CHJA - Announcements and News

Error in Rule 2008 Rule Book

by Carol O’Meara Rules and Specs Chair

Due to a publishing error, a portion of Rule 10.3 D, Deborah Donoghue Memorial Open Equitation Class, was left out of the Rule Book. The entire rule is as follows:
10.3 D. Deborah Donoghue Memorial Open Equitation ClassFences 3’3”This class is open to all Junior and Amateur members of CHJA. The class may be offered at both Group I and Group II horse shows. Competitors must use the same horse in both phases. Stallions are permitted. The class is judged 60% over fences and 40% on the flat. The over fence phase will be held first and will be conducted over a course of at least eight (8) fences at 3’3” in height with a maximum spread of 3’3”. Exhibitors will show over a course that must include a double and/or a triple combination with at least one oxer. Two (2) other oxers are required elsewhere on the course. A water type obstacle is strongly recommended. Time allowed will be figured at 360 yards per minute: may be timed either electronically or manually. Time and jumping faults should be taken into consideration in the judge’s evaluation of the rider. A maximum of 12 riders who complete the over fence phase will be required to work on the flat. Riders must show at the working walk, the working trot sitting and rising, working canter, counter canter and demonstrate lengthening of stride in both directions. Judges may require additional tests and are not confined to USEF tests 1-19. To fill a class, three (3) properly attired competitors must complete the course. SADDLERY:1) There are no restrictions on saddles. 2) Change of bridle is permissible between phases. 3) Blinkers are forbidden. 4) No martingales of any kind are permitted in the flat phase. 5) Only running martingales, used in the conventional manner, are permitted in the over fence phase. Standing martingales, draw reins, or restricted running martingales are prohibited. 6) Reins must be connected to the bit(s) or directly to the bridle. Gags and hackamores are allowed except in the flat phase. This class accumulates points toward a special year end award and will not be used for purposes of determining other year end equitation awards. Points will count 25, 20, 15, 10,5,4 for first through sixth place regardless of the show rating or number of competitors. At year end, a perpetual trophy will be presented to the winner.

We apologize for this omission. Please make a copy of this for your reference.

            As most of you are aware, established horse shows are held on or about the same date each year. The schedule is maintained according to a seniority system. All established horse shows which fulfill their CHJA obligations and are in good standing will have seniority for their dates for the upcoming year. In order to preserve seniority, show date applications must be submitted by November 1 of each year for the following year’s show. Any established show failing to submit an application and fees by November 1, or changing its CHJA rating, will lose seniority for those dates. Shows which cancel less than 60 days prior to their scheduled dates for reasons other than weather conditions or catastrophic events will also lose seniority.
            The board recently adopted a policy for the assignment of show dates which “open” due to loss of seniority of an established show. A lottery system will be used to assign these dates. Those interested in obtaining show dates which may open are asked to submit a Show Approval Application which can be obtained from the Show Standards Chair. The application is submitted without fees to the Show Standards Chair. These applications are divided into three pools. The first pool is applicants who do not currently have a show date, the second pool is applicants who have only one current show date, and the third pool is applicants who currently have multiple show dates. After November 1, when “open” dates are known, the lottery is implemented. An application is drawn from the first pool. That applicant is offered the date or dates available. The applicant can accept the date (or select one of the dates if more than one is available), or decline the date. If necessary, the process is repeated until all of the applicants in the first pool are exhausted. If dates are still available, the lottery continues from the second pool, and if necessary into the third pool.
            The above policy will be used for dates which open due to loss of seniority. “New” show dates are obtained according to Rule 2.1 F. Anyone requesting a new show date may select from all remaining dates on a first come first served basis. No new show dates may be added after May 1st of the competition year. Any manager may also ask to pick up a canceled show date during the competition year through the Show Standards Chair, per Rule 3.11.
            If you have questions, contact Carol O’Meara at 303 779 4963 or carolomeara@aol.com.

~Understanding the Blue Ribbon~
What are horse show judges thinking?

