According to Rule SHW 300.2, AQHA judges have the authority to require the removal or alteration of any piece of equipment or accoutrement which is unsafe, or in his opinion would tend to give a horse an unfair advantage or which he believes to be inhuman. AQHA judges will now have the authority to also disqualify exhibitors for any piece of accouterment or attire that would give an exhibitor an unfair advantage. The AQHA Executive Committee approved the addition of Rule SHW320.6 to the 2016 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations, and the new rule will be effective June 1.

The Executive Committee approved additional rule changes specifically for showmanship, horsemanship and hunt seat equitation classes. The new rules, all effective June 1, include:

SHW320. ATTIRE
The judge will have the authority to disqualify the exhibitor for any piece of accouterment or attire, which in his or her opinion would tend to give a rider an unfair advantage.

SHW375. SHOWMANSHIP: Presentation and Position of Exhibitor.
Appropriate western attire must be worn; clothes and person are to be neat and clean. The use of any type of artificial aid including, but not limited to lighters, hay, dirt, sharp pins, magnetic device, etc. will result in disqualification.

SHW434. HORSEMANSHIP: Presentation and Position of Exhibitor.
Appropriate western attire must be worn. Clothes and person are to be neat and clean. The use of any type of artificial aid or magnetic device will result in disqualification.

SHW616. HUNT SEAT EQUITATION ON THE FLAT
SHW618.5 Appropriate English attire must be worn. Clothes and person are to be neat and clean. The use of any type of artificial aid or magnetic device will result in disqualification.

For more information on AQHA’s rules and regulations, visit www.aqha.com/handbook.

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