NATURAL SADDLEBRED ASSOCIATION INC
NSA Back 2 Basics Benefit Event
*Keep it as natural as possible*
Class Division Definitions
COUNTRY PLEASURE-1. Manners
2. Ease of transitions
3. Comfortable way of going
4. Turnout/Presentation
This division should give the overall presentation of a relaxed horse with energy that would be suitable to excel as a safe family horse. Ideal head carriage is what best suits each individual horse. Excessive knee action to be penalized.
*WALK, TROT, EXTENDED TROT, CANTER
SADDLESEAT PLEASURE-1. Manners
2. Suitable way of going
3. Energy & Showmanship
4. Ease of transitions
This division should give the overall presentation of an alert horse with good energy and a lofty way of going. Ideal horses should have a naturally high head carriage and have a balanced & upright way of moving. High knee & hock action are acceptable if they don't interfere with the overall manners.
*WALK, TROT, CANTER
PARK TYPE-1. Overall way of going
2. Presence/Appeal
3. Balance
4. Control
This division should give the overall presentation of a high energy horse with high knee & hock action and possess a strong "Look at me" attitude. Ideal horses should have a naturally high head carriage and have a naturally upright and forward way of moving. High knee & hock action are expected.
*ANIMATED WALK, TROT, SLOW GAIT, RACK, CANTER
WESTERN & RANCH-1. Manners
2. Ease of transitions
3. Quiet yet responsive way of going
4. Turnout/Presentation
This division should give the overall presentation of a quiet, smooth-moving, safe family horse. Ideal head carriage is what best suits each individual yet is generally expected to be a fairly low head carriage. Knee & hock action to be penalized if it interferes with the overall presentation of a quiet appearance. Ideal knee action is minimal.
*WALK, JOG, LOPE, EXTENDED LOPE
HUNTER TYPE-1. Relaxed & forward way of going
2. Manners
3. Ease of Transitions
4. Turnout/Presentation
This division should give the overall presentation of a relaxed, smooth, comfortable horse with a long, reaching, ground-covering stride that would appear suitable to gallop fields with the forward energy & elasticity to jump over obstacles as needed. Ideal head carriage is what best suits each individual yet is generally expected to be a rounded mid-range head carriage. Knee & hock action to be penalized if it interferes with the length of the stride.
*WALK, TROT, EXTENDED TROT, CANTER, EXTENDED CANTER
SHOW HACK-1. Fluid Transitions with Impulsion
2. Rounded & Engaged way of moving
3. Manners
4. Presentation/Turnout
This division should give the overall presentation of precisely controlled energy with an elastic, dynamic, and charismatic way of moving. There should be distinct difference between gait tempos. Horses should be very well schooled and should show elasticity and rhythm in all gaits. Horses to be shown in Dressage or Hunter equipment.
*COLLECTED WALK, WALK, EXTENDED WALK, COLLECTED TROT, TROT, EXTENDED TROT, COLLECTED CANTER, CANTER, EXTENDED CANTER
NSA GENERAL RULES
SAFETY FIRST
APPROVED RIDING HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN BY EXHIBITORS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS IN ALL CLASSES. THIS INCLUDES IN-HAND AND DRIVING CLASSES.
ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST BE WEARING A HELMET AT ALL TIMES WHEN RIDING OR DRIVING ON SHOW GROUNDS. ANYONE 18 YEARS AND OVER IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO WEAR AN APPROVED RIDING HELMET IN ALL CLASSES BOTH FOR INDIVIDUAL SAFETY AND TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OUR YOUTH.
WELL MANNERED STALLIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE IN ANY DIVISION.
HORSES MUST APPEAR TO BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION (Not so obese that it impedes natural movement, and not so thin that the ribs and hipbones are visibly protruding.) TO COMPETE.
HORSES WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT (Leg wraps, protective equipment, fly masks, ear plugs, etc.) FOR COMFORT/ANXIETY ARE ALLOWED TO COMPETE, HOWEVER IT MUST BE NOTED ON THE ENTRY FORM PRIOR TO EXHIBITION.
DOGS/COMPANION PETS
DOGS/COMPANIONS ARE TO BE LEASHED, PROