) Paddock Manager for the entire event. A Paddock Managermust be an NRHA member and his/her responsibilitiesshall include the following: Get exhibitors into thearena in proper draw order at the appropriate time; maintaincommunications with exhibitors as to the progressof the class, upcoming drags, and scratches; maintain communicationswith the announcer regarding scratches and

exhibitors checked in to aid in scheduling breaks andlunches, etc; and be aware of emergency procedures inthe instance of a situation with horse or rider in the makeuppen area.(I) Professional videographer for all classes. At all showswhere there is an official videographer, exhibitors by enteringare giving permission to NRHA to use any and allvideo for educational purposes. Permission must also beobtained from the show’s management.(7) All trophy and/or plaque payments must be submitted with theapproval form if NRHA official trophies are ordered.(8) Show management will be held responsible for the paymentof all trophy, plaque and NRHA five percent (5%) fees if applicable.(9) Show managers and show secretaries must be current membersand both must be NRHA Certified.(10) The show manager and /or secretary shall be the only showofficial(s) that will directly or indirectly contract the services ofNRHA approved judge(s). The show manager and/or secretarywill not hire a member of their immediate family (immediatefamily as defined per the NRHA Handbook) to be the (or oneof the) official judge(s) of an NRHA approved show. (Except forEntry Level Slide, Entry Level Ride and Green Shows.)(11) One of the individuals designated on the show approvalapplication as show manager or show secretary for AA approvedshows or any show offering a class with $10,000 or more addedmoney must have attended an NRHA show management seminarand become certified within five (5) years preceding thedate of the scheduled show.(12) The show manager and/or secretary will be the individualsresponsible for the supervision, recording and conduct ofall NRHA rules and show records pertaining to the show.(13) NRHA show secretaries or management that fail to followany NRHA rules, which may or may not result in the forfeitureor exclusion from Top Ten standings of a horse and/or rider,may be fined a $10 fee per forfeiture or exclusion.(14) It is mandatory that all approved shows utilize judges fromthe NRHA Judges List.(15) The Show Representative must have been an NRHA memberin good standing for at least one full calendar year. It is recommendedby the Board of Directors that the representative bea current NRHA judge or NRHA Steward. The representative willbe responsible for representing the interests of the contestantsto the judge(s) and show management, and will be required tosubmit to NRHA a representative report not more than fifteen(15) days after the show. Should the representative leave the showgrounds for any reason, he/she will be responsible to appointan alternate representative. The representative must representall contestants with the show management and judge/judges andwill be the sole liaison with said management or judge/judges.63

The representative must report if he observes any horse beingabused or if there are actions by any contestant detrimental tothe best interest of the Association such as: loud and profane language,drunkenness or being under the influence of intoxicants;use of devices not permitted by NRHA rules; any unsportsmanlikeconduct toward judges, show management, or other exhibitors;or any other infraction of NRHA rules.(16) An NRHA show steward who is a current NRHA member andeither an NRHA judge or a National Federation/FEI Reining Stewardmust serve as an Official at AA events. They are to be employedby the show management and the Steward’s name is tobe listed on the show approval application. The Steward will beresponsible to carry out all current stated responsibilities of anNRHA Show Representative/Steward, including represent the interestsof the contestants to the judge(s) and show management;as well as being available to aid judges and show managementwith Association rules and will investigate any situation whereNRHA rules as listed in this NRHA Handbook are not upheld.(17) An NRHA approved show that intends to cancel must haveapproval from the Executive Committee prior to cancellation.Special consideration will be given in the event of emergencycancellations due to circumstances that would jeopardize thesafety of participants. The show management must notify theNRHA office by fax, phone, or e-mail. The request will be submittedto the NRHA Executive Committee for review and approvalto cancel. The NRHA will determine if materials, includingtrophies and/or plaques are to be returned to the NRHA officeat the show’s expense. Failure to follow procedures mayresult in a $250 fine and may jeopardize future show approvals.F. ANCILLARY SHOW CONDITIONS(1) Ancillary shows cannot be restricted by any means other thanthe requirements set forth.(2) Ancillary shows must have a minimum of one (1) open class.Any other classes from Category 1, 3, 5 and 9 can be held inan ancillary show.(3) In NRHA approved ancillary shows, a minimum of one (1)Open reining must be offered. However, events with multipleancillary shows, multiple show applications, a minimum of one(1) Open class must be offered. Example: a three day reiningwith two slates of classes would be required to hold only oneOpen class to meet approval provided other criteria are met.(4) All riders, owners and co-owners must be NRHA Generalmembers prior to showing in an Ancillary show. If the rider wishesto show in any Non Pro classes, they must apply for Non Prostatus prior to showing.(5) All horses must have an NRHA Competition License priorto showing in an Ancillary show.,(6) Added Money: Ancillary shows must have a minimum of$500 Added Money.64

(a) The following Category 1 classes may not be jackpotted:Open, Intermediate Open, Limited Open, and Non Pro; otherclasses may be approved as a jackpot.(b) Open added money must be equal to or greater than theadded money in any other Category 1 class when the addedmoney in any other Category 1 class equals or exceeds $500.(c) Limited Open added money may not exceed $500 andcannot exceed the added money in the Open or IntermediateOpen class at a specific show.(d) Intermediate Non Pro added money may not exceed theadded money in the Non Pro.(e) Limited Non Pro added money may not exceed $500.(f) Novice Horse Level 1 may not exceed $1,000 in addedmoney. Novice Horse Level 2 may not exceed $2,500 in addedmoney. The added money of Novice Horse Level 1 cannotexceed that of Level 2.(g) The added money of Novice Horse Level 2 cannot exceedthat of Intermediate Horse.(h) Rookie Level 1 class must be a jackpot.(i) Rookie Level 2 class added money may not exceed $100.(j) Youth class added money may not exceed $100.(7) Entry Fees: Entry fees can be no more than ten percent (10%)of the added money for the respective division, except for theRookie Level 2.(a) Rookie Level 1 and Level 2 entry fees may not exceed thatof the Limited Non Pro.(b) Rookie Level 1 entry fees may not exceed that of the RookieLevel 2.(c)Rookie Level 2 class entry fee may be no more than $20.(d) Gelding and Mare Incentive classes entry fees may notexceed fifty percent (50%) of the fees in the classes that theycomplement.(e) In regular NRHA youth reinings, the entry fee may notexceed $10. For added money youth reinings, the entry feemay not exceed ten percent (10%) of the added money.(8) Judges fees may not exceed the entry fee.(a)Rookie judge’s fee may not exceed that of the Limited Non Pro.(b) A judge’s fee may not be charged in youth classes.(9) Show management retains and remits to the NRHA the standardfive percent (5%) show fee.(10)Show management may retain up to fifty percent (50%) of theentry fees after deducting the NRHA trophy fee (if an official NRHAtrophy is ordered) and the NRHA show fee of five percent (5%).(11) To qualify for an NRHA Lawson Bronze Trophy, an Openand Non Pro must be offered with $2,000 or more added toeach class.(12) Only one (1) Ancillary show with a Lawson Bronze Trophyreining will be held within 350 miles or 550 Kilometers drivingdistance (one way) on the same day.65

(13) A single judge may be used for NRHA approved classes notqualifying for a Lawson Bronze. At least two (2) judges must beused in all NRHA approved classes with added money of $2,000up to $9,999. At least three (3) chair judges are recommended,but a minimum of two (2) chair judges are required for allNRHA approved classes with added money of $10,000 up to$49,999. Five (5) chair judges are recommended, but a minimumof three (3) chair judges are required for all NRHA approvedclasses with added money of $50,000 or more.(14) Category one (1) classes will be limited to one run and entriescannot be restricted by number.(15) Any event wishing to hold an elimination run prior to afinals for a Category 1 class, must request such in writing throughthe NRHA office. Eliminations will be allowed if meeting thefollowing criteria:(a) The show has a large spectator audience and needs tohold a class with a controlled number of entries for a specialevening or afternoon performance.(b) The show has a large number of entries, history of largenumbers of entries, or can offer proof that the show expectsa large number of entries.(c) The show management has a history of responsible reportingof monies earned and proper paybacks to the NRHA office.(d) An elimination round will be used to determine a set numberof finalists only—with no payback figured for this round.The number of finalists to be determined by the total numberof horses entered in the class with a minimum of two(2) more than percentages require in the appropriateNRHA payback schedule, with the maximum to be determinedby show management. Judge’s score sheets for theelimination round and finals will accompany the results.(16)In order to place in a Lawson Bronze Trophy Reining, a horsemust be shown in the final round of that class.(17) All standards of Judging will apply. (See Rules for Judging)(18) Must use NRHA patterns 1–12. Pattern 12 is to only be usedfor the Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup class.G. AGED SHOW AND CLOSED AGED SHOW CONDITIONS(1) Aged shows are restricted by the horse’s age only. Closed Agedshows are restricted by the horse’s age and some other provision(ie. Foal enrollment program, breeders incentive, etc).(2) NRHA Aged Shows must offer a minimum of one (1) Level4 Open and one (1) Level 4 Non Pro class. Any other class in Categories2 and 6 can be held in an aged show.(3) Added Money:(a)An Aged Show must have a minimum of $2000 added money.(b) Level 2 Non Pro may not exceed the added money inthe Level 4 Non Pro or Level 3 Non Pro in Category 2 orCategory 6 classes(4) All riders, owners and co owners must be NRHA General66

Members prior to showing in an Aged Show. If the rider wishesto show in any Non Pro classes, they must apply for Non Prostatus prior to showing.(5) All horses must have an NRHA Competition License priorto showing in an Aged or Closed Aged show.(6) Entry fees can be no more than ten percent (10%) of theadded money for the respective division.(7) Judges fees cannot exceed the entry fee.(8) Show management retains and remits to the NRHA the standardfive percent (5%) show fee.(9) Show management retains no more than fifty percent (50%)of the entry fees after deducting the NRHA trophy fee (if anofficial NRHA trophy is ordered) and the NRHA show fee of fivepercent (5%).(10) In order to place in a class, a horse must be shown in thefinal round of that class.(11) Show management must submit a complete Terms & Conditionsof the show with the approval.(12) A single judge may be used for NRHA approved classesnot qualifying for a Lawson Bronze. At least two (2) judgesmust be used in all NRHA approved classes with added moneyof $2,000 up to $9,999. At least three (3) chair judges arerecommended, but a minimum of two (2) chair judges arerequired for all NRHA approved classes with added moneyof $10,000 up to $49,999. Five (5) chair judges are recommended,but a minimum of three (3) chair judges are requiredfor all NRHA approved classes with added money of $50,000or more.(13)The NRHA Board of Directors determines, after notice to andconsideration of the concerns of other NRHA sponsored or sanctionedaged shows, that the show requesting sanctioning will notadversely impact the other sponsored or sanctioned aged shows.(14)The show requesting sanctioning is deemed to have show management,facilities, and scheduling that will bring credit to the NRHA.(15) NRHA Handbook rules must be followed unless specificallyaltered by the NRHA Board of Directors.(16) NRHA will make the appropriate official trophy available tothese approved aged shows for the posted costs. Trophies will beconsistent with added money levels in Ancillary shows (see H. Trophies)with the exception that Lawson Bronzes are available toall Category 2 divisions with $2,000 or more in added money.(17) All standards of Judging will apply. (See Rules for Judging)(18) Must use NRHA patterns 1–11.H. BREED RESTRICTED SHOW CONDITIONS(1) Breed Restricted shows are restricted by the breed of the horse.(2) Breed Restricted Shows can offer any class in Category 4.(3) There is no minimum requirement for added money.(4)All riders, owners and co owners must be NRHA General Membersprior to showing in a Breed Restricted Show. If the rider wish-67

es to show in any Non Pro classes, they must apply for Non Prostatus prior to showing.(5) All horses must have an NRHA Competition License priorto showing in a Breed Restricted show.(6) Entry fees can be no more than ten percent (10%) of theadded money for the respective division.(7) Judges fees cannot exceed the entry fee.(8) Show management retains and remits to the NRHA the standardfive percent (5%) show fee.(9) Show management retains no more than fifty percent (50%)of the entry fees after deducting the NRHA trophy fee (if an officialNRHA trophy is ordered) and the NRHA show fee of fivepercent (5%).(10) In order to place in a class, a horse must be shown in thefinal round of that class.(11) Show management must submit a complete Terms & Conditionsof the event with the approval.(12) A single judge may be used for NRHA approved classes notqualifying for a Lawson Bronze. At least two (2) judges must beused in all NRHA approved classes with added money of $2,000up to $9,999. At least three (3) chair judges are recommended,but a minimum of two (2) chair judges are required for allNRHA approved classes with added money of $10,000 up to$49,999. Five (5) chair judges are recommended, but a minimumof three ( 3) chair judges are required for all NRHA approvedclasses with added money of $50,000 or more.(13) NRHA will make the appropriate official trophy availableto these approved Breed Restricted Shows for the posted costs.Trophies will be consistent with added money levels in Category1 (see H. Trophies).(14) All standards of Judging will apply. (See Rules for Judging)(15) Must use NRHA patterns 1–11.I. AFFILIATE SHOW CONDITIONS(1) Affiliate shows must be held by an established NRHA Affiliateand cannot be restricted by any means other than the requirementsset forth.(2) A $50 show application fee must be submitted with the showapprovals for all affiliate shows.(3) Any class from Category 1, 3, 5 and 9 can be held in an affiliateshow.(4) Affiliate shows can be jackpot only or may have up to $500added money in the entire show.(5) All riders, owners and co-owners must be an NRHA Generalmember prior to showing in an Affiliate show. If the rider wishesto show in any Non Pro classes, they must apply for Non Prostatus prior to showing.(6) All horses must have an NRHA Competition License priorto showing in an Affiliate show.(7) Entry fees are to be determined by show management.68

(8) Judges fees cannot exceed the entry fee.(9) Show management does not remit the NRHA five percent(5%) retainage fee.(10) Show management can retain any percentage of the entryfees.(11) Category 1 classes will be limited to one run and entriescannot be restricted by number.(12) All standards of Judging will apply. (See Rules for Judging)(13) Must use NRHA patterns 1–12. Pattern 12 is to only be usedfor the Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup class.J. ENTRY LEVEL SLIDE SHOW CONDITIONS(1) Entry Level Slide shows cannot be restricted by any meansother than the requirements set forth.(2) A $50 show application fee must be submitted with the showapprovals for all Entry Level Slide shows(3) Any Entry Level Slide class from Category 10 can be held ina Entry Level Slide show.(4) Entry Level Slide shows can be jackpot only or may have upto $500 added money in the entire show.(5) All riders must be an NRHA member prior to showing in anEntry Level Slide show. If the rider wishes to show in any Non Proclasses, they must apply for Non Pro status prior to showing.(6) All horses must have an NRHA Competition License priorto showing in an Entry Level Slide show.(7) Entry fees are to be determined by show management.(8) Judges fees cannot exceed the entry fee.(9) Show management does not remit the NRHA five percent(5%) retainage fee.(10) Show management can retain any percentage of the entry fees.(11) All standards of Judging will apply. (See Rules for Judging)(12) Must use NRHA patterns 1–11.K. ENTRY LEVEL RIDE SHOW CONDITIONS(1) Entry Level Ride shows cannot be restricted by any meansother than the requirements set forth.(2) A $30 show application fee must be submitted with the showapprovals for all Entry Level Ride shows(3) Any Entry Level Ride class from Category 10 can be held inan Entry Level Ride show.(4) Entry Level Ride shows must be jackpot.(5) All riders must be an NRHA member prior to showing in anEntry Level Ride show. Non Pro status is not required to showin the Non Pro class.(6) Horses do not have to have an NRHA Competition Licenseprior to showing in an Entry Level Ride show.(7) Entry fees are to be determined by show management.(8) Judges fees cannot exceed the entry fee.(9) Show management does not remit the NRHA five percent(5%) retainage fee.69

(10)Show management can retain any percentage of the entry fees.(11) Relaxed judging practices apply. (See Rules for Judging)(12) May use relaxed patterns. Must submit a pattern diagramwith show approval forms. It is the responsibility of the showmanagement to inform the judge of the relaxed pattern priorto horses being shown. The required maneuvers are at leasttwo (2) sliding stops, two (2) circles in each direction, four (4)spins to the left and four (4) spins to the right.L. GREEN LEVEL SHOW CONDITIONS(1) Green Level shows cannot be restricted by any means otherthan the requirements set forth.(2) A Green Level show must be held in conjunction with anNRHA Ancillary show.(3) Any green class from Category 10 can be held in a green show.(4) Green Level shows can be jackpot only and will award Greenpoints.(5) When exhibitors reach the point levels to earn out of theclass they will receive an award.(6) All riders must be an NRHA member prior to showing in aGreen Level show.(7) Entry fees are to be determined by show management.(8) Show management cannot charge exhibitors a judge’s fee.(9) Show management does not remit the NRHA five percent(5%) retainage fee.(10) Show management can retain any percentage of theentry fees.(11) Relaxed judging practices apply. (See Rules for Judging)(12) Must use NRHA patterns 1–11. However, simple leadchanges are allowed and the rider may use one (1) or two(2) hands.M. TROPHIES(1) NRHA approved ancillary classes may provide the officialtrophy or award designated for the class or division. The awardsmay be purchased from NRHA at the published trophy priceplus applicable shipping, taxes, etc. If a show does not offerNRHA trophies, the class winners may elect to purchase the trophyby paying the appropriate trophy fee plus applicable shipping,taxes, etc. Only official NRHA trophies can be deductedfrom payouts.(2) Classes or divisions may present one trophy at the highestqualifying level.(3) If ordered, the Lawson Bronze must be presented to the Openand Non Pro class when $2,000 or more in added money is offeredand other special Lawson Bronze qualifications are met.Open and Non Pro are the only classes in Ancillary shows thatare allowed presentation of the Lawson Bronze.(4) If ordered, the Morrison Bronze is mandatory for classes with$1,000 added or more, but not qualifying for the Lawson Bronze.70

