PHBA National Directors reviewed numerous rule changes in March at the annual meeting. The following changes were adopted with immediate implementation. Words that have been strike through are words to be deleted. Words that are bold and underlined are added.
REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER RULES: ELIGIBLE HORSES
Rule 521. Adding
U. Pony of America (POA) registration, only those with
A. Permanent POA registration papers that state height of 56”, or
B. ID pink POA registration papers that state height of 56.1” or greater.
Rule 545. If a Palomino is not eligible for registration with one of the recognized breeds associations listed above, it may be considered for registration strictly on color characteristics of body, skin, eyes, markings, mane, tail and height at time of registration.
Rule 548. The owner must submit:
A. Four (4) color photographs (front, back, and each side of the horse). These pictures become the property of PHBA.
B. A written letter, or electronic transmission, from a licensed veterinarian on their official letterhead, stating proof of age, sex, height and current ownership at time of examination. Must be submitted at time of application and signed by submitting veterinarian.
554: A Palomino Bred must be produced from the breeding of at least one PALOMINO in color (stated on papers going back three generations), parent registered with any of the PHBA recognized breed.
JUDGES
New Rule 2118. PHBA judges are required to judge any rail class from the center of inside the performance arena.
HUNTER IN HAND
Rule 3385. There shall be an annual PHBA Honor Roll High Point Award in this class.
A. Points from this class shall not count towards PHBA Year-End High Point Awards or and towards the 100-point novice status.
B. APA’s shall decide whether points in this class shall count for High Point awards at their shows.
SHOW RULES
3322. Reins. In regards to horses shown in western pleasure, western horsemanship, reining, working cowhorse, western riding, trail and in the ranch division, the reins must be carried as follow:
A. Junior Horses. Horses five (5) years old and under competing in western pleasure, western horsemanship, western riding, trail, reining, working cow horse, boxing, ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch rail pleasure and all VRH classes that are shown with a hackamore or snaffle bit may be ridden with one hand, as long as that hand is not changed, or two hands on the reins. When riding with two hands on split reins the tails of the reins must be crossed on the opposite side of the neck except in reining, working cow horse, boxing, ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch rail pleasure and all VRH classes. The rider’s hands should be carried near the pommel and not further than four (4”) inches out on either side of the saddle horn. Reins may be held singularly or bridged with the tails of the reins on the opposite side of the neck. Exception: in ranch classes, only one rein may be crossed over the neck and held with two hands. When showing with one hand on the reins, the hand is to be around the reins; index finger only between split reins is permitted. Closed reins (example mecate) may not be used with a snaffle bit, except in working cow horse, boxing, ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch rail pleasure and all VRH classes where a mecate is permitted. When using a snaffle bit in working cow horse, boxing, ranch riding, ranch trail, working western rail and all VRH classes a leather or other woven material chin strap of any width is to be used and should be attached to the bit below the reins. No iron, chain, or other material is allowed. The chin strap can include metal buckles and/or keepers. The use of ‘two-rein equipment’ is allowed in working cow horse, boxing, ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch rail pleasure and all VRH classes. See Ranch Horse Division Rule 3660.
3322. B. Senior Horses. Horse six (6) years of age and older must be ridden with one (1) hand on split the reins. The hand is to be around the reins; however, the index finger only is permitted between split reins and cannot be changed during the performance except in those events which specifically state otherwise. More than one finger may be between the reins of two rein equipment. In trail, ranch trail, ranch riding, it is permissible to change hands to work an obstacle. Violation of this rule is an automatic disqualification in all western performance classes, except Ranch Riding and Ranch Trail where it is an automatic OP (off pattern penalty).
3389. D. The horse should be judged with its suitability as a future performer under saddle in mind. This class should define what it means to be a “western pleasure prospect,” “ranch horse prospect” or “hunter under saddle prospect.” Because these are yearlings, they are not expected to demonstrate the behavior or quality of a finished show horse, but only that performance necessary for a reasonable presentation to the judge.
3401. Conformation & Equipment Inspection. Each horse is to be inspected by the judge on conformation, proper equipment and for evidence of abuse, inhumane treatment, or violation of PHBA rules. Horses will not be allowed to show in illegal equipment or if there is evidence of abuse, of inhumane treatment, or of rule violations. It is mandatory that a horse must be tracked at a walk and jog/trot in the conformation portion of the class prior to longeing. Horses that show evidence of lameness will be excused prior to the longeing demonstration. Any entry failing to complete the “trot-off” for soundness pattern in three attempts will be disqualified.
3408. The conformation inspection will occur as the horse is walked into the arena prior to the longeing demonstration at which the judge will evaluate the horse for conformation suitable for future under saddle performance. The judge shall inspect each horse from both sides, front and rear. Inspection for parrot/monkey mouth is not required. Any blemish and/or structural defect will be scored according to severity, however, will not be cause for disqualification. The judge may not discriminate for or against muscling, but rather look for a total picture, emphasizing balance, structural correctness, and athletic capability.
