Carriage Driving Prize List
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Welcome
NAVHS competitions provide individuals and programs the opportunity to virtually compete and earn points toward show and year-end high-point awards.
Our inclusive competitions are open to the following:
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Individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities
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Hippotherapy Participants
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Veterans
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Neurotypical Individuals who participate in adaptive programs on academy horses.
Beyond fostering a sense of accomplishment, we aim to create a rewarding experience that celebrates participants’ goals, determination, and perseverance.
Our competitions also support and empower adaptive programs with opportunities to provide participants competitive shared experiences, foster unity, encourage engagement along with rewards directly for programs.
Who is eligible to compete in our Driving Series
In order to participate, an exhibitor must
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Adaptive Status. Have a medically diagnosed condition that causes a permanent impairment that can be measured objectively.
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Veteran status. Be or have been a member of our National Forces,
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Academy status Be a participant of an Adaptive riding program, taking lessons on a horse who is a lesson horse.
Classes, Divisions and Sections
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Competitors are responsible for choosing their eligibility status and division.
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Competitors are responsible for entering their correct class(s)
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Competitors are only permitted to participant in one division per show
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Classes and Divisions are based on Eligibility Status
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Sections are based upon Age
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Each competitor is eligible to compete in 4 classes but it is not required.
Eligibility Status
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Individual, instructor, trainer or program is responsible for choosing the eligibility status.
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Competitors can only participate under 1 status during a show year.
Veteran Academy Adaptive
Sections
Age
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Competition show age is determined what a competitors age is on Jan1 of the current competition year.
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A competitor will compete at that age for the entire show year. .
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No changing age sections during the show year
Nuggets 3 - 6
Younglings 7 - 13
Juniors 14 -21
Adults 22 - 45
Primers 46 and 69
Silver Stirrups 70 and over
Divisions
Supported
2 sets of reins. No penalty For assistance
Header(s) required in the middle of the arena
Maiden Walk Only
An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring. The assistant Able-bodied Whip may maintain control of the horse.
Maiden Walk/Trot
An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring. The assistant Able-bodied Whip may maintain control of the horse.
Novice Walk/Trot
An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.
The assistant Able-bodied Whip may maintain control of the horse.
Limited Support
2 sets of reins. Assistance permitted in case of emergency only
Header(s) required in the middle of the arena
Intermediate Walk Only
An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.
The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation. Judges discretion
Advanced Intermediate Walk
An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.
The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation. Judges discretion
Intermediate Walk/Trot
An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.
The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation. Judges discretion
Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot
An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.
The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation. Judges discretion
Independent (No Support)
One set of reins. Assistance permitted in case of emergency only
Header(s) required in the middle of the arena
Advanced Walk
An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.
The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation. Judges discretion
Advanced Walk/Trot
An Assistant Able-bodied Whip is required and a minimum of one header in the ring.
The horse will be driven by only the competitor. Any assistance from the able-bodied whip will be penalized, except in a safety first situation. Judges discretion
Driving Classes
Pleasure Driving
Competitors are judged on the partnership between the horse and the driver, with
emphasize on the presentation, the driver's reinsmanship, and the horse's manners, There should be a relaxed and harmonious partnership between horse and driver which will be considered more important than the horse’s performance
Reinsmanship
Competitors will be judged on the driver's reinsmanship. Reinsmanship is the skill of communicating with the driving horse through the reins, whip, body position and voice. There should be a relaxed and harmonious partnership between horse and driver which will be considered more important than the horse’s performance
Obstacle Pattern
Competitors are judged equally on successfully completing each obstacle and their reinsmanship. Emphasis on their communication with the horse and proper use of aids. The competitor’s attempt to properly complete the course correctly will be considered more important than the horse’s performance.
Dressage Driving
Dressage develops and displays polish, discipline, and athleticism of equine and driver working together. Competitors will be judged individually in specified patterns and gaits to demonstrate the skills, obedience, and development appropriate to their levels. There should be a relaxed and harmonious partnership between horse and driver which will be considered more important than the horse’s performance.
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