PHBA Challenged Horseman Program
Show Rules and Procedures
(Click here to download a pdf version of these rules)
World Show Challenged Horseman Entry Form - Download
(A) GENERAL RULES
(1) To provide show management with the option to include the Challenged Horseman Program,
PHBA has adopted these rules for participants. In doing so, PHBA does not assume responsibility
for safety of participants. Since it is show management which conducts these events and controls
both the physical facility and all aspects of the events, responsibility for participant's safety remains
solely with show management.
(2) In the case of adult participants, each participant assumes all risk of personal injury or property
damage and releases and discharges Palomino Horse Breeders of America and show
management, their respective officers, directors, representatives, and employees, from any and all
liability, whenever or however arising, as to personal injury or property damage occuring as a
result of participation in these events, except for the negligent act or omission, if any, of said
indemnities.
If the participant is a minor, the parent or guardian, by allowing participation, assumes all risk of
personal injury or property damage occurring as a result of the participation and does hereby
release and discharge PHBA and show management, their respective officers, directors,
representatives and employees from any and all liability, whenever or however arising, from such
participation, except for the negligent act or omission, if any, of an indemnity. Further, as parent
or legal guardian, they agree to indemnity and hold harmless PHBA and show management
from such liability to the minor.
(3) Each participant, and if a minor, the consenting parent or guardian, authorizes the use of any
picture, still or video, which may be taken in conjunction with the exhibitor's participation in these
Challenged Horseman events for PHBA's official use.
(4) Registered and Unregistered Horses are eligible to compete in approved shows. Only geldings
or mares may be shown. No stallions are allowed.
(5) A current membership in PHBA is not required.
(6) An exhibitor cannot show more than one horse in the same class and a horse cannot be shown
by more than one exhibitor in the same class.
(7) Participants must be 5 years of age and over, with a diagnosed mental
or physical condition.
Eligible Conditions Include:
Amputation
Anthrogryposis
Asperger’s Syndrome
Autism
Batten’s Disease
Ceberovascular Accident (Stroke)
Cerebella Ataxia
Cerebral Palsy
Coffin Lowry Syndrome
Cystic Fibrosis
Down Syndrome
Dwarfism
Fragile X Syndrome
Freidrick’s Ataxia
Guillan Barre Syndrome
Hearing Impairment
Hunter’s Syndrome
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Mental Retardation
Microcephaly
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Post Polio Syndrome
Prader Willie Syndrome
Rhett Syndrome
Spina Bifida
Spinal Cord Injury
Touretts Syndrome
Traumatic Brain Injury
Trisomy Abnormalities
Visual Impairment
Other diagnosis will be considered upon request, see PHBA website.
The following disorders are not eligible:
ADHD
Anxiety Disorders
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression
Dyslexia
Eating Disorders
Fibromyalgia
Learning Disabilities
Psychological Diagnosis
(8) The rider or their family does not have to own the horse.
(9) Horses with a slight disability or lameness may be used at the discretion of the judge.
(10) Open to walk and trot riders only. Rider may never have been judged in a class at a
recognized or non-recognized show that requires a lope or canter in which a rider performed a lope
or canter after the onset of the rider's qualifing condition or disorder.
(B) GENERAL RULES FOR TACK AND EQUIPMENT
(1) Equipment should conform to the needs of the competitor and be suitable for the horse.
(2) Special adaptive equipment may be used where appropriate.
Acceptable adaptive equipment includes:
Audio Communications
Bareback Pads
Boot Adaptations
Dowel Reins
Hand holds; flexible and/or rigid
Helmets
Laces to tie stirrups or leathers to girth or cinch
Ladder Reins
Loop Reins
Rainbow Reins
Rein Handles
Rein Handle Tethers
Rubber Bands
Saddle blocks, Wedges, Cushions
Safety Stirrups
Seat Savers
Surcingles
Whips (one or two)
Other equipment will be considered upon request
(3) No equipment is allowed that would in any way affix the rider to the horse or saddle with the
exception of light rubber bands. Safety stirrups (covered or other approved safety stirrups for
Western attire OR Peacock, S-shaped irons or Devonshire for English attire) are required if rider
is unable to wear boots with a heel.
(C) ATTIRE
(1) Classes can be ridden English or Western but must be one way or the other. There will be no
mixing of attire or equipment. English and Western equipment and attire will follow rules as set
forth in the PHBA Rule Book with exceptions of authorized adaptations.
(D) SHOW APPROVAL
(1) Show management applies for PHBA approval of these classes on a voluntary basis and
assumption of responsibility for safety by show management is required by PHBA as an express
condition for PHBA to grant approval for these classes. To obtain PHBA approval, the classes
must be listed on the PHBA Show Approval Form when submitted to PHBA for show approval.
