Show Philosophy

We reserve the right to protect the experience of all exhibitors, show staff, sponsors, volunteers, judges, and spectators.

These rules are intended to promote a safe, fair, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all participants while protecting the welfare of the equines and the integrity of the show.

Equine Activity Liability Notice

NOTICE: Pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 41, participants in equine activities are advised that there are inherent risks involved in equine activities.

An equine activity sponsor, equine professional, veterinarian, or other person involved in equine activities may not be held civilly liable for an injury to or death of a participant resulting from an inherent risk of an equine activity, except as otherwise provided by Nevada law.

Inherent risks of equine activities include, but are not limited to, the propensity of an equine to behave unpredictably, react to sounds or movements, collide with objects or persons, fall, or otherwise cause injury despite reasonable care and proper handling.

By participating in this event, exhibitors and participants acknowledge that equine activities involve risks, including the risk of injury or death, and voluntarily assume responsibility for participating safely and responsibly.

Divisions and Cross-Entry

1. Walk Only and Walk/Trot/Jog divisions may not cross-enter into any lope/canter or more advanced riding division.
2. Youth and Adult Amateur exhibitors may enter Open divisions when the class requirements and required gaits are the same.
3. High Point awards are calculated for each individual horse-and-rider combination. Points earned on multiple equines may not be combined.
4. Each horse-and-rider combination will be assigned its own entry number and will earn points independently.

Equestrian Helmets

1. All riders, regardless of riding discipline or age, shall wear a properly fitted ASTM/SEI-approved equestrian helmet, with the chin harness properly secured and fastened, at all times while mounted on an equine.
2. Youth exhibitors are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet at all times while handling, grooming, or working around equines.
3. It is the responsibility of the rider, or the rider’s parent or guardian when applicable, to ensure that the helmet worn complies with applicable safety standards, carries the appropriate certification, is properly fitted, and is in good condition.
4. Show Management makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding the protective ability of any helmet. Riders are advised that serious injury may occur despite wearing approved headgear, as no helmet can protect against all foreseeable injuries associated with equestrian activities.

Appropriate Attire Recommendations

English Attire

• Hunt coats are optional.
• An appropriate shirt, breeches or jodhpurs, and boots are recommended.

Western Attire

• Long-sleeve western shirt, pants or jeans, belt, tie, and boots are recommended.
• Chaps and chinks are optional.

General Attire Requirements

1. Helmets are not required in showmanship classes but are recommended for youth exhibitors.
2. Exhibitors should present themselves and their equines in a neat, clean, and appropriate manner for the class entered.
3. Show Management may address attire that presents a safety concern or is inappropriate for the class.

Animal Welfare

1. All equines must be serviceably sound and fit to participate in their entered classes.
2. Equines must meet applicable vaccination, health, and veterinary requirements. No equine showing signs of illness or communicable disease will be admitted or allowed to remain on the show grounds.
3. Show Management reserves the right to require removal of any equine deemed unsafe, unhealthy, or exhibiting signs of a contagious condition.
4. Standard, humane, and appropriate equipment must be used. Questions regarding equipment suitability shall be determined by the Show Judge and/or Show Management.
5. Abuse of an animal, unethical treatment, excessive force, or violations of applicable animal welfare regulations may result in removal from the show grounds and additional action as determined by Show Management.
6. Show Management reserves the right to excuse or remove any equine exhibiting behavior that threatens the safety of itself, other animals, riders, exhibitors, handlers, volunteers, judges, or spectators.
7. The welfare of the equine shall take precedence over competition, placing, awards, or completion of a class.

Safety Rules

1. Stallions or intact male equines are not permitted on the show grounds.
2. Double riding is prohibited.
3. Equines must remain under control at all times.
4. If an equine is known to kick or may present a kicking hazard, a red ribbon should be placed in the equine’s tail to warn other exhibitors and riders. Riders with kicking equines should park away from other trailers and provide additional space when possible. A red ribbon does not excuse unsafe behavior or remove responsibility from the owner or rider.
5. Equines may not be tied to arena fences.
6. Roughhousing, racing, running, playing with balls or toys, throwing Frisbees, riding bicycles or rollerblades, playing loud music, or engaging in any other activity that may create a safety hazard is prohibited in or near areas where horse events are being held.
7. Dogs and other pets are not allowed at horse shows without express permission from Show Management. Service animals will be accommodated as required by applicable law.
8. If an emergency occurs in the arena, such as a loose equine or rider down, Show Management may call “ALL STOP.” Riders must immediately halt their equines and remain where they are until directed otherwise.
9. Exhibitors must clean up their areas before leaving the facility.
10. Exhibitors should immediately report loose equines, injuries, unsafe conditions, or other emergencies to Show Management or designated show personnel.

