Rules and Guidelines

2016-2017 ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge

Competition Rules and Guidelines

1100 Conferences

  1. The ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge competitions are open to any school or organization that is a paid ANRC member. A school or organization is recognized under a designated conference:
    1. American Conference – Private or Independent Schools (teams must consist of students  attending a member school grades 6-12)
    2. National Conference – Public Schools or Homeschooled students (teams may consist of students attending a single school or multiple schools that represent a member organization grades 6-12)
  2. Schools or organizations from either conference compete together in local member competitions beginning September 1. At each competition, based on where teams place 1st through 6th, a school or organization receives conference points to establish conference standings for middle and high school teams in each division. Points are awarded to teams as follows:

 

1st 7 points

2nd 5 points

3rd 4 points

4th 3 points

5th 2 points

6th 1 point

 

  1. In order for a middle school or high school team to receive full points, there must be a minimum of three different school/organization teams competing in that division. If only two schools/organizations are competing, the winning team will receive 3 points and the second place team will receive 2 points.  If only one team is competing they will receive 1 point. Should the competition host allow a school or organization to have more than one middle school or high school team in the Junior Novice or Junior Open division, only the highest scoring team will receive points toward their conference ranking.

 

  1. Schools/organizations may compete in as many local competitions as they choose, however, the rankings are determined by using the highest points earned in two competitions (any ties will be will be broken by using the highest raw scores from the same competitions, and if tied again, using the highest scores earned in the team program ride).

 

  1. When the competition season concludes on April 15, a member school or organization with a high school team or middle school team that ranks 1st through 6th  in either conference division receives recognition and an award for their high school team or middle school team accomplishment in that division.

 

  1. A member school or organization with a high school team ranking 1st through 6th in either conference division is eligible to compete in the ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge National Championship in that division.

 

  1. A member school or organization with a middle school team that ranking 1st through 6th is either conference division is eligible to compete in a clinic/written test/practicum at the ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge National Championship in that division. (Team of two only)

 

1200 Junior Horsemanship Challenge Competition Levels

 

  1. Junior Novice (middle school or high school team)

Program Ride, 2’3”-2’6” Medal Course, optional Derby Course, and Written Test

(Note: a horse/rider combination that has competed in a local or rated horse show at 3’3” or higher must compete in the Open division)

 

  1. Junior Open (middle school or high school team)

Program Ride, 2’9” – 3’ Medal Course, optional Derby Course, and Written Test

 

1300 Teams

 

  1. The local competition host determines the number of team entries/riders allowed to enter the Junior Novice and Junior Open divisions. Based on this information, a school or organization may designate one or more teams consisting of two or three riders to represent them in each division at the middle school and/or high school level.
  2. In each competition phase, the scores for each team member are added and then totaled to determine the final team ranking (for a team of three, the lowest score is dropped in each phase).
  3. If the competition host allows a school or organization to have more than one middle school or high school team in the Junior Novice or Junior Open division, only the highest scoring team will receive points toward their conference ranking.

 

1400 Membership and Eligibility

 

  1. Participating schools or organizations pay an annual ANRC membership fee of $300.  A paid membership allows access to all ANRC materials, including a rule book, guide for competition hosts, study resources, program rides, and score sheets by logging into the ANRC website www.anrc.org. (there are no additional membership fees for students or coaches)
  2. A member school or organization must apply to host an ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge competition. Approved dates are posted on the ANRC website.
  3. Competition hosts are required to submit a $10 fee for each entered rider within 10 days of the competition.
  4. Competition hosts are required to report all official scores for individuals and teams to ANRC within 2 days of the competition.
  5. All riders entered must be officially enrolled in a full-time curriculum in a middle school, high school, or homeschool.
  6. Entered riders must be in good academic standing.