(E) ASSISTED CHALLENGED HORSEMAN LEAD IN
(1) Safety of riders should be the first consideration in executing this class.
(2) Sufficient space should be allowed for the exhibitors to show their horse.
(3) Class procedure - All exhibitors will work as a group (or in groups) of ten or less. Riders
will compete on the rail at a walk both ways of the ring and line up in the center of the
arena for inspection, all at the direction of the judge. Each exhibitor should be inspected
individually. Further interaction between the judge and exhibitors is encourage. The extent of
interaction is left up to each judge and the ability of the exhibitor. All exhibitors should remain in
the arena until the judges results are called.
(a) Exception: PHBA World Show, each exhibitor will enter the arena one at a time. The exhibitor
will proceed through the center of the arena to the opposite end and find a place on the rail. The
ring stewards will give direction. As the exhibitor is making his/her way through the center of the
arena, their biography will be read aloud by the announcer. All exhibitors will remain in the arena
until the judges results are called and the awards have been presented.
(4) A competitor with a hearing impairment may have an assistant who communicates via sign
language or cue cards to the competitor so they may hear the judge's directives. This assistant
does not have to be one of the exhibitor's handlers. The assistant may enter the arena with the
exhibitor and will make his/her purpose known to the ring steward.
(5) Each exhibitor must have at least one handler in the ring to facilitate the safety of that
exhibitor. An exhibitor may have up to three handlers if needed. The handler must be 16 years of
age or older. A halter must be on the horse either over or under the bridle for use by the handler
if needed. The handler must have a suitable lead line attached to the halter in hand in case of
need. Lead line may not be fastened to the bit. Handler(s) shall stand quitely by their exhibitor
unless their assistance is required and/or requested by the judge or ring steward.
(F) UNASSISTED CHALLENGED HORSEMAN WALK/JOG CLASS
(1) Safety of riders should be the first consideration in executing this class.
(2) Once all exhibitors have entered the arena and found a place on the rail, the
class will begin. Exhibitors will be asked to walk and jog both directions of the arena,
line up and complete an individual workout. Each exhibitor should be inspected individually.
Further interaction between the judge and exhibitors is encouraged. The extent of
interaction is left up to each judge and the ability of the exhibitor.
(3) Class procedure - All exhibitors will work as a group (or in groups) of ten or less. Riders
will compete on the rail at a walk and jog both ways of the ring, line up in the center of the
arena for inspection and back their horse, all at the direction of the judge. Each exhibitor should be
inspected individually. Further interaction between the judge and exhibitors is encourage. The
extent of interaction is left up to each judge and the ability of the exhibitor. All exhibitors should
remain in the arena until the judges results are called.
(a) Exception: PHBA World Show, each exhibitor will enter the arena one at a time. The exhibitor
will proceed through the center of the arena to the opposite end and find a place on the rail. The
ring stewards will give direction. As the exhibitor is making his/her way through the center of the
arena, their biography will be read aloud by the announcer. All exhibitors will remain in the arena
until the judges results are called and the awards have been presented.
(4) A competitor with a hearing impairment may have an assistant who communicates via sign
language or cue cards to the competitor so they may hear the judges directives. This assistant
does not have to be one of the exhibitor's handlers. The assistant may enter the arena with the
exhibitor and will make his/her purpose known to the ring steward.
(5) Each exhibitor must have at least one handler in the ring to facilitate the safety of that
exhibitor. An exhibitor may have up to three handlers if needed. The handler(s)/spotter(s) must be
16 years of age or older. The handlers must not lead the exhibitor's horse unless the exhibitor is
performing in an unsafe manner. With safety of the rider in mind, the handler may choose to remain
within 20 feet of the rider during class. A halter must be on the horse either over or under the bridle
for use by the handler if needed. The handler must have a suitable leadline in hand in case of
need. Lead line may not be fastened to the bit. Handlers must stand with their riders in the line up.
Handler may only help at judge's or ring steward's indication. The spotter will stand quietly in the
arena as directed by the ring steward and/or judge.
(G) UNASSISTED CHALLENGED HORSEMAN WALK/JOG WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP
(1) Western equipment and attire will follow as set forth in the PHBA Official Handbook with
exceptions of authorized adaptations.
(2) The following points have equal consideration in judging the class:
(A) Rider’s balance
(B) Rider’s seat
(C) Use of aids
(D) Ability to follow directions
(E) Ring etiquette and safety
(F) Sportsmanlike conduct
(G) Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important
than the manner used in obtaining them.
