Show Rules
Revised 2004

1. A rider's age as of Jan. 1st will determine what age group they ride in for the remainder of the year. However if a rider has a birthday during the upcoming year which would put him/her in the next age group they may elect to move up to the next age group. They must ride in the same age group all year and must choose this group at the first show they compete in.

2. Member dues are payable on Jan.1st. Dues will be accepted through the last day of February each year with no late fee. Memberships paid after that date will be considered late and new member rates will apply. Renewal memberships must be paid 3 day prior to any club show date for points of that show to count. NEW MEMBERSHIPS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT SHOWS.

3. Anyone riding in leadline or walk/trot classes may not ride in any other division.

4. A horse may be ridden by different people in the same "event" but not in the same age group division. 

5. The north end of the arena is the holding area for horses. Parking of vehicles and the presence of small children in this area is forbidden.

6. Running of horses except in the designated warm-up areas is forbidden. Warm-up areas are located near the holding area and at the south end of the arena.  No horses should be running between these two areas. No horses are allowed on the infield or the track area.

 7. AQHA rules are used as a guideline. Maine Mavericks reserves the right to amend rules to fit the club's needs

8. 8. All club members may use the arena at anytime, however, all equipment must be returned to the storage area after each use. Anyone found abusing this privilege will be suspended from the club for one month.

9. If a horse falls, or a rider touches the ground during an event that does not require a dismount, the rider is automatically disqualified.

10. If tack breaks during an event, the rider is automatically disqualified unless the ride can be completed without stopping to repair or replace tack.

1111. Anyone found indulging in excessive drinking or found using unacceptable language during an event will be disqualified from the event and/or asked to leave the grounds. This is to be determined by at least three board members.

   12. Any throwing of equipment during an event will result in disqualification.

13. In gymkhana events, entering the arena at a run will be allowed as follows: the horse cannot commence running until his nose passes the first post of the entrance chute. Running before entering the chute will result in disqualification. Announcer, timer, official gateman or board of director will make this determination.

14. In classes which require individual performance or individual runs; i.e. barrels, poles, trail, reining, etc., the entry will have two minutes to enter the arena and begin their run after being called by the announcer. If the individual performance is not begun within the two minute time limit, the entry will be disqualified.

15. Gymkhana events. A knockdown of an obstacle will result in a 5 second penalty, knock down of two obstacles - 10 second penalty. Knock down of three is a disqualification. (This does not apply to NBHA sanctioned runs) Also, this does not apply to the event, Can Race - in this event all four cans must be knocked clear to qualify for time.

16. When two horses are ridden by the same rider in events where this is possible, the rider must state at the beginning of the club show which horse is to be pointed. If this is not specified, the first horse ridden will be pointed. 

17. Stallions are prohibited in all youth classes. No one under 16 may ride a stallion in either club shows or open shows.

18. For the safety of all, horses must be tied to trailers or in pole barns on ropes no longer than approximately 3 foot in length. They may not be tied to objects such as chairs, bleachers, picnic tables, etc.

19. Horses known to kick must display a red ribbon in their tail.

20. Cruelty.--Cruelty may include, but not be limited to: striking the horse over the head, excessive yanking or pulling on the bit, excessive striking of the horse or excessive spurring. Any show of blood on the horse will be an automatic disqualification. Cruelty may be determined by at least three board members in attendance. Cruelty will result in disqualification, forfeiture of points with no refund in entry fees and/or expulsion from the grounds. 

21. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 17 years of age to any show.

22. All dogs must be leashed and the leash must attached to a handler.

23. Anyone using the pole barns must clean up after their horses. A wheelbarrow will be furnished by the club. A pit has been erected for use for this purpose on the west side of the pole barns.

24. All ties will be broken by the judge with a ride-off. Leaving the grounds before breaking of the tie will be automatic forfeiture. Gymkhana ties will be broken by a run off in the Figure 8 class.

25. The Judge's decisions are final.

26. Dress Codes - English & Western Attire suitable for each class. Helmets must be worn by all riders under 14 years of age. Jackets must be worn by English unless excused by the Judge. Each rider must have boots with a heel. No Tanks . or Tube tops. Silver

POINTS:
Club Shows - Points are accumulated on the rider (except for Halter, Longe-Line, Snaffle Bit Classes, where they are on a specific horse.)

Open Shows - Points are on the horse only for open classes. Youth Points are on horse/rider combination.