Iowa Horse Shows Association

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Mission Statement

The mission of the Academy Program is to reach out to all students who are obtaining professional instruction and provide them with the opportunity to develop their horsemanship skills and to gain experience while entering competition where they can be recognized for their achievements. The Program educates participants while promoting the American Saddlebred horse and introducing students to this versatile breed. Encouraging high standards of sportsmanship and fair play at all times by all involved at all levels, at all times is paramount. This is deemed essential to ensuring the integrity of the Academy Program and to exerting a positive impact on its growth and the growth of the horse show industry. The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) supports the spirit of this Program.

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Academy Awards

In order for riders to compile points and be eligible for the ASHBA Academy Awards, horse shows are encouraged to adhere to the recommended guidelines. The guidelines that pertain to the classes offered can be published in the prize list/premium book. When abbreviated, reference can be made to the full set of guidelines as contained in this publication. The show office or show secretary should have a copy available for all to refer to

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Judging Standards

THE HORSE IS NEVER TO BE JUDGED IN AN ACADEMY CLASS.

The purpose of the Academy Division is to create an enjoyable and affordable experience for the beginning rider. SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT To ensure the safety of all riders, any out of control horse is to be immediately excused. The judge must stop the class until the horse and rider have been assisted out of the ring. Exhibitors are judged on their skill in effectively controlling the horse and showing the horse to its best advantage.

• Horsemanship/Showmanship/Pleasure classes are to be judged on the rider’s performance ability; i.e., how well they show/ present the horse.

• Equitation classes are to be judged on the rider’s basic equitation skills; riding on correct leads and diagonals, conveying an impression of effective and easy control, etc.

Horses should not be asked to back, to perform an extended trot or hand gallop. Headers are permitted in the line-up in all Academy classes at the trainer’s discretion; no towels or whips allowed in the ring.

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General

Classes may be split into appropriate age groups as determined by the horse show organizer. Management is encouraged to divide 10 and under classes into 9 - 10, 7 - 8 and 6 and under age groups whenever possible and entries warrant.

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The Exhibitor

Entries are limited to beginner and intermediate riders who have shown in academy classes only. Once riders have shown in regular performance classes (except riding or driving) other than at a one day, open breed saddle club type show, they are no longer eligible to show in Academy classes.

• A rider who has shown & been judged in Walk/Trot/Canter classes is no longer eligible to return to Walk/Trot classes.

• A Rider who has shown & been judged in Walk/Trot classes is no longer eligible to show in Lead Line.

• Age of the rider is determined by the age as of December 1 of the previous year

• Academy drivers may be accompanied in the cart by an experienced adult who is not allowed to coach.

• Only a 2-wheel cart/buggy is permitted in Academy driving classes.

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Tack

Equipment is optional; saddle and bridle should be appropriate to the style of riding.

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Rider Attire

• Attire should be appropriate to the style of riding or driving.

• Jodhpurs, breeches, dark pants, long sleeved shirt with collar, tie, gloves, vest (sweaters or sweater vests are permissible). Derbies, riding suits and jackets are prohibited. Chaps are prohibited except in Western classes.

• No logos or stable names are allowed on any rider’s clothing or on the horse or saddle pads.

• All riders age 17 and under must wear protective headgear that meets or exceeds ASTM safety standards.

• Protective headgear is recommended for adults.

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ASHBA Academy Awards Rules

• Points accumulate between October 1 and September 30 of each year and are tabulated by riding instructors.

• Points are kept on an official point sheet and must be signed by BOTH the rider and the instructor or youth club advisor.

• The point sheets are to be sent to ASHBA by October 31 of the award year for verification.

• One (1) point is given for participating in an academy riding or driving class. One (1) point is given for placing 2nd – 8th in an academy riding or driving class. Two (2) points are given for placing 1st in an academy riding or driving class.

• ASHBA membership is required in order for the points to count.

• A bronze medallion will be awarded for earning 15 points in the first year of competition, a silver medallion for 15 points in the second consecutive year, and a gold for 15 points in the third consecutive year.