There are some important changes to Versatility divisons and class structure, including the addition of Stock Horse Versatility Working Western classes, so please review the Class Descriptions and Rules & Regulations below carefully. For further information about the different levels of Refined Horse Versatility please visit the Versatility page or www.US-RHA.com.

The updated Prize List/Entry Form including Working Western class information and an updated entry for is available here. All information is below, with exception of the entry form. Online registration for the new Stock Horse classes will be functional in the coming weeks.

Hy Court is now offering three Prix Caprilli tests. The tests are available for download here: Test 1, Test 2, Test 3. Please note that we will be using the 20x60 arena, not the 20x40 as noted on the tests sheets.

The Hy Court Farm 2012 Horse Show Dates are:

• April 29 (rain date May 6)
• May 27 (rain date June 3)
• September 30 (rain date Oct 14)
• October 28 (rain date November 4)

If you have any questions, please contact Janet Manley at (512) 659-4944 or Janet@HyCourtFarm.com.

Class Descriptions

USDF and USEF 2011 Dressage tests are offered from Intro through Fourth Level for Sport Horse or Stock Horse. See rules section for tack and equipment specifications.

Prix Caprilli provides an opportunity for the horse and rider to demonstrate skills in dressage and jumping. The horse must softly accept the bit and may show more roundness in the parts of the test separate from the jumps. Trot work to be done posting. Refusals will be penalized as an error of course. Knockdowns will be penalized at the judge’s discretion. Prix Caprilli tests must be ridden in Sport Horse tack.

Refined Horse Versatility classes are designed to promote the developing and competing of horses who are willing partners... prepared for life...refined in their responsiveness and confident of their abilities...in and out of the arena. The Working Dressage, Working Hunter, Working Western and Suitability for Versatility classes are two phase tests comprised of a Refined Riding Phase and an Obstacle Phase. The Obstacle Phase will be ridden outdoors in a natural setting. RHV is split into levels according to the development of the horse (more information about levels below). Information about Refined Horse Versatility is available here or www.US-RHA.com.

In-Hand Versatility Section

Exhibitors will show their horses in-hand over a course of 6-9 obstacles at a walk and trot. Open to yearlings and up. Horses may be shown in a leather, nylon or rope halter, Bridles are NOT permitted. Stud chains are not permitted. Handlers may carry a dressage whip/crop. Two levels of In-Hand Versatility are now being offered. Sport Horses and Stock Horses will be judged together in In-Hand classes.

Elementary Level is a basic test of in-hand skills and will be judged on the handler’s display of accuracy, thoughtful presentation of obstacles to the horse and overall smoothness of the course.

Novice Level will be on advancement of skills and an understanding of the more technical, accurate aspects of horsemanship. Simple lateral moves are included.

Suitability for Refined Horse Versatility

This class is an introductory class for the developing versatility horse. The Refined Riding Phase will be a walk/trot under-saddle class and will include rein back. In the Obstacle Phase a basic course of 6-9 obstacles will be ridden in a natural setting at the walk and trot. Class will be split between Sport Horse and Stock Horse tack. No jumping is required.

Working Dressage Section – No jumping required in the three levels offered below

Elementary Level is a basic test of horsemanship. Refined Riding Phase - USDF 2011 Intro C test. Obstacle Phase - simple course of 6-9 obstacles ridden in a natural setting at the walk and trot. The Obstacle Phase will be judged on the rider’s display of accuracy, thoughtful presentation of obstacles to the horse and overall smoothness of the course.

Novice Level is a somewhat more challenging test of horsemanship and developing skills. Refined Riding Phase - USEF 2011 Training 3 test. Obstacle Phase - a simple course of 6-9 obstacles will be ridden in a natural setting at the walk and trot. Emphasis at this level of versatility will be on advancement of skills demonstrated in Elementary and an understanding of the more technical, accurate aspects of horsemanship.

Preliminary Level is a test of advancing skill and refinement. Refined Riding Phase test - USEF First Level Test 3. Obstacle Phase - a course of 6-9 obstacles will be ridden in a natural setting. Course may include walk, trot and canter. Emphasis will be on refinement of skills demonstrated in Novice and an deeper understanding of the more technical, accurate aspects of horsemanship.