(5) If ordered, the Pewter Trophy is mandatory for classes with$500 added or more, but not qualifying for the Lawson Bronzeor Morrison Bronze.(6) If ordered, the Pewter Trophy is mandatory for the $200-$500 added Limited Non Pro class.(7) If ordered, the Morrison Freestyle Bronze must be and canonly be presented for a $1,000 or more added Freestyle class.(8) First through tenth place awards are mandatory for Youthclasses except for Affiliate, Entry Level Slide, Event Level Rideand Green shows.(9) If ordered, plaques are mandatory for Rookie and other approvedclasses not meeting the added money levels outlined in this section.(10) For Category 2 Aged Show awards, refer to G. Aged ShowConditions.N. GENERAL SHOW CONDITIONS(1) All entry forms must accurately and truthfully identify horses,owner (based on records in NRHA database) and rider whenthe information is asked for from the exhibitor. Any misrepresentationor false statement on the entry form shall constituteunsportsmanlike conduct and will subject owner and/or exhibitorto disciplinary action as set forth in the NRHA Handbook, as wellas affect the counting of earnings for Top Ten purposes.(2) All exhibitors and owners/co-owners must be current membersof NRHA. All NRHA members may renew or purchase theirmemberships at the show. Non Pro members may renew at ashow if they present their previous year’s non pro card to theshow secretary. New Non Pro applicants must complete a NonPro declaration and submit it with the Non Pro fee, a completedmembership application and membership dues. If a horseis shown without current NRHA membership for the owner/coownerand/or rider and it is required, the show will be fined$25 per offense. The non-current member will be fined $25 inaddition to the cost of his/her membership. Failure to pay couldresult in suspension and all privileges of membership could bedenied. Refer to NRHA Handbook, GENERAL RULES AND REG-ULATIONS, H. FAILURE TO PAY.(3) All horses in a class must be drawn for position and mustrun as drawn, except in the case of an event that is running multiplearenas simultaneously. In this case priority is given to onearena and that arena will maintain the draw, while the otherarena will allow for flexibility in the draw to assist riders withconflicts between arenas. All horses must have a correct exhibitornumber displayed.(4)The draw must be available to exhibitors at least thirty (30) minutesprior to the first horse entering the arena.(5) If an entry is made after the draw is posted, it is the decisionof the show management as to whether that entry runsfirst or last. It must be consistent for all entries in that class (exceptin the case of an exhibitor with multiple horses)71

(6) Exhibitors that enter and scratch a class for any reason afterthe draw has been posted will be liable for any and all feesincurred in connection to entering that class.(7) Failure to display correct exhibitor number will result in therider receiving a $25 fine per offense.(8) If an entrant misses his/her turn as determined by the draw,he/she will be disqualified from that go round (except for caseswhere unusual and truly unavoidable circumstances exist).Each case will be judged on its own merit by the judge(s).(9) Substitution of riders will not be permitted except by agreementof the show management and NRHA representative incase of injury or other extenuating circumstances.(10) A rider may not show more than three (3) horses in an NRHAclass. If a rider rides more than one horse, there should be aspread of at least eight (8) horses between his/her runs. In caseswhere this minimum spread is not possible due to the numberof entries, the spread should be the maximum possible.A horse may be entered only once per class. In the instancewhere classes are run concurrent, a rider may show three horsesper class and a horse may only be shown once.(11) If a horse is shown without correct ownership on the competitionlicense, when ownership records are required, the riderwill each be fined $25. If a show secretary reports an incorrectowner on show results they will be fined $10. A second offensemay result in the rider being disqualified and forfeitedfrom the class and a $200 fine.(12) All horses must be ridden astride.(13)It is mandatory for all riders to use appropriate western tackand western attire while showing; this would include a long sleeveshirt, western hat or safety helmet, boots, western saddle, andwestern bridle. (Freestyle reining being exempt based on conditions.)Failure to use appropriate attire will result in a score of 0.(14) The Affiliate, Show Committee and all participants, spectatorsand others, acknowledge that because these rules havebeen established on the basis of experience and fairness to allwho are interested in the betterment of reining horse competition,the NRHA assumes no liability for any injuries, damagesor claims of whatever nature from any Affiliate, Show Committee,participant or spectator arising out of performance conductedunder the NRHA General Rules and Requirements.(15) Any person or entity in violation of NRHA rules may be subjectto, but not limited to, fines, forfeitures, exclusion from TopTen standings, probation, and/or disciplinary procedures.(16)At all shows where there is an official videographer, exhibitorsby entering are giving permission to NRHA to use any and all videofor educational purposes. Permission must also be obtained fromthe show’s management.(17) No horse may be shown before its 3-year-old year inNRHA events.72

O. TIES(1) All ties for 1st place will be worked off if the tied exhibitorsagree to participate in a run-off. Tied exhibitors have the alternateoption of agreeing not to run-off and to be named cochampionsbut must determine the winner of the awards bya flip of a coin. If they do not agree, the exhibitor(s) who doesnot want to run-off will forfeit first place to the other(s). (Exceptions:Freestyle reining—see Freestyle Reining conditionsto determine winner or co-champions.)(2) Ties that are worked off will use the same pattern and orderof go as was used during the event; however, there will notbe more than one run-off.(3) If a tie occurs after the run-off, the entrants will be namedco-champions; will evenly split 1st and 2nd prize money, butmust determine the winner of the awards by a flip of a coin.(4) In the event of a co-championship, the participant that losesthe coin toss does have the option of purchasing a second trophy.(5) A horse not returning for a run-off without such an agreementwill forfeit 1st place prize money regardless of the addedmoney. (If three or more exhibitors have tied for 1st place, theexhibitor(s) not returning for the runoff will be placed in thelowest position for which he/she was tied, i.e., in a three waytie for first, the exhibitor not returning would receive 3rd place.)(6) In the case of a run-off, the contestant(s) not winning therun-off cannot be placed lower than the lowest position forwhich he/she was tied, i.e., 2nd/3rd.(7) All other ties are not worked off and will involve as manyplaces as there are horses tied, i.e., 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th. The prizemoney in the previously mentioned example is added togetherand split equally- four ways.P. SHOW RESULTS(1) The manager and/or secretary will submit official documents(show results, original judge’s score sheets, membership applicationsand other NRHA documents) to the NRHA office withinten (10) days after the last day of the show as required bythe rules herein. Show manager and /or secretary will also maintaina copy of show results and maintain the official show entryforms for a period of at least twelve (12) months. Prior toreturning to the NRHA office within the ten (10) day requirement,the original judge’s sheets must remain in the custodyof show secretary for supervision, control, and safekeeping.(2) Ancillary Show, Breed Restricted Shows and Affiliate Showsresults must record all riders and horses shown, includingscratches, zeros and no scores in the proper placing and properlylabeled. Show results must include membership numbersfor all riders and owners/co owners. Show results must includecompetition license numbers for every horse. Original judgesscore sheets must accompany show results. If show results aresubmitted incomplete, they will not be accepted and are sub-73

ject to late fines if complete show results are not submitted withinthe specified time limit (see section N.3.).Aged Show results must record all money earners in theproper placing. Show results must include membership numbersfor all riders and owners/co owners. Show results mustinclude competition license numbers for every horse. Originaljudges score sheets must accompany show results. If showresults are submitted incomplete, they will not be acceptedand are subject to late fines if complete show results are notsubmitted within the specified time limit (see section N.4.).Entry Level Slide Shows, Entry Level Ride Shows and GreenLevel Show results must record all money and/or point earnersin the proper placing. Show results must include membershipnumbers for all riders. Entry Level Slide Show resultsmust also include competition license numbers for everyhorse. Original judges score sheets must accompany show results.If show results are submitted incomplete, they will notbe accepted and are subject to late fines if complete showresults are not submitted within the specified time limit.(3) Calculation of the NRHA five percent (5%) retainage shall bethe total entry fees, minus the NRHA trophy cost (if an NRHAofficial trophy is ordered) multiplied by five percent (5%). Showsthat require NRHA five percent (5%) retainage to be paid, mustsubmit payment of the five percent (5%) fees with their showresults within the timeline stated in this handbook.(4) Failure to submit results to the NRHA office within ten (10)days following the completion of the NRHA show may jeopardizefuture NRHA approval as determined by the NRHA ExecutiveCommittee. A penalty of $100 will be assessed if postmarkedafter fifteen (15) days. An additional penalty of $500 will be assessedif postmarked after twenty (20) days. Any results not receivedby the completion of the NRHA Futurity will not be recognizedby the NRHA office.(5) NRHA approved events will pay back to the current rider, agent,or owner of the horse as recorded with the NRHA the total of thenet entry fees, less the show committee’s retainage plus the totaladded money (the full amount of added money must be paidout). Round to the nearest penny when calculating prize money.The contestants will be paid from this pool on a percentagebasis depending on placement and number of entries. The paybackin all NRHA events (including jackpot classes) will use theappropriate percentage payback schedule provided in theNRHA Handbook. Refer to NRHA Worksheet For Paybacks.(6) Payout to current recorded rider, agent, or owner must bemade within forty five (45) days following the completion ofthe NRHA show. Failure to comply may jeopardize future NRHAapproval as determined by the Executive Committee.(7) Youth Class Results: The top 10 youth in each class must beplaced and reported on the official show results form. Prize mon-74

ey for added money and jackpot NRHA youth reining classes mustbe calculated using the NRHA Payback Schedule A. The prizemoney and points must be represented on the show resultsforms. When calculating youth money, the NRHA plaque costmay not be deducted and the NRHA five percent (5%) office feeis not deducted and is not paid to NRHA. No other type of officefee may be charged to NRHA approved youth classes.(8) Neither a no score nor a 0 are eligible to place in a go roundor single go round class. Neither a no score nor a 0 may advancein a multi-go event. In multi-go events, finals qualifying horsesthat get a 0 or scratch will still be eligible for payouts, witha 0 placing higher than a scratch. In the event not enough horsesqualify for total purse distribution, the undistributed portionof the purse will be retained by show management.(9) When copying is available, posting judge’s score sheets ismandatory for NRHA approved classes. Score sheets should beposted within one hour of class completion. In the event copiesare not an option, judge’s score sheets must be made availablefor supervised inspection. Original judge’s score sheets must remainin the custody of the show secretary for supervision, control,and safekeeping until they are returned to the NRHA officewith the show results. Original judge’s score sheets must bereturned to the NRHA office with show results.(10) A reining will be complete and the posted scores will be consideredofficial thirty minutes following the last horse of the day.In cases where a class is run in sections over multiple days, eachday’s scores will be official thirty minutes after the last run of eachsection. Scores must be posted or made available to exhibitorsas soon as possible. Score corrections may not be made at anytime after the judge has left the grounds.Q. YEAR-END AWARDS(1) The owners and riders of horses competing in NRHA competitionmust comply with NRHA membership requirements,being current members in good standing for money earned tocount toward year end Top Ten awards.(2) The earnings are not counted retroactively, only from theday the membership is received in the NRHA office to the endof the award year. All entry information represented on entryforms must accurately state the competition license numberfor the horse, the current membership number for the rider,and the current membership number(s) for the owner(s) for TopTen earnings to count.(3) A Top Ten record will be kept for each of the following classes:a. Open;b. Intermediate Open;c. Limited Open;d. Rookie Professional;e. Non Pro;f. Intermediate Non Pro;75

g. Limited Non Pro;h. Prime Time Non Pro;i. Novice Horse Open Level 1;j. Novice Horse Open Level 2;k. Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1;l. Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2;m. Youth 13 & Under;n. Youth 14-18.A Lawson Bronze will be awarded to the year-end championof each class. A Morrison Bronze will be awarded to the yearendreserve champion of each class. A pewter trophy will beawarded to top ten places 3–10. Year end awards for the TopTen standings will be titled NRHA World Champion for the highmoney earners and youth point earners, NRHA Reserve WorldChampion for the second high money earners and youth pointearners, and NRHA Top Ten for the 3rd-10th top money earnersand youth point earners.(4) The earnings will be awarded on a “one horse – one rider”combination in the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, Limited NonPro, Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1, Novice Horse Non Pro Level2, Prime Time Non Pro, and Youth classes.(5) The earnings will be awarded to the horse in the Open, IntermediateOpen, Limited Open, Rookie Professional, NoviceHorse Open Level 1, and Novice Horse Open Level 2 classes. Theaward will be presented to the owner(s) of record at the completionof the NRHA awards year.(6) The NRHA awards year begins with the first approved reiningfollowing the NRHA Futurity and ends with the NRHA Futuritythe following year.(7) NRHA World Champions and Reserve World Champions andTop Ten (3rd-10th) placing horses must have earned money inat least seven (7) NRHA approved shows, in that respective class,to qualify for the title.(8) The NRHA will also award Certificates of Achievement forall qualifying horses at the end of each year based on cumulativeearnings in Category 1. The levels of achievement are:Certificate of Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 2,500Silver Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000Gold Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000Platinum Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20,000(9) All Top Ten placings and qualifications for yearend awardswill be final and not subject to change as of December 31 ofthat year unless due to disciplinary action as decided on by theExecutive Committee.(10) Affiliates can grant year end trophies in all classes providingthose classes were offered in at least 3 shows. Awards willbe granted for a combination of one horse/one rider. Championswill be awarded with a pewter trophy and reserve championswith a plaque.76

NRHA PAYBACK SCHEDULE AUse this payback schedule for all NRHA classes EXCEPT $2,000 or more added Category 1classes (refer to NRHA Payback Schedule B for $2,000 or more added Category 1 classes.)NUMBER OF HORSES ENTERED# OF PLACES11 100% 60% 45% 40% 34% 32% 28% 26% 25% 25% 25% 23% 23% 23% 23%2 40 35 30 27 22 22 22 20 18 17 17 16 15 143 20 20 20 19 17 14 13 13 12 12 11 10.5 10.54 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9.5 9 9 9 95 9 9 9 9 9 8.5 8 8 8 8 86 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 77 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 68 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 59 4 4 4 4 4 4 410 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.511 3 3 3 3 312 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.513 2 2 214 1.5 1.515 1100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100NRHA PAYBACK SCHEDULE BUse this payback schedule for NRHA $2,000 or more added Category 1 classes only.NUMBER OF HORSES ENTERED# OF PLACES11 100% 60% 45% 40% 34% 32% 28% 26% 25% 25% 25% 23% 23% 23% 23%2 40 35 30 27 22 22 22 20 18 17 17 16 15 143 20 20 20 19 17 14 13 13 12 12 11 10.5 10.54 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9.5 9 9 9 95 9 9 9 9 9 8.5 8 8 8 8 86 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 77 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 68 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 59 4 4 4 4 4 4 410 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.511 3 3 3 3 312 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.513 2 2 214 1.5 1.515 1100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 10077

WORKSHEET FOR NRHA PAYBACKS*In the case of negative net entry fees there is no 5% paid tothe NRHA and no show committee retainage. The entire amountof advertised added money will then be paid according to theappropriate payback schedule.Round to the nearest penny when calculating prize money*ENTRY FEES X NUMBER OF ENTRIES = GROSS ENTRY FEES (A)___________X ___________________ = _______________ (B)GROSS ENTRY NRHA TROPHYFEES X OR NRHA PLAQUE FEE(0 FOR YOUTH)________(A) _________.05________ = ________________(B)NRHA FEE OF 5% DOLLARS OWED TO(0 FOR YOUTH) NRHA FOR 5% FEE________(B) X __________________ = _________________(C)________(B)DOLLARS PAID TO NRHAFOR 5% FEE (0 FOR YOUTH)NET ENTRY FEE________________(C) = _________________ (D)NET ENTRY X % SHOW RETAINAGE = DOLLARS TOFEE (0 FOR YOUTH) BE RETAINED BYSHOW COMMITTEE________(D) X __________________ = _________________ (E)NET ENTRY FEE DOLLARS TO BE = FINAL NET ENTRY FEERETAINED BY SHOW________(D) _________________(E) =_________________ (F)FINAL NET + ADDED MONEY = PURSE FROMENTRY FEEWHICH PAYBACKSARE FIGURED_________(F) ___________________ =___________________78

NATIONAL REINING HORSEYOUTH ASSOCIATION BYLAWSARTICLE I. NRHyA YOUTH MISSION STATEMENTTo provide a character and leadership building program thatwill enable youth to become better citizens and future leadersof the Reining horse industry.ARTICLE II. TITLE, OBJECTIVES, LOCATIONSection 1. Title. This organization shall be called the NationalReining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) and will serve asa division of the National Reining Horse Association, and shalloperate within NRHA Handbook Bylaws, Rules and Regulations.Section 2. Objectives. The objectives and purposes of theNRHyA shall be as follows:a) To promote the sport of Reining.b) To improve and develop the capabilities of youth members,both individually and through group participation.c) To develop leadership skills, scholarship opportunities, andparticipation in the sport of Reining.d) To establish a means whereby youth members may workin conjunction with the NRHA Board of Directors.e) To acquaint youth members and affiliates with the structuresand functions of the NRHyA.Section 3. Place of Business. The place of business of the associationshall be the NRHA headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.ARTICLE III. NRHyA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEESection 1. The officers of the organization shall be the President,Corresponding Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, andHistorian, who shall be elected at the annual meeting from thoseselected as regional delegates or existing Officers. Such officersshall hold office for a period of one year and/or their successorsare elected or qualified. Officers and Delegates must beeighteen (18) years of age or younger as of January 1 of the yearthey are elected to serve.ARTICLE IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERSSection 1. Regional Elections: Four (4) Regional Delegates—a minimum of one (1) 13 & Under and a minimumof two (2) 14–18 will be voted in from each region based on amajority vote. All candidates must meet the minimumofficer/delegate eligibility requirements set forth yearly by theNRHyA Executive Committee and approved by the NRHA YouthCommittee. Existing NRHyA Officers will not be considered RegionalDelegatesSection 2. Officer Elections: NRHyA Executive Committeemembers must have served as a current or past Regional Delegateor Officer the previous year. All candidates must meetthe minimum officer/delegate eligibility requirements set forthyearly by the NRHyA executive committee and approved by theNRHA Youth Committee. Additionally, all candidates must be79NRHyA BYLAWS

a minimum of fourteen (14) years of age and no older than eighteen(18) years of age on January 1 of the year they are electedto serve. Youth members will vote for Officers through theballot process. The election of officers shall be held at a generalmembership meeting of the Association at the time andplace designated by the NRHA Executive Committee. Any youthwishing to serve as President or Vice President must have serveda minimum of one year on the NRHyA Executive Committeeprior to being elected for President or Vice President.Section 3. The remaining Regional Delegates will serve in an advisorycapacity to the NRHyA Executive Committee.ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF OFFICERSSection 1. President: The President shall be the Chief ExecutiveOfficer of the association and shall have general supervisionof the affairs of the association, subject to the directionof the NRHyA Youth Executive Committee, and shall presideat all meetings of the Members and of the NRHyA ExecutiveCommittee. The President shall appoint all committees of theassociation subject to the approval of the Youth Executive Committee.The President shall submit to the members of the meetinga report of the status of the association and its activities duringthe preceding year. No President may serve two terms unlessthere is not an eligible candidate. The President shall haveother duties and authority as may be prescribed elsewhere inthe Bylaws or by the NRHA Youth Committee.Section 2. Vice President: The Vice President shall have theresponsibility of reporting on the activities of the NRHAYouth Executive Committee to the NRHA Reiner magazine. TheVice President shall have the responsibility of maintaining orderat all meetings of the NRHyA Executive Committee and themembership meetings in accordance with parliamentaryprocedure, in addition to preparing meeting rooms and facilitiesfor the meeting of the NRHyA Executive Committee. In additionthe Vice President shall, in the absence, disability or inabilityto act of the President, perform the duties and activitiesof the President.Section 3. Secretary: The Secretary shall attend all meetingsof the NRHyA Executive Committee and shall record all votestaken and the minutes of all proceedings in a secretary's notebook.He or she shall perform like duties for all the committeeswhen requested to do so. The Secretary shall have the principalresponsibility to give notice of all meetings of the NRHyAExecutive Committee and the members, but this shall not lessenthe authority of others to give such notice as provided by theBylaws. The Secretary shall maintain communication betweenthe NRHyA Executive Committee and the NRHA Youth ProgramSupervisor, and in the event the Vice President is unable to fulfillhis or her duties, in relation to monthly reports to the NRHAReiner, the Secretary will assume those duties.80