 

1500 Entries

 

  1. Host competition management determines the entry fee for all ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge competitors (not to exceed $80 per rider) and any additional ground or administrative fees.
  2. Host competition management creates the prize list using the provided ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge template and sets the entry deadline and number of organizations/teams allowed to enter each division.
  3. Coaches/Trainers/Competitors must complete an official ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge team entry blank and waiver.(signed by rider’s parent/guardian if under 18).
  4. Management may request signatures on additional facility waivers.
  5. Entered riders may ride a privately owned horse/pony or an organization owned horse/pony. The same horse/pony rider combination must compete in all phases. A horse/pony may be ridden in one other division with a different rider.
  6. Management and/or facility host may offer to lease horse(s) to entered rider(s) for the competition.
  7. Riders may enter an ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge competition at any level with the following exceptions: (1) a horse/rider combination that has competed in a local or rated horse show at 3’3” or higher must compete in the Open divisions (2) a horse/rider combination that places in the top ten at the ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge National Championship at the Novice level must advance to the Junior Open level in subsequent years’ competition.
  8. A draw is conducted to establish the order of go for teams in each mounted phase. The coach may choose the order in which their riders compete.
  9. Results and standings are posted on the ANRC website: www.anrc.org.

 

1600 Required Officials

 

  1. Meet Director at the host facility
  2. USEF “R” or “r” Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judge or ANRC judge must officiate
  3. Designated Steward (not associated with the host facility, coach, or competitor)
  4. Official Scorer
  5. Proctor for Written Test
  6. Announcer
  7. Starter / Bit checker for each mounted phase
  8. Scribe(s) for Program Ride
  9. EMT present for schooling sessions and all mounted competition phases

 

1700 Judging Criteria

 

  1. A USEF licensed “R” or “r” in Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation judge or ANRC judge must officiate. Where applicable, USEF rules for hunter seat equitation apply in all mounted phases of the competition. Judges are to reward excellence in the rider’s position, control, and effectiveness in each mounted phase in accordance with the rider’s division and competition level. Emphasis is placed on the rider’s ability to execute a smooth and accurate performance with their horse.
  2. The written test is taken online and proctored in a designated location.
  3. All scores are tabulated using the electronic scoresheet provided by ANRC and posted during the competition.

 

1800 Schooling

 

  1. Each school must have a designated coach/trainer present during all schooling sessions.
  2. Management may determine an order for schooling by teams.
  3. Management may allow more than one team to school at the same time in each venue.
  4. Prohibited in competition and schooling: Draw reins, dropped nosebands; abrasive nosebands; figure eights and /or flashes; hackamores; hoods; blinkers; or any training device.

 

1900 Rider Appointments/Equipment

 

  1. Hunting attire or hunter seat horse show attire must be worn in all mounted phases.
  2. Shadbellies are permissible (but not required) in the Derby style course.
  3. A rider must wear ASTM approved protective headgear with secured harness at all times when mounted.
  4. Riders must wear breeches, boots, or chaps during schooling. A hunter-type saddle is required in all phases and schooling.  
  5. See each phase for acceptable bits and additional equipment.
  6. Blunted spurs may be used in all phases of the competition.  
  7. A crop may be used in schooling and competition if it is less than 30” long.
  8. Boots and exercise bandages are permissible in all phases.
  9. Braiding is optional but recommended at the championship level.
  10. The following are prohibited in competition and schooling: Draw reins, dropped nosebands; abrasive nosebands; figure eights and /or flashes; hackamores; hoods or blinkers; training devices.
  11. Questions on the acceptability of tack must be directed to the designated Steward who will make an immediate decision.

 

2000 Program Ride Specifications/Scoring

 