** NEW ** Working Western Section

All requirements are the same as those for the Working Dressage section of Sport Horse Versatility with the exception of tack specifications. Please see the rules section for more information. All Refined Riding tests will use USDF/USEF 2011 tests. Stock Horse classes will be judged separately from Sport Horse classes with the exception of In-Hand Versatility.

Working Hunter Section – Jumping IS required

Elementary Level is the most basic test of horsemanship. Refined Riding Phase test Prix Caprilli Test 1. Obstacle Phase - simple course of 6-9 obstacles and jumps (cross rails) ridden in a natural setting at the walk and trot. The Obstacle Phase will be judged on the rider’s display of accuracy, thoughtful presentation of obstacles to the horse and overall smoothness of the course.

Novice Level is a somewhat more challenging test of horsemanship and developing skills. Refined Riding Phase test - Prix Caprilli Test 2. Obstacle Phase - a simple course of 6-9 obstacles and jumps (2’) ridden in a natural setting at the walk and trot. Emphasis at this level of versatility will be on advancement of skills demonstrated in Elementary and an understanding of the more technical, accurate aspects of horsemanship.

Preliminary Level is a test of advancing skill and refinement. Refined Riding Phase test - Prix Caprilli Test 3. Obstacle Phase - a simple course of 6-9 obstacles and jumps (2’6”) ridden in a natural setting at the walk, trot and canter. Emphasis at this level of versatility will be on advancement of skills demonstrated in Elementary and Novice and an understanding of the more technical, accurate aspects of horsemanship.

Refined Horse Versatility Sections and Levels

Rules and Regulations

USDF and USEF guidelines will generally be followed.

Judges are selected by their high credentials, commitment to refined horsemanship and commitment to the local horse community. Judges will be posted on the website prior to the show date. The Judge’s decisions are final and must be accepted in a sportsmanlike manner.

Poor sportsmanship may cause disqualification and can result in expulsion from the grounds. Hy Court Farm believes that fair and friendly competition develops Sportsmanship. All facets of sport should reflect courage, patience, good temper and unselfishness.

The Horse Show Management reserves to itself the right to interpret all questions and conditions in regard to or arising out of any incident in the show without claims for damages or recourse of any kind. All questions not covered in these rules and regulations shall be decided by the Horse Show Management, their decision to be final.

The Horse Show Management reserves to itself the right to refuse, accept conditionally, or to cancel any entries, disqualify riders or exhibitors, prohibit exhibition of entries and cancel award prizes, without claim to damages; to change, cancel or combine any classes, to reschedule classes after due notice to exhibitors, or to change rings or rotate judges.

Competitors, trainers, agents, riders or handlers, parents, spectators or associates who cause undo furor or perceived danger to themselves or others, as determined by Show Management, will be asked to remain separated from other competitors or, should the problem be deemed unmanageable, will be asked to leave the show grounds.

Entry into show constitutes acceptance of both the original AND rain date. In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved to the rain date; however the closing date of the horse show (for changes to entries and cancellations) will remain the Wednesday prior to the original date. 24 hour notification of this change will be given to all participants. All fees will be carried over to the rain date. In the event that it is necessary to cancel the rain date also, a full refund will be made. Rain dates for 2012 are listed above.

Entry and scratch policy: Changes to entries must be made no later than the closing date (Wednesday prior to the show). After the closing date, no changes will be made. If you must cancel after the closing date, a refund of entry and paddock/day pen fees will be made only if the entry can be filled from the waiting list, less a $10 office fee.

Closing Date: Entry information, fees and Coggins must be received by the Show Secretary by the Wednesday prior to the show.

Online Registration is available through the Hy Court Farm website and payment may be made at time of registration with PayPal. Contact Show Secretary with questions.

Versatility Classes: Riders may enter more than one Versatility class with the exception of cross-entering levels of Versatility with the same horse/rider combination. Each Versatility course may have modifications. Versatility courses will be open for walking prior to the start of the class. No schooling of the course is permitted prior to the show.