Section 4. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible forexamining the financial need of projects and the financial needsof the NRHyA and reporting these costs to the NRHyA ExecutiveCommittee.Section 5. Historian: The Historian shall have the responsibilityof developing and maintaining a historical record of theNRHyA. The Historian may also be required to fill those dutiesthat may from time to time be assigned by the President.Section 6. Vacancy: All vacant Offices of the organization shallbe filled by the NRHyA Executive Committee from the RegionalDelegates for the unexpired term, and those so appointedshall serve until the election and acceptance of their duly qualifiedsuccessors.ARTICLE VI. GENERAL GOVERNANCESection 1. Powers of the NRHyA Executive Committee. TheNRHyA Executive Committee shall have the power and authorityto direct the affairs of the organization as they may deemexpedient concerning the conduct, management, and activities.Removal of officers, expenditure of money and other detailsrelating to the general purposes of the organization, aresubject to the approval of the NRHA Youth Committee and NRHAExecutive Committee.Section 2. The NRHA Youth Committee shall work in conjunctionwith the NRHA Executive Committee to oversee the affairsof the NRHyA.Section 3. The NRHyA Executive Committee shall meet wheneverand wherever called by direction of the President, NRHAYouth Committee Chairperson, the NRHA Youth Program Supervisor,or four (4) members of the Committee acting jointly,of which meeting the Secretary shall give two (2) days notice,which may be written or electronic, but such notice maybe waived by any member. During the interim between annualmeetings, or special meetings, the NRHyA Executive Committeeis empowered to direct the affairs of the organization.Section 4. A majority of the NRHyA Executive Committee shallconstitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but if atany meeting the board has less than a quorum present, a majorityof those present may adjourn the meeting.ARTICLE VII. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGSection 1. The annual meeting shall take place as designatedby the NRHA Executive Committee of Directors for the purposeof such business as may be brought before the meeting. Specialmeetings of the NRHyA Executive Committee may be heldat such time and place as may be designated in the notice, whenevercalled in writing by the direction of the President or by amajority of the NRHyA Executive Committee.ARTICLE VIII. MEMBERSHIP AND REGIONSSection 1. Individual Members: Any Youth eighteen (18) years81

of age or younger as of January 1 who holds a valid NRHA membershipcard is automatically considered a member of theNRHyA Program.Section 2. Voting Rights: Any NRHyA member in good standinghas the opportunity to vote in NRHyA elections.Section 3. Membership Fees: (See NRHA Handbook Youth Membershipand Show Conditions - Section 2)ARTICLE IX. REMOVAL OF OFFICERSSection 1. Membership and election to the office of the NRHyAYouth Executive Committee is a privilege, not a right, which maybe terminated or refused for cause detrimental to the interestof the organization.ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTSThe Bylaws of the organization may be amended by followingthe rules found in Article XV of the NRHA Bylaws.82

YOUTH SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONSA. MEMBERSHIP AND SHOW CONDITIONS(1) Any youth eighteen (18) years of age or younger as of January1 may become a member of the National Reining HorseAssociation Youth Program.(2) Youth membership is available. (See SHOW RULES AND REG-ULATIONS, A. MEMBERSHIP, (1), (a) Memberships for the currentfee.)(3) Youth General membership entitles a youth to show in Open,Intermediate Open, Limited Open, Intermediate Horse, NoviceHorse Open Level 1 and Level 2, and Youth classes (providedeligibility requirements are met) in any type of show. A Youthmay show in Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro,Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 and Level 2, and Rookie Level1 and Level 2 classes in any type of show provided he/she obtainsan NRHA General Youth Non Pro card as outlined in theNon Pro Conditions in this Handbook.(4) Youth Associate membership entitles a youth to show in theOpen and Youth classes in Entry Level Slide, Entry Level Rideand Green Level shows and in the Non Pro class of Entry LevelRide and Green shows. A youth may show in the Non Pro classof an Entry Level Slide show provided he/she obtains an NRHAAssociate Youth Non Pro card as outlined in the Non Pro Conditionsin this Handbook.(5) All horses shown in youth competition (excluding Ancillaryshow classes - Youth Rookie, Unrestricted Youth, and Youth 10& Under Short Stirrup, all Entry Level Slide show classes, all EntryLevel Ride show classes and all Green show classes.) mustbe solely and completely owned by one of the following (a) theyouth, (b) a member of his or her immediate family (Refer todefinition of immediate family as stated in Section B. Non ProConditions), or (c) a corporation, partnership or other businessentity provided the Youth and/or a member or members of hisor her immediate family are the sole and only owners of thatbusiness entity and the ownership of that business entity doesnot change to include non-immediate family members or entities.Ownership will be evidenced by the competition license.(6) No stallions, monorchid or cryptorchid horses, regardless ofage, will be permitted in any youth classes. If the competitionlicense indicates “stallion” for a horse that has been gelded, entryinto an NRHA approved youth class requires that a geldingstatement form be filed with the show results and the originalcompetition license be submitted to the NRHA office within 30days of the show date for modification. Failure to comply willresult in the forfeiture of earnings and awards. See General Rulesand Regulations Section E-Forfeitures.B. APPROVED YOUTH REININGS(1) Anyone wishing to sponsor NRHA youth reinings must follow83YOUTH SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONS

the NRHA show approval procedure as outlined in this Handbook.Approval will be awarded on a first come-first serve basis.(2) There will be no show approval fee for youth reinings heldin conjunction with a regular NRHA approved reining. Anyonewishing to host only a youth reining, a $20 fee will apply as anapproval fee.(3) There will be two classes offered at all Ancillary approvedshows, 13 and Under and 14 through 18. Other available classesthat may be offered are Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup, UnrestrictedYouth, and Youth Rookie.(4) The show committee can purchase the official NRHA plaquethrough the NRHA office for both classes and must offer a minimumof 1st through 10th place awards in both classes.(5) Regular youth reinings are those offering a minimum of 10awards and points only. There will be an entry fee of no morethan $10 in all regular youth reinings for Ancillary shows.(6) The top ten youth in each class must be placed and reportedon the official show results form. Show committees will usethe Youth Point Scale provided in the NRHA Handbook to computethe number of points issued in a NRHA youth class. Horsesentered but not competing (scratched from the class) will notbe placed or used in the computation of youth points, but willbe used when computing payback.(7) There will be no judges’ fee or office fee in any NRHA youthreinings. No other type of office fee may be charged.(8) An NRHA youth class may offer no more than $100 in addedmoney. No show retainage may be taken in jackpotted or addedmoney classes in Ancillary shows.(9) For added money youth reinings, the entry fee may be nomore than ten percent (10%) of the added money per divisionin Ancillary shows, Aged shows, Closed Aged shows and BreedRestricted shows.(10) When calculating youth money, the NRHA plaque cost maynot be deducted and the NRHA 5% fee is not deducted and isnot paid to NRHA.(11) Prize money for added money and jackpot NRHA youthreining classes must be calculated using NRHA Payback ScheduleA. The prize money and points must be represented on theshow results forms.(12) Any of the eleven NRHA patterns will be used in approvedyouth reinings. Pattern 11 is to be used only with the Youth 10& Under Short Stirrup class. The Entry Level Ride Youth classmay use relaxed patterns. See Entry Level Ride Show Conditionsas set forth in this Handbook.(13)All rules not covered in this section will be covered in the NRHAHandbook under Show Rules And Regulations.C. INCENTIVE AWARDS(1) The Youth Incentive Program awards will be determinedby the number of points a Youth 13 & Under or Youth 14-84

18 rider earns in Youth classes (excluding Youth 10 & UnderShort Stirrup).(a) These Youth Incentive Program awards will be issued whena youth contestant reaches the following levels: fifty (50)points, two hundred (200) points, four hundred (400)points, six hundred (600) points, eight hundred (800), andfifteen hundred (1500) points.(2) The Short Stirrup Program awards will be determined by thenumber of points a youth rider earns in the Youth 10 & UnderShort Stirrup reining competition. These points will not counttoward the Youth Incentive Program.(a) These Short Stirrup Program awards will be issued whena youth contestant reaches the following levels in NRHA Youth10 & Under Short Stirrup reining competition: twenty-five (25)points, fifty (50) points, one hundred (100) points, and two hundred(200) points.D. YEAR-END AWARDS(1) Year-end awards will be issued in Youth 13 & Under andYouth 14–18.(2) Awards will be determined by points earned by a “one horseonerider combination” in that year in NRHA approved youthreinings.(3) A Lawson bronze will be awarded to the year-end championof each class. A Morrison Bronze will be awarded to the yearendreserve champion of each class. A pewter trophy will beawarded to top ten places 3–10.(4) NRHA Aged Events reinings (Category 2 Reinings) with a youthsection involved will not count towards year-end awards.NRHA YOUTH POINT SCALENUMBER OF HORSES SHOWN# OF PLACES1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 102 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 93 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 84 1 2 3 4 5 6 75 1 2 3 4 5 66 1 2 3 4 57 1 2 3 48 1 2 39 1 210 1Number of horses to be used for computation shall be those horsesactually competing; excluding the number of horses entered butscratched from competition.Neither a no score nor a 0 are eligible to receive points in an NRHAyouth class; however, this does not alter the above scale of pointsfor placing.85

UNITED STATES NATIONALGOVERNING BODYA. NRHA/US Equestrian Federation(1) The National Reining Horse Association has become an affiliateassociation and a recognized discipline of US EquestrianFederation and wishes to promote the sport of reining withthe “dual” approval of reining events by both organizations.(2) The National Reining Horse Association may sanction certainreining events in conjunction with US Equestrian Federation.The following conditions will apply as well as conditionsset forth in the NRHA Handbook and the Federation Rule Book.(a) Owners and riders competing in NRHA/USEF Dual Approvedcompetition will be required to be members in goodstanding of the NRHA. Owners and riders may choose to bemembers of USEF or to pay the current “Non member” feeand discipline fee. A current membership card will be requiredfor verifying NRHA membership or membership maybe “applied for” at the show. US Equestrian Federation membershipcredentials may be shown or an affidavit may besigned verifying membership.(b) An event must declare its intent to seek “Dual” approvalto the NRHA by supplying to NRHA the documentation thatthe show is US Equestrian Federation sanctioned or currentlyseeking USEF approval. The event must then submit thenormal show approval forms required by NRHA for sanctioning.Note: Dual event approval must follow the same guidelinesas regular events. See SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONS,E. Show Approval, NRHA Handbook for details. NRHAdeadline for submission of show approval requests is 90 daysprior to the event. USEF deadline for application of show approvalis 60 days prior to the event.(c) At horse shows that are both NRHA and USEF approved,the USEF steward could serve as equipment judge. The USEFsteward would be required to pass an NRHA test on approvedbits and responsibilities of an NRHA equipment judge andbe approved by the NRHA.(d) Be prepared to follow all rules and regulations requiredby USEF as set forth in the current rule book and Equestrianmagazine which apply to reining and/or general conditionsas set forth in rules I through XV in the FederationRule Book.(e) Horses will be subject to USEF Drugs and Medications ruleand the USEF drug testing program.(f) Any protests must be made in accordance with Rule VIof the US Equestrian Federation Rule Book.(g) Disciplinary actions taken by the USEF in accordance withRule VI of the US Equestrian Federation Rule Book will beaccepted and imposed by NRHA.87

88(h) In accordance with the NRHA’s affiliate association relationshipwith the USEF, any conflict of rules between the twoassociations will be resolved by deferring to USEF rules of competitionexisting in USEF rules.(i) The NRHA Executive Committee, or its designee, will examinethe merits of events requesting dual sanctioning and approvethese events on an individual basis.(j) Monies earned in Dual Events will count towards NRHALifetime Achievement awards and lifetime earnings.(k) Upon approval of each individual event, the NRHA ExecutiveCommittee, or its designee, will decide if monies earnedin this event will count towards World Championship titles.

NRHA SHOW STEWARDA. STEWARDING PRIVILEGES(1) Designation as an NRHA approved Steward is a privilege nota right, bestowed by the NRHA Board of Directors, accordingto procedures formulated by the NRHA. The privilege shall beopen to individuals whose experience and expertise, as wellas personal character, merits the honor. An individual’s conductas a member, exhibitor and steward and his/her abilitymust be exemplary. An individual’s conduct will be subjectedto continuous review.(2) Approval and Testing:(a) Applicant must be at least twenty five (25) years of ageand must have been an NRHA member in good standing forat least one calendar year immediately preceding applicationbefore he/she can be considered for approval.(b) Must submit a complete application to NRHA office atleast thirty (30) days prior to the school.(c) New Applicants must submit five (5) letters of recommendationswith application from NRHA Certified Show Secretaries,NRHA Judges and/or NRHA Licensed Show Stewards.(d)Prospective Stewards must attend an NRHA Steward Schooland upon passing the testing requirements as set forth by NRHAthose persons will then have their names submitted to theBoard of Directors for consideration for Steward Privileges.(e) Prospective stewards who have at least one year’s previousstewarding experience with an NRHA Alliance organization,National Federation or FEI, may be exempt from themembership and/or letters of recommendation requirementsand will be handled on a case by case basis.(f) All licensed NRHA Stewards must submit to re-testing everytwo (2) years.(g) NRHA Judges and National Federation/FEI Reining Stewardsare allowed to continue to serve as an NRHA Show Stewardfor all NRHA approved shows until January 1, 2011. AfterJanuary 1, 2011, NRHA Judges and National Federation/FEIReining Stewards will have to become a licensed NRHA ShowSteward according to the graduated licensing dates.(h) Level AA shows will be required to have a licensedShow Steward.B. GUIDELINES:(1) Stewards should remain available to judges, exhibitors andmanagement at all times to clarify the application of NRHA rulesand investigate any situation where the rules are not upheld.(2) Stewards are to be available to consult with show managementand judges concerning NRHA Rules, but do not have the authorityto override decisions made by show management or judges.(3) Stewards shall conduct themselves in a manner fitting andproper to one afforded the honor of officiating at an NRHA ap-NRHA SHOW STEWARD89

(2) The show Steward must represent all contestants with theshow management and judge(s) and will be the sole liaison withsaid management or judge(s).(3) To immediately investigate and act upon ay alleged ruleviolations.(4) To immediately report to the show management any misrepresentationor substitution of entry.(5) To verify that NRHA rules are followed when changes to thedraw are allowed by show management or judges.(6) To report to the show management and NRHA any offenseor violation of the rules and prefer charges against violators ifthe violation is not properly handled by the show management.(7) To furnish the NRHA with a complete written report as tothe conduct of the competition including any offenses or violationsof the rules by the competition or any exhibitors withinfifteen (15) days after the last recognized day of the competition,on the form furnished by the NRHA. If NRHA does notreceive the completed report and/or attachments postmarkedor electronically submitted within fifteen (15) days of the closingcompetition the Steward shall receive a letter of reprimandupon the first offense, a second offense in the same competitionyear will result in the said Steward will receiving a fineof $100 and a third offense in the same competition year willresult in automatic revocation of Steward License until said Stewardreapplies and completes the testing requirements for StewardSchool. If the Steward disputes that the report was not timelyfiled he/she may appeal in writing to the NRHA within thirty(30) days of receipt of notification letter from the NRHA.(8) To make routine inspections of the arena and stable areasand to insure that these areas are maintained in a safe mannerfor the horses, exhibitors and spectators.(9) To insure that the Protest Forms are available for NRHA membersduring the entire competition.(10)To insure that the Show Steward’s contact information is madeavailable to spectators during the competition.(11) The Show Steward should be knowledgeable of acceptedreining schooling practices and should take necessary actionshould he/she witness or be made aware of misconduct or abuseon the show grounds. The Show Steward must report if he/sheobserves any horse being abused or if there are actions by thecontestant detrimental to the best interest of the NRHA; loudprofane language, drunkenness or being under the influenceof intoxicants; any unsportsmanlike conduct toward judges,show management or other exhibitors; or any other infractionof NRHA rules.(12) Report to the NRHA details of accidents and/or injuries relatingto both humans and horses on the official Accident/InjuryReport Form provided by the NRHA. In the event of a fatalitythe NRHA should be notified as soon as possible no lat-91

er than the next NRHA business day.(13) Stewards are required to report no score situations and detailsof the no score in the official Show Steward Report.(14) Stewards must report to the NRHA any rider who showswithout an exhibitor number or uses the incorrect exhibitornumber.(15) Stewards must retain copies of steward report forms andsupporting documentation for a period of one year.(16) If more than twelve (12) hours per day of stewarding willbe required, show management should hire multiple Show Stewardsand the Show Steward will be required to report any workover twelve (12) hours to the NRHA.92

FREESTYLE REININGA. GENERAL RULES(1) Reining maneuvers originated from moves that a cow horsemust use in performing its duties and have been refined to thehigh level of competition existing today. Freestyle Reining notonly provides an opportunity to use these maneuvers creatively,but also to expand them to music by means of choreography.Riders are encouraged to use musical scores which permitthem to show the athletic ability of the horse in a crowd appealingway.(2)NRHA rules will apply except where the following rules preempt same.(3) Required Maneuvers. Will be defined as follows:(a) A minimum of four (4) consecutive spins to the right(b) A minimum of four (4) consecutive spins to the left(c) A minimum of three (3) stops(d) A minimum of one (1) lead change at the canter fromright to left(e) A minimum of one (1) lead change at the canter from leftto right(4) Exhibitors will only be judged astride.(5) Exhibitors are allowed to use two (2) hands (as well as oneor no hands) and any bit approved by the NRHA Handbook, includingsnaffle bits and bosals approved for use in the SnaffleBit or Hackamore classes.(6) Failure to perform all the required maneuvers or failure tocomplete the performance within the time limit will result ina score of zero (0).(7) Additional maneuvers such as rollbacks, backups, speed variations,and non-classical reining maneuvers such as half passand side pass are appropriate in Freestyle and shall be givenappropriate credit. Additional repetitions of required maneuversare appropriate, but will only add or subtract from the existingscores already given for the required maneuvers, not asadditional scores.(8) Equipment used in Freestyle must adhere to the followingstandards:(a) All equipment must be non-abusive and humane basedon NRHA Rules and Guidelines.(b) Any equipment not specifically covered by or in conflictwith standard equipment guidelines must be non-abusiveto the horse.(9) Time Limit. A maximum of four (4) minutes including anyintroductions. The time limit will be from the beginning of themusic or from the beginning of the introduction (whichever isfirst) and will end with the music.(10) Costumes. Permitted but not required. Emphasis is placedon performing the reining maneuvers to music.FREESTYLE REINING93

(11) Props. Permitted but at no time may hinder the judges’view of the horse. The use of props will not add to the score.B. JUDGING OF FREESTYLE REINING(1) Required maneuvers in Freestyle will receive a scorebased on technical merit from the technical judges utilizingjudges score sheets specifically designed for the Freestyle. Transitionalmaneuvers and other maneuvers not specified as reiningmaneuvers will be evaluated and scored accordingly in aspecified box and counted as a single maneuver score. If an artisticimpression judge is used, they must use the score sheet providedby NRHA and are encouraged to include remarks regardingperformance. In the event an artistic judge is not used, thetechnical judges will assess an artistic impression score in thebox specified using a 2 (two) to a +2 (two) evaluation. (See Figure#9.)(2) Number of Judges. Two or more NRHA approved judgesmust be used in any Freestyle class that offers $2,000 or morein added money.(3) In the case of one or two (2) judges being used, they wouldbe required to be NRHA approved. They would judge the technicalmerit of the ride. As part of the overall score, each judgewould weigh the artistic impression of the ride as 10 percentof the overall ride.(4) Tie Breaker Judge.One (1) judge (not to be an artistic impressionjudge) shall be designated as the tiebreaker prior to the Freestyleclass. In the event a tie still occurs (or the tie occurs with one judge),the technical merit scores will be tallied to break the tie. In the eventa tie remains, the exhibitors tied will be declared co-champions.(5) Validating required maneuvers will be the responsibility ofthe judges. However, at least one scribe will be used to assistin verifying the required maneuvers for each horse as they arecompleted in the pattern.(6) All five (5) point penalties may apply except holding thesaddle or saddle horn with either hand, which is allowed.(7) Eliminations are to be used at the discretion of show managementand must use NRHA patterns, NRHA judging rules asapplied to Category 1 classes, and NRHA judges. Eliminationsmay be held without music or costuming, but must allow theuse of either one (1) or two (2) hands. The emphasis in the designof any elimination should be on quality of competition.(8) Artistic impression judge or applause meter should not representmore than twenty percent (20%) of the combined scoreand should only be used in conjunction with (minimum) twoNRHA approved judges. When used in scoring, the followingformulas should be applied to properly weigh the scores accordingto the above percentage and still produce a comparablenumerical score as when three judges are used.(a) Score for Judge 1 should be multiplied by 1.2(b) Score for Judge 2 should be multiplied by 1.294

(c) Score for the Applause Meter should be multiplied by .6.All three scores should then be added to determine the finalscore for placing.(9) Freestyle Reining may offer both an Open and a Non ProFreestyle class. Show management will reserve the right to runthem concurrently or separately.(10) Show management will reserve the right to rule on musicor dress which may be inappropriate or offensive to the spiritand nature of the show. Show management may also determinethe use of special lighting.95

JUDGESA. JUDGING PRIVILEGES(1) Designation as an NRHA approved judge is a privilege, nota right, bestowed by the NRHA Board of Directors, accordingto procedures formulated by the Judges Committee. This privilegeshall be open to individuals whose equine experience andexpertise, as well as personal character, merits the honor. Anindividual’s conduct as a member, exhibitor, and judge, andhis or her ability must be exemplary. An individual’s conductwill be subjected to continuous committee review.(2) Approval and Testing:(a) A prospective judge must attend an NRHA Applicant Seminarand upon passing the testing requirements as set forthby the Judges Committee will be eligible to attend an NRHAJudges School. Upon passing the testing requirements of anNRHA Judges School as set forth by the Judges Committee,those persons will then have their names submitted to theBoard of Directors for consideration for judging privileges.(b) The applicant must be at least twenty-five (25) years of ageand must have been an NRHA member in good standing fortwo consecutive years before he or she can be considered forapproval as an NRHA judge.(c) Approved judges and prospective judges must be currentNRHA members.(d) All approved NRHA judges must submit to re testing everytwo (2) years.(e) The NRHA Judges Committee may, on reasonable notice,require any current judge to submit to a Judges School andre-test. Failure to comply or failure to pass the test will resultin the immediate suspension of judging privileges.B. JUDGES COMMITTEE(1) The NRHA President will appoint a Judges Committee Chairperson.The Chairperson will then appoint the committee members.It shall be the duty of the Judges Committee to administerjudges’ tests, conduct seminars, may review any and all judgingafter NRHA sponsored events or approved events, and reviewjudging performances on recommendation of show representativesor by official protest. The Committee shall be empoweredto take all action necessary to improve the quality, integrityand performance of the judging system.(2)The Judges Committee, upon receipt of information which adverselyaffects a person’s ability to be a judge, may temporarilysuspend a judge’s privileges pending a hearing before the NRHAExecutive Committee. The Board of Directors shall have the authority,with or without the recommendation of the Judges Committee,to discipline, penalize, and/or remove a judge’s namefrom the approved judges list.(3) Performance reviews may be requested through the JudgesEvaluation and Education Program (JEEP). All reviews performed97JUDGES

through the JEEP system are non punitive in nature and will beused for the education and improvement of NRHA judges. Reviewswill be contingent upon the availability of official showvideo. Non approved classes or events will not be evaluated andthe Judges Committee has the right to deny a request for review.Parties requesting the review do not receive the results of thereview unless it is a review of one’s own judging performance.C. GUIDELINES(1)A horse may not be shown under a judge if that judge has beenowner, exhibitor, trainer, or agent of that horse within the previousninety (90) days or if said horse is ridden by a member ofhis/her immediate family or by an employee/employer of saidjudge. A judge may not show to another judge whom he/she hasjudged or judged with within five days nor may a judge judge anotherjudge to whom he/she has shown or judged with withinfive days. Volunteer NRHA judges utilized for equipment inspectionare excluded from the five day requirement. A judge is responsiblefor disclosing an agency relationship as soon ashe/she becomes aware of the problem to the Show Representativeif a horse is exhibited not in compliance with this rule. Thejudge should notify the show representative or show managementof the non compliance at the next break, drag, or prior to the classbeing placed. The exhibitor should not be counted as an entry,and the horse shall not be scored in the class. All parties involvedincluding but not limited to the owner, exhibitor, and judge willbe held responsible in the event non-compliance occurs. The JudgesCommittee will investigate the matter and handle in accordancewith its findings and consistent with NRHA disciplinary rules.(2) Individuals who have an ongoing (regular, continuous, or contractual)business relationship within ninety (90) days in which servicesare provided and fees and costs are incurred shall not judge or bejudged by each other. This applies to both exhibitor and owner.(3) A judge shall not be an exhibitor at any NRHA approved eventor combinations of events at which he or she is the officiatingjudge or member of the officiating team. Volunteer NRHA judgesutilized for equipment inspection are excluded.(4) Judges must always act in the best interest of the NationalReining Horse Association avoiding any circumstances which createa conflict of interest while officiating at any NRHA approvedevent. Conflicts of interest are subject to review by the JudgesCommittee. In the event it is determined that a judge has actedin an official capacity with a conflict of interest, the judgemay be removed from the NRHA Judges list and may be subjectto further disciplinary action for unsportsmanlike conduct.(5) Judges shall keep in mind that while judging they are representingthe NRHA. It is strongly recommended that judgesdress appropriately so as to favorably represent their position.(6) It is recommended that a judge shall not appear on the showgrounds more than one hour prior to the scheduled start of the98

show unless as directed or requested by show management.Judges shall not visit with owners, trainers, exhibitors or agentsbefore or during an NRHA approved event. The judges shall talkonly with representatives of show management, beyond the exchangeof normal greetings, until the entire show or contest iscompleted. (An exception occurs for NRHA Green, Ride, Slide andAffiliate classes where judges are allowed to talk to exhibitors inan open forum prior to and/or following the event. After eachclass or event judges may provide feedback to exhibitors on anindividual basis. These discussions with exhibitors should be monitoredby someone appointed by show officials).(7)A judge (or judges) must present in writing any grievance withinten (10) days of the incident that he/she may have against contestantsor shows to an Official Officer, Director, or duly elected orappointed contestant’s representative of the NRHA at the time ofthe grievance. The judge is not required to post the $100 grievancefee. His/her case will be reviewed by the appropriate committeeand dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary procedures sectionof the handbook. If any of the above named officials witnessa grievance against a judge, he or she must report this immediatelyto the NRHA office. Said report must be in writing and must beaccompanied by the $100 protest fee. Any grievance concerninga judge’s conduct must be filed within ten (10) days of having gainedknowledge of the incident. All grievances will be dealt with in accordancewith the disciplinary procedure of the handbook.(8) A judge shall conduct himself/herself in a manner fitting andproper to one afforded the honor of officiating at any NRHA approvedor sponsored event. Any misconduct on the part of thejudge at any NRHA contest such as drinking immediately priorto or during the contest, the use of abusive language, or anyother action unbecoming to one in his/her position either onthe grounds or elsewhere during the duration of the show willmake him/her subject to a complete and impartial hearing onthe cause of the complaint before the appropriate committee.(9) A judge who undertakes the obligation to officiate at an NRHAsanctioned event is responsible to fulfill that commitment.Should he/she be unable to officiate for any reason, he/she isrequired to arrange for a suitable, qualified replacement. Judgesare also required to notify the NRHA office of said change. Failureto do so, for any reason, will result in immediate suspensionof judging privileges.(10) Any NRHA judge(s) that judges a reining show where classesare offered that coincide with NRHA categories but are notNRHA approved (excluding beginner and green classes, affiliatelevel classes held concurrent with NRHA approved classes,shows that have less than $500 added money, breed associationclasses [Jr., Sr., Amateur, and Youth breed classes], and NationalFederation or FEI events) or is not held by an NRHA breedassociation affiliate and/or affiliated discipline associations willbe subject to an Investigative Judges Review.99

RULES FOR JUDGINGA. GENERALTo rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also to controlhis every movement. The best reined horse should be willinglyguided or controlled with little or no apparent resistanceand dictated to completely. Any movement on his own mustbe considered a lack of control. All deviations from the exactwritten pattern must be considered a lack of/or temporary lossof control and therefore a fault that must be marked downaccording to severity of deviation. After deducting all faults,set here within, against execution of the pattern and the horse’soverall performance, credit should be given for smoothness,finesse, attitude, quickness and authority of performing variousmaneuvers, while using controlled speed which raises thedifficulty level and makes him more exciting and pleasing towatch to an audience. The official guideline for the applicationfor the rules for judging shall be as specified in the NRHAJudges Guide.B. SCORING(1) The scoring will be on a basis of zero (0) Infinity, with seventy(70) denoting an average performance. The individual maneuversare scored in one-half ( 1 ⁄2) point increments from a lowof –1½ (one and one-half to a high of +1 1 ⁄2 (one and one-half)with a score of zero (0) denoting a maneuver that is correctwith no degree of difficulty. Scores will be announced after eachhorse works.(2) TIES All ties for 1st place will be worked off if the tied exhibitorsagree to participate in a run-off. Tied exhibitors havethe alternate option of agreeing not to run-off and to be namedco-champions but must determine the winner of the awardsby a flip of a coin. If they do not agree, the exhibitor(s) who doesnot want to run-off will forfeit first place to the other. (Exceptions:Freestyle reining. See Freestyle Reining conditions to determinewinner or co-champions; Category 2 Snaffle Bit or Hackamoreclasses—a run-off is not required for 1st place.)If a tie occurs after the run-off, the entrants will be namedco-champions; will evenly split 1st and 2nd prize money, but mustdetermine the winner of the awards by a flip of a coin. A horsenot returning for a run-off without such an agreement will forfeit1st place prize money regardless of the added money. In thecase of a run-off, the contestant(s) not winning the run-off cannotbe placed lower than the lowest position for which he/shewas tied, i.e., 2nd/3rd. All other ties are not worked off and willinvolve as many places as there are horses tied, i.e., 4th, 5th, 6th,7th, The prize money in the previously mentioned example isadded together and split equally-four ways.(3) Equipment:(a) References to hackamore mean the use of a flexible, braided,rawhide, leather, or rope bosal, the core of which may101RULES FOR JUDGING

e either rawhide or flexible cable with a maximum diameterof 3/4” at the cheek. Absolutely no rigid material willbe permitted under the jaws or on the noseband in connectionwith the bosal, regardless of how padded or covered.Horsehair bosals are prohibited. This rule does not refer tothe so-called mechanical hackamore which is illegal.(b) References to snaffle bits mean conventional O-ring, eggbutt,or D-ring with a ring no larger than 4” and no smallerthan 2”. The inside circumference of the ring must be freeof rein, curb or headstall attachments which would provideleverage. The mouthpiece should be round, oval or eggshaped,smooth and free of wire. It may be inlaid, but smoothand/or latex wrapped. The bars must be a minimum of 5 ⁄16”in diameter, measured 1” in from the cheek with a gradualdecrease to center of the snaffle. Optional curb strap is acceptablehowever curb chains are not acceptable. These requirementsremain the same for all classes in which a ridermay use a snaffle bit.(c) References to a bit means the use of a curb bit that hasa solid or broken mouthpiece, has shanks and acts with leverage.All curb bits must be free of mechanical device andshould be considered a standard western bit. A standard westernbit includes:1. 8 1 ⁄2” maximum length shank to be measured as indicatedin the judge’s guide. Shanks may be fixed or loose.2. Concerning mouthpieces, bars must be round, oval oregg-shaped, smooth and free of wire of 5 ⁄16” to ¾” in diameter,measured 1” from the cheek. They may be inlaid,but must be smooth or latex wrapped. Nothing may protrudemore than 1/8” below the mouthpiece (bar).3. The port must be no higher than 3 1 ⁄2” maximum, withrollers and covers acceptable. Broken mouthpieces,half-breeds, and spades are standard.4. Slip or gag bits, donuts or flat polo mouthpieces arenot acceptable.(d) Except for Snaffle Bit and Freestyle, Green and Ride Classes,only one hand may be used on the reins, and the hand mustnot be changed. The hand is to be around the reins, with thebight or tail of the reins exiting the heel of the hand.Index fingeronly between split reins is permitted. Violation of this ruleresults in a penalty score of zero (0). In the NRHA Green and Rideclasses, the rider must not change hands or switch from one totwo hands.(e) When a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required,which must be at least ½” in width, lie flat against thejaw, and be free of barbs, wire, and/or twists.(4) The following will result in no score:(a) infraction of any state or federal law which exists pertainingto the exhibition, care, and custody of horses within the102

state or country where an NRHA Reining is being held;(b) abuse of an animal in the show arena and/or evidencethat an act of abuse has occurred prior to or during the exhibitionof a horse in competition;(c) use of illegal equipment, including wire on bits, bosalsor curb chains;(d) use of illegal bits, bosals or curb chains;(e) use of tack collars, tie downs or nose bands;(f) use of whips or bats;(g) use of any attachment which alters the movement of orcirculation to the tail;(h) failure to dismount and/or present horse and equipmentto the appropriate judge for inspection;(i) disrespect or misconduct by the exhibitor.(j) the judge(s) may excuse a horse at any time while in thearena for unsafe conditions or improper exhibition pertainingto both the horse and/or rider.(k) closed reins are not allowed except as standard romal reinsand mecates on snaffle bits and bosals in classes where theuse of two hands is allowed and in the Youth 10 & UnderShort Stirrup class where closed reins are allowed.(5) Excess rein may be straightened at any place a horse is allowedto be completely stopped during a pattern. When usinga romal, the rider’s hand shall be around the reins with the wristkept straight and relaxed, the thumb on top and the hand closedaround the reins; no fingers between the reins are allowed. Thefree hand may be used to hold the romal provided it is held ina relaxed position and there is at least 16" of romal from thefree hand to the reining hand. Use of the free hand while holdingthe romal to alter the tension or length of the reins fromthe bridle to the reining hand is considered to be the use of twohands, and a score of zero (0) will be applied with the exceptionof any place a horse is allowed to be completely stoppedduring a pattern.(6) The following will result in a $25 fine:(a) failure to have correct exhibitor number displayed.(7) The following will result in a score of zero (0):(a) use of more than index or first finger between reins;(b) use of two (2) hands (exception in Snaffle Bit, Hackamore,NRHA Green or Ride classes designated for two hands) orchanging hands;(c) use of romal other than as outlined in #5;(d) failure to complete pattern as written;(e) performing the maneuvers other than in specified order;(f) the inclusion of maneuvers not specified, including, butnot limited to1. backing more than two (2) strides2. turning more than ninety (90) degrees3. On run in patterns, once beginning a canter a complete103

