COMPETITION RULES:

1. STEWARDS: The Sound Equine Options may (at any event) designate one or more individuals as a Steward to support the efforts of show officials and the Sound Equine Options’ Board of Directors. The Steward’s responsibilities may include but are not limited to: 1) Monitor show grounds for inhumane treatment of horses and unsportsmanlike conduct; 2) Investigate complaints and issue warnings; and 3) Assist show officials and trustees in any capacity.

 2. Trainers must fulfill all requirements related to hauling, stable facilities, care and training.

 3. Horses may be exhibited in English, Western or other appropriate equine styles and equipment. Exhibitors are asked to wear appropriate attire and head           gear, which reflects the style of their riding. Silver on your saddles or sequins on your shirts will not earn you any extra points.

 4. ILLEGAL equipment that will result in automatic disqualification from the class in which equipment was used in (regardless of discipline) includes:              Snaffle bits with mouthpieces smaller than 5/16″ and/or consisting of nonsmooth material (such as twisted material), and bosals made of anything but rawhide, leather or rope with a flexible core (no metal of any kind). Use of any bit or equipment determined severe by the judges will not be allowed and will result in disqualification from the class in which it was used. Tie downs, martingales, mechanical hackamores, spade and high port bits are strongly discouraged. The judge or steward may prohibit the use of any bit or equipment they consider inhumane or would tend to give a horse/rider an unfair advantage.

5. Horses may be shown with two hands in a snaffle bit or bosal. Showing a horse with two hands when using a curb or shank-type bit is strongly discouraged during any point of the competition (including the finals) and will result in an automatic 10 point deduction from each judge in that class.

6. Training aides (whips, sticks, treats, the tail end of lead rope, etc.) will not be restricted, although trainers should realize that horses shown with the use of training aides will be judged accordingly. Any excessive use of a training aid (including striking the horse) will result in an automatic 10 point deduction from each judge in that class.

7. Excessive spurring or jerking on the reins or lead line during the competition will result in an automatic 10 point deduction from each judge in that class.

8. No person shall alter, change or attempt to hide the natural marking and/or rubbed or raw skin of a horse by surgery, dye, powder or in any other manner. Trainers may clip/trim horses, or leave mane, tail, ears, muzzle and fetlocks natural. Use of false tails or extensions on the mane or tail are prohibited during the competition and will result in an automatic 10 point deduction from each judge in that class. Costume-related tail/mane decorations will be allowed during the freestyle performance. Alteration of tail function (tail blocking, dead tails, etc.) is prohibited at any and all points during the competition and will result in disqualification from the class.

9. Drugs: No person shall administer drugs internally or externally to a horse either before or during the Lucky 7 Trainer Challenge competition or adoption. Any medication, drug, mechanical device or artificial appliance, which is of such character as, could affect or enhance the horse’s performance or appearance at the event is prohibited. If a horse is receiving medication for therapeutic purposes, the trainer must submit a letter from their veterinarian to the Lucky 7 Training Challenge event manager as to the reason for the medication and the prescribed amount SOUND EQUINE OPTIONS MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DRUG TEST ANY HORSE IN THE COMPETITION. Positive tests will result in removal from the event, removal of reimbursement and prize money, refund of adoption fees paid by an adopter and return of a horse to Sound Equine Options should the adopter wish to return the adopted horse. In regard to herbal/natural supplements, trainers are cautioned against the use of medicinal preparations, tonics, pastes and products of any kind, the ingredients and quantitative analysis of which are not specifically known, as many of them may contain a forbidden substance.

10. Trainers will be given specific competition courses. Trainers will have an opportunity to walk through the course with the judges, without their horse, prior to the competition.

