2010
GENERAL RULES AND
JUDGING INFORMATION
Riders do not have to enter all the events. They may enter the one or ones they want to. The fewer the
events the less likely the person will win a high point buckle since they are awarded for most points
accumulated.

The arena may be used for warm up at designated times with the understanding that any obstacles set up
will not be practiced on, around or over. The only exception to this is a rider who is using a new horse that
he/she has not practiced with.

In classes with individual performance the rider needs to wait for the judge's nod to begin his/her ride. The
judge will be the only one in the arena wearing a cowboy hat.

In classes with obstacles and patterns, they need to be ridden exactly as drawn. Penalties will be applied
if they are not.

Gaits as trot and lope need to be performed where indicated in any pattern work or penalties may be
incurred. In Gymkhana events it will simply result in longer time. Penalties will be assigned for break in
gait up in classes limited to walk or trot as the high gait. In gymkhana events a 5 second penalty will be
applied for every gait break up for more than 3 strides.

Review attire rules and be sure athlete is appropriately dressed to compete.

According to National Rules - riders may use adaptive equipment without penalty. Adaptive equipment
MUST be declared on rider profile. It goes from there to the judge's information.

Level C, B, A
Riders will ride with only one hand on the rein UNLESS approved modification is on file. The index finger is
to between the reins with remaining fingers wrapped around the reins. The reins are to be split reins but
may have a rubber band or tape around them carried under the hand. The rider will see the back of
his/her hand when looking down. The tail of the reins is draped on the side of the neck of the hand
carrying the reins. Ex: reins carried in right hand, rein tails drape down right side of neck. It doesn't matter
which hand carries the reins but do not change hands during the class. The only exception is Trail.

In Trail, come to the obstacle, stop, change rein hand if needed, work obstacle, stop then put reins back
into original hand.
Click here to go to trail course pattern and more information.

The rider's free hand is not to touch the horse or saddle.

In Stock Seat Equitation riders will be judged while waiting in the line up.
Click here to go to equitation
pattern and more information.

When the rider is on the rail as part of a group and asked to reverse, he/she is to turn toward the inside
of the arena away from the rail.

Riders will not be asked to reverse at a lope.

In Showmanship at Halter horses will be shown in a flat nylon or leather halter. This same style halter will
be used in the classes that require a horse handler.
 Click Here for Showmanship at Halter patterns

Gymkhana Events
The patterns for all these events are in the National rules and are standard.  
Offered for 2010:

Performance Events
Showmanship at Halter
Stock Seat Equitation
Working Trail

Gymkhana Events
Barrel Race
Pole Bending
Figure 8 Stake Race
This link will take you to the National
Special Olympics Equestrian Rules.   
The link will take you to the PDF
file and page 1 of Equestrian rules.
You can enter the page number
into the PDF page number box and
it will go to the specific page. The
download is slow. This does beat
starting at the beginning of the
national site.  
This link will take you back to
Abrazos Adventure home page.
The New Mexico Equestrian Special Olympics competition is held in Clovis, New Mexico in
September of each year. The competition is open to all comers who meet the requirements set
forth by Special Olympics. This section presents the rules and patterns for the classes offered at
the show.
This site is hosted by Abrazos Adventure, the horse connection
Portales, New Mexico