stop prior to reaching the first marker.(Exception: a complete stop in the 1st quarter ( 1 ⁄4) of a circleafter a canter departure is not to be considered an inclusionof maneuver; a two (2) point break of gait penaltywill apply.) (See Figure #3B)(g) equipment failure that delays completion of pattern;(h) balking or refusal of command where performance is delayed;(i) running away or failing to guide where it becomes impossibleto discern whether the entry is on pattern;(j) jogging in excess of one-half ( 1 ⁄2) circle or one-half ( 1 ⁄2) thelength of the arena ;(k) over spins of more than one quarter ( 1 ⁄4) turn;(l) fall to the ground by horse or rider. A horse is deemedto have fallen when its shoulder and/or hip and/or underlinetouches the ground;(m) dropping a rein that contacts the ground while the horseis in motion;(n) failure to wear appropriate western attire as outlinedin the NRHA Handbook, Section L. in General Show Conditions8.NOTE: Neither a no score nor a zero (0) is eligible to place in ago round nor single go round class. Neither a no score nor a zero(0) may advance in a multi-go event. In multi-go events, finalsqualifying horses that get a zero (0) or scratch will still be eligiblefor payouts, with a zero (0) placing higher than a scratch.In the event not enough horses qualify for total purse distribution,the undistributed portion of the purse will be retained byshow management.(8) The following will result in a penalty of five (5) points:(a) spurring in front of cinch;(b) use of either hand to instill fear or praise;(c) holding saddle with either hand, except in the Youth10 & Under Short Stirrup class where holding the saddleis allowed;(d) blatant disobedience including kicking, biting, bucking,rearing and striking.(9) The following will result in a two (2) point penalty:(a) break of gait; Note: Simple lead changes are allowedin NRHA Green classes, no break of gait penalty should beapplied during the lead change. NRHA Ride classes mayuse altered patterns and if simple lead changes are specified,no break of gait penalty should be applied duringthe lead changes.(b) freezing up in spins or rollbacks;(c) on walk in patterns, cantering prior to reaching the centerof the arena and/or failure to stop or walk before executinga canter departure;(a)on run in patterns, failure to be in a canter prior to reach-104

ing the first marker or break of gait prior to the first marker.(b) if a horse does not completely pass the specified markerbefore initiating a stop position.(10) Starting or performing circles or eights out of lead will bejudged as follows:(a) Each time a horse is out of lead, a judge is required topenalize by one (1) point. The penalty for being out of leadis cumulative, and the judge will add one (1) penalty pointfor each one quarter ( 1 ⁄4) of the circumference of a circle orany part thereof that a horse is out of lead.(b) A judge is required to penalize a horse one half (½) of apoint for a delayed change of lead by one (1) stride wherethe lead change is required by the pattern description.(11) Deduct one half (½) point for starting circle at a jog or exitingrollbacks at a jog up to two (2) strides. Jogging beyond two (2)strides but less than one half (½) circle or one half (½) the lengthof the arena, deduct two (2) points.(12) Deduct one half (½) point for over or under spinning up toone eighth ( 1 ⁄8) of a turn; deduct one (1) point for over or underspinning up to one quarter ( 1 ⁄4) of a turn.(13) In patterns requiring a run-around, failure to be on the correctlead when rounding the end of the arena will be penalizedas follows: for one half (½) the turn or less, 1 point; for more thanone half (½) turn, two (2) points.(14)There will be a one half (½) point penalty for failure to remaina minimum of twenty (20) feet from the side of the arena whenapproaching a stop and/or rollback.(15) Judges may not confer on any penalty or maneuver scoreprior to submitting a score. If a major penalty (a penalty whichresults in a no score, a zero (0), or a five (5) point penalty) is unclear,a judge will submit his/her score and ask that the score beheld, pending a conference or review of the official video at thenext drag or as soon as practical. Should the judges determinevia conference or video replay that a penalty was incurred, itshould be applied. If, however, no penalty occurred, the scorewill be announced as originally submitted. No judge shall be requiredto change his/her score following a conference or videoreplay. Each judge’s decision is an individual call and based onindividual decision from a conference or video replay. The useof video equipment by the judges is only permissible if the judgehas reason to believe that all entries have been videotaped.(16) The judge shall have the authority to remove any contestantfrom a show he is judging, should said contestant show anydisrespect or misconduct so as to render himself or the showin an unprofessional manner.(17) All riders must dismount and the horse must be presentedand the bridle dropped by the rider or a designated representative.The horse and equipment must be checked by the designatedjudge in the arena or in close proximity to the arena duringa pre- or post-check. Should the equipment judge detect cause105

for a no score the exhibitor or his/her representative, trainer orguardian may at that time accept the no score and allow the equipmentjudge to cause the appropriate changes to all score cardsor request the other judges confer on the appropriate call. In thecase of a youth exhibitor, should a parent, trainer or guardian notbe present, it will be assumed that all parties are aware of thisrule and agree to abide by the exhibitor’s decision. If requested,the equipment judge will confer with the other judges as soonas practical. Failure to comply with this rule shall result in a noscore.(18) Judges shall be the sole persons responsible to determineif a rider has correctly completed the pattern as written.(19) An exhibitor or owner in the respective class may requesta review of a major penalty (penalty score zero (0) and five(5) point penalty). The judge(s) has the right to deny or honorthe request. If honored by the judge(s) he/she must believethe entire class was videotaped by an official videographer.The request must be made no later than thirty (30) minutesafter the last run of the day and before the judge(s) has leftthe grounds for the day. In cases where a class is run in sectionsover multiple days, each day’s scores will be official thirty(30) minutes after the last run of each section. Exhibitorsor owners may not have direct contact with the judge(s) duringthe entire process of requesting a review. The request mustbe submitted to the Show Steward, Show Representative, orif need be Show management who will take the request tothe judge(s).(20) NRHA permits the judge the option of awarding a re rideto any contestant who in the judge’s opinion is unable to completea pattern for reasons that are out of the rider’s control.In the instance where a re ride is warranted in the judge’s opinion,the judge should advise the NRHA Representative and/orhorse show management of such as soon as is possible.(21) The NRHA Judges Committee will evaluate individual requestsfrom challenged riders regarding the use of aids whenexhibiting. In the event an individual is granted special privileges,he or she will be presented said privileges in writing andmust provide a copy to the show committee each time he orshe exhibits. The Show Committee is required to present saidprivileges to the Judge(s) as well as the individual’s draw numberand exhibitor number prior to the class in which he or shewill be competing.106

PATTERNS1. The following patterns are to be worked as stated, not asdrawn. The drawn pattern is just to give the general idea of whatthe pattern will look like in the arena.2. Markers will be placed on the wall or fence of the arena asfollows:(i) at the center of the arena(ii) at least 50’ (15 meters) from each end wall3. Where designated in the pattern for stops to be beyond amarker, the horse should begin his stop after he passes the specifiedmarker.4. Each pattern is drawn so that the bottom of the page representsthe end of the arena entered by contestants and mustbe run as such. In the event that an arena has only one gateand it is in the exact middle of the side, that side shall representthe right side of the page the pattern is drawn on.5. All horses will be judged immediately upon entering the arenaand judging will cease after the last maneuver. Any fault incurredprior to the commencement of a pattern will be scoredaccording to the rules for judging.6. All judges’ decisions are final.7. With the exception of NRHA Ride classes, the following patternsare the only patterns to be used at NRHA events. NRHAGreen classes should use NRHA patterns but simple lead changesare allowed.PATTERNSPATTERNS TO FOLLOW, INDICATES MARKERS107

108Pattern 1

Pattern 11. Run at speed to the far end of the arena past the end markerand do a left rollback—no hesitation.2. Run to the opposite end of the arena past the end markerand do a right rollback—no hesitation.3. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back upto center of the arena or at least ten feet (three meters). Hesitate.4. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.5. Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that horseis facing left wall or fence. Hesitate.6. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left:the first circle large and fast; the second circle small and slow;the third circle large and fast. Change leads at the center of thearena.7.Complete three circles to the right: the first circle large and fast;the second circle small and slow; the third circle large and fast. Changeleads at the center of the arena.8. Begin a large fast circle to the left but do not close this circle.Run straight up the right side of the arena past the centermarker and do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (six meters)from wall or fence. Hesitate to demonstrate the completion ofthe pattern.109

110Pattern 2

Pattern 2Horses may walk or trot to the center of arena. Horses mustwalk or stop prior to starting pattern. Beginning at the centerof the arena facing the left wall or fence.1. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to theright: the first circle small and slow; the next two circles largeand fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.2. Complete three circles to the left: the first circle small andslow; the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at thecenter of the arena.3. Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top ofthe circle, run down the middle to the far end of the arena pastthe end marker and do a right rollback—no hesitation.4. Run up the middle to the opposite end of the arena past theend marker and do a left rollback—no hesitation.5. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back upto the center of the arena or at least ten feet (three meters).Hesitate.6. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.7. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate to demonstrate thecompletion of the pattern.111

Pattern 3FINISHSTART80112

Pattern 31. Beginning, lope straight up the left side of the arena, circlethe top end of the arena, and staying at least twenty feet (sixmeters) from the walls or fence, run straight down the oppositeor right side of the arena past the center marker and doa left rollback—no hesitation.2. Continue straight up the right side of the arena circle backaround the top of the arena, and staying at least twenty feet(six meters) from the walls or fence, run straight down the leftside of the arena past the center marker and do a right rollback—nohesitation.3. Continue up the left side of the arena to the center marker.AT the center marker, the horse should be on the right lead.Guide the horse to the center of the arena on the right leadand complete three circles to the right: the first two circles largeand fast; the third circle small and slow. Change leads at thecenter of the arena.4. Complete three circles to the left: the first two circles largeand fast; the third circle small and slow. Change leads in thecenter of the arena.5. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle.Continue up the left side of the arena, circle the top of thearena, and staying at least twenty feet (six meters) from the wallsor fence, run straight down the opposite or right side of the arenapast the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back up at leastten feet (three meters). Hesitate.6. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.7. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate to demonstrate completionof the pattern.113

Pattern 4FINISHSTART82114

Pattern 4Horses may walk or trot to the center of the arena. Horses mustwalk or stop prior to starting pattern. Beginning at the centerof the arena facing the left wall or fence.1. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to theright: the first two large and fast; the third circle small and slow.Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.2. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.3. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left:the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow.Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.4. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate.5. Beginning on the right lead, run a large fast circle to theright, change leads at the center of the arena, run a large fastcircle to the left, and change leads at the center of the arena.(Figure 8)6. Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top ofthe circle, run down the middle to the far end of the arena pastthe end marker and do a right rollback—no hesitation.7. Run up the middle to the opposite end of the arena past theend marker and do a left rollback—no hesitation.8. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back upto the center of the arena or at least ten feet (three meters).Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.115

Pattern 5STARTFINISH84116

Pattern 5Horses may walk or trot to the center of arena. Horses mustwalk or stop prior to starting pattern. Beginning at the centerof the arena facing the left wall or fence.1. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left:the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow.Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.2. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate.3. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to the right:the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow.Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.4. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.5. Beginning on the left lead, run a large fast circle to the left,change leads at the center of the arena, run a large fast circleto the right, and change leads at the center of the arena.(Figure 8)6. Continue around previous circle to the left but do not closethis circle. Run up the right side of the arena past the centermarker and do a right rollback at least twenty feet (six meters)from the wall or fence—no hesitation.7. Continue around previous circle but do not close this circle.Run up the left side of the arena past the center marker anddo a left rollback at least twenty feet (six meters) from the wallor fence—no hesitation.8. Continue back around previous circle but do not close thiscircle. Run up the right side of the arena past the center markerand do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (six meters) fromthe wall or fence. Back up at least ten feet (three meters). Hesitateto demonstrate completion of the pattern.117

PPattern 6STARTFINISH86118

Pattern 6Horses may walk or trot to the center of arena. Horses mustwalk or stop prior to starting pattern. Beginning at the centerof the arena facing the left wall or fence.1. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.2. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate.3. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left:the first two circles large and fast; the third circle small and slow.Change leads at the center of the arena.4. Complete three circles to the right: the first two circles largeand fast; the third circle small and slow. Change leads at thecenter of the arena.5. Begin a large fast circle to the left but do not close this circle.Run up the right side of the arena past the center markerand do a right rollback at least twenty feet (six meters) fromthe wall or fence—no hesitation.6. Continue back around previous circle but do not close thiscircle. Run up the left side of the arena past the center markerand do a left rollback at least twenty feet (six meters) fromthe wall or fence—no hesitation.7. Continue back around previous circle but do not close thiscircle. Run up the right side of the arena past the center markerand do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (six meters) fromthe wall or fence. Back up at least ten feet (three meters). Hesitateto demonstrate the completion of the pattern.119

120Pattern 7

Pattern 71. Run at speed to the far end of the arena past the end markerand do a left rollback—no hesitation.2. Run to the opposite end of the arena past the end markerand do a right rollback—no hesitation.3. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back upto the center of the arena or at least ten feet (three meters).Hesitate.4. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.5. Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that horseis facing left wall or fence. Hesitate.6. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to theright: the first two circles large fast; the third circle small andslow. Change leads at the center of the arena.7. Complete three circles to the left: the first two circles largefast; the third circle small and slow. Change leads at the centerof the arena.8. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle.Run straight down the right side of the arena past the centermarker and do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (six meters)from the wall or fence. Hesitate to demonstrate completionof the pattern.121

Pattern 8STARTFINISH90122

Pattern 8Horses may walk or trot to the center of arena. Horses mustwalk or stop prior to starting pattern. Beginning at the centerof arena facing the left wall or fence.1. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate.2. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.3. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to theright: the first circle large and fast; the second circle small andslow; the third circle large and fast. Change leads at the centerof the arena.4. Complete three circles to the left: the first circle large andfast; the second circle small and slow; the third circle large andfast. Change leads at the center of the arena.5. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle.Run straight down the right side of the arena past the centermarker and do a left rollback at least twenty feet (six meters)from the wall or fence – no hesitation.6. Continue back around the previous circle but do not closethis circle. Run down the left side of the arena past the centermaker and do a right rollback at least twenty feet (six meters)from the wall or fence—no hesitation.7. Continue back around the previous circle but do not closethis circle. Run down the right side of the arena past the centermarker and do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (six meters)from the wall or fence. Back up at least ten feet (three meters).Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.123

124Pattern 9

Pattern 91. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back upto the center of the arena or at least ten feet (three meters).Hesitate.2. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.3. Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that horseis facing the left wall or fence. Hesitate.4. Beginning on the left lead, complete three circles to the left:the first circle small and slow; the next two circles large andfast. Change leads at the center of the arena.5. Complete three circles to the right: the first circle small andslow; the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at thecenter of the arena.6. Begin a large fast circle to the left but do not close this circle.Run up the right side of the arena past the center markerand do a right rollback at least twenty feet (six meters) fromthe wall or fence—no hesitation.7. Continue back around the previous circle but do not closethis circle. Run up the left side of the arena past the center markerand do a left rollback at least twenty feet (six meters) fromthe wall or fence—no hesitation.8. Continue back around previous circle but do not close thiscircle. Run up right side of the arena past the center markerand do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (six meters) fromthe wall or fence. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of thepattern.125

126Pattern 10

Pattern 101. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back upto the center of the arena or at least ten feet (three meters).Hesitate.2. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate.3. Complete four and one-quarter spins to the left so that thehorse is facing the left wall or fence. Hesitate.4. Beginning on the right lead, complete three circles to theright: the first two circles large and fast, the third circle smalland slow. Change leads at the center of the arena.5. Complete three circles to the left: the first circle small andslow, the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at thecenter of the arena.6. Begin a large fast circle to the right but do not close this circle.Run down the right side of the arena past the center markerand do a left rollback at least twenty feet (six meters) formthe wall or fence—no hesitation.7. Continue back around the previous circle but do not closethis circle. Run down the left side of the arena past the centerand do a right rollback at least twenty feet (six meters) fromthe wall or fence—no hesitation.8. Continue back around previous circle but do not close thiscircle. Run down the right side of the arena past the center markerand do a sliding stop at least twenty feet (six meters) formthe wall or fence. Hesitate to demonstrate completion of thepattern.127

128Pattern 11

Pattern 11Horses must trot to the center of the arena. Horses must walkor stop prior to starting the pattern. Beginning at the centerof the arena facing the left wall or fence.1. Complete four spins to the left. Hesitate.2. Complete four spins to the right. Hesitate3. Beginning on the right lead complete three circles to theright; the first circle small and slow; the next two circles largeand fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.4. Complete three circles to the left; the first circle small andslow; the next two circles large and fast. Change leads at thecenter of the arena.5. Begin a large circle to the right, but do not close this circle.Run down the center of the arena past the end markerand do a right rollback—no hesitation.6. Run up the middle to the opposite end of the arena pasthe end marker and do a left rollback—no hesitation.7. Run past the center marker and do a sliding stop. Back upto the center of the arena or at least ten feet (three meters).Hesitate to demonstrate completion of the pattern.129

