In the past few days, several NSBA judges attended the judging seminar in Irving, Texas at the Westin Hotel. It was a time for judges to recertify their judges cards and learn new rule changes and scoring systems. We have provided bullet points of topics that were discussed during the NSBA meeting to inform our readers of some important issues brought up during the seminars.
NSBA Seminar, Sunday December 11th, 2011
* We had a soundness discussion with Gary Trubee where he discussed that any horses that exhibit Grade Three lameness or higher should be excused from the arena. Grade Three and higher lameness is defined as:
1) Consistently observable at the trot under all circumstances
2) Marked bobbing hitching, or shortened stride
3) Minimal weight bearing in motion and or at rest and inability to move
*Longe Line Score Sheets–One of the more important discussions was on the new Longe Line scoring sheets. David Dellin taught this seminar where we watched several runs and scored them with the new system. Please make sure if you are showing in this class next year to view the new system to see how the scoring has changed. Click Here to view the new score sheet. The Walk is now scored 1-3 points; Trot/Jog 1-7; Lope/Canter 1-7; Circle 1-3; Manners/Attitude 1-7 both ways of the ring. Conformation is now scored 1-6. One of the major changes was that the horse must walk two lengths total or will be accessed a 5 point penalty. Also, once the class has started, a horse warming up prior to their go may only warm up at the walk.
* Lease Rule–Leased horses are eligible to show in NSBA non-pro, open and youth events. NSBA will accept leases that are recorded and approved with their appropriate breed registry. All appropriate leased paperwork from breed registry must be received in the NSBA office prior to competition. A $30 filing fee is due with the lease paperwork. NSBA membership is required for the leasee for the purpose of ShowPerks Rewards, Smart Points and year-end awards. Any money won by the leasee at horse shows will be recorded to their rider earnings. When the lease is approved by NSBA, the leasee will receive a confirmation letter.
* Showmanship, Horsemanship, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Equitation Over Fences are NSBA approved classes for next year. There will be regular amateur and youth classes as well as Non Pro, Intermediate Non-Pro, and Limited Non Pro classes.
Please visit NSBA.com for more detailed information regarding these new rules and classes.
