1)  The Novice/Beginner ring is set up of the "grass roots" level riders.  We all realize what this means.  Most riders will be on horses and ponies that are worth their weight in gold but my not have the 12' stride or their lead changes down pat etc. etc. Therefore, riders who trot a couple of steps at the ends of the ring to change leads or who add a stride consistently down the lines will not be penalized.  I've seen way too many horses galloping like crazy to get down the lines-dangerous-and these great horses kicked, hit, etc. to get their leads.  Lines are set at 12' as to not "limit" any horses in any way and it's much easier to add a stride with a 12' distance than a 11.5' distance.

 

2)  The riders in short stirrups will all get a ribbon.  Also, none of them will be segregated from the rest of the group.  They will be judges as a group (except of course to canter if their are too many).  The riders will not be given the boot out of the ring if they do not make the "cut".

 

3)  Hors Concours is allowed.  This will allow a horse that is showing at the end of the day the option to either do the warm-up in the morning or to enter a class prior to their division hors concours to use as their warm up.  We are considering having a warm-up at lunch-time. This has yet to be determined.

 

4)  Adults are allowed to ride ponies and ponies are allowed in all classes. 

 

5)  In order to be eligible for the "Stake Class" riders must compete in the entire division.

 

7)  There will be a lead line class directly after the short stirrups division, free of charge, so bring along all the little ones.  They will all get a prize and will be lots of fun to watch.