Pattern 12 12Short Stirrup Pattern130

Pattern 12To be used for the Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup class only.Horses may walk or trot to the center of the arena. Horses mustwalk or stop prior to starting the pattern. Beginning at the centerof the arena facing the left wall or fence.1. Beginning on the left lead, complete two circles to the left.Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.2. Complete two spins to the left. Hesitate3. Beginning on the right lead complete two circles to the right.Stop at the center of the arena. Hesitate.4. Complete two spins to the right. Hesitate.5. Beginning on the left lead, go around the end of the arena,run down the right side of the arena past center marker,stop and roll back right.6. Continue around the end of the arena to run down the leftside of the arena past the center marker. Stop. Back up.See the Judges’ Guide for a summary of other allowances madein the Handbook.131

NRHA JUDGES’ GUIDEGENERAL JUDGING AND SCORING GUIDELINESSection 1. As stated in the National Reining Horse AssociationBylaws, one of the objectives of the Association is “The developmentof suitable and proper standards of performance andjudging.” The NRHA Handbook specifies the rules under whichall NRHA Reinings will be conducted and the rules by whichreining horses will be judged. The following is intended as aguideline for the application of the rules for the judging as specifiedin the NRHA Handbook:Section 2. The NRHA Handbook includes specific patterns whichthe reining horse must execute exactly, and it also contains certainspecific rules involving the penalties which are applied if ahorse fails to perform these specific patterns as required. The NRHAHandbook also, under Rules for Judging, Section A, describes indetail the standard by which a reining should be judged. Thisdescription remains unchanged throughout the evolution of theNRHA, and because of its importance in evaluating a reining horse,is reprinted in full herein. This paragraph clearly defines the qualityrequired of a reining horse and is our strongest tool in providingclear and consistent evaluations of quality.Section 3. “To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but alsoto control his every movement. The best reined horse shouldbe willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistanceand dictated to completely. Any movement on his ownmust be considered a lack of control. All deviations from theexact written pattern must be considered a lack of or temporaryloss of control; and therefore, a fault that must be markeddown according to severity of deviation. After deducting all faultsset here within, against execution of the pattern and the horse’soverall performance, credit should be given for smoothness,finesse, attitude, quickness and authority of performing variousmaneuvers, while using controlled speed which raises thedifficulty level and makes him more exciting and pleasing towatch to an audience.”Section 4. The scoring of reining horses is on a positive numericscale with 70 denoting an average performance. NRHA patternsare comprised of several distinct maneuver groups whichjudges are asked to evaluate on an individual basis dependenton execution as dictated by the pattern description and therules for judging, and against the quality standard describedin Section A. The individual maneuvers are scored in 1 ⁄2 pointincrements from a low of -1 1 ⁄2 (extremely poor quality) to a highof +1 1 ⁄2 (excellent quality) with a score of 0 denoting a maneuverthat is correct with no degree of difficulty. The total of thescores applied to the maneuver groups is combined with thestarting score of 70 and from this gross maneuver score, anypenalties are deducted to calculate the horse’s final score, whichis announced after each horse works.NRHA JUDGES’ GUIDE133

Section 5. An important non penalty consideration for judges isa horse stumbling. If the stumble is severe enough to significantlydetract from the quality of the maneuver, NRHA requires a judgeto reduce the score 1 ⁄2 point for that maneuver (i.e., very good circleswith a plus one evaluation would then become plus 1 ⁄2).Section 6. Failure to display the correct exhibitor number willresult in a $25 fine. When the judge determines that either theincorrect number is displayed or that no number is displayed,the scribe should note this fact on the score sheet and reportthe infraction to the Show Representative or Show Steward. TheShow Representative/Steward should then note the incidenton their Show Report.Section 7. NRHA believes in the importance of providing challengedriders with the opportunity to compete on a fair basis.The NRHA Judges Committee will evaluate individual requestsfrom challenged riders regarding the use of aids while they exhibit.If an individual is granted special privileges, thenhe/she will be presented said privileges in writing and must providea copy of the letter to the show management each timehe/she exhibits. The show management is required to presentthis copy to the judge(s) as well as the individual’s draw numberand exhibitor number prior to each class in which he/shewill be competing. While allowing for the use of the approvedaid(s), judge(s) are required to apply penalties and evaluate maneuversin accordance to NRHA guidelines. If there is any failurein communicating the approval of a rider’s aid(s), then thejudge should contact the NRHA office immediately.PENALTY APPLICATIONSection 1. The above describes the manner in which a judgeevaluates and scores a horse’s execution of the NRHA maneuvers.In addition to this evaluation process, the NRHA Handbookspecifies certain penalties which are applied should a horsefail to execute a precise maneuver or deviate from performingthe exact, written pattern. These penalties, as mentionedabove, are subtracted from the score which the judge has awardedthe horse, and thus have a negative impact on the final scorethe horse receives. No NRHA judge is empowered to changeor alter the specific penalties listed in the NRHA Handbook. Thejudge’s function is to determine whether a penalty has occurredand to apply the appropriate penalty in each instance. The NRHAhas specified that in every instance, the horse should receivethe benefit of any doubt when these penalties are applied.Therefore, if a judge is uncertain as to whether a horse has incurreda specific penalty, the penalty should not be applied.The application of all penalties is not a qualitative determination(i.e., there is no good or bad way to incur an over spin).Maneuver evaluations and penalty applications are always tobe determined independently.Section 2. The penalties specified in the NRHA Handbook are134

eviewed annually by the NRHA Board of Directors andJudges Committee. It is the intention of the NRHA that thesepenalties be applied evenly and without amendment by everyjudge. It is equally imperative that every judge gives benefitof any doubt he/she may have to the exhibitor when assessingwhether in fact a penalty has occurred.PRE/POST CHECKSection 1. NRHA requires riders to dismount and drop theirbridles for inspection before or after showing, either in the arenafor a judge or in close proximity to the arena for the designatedjudge in multiple judge situations. Failure to complywith this rule shall result in a no score. Judges are required tocall all occurrences of illegal equipment, unsportsmanlike conduct,and evidences of abuse, without fail. As with any penaltyapplication within NRHA, judges are advised that should therebe any doubt as to whether or not there has been a violation,benefit of this doubt shall always go to the contestant. Also,judges are advised not to drop or assist in dropping bridles forcontestants, this is to be done by the contestant or his/her designatedassistant.Section 2. Should the judge responsible for examining horsesand equipment determine that a rule violation has occurred,that results in a no score the exhibitor or his/her representative,trainer or guardian may at that time accept the no scoreand allow the equipment judge to cause the appropriatechanges to all score cards or request the other judges conferon the appropriate call. If contested, the equipment judgeshould so indicate to the other judges immediately, and detainthe horse and equipment until it is possible for the otherjudges to complete an inspection of said violation. In a multiplejudge situation where the equipment judge is located outsidethe arena, any infraction detected by the equipment judgeshould be examined by all other judges as soon as is practicalif contested by the exhibitor.Section 3.(a) Show committees have the option of using a pre-checkor a post-check. When a pre-check is used, there shall be noroutine post-check. A pre-check system should not be usedin a single judged event. When a pre-check is used, it is stronglyrecommended that there be a designated area in closeproximity to the pre-check judge for the checked horses toremain until they enter the arena.(b) When a pre-check is used, the presence of fresh bloodor any other evidence that any act of abuse has occurred priorto the check will result in a no score (see Rules for Judging,B. Scoring [4]). If illegal equipment is presented at thepre-check, the exhibitor will not receive a no-score, if he/sheis able to correct the problem without delaying the class. Ifa checked horse leaves the field of vision of the pre-check135

judge prior to showing, the pre-check judge is to recheck thehorse before allowing it to enter the arena.(c) In this system the first two horses should be prechecked8-10 minutes before the class begins, with all remaininghorses checked when they are in-the-hole. It is suggestedthat the pre-check judge, as soon as the first threehorses have been checked, develop the routine of checkingeach horse as it becomes the in-the-hole horse. This requiresthe judge to keep track of only two horses at any one time,the already examined on-deck and in-the-hole horses. In addition,this allows each exhibitor time to regain composureand focus following the check, and it gives an exhibitor timeto correct an equipment problem should one occur. Beforeentering the arena each horse will have a final walkaround inspection.(d) When a pre-check system is used, all officiating judges,including the pre-check judge, are compelled to call any actsof abuse to a horse while in the arena. If the situation ariseswhere a chair judge calls a no score, the judge makingthe call should request that the exhibitor present his/her horseto the pre-check judge for inspection. If a no score is called,the exhibitor can accept or contest the call. If contested, theother judge(s) shall be called as soon as is practical to examinethe horse and confer.NO SCORESSection 1. The NRHA Handbook specifies that horses are to bedisqualified and receive a no score if the infractions of “abuseof a horse or misconduct by the rider” are incurred. Misconductmay include failure to present the horse and equipmentfor inspection before or after completing the pattern and/orany disrespectful or unprofessional conduct by the exhibitor.This includes not dismounting prior to dropping the bridle.Section 2. While the application of a penalty for abuse requiresthe discretion of the judge, this judge must make his/her determinationbased on NRHA guidelines. The NRHA has determinedthat the exhibition of a horse that is obviously lame oris otherwise in an unhealthy condition must be considered abuse.The exhibition of a horse that has a cut or abrasion showing clearevidence of fresh blood in the mouth, nose, chin, shoulder, barrel,flank or hip area (those areas reasonable to believe the injurymay have been caused by the rider or equipment) must beconsidered abuse regardless of how the injury was caused.Section 3. Included in the infraction of abuse is the use of illegalequipment. The NRHA Handbook specifies the followingas illegal equipment:(a) bits and snaffle bits with mechanical devices;(b) leveraged bits and snaffle bits having mouthpieces constructedfrom anything other than smooth rounded material,(Note: Twisted wire mouthpieces are illegal);136

(c) Leveraged bits with mouthpiece bar spaces less than 5 ⁄16"or greater than ¾” diameter;(d) nothing may protrude more than 1 ⁄8” below the mouthpiece(bar);(e) *bits with ports exceeding 3½” in height;(f) *snaffle bits with rings smaller than 2" or larger than 4"in diameter;(g) *snaffle bits with mouthpieces smaller than 5 ⁄16", measured1" from the cheek. (Note: It should be noted that a conventionalsnaffle can only be broken in one place. A conventionalsnaffle may have loose rings. An optional curb strapis acceptable provided it is loose, however curb chains arenot acceptable. No minimum or maximum width is required,decorative knots and round material are acceptable.)(h) rope or leather bosals with wire, iron or mechanicaldevices;(i) *bosal larger than 3 ⁄4" diameter on the cheek;(j) twisted curb chains or curb chains with barbs and/or wire;(k) *wire on bits (Note: Spade bits may have wire wrap onspacer bar only);(l) use of tack collars, tie downs, nose bands, electric shocks,whips or bats;(m) use of any attachment which alters the movement ofor circulation of the tail.(*See Figures #1 & #2.)Section 4. Abuse as defined in the NRHA Handbook is “Thatwhich a reasonable person informed and experienced in generallyaccepted equine training and exhibition procedures, woulddetermine to be cruel, abusive and inhumane. “ A judge is thuscompelled to disqualify any horse that he/she feels is being exhibitedin a manner which is cruel, abusive and inhumane. Thismay include the exhibition of an animal which is clearly notin a fit or sound condition, the use of abusive equipment, and/orthe use of abusive showing techniques by the rider. A judge(s)may excuse a horse at anytime while in the arena for unsafeconditions or improper exhibition caused by the horse and/orthe rider. While each judge is required to disqualify any horseexhibited in the manners described above, it should be notedthat in every case the exhibitor should be given the benefitof any doubt, should any doubt exist.Section 5. Judges are required to report no score situations tothe NRHA Representative or Steward with instructions to includethe details of said no score in the official show representative’sreport. Further, a judge (or judges) must present in writing anygrievance that he/she may have against contestants or showsto an official officer, director, or duly elected or appointed contestant’srepresentative of the NRHA at the time of the grievance.It should be noted that a judge is not required to post a$100.00 grievance fee.137

PENALTY SCORE ZEROSection 1. The NRHA Handbook specifies certain situations inwhich a horse will receive a score of 0 regardless of its executionof the pattern. These situations shall be reported by a judgeto a scribe as “penalty score zero.” This is extremely importantto avoid confusion in the scribe’s recording. The NRHA Handbookprohibits the use of more than the index finger betweenthe reins, the changing of hands on the reins, or use of two handson the reins; however, it specifically outlines situations in whichthe rider’s free hand may be used to untangle excess rein (anyplace the horse is allowed to be completely stopped during thepattern). The NRHA Handbookalso permits the rider to use his/herfree hand to hold a romal in the normal fashion; the definitionof which is contained hereunder: Exceptions occur in the SnaffleBit & Hackamore, Freestyle, Youth 10 & Under, NRHA Greenand Ride classes. See rules for each class.Section 2. When using a romal, the rider’s hand shall be aroundthe reins with the wrist kept straight and relaxed, the thumbon top and the hand closed around the reins; no fingers betweenthe reins are allowed. The free hand may be used to hold theromal provided it is held in a relaxed position and there are atleast 16 inches of romal from the free hand to the reining hand.Use of the free hand while holding the romal to alter the tensionor length of the reins from the bridle to the reining handis considered to be the use of two hands and a score of 0 willbe applied. Consistent with NRHA rules regarding split reins, arider using a romal may untangle excess rein (romal) any placea horse is allowed to be completely stopped during the pattern.Section 3. A penalty score 0 shall also be incurred if a horse failsto complete the pattern as written, performs the maneuvers inother than the specified order, and/or includes maneuvers notspecified. Included as maneuvers in other than the specified order,is the situation wherein a horse runs circles out of order (i.e.,when a small slow and large fast circles are required, and thehorse runs a large fast and small slow and large fast set of circles)and on run in patterns, once beginning a canter a completestop prior to reaching the first marker. In the instance wherea horse backs up where a backup is not specified, the penaltyscore of 0 will be incurred should the horse back more than 2full strides. It is important to note one stride is defined as thecomplete movement or steps of all four legs, one time. In thisparticular situation it is very helpful for a judge to watch andcount the steps of the front feet. Up to and including four stepsof the front feet in the non required backup receives no penalty.The horse must complete 5 or more consecutive steps backwardwithout stepping forward to be considered an inclusionof a maneuver. Whenever a horse deviates from the exact writtenpattern by turning more than 1 ⁄4 of the geographical circumferenceof the arena (i.e., an over spin, a turn during a backup,138

etc.), the penalty score of 0 will be applied. When a horse stops(completely losing forward motion) where a stop is not required,an inclusion of maneuver has occurred and a penalty score of0 will be applied. NRHA rules provide for an exception to thisrule; a complete stop in the first 1 ⁄4 circumference of a circle aftera canter departure is not to be considered an inclusion ofmaneuver. This allows for a rider to correct a missed lead. It isimportant to be sure that all other penalties incurred during thissituation are applied, including jogging, missed leads, and alwaysa break of gait in lieu of the inclusion of maneuver. (SeeFigure #3B.)Section 4. The NRHA Handbook further specifies that the refusalof a command (balk) will incur a penalty score of 0. In thisinstance the judge must determine that the horse blatantly andcontinuously refused a rider’s command. In the case of a spinor a rollback, the judge must differentiate between freeze up(as discussed below) and refusal of command. The NRHA Handbookfurther states that a penalty score of 0 will be applied ifa horse jogs in excess of 1 ⁄2 of the circumference of a circle, or1⁄2 the length of the arena. (See Figure #5.) The NRHA Handbookalso requires judges to apply a penalty score of 0 in theevent that a horse or rider falls to the ground or the rider isdislodged. A horse is deemed to have fallen when its shoulderand/or hip and/or underline touches the ground. The NRHAHandbook also specifies that each entry must run in orderdrawn. Note: In multi-go events, finals qualifying horses thatget a 0 or scratch will still be eligible for payouts, with a 0 placinghigher than a scratch. In the event not enough horses qualifyfor total purse distribution, the undistributed portion of thepurse will be retained by show management.5 POINT PENALTIESSection 1. There are four situations that require a judge to applya five (5) point penalty. These situations are: spurring in frontof the cinch, use of either hand to instill fear or praise, holdingthe saddle with either hand (except in the Youth 10 & UnderShort Stirrup class) or blatant disobedience. The applicationof the spurring rule requires the judge to ensure that contactwith the horse was made. The holding the saddle rule doesnot include incidental, brief contact (i.e., brushing the saddlewith the free hand). A rider must be allowed to straighten thelatigo any place a horse may be completely stopped during thepattern. The same is true of untangling the horse’s mane fromthe reins. Judges must allow riders to straighten reins at an appropriateplace without incurring a holding the saddle or instillingpraise penalty. Blatant disobedience includes kicking,biting, bucking, rearing and striking. It should be noted thatjudge(s) may confer and/or review the video on five (5) pointpenalties in accordance with NRHA rules. Therefore, it is helpfulfor judges in multiple judged events to require scribes to139

acknowledge the existence of a five (5) point penalty when reportingthe score. If a lack of concurrence exists, then show managementwould be alerted and scores would be held pendingvideo review or conference.2 POINT PENALTIESSection 1. A judge is required to apply a two (2) point penaltyshould a horse break gait during the execution of a pattern. Therequirement here is to determine gait has been broken, not whatgait or if actually a gait was reached by transition. An importantconsideration is a horse which, while executing a requireddownward speed transition, has its rear feet briefly slip on theground without loss of the overall cadence and stride of the lopeshould not receive a 2 point break of gait penalty. If gait is clearlybroken, it should receive the appropriate 2 point penalty. Further,should the horse stop during the downward speed transition(completely lose forward motion) an inclusion of maneuverwill have occurred resulting in a penalty score of 0.Section 2. If a horse freezes up in a spin or rollback, a 2 pointpenalty will be applied. The NRHA defines a freeze up as a briefbut obvious refusal to start a spin or rollback or any completestoppage of a horse’s lateral shoulder movement which delaysthe execution of a spin or rollback. (See Figure #3A.) A judgethus must determine whether there was a momentary completestoppage of lateral shoulder movement in a spin or rollback.It is not necessary to determine if the freeze up was causedby the horse or rider (i.e. a rider who spins 3 times, stops his/herhorse and realizes the error and immediately completes the4th spin, shall receive a freeze up penalty).Section 3. It is required in patterns that begin in the centerof the arena with a canter departure, the departure be executedfrom a walk or stopped position; failure to do so shall resultin a judge applying a 2 point penalty. It should be notedthat patterns beginning with spins at the center of the arena,failure to complete spins in the prescribed area would resultin a reduction of the maneuver evaluation. On all run-in patterns,a judge is required to apply a 2 point penalty for failingto be in a canter prior to reaching the first marker or for a breakof gait prior to the first marker. (See Figure #5.)Section 4. NRHA patterns require a horse to run past a markerplaced in the arena prior to stopping. If the horse does notcompletely pass the specified marker before assuming a stopposition, a penalty of 2 points is to be applied. It is importantto note that this penalty is to be applied if the horse assumesa stop position (rear legs up underneath, setting up) whetheror not this stop is completed. Further, the judge, by applyingthis penalty, is only reflecting the fact it happened, and shouldnot be concerned with whether it was caused by the horse orby the rider. Judges should note that it is their responsibilityto insure that these markers are placed correctly, and in such140

