AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 118

Intellectual Disability Microcephaly Multiple Sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Post Polio Syndrome Prader Willie Syndrome Rhett Syndrome Spina Bifida Spinal Cord Injury Touretts Syndrome Traumatic Brain Injury Trisomy Abnormalities Vision Impairment Other diagnoses will be considered upon request. i) The following disorders are not eligible: ADHD Anxiety Disorders Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Depression Dyslexia Eating Disorders Fibromyalgia Learning Disabilities Psychological Diagnosis j) The rider or their family does not have to own the horse. k) Handler – One (1) handler per entry in the ring to facilitate the safety of the rider. The handler must be eighteen (18) years of age or over. A halter must be on the horse either over or under the bridle for use by the handler if needed. The handler must have a suitable lead line in hand in case of need. Lead line cannot be fastened to the bit. Handlers will stand quietly as a group in a designated area of the ring unless their assistance is required and requested by the judge or ring steward. l) A competitor with a hearing impairment can have an assistant who communicates via sign language or cue cards to the competitor so they can conform to the judge’s directives. This assistant will be outside the ring and their position known to the judge and ring steward; m) Judges are not permitted to alter the mandatory workout in any manner. Markers must be used, may be numbered. People must not be used as markers no matter if they are safety stand-by spotters. n) Handlers, in appropriate attire, must stand with their riders along the rail in the line-up. Handler may only help at judge’s or ring steward’s indication. 97.2 Tack and Equipment a) Equipment is to conform to the needs of the competitor and be suitable for the horse. b) Special adaptive equipment may be used where appropriate. Acceptable adaptive equipment includes: Audio Communications Bareback Pads Boot Adaptations Dowel Reins Page 118