The Kaysinger Horse Show Circuit (KHSC) assumes no responsibility in case of loss or damage to persons, horses, or personal property from any cause only upon these conditions is entries received.

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KHSC is not responsible for any accidents, escapes, thefts, nor will it tolerate inhumane treatment of horse(s), animal(s) or people.

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The Kaysinger Horse Show Circuit Grievance & Rules Committee reserves the right to disqualify any exhibitor from this or any and all the KHSC activities for the following reasons:

• Owner, exhibitor, or their employees whose conduct is unbecoming.

  • Any unsportsmanlike or inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. Any violation on the part of the exhibitor, his/her family or representative may result in dismissal of the exhibitor from showing in any further classes.

• A person shows excessive abuse in any manner, he/she will be disqualified and/or asked to leave.

• A consensus is made by the present officers that any horse that appears unsound in running events.

• If a horse is excused from a class twice during a show for lameness, the horse will be excused for the remainder of the show.

• Any act of disrespect or failure to follow instructions directed toward a judge, association official, or any member of the show, whether on the show grounds or in the show ring, by an owner, exhibitor, agent, employee, rider, driver, stable manager, groom, spouse, or other relative of a competitor will be considered conduct that is harmful to the best interests of the Kaysinger Horse Show Circuit.

  • The Judge’s decision is FINAL and shall be uncontested. Any questions may be brought to the attention of the KHSC Grievance Committee & Rules Committee.

• Upon request, the Board of Directors of the Kaysinger Horse Show Circuit has the authority to suspend or prohibit any involved individual from participating in shows for a period of time that the Board determines appropriate based on the severity of the offense. All members will be notified immediately of any disciplinary action taken by the Board of Directors.

  • The Board of Directors consists of the President, Vice President, Membership Secretary, Show Secretary, Treasurer, Point Recorder, and Publicity.    

• Further, we reserve the right to prohibit any horse from the grounds without being liable   for compensation.

 

GOVERNING

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• The officers of the KHSC will be elected at the annual KHSC awards banquet or general membership meeting.

• The KHSC board members shall be elected for a term of two years.

• The KHSC governing body will meet as necessary.

• Rules and class changes will be made at the general membership meeting. The governing body made up of officers and committee members shall transact all other KHSC business.

  • If a topic requiring a vote is tabled during the general membership meeting, it will be reviewed again and voted on at the KHSC awards banquet.

• The governing body has the power to change or amend any bylaws if  said changes and amendments are completed before April 1.

• KHSC Officers will act as rule interpreters or as mediators.

• To remove a current officer from office, all other officers on the board must unanimously vote in favor of the removal. If unanimity is not achieved, additional voting may occur.

  • Additional voting will allow members an executive vote to decide on the officers removal. Member vote would need to be a majority vote, 51% or greater.

• In the event an officer vacancy occurs outside the normal elected term schedule, a nomination period of at least one week will be opened for all nominees to come forward. A public vote will be held at the next show on the Friday evening before the show's scheduled start date.

  • If the next scheduled show is more than 30 days in the future, a public vote will be held in another public forum.

• An officer may not have active or prior legal action taken against them in regards to another person(s) within the organization.

• There must be at least $2,000.00 in the KHSC treasury after all year-end awards have been settled in order to start the next show year.

 

MEMBERSHIP

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• An exhibitor may join KHSC at any time, but all membership fees must be paid before the start of the third show of the season for points to accumulate towards year end awards.

• Exhibitors will be required to obtain at least $50 in sponsorship each year before the start of the third show of the season for points to accumulate towards year end awards.

• There will be a $30.00 charge for each returned check. Exhibitors will not be allowed to participate until a cash payment to settle the account is paid in full. A second returned check requires the exhibitor to be on a cash basis for all future events.

• The exhibitor’s age as of January 1 of each year will determine the age division he/she will ride in the entire year.

• Officers reserve the right to deny membership and/or attendance to any club event if a person has legal action taken against them in regard to another person(s) within the organization

• If a rider is injured or ill (with a doctor’s written excuse) and will miss three shows or 30 days, then a substitute rider may take his/her place for year end award nomination for the horse without a loss of points, unless otherwise approved by the KHSC. The substitute rider must be a current member of the circuit.

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GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

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• All participants will abide by the KHSC Rules and Regulations. If a question arises that is not in the KHSC Rules and Regulations, the circuit will abide by the AQHA rule book.

• A stallion cannot be shown by any person 18 years of age and under in any classes at a KHSC show.

• Once the showbill is published for the year, no additional points classes may be added.

• If a rider’s horse dies or becomes unable to compete during the show season, the rider may substitute a new horse by providing veterinary proof. In cases of disability, the horse must be unable to compete for at least 30 days.

  • All points earned up to that point will transfer to the replacement horse and the same rider in the appropriate classes. The rider remains eligible for year‑end awards as long as they have participated in at least one more than half of the total shows for that season.

  • No additional nomination fee is required for the replacement horse.

• Regular show dates will have preference over rain dates. All shows will start  at 8:00a.m.

  • If a show is rained out or canceled due to any unforeseen conditions, KHSC may hold another show in conjunction with another circuit show. The show will become double judged, each judge will make a set of placings and points will be awarded. Two gate fees and two class fees will be collected.

• Entry fee will be $7.00 per class/per judge.  Non-members will pay an additional $2.00 per class/per judge.  $5.00 Gate Charge and $3.00 Trail Fee per judge for each horse / rider combo, as applicable, collected at entry.

• All classes shall list at least 6 places.

• Double Judged Show Rule: In the event of a tie for overall class placings, Judge “A” will be used as the tie-breaker.

• Class payback will be awarded to 1st place – 4th place. Payout amount will be calculated using 80% of total entry fees for that class, prorated based on number of entries in the class using the schedule below:

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• Class payback and volunteer payout MUST be picked up the day of the show unless there are unforeseen circumstances impacting calculation of payout.

• No exhibitor, owner, or groom is allowed in the arena during a class if there is no designated holding area except in their official capacity. A handler may enter the arena only for safety precautions. If caught agitating or deliberately abusing Rule # 1in the Judges section of this document, the associated exhibitor will be disqualified by the judge or the show rules committee.

• All show arenas must be clear of any objects not essential to the class that is performing. This includes barrels, poles, trucks, tractors, discs, etc.

• There will be at least one intermission of 30 minutes during the show.

• A horse cannot enter any KHSC class more than once, regardless of rider.

  • In trail, ranch riding pattern, reining, and running events, a rider may ride more than one horse in each of these classes only.

• Rider crossover between Walk/Whoa and Walk/Trot Classes is not permitted, except in running events where a rider may advance from Walk/Woah to Walk/Trot. Handlers are allowed; however, the handler must remain alongside the horse, by the saddle, when crossing the timer during running events. The handler must not cross the time barrier before the horse.

• Safety vests are optional in all classes and will not be counted against the rider.

• Helmets are allowed in all classes and will not be counted against the rider.

  • Certified helmets are required in all English and Running events for any rider under the age of 18. NO EXCEPTIONS!

• A rider cannot enter into any class without a saddle and bridle. Exception: If there is a bareback class, the horse must have a bridle.

• Failure of equipment will disqualify the rider from the class.

• A class must average 3 entries per show each year or the removal of the class from the showbill will be put to member vote in the general membership meeting.

• Except for lead-line, the full arena will be used according to the judge’s discretion.

• Any rail class with 14 or more exhibitors will be split into heats. A final callback will be utilized to determine class placings.

• All patterns will be posted before the show. Patterns will be posted no sooner that 1 week in advance.

• Per AQHA rules, all Novice (Walk/Trot) classes will allow a snaffle bit to be used with two hands on any age horse. This rule applies only to Walk/Trot classes unless otherwise stated.

• Saddle type and Utility breeds will be judged based on breed standards.

• The published showbill will include additional class restrictions.

• SHW112.4 No 2-year-old may be shown in any performance class prior to July 1 of its 2-year-old year, with the exception of yearlings that may compete and earn points in showmanship at halter.

  • Horses must be at least three years of age to show in ranch riding, ranch trail, and VRH classes.

• All horse/rider combinations must have their back number clearly displayed on the rider's back or the horse's saddle pad.

 

HALTER CLASSES

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• A Horse shall show in only one Halter class division.

• Western or English attire is required for all Halter classes.

• A horse must show in a Ranch performance class in order to show in Ranch Halter Conformation. If the horse is scratched from all entries in any Ranch performance class, their halter points will be forfeited.

• All horse/rider combinations must have their back number clearly displayed on the rider's back.

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PATTERN CLASSES

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• A horse cannot enter any KHSC class more than once.

• A rider may ride more than one horse per class only in trail, ranch riding pattern, reining, and running events.

  • If a rider is exhibiting both a saddle-type and a quarter-type horse, they may compete with both horses in showmanship, equitation, and horsemanship classes. However, the rider must designate only one horse/rider combination to be considered for year end awards in the age divisions.

    • Designation must be made at time of membership/nomination form completion

• All horse/rider combinations must have their back number clearly displayed on the rider's back or the horse's saddle pad.

 

ENGLISH CLASSES

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• Certified helmets are required in all English and Running events for any rider under the age of 18. NO EXCEPTIONS!

• If a rider is exhibiting both a Saddle/Utility Type and a Stock Type horse, they are allowed to show both horses in Equitation.

• English equipment and attire must be used in all English classes, including saddle and bridle. No bridleless riding allowed.

• All horse/rider combinations must have their back number clearly displayed on the rider's back or the horse's saddle pad.

 

WESTERN CLASSES

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• All western pleasure and horsemanship classes will be shown using strictly western equipment, including saddle and bridle. No bridleless riding allowed.

• Western attire is required in all western performance and ranch classes. Western attire consists of western hats, western boots, and long sleeved collared shirts. Chaps are optional. 

• All horse/rider combinations must have their back number clearly displayed on the rider's back or the horse's saddle pad.

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RANCH & TRAIL CLASSES

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• Trail classes can take place inside or outside the arena. The pattern will be set up but no horses will be allowed in the trail area to practice on the day of the show.

  • Trail obstacles must not be moved from their original set position. If an obstacle is shifted, it must be placed back into the original set position.

• Trail may be shown in English or Western equipment.

• When trail is shown using two hands, regardless of discipline, an appropriate two-handed bit must be used.

• Trail class patterns will consist of 4 to 6 obstacles. Exhibitors will be disqualified if more than 3 refusals occur throughout the pattern or more than 30 seconds is taken for an obstacle.

• A horse cannot enter any KHSC class more than once.

  • A rider may ride more than one horse per class only in trail, ranch riding pattern, reining, and running events.

• All horse/rider combinations must have their back number clearly displayed on the rider's back or the horse's saddle pad.

 

RUNNING EVENTS

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• 18 and under riders doing running events classes must wear a certified helmet. NO EXCEPTIONS!!

• Dresscode for running events requires the rider's shoulders to be covered. T-shirts are acceptable. Tank tops are not allowed.

• Western saddles are required for running events.

• Horses must walk in and out of the gate during running events. Exhibitors are not permitted to begin their run until the gate is fully closed.

• All horse/rider combinations must have their back number clearly displayed on the rider's back or the horse's saddle pad.

 

JUDGES

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• The KHSC and the Grievance & Rules Committee will uphold all judging decisions. Exhibitors are expected to support all judges’ decisions unless a decision directly conflicts with the rules or regulations outlined in this document. In all other circumstances, judges’ decisions are official and final.

• A judge can judge only one KHSC approved show per year unless unforeseen circumstances arise. KHSC may re-hire a previously used judge as a replacement judge to ensure all committed positions are filled. The judge will not judge the same set of classes and/or arena as previous shows.

• The judge will be required to stay for halter, performance, and ranch classes only. Judges are not required to be in attendance for running events.

• The ringmaster must stand at least 5 feet from the judge while classes are being judged.

• Neither the judge, nor a member of his/her family, shall exhibit or act as agent or handler of a horse in any class at a show which he/she is officiating.

• No horse may be shown under a judge who has been, or is currently, the owner, trainer, or handler of that horse within six (6) months prior to the start of the current show season. If a horse in violation of this rule is entered, all entry fees for that horse shall not be refunded and the horse may not compete. The horse may, however, be shown as an exhibition entry, provided the exhibitor displays the number upside down, pays the applicable class fees, and understands that no placings or awards will be given. Exhibition entries must be shown and not schooled during the class.

• Exhibitors are allowed to attend a judge‑led open clinic, which is to be treated as an exception rather than a routine educational opportunity.

 

AWARDS

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• All horses must be nominated before any points will be considered for year end awards. The horse must be shown under the nominated horse name used on the membership/nomination form. Nomination fee is included in the membership fee.

•  All High Point Awards are to be calculated using one horse and rider combination.

• The year-end awards will be calculated using the following points system for each class:

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• Each exhibitor will receive at least one point for showing in each class, provided the horse and rider are nominated.

• In case of a tie, the tie breaker will be a count of the most 1st places, followed by 2nd places, etc. until the tie is broken.

• All points included in calculation of KHSC awards must be won at shows where the rider's membership is in good standing with KHSC.

• A list of year-end awards and their qualifying classes must be published before the start of the season. Additional awards may be given if seen fit.

• The governing body shall meet prior to the annual awards banquet to calculate points and designate awards winners. A committee may be appointed to calculate and purchase year-end awards.

• The KHSC Board of Directors will determine double point shows.

• Anyone exhibiting for a year end class high point award must NOT change the name of the horse during the show season. The horse must complete the entire season with the same name.

• Year end awards based on Rider Age Divisions are presented to one horse/rider combination.

• Before a horse and rider are eligible for year end awards, all of the following requirements must be met:

  • Membership/nomination form is completed, membership fees are paid, and sponsorship of at least $50 is paid prior to the start of the third show of the season

    • Horse must be included on the membership/nomination form

  • Horse/Rider combination must show to at least 50% of the judges for the season

  • No horse/rider changes throughout the season, unless otherwise approved by KHSC Board of Directors due to injury, illness, or death

• Year end awards based on Horse/Discipline are presented to a single horse with any number of exhibitors

  • Before a horse is eligible for year end awards, all of the following requirements must be met:

    • Membership/nomination form is completed, membership fees are paid, and sponsorship of at least $50 is paid prior to the start of the third show of the season

    • Horse must be included on the membership/nomination form

    • Horse must have shown to at least 50% of the judges for the season

    • All exhibitors (any number/amount) must be listed on the horse’s nomination form at time of membership/nomination submission

    • All points earned by the horse in any nominated horse/rider combinations will be included

• A horse or rider is not limited to a certain number of year end awards. All awards earned will be presented.

• Showmanship classes will be counted in the performance division when calculating high point awards.

• The KHSC Board of Directors shall determine what awards will be presented based on the previous show season class participation. A minimum of 10 awards will be presented.

  • Additional awards may be presented on a year by year basis

  • The list of year end awards to be presented must be published prior to the first show of the year.

 

GRIEVANCES

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• Any person wishing to file a grievance against the club, an individual, member, or judge shall submit a written grievance accompanied by a refundable $25.00 protest charge to the KHSC Board of Directors. The KHSC Grievance Committee will meet, discuss the protest, and decide what course of action shall be taken.

 

The Kaysinger Grievance and Rules Committees reserve the right to:

• Close the gate on any exhibitor who delays a class for more than 3 minutes.

• Measure any and all horses for any class. Ponies should be 56 inches or under, unless otherwise specified.

• Classify the age of all junior horses using an evaluation of teeth/mouth if registration is not or cannot be produced.