a fashion that a horse could reasonably be expected to go pastthem before executing a stop or rollback maneuver. The NRHAhas specified that the end markers be no less than 50' from theend wall or fence of the arena.LEAD PENALTIESSection 1. Each time a horse is out of lead, a judge is requiredto penalize it by 1 point. The penalty for being out of a lead iscumulative, and the judge will add 1 penalty point for each 1/4of the circumference of a circle or any part thereof that a horseis out of lead. (See Figure #4.) A judge is further required to penalizea horse ½ of a point for a change of lead delayed by onestride where a change of lead is required by the pattern. It shouldbe noted that a gait is specified, but no lead is specified in theinstance of run downs either on the side of the arena or throughthe middle of the arena, and no penalty is incurred for a horsechanging leads in these areas. (See Figures #6 & #7.)Section 2. In patterns where a horse is required to make a runaround the end of the arena, the horse must be on a specificlead while rounding the end of the arena. The horse is requiredto be on the specified lead as soon as it completes the 1st straightportion of the run-around and begins to turn the corner of thearena. Failure to be in the correct lead beyond this point willresult in the following penalties being assigned:a) From the turn to the halfway position at the end wall –1point.b) Beyond the halfway point up to the beginning of the rundown –2 points.c) It should be noted NRHA has determined there to be nocorrect lead on a straight line. Therefore, changing leads ina straight line is not to be penalized, though it may or maynot demonstrate resistance to being dictated to completelywhich must be dealt with in maneuver evaluation. (SeeFigures #6 & #7.)Section 3. In the instance where a pattern requires a 1 ⁄2 circleprior to beginning a run down to the other end of the arena(i.e., patterns #2 & 4), failure to be on a specified lead shouldbe penalized as follows:a) 1 point: beyond one stride up to 1 ⁄4 circumference of circleb) 2 points: beyond 1 ⁄4 circumference of circle up to the entirehalf circle. (See Figure #6.)Section 4. In classes which allow simple lead changes, the idealchange is to jog for one stride to change leads. Any deviationfrom the ideal change that takes place in the lead changearea as described by the Handbook would not incur a penaltybut deserves less credit. In order of decreasing difficulty wouldbe jogging more than one stride, walking rather than jogging,stopping during the change and finally more than one attemptto execute the change. Penalties would apply if the lead changewas early or late just as they would for a flying lead change.141

JOG PENALTIESSection 1. Inasmuch as a horse is required to be in a lope or acanter throughout the reining pattern, a penalty must be appliedfor starting a circle or exiting a rollback at a jog. Jogging up totwo strides incurs a 1 ⁄2 point penalty. Jogging beyond two strideswill incur a 2 point penalty. (See Figure #5.) In determiningwhether a 1 ⁄2 or 2 point penalty has been incurred it is useful fora judge to consider the distance traveled and to count the stepsof the rear legs. Four steps and under would represent two orless strides and require a 1 ⁄2 point penalty; five steps and more,therefore, require a 2 point penalty.SPIN PENALTIESSection 1. When performing the spin maneuver, horses are requiredto stop and start in a precise direction within the arena.Failure to stop a spin with some portion of the horse’s shoulderand hip aligned with the proper position will result in apenalty. A horse can only be assessed one over or under spinpenalty per maneuver. The penalties assigned to over and underspinning are as follows:a) Over or under spinning beyond a shoulder width and upto 1 ⁄8 of the circumference of the spin- 1 ⁄2 point penalty.b) Over or under spinning up to 1 ⁄4 of the circumference ofthe spin 1 point penalty.c) If a horse over spins by more than 1 ⁄4 of the circumferenceof a spin, an additional maneuver is deemed to have beenincluded and a score of 0 will be applied. It should be notedthat the shoulder width tolerance applied when determiningthe first 1 ⁄8 over or under spin should not be appliedwhen determining the severity of the deviation (i.e. the determinationof a 1 ⁄2 or a 1 point penalty or the determinationof a 1 point penalty or a 0 score).d) In the instance where a horse under spins by more than1⁄4 of the circumference of a spin and is properly realignedbefore starting the next maneuver, it shall be considered afreeze up in the spin and a 2 point penalty will be assigned.(See Figure #3A.)WALL PENALTYSection 1. In NRHA patterns that require a horse to run aroundthe end of the arena, it is specified the horse must remain aminimum of 20 feet from the side of the arena when approachinga stop and/or rollback. Failure to do so will result in a 1 ⁄2 pointpenalty.REVIEWSSection 1. If the judge is unsure as to whether a major penaltyhas occurred (i.e., no score, a 0 score, or a 5 point penalty)the judge will submit his/her score and ask that the score beheld pending a conference or a review of the video at the nextdrag. Further, it must be remembered that the NRHA142

Handbook does not allow judges to confer as to any penaltyor maneuver score prior to submitting a score. Video reviewsmay only be utilized in the instance where the judge believesthat all entrants have been videotaped by an official videographer.A judge shall not be required to change his/her scorefollowing a conference or video review, each judge’s decisionis an individual call.Section 2. Judges must continue to score no scores and 0 scoresin a multiple judged or videotaped event. This allows for videoreview and/or conference with the other judge(s) without thepotential bias that could exist if a judge should need to reversehis/her original decision or rely on memory to score the run.Whether or not a class is videotaped or multiple judged, it issuggested that NRHA judges continue to mark all runs wheneverpossible, as a service to our members.Section 3. An exhibitor or owner in the respective class mayrequest a review of a major penalty (penalty score zero and 5point penalty). The judge(s) has the right to deny or honor therequest. If honored by the judge(s) he/she must believe the entireclass was videotaped by an official videographer. The requestmust be made no later than 30 minutes after the last runof the day and before the judge(s) has left the grounds for theday. In cases where a class is run in sections over multiple days,each day’s scores will be official thirty minutes after the last runof each section. Exhibitors or owners may not have direct contactwith the judge(s) during the entire process of requestinga review. The request must be submitted to the Show Steward,Show Representative, or if need, Show Management who willtake the request to the judge(s)MANEUVERSAs mentioned earlier, judges are required to score a reining horsebased on its execution of the maneuver groups required in eachpattern. All NRHA patterns are divided into seven or eight maneuvergroups. Descriptions of ideal maneuvers required of areining horse are as follows:Walk-inThe walk-in brings the horse from the gate to the center of thearena to begin its pattern. The horse should appear relaxed andconfident. Any action which may create the appearance of intimidationincluding starting and stopping, or checking is a faultwhich shall be marked down according to the severity in thefirst maneuver score.Trot-inHorses must jog the majority of the way to the center. Failureto jog the majority of the way to the center will result ina 0 for failure to complete the pattern as written.143

StopsStops are the act of slowing the horse from a lope to a stop positionby bringing the hind legs under the horse in a locked positionsliding on the hind feet. The horse should enter the stopposition by bending the back, bringing the hind legs furtherunder the body while maintaining forward motion andground contact and cadence with front legs. Throughout thestop, the horse should continue in a straight line while maintainingground contact with the hind feet.SpinsSpins are a series of 360-degree turns, executed over a stationary(inside) hind leg. Propulsion for the spin is supplied by theoutside rear leg and front legs, and contact should be made withthe ground and a front leg. The location of hindquarters shouldbe fixed at the start of the spin and maintained throughout thespins. It is helpful for a judge to watch for the horse to remainin the same location, rather than watching for a stationary insideleg. This allows for easier focus on other elements of thespin (i.e., cadence, attitude, smoothness, finesse, and speed).RollbacksRollbacks are the 180 degree reversal of forward motion completedby running to a stop, rolling (turning) the shoulders backto the opposite direction over the hocks and departing in a canter,as one continuous motion. The NRHA Handbook states nohesitation; however, a slight pause to regain footing or balanceshould not be deemed hesitation. The horse should not stepahead or backup prior to rolling back.CirclesCircles are maneuvers at the lope, of designated size and speed,which demonstrate control, willingness to guide, and degreeof difficulty in speed and speed changes. Circles must at all timesbe run in the geographical area of the arena specified in thepattern description and must have a common center point.There must be a clearly defined difference in the speed andsize of a small, slow circle, and a large, fast circle; also, the speedand size of small, slow right circles should be similar to the small,slow left circles; and the speed and size of the large, fast rightcircles should be similar to the large, fast left circles.BackupsA backup is a maneuver requiring the horse to be moved in areverse motion in a straight line a required distance; at least10 feet.HesitateTo hesitate is the act of demonstrating the horse’s ability to pausein a relaxed manner, at a designated time in the pattern. All NRHApatterns require a hesitation at the end of the final maneuverto indicate to the judge(s) the completion of the pattern.144

Lead ChangesLead changes are the act of changing the leading legs of thefront and rear pairs of legs, at a lope, when changing the directiontraveled. The lead change must be executed at a lopewith no change of gait or speed and be performed in the exactgeographical position in the arena specified in the patterndescription. The change of front and rear leads must take placewithin the same stride to avoid penalty.Run Downs and Run-aroundsRun downs are runs through the middle of the arena, and runsalong the side and ends of the arena. Run downs and runaroundsshould demonstrate control and gradual increase inspeed to the stop.PATTERN DESCRIPTIONSThe NRHA has divided its patterns into sets of seven or eightmaneuver groups, which are scored as described earlier. Thesepatterns break down as follows:PATTERN 1Maneuver 1Run down the middle, past the end marker, left rollbackManeuver 2Run down the middle, past the opposite end marker, right rollbackManeuver 3Run down the middle, past the center marker, stop, backup,hesitateManeuver 44 right spins, hesitateManeuver 54 1/4 left spins, hesitateManeuver 6Left circles departure, large fast, small slow, large fast, leadchangeManeuver 7Right circles large fast, small slow, large fast, lead changeManeuver 8Complete ¾’s of a large fast left circle, run down side past centermarker, stop, hesitatePATTERN 2Maneuver 1Right circles departure, small slow, two large fast, change leadsManeuver 2Left circles small slow, two large fast, change leadsManeuver 3Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top of thecircle, run down the middle past end marker, right rollbackManeuver 4Run down middle past the opposite end marker, left rollback145

Maneuver 5Run down middle past the center marker, stop, backup, hesitateManeuver 64 right spins, hesitateManeuver 74 left spins, hesitatePATTERN 3Maneuver 1Run around the end of arena, run down side past center marker,left rollbackManeuver 2Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,right rollbackManeuver 3Right circles two large fast, one small slow, change leadsManeuver 4Left circles two large fast, one small slow, change leadsManeuver 5Run ¾’s of a large fast circle, run completely around the arena,past center marker, stop, back up. hesitateManeuver 64 right spins, hesitateManeuver 74 left spins, hesitatePATTERN 4Maneuver 1Right circles departure, two large fast, small slow, stop, hesitateManeuver 24 right spins, hesitateManeuver 3Left circles departure, two large fast, small slow, stop, hesitateManeuver 44 left spins, hesitateManeuver 5Depart right lead, figure eight, lead changeManeuver 6Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top of thecircle, run down the middle past end marker, right rollbackManeuver 7Run down middle past opposite end marker, left rollbackManeuver 8Run down middle past center marker, stop, backup, hesitatePATTERN 5Maneuver 1Left circles departure, two large fast, small slow, stop, hesitateManeuver 24 left spins, hesitate146

Maneuver 3Right circles departure, two large fast, small slow, stop, hesitateManeuver 44 right spins, hesitateManeuver 5Depart left lead, figure eight, change leadsManeuver 6Run ¾’s of a large fast left circle, run down side past center marker,right rollbackManeuver 7Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,left rollbackManeuver 8Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,stop, backup, hesitatePATTERN 6Maneuver 14 right spins, hesitateManeuver 24 left spins, hesitateManeuver 3Left circles departure, two large fast, small slow, change leadsManeuver 4Right circles two large fast, small slow, change leadsManeuver 5Run ¾’s of a large fast left circle, run down side past center marker,right rollbackManeuver 6Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,left rollbackManeuver 7Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,stop, backup, hesitatePATTERN 7Maneuver 1Run down middle past end marker, left rollbackManeuver 2Run down middle past opposite end marker, right rollbackManeuver 3Run down middle past center marker, stop, backup, hesitateManeuver 44 right spins, hesitateManeuver 54 1 ⁄4 left spins, hesitateManeuver 6Right circles departure, two large fast, small slow, change leadsManeuver 7Left circles two large fast, small slow, change leads147

Maneuver 8Run ¾’s of a large fast right circle, run down side past centermarker, stop, hesitatePATTERN 8Maneuver 14 left spins, hesitateManeuver 24 right spins, hesitateManeuver 3Right circles departure, large fast, small slow, large fast, changeleadsManeuver 4Left circles large fast, small slow, large fast, change leadsManeuver 5Run ¾’s of a large fast right circle, run down side past centermarker, left rollbackManeuver 6Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,right rollbackManeuver 7Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,stop, backup, hesitatePATTERN 9Maneuver 1Run down middle past center marker, stop, backup, hesitateManeuver 24 right spins, hesitateManeuver 34 1/4 left spins, hesitateManeuver 4Left circles departure, small slow, two large fast, change leadsManeuver 5Right circles small slow, two large fast, change leadsManeuver 6Run ¾’s of a large fast left circle, run down side past center marker,right rollbackManeuver 7Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,left rollbackManeuver 8Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,stop, hesitatePATTERN 10Maneuver 1Run down middle past center marker, stop, backup, hesitateManeuver 24 right spins, hesitateManeuver 34 1/4 left spins, hesitate148

Maneuver 4Right circles departure, two large fast, small slow, change leadsManeuver 5Left circles small slow, two large fast, change leadsManeuver 6Run ¾’s of a large fast right circle, run down side past centermarker, left rollbackManeuver 7Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,right rollbackManeuver 8Run around end of arena, run down side past center marker,stop, hesitatePATTERN 11Maneuver 14 left spins, hesitateManeuver 24 right spins, hesitateManeuver 3Right circles—departure, small slow, two large fast, change leadsManeuver 4Left circles—small slow, two large fast, change leadsManeuver 5Continue around previous circle to the right. At the top of thecircle, run down the middle past end marker, right rollbackManeuver 6Run down middle past the opposite end marker, left rollbackManeuver 7Run down middle past center marker, stop, backup, hesitatePATTERN 12(FOR USE WITH 10 & UNDER SHORT STIRRUP ONLY)Maneuver 1Left circles – stop, hesitateManeuver 22 left spins - hesitateManeuver 3Right circles – stop, hesitateManeuver 42 right spins – hesitateManeuver 5Run around end of arena, run down right side past the centermarker, right rollbackManeuver 6Run around end of arena, run down left side past the centermarker, stop, back up.The following are allowance made for the Short Stirrup class only:1. Riders are allowed to choose the size and speed of thecircles. Excessive speed will result in a maneuver deduction.149

2. Riders are allowed to hold the saddle without penalty.3. Closed reins may be used and include but are not limitedromal, roping, crossed, knotted, or taped reins.4. Riders are allowed to ride with one or two hands at anytime during the class.A. SCORING(1) The NRHA requires that the score for each run be reflectedon a maneuver by maneuver and penalty by penalty basis utilizinga scribe and an NRHA score sheet. This score sheet representsa judge’s report to an exhibitor of how a score was derived,and it is critical that this report to the exhibitor be accurate.(2) In the name of accuracy, it is important that the judge notaverage scores for maneuvers (i.e., a + 1 ⁄2 spin and a - 1 ⁄2 spin =two 0 spins, etc.). A judge must, at the completion of each maneuver,evaluate the maneuver on the scale listed below as anindividual component of the entire run.(3) In keeping with this practice, it is also critically importantthat a judge not average penalties into maneuver scores. Penaltiesare evaluated on a separate criteria than maneuver scoresand should not at any time be combined with maneuver scores(i.e., a + 1 ⁄2 spin with a 1 ⁄2 point over spin penalty does not = a0 maneuver score). It is also important for a judge not to allowa penalty to adversely affect the scoring of the maneuver,unless the quality was truly affected.(4) One key element in accurately describing the scoring of theentire run to the exhibitor is the judge’s scribe. It is management’sresponsibility to supply a scribe at every official NRHAevent; however, it is the judge’s responsibility to ensure thatthe scribe is properly trained prior to beginning the first runof the day. The judge must confirm that the scribe understandsthe fundamentals of recording both maneuver scores and penaltyscores. It is recommended that judges verify that the additionof the maneuver scores and penalties is correct at the completionof the run. As part of the training process for the scribe,the judge should make certain that his/her communicationsare clear to the scribe. To ensure this clear communication, thejudge and scribe should agree upon a method of speaking, sothat maneuver scores and penalty scores are not confused (i.e.,a judge will say a number for a maneuver score and will say“penalty” and a number for a penalty, thus allowing the scribeto place the appropriate score in the appropriate box on thescore sheet). Scribes should be advised to record all scores andpenalties in fractions as opposed to decimals to prevent errorsin tabulating the final scores. If for any reason a judge does notbelieve that a scribe is competent, he/she should ask show managementto replace the scribe immediately. An example of acorrectly completed score sheet is illustrated in Figure #8 ofthis guide. Judges must sign every completed score sheet.150

