United States Refined Horsemanship Association

Competitor Guidelines

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Refined Horse Versatility Competition Rules

Foundation Shows

The United States Refined Horsemanship Association promotes rewarding, safe and lasting partnerships with horses through Refined Horse Versatility (RHV) competitions. These shows are designed to create a horse who is the Ultimate Partner…refined and versatile. Through working a horse in refinement with correct biomechanics and providing meaningful opportunities to build partnership, the horse becomes a willing partner keen to satisfy the desires of the rider and has physical longevity.

Refined Horse Versatility competitions will be offered at two levels, Recognized and Foundation.

Refined Horse Versatility Foundation shows are entry level local shows for show organizers, judges and competitors to become familiar with Refined Horse Versatility (RHV) competition.

After the Foundation level shows, Recognized Refined Horse Versatility competitions will be offered featuring a national achievement point system and awards.

Refined Horse Versatility Classes

Competition is offered in the following divisions: Sport Horses, Stock Horses and Soft-Gaited Horses. These divisions may be divided into sections as follows:

Sport Horse - Working Dressage, Working Hunter

Soft-gaited Horse - Working Dressage, Working Western

Stock Horse – Working Western

Shows may offer classes to one or all divisions. Exhibitors should check show listing, on calendar page, to see divisions and classes offered.

Riders may only enter one division and section, e.g. Sport Horse Working Hunter. Handlers/Riders may enter more than one Versatility class (e.g. Elementary Refined Versatility and In-Hand Versatility) at the discretion of show management. If cross entering is permitted, it is suggested that each obstacle course have modifications.

Within each of the divisions offered at competitions, Sport Horse, Stock Horse and Soft-Gaited Horse, the same type of classes will be offered. For example if a show offers Sport Horse and Stock Horse divisions, the same type of Versatility classes will be offered for both.

Example:

Versatility Two-Phase Versatility In-Hand

Sport Horse Sport Horse

Stock Horse Stock Horse

Show management is permitted to combine or split classes as entries warrant.

Refined Versatility

Refined Versatility consists of two phases: a Refined Riding Phase and an Obstacle Phase.

Refined Riding Phase

The Refined Riding phase is a ridden test appropriate to the horse’s current state of development. It is designed to showcase refinement in communication between horse and rider, resulting in a display of a high degree of collection. It is this development of collection that allows the horse to perform movements of significant difficulty with ease while expressing confidence and joy.

Refined Riding Phase will be a dressage test from a nationally recognized equestrian association (USDF, USEF, NWHA). Check show entry form for tests offered.

Obstacle Phase

The Obstacle Phase is to show the rider’s ability to direct the horse through a series of obstacles designed to highlight the horse’s willingness and readiness. The obstacle course will consist of 6-9 obstacles that can include functional tasks from the following list:

Stand to be mounted from a block or other fixed object	Walk over a bridge
Walk onto a bridge, stop and stand with a loose rein before walking off	Walk/trot over poles
Walk over a foreign surface, e.g. tarp, brush, etc.	Open/close a gate
Back through and around objects, e.g. poles, cones, barrels, etc.	Turn in a small space, e.g. a small box created with poles
Pick up and carrying an object from one location to another	Weave thru's, e.g. cones, barrels, etc.
Sidepass, can include sidepass over a pole	Water obstacle
Stop at a precise point	Put on a rain slicker or coat
Put a specified hoof in a particular place, e.g. over a pole, in the center of a circle, on an 'X' or target	Narrow corridors - rider must pass through a narrow corridor Walk through a maze of poles

Suitability Classes

This is a two phase class comprised of a Refined Riding Phase (similar to an under saddle class on the flat) and an Obstacle Phase which is an obstacle course. See Refined Versatility Obstacle Phase for more detail. Two classes will be offered:

Class 1 will exhibit at a walk, trot or gait, and rein back.

Class 2 will exhibit at a walk, trot or gait, canter and rein back.

In the Refined Riding Phase, riders will collectively present their horses at the specified gaits. Judging will be on general way of going, smoothness of transitions, manners and quietness. Riders will be asked to individually rein back.

These classes are designed for horses in the initial stages of refined development. An emphasis will be placed on horse working in a biomechanically correct manner. Horse should exhibit a forward, stretching frame with a subtle softening of the jaw and poll. Horses ridden behind the vertical, short in the neck and stiff in the jaw will be penalized accordingly.

In-Hand Versatility Obstacle Class

Exhibitors will show their horses in-hand over 6-9 obstacles at a walk and trot. Exhibitors may be asked lead their horse from the left or right side. Exhibitors may use a suitable bride (w/snaffle bit) or leather, nylon or rope halter. No stud chains. Obstacles will be the same as in the Obstacle Phase of Refined Versatility with the exception of actual mounting. Leading up to mounting block as if to mount will be included. Lateral movements and leading horse from right side will be included at Novice level and above.

Obstacle Course Inspection

Competitors may inspect the obstacle course(s), on foot, prior to the start of Versatility classes and at other select time(s). Course walk time will be posted by the obstacle pattern board near the obstacle course in gate.

Obstacle Course Schooling

At the discretion of show management, the obstacle course can be opened for schooling, to competitors and interested riders, after the last judged ride. This is to give riders the opportunity for further practice or “get their feet wet” by trying it for the first time.

Scoring

The emphasis is placed on the correctness of the foundation and a harmonious, refined partnership. With a correct foundation, the horse will develop into a willing partner who is confident, calm, capable and dependable in all areas of life.

The scoring for both the Refined Riding Phase, Obstacle Phase and In-Hand Obstacle Class will use the scale of 0-10 with 10 being the highest mark.

Refined Versatility

Total points from the Refined Riding Phase and the Obstacle Phase will be combined for the final placement in the competition.

In the Refined Riding Phase, the scoring will primarily follow the guidelines set forth in the USEF rules for dressage. Any exceptions will be noted.

In the Obstacle Phase, the obstacles are marked individually with collective marks at the end.

Suitability Class

Total points from the Refined Riding Phase and the Obstacle Phase will be combined for the final placement in the competition.

In the Refined Riding Phase, riders will be given a separate score for work on the rail and any additional movements that are performed.

In the Obstacle Phase, obstacles are marked individually with collective marks at the end.

In-Hand Versatility Obstacle Class - The obstacles are marked individually with collective marks at the end.

Obstacle Phase Collective Marks will be as follows:

Rider (Handler in an In-Hand class) – leading intention, clarity and effective application of the aids, supportive manner.

Refinement – confidence, willingness, responsiveness, softness, comprehension of aids.

Harmonious acceptance of the aids – relaxation of mouth and tail, softness and use of ears, facial expression.

Showmanship – overall smoothness of working through obstacles and transitions between obstacles, turn-out.

Faults

Faults affect the score for each obstacle depending on the number of occurrences and severity.

It is considered a fault when the horse hits an element of an obstacle, e.g. a pole, or steps out of the boundary of the obstacle.

The use of voice is considered a fault whether talking or clicking once or repeatedly.

Errors

Errors occur when a competitor makes an “error of the course” (takes the wrong turn on course, turns, the wrong way within an obstacle, attempts to do the same obstacle again, etc.). When an error occurs,

the judge will indicate the error by blowing a whistle or similar. The error will be made known and the rider/handler will be re-directed on course. A competitor is not allowed to repeat an obstacle on course unless the judge has decided on an error of course (blows whistle or similar). For example, if a competitor turns the wrong way in working an obstacle, the judge will blow a whistle to indicate an error of course. The competitor will be re-directed to work the obstacle again turning in the correct direction. If, however, the rider/handler has started an obstacle and attempts to do the same obstacle again, the judge must consider the first attempt only and, at the same time, penalize for an error of course.

1. the first time by 2 points;

2. the second time by 4 points;

3. the third time the competitor is eliminated.

Refusals – Obstacle Phase

Refusals or other resistances to working the obstacle, on the part of the horse, will be taken in context. It is the intent of the judging to encourage refined and supportive riding/handling on the part of the rider over promptness of working an obstacle if it is at the expense of the emotional and physical well-being of the horse.

