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Adaptive Prize List

Click here to download a copy of the Adaptive Dressage Prize List

 

Welcome

 

NAVHS competitions provide individuals and programs the opportunity to virtually compete and earn points toward show and year-end high-point awards.

 

Our competitions are open to the following:

  • Individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities

  • Hippotherapy Participants

  • ​Veterans

  • 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 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 Adaptive Show Series.

 

In order to participate, competitors must have a medically diagnosed condition that causes permanent impairment that can be measured objectively.

 

 

Classes, Divisions and Sections

 

  • Competitors are responsible for choosing their impairment and division.

 

  • Competitors are responsible for entering their correct class(s)

 

  • Competitors are only permitted to participate in one division per show

 

  • Classes and Divisions are based on Primary Impairment

 

  • Sections are based upon age and discipline

 

  • Each competitor is eligible to compete in 3 classes but it is not required

 

 

Primary Impairment

 

  • Examples can be located in Handbook

  • Individual, instructor, trainer or program is responsible for choosing the impairment.

  • Competitors can only ride under 1 impairment during a show year.

 

 

      Cognitive.  A Cognitive impairment is the primary disability

 

      Physical.  A Physical impairment is primary disability

 

      Emotional.  An Emotional impairment is the primary disability

 

 

Sections

 

Age

 

  • Competition show age is determined by what a competitor's age is on Jan1 of the current competition year.

  • A competitor will compete at that age for the entire show year.

  • 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

 

Disciplines

The traditional tack, attire and manner of communication with the horse which falls under one of the following categories:        

                                             English                       Western

 

Classes

 

Equitation

Competitors will be judged on their basic riding position, proper equitation, position in motion, use of aids, and their communication with their horse. Results as shown by the performance of the horse are not to be considered more important than the equitation and horsemanship of the competitor.

 

Obstacle

Competitors are judged on successfully completing each obstacle using good horsemanship, their communication with their horse, proper equitation, and the proper use of aids. The competitor’s attempt to complete an obstacle properly will be considered more important than the horse’s performance.

 

Pattern

Competitors are judged on successfully completing the pattern, their communication with their horse, proper equitation, the use of good horsemanship and proper use of aids.  The competitor’s attempt to properly complete the pattern correctly will be considered more important than the horse’s performance.

 

Divisions

 

Supported

Maiden Walk Only

A Leader is required and zero to two side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be on the lead at all times.

 

Maiden Walk/Trot or Jog

A Leader is required and zero to two side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be on the lead at all times.

 

Novice Walk/Trot or Jog

A Leader is required and zero to two side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at the walk and on lead at the Trot or Jog.

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Limited Support

Intermediate Walk Only

A spotter is required, which will remain at the horse’s head, and zero to two side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at all times.

 

Advanced Intermediate Walk

A spotter is required, which will remain within approximately 10 feet from the horse’s head and no side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at all times.

 

Intermediate Walk/Trot or Jog

A spotter is required, which will remain at the horse’s head and zero to two side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at all times.

 

Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot or Jog

A spotter is required, which will remain within approximately 10 feet from the horse’s head and no side-walkers are permitted. The horse will be off lead at all times.

 

Independent (No Support)

Advanced Walk

Competitors will ride independently at the Walk. Competitor’s must have a spotter who, at their discretion, will remain in the center of the ring or just outside of the course area.

 

Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog

Competitor’s will ride independently at the Walk and Trot or Jog. Competitor’s must have a spotter who, at their discretion, will remain in the center of the ring or just outside of the course area.

 

Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog/Canter

Competitor’s will ride independently at the Walk, Trot or Jog, and Canter.  Competitor’s must have a spotter who, at their discretion, will remain in the center of the ring or just outside of the course area.

 

Hippotherapy Goal Achievement Award

 

  • This division is for individuals who are participating in a hippotherapy program with an OT (Occupational Therapist),PT ( Physical Therapist)and/or SLP (Speech Language Pathologist).

  • The therapist/participant can establish up to 3 goals for a competitor to achieve during a show series time frame. 1 goal per class.

  • A video of the goal being achieved will be sent in to verify achievemen

  • No Riding skills will be acceptable as a goal

  • Helmets are required.

  • Traditional show attire is not a requirement.

  • Traditional tack is not a requirement.

 

A year end achievement award will be awarded for a competitor reaching

9 goals (Champion) or  5-8 (Reserve Champion)

 

 

Division and Class Specifications

 

Supported

Maiden Walk

1. Maiden Walk Only Equitation - Judged at the walk in both directions. May be asked to halt, circle, or reverse direction.