(3) Once all exhibitors have entered the arena and found a place on the rail, the
class will begin. Exhibitors will be asked to walk and jog both directions of the arena,
line up and complete an individual workout. Each exhibitor should be inspected individually.
Further interaction between the judge and exhibitors is encouraged. The extent of
interaction is left up to each judge and the ability of the exhibitor.
(4) Class Procedure - All exhibitors must work as a group (or in groups) of ten or less. Rider
will compete on the rail at a walk and jog both ways of the ring, line up and complete an
individual workout. Riders will remain in the ring throughout the individual workouts.
(5) Each exhibitor must have at least one handler accompany him/her during the rail work portion
of the class. An exhibitor may be accompanied by up to three handlers if needed.
The handler(s) must be 16 years of age or older. The handlers must not lead the
exhibitor's horse unless the exhibitor is performing in an unsafe manner. The handler must
remain no more than 20 feet from the horse as s/he escorts the exhibitor throughout the rail work.
A halter must be on the horse either over or under the bridle for use by the handler if needed.
The handler must have a suitable leadline in hand in case of need. Lead line may not be fastened
to the bit.
(6) Course - Safety of riders should be the first consideration in setting up the course. Readily
recognized numbered markers should be used. The course should be set with 60 feet between
marker 1 and marker 2 & marker 2 and marker 3. There should be 50 feet between marker 3 and
marker 4. This pattern is mandatory and show management is encouraged to post the pattern 3
hours prior to class time.
(7) Individual Workout - Horses will be shown at two gaits - walk and jog. Walk from place
in line to marker #1. Walk from marker #1, past and around marker #2. Take up a jog and
jog to and around marker #3. Continue the jog to and around marker #4. At marker #4,
resume the walk, walk back to marker #3. Stop. Back 3 steps. Walk back and line up.
Judges are not permitted to alter the mandatory workout in any manner. Numbered markers must
be used. People must not be used as markers no matter if they are safety stand-by
spotters. Handlers must stand with their riders in the line up. Handler may only help
at judge’s or ring steward’s indication. A competitor with a hearing impairment may have an
assistant who communicates via sign language or cue cards to the competitor so they may hear
the judge’s directives. This assistant may enter the ring and let their position be known to the
ring steward.
(H) UNASSISTED CHALLENGED HORSEMAN WALK & JOG TRAIL
(1) Exhibitors will enter the arena one at a time. The exhibitor will proceed through
the center of the arena to the opposite end and return to line up near the arena entry gate.
The ring stewards will give direction. As the exhibitor is making his/her way through
the center of the arena, their biography will be read aloud by the announcer.
(2) Once all exhibitors have entered the arena, the class will begin. Each exhibitor will
complete an individual workout. Each exhibitor should be inspected individually.
Further interaction between the judge and exhibitors is encouraged. The extent of
interaction is left up to each judge and the ability of the exhibitor.
(3) Handler(s) will stand quietly by their exhibitor in the line up unless their assistance is required
and/or requested by the judge or ring steward.
(4) All exhibitors will remain in the arena until the judges results are called and the
awards have been presented.
(5) Equipment and attire - Class can be ridden English or Western but must be one way or the
other. There will be no mixing of attire or equipment.
(6) The following points have equal consideration in judging the class:
(A) Rider’s balance
(B) Rider’s seat
(C) Use of aids
(D) Ability to follow directions
(E) Ring etiquette and safety
(F) Sportsmanlike conduct
(G) Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important
important than the manner used in obtaining them.
(7) Class procedure and scoring - This class will be judged on the performance of the horse and
rider while maneuvering five obstacles. Riders are to work individually. There will be no rail work.
Judges will assign a point value to each obstacle and points will be added to or subtracted from
this score based on the horse and rider's performance over that obstacle. An obstacle missed,
refused or taken out of order will result in a score of zero for that obstacle but will not disqualify
entry.
(8) Course - Safety of riders should be the first consideration in setting up the course. The
course should be attractive with readily recognized obstacles. The course should be set with the
following distances between obstacles. The gate should be jump standards or jump wings. There
should be a minimum of 10 feet between the gate and the 4 walk over poles. Walk over poles
should be set at a minimum of 24 inches apart. There should be a minimum of 40 feet from the walk
over poles to the 1st standing pole. The two standing poles should be a minimum of 10 feet apart.
The cones should be a minimum of 15 feet apart. A single wooden pole should be placed no less
than 10 feet from the 3rd cone as a stopping point of reference. This pattern is mandatory and
show management is encouraged to post the pattern at least 3 hours ahead of class time.