Riding Etiquette

1. Riders must remain aware of other riders and equines in the arena. Do not cut off another rider, and look before making turns or changing direction.
2. Equines should be kept moving in the same direction during classes unless otherwise directed by the Judge or ring steward.
3. If a rider is having difficulty controlling an equine, the rider must, when safely able to do so, move toward the center of the arena or another designated safe area and wait until they are excused, the class is completed, or assistance is provided.
4. In warm-up areas, riders traveling in opposite directions should pass left shoulder to left shoulder.
5. Riders should maintain a safe distance from other equines and avoid crowding, sudden stops, or unnecessary interference with other riders.

Facilities

1. Park only in designated areas. Do not block gates, entrances, emergency access areas, or traffic flow. Do not park on roadways or paved traffic areas.
2. Equines must remain in designated show areas unless otherwise authorized or directed by Show Management.
3. Exhibitors are responsible for maintaining clean and safe areas around their equines, trailers, stalls, and equipment.
4. Show Management may conduct events at different venues and organizations throughout the year. Venue-specific rules, policies, and requirements may apply and will be communicated to exhibitors as needed. Exhibitors are responsible for following both these Horse Show Rules and any applicable facility requirements.

Show Management Authority

Show Management reserves the right to:

1. Interpret and enforce these rules.
2. Address questions, disputes, and circumstances not specifically covered by these rules.
3. Modify scheduling, class order, or class procedures when necessary.
4. Make decisions regarding safety, animal welfare, exhibitor conduct, facility requirements, and the operation of the show.
5. Disqualify or excuse an entry when necessary to protect the safety or welfare of the exhibitor, equine, other participants, or spectators.
6. Require an exhibitor to withdraw from a class or event when continued participation presents a safety, welfare, or operational concern.

Decisions made by Show Management regarding safety, welfare, conduct, and rule enforcement shall be considered final.

Judge’s Decisions

1. Judge’s decisions regarding class placings shall be considered final.
2. Questions regarding scoring procedures, class requirements, or rule application may be directed to Show Management; however, exhibitors may not challenge a Judge’s placing decision.
3. Exhibitors, parents, trainers, spectators, and other participants may not confront, pressure, threaten, or otherwise attempt to influence a Judge regarding a placing decision.

Protests and Appeals

1. Any concerns regarding rule interpretation, show procedures, eligibility, safety, animal welfare, or exhibitor conduct must be presented to Show Management in a respectful manner and as soon as reasonably possible.
2. Concerns regarding class procedures or application of the rules must be directed through Show Management and may not be addressed directly with the Judge.
3. A disagreement with a Judge’s evaluation or placing does not constitute grounds for changing the official result.
4. Show Management may review a concern to determine whether applicable rules or procedures were followed.
5. Judge’s decisions regarding class placings remain final.

Exhibitor Conduct

1. Exhibitors, parents, trainers, spectators, and guests are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, sportsmanlike manner at all times.
2. Harassment, intimidation, bullying, abusive language, threats, unsportsmanlike behavior, inappropriate conduct online or in person, interference with show operations, or conduct that negatively impacts the safety, enjoyment, or experience of other exhibitors, volunteers, judges, staff, sponsors, or spectators will not be tolerated.
3. These expectations apply to all interactions related to the event, including show grounds, warm-up areas, barns, parking areas, and online communications related to the event.
4. Show Management reserves the right to address inappropriate conduct, including but not limited to issuing warnings, disqualifying entries, removing individuals from the show grounds, refusing future entries, or restricting participation in future events.
5. Serious or unsafe conduct may result in immediate removal from the event without prior warning.
6. Participation in future shows is a privilege, not a right. Show Management reserves the right to refuse entries from individuals whose previous conduct at our shows or at other shows has been determined to be disruptive, unsafe, abusive, or contrary to the values and expectations of the show.