11. Maiden Walk Only Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of four obstacles and a halt.

21. Maiden Walk Pattern -  Pattern will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns and straight lines

 

Maiden Walk Trot or Jog

2. Maiden Walk/Trot or Jog Equitation - Competitor’s may be asked to halt, circle or reverse direction at the walk, and to Trot or Jog (posting or sitting) a short distance in each direction.

12. Maiden Walk/Trot or Jog Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of four obstacles, a halt, and Trot or Jog in each direction.

22. Maiden Walk/Trot or Jog Pattern - Pattern will consist of a minimum of walk - Trot or Jog transitions, simple turns, a halt, in straight lines

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Novice Walk/Trot or Jog

3. Novice Walk/Trot or Jog Equitation - Competitor’s may be asked at the walk  to halt, circle or reverse direction and to Trot or Jog (posting or sitting) a short distance in each direction.

13. Novice Walk/Trot or Jog Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of four obstacles, a halt, and a Trot or Jog in each direction.

23. Novice Walk/Trot or Jog Pattern - Pattern will consist of  walk - Trot or Jog transitions, simple turns, a halt, in straight lines and circles.

 

Limited Support

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Intermediate Walk Only

4. Intermediate Walk Only Equitation - Judged at the walk only in both directions. May be asked to halt, circle, or reverse direction.

14. Intermediate Walk Only Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of four obstacles and a halt

24.  Intermediate Walk Only Pattern -  Pattern will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns in straight lines

 

Advanced Intermediate Walk

5. Intermediate Walk Only Equitation - Judged at the walk only in both directions. May be asked to halt, circle, or reverse direction.

15. Intermediate  Walk Only Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of four obstacles and a halt

25. Intermediate Walk Only Pattern -  Pattern will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns, in straight lines and circles

 

Intermediate Walk/Trot or Jog

6. Intermediate Walk/Trot or Jog Equitation - Judged at the walk and Trot or Jog.  May be asked to halt, circle or reverse direction at the walk, and to Trot or Jog (posting or sitting) a short distance in each direction.

16. Intermediate Walk/Trot or Jog Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of four obstacles, a halt, and a Trot or Jog in each direction.

26. Intermediate  Walk/Trot or Jog Pattern - Pattern will consist of  walk - Trot or Jog transitions, simple turns, halt, in straight lines and circles.

 

Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot or Jog

7. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot or Jog Equitation - Judged at the walk and Trot or Jog..  May be asked to halt, circle and reverse direction at the walk, and Trot or Jog (posting or sitting) a short distance in each direction.

17. Advanced Intermediate Walk/Trot or Jog Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of four obstacles, a halt, and a Trot or Jog in each direction.

27. Advanced Intermediate  Walk/Trot or Jog Pattern - Pattern will consist of  walk - Trot or Jog transitions, simple turns, halt, in straight lines and circles.

​

 

Independent (No Support)

 

Advanced Walk

8. Independent Walk Only Equitation - Judged at the walk only in both directions. May be asked to halt, circle, and reverse direction.

18. Independent Walk Only Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of four obstacles and a halt.

28.  Advanced Walk Only Pattern -  Pattern will consist of walk - halt transitions, simple turns and straight lines and circles.

 

Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog

9. Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog Equitation - Competitor’s may be asked to halt, circle, and/or reverse direction at the walk and/or Trot or Jog (posting or sitting).

19. Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of four obstacles, a halt, and Trot or Jog in each direction.

29. Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog Pattern - Pattern will consist of  walk - Trot or Jog transitions, simple turns, halt, in straight lines and circles.

 

Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog/Canter

10. Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog/Canter Equitation - Judged at the walk, Trot or Jog and canter/lope (posting or sitting).  Competitor’s will be asked to canter in both directions for a short distance.  Competitor’s may be asked to halt, circle, and reverse direction.

20. Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog/Canter Obstacles - Course will consist of a minimum of five obstacles, halt, Trot or Jog and a canter/lope in both directions.

30. Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog/Canter Pattern - Pattern will consist of  walk/Trot or Jog/canter transitions,  turns, halt, in straight lines and circles.

 

Hippotherapy Goal Achievement Award

 

3 goals may be declared

 

50.  Goal 1

51.  Goal 2

52.  Goal 3

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General Information

 

Any questions/concerns can be forwarded to Competition Directors. Competition Directors and/or the appropriate jury will clarify any questions concerning tack, equipment, attire or soundness.

 

 

Attire

  • All competitor’s must wear a protective ASTM/SEI approved helmet, english or western, with full chin harness fastened at all times while riding the horse. A western hat may be affixed over the helmet in western events. NO ONE WILL BE JUDGED IF NOT WEARING A PROTECTIVE ASTM/SEI APPROVED HELMET. 

