Horse Management Handbook and Rules for Rallies

1. Horse Management Handbook and Rules for Rallies 2007 --> 2010 Then and Now

2. Intro • The 2010 USPC Horse Management Handbook and Rules for Rallies continues the process of simplifying and demystifying the HM Rules by which USPC activities are governed. • To that end you will notice several differences:

3. Now: Old Part 1 Deleted Part 2 renamed as Part 1 Then: Part 1: Just the Rules and only the Rules; Part 2: Full information for each Rule Organization

4. Rationale For Change: • We found that the membership often needed the explanations available to them in Part 2 of the 2007 Rulebook. • The 2010 Part 1 contains all the information available on each of the Rules for Rallies saving paper and confusion.

5. Competitor Vs Member • In many cases, “competitor” has been replaced by “member”. • Why: Horse Management Handbook and Rules for Rallies is a misnomer. HM Rules also apply to other USPC activities, such as clinics, ratings, and mounted and unmounted meetings.

6. Permitted Only the following jewelry is permitted: Medic alert bracelets and/or necklaces Watches Wedding bands, and/or Stud earrings. Not Permitted The following jewelry is never permitted: Any jewelry/piercing of any kind in the airway (nose, lips, tongue, etc.). Jewelry Then

7. Jewelry Now • HM 7b • All visible piercings or other body jewelry-type adornments must lay close to the skin, i.e., stud or post. • Because of the danger of entanglement in a barn or riding environment, no hoop or dangling adornments of any type on any visible body surface is acceptable. Members wearing any jewelry other than what is permitted will be asked to remove the jewelry. • Any Member choosing not to remove the jewelry will be disqualified from the entire competition by the TD/Ground Jury.

8. Jewelry:Rationale For Change • USPC has removed the check for airway piercing. • USPC continues to recognize the safety hazards posed by this type of jewelry, but also recognizes that the legal decision for wearing of the same rests with the member and their parents/legal guardians. • Jewelry will still be expected to lie close to the skin, but location and number of piercings are a personal decision and will not be part of the member’s scores. • Medical Alert jewelry will always be acceptable.

9. Communication Devices Then Possession and/or use of electronic communication devices by competitors is not allowed. • Amplification: Competitors are not permitted to possess and/or use communication devices or other electrical equipment during competition including, but not limited to: • - Pagers • - Cell phones • - Laptop computers, and/or • - Walkie-talkies.

10. Communication DevicesNow • 6h. Communication / Electronic Devices Definition of Appropriate Use of Communication Devices during Competition: • Electronic communication devices may only be used in areas where direct interaction with horses will not take place. (For example: The Neutral Zone, The HM Office, the team tack room.) • Competitors are responsible for the safety of any communication device they bring onto Rally grounds and/or into the barns.

11. Communication DevicesRationale For Change • Communication devices can be invaluable tools for teams -- if handled correctly. • Inappropriate use still penalizes the team, through individuals efficiency or lack thereof, and through team dynamics. • This is an opportunity for our members to learn appropriate use of communication devices in group settings.

12. Medical Release Then • Chaperone held Medical Release Form Now • 6i: Medical Armband containing their current USPC Medical Card. • To protect the Members’ privacy, it is recommended that the Medical Card be folded so that personal information is not easily seen.

13. Medical InformationRationale For Change • Because of the sensitive nature of medical information contained on the Medical Release Card, the rightful responsibility for this information rests with the members and their families. • Members’ families may still choose to have a chaperone carry a copy of the release, however, it is not required. • Members’ families may also still request that HM staff be notified of medical conditions. (e.g. Asthma, food allergies, etc.)

14. Drugs and Medications • 6c: Competitors must note any prescribed medications and/or health related conditions on the USPC Medical Card. A current copy of the form must be maintained in the Armband and is required to be worn at all USPC activities. • HMJs or Organizer(s) may not take possession of, or administer, any medications. • During a USPC activity, Members risk disqualification from further participation if they: - Possess or are under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances.

15. Addition:Ceremony Attire 7d. Competitor attire for unmounted USPC Ceremonies, if not specified by the activity Organizer, must be safe, appropriate, neat and clean, to include: • Proper unmounted (HM 7.2) or mounted (HM 7.6) footwear, and • Neat slacks/skirt/walking shorts/riding pants and Polo shirt or other neat, workmanlike attire, (e.g., khakis and a Polo shirt). Attire for mounted Ceremonies includes proper mounted attire. (Refer to HM7.6)

16. Appropriate Attire • Then: Short Shorts • Now: Appropriate for activity. • Keep in mind the range of motion needed to work with horses and the audience who may be watching you work. What impression do you want to give?

17. Spurs • Then: Spur section with specifications • Now: Disciplines govern the specific use of spurs. HM does not regulate spurs. Cautions to be careful may be given, but HM points are not associated with the wearing of spurs.

18. Jog Out = Horse Inspection • There has been a change of language from “Jog Out” to “Horse Inspection.” • Continuity with USEF language.

19. Addition:Exercising & Schooling Attire 7g. Proper exercising & schooling attire includes: • Approved helmet (Refer to HM7.1) • Long pants • Collared shirt that covers the shoulder, e.g., Polo shirt • Approved footwear

20. Turnout Grid • On page 11 of the 2010 Horse Management Handbook and Rules for Rallies is a new grid to assist members and their families to understand the requirements of Rider Turnout at the Turnout Inspection at Rally. (See Handout)

22. Added:Halter Fit Definition • 8b.1. Properly fitted halter: • The noseband lies halfway between the projecting cheekbone and corner of the mouth • No more than the width of three (3) adult fingers fits between the nose bone and the noseband - The noseband of rope halters is often generously sized. Make sure it is correct • No more than a fist fits between the throatlatch and the mount’s cheek. • Rope Halters: ARE allowed if breakaway.

23. 8d. Tack Adjustment • This section clarified to allow for minor adjustments by HMJs for safety, e.g. girth tightening. • Member may choose to consult coach/parent before making the suggested adjustment. • Members rated C2 and up are considered sufficiently skilled to adjust their own tack. • Clarifies that TD has the last word on all tack questions at Rally.

24. Clarification:Bandaging 10d. Members, Unrated through C2, must have a HMJ check any bandages to establish if they are properly applied. • Safety is paramount. Improper bandaging may be harmful and regardless of rating level, a Member may be asked to redo any bandage considered improperly or poorly applied. (Refer to The USPC Manuals of Horsemanship or The USPC Guide to Bandaging Your Horse.) • Bandages may only be applied by the following individuals: - Competitor (Member) - The owner of the mount or person designated by the owner. The CHMJ must be notified that this individual will be entering the barn area. • Horse Management Staff may observe bandage application and provide assistance for educational and instructional purposes in accordance with rating level, but may not be responsible for sole application. • Bandages may not be left on for more than 12 hours at a time. • Members may go to Turnback with bandages applied.

25. Minor Change:Braiding 10e. Braiding is governed by the specific disciplines and is permitted at all levels and in all disciplines except Games. • Braiding of any kind will not be judged on quality. • Braiding may not take precedence over, or interfere with, regular barn chores. • All braiding must be removed immediately after the last ride of the day and before Turnback. • Braids may be reapplied after Turnback and before Barn Closing.

26. Change:Who may Longe 10h Individuals who may longe at USPC Rallies: • Any age Competitor C3 and higher • The owner of the mount or person designated by the owner. The CHMJ must be notified that this individual will be entering the barn area. • At the discretion of the CHMJ, any Competitor, if directly supervised by a non-competing adult approved by the CHMJ.

27. Rational for ChangeWho may Longe • In recognition of the fact that many horse owners have strong preferences for who may work with their animals, USPC recognizes that the resposibility for this decision correctly rests with the Member family and/or Horse Owner. • Because HM needs to know when assistance has been authorized, the CHMJ should be notified of who will be attending the horse during longeing.

28. Reminder:Fastening Materials • The mount’s halter and reins are the only items and/or equipment that must always have some type of breakaway capability. • Buckets in the stalls are strongly recommended to have breakaway capacity. e.g. double ended snaps or breakaway twine

29. New:Sample Feed Chart • Appendix H • New sample Feed Chart. • Like the Sample Stall Card, this is only a starting basis for the team to develop their Feed Chart. • Feed may be listed on individual feed cards, or on a team chart. • Purpose: to allow a stranger to feed the animals should an emergency occur. • Supplements move from Stall Card to Feed Chart

31. Then:Equine Drugs & Medications Needed to have Veterinary Letter as per form in HM Handbook. Needed new letter for each activity.

32. Feed Storage • Non-airtight, breathable • Second sturdy non-airtight container • Paper or breathable plastic

33. NowVet Letter or Prescription Form 14c. The Prescription Form or Veterinary Letter: • Remains valid for a maximum of thirty (30) days from date of Veterinarian’s signature. Must be stamped with information from that Veterinarian’s practice or be on the Veterinarian’s letterhead. • Rationale For Change: • Additional Cost for members: Many vets charge an additional fee for filling out the USPC Vet letter form. Using a regular Vet Prescription Form follows common usage.

34. ThenAdministering Equine Drugs & Medications Administering Medications • A HMJ or a competition veterinarian must be present whenever a prescribed medication is administered to a mount. • Amplification: When medications are administered, a HMJ and/or veterinarian must be present. They are: - Present solely to observe, and - Not responsible for administering a mount’s regular or prescribed medication.

35. NowAdministering Equine Drugs & Medications 14f. Drugs and medications are administered to mounts in accordance with the prescription requirements and the rating level of the Member. • In general, C2s and above may administer drugs and medications only to their own mounts without direct supervision. C2s and above may not be responsible for administering drugs and/or medications to another Member’s mount without consultation with the CHMJ (at a competition) or USPC Instructor (at other USPC activities).

36. Now, cont.Administering Equine Drugs & Medications • C1s and under must consult with the CHMJ (at a competition) or USPC Instructor (at other USPC activities) prior to administering the drug or medication to coordinate for supervision and/or assistance. • On a case-by-case basis, CHMJs or USPC Instructors may permit outside assistance or supervision of drug and medication administration. They may also permit C1 and below Members to administer without supervision or assistance given the prescription requirements, but only after consultation with the Member.

37. Then Appendix I Regumate Now 2010 Rulebook is silent on Regumate Change:Regumate Rationale for Change: Some medications require special handling. If your mount is prescribed a medication, it is your responsibility to learn how to administer it and how it needs to be handled and stored.

38. Then C3 and up may be excused from Turnbacks C3 and up may negotiate their Turnout time with the CHMJ Now All competitors must demonstrate Turnbacks, if judged, regardless of rating C3 and up may negotiate their Turnout time with the Rally Organizer. C3 and Higher Judging Options

39. Rationale for ChangeC3 and Higher Judging Options • Turnbacks need to be demonstrated by all competitors to avoid an uneven judging platform -- this is a disadvantage for some teams, and is unfair. • Turnout Times are under the purvue of the Rally Organizer, who is best able to judge how changing a time will affect other competitors.

40. Looking Forward • The Horse Management Handbook and Rules for Rallies follows current industry-wide HM Guidelines. Thus, it will change over time. • Initiatives under consideration: • Earned Points Scoring • Competitors will earn each point rather than starting with e score of 100% and having deductions made. • Perfection is unattainable; excellence is. • Comments on the Rulebook are always welcome. E-mail: USPCHM@gmail.com