A refusal is considered to have occurred when the horse loses momentum in the direction the obstacle is to be worked. At this point, the handler/rider will be given 60 seconds to engage in working within the intent of the obstacle. If at the end of this time, the horse has not done so, time will be called and the judge will ask the handler/rider to move on to the next obstacle. Horses will not be eliminated to refusals. Or, for safety concerns, the judge may ask for the rider to move to the next obstacle. In either case, horse will receive a “0” for that obstacle.

A horse will not be eliminated for failing to work an obstacle before being asked to move on by the judge. However, the obstacle must be presented to the horse in an attempt to build the ‘try’ in the horse. Failure to do so will result in elimination.

In working an obstacle, if all four feet of the horse leave the boundary(ies) of the obstacle, the rider/handler must move on to the next obstacle and take a “0” for failure to complete the obstacle.

If a horse is presented at an obstacle but never begins the task at hand, the score for that obstacle will start at ‘0.’ It is at the judge’s discretion if any points should be awarded for the quality of the leadership and support offered forth by the rider.

Elimination

Horse and rider combinations shall be eliminated from the competition under the following circumstances:

1. Rider not being able to safely mount horse is grounds for eliminaton. All mounting will take place from a fixed object. Riders may elect to mount from the ground and take a -5 point penalty.

2. In Sport Horse Working Hunter, three unsuccessful attempts to clear a jump(s) are cause for elimination. These attempts are 'in total' and not at each jump.

3. An obstacle must be presented to the horse in an attempt to work the obstacle. Failure to do so will result in elimination.

4. Unsafe and dangerous behavior on the part of the horse or rider is cause for elimination.

5. Use of illegal equipment

6. Unauthorized assistance

7. Three errors of the course

8. Cruelty

9. Marked lameness

10. Fall of horse, defined as horse’s shoulder touching the ground.

11. Fall of rider, defined by when mounted rider is dislodged from saddle AND touches the ground with any part of body.

Additional Notes on Obstacle Scoring

For ease of language, from here on, the term rider will be interchangeable with handler (In-Hand exhibitor).

Scoring will favor riders who support their horses in moments when the horse is afraid, unsure of the situation or lacking in understanding over riders who make or force their horses in attempting to work an obstacle.

The ideal is a horse who negotiates an obstacle promptly, cleanly and smoothly with biomechanical correctness appropriate for that Versatility level of refinement.

Saluting

In all classes, exhibitor should wait for the judge to indicate that she/he is ready before beginning competitive round. This indication may be a verbal or in the sound of a bell, etc.

In-Hand Versatility Obstacle Class

Handler should salute the judge at the entrance of the competitive area prior to starting on course.

Salute should be similar to that of a dressage salute. Handler should place all of the lead shank/rope in the hand closest to the horse. The free hand should be used for the salute.

A final halt and salute should be made after the last obstacle.

Refined Versatility - Obstacle Phase

Course layout may require riders to enter the competitive arena mounted or unmounted. Regardless, rider should salute the judge at the entrance of the competitive arena prior to starting on course.

Salute should be similar to that of a dressage salute.

A final halt and salute should be made after the last obstacle.

Suitability Class – Obstacle Phase

Course layout may require riders to enter the competitive arena mounted or unmounted. Regardless, rider should salute the judge at the entrance of the competitive arena prior to starting on course.

Salute should be similar to that of a dressage salute. A final halt and salute should be made after the last obstacle.

Mounting

Rider not being able to safely mount horse is grounds for eliminaton. All mounting will take place from a fixed object. Riders may elect to mount from the ground and take a -5 point penalty.

It is extremely important that a rider works to have horse’s focus before mounting. It is dangerous to get on a horse who is not focused on the rider.

Horse should stand quietly to allow rider to mount, pick up stirrups and reins. Gathering the reins should NOT be the signal to go.

Reins should be off the horse’s head anytime the horse is being lead. On English saddles, stirrups should be run up until ready to mount.

Judges

Judges are selected by their credentials and commitment to refined horsemanship. The Judge’s decisions are final and must be accepted in a sportsmanlike manner. Poor sportsmanship may cause disqualification.

Attire

Foundation show - Neat, clean and tidy schooling attire is acceptable. When mounted, approved ASTM helmet is required in ALL divisions at ALL times. Boots with riding heel are mandatory when riding.

At the Foundation level, individual show rules may vary concerning exact attire. Contact show management for acceptable attire.