  • English and western attire will follow traditional practices with the exception of acceptable adaptation equipment.

  • Traditional discipline appropriate riding clothing is requested to participate in a class.

  • Appropriate and suitable footwear required.

NOTE: Wearing a boot with a heel may not be appropriate for some riders due to a physical disability. Please make sure that the rider has the appropriate safety stirrup during competition.

  • Tall boots and chaps are not required.

 

 

Tack and Equipment

  • Competitors and/or their trainers/instructors are responsible for using appropriate saddles, safety stirrups, rider footwear, and deciding appropriate adaptive equipment for the horse and rider.

  • Competitor’s may use appropriate and acceptable adaptive equipment without penalty

  • Halters are required for supported classes.

  • All horses should wear a halter in a manner that does not interfere with reining of the horse. A halter may be on the horse either over or under the bridle for use by the handler if needed.

  • The lead line must be fastened to the halter and not to the bit.

  • English and western equipment will follow traditional practices with the exception of acceptable adaptation equipment.

  • Equipment should be appropriate to the riding ability of the competitor and be suitable for the horse.

  • Saddles appropriate for division, traditionally English type or Western type

  • Bridles need to be appropriate for the rider and horse and may be traditional, bit less, or reins on a halter.Competitor’s may ride one or 2 handed

  • Exhibitors are allowed to hold the saddle with either hand without penalty.

  • Competitor’s may in no way be attached to the horse or saddle.

 

 

Horses/Ponies

  • Horses/Ponies must be serviceable sound

  • Horses/Ponies should be suitable for their rider

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Assistance

 

  • Any assistance from a competitors support team will be penalized at the judges discretion except in a safety situation.

  • Equitation class calls must be announced to the rider while recording.The videographer or an assistant may call the directions.Only the provided directions may be announced to the rider, if necessary the direction may be repeated once.No other assistance is permitted besides safety assistance.

  • Obstacle and pattern classes, directions as printed on the course map,may be announced to the rider. The videographer or an assistant may announce the provided directions.Only the provided directions may be announced to the rider, if necessary the call may be repeated once.No other assistance is permitted besides safety assistance

  • Hippotherapy- Therapist will direct clients to perform Hippotherapy Goal.

  • Outside assistance will be penalized at the judge’s discretion.

 

Arena

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  • The arena should measure approximately 60’ wide by 120’long, or as close as possible depending on your facility.

  • Obstacles, patterns and equitation call sheets are based around these dimensions.

  • The arena must be defined.

  • Equitation class calls, patterns and obstacles should be designed as closely as possible to the provided directions, tests and course maps

  • Hippotherapy area (arena) is at the discretion of the therapist.

 

Video Submission Information

  • No special equipment needed. A mobile phone will work

  • Videographer Placement: The videographer needs to stand and record from the following locations, (based on dressage letter placement)

                         Equitation- Inside of the ring at “X”

                         Obstacle Course- Outside of the ring behind letter “C”

                         Pattern- Inside of the ring at approximately letter  “I”

  • Hippotherapy Achievement - near the horse, but not in the horse’s way, for judges to view documented goal.

  • The phone/camera should be held horizontally

  • For the best results try not to be facing into the sun. Do your best

  • An indoor/covered arena is acceptable if the lighting is good.

  • The better the lighting conditions, the better the video will look.

  • The sound must be turned ON.Videos without sound will not be judged

  • Enable the phones DO NOT DISTURB feature while videoing

  • Videos cannot stop and start.They need to be unedited and continuous

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Recording the video

 

  • Rider should be in the start position to begin

  • Video must be continuous from start to finish.

  • Begin video with the videographer videoing another device displaying the date and time.

  • Without stopping the recording, show a document, whiteboard or paper, showing the rider’s name, class number and class name you are recording.DO NOT STOP RECORDING

  • Focus the camera on the rider and horse.

  • Videographer or assistant should now Announce “you are now being judged”.

  • Do not physically move, stay in the required ‘letter’ location.

  • Zoom in and out to have a clear view of entire rider and horse at all times

  • When the class is finished, zoom in on the rider and horse and continue videoing for approximately 3 seconds.

  • Absolutely no editing, no stopping and starting of video while completing the class.

  • Please attempt to keep all videos between 3- 5 minutes.No longer would be appreciated.Patterns and Hippotherapy should be between 2 - 4 minutes

 

 

Year End Awards

 

To be eligible for year end awards, competitors and programs must declare and pay the fee by the closing date for registration of the competition in order for points to count. 

 

A minimum of entry into 2 shows required for competitions and programs towards year end awards.

 

See Handbook for additional information on divisions offered, requirements etc.

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