As a spectator, have you ever wondered what a Horse Show Judge looks for when judging a class?

Spend the day learning the fundamentals of horse show judging with a certified judge to understand how horse shows work and how to compete whether you ride walk/trot or are a competitive 3 foot show rider. Trainers, show riders, parents and spectators are all welcome! Click here for a flyer.

When:Saturday March 22nd and Saturday April 12th, 2008 11:00am-2:00pm
Where:Triple Creek Ranch 4255 Nelson Road,Longmont
Contact: Lynn McChesney (303)444-4291 Or Jennifer Shannon (303)828-9040

Scott Hofstetter Clinic April 12-13, 2008

Nationally recognized Hunter Rider, and Hunter/Equitation Trainer, Scott Hofstetter, will be conducting a 2 day USHJA endorsed clinic at Columbine Equestrian Center.

Scott has trained numerous champion horses as well as top equitation, jumper and hunter riders. He has also won the prestigious Leading Hunter Rider award twice! He has won championships in Equitation, Hunters and Grand Prix jumpers. He is based in Ocala, FL is a Recognized USEF judge, and also serves as a USEF/USHJA mentor. His expertise and approachable teaching style provide for a clinic that is always a successful mix of learning, hard work and enjoyment. Participants will also enjoy a "goodie bag" from USHJA, as well as a catered lunch each day.

Scott will teach only three 2 hour sessions per day. Space is very limited. Reserve now to ensure your place in the clinic. Auditors welcome.

For more info: Debbie Landy 303-435-2000 or email: deblandy@comcast.net. Click <here> for a clinic flyer

Cornerstone Farm proudly welcomes Hunter/Jumper trainer and USEF judge John Charlebois of Portola Valley, California to Colorful Colorado! April 19th & 20.

Lessons are 90 minutes in length. Groups will consist of no more than five riders per session!

Clinic will be held at Triple Creek Ranch, 4255 Nelson Road, Longmont. Click <here> for more clinic information. Contact: Jen Shannon (303) 828-9040, o www.cornerstonefarminc.com

At their October 15, 2007 meeting, the board adopted several rule changes for 2008. These changes will become effective on December 1, 2007. A new Rule Book will be available in November. You will receive a new rule book when you renew your membership.

Junior, A/O, Children’s and AA Jumpers should be aware that if two divisions are offered, (for example Low Children’s Jumpers and Children’s Jumpers) only the division which meets the defined specifications for the class will count for points. Should both divisions be set within the specifications, only the higher level will count for points. The fence heights published in the prize list will be used to determine the fence heights at which the classes are held. Puddle Jumper Classes may now be run under any of the Sections in Table IV, Optimum Time Classes.

Medal riders should note that the wording “distances will not be adjusted for ponies” will be included in all of the medal specifications except the CHJA Pony Medal. The Columbine Junior and Columbine Adult Medals will now be open to riders who have not shown 3 feet or higher in any CHJA or USEF approved show during the current medal qualification period. Exhibitors who subsequently show 3 feet or higher during the current medal qualification period are no longer eligible to ride in the medal and may not compete in the finals. The medal qualification period begins the first day after the end of the medal final each year (this year it began on September 24, 2007) and ends the day before the medal final the following year. Qualifications for the Dorothy Roberts Memorial Medal Final will change to include contestants earning 12 points or the top 10 contestants earning points should at least 10 not qualify by earning 12 points. Riders may continue to participate in this medal regardless of the number of points earned.

Several rule changes affect Show Management. Show results must now include prize money awarded in Junior and A/O Jumper Classes. CHJA competitions will be fined $500.00 per day for failure to have an EMT present, and a second offense would result in loss of show seniority. Horse Shows will be fined for other rule violations in accordance with a fine schedule established by the board, and fines will be deducted from the show deposit. For violations not specified in the fine schedule, the CHJA board will determine the appropriate action.

Please contact Carol O’Meara, Rules and Specs Chair, if you have questions. You may reach her at 303 -779- 4963 or carolomeara@aol.com.