CLASS DESCRIPTION & SCORING:

Handling and Conditioning Class – 40 points

Handling – 30 points – Judges will assess the horse’s demeanor and responsiveness during the haltering process, as well as the relationship between horse and trainer through the completion of the additional handling pattern maneuvers including but not limited to the following:

  • Walk
  • Trot
  • Stop
  • Back
  • Pick-up feet
  • Load and unload from trailer
  • Pivot on haunches
  • Pivot on forehand
  • Use of a spray bottle on horse

Conditioning – 10 points – The horse’s condition will be judged in two areas:

  • Appropriate weight/muscling (5 points).
  • Overall Appearance: hair coat, feet condition, etc. (5 points).

No person shall alter, change or attempt to hide the natural marking and/or rubbed or raw skin of a horse by surgery, dye, powder or in any other manner – doing so will result in a 10 point deduction. Trainers may clip/trim horses, or leave mane, tail, ears, muzzle and fetlocks natural. Use of false tails or extensions on the mane or tail are prohibited and will result in disqualification. No points will be deducted for short or rubbed out manes or tails.

Pattern / Trail Class – 70 Points

Pattern Portion:

Contestants will be judged on the execution of 8 compulsory maneuvers.  Each maneuver is worth 5 points. This score will reflect completion of the maneuver as well as the horse’s willingness to execute the maneuver in a relaxed and confident manner. A pattern will be provided 1 week prior to competition for the following maneuvers under saddle:

  • Stop
  • Back
  • Lope or Canter one full circle Right
  • Lope of Canter one full circle Left
  • Simple or Flying lead change
  • Pivot on forehand, Right and Left
  • Sidepass to the Right and Left
  • Jog, extended trot, extended canter or lope, stop with pivot on haunches

Trail Portion:

This class is designed to show a horse’s ability and willingness to perform several tasks that might be asked of him during a normal trail ride or workday. Exhibitors will be asked to ride their horse through a course of generic obstacles and maneuvers. Exhibitors will be able to “walk thru” the course with the judges prior to the class. Horses are not allowed during the walk-thru.

Riding obstacles/maneuvers may include but are not limited to:

  • Walk, trot, canter/lope, stop and back
  • Turns and circles to the left and right
  • Walk over logs/poles
  • Lead change
  • Walk over bridge
  • Maneuver forward and/or reverse through a simple chute
  • Pick up object and carry from barrel to barrel
  • Dragging items specified length
  • Additional elements may be added such as brush, pick up feet, artificial foliage, rain slickers, etc.

Freestyle – 60 points

The freestyle portion of the final’s competition encourages trainers to choose music, costumes and props which permit them to show the athletic abilities of their horse in a crowd appealing way. During the freestyle performance, contestants will be scored based on the following:

Overall Horsemanship – 30 points:

  • Communication/partnership between horse and rider and the horse’s overall willingness to perform and execute maneuvers correctly in a controlled, relaxed and confident manner (15 points).
  • Incorporation of maneuvers and their degree of difficulty (15 points). These maneuvers would include but are not limited to: sidepass, two tracking either direction, pulling or dragging, jumping, serpentines, rollbacks, roping, mounted shooting, lead changes, circles with variance in size and speed, stops, etc.

Artistic Interpretation – 30 points:

  • Components of Choreography – the composition and arrangement of the ride in relation to the music and its rhythm, as well as the use of maneuvers, costumes, and/or props to enhance the performance (15 points).
  • The “WOW” Factor – level of originality and the overall entertainment value (15 points).
  1. All horses will participate in a freestyle performance.
  2. The freestyle performance, trainers will have four minutes to stage or set the arena.
  3. Trainers must provide their own props and assistance for arena set up and tear down—It is the trainer’s responsibility to make sure all props are cleared from the arena immediately following the conclusion of the freestyle performance, including hay, confetti, etc.
  4. Trainers will have up to 4 minutes to complete their freestyle performance—music and time will start when competitor enters the arena.
  5. Props of pyrotechnic nature including fireworks, flares, firecrackers, rings of fire, etc. are not allowed and will result in disqualification.
  6.  Music is a required component of the freestyle performance—if the trainer does not turn in music prior to the event, management may select music for him/her. Music must be submitted as one single track (SEO staff will not transition from one track to another during the performance) as an mp3 file. All music is subject to review and approval by SEO staff. Music must be turned into SEO by September 31st, 2021.
  7. Other animals (dogs, additional horses, additional cattle, etc.) will NOT be allowed in the arena during the finals performance for any reason and will result in disqualification.
  8. Other people (including children) will NOT be allowed in the arena during the finals performance for any reason other than to drive a vehicle to be used during the performance. If someone other than the trainer is driving a vehicle in the performance none of the occupants of the vehicle will be allowed to exit the vehicle while in the arena and the windows must be rolled up at all times (the vehicle, if driven by someone other than the trainer, must be closed-cab; gators, golf carts, ATV’s, etc. will not be allowed and will result in disqualification). Other people are NOT allowed to act as props, ride or come in contact with the horse at any point during the performance and will result in disqualification. Other people may hand props to the trainer from outside the arena.
  9. Horses are not allowed to trot or lope onto or into any moving or covered vehicles/trailers/props of any kind and will result in disqualification.
  10. Horses are not allowed to trot or lope through any moving vehicles/trailers/props of any kind and will result in disqualification.
  11. During the performance, once the horse’s feet leave the arena floor (i.e. if the horse gets on top of a trailer, vehicle or any other obstacle) the trainer must either dismount or remain seated on the horse. The trainer is NOT allowed to stand, kneel, etc., on top of a horse that does not have all four feet on the arena floor and doing so will result in disqualification.
  12. Trainers must wear appropriate footwear during the freestyle performance—bare feet are not allowed and will result in disqualification.
  13. Judges and/or SEO staff may stop any performance at any time if deemed unsafe, dangerous or otherwise inappropriate.
  14. Judge reserves the right to use a “ride off” as a tie breaker for first place.

AWARDS:

  1. ALL TRAINERS competing in the event will be eligible for a minimum of 50% commission from auction sale of horse.
  2. OVERALL WINNERS The Top 5 trainers scoring the highest points in the overall competition will receive prize money. Additional awards may be added. Prize money will be distributed by check and will be mailed to the winning trainers after the competition:

Champion – $2000

2nd Place – $1000

3rd Place –  $750

4rd Place – $ 500

5th Place – $ 250

  1. CLASS WINNERS The Top 3 trainers scoring the highest points in each individual class shall receive the prize money listed below. Prize money will be distributed by check and will be mailed to the winning trainers after the competition.

1st Place – $500

2nd Place – $300

3rd Place – $100

  1. FAN FAVORITE The fan favorite will be decided on by the audience.  Each audience member will be giving one ticket to vote for their favorite horse. The winner will receive $150.  Prize money will be distributed by check and will be mailed to the winning trainer after the competition.

ADOPTION DAY:

  1. Horses must compete at some level (competing in the Handling & Conditioning Class and in-hand in the trail/obstacle class is acceptable) in order to participate in the adoption. Horses cannot attend the event for the adoption only.
  2. Trainers are REQUIRED to stay and present their horse during the adoption. Trainers are required to present their horse in a manner consistent with the appearance and level of training demonstrated during the competition. For example, if a horse is exhibited under saddle during the competition, then it is required to be demonstrated under saddle during the adoption. Trainers may have an opportunity to speak to the adoption audience during their adoption presentation.
  3. Trainers receive a minimum of 50% commission of the auction. Individual rescues can choose to increase the commission amount.
  4. Trainers are encouraged to meet the adopter of their horse and are asked to leave feed and water in the horse’s stall prior to departing.
  5. Trainers wishing to adopt their horse must acquire a bidder’s number and bid (or have a representative bid for them) during the adoption. Trainers may apply any prize money and/or commission earned toward the adoption price. Trainers who adopt their Horses must complete the necessary adoption paperwork with SEO immediately following the adoption.

For more information on The Sound Equine Options Training Challenge, please email kim@soundequineoptions.org .