Bits & Pieces
A Promising and Enjoyable Restart
The Covid-19 has wrecked havoc on every breed’s
horse show season. WHOA is just now restarting what
had been a most promising season. The WHOA Shows
held in the last couple of weeks have been hugely successful.
The new criteria for shows that affect every
facet made a difference in all aspects. However the
WHOA members have met the challenge with smiles and
no complaints---at least I haven’t been verbally attacked
(YET!!!)
Finding a bit of humor in the fact that only one attendant
can go thru inspection with the horse AND EV-
ERYONE in the inspection area MUST wear a mask, it
brought a smile to WHOA DQP, Terry Martin when the
horse and his attendant BOTH wore masks ( please check
it out in the picture accompanying this blurb) during the
inspection process. Folks during this extremely dangerous
time, while we must take all precautions it is ok to
add a bit of humor to this crazy situation.
Yours truly has been self-quarantined for several
months. Now I know you are wondering is her house
spotless? No! Stalls clean? You betcha! Yard mowed, weed
eated, full of different plants procured from neighbors????
You betcha!!!!! At LEAST 10 pounds heavier????? Sad
but true---I have tried several new recipes, sampling as I
cook, and the resulting image is not very pleasant.
A positive that I can report is the horses at GotRox are
receiving more attention.
My advice: stay home when you possibly can===take
safety precautions such as washing your hands OF-
TEN===this virus is not over and we want to be safe!
–Sis
There are rule infractions that we might encounter
in our haste to switch equipment, switch horses and/or
switch our attire that can cause you to be disqualified or
have points taken off.
In the past few shows I have noticed: mixed equipment
such as; English browband or bridle with a western saddle---cause
for disqualification.
Another cause for disqualification is the use of TWO
hands on the reins in a trail class while riding with western
equipment. (IF the horse is 5 or under and you are
using a snaffle bit then two hands are permitted.)
An exhibitor’s hat flying off in a speed event such as
barrels or poles is a 5 second penalty. Folks, use a stampede
string --- the rule says the hat must be on your body
so if it comes off your head but the string keeps it around
your neck you are OK!!!! That added on 5 seconds might
6 • Walking On
Rule Reminders
just cost you the win.
A person cannot use an “Over and Under,” to do so
will result in a 5 second penalty. You may hit the horse
behind the girth to encourage it to run faster but not
back and forth over the neck and then to the rear.
The ONLY class in which a youth is allowed to show
a stallion is the weanling class!!!!! Also you can not be a
youth for one class and decide to be an adult in another.
A youth’s age is determined January 1st of the current
year.
Just be aware of these penalties so that you do not get
marked down due to carelessness. Enjoy your horse and
always strive to do your best but remember the real goal
is to have fun.
–Sis