  1. Program rides for the ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge are furnished by the ANRC for each level with a maximum score of 200 points. (multiplied by .5 to convert to 100)
  2. A leather bridle with a snaffle is required (see USEF Rule Book, DR 26, with the exception of the Baucher labeled number 7 which is prohibited).  Martingales are forbidden.
  3. The minimum ring size is 60’ x 100’ using standard dressage arena letters.
  4. A description of the program ride pattern is provided.
  5. There is one trotting fence (2’ Junior Novice and  2’3-2’6” Junior Open)
  6. There is one cantering fence (2’-2’3 Junior Novice and 2’3-2’6 Junior Open)
  7. Program rides are to be memorized.
  8. Management may choose to conduct a demonstration ride for each competition level for competitors to observe and to allow the judge to “practice scoring” before the competition begins.
  9. Management provides a warm-up area for this phase with a vertical and an oxer
  10. Management  designates a “bit checker/starter” for each mounted phase
  11. The judge may sit wherever he/she chooses but the location must be the same for all competitors. A scribe will sit with the judge to record scores and comments.
  12. The judge will ring a bell when ready for the competitor.  The competitor must enter the ring within one minute after the bell has sounded. Failure to enter within one minute will result in elimination of the rider in that phase.
  13. Each movement is given a score 0-10 with 10 being the highest.  The score given for each part of the General Impressions will be multiplied by the appropriate coefficient indicated on the scoring sheet.  The scores for each movement and General Impressions will be added together for the total score.  Ties are resolved first by the Position of Rider score, next by the Quality of Performance score, then next by the total of General Impression scores. If a tie still exists, it must be broken by the judge.
  14. 0 = not performed
  15. Elimination = fall of horse and/or rider
  16. Elimination = failure to enter the ring within 60 seconds after a bell or whistle has sounded.
  17. Penalties for errors: 1st error = 3 points; 2nd error = 6 points; 3rd error = elimination
  18. If a rider forgets a movement it is considered an error and a whistle will be blown.  The rider should stop immediately and return to a point indicated by the judge and begin from that point.
  19. The use of rider’s voice in the program ride will not be penalized.
  20. Program ride score sheets are collected and are held in the show office during the competition.  An “official scorer” totals the scores throughout the competition.  
  21. Scores are posted throughout the competition.
  22. Management will use score sheets provided by ANRC and post all scores at a designated location.
  23. A coach/trainer may pick up their team’s program ride score sheets from the show secretary when the entire competition is completed.

 

2100 Medal Phase Specifications/Scoring

 

  1. A score from 1-100 is given by the judge for the rider’s performance and may be announced. No riders will receive an identical score.
  2. A leather bridle with a snaffle or pelham is required.  A standing martingale is permissible.
  3. The Medal course consists of 8-10 fences with at least two changes of direction. Bending lines are recommended when possible. Combinations must be adjusted for ponies.
  4. Fences are 2’3”-2’6” Junior Novice; 2’9”-3”Junior Open
  5. USEF rules for Hunter Seat Equitation will apply.
  6. Horses have a mandatory trot area noted on the course so the entered horse may be evaluated for soundness by the judge.
  7. Management provides a warm-up area with a vertical fence and an oxer.
  8. Management designates a “bit checker/starter” for this phase.
  9. Management will use score sheets provided by ANRC and post all scores at a designated location.

 

2200 Derby Course Specifications/Scoring

 

  1. A score from 1-100 is given by the judge for the rider’s performance and may be announced. No riders will receive an identical score.
  2. A leather bridle with a snaffle or pelham is required.  A standing martingale is permissible.
  3. The Derby style course consists of 8-10 natural fences placed inside a ring; inside and outside of a ring; or in a field.
  4. Fences are 2’3”-2’ 6” for Junior Novice and 2’9”-3” for Junior Open.
  5. There must be at least two changes of direction; a hand gallop to a fence; a trot fence; and a halt.
  6. When terrain permits, the course may include any of the following at the allowed height and width for the level being offered: downhill fence; uphill fence; vertical fence; spread; bank.
  7. USEF rules for Hunter Seat Equitation will apply.
  8. Horses will have a mandatory trot area noted on the course so the entered horse may be evaluated for soundness by the judge.
  9. Management will use score sheets provided by ANRC and post all scores at a designated location.

 

2300 Written Test Specifications/Scoring

 

  1. ANRC provides an online written test based on information from the ANRC Study Guide or any additional resources cited on the ANRC website.
  2. The Written Test is given at a designated location under supervision of a proctor. Laptop computers may be provided or students may bring their own device.
  3. The timed test consists of 25-50 multiple choice or true/false questions that add up to 100 points. Tests are graded electronically. Incorrectly answered questions will appear at the end of the test with the correct answer given.
  4. There will be questions within the test to serve as tiebreakers. If a tie still remains, the individual with the highest total score on the program ride will be granted the higher written test placing.
  5. Management will post scores at a designated location.

