AQHA 2015 Rule Book | Page 85

SECTION FIVE CLASSES, EQUIPMENT AND ATTIRE 80. GENERAL 80.1 Reruns will not be allowed in instances of equipment failure. When exhibitor equipment failure causes a delay or a run to be discontinued, the judge will disqualify the entry. 80.2 In any approved class, the judge will have the authority to require the removal or alteration of any piece of equipment or accoutrement which is unsafe, or in his/her opinion, would tend to give a horse an unfair advantage or which he/she believes to be inhumane. 80.3 Lameness The judge will examine and check for lameness all horses exhibited in any class. This is essential regardless of whether or not the competition indicates it is necessary. Obvious lameness will be cause for disqualification. Obvious lameness is: a) Consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances; b) Marked nodding, hitching or shortened stride; c) Minimal weight-bearing in motion and/or at rest and inability to move. 80.4 Safety Helmets - It is optional that an exhibitor can wear a safety helmet which conforms to the current Australian Safety Standards in all classes except: a) That it is mandatory that all exhibitors wear such helmets in the Hunter Hack class and when schooling over fences; b) All Youth competitors must wear such helmets when competing in all speed classes, lead line and walk and jog. Speed classes are defined as classes where speed is the determining factor and include, but are not limited to, camp drafting, working cow horse, roping, barrel racing, flag, key hole and pole bending. c) The chin strap must be securely fastened under the chin at all times during competition and practice. 80.5 Training Equipment No training equipment is allowed in the marshalling area or the performance arena one (1) hour prior to the commencement of the show and one (1) hour after the cessation of the show. 81. ENGLISH These rules apply to Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter in Hand, Hunter Hack and Pleasure Driving. Any exception see individual class rule. 81.1 Equipment a) An English snaffle (no shank), kimberwick, pelham and/or full bridle (with two reins); all with cavesson nosebands and plain leather brow bands must be used. NB: Hack classes are run under EA or Hack Council rules which allow decorative brow bands; b) In reference to mouthpieces, nothing can protrude below the mouthpiece (bar). Solid and broken mouthpieces must be between 8mm to 20mm in diameter, measured 25mm from the cheek and cannot Page 85