B. MANEUVER SCORES(1) As described earlier in this guide, the NRHA has divided eachpattern into sets of maneuvers. It is the judge’s responsibilityto evaluate these maneuver groups individually and rate eachmaneuver group on the following scale:-1 1 ⁄2 Extremely Poor-1 Very Poor- 1 ⁄2 Poor0 Correct+ 1 ⁄2 Good+1 Very Good+1 1 ⁄2 Excellent(2) In evaluating a maneuver, a judge should consider the horse’sperformance based on the following hierarchy of concerns:a) On pattern: The judge must ensure that the maneuverbeing performed by horse and rider is the correct maneuveras dictated by pattern.b) Correctness: Having ascertained that the horse and riderare performing the maneuver required by the pattern, the judgemust then ascertain whether the maneuver is being executedcorrectly. In this regard, the judge must evaluate the performanceof the maneuver against the requirements of the maneuverdescriptions listed in this guide. In each group of maneuvers,the judge must ascertain that the horse has been dictatedto completely and the basic elements of the maneuver havebeen fulfilled regardless of the degree of difficulty. In the instancewhere horse and rider have failed to correctly performthe maneuver, the judge will deduct for a substandard performance.This deduction ranges from - 1 ⁄2 to -1 1 ⁄2 for the maneuver.c) Degree of difficulty: Having ascertained that the horseand rider are on pattern and have performed the maneuvergroup correctly, a judge must evaluate the degree of difficultyin completing the maneuver. In the instance wherethe horse has correctly performed the maneuver and hasexhibited some degree of difficulty, a judge will assess thedegree of difficulty on a scale of + 1 ⁄2 to +1 1 ⁄2. Credit for degreeof difficulty should be given for using smoothness, finesse,attitude, quickness, authority and controlled speedwhile completing a correct maneuver.(3) It is recommended that a judge use the same scale for evaluatinga maneuver, regardless of the level of competition atan NRHA event and regardless of ground and other conditions.When utilizing the above scoring methodology, it is criticallyimportant that a judge evaluate the entire maneuver group.For example, in maneuver six of pattern eight, a judge is requiredto evaluate all of the following:(a) the run around the end of the arena(b) the approach to the stop(c) the stop(d) the rollback151

(e) the exit from the rollback(4) An over emphasis of any component of the maneuver groupwill cause an inaccurate maneuver score.(5) It should be noted when applying the previously describedhierarchy, that during the various components of a maneuvergroup, a horse and rider may exhibit varying degrees ofcorrectness and difficulty. Incorrect form, a particular componentof the maneuver group does not disqualify the horseand rider from correcting the form, therefore being eligiblefor credit depending on degree of difficulty. For example, ahorse that begins a spin incorrectly for one revolution thencorrects the form and achieves a high degree of difficulty inthe last three rotations would receive a score for the maneuvercombining a minus score for the first rotation and a plusscore for the final three rotations. Judges are required to generatea maneuver score that accurately reflects the combinedcorrectness and degree of difficulty of the various componentsof a maneuver group.C. MISCONDUCT/RE-RIDES(1) In order to ensure that each and every exhibitor has the unconditionalattention of the judge, it is imperative that the judgesbe allowed to concentrate on the performance of an exhibitor.In this regard, a judge must ensure that show management hasprovided an environment which provides for said concentration.Should any exhibitor(s) or person(s) in proximity to the show arenaconduct him/her self in a manner distracting to the judge,he/she should not continue evaluating horses until the distractionhas been removed by show management.(2) If the conduct of any exhibitor is disrespectful to a judge, thejudge has the right to refuse judging the exhibitor for the remainderof the show, and may request show management remove theexhibitor from the show grounds.(3) If an unavoidable circumstance (i.e., a fault suddenly appearingin the arena, an unpredictable major distraction to thehorse, etc.) disrupts a horse and rider’s pattern, the judge mayallow for a re-ride. In the event a judge believes that a re-rideis warranted, he/she will ask his/her scribe to inform show managementimmediately upon completion of the pattern. In thecase where a horse was able to complete the pattern, but a reridewas warranted, the score should be held until the riderdecides whether to exercise the re-ride option. An exhibitor whohas been allowed the option of a re-ride may at his/her option:(a) not re-ride the pattern, and be awarded the score for theiroriginal ride, OR(b) re-ride the pattern in an order of go dictated by show managementin consultation with judge(s), and accept the scorefor the second run only. A horse should never be requiredto rerun immediately following the original run. Rather, asufficient amount of time should be given for the horse to152

est (approximately 5 minutes). This should prevent a horsefrom being exhibited while in a fatigued condition.(4)Show management, the NRHA Representative and the exhibitorhave no right to petition a judge for a re-ride. Any re-ride mustbe entirely at the judge’s prerogative.D. REPORTS/CONDUCT(1) Any person assuming the responsibilities of an NRHA judgeis acting at all times as an NRHA official. A judge’s conduct onand off the show ground must be exemplary and a reflectionof the standards required by the National Reining Horse Association.A judge’s judging privileges may be removed by theNRHA at any time for conduct not considered to reflect favorablyupon the National Reining Horse Association.(2)In the capacity of an official of the NRHA, it is a judge’s responsibilityto ensure that all deviations from NRHA standards by exhibitorsor show management be noted on the NRHA representative’sreport. This report should include any and all examplesof unprofessional conduct by exhibitors, any insufficiencies or inequitiesby show management, unsportsmanlike conduct by anyindividual, and report inhumane treatment of a horse either duringexhibition or on the show grounds. It is important that a judgebe aware of whom the NRHA representative is and communicateswith this individual before and after the show to ensure the NRHArepresentative’s report includes any and all concerns of the judge.(3) When a judge agrees to officiate at an NRHA event, he/sheis responsible as an official of the NRHA for ensuring that allcontractual obligations with show management are both explicitand fulfilled. Any miscommunication between show managementand a judge will be deemed by NRHA to be a judge’sresponsibility. When a judge agrees to officiate an NRHA event,it becomes his/her responsibility to ensure the obligation isfulfilled. If a judge is unable to fulfill the obligation, it is his/herresponsibility to ensure that a qualified replacement judge isavailable under terms suitable to the management of the event.Judges are also required to notify the NRHA office of said change.(4) In order to fully utilize training and judging methodologies,it is imperative that all NRHA judges ensure they arrive to officiatean NRHA event in a physically well condition (i.e., wellrested, prepared, on time, etc.). Judge(s) shall not appear onthe show grounds more than one (1) hour prior to the scheduledstart of the show unless as directed by show management.(5) The NRHA is committed to providing its membership withthe best possible judging at all levels of competition. In orderto ensure this, the Association has and will continue to providecomprehensive judges applicant seminars and schools at a lowcost to the individual participant in key areas throughout thereining world. The NRHA Judges Committee encourages feedbackfrom judges, and any comments that might assist the Committeeto ensure that all judging is of world class caliber.153

FREESTYLEA. SCORESHEET(1) The NRHA has revised its standard scorecard for reining toaccommodate the special needs of the Freestyle. (See Figure #9.)(a) “Maneuver description” – Each of the 7 required maneuversare outlined above a specific box. Box #8 is for scoringcircles, transitional maneuvers and non-required maneuvers.(b)The line containing the “Draw/Exhibitor” box is divided intoa top and bottom row. The top row is used to record any appropriatepenalties and the bottom to record required maneuverscores as performed. Each maneuver box may contain multiplescores if the maneuver is performed more than once duringthe program.(c) “Penalties” are to be assessed during each maneuver inwhich they occur and each time they occur; for example,penalties associated with lead changes will appear in the #3and #4 boxes respectively and may be multiple if occurringmore than once.(d) The scoring of maneuvers in Freestyle remains consistentwith the guidelines set forth in NRHA Handbook. Maneuversare scored in ½ point increments from a low of –1 ½ (extremelypoor quality) to a high of +1 ½ (excellent quality) with 0 denotingan average or correct maneuver with little or no degreeof difficulty. The “Score” boxes below the “Draw/Exhibitor” boxline are used to record the official score of each required maneuver.The scores in the corresponding box above will be “averaged”and dropped down as a single official score recordedin the “Score” box. In the event a score averages a fraction otherthan those of ½ point increments allowed in the scoring range,one should follow the standard mathematical practices of rounding.This will allow for the scoring of the maneuver as a “required”maneuver as well as an additional score for each time the maneuveroccurs during the remainder of the performance. Therequired and additional scores from the “Draw/Exhibitor” boxline are considered notes by the judge to aid in his/her evaluationof the maneuver designated for that box. They are notconsidered an official score. The total scores on the score lineminus any penalties incurred (added or subtracted from 70),result in the final official score of the performance.EXAMPLES:Box #1 (4 L spins)Scored a + 1 ⁄2 for the required maneuverScored a 0 and – 1 ⁄2 for additional maneuversTherefore, average score = 0Box #1 (4 L spins)Scored a 0 for the required maneuverScored a + 1 ⁄2 and a + 1 ⁄2 for additional maneuversTherefore, average score = .33, rounded up to a + 1 ⁄2Box #1 (4 L spins)Scored a – 1 ⁄2 for the required maneuver0 and – 1 ⁄2 for additional maneuversFREESTYLE155

Therefore, average score = -.33, rounded down to a – 1 ⁄2(e) Box #8 may include multiple scores for any transitionalmaneuvers, circles that have not been evaluated in conjunctionwith another maneuver, or other non-required maneuversas they occur. Scores are averaged and recorded inthe “Score” box #8 as an overall score.(f) If a required maneuver is not performed, the maneuverbox will be blank indicating failure to perform all the requiredmaneuvers resulting in a score of 0.(g) In the event an “artistic impression” judge is not present,a box for an overall artistic impression score is availableunder the Total Penalty Box. Artistic impression may be scoredin ½ point increments from a low of –2 to a high of +2. Thisscore should consider the suitability of music, choreographyand presentation of the ride.B. SCORING PENALTIES(1) General Scoring Guidelines. Scoring Freestyle requires thesame rigor and diligence be applied to determine the qualityof a maneuver as in any other reining class. The NRHA Handbookspecifies that Freestyle allow the exhibitor to use maneuverscreatively but the evaluation of those maneuvers remainconsistent with guidelines set forth in the NRHA Handbook (i.e.,a 0 maneuver is the same in Freestyle as any other class). Thescoring range for Freestyle maneuvers shall remain from –1½to +1½ in ½ point increments.(2) Artistic Impression.NRHA judges score the artistic impressionof a performance from -2 to +2 using the following criteria:1. Choreography: This refers to the planning and arrangingof movements, steps and patterns for dancing in rhythm withthe music. Ask, does the pattern flow in time and cadence withthe music? If not it does not meet this parameter, it shouldget a (-) for this area; if it does, the ride should get merit (+).Some pieces may have partial choreography but places whereit is absent, and thus a (0) for this component.2. Originality: Ask, does this presentation bring “anythingnew” to the development of Freestyle Reining? New moves,maneuvers, ways of presenting the required maneuvers, increaseddifficulty, etc? Score accordingly (+, 0, -).3. Musicality: This refers to how music is used in the presentationto develop the theme or “mood” of the piece/performance.Did what was presented appeal to the senses andthe emotional aspects of the ride, be it serious/humorous/romantic,etc? Score accordingly (+, 0, -)4. Presentation & Balance: This simply said, refers to howwell the ride plays to all areas of the audience; does it coverthe entire arena and entertain all areas of the audienceequally? Score according, (+, 0, -)A judge should consider each of these and whether the exhibitormet this parameter will give a (+) or did not consider the parameterevident in the ride (-). Accordingly a horse that does all of these(receives a (+) in all 4 categories) would be awarded a +2 for theartistic impression. While a ride that does none of these (-) for all156

categories would conversely receive a -2 for artistic impression.(3) Required Maneuvers. The required maneuvers include four(4) consecutive spins to the left, four (4) consecutive spins to theright, three (3) stops, and at least one (1) lead change in bothdirections. The technical judge(s) will ascertain if all requirementsare met using the Freestyle Score Sheet. Failure to performall of the required maneuvers will results in a score of 0.(4) Penalty Application and Maneuver Scoring.The followingshall result in a score of 0; failure to perform all the required maneuvers,fall to the ground by the horse of rider, balking, refusalof command, running away where it is obviously not part of theperformance, equipment failure that delays the pattern even ifthe failure is part of the costume or a prop, and exceeding thefour (4) minute time limit. (Show management should be responsiblefor timing and verifying the length of performances 0. However,not to be considered for a score of 0; use of two hands, changingof hands, use of no hands on the reins, altering the tensionof the reins with a romal, or the inclusion of nontraditional, cued,or trained responses. For example, a horse taught to lie down aspart of the performance is not to be considered a fall to the ground.Since no set pattern is specified in Freestyle, inclusion of maneuversnot required must not be considered a penalty situation.(a) Judges are asked to apply more liberal guidelines in decidingwhat equipment/tack is allowable in the freestyle class.All equipment must meet general guidelines regardingmouthpiece size, shank length, port height, curb chain widthand flatness or any other aspect that would affect whetherit would be considered abusive or not. Not to be consideredfor disqualification would include:1. Rope mouthpieces, if of adequate diameter ( 5 ⁄16’’) softand non-abrasive.2. Cavisons, if used as part of a traditional English presentationor elsewhere, if appropriate, as long as they areloose and not the dropped style.3.Slinkies or other head covering as long as they allow freemovement of the jaw and the horse’s vision is not impaired.4. A bridleless presentation with a neck rope/reins, as longas the neck rope is smooth and loose. A judge is encouragedto halt any ride when safety and control becomes a concern.5. Other untraditional equipment is allowable at thejudge’s discretion, considering its abusiveness or suitability.Exhibitors are encouraged to discuss any special equipmentwith a judge prior to the class as to its suitability.(b) Jogging is allowed in Freestyle if it is in an obvious partof the performance. However, in an instance where a jogshould not be present, as in exiting a rollback or a canter departure,the proper penalty should be applied.(c)All situations which result in a no score according to NRHA rulesfor judging are applicable in Freestyle. Penalties, which wouldresult in a no score, would include; any act of abuse to the horseor any animal used in Freestyle, any act of unsportsmanlike conduct,the use of illegal equipment or failure to provide horse andequipment to the appropriate judge for inspection.157

158(d) All five (5) point penalties apply in Freestyle except holdingthe saddle with the free hand. Also, the inclusion of an obviouscued or trained maneuver (i.e. a rear) should not be considereda blatant disobedience. The exhibitors will only bejudged astride. Therefore, any movements performed off thehorse must only be considered in the artistic impression score.(e) Two (2) point penalties must be applied for freezing up inspins or rollbacks, and for break of gait. However, no penaltyshall apply to markers or walking to the center for a departure.(f) All lead penalties apply in the case where the judge is certainthe exhibitor has not asked the horse to be on the incorrectlead. Typically it is easy to discern between a countercanter demonstration and a horse failing to respond toa rider’s lead change command. In the unusual instance ajudge is not clear as to whether a horse is failing to complywith the rider’s lead command or demonstrating a countercanter, the benefit of doubt should always go to the rideras with all NRHA penalties.(g) Failure to remain a minimum of 20 feet from the wallor fence shall not result in a ½ point penalty. However, fencinga horse to stops is not desirable and judges are encouragedto reflect this by reducing the maneuver score (i.e. ahorse stopping within 10 feet in front of the fence shouldnot be considered for a positive score on the stop.)(h) When a stop is followed by a rollback or a backup it shouldbe considered as one maneuver. If a stop is followed by a canter,jog or other transitional maneuvers, the stop is to be scoredindependently. Exhibitors are required to perform at least 4consecutive spins. In the even an additional consecutive spinsare performed, the maneuver score should reflect the qualityof all the spins and an increased degree of difficulty. Severalconsecutive lead changes may be scored individually oras a group. When scoring consecutive lead changes as a group,a maneuver score must be assessed for each directional changereflecting their overall quality and degree of difficulty.(i) Non–required or transitional maneuvers that add or detractfrom the technical merit of the ride should be scoredand averaged as the overall score in the eighth box of theFreestyle Score Sheet (See Figure #9.)(j) Circles may be evaluated in conjunction with a requiredmaneuver such as a lead change or a stop, or at the judge(s)discretion may be scored separately as a transitional maneuver.The fact that circles are not required maneuvers is notto diminish their importance in providing the exhibitor amethod to demonstrate a horse’s ability to guide and willingnessto be controlled.(k) When judging Freestyle, judges have the option of conferenceand/or videotape review when major penalties five (5) point,0 score and no score) occur and should follow the proceduresas set forth in the NRHA Handbook. In any instance where ajudge is uncertain as to whether or not a penalty has occurred,the benefit of doubt should always go to the rider. ✦

159JUDGING DIAGRAMS

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NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATIONHALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:YEARINDUCTED: NAME:1986 Dale Wilkinson1987 None1988 R.D. BakerStretch BradleyBill GarveyPaul HornMickie GlennContinental King1989 C.T. FullerKaye PottsJoe Cody1990 Guy GauthierPaul SchuhClayton WoosleyEnterprise LadyGlenda Echols1991 High Proof1992 Banker Bar LeoMr Doin GoodHollywood SmokeBob AnthonyBill HornBob LoomisJim Willoughby1993 Cee Leo StepHollywood Jac 86Miss White TrashDick Pieper1994 John SnobelenClark Bradley1995 Cee Blair SailorGreat Pine1996 Diamonds SparkleTopsail CodyTrashadeous1997 Be Aech EnterpriseNifty Jodieann1998 Great Simon SezMr Feelin GoodYEARINDUCTED: NAME:1999 None2000 Dr. Tim BartlettRichard GreenbergTim McQuayHollywood Dun It2001 Frank Costantini, Jr.2002 Miss Cee Blair2003 Linda MatthewsDodsons Little StarGunnerTopsail Whiz2004 Eleuterio ArcesePat FeuersteinCharles SmithDick & BarbWaltenberrySmart Chic Olena2005 Clint Haverty2006 Rocky DareDoug Milholland2007 Keith Bradley2008 Dr. Jim Morgan, DVMMr Gun SmokeTaris Little VintageMiss Okie TooAmerican QuarterHorse Association2009 Roger BrazeauMike FlaridaCustom CromeMega Ditto2010 Jack BrainardJohn HoytRest StopNu Chex To Cash