Tack rules: USDF rules apply for all Dressage tests including Prix Caprilli with the exception that bitless bridles (non-mechanical type) will be permitted. Riding in halters is not permitted. Working Western horses must show in a snaffle bit of approved type or a non-mechanical (bosal) hackamore. USEF Hunter rules apply for Working Hunter with the exception that martingales of any sort, standing or running, are not allowed. Boots and bandages are not permitted in any judged class. Hoof boots are permitted. Vienna reins/sliding side reins/draw reins are always prohibited on the grounds.

Dress code: Appropriate schooling attire required, e.g. boots, breeches (blue jeans for western), shirt with collar. Jackets are waived. Clothing should be neat and clean. Approved helmets must be worn at ALL times when mounted. Braiding is not required.

Lunging is permissible in open areas on the grounds and in the round pen only. No lunging in warm-up arenas!

Competition arenas will NOT be available for warm-up or schooling purposes before or during the show. Use of competition arenas for warm-up purposes will result in elimination. Schooling in competition arenas will be permitted for one hour after completion of the show.

Stallions: Well behaved stallions are always welcome. Rider/handlers must be over 18.

All dressage tests may be called. Obstacle courses must be ridden from memory.

Friendly dogs are welcome but MUST be kept on a leash at all times. Please bring proof of rabies vaccination.

Professional photography for profit is not permitted. Exhibitors are welcome to take photographs of friends and family for personal use.

General Information

Hy Court Farm offers spacious, well planned show grounds with ample parking and warm-up areas. Water is easily available and clean restroom facilities are convenient.

Ride times will be posted on the website by 9:00pm on the Friday evening before the show.

Show grounds open at 7am. Obstacle courses will be open for course walk at 7am the morning of the show. Schooling of horses on the obstacle course prior to classes is not permitted.

Show starts at 9:00am. If number of entries warrant, start time may be earlier. In the event of an earlier start, it will be posted on the website by the Friday before the show.

Stabling is available on a limited basis. Day pens available (12’ x 12’ wood or metal panel construction) for $15/horse. Limited overnight paddocks are available for $35/ night. Includes shelter, water, and night check. Overnight paddocks are limited to two horses per paddock.

Grounds fee for non-competing horses $15. Horses entered in the show will have priority over non-competing horses for day pens and paddocks.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the show. Exhibitors are welcome to bring their own coolers however alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted.

Awards

Classes may be combined or cancelled at the discretion of show management. Classes may be split into JR/YR, Amateur and Open divisions if entries warrant.

Rosettes will be given for first through sixth place.

Year End High Point Champion and Reserve Champion: Points totals will be totaled using BOTH the Spring and Fall show series results, and the horse/rider combination with the highest total at the end of the season will be the Year End Grand Champion. The horse/rider combination with the second highest total will be the Year End Reserve Grand Champion. Year End Champion will receive $250 and a Champion ribbon. The Reserve Champion will receive a Reserve Champion ribbon.

Riders will be permitted one change of horse during the season to retain eligibility for High Point Championship. This takes into consideration sale of horse, injury or other situation. Once a change has been made, changing back to the original horse is not permitted.

Points will be awarded as follows: Every horse in the class is awarded one point for each horse they beat plus one point. For example, the winner of a ten horse class gets ten points and the tenth horse gets one point. In a five horse class, the winner gets five points and the fifth place horse gets one. All Versatility class placings earn DOUBLE points!

Special Awards: LOPE Texas sponsors an award for the High Scoring Thoroughbred at each of the shows throughout the year. All purebred Thoroughbreds are eligible for this award.

Outstanding horsemanship may be recognized by Show Management with special recognition throughout the year.

Directions

From Austin: From I-35, take Hwy 71 East towards Bastrop. Go approximately 15 miles to Hwy 21. Turn right on Hwy 21, towards San Marcos. Go 7 miles to FM 535 in Cedar Creek. Turn left on FM 535. Go 4.7 miles and the driveway is on the left. 4656 FM 535 Watch for signs!

From Lockhart: Take Hwy 20 North to Rockne. Go left on FM 535 Go 2.7 miles and the driveway is on the right. 4656 FM 535 Watch for signs!