American Haflinger Alliance

Show Rules

• Begin your ride by having your helper hold up your show card in front of the camera for five seconds. (Pre-filled show cards will be emailed within 72 hours of entry. In a hurry? Print this blank card and start right away!)
• As soon as the class or test is finished, the camera must slowly circle the horse and rider showing all equipment and attire, including spurs and whip if used. If the videographer is unable or unwilling to enter the arena for filming, the rider may turn the horse slowly to allow complete filming of the equipment. Following equipment check, the rider will dismount and show that two fingers can fit between the bosal or cavesson and the horse’s cheek, then drop the bit so it can be evaluated. Hold the bridle so as not to obscure the curb strap or curb chain. Demonstrate that the curb strap or chain is flexible and is at least ½ inch wide. Make sure the judge can see all parts of the bridle, including bit and reins clearly. Exceptional riders and all drivers are exempt from the dropping the bit requirement.
• Each ride must be filmed continuously with no starting and stopping
• Horse and rider/driver/handler must both be completely visible in the frame at all times.
• Dressage test readers and rail class timers/gait callers allowed; no other coaching is permitted
• Natural background sound must be audible in your video. Entries with sound removed or covered will be disqualified.
• Neat and tidy appearance and clean and safe tack are required. Show clothes and silver tack are welcome, but will not be an advantage!
• Bridle or saddle pad numbers are not allowed.
• Approved headgear is encouraged for all, but required for all riders and drivers under 18 and those competing in disciplines that require helmets (e.g., hunter/jumper).
• Rider and horse age is determined as of January 1st of the competition year.
• Please follow the standard equipment rules for each discipline. The horse’s legs must be bare with no wraps or boots for all classes.
• We welcome participation by all Haflingers that meet the breed standard for appearance, including chestnut coat with cream mane and tail. We do not require Haflingers to be registered but they must visibly appear to be Haflingers.
• If the judge decides your horse doesn’t meet the breed standard for appearance of Haflingers, your ride will not be judged and all entry fees refunded (horses with registration numbers listed on entry are exempted).
• If the judge determines that a horse appears lame, the judge has the right to eliminate the exhibitor from consideration and no refunds will be given.
• Videos must be filmed for and submitted to only the AHA! International Haflinger Celebration 2023 Virtual Show. A video of a test/ride from another competition that has already been judged must be eliminated. Any video suspected of having been filmed during another competition will not be scored.
• No horse may be ridden more than once in any class with the same class number, including Test of Choice classes. Noncompliance with the above guidelines will cause the class entry to be eliminated.
• Horse and rider combinations cannot cross enter between W/T and W/T/C rail classes. W/T/C riders may enter Intro Dressage or Over Fences Cross Rails. Horse and rider combinations entered in Walk Only classes may not enter any other riding classes.
• National Dressage Pony Cup classes are height restricted. All Ponies must have official USEF Pony Measurements on file and all Small Horses must have official NDPC Small Horse Measurement forms on file.
• The judge’s decision is final. There is no provision for a formal protest.