(I) WALK & TROT HUNT SEAT EQUITATION ON THE FLAT
(1) English equipment and attire - will follow rules as set forth in the PHBA Official Handbook with
exceptions of authorized adaptations.
(2) The following points have equal consideration in judging the class:
(A) Rider’s balance
(B) Rider’s seat
(C) Use of aids
(D) Ability to follow directions
(E) Ring etiquette and safety
(F) Sportsmanlike conduct
(G) Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important than the manner used in obtaining them.
(3) Class Procedure - All exhibitors must work as a group (or in groups) of 10 or less. Riders will
compete on the rail at a walk and trot both ways of the ring, line up and complete an individual
workout. Riders will remain in the ring throughout the individual workouts.
(4) Individual Workout - Horses will be shown at 2 gaits - walk and trot. The judge will ask
rider/horse to walk from line up to first marker, then trot serpentine around markers. From the last
serpentine marker trot down the rail to marker on the wall. Stop. Walk back and line up. Judges
are not permitted to alter the mandatory workout in any manner. Numbered markers must be used.
Handlers must stand with their riders in the line up. Handler may only help at judge's or
ring steward's indication. People must not be used as markers no matter if they are safety stand-by spotters. A competitor with a hearing impairment may have an assistant who communicates via sign language or cue cards to the competitor so they may hear the judge's directives. This assistant will enter the arena and make their position known to the judge and ring steward.
(5) Course - Safety of riders should be the first consideration in setting up the course. Readily
recognized numbered markers should be used. The course should be set with a minimum of 25 feet
between marker #1 and #2. A minimum of 50 feet between marker #2 and #3, marker #3 and #4,
marker #4 and #5. A minimum of 25 feet between marker #5 and #6. Marker #7 should be set
a minimum of 30 feet from marker #2.
CHALLENGED HORSEMANS WALK/TROT HUNT SEAT EQUITATION PATTERN
Walk from line up to first marker. Trot serpentine around markers. From last serpentine marker
trot down the rail to marker on the rail. Stop. Walk back and line up.
(J) SHOWMANSHIP AT HALTER
(1) Equipment and attire - Class can be shown English or Western, but must be one way or the
other. There will be no mixing of attire or equipment. English and Western equipment and attire will
follow rules as set forth in the PHBA Official Handbook with the exception of authorized adaptations.
(2) The following points have equal consideration in judging the class:
(A) Exhibitor’s poise.
(B) Exhibitor’s hands.
(C) Use of aids.
(D) Ability to follow directions and instructions.
(E) Ring etiquette and safety.
(F) Sportsmanlike conduct.
(G) Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important
than the manner used in obtaining them.
(3) Class Procedure - All exhibitors must work as a group (or in groups) of ten or less. Exhibitors
will enter the ring to the right one by one and line up at the Judges's or Ring Steward's direction.
The horse handler will take a place on the rail directly behind their respective exhibitor's horse.
Each exhibitor will execute the pattern as posted at least one hour before the class. Judges are not
permitted to alter the patterns in any manner and they may not ask for other work from an
exhibitor. Judges may ask the exhibitors to repeat any or the entire pattern. Exhibitors will remain
in the ring throughout the class. No exhbitor will be disqualified except for safety reasons at the
Judges discretion. Exhibitors going off pattern will be penalized. After the class has been judged
and the judges' card turned in, the handlers should join their exhibitor in the line and are allowed
to snap onto the exhibitor’s horse to receive their awards and retire from the ring. A competitor
with a hearing impairment may have an assistant who communicates via sign language or cue cards
to the competitor so they may know the judge's directives. This assistant may enter the ring and
make their position known to the Judge and Ring Steward.
CHALLENGED HORSEMANS SHOWMANSHIP PATTERN
(K) CHALLENGED HORSEMANS GOLDEN HORSE
(1) Exhibitors must enter and show in at least 3 of the 5 classes to be eligible for the title of
Challenged Horsemans Golden Horse award. The eligible classes are as follows, Unassisted
Walk/Trot, Showmanship, Hunt Seat Equitation, Horsemanship, Trail.
(2) The horse/rider team accumulating the most points in the WCHS will win these awards. A
horse/rider team will receive one point for each horse placing below them plus one point. Points
are calculated through tenth place. Should a tie occur, the winner would be the horse/rider team
earning points in the greatest number of events. Additional ties will be broken in favor of the
horse/rider team with the most first place awards. Should a tie still occur, the winner will be
determined by the flip of a coin. All horse/rider teams must comply with the PHBA Challenged
Horsemans Program Rules.