3417–B.2) Blatant Striking of the horse with the whip during the longing demonstration that will to cause forward or lateral movement including the “trot-off” for soundness pattern;
3626. Side-pass. An object of such nature and length, which is safe may be used to demonstrate the responsiveness of the horse to signals at its side. If raised, height may not exceed 12 inches two (2) feet. The obstacle should be designed to require the horse to side pass, to the right or left, off pressure or signal, on or near its side. The obstacle should be in the course design such that the horse straddles the obstacle or passes between obstacles comes up to it, but does not cross or straddle it while completing the side pass. The exhibitor is allowed to touch the horse on the side during the side pass.
3628. Box Square. Minimum eight (8) feet sides. Lead into the box square. While all four (4) feet are confined in the box square, make a 360 degree or less turn and lead out. Handler’s feet should remain in the box square.
RANCH HORSE DIVISON
3650. Judging Emphasis. The ranch horse division demonstrates the performance, versatility and conformation of the palomino horse as a working ranch horse. Classes offered may include Ranch Horse, Ranch Riding, Ranch Rail Pleasure, Ranch Trail, Ranch Reining and Ranch Conformation.
3651. Ranch Horse Gaits. In all gaits, movement of the ranch horse should simulate a horse needing to cover long distances, softly and quietly, like that of a working ranch horse. The following terminology shall apply:
3652. Walk – The walk is a natural, flat footed, four-beat gait. The gait is rhythmic and ground-covering. As in all gaits, the horse should display a level, or slightly above level topline with a bright, attentive expression.
3653. Extended Walk – The extended walk is an obvious lengthening of stride that will naturally increase the pace. The horse should move in a natural manner (not a running walk) as if it were moving across an open pasture.
3654. Trot – The trot is a natural two-beat gait demonstrating more forward motion than the western jog.
3655. Extended Trot – The extended trot is an obvious lengthening of the stride with a definite increase in pace. The horse should be moving in a manner as if it was covering a large area on a ranch with an above level topline.
3656. Lope – The lope is a three-beat gait. The lope should be relaxed and smooth with a natural, forward moving stride.
3657. Extended Lope – The extended lope is not a run or a race but should be an obvious lengthening of the stride, demonstrating a forward, working speed. The horse should display an above level topline with a bright, attentive expression.
RANCH HORSE DIVISON EQUIPMENT
3657. 3658. Ranch Riding Apparel and Equipment
- A. No hoof polish.
- B. No braided or banded manes or tail extensions.
- C. Trimming inside ears is discouraged
- D. Trimming bridle path is allowed, also trimming of fetlocks or excessive (long) facial hair.
- E. Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged.
- F. It is suggested competitors use a breast collar and a rear cinch.
- G. When exhibiting in a snaffle bit or hackamore, an exhibitor may switch between two hands and one hand on the reins at any time.
3658. 3659. Get Down Rope or Hobbles with Romal in Ranch Horse Divisions
Classes. A get-down rope will be allowed with the use of romal reins for the purposes of leading or working on the ground where required. The get- down rope may be a neck rope or a neck rope with bosalita that is tied in a manner that will not slide/tighten around the horse’s neck. The tail end (lead) of the neck rope may be attached to the front of the saddle with saddle strings or run through the rider’s belt loop but should not be tied to the saddle horn. Hobbles are also allowed.
3660. Two-Rein Equipment. The use of two-rein equipment is allowed in all Ranch Classes. All rules for two-rein will follow hackamore and bridle requirements. The purpose of the two-rein option is the transition between the hackamore and bridle and can be used on any aged horse in the youth, amateur, junior, senior or all age classes for one year only. Only one hand may be used on the reins and hands must not be changed. Any number of fingers between reins will be permitted. Both mecate and bridle reins are to be held in the rein hand. Bosals may be of any size, constructed of braided rawhide or leather and have a non-metal flexible core. No iron or foreign substance may be used.
RANCH TRAIL
3671.F.6. Drag an object: For open and amateur classes ONLY. The drag is not to be used in youth or Novice Amateur classes. Drag may be a complete figure eight and may begin in either direction. The exhibitor must have the rope dallied on the saddle horn (half or full dally) for the duration of the drag.
5109: Amateur W/T Ranch Rail Pleasure – to be judged the same as Ranch Rail Pleasure omitting the lope and extended lope see Rule 3662-3669 that apply makes eligible for Ranch Conformation. (Existing Rules 5109-5112 will be renumbered.)
6549: Youth W/T Ranch Rail Pleasure – to be judged the same as Ranch Rail Pleasure omitting the lope and extended lope see Rule 3662-3669 that apply makes eligible for Ranch Conformation. (Existing rules 6459-6460 will be renumbered.)
The online version of the rulebook contains the most-updated version of the rules. Differences between rules published on PHBA’s website and the print rulebook shall be governed by the official rules published on the website.