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Veteran and Academy Prize List

Click here to download a copy of the Veteran and Academy 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 the Veterans and Academy Series

 

In order to participate, a competitor must

  • Veteran status. Be or have been a member of our National Forces,

  • Academy status Be a participant of an Adaptive riding program, taking lessons on a horse who is a lesson horse. 

 

 

Classes, Divisions and Sections

 

  • Competitors are responsible for choosing their eligibility status and division.

 

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

 

  • Competitors are only permitted to participant in one division and discipline per show

 

  • Classes and Divisions are based on Eligibility Status

 

  • Sections are based upon Age and/or Riding Discipline

 

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

 

 

Eligibility Status

 

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

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

 

                   Veteran                              Academy

     

 

Sections

 

Age

  • Competition show age is determined what a competitors 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 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 Classes

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 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.

 

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

Competitor’s 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

Competitors 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.

 

Division and Class Specifications

 

Supported

 

Maiden Walk

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

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

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

 

Maiden Walk Trot or Jog

102. Maiden Walk/Trot or Jog Equitation - 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.

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

122. 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.

 

Novice Walk/Trot or Jog

103. Novice Walk/Trot or Jog Equitation - 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.

113.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.

123. 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

 

Intermediate Walk Only

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

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

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

 

Advanced Intermediate Walk

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

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

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

 

Intermediate Walk/Trot or Jog

106. 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 a short distance in each direction.

116.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.

126. Intermediate  Walk/Trot ot 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

107. 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.

117. 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.

127. 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

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

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

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

 

Advanced Walk/Trot or Jog

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

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

129. 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

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

120. 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.

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

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General Information

 

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

 

 

Attire

  • All competitors 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, competitor footwear, and deciding appropriate adaptive equipment for the horse and competitor.

  • Competitors 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 adapted equipment.

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

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

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

  • Competitors may in no way be attached to the horse or saddle.

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Horses/Ponies

  • Horses/Ponies must be serviceable sound

  • Horses/Ponies should be suitable

 

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 competitor while recording.The videographer or an assistant may announce the directions.Only the provided directions may be announced to the competitor, if necessary the call 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 competitor. The videographer or an assistant may announce the provided directions.Only the provided directions may be announced to the competitor, if necessary the call may be repeated once.No other assistance is permitted besides safety assistance

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

 

Arena

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

 

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”

  • The phone/camera should be held horizontally

  • For 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 can not stop and start.They need to be unedited and continuous

 

The Video

 

  • Competitor 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 competitor and entire horse.

  • Videographer or assistant will 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 competitor and horse at all times

  • When the class is finished, zoom in on the competitor 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 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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