Competition Rules

SHCA INC COMPETITION RULES - 16January 2024 Edition - approved for implementation by Council 16 January 2024

New Format finalised 20 August 2023

Competition Rules - full document - Click Here

SHCA Inc Competition Rules apply to SHCA members and to events conducted by SHCA Inc Affiliates & Constituent Affiliates.

If any clarification of these Rules is required please contact the Secretary, SHCA Inc | Email: click here

IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS:

16 January 2024 Amendments:

The 16 January 2024 Meeting of the Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc approved changes to Section 12.9 re set penalties for drug offences, and to Section 19 - Definitions.

Penalties for Level 1 & Level 2 drug offences have been revised, and the provision for an "early guilty plea" has now been included
Definitions of an "early guilty plea" and "life ban" have been added
The definition of "suspension" has been amended

1 January 2024 Amendments:

The 14 November 2023 Meeting of The Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc approved changes which will apply to specific classes at all SHCA Inc Grand National Qualifying Events held from 01/01/2024.

Handlers in all Lead Rein events including Tiny Tot Rider classes must be an Adult Active Member (clarification of existing rule)
Riders in Lead Rein Classes must not carry a whip & spurs are not permitted (clarification of existing practice)
Rider Class 15 years & under 17 years will now be Rider 15 years & under 18 years
Rider Class 17 years & under 21 years will now be Rider 18 years & under 21 years
Section 8 - Attire - Costume - has been amended to Children under 18 years & Adults 18 years & over

1 January 2023 Amendments:

The 11 December 2022 Meeting of The Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc approved changes which will apply to specific classes at all SHCA Inc Grand National Qualifying Events held from 01/01/2023.

No horse over 15hh can be ridden by a rider under the age of 12 years – this applies to all classes for Saddle/Show Hunter Hacks.
Childs Small Saddle Pony ne 12.2hh, rider 17 years & under
Childs Large Saddle Pony over 12.2hh ne 14hh, rider 17 years & under
Childs Saddle Galloway over 14hh ne 15hh, rider 17 years & under
Childs Saddle Hack over 15hh, rider 12 years to 17 years
Childs Small Show Hunter Pony ne 12.2hh, rider 17 years & under
Childs Large Show Hunter Pony over 12.2hh ne 14hh, rider 17 years & under
Childs Show Hunter Galloway over 14hh ne 15hh, rider 17 years & under
Childs Show Hunter Hack over 15hh, rider 12 years to 17 years

Residency & Other Rules Applying to State HoTY Events

There appears to be some confusion re State HOTY Event rules as some are not covered under SHCA Competition Rules - the reason is that rules for State events can vary from State to State.

A State HOTY Title is looked upon as a prestige Event & should be treated as such. All rules are to be read in conjunction with other rules of the Show.

If in doubt please direct your inquiry to the SHCA Inc Secretary secretary@shca.org.au or the SHCA Office 02.4588 5005 or admin@shca.org.au

Some specific Rules are required to apply to all State HOTY Events including (but not limited to):

Please Note the following re members resident in border regions:

.             *Members residing within 100km of the border would be able to remain a member of the current affiliate club and with provision of a Stat. Dec. be able to
              compete at the adjoining state’s “Horse Of The Year Show”. Proof of distance to be provided annually.
              The States will need to monitor those HOTY Entries that are acceptable under this Rule to ensure compliance”.

Note: Entries not meeting the criteria will be considered ineligible.

Residency Rules Applying to Horses and Riders/Handlers & Responsible Officers for State HOTY Events effective from 1 January 2022 - approved by Council 23/11/2021

All horses shall be currently registered with the Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc. NATIONAL SADDLE HORSE REGISTER and shall have resided in that State for a period of not less than three (3) calendar months prior to closing date of Entries. As at the closing date of entries all Riders, Handlers and Responsible Officers shall have resided in the State for a period of not less than three (3) calendar months and be financial members of an Affiliate/Constituent Affiliate of the Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc.

AND

1. A horse can only compete at one States Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc Affiliated Horse of the Year Event in a calendar year; and

2. A rider or handler can only compete at one States Show Horse Council of Australasia Inc Affiliated Horse of the Year Event in a calendar year.

Members are well catered for with many other GN Qualifiers for which these particular rules are not applicable.

NSW DPI Regulations

Please go to DPI link HORSE EVENTS to access latest information on Guidelines for Exhibitors and Show organizers and Property Identification Code (PIC) for anyone who keeps horses on land in NSW.