 

2400 During Schooling and/or the Competition

 

  1. Only entered riders may ride entered horses on the grounds.
  2. Coaches, trainers, and others may not ride/school entered horses on the grounds.
  3. ASTM approved protective headgear with a secured harness is required for all competitors while mounted.
  4. No person will be allowed in the competition area during the time of judging, except those with official duties to perform.
  5. An ambulance or emergency service provider (EMT) will be present at all riding phases. Any competitor that is apparently unconscious or concussed to be precluded from competing until s/he can be evaluated by qualified medical personnel. If a qualified medical personnel determines that a concussion or unconsciousness has been sustained, the competitor is barred from competition until s/he is cleared by a licensed medical technician.
  6. Competitors may not hold official positions during the competition.
  7. A written program with the competition schedule will be provided at the competition. All entries will be listed in the program and will include the rider’s name, number, and the organization they are representing.
  8. Exhibitors’ numbers will be provided at the competition and must be worn in such a way as to be clearly visible to the judges during the competition.
  9. Questions or disputes that arise, and are not addressed in the ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge Rules as posted on www.anrc.org  will be the decision of the Steward. Any infraction of the rules by a coach or competitor on the competition grounds could result in elimination.

 

2500 ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge Competition Awards

 

  1. In each division, awards are given for the top 6 individual placings in each competition phase. Separate awards are given to middle and high school teams.
  2. The scores for each team member are added in each phase, then totalled to determine the final team placings in each division 1st-6th (when a team of three is designated the lowest score is dropped in each phase). Separate awards are given to middle and high school teams.
  3. At the conclusion of the competition each participant receives their program ride score sheet.
  4. A Judge’s Choice Award is given to the competitors that impress the judge with the quality of their horse’s condition, tack, and turnout (up to three may be selected).
  5. A rider receiving 80% or greater in each phase of one team competition at a member competition in either division is eligible to apply for an ANRC Junior Challenge Conference Scholarship. Competitors that meet this qualification are listed on the ANRC website and will receive instructions to apply.  
  6. All results and conference standings are posted on the ANRC website.

 

2600 Conference Awards

 

  1. A member school or organization with a high school team or middle school team that finishes in the top 6 of either conference division receives recognition and awards for their team’s accomplishment in that division.

 

2700 Championship Qualification

  1. Championship qualification is determined when the competition season ends April 15.
  2. A member school or organization with a high school team ranking 1st through 6th in either conference division is eligible to compete in the ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge National Championship in that division. The championship will determine the ANRC Horsemanship Challenge Conference Champion in each division and an overall ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge National Champion in each division for high school teams.
  3. A member school or organization with a middle school team ranking 1st through 6th in either conference division is eligible to compete in a horsemanship clinic, written test, and practicum at the ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge National Championship in that division (team of two only). The championship will determine the ANRC Horsemanship Challenge Conference National Champion in each division and an overall ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge National Champion in each division for middle school teams.
  4. Providing 20 schools/organizations with high school teams and middle school teams join ANRC each year, there are no entry fees to attend the championship. Shipping, stabling, transportation, and accommodations are the responsibility of each team.
  5. ANRC reserves the right to modify the criteria for Championship qualification within a given competition year and will review the criteria for Championship qualification preceding each competition year.

 

2800 Results and Official Notifications

 

  1. Completed scoresheets must be emailed within (2) days of the competition to ANRC Chair, Patte  Zumbrun at pzumbrun@goucher.edu.
  2. One check that includes $10 per each entered rider must be mailed within (10) days of the competition to the ANRC Secretary, Marion Lee, 705 Longfellow Drive NE, Leesburg, VA, 20176. marionhlee@verizon.net  
  3. Official results are posted on the ANRC Website at www.anrc.org:
    1. Junior Horsemanship Challenge local and championship results
    2. Conference team rankings
    3. Riders eligible to apply for an ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge Conference Scholarship
    4. Teams eligible for conference awards
    5. High school teams eligible for the ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge National Championship
    6. Middle school teams eligible for the ANRC Junior Horsemanship Challenge National Championship in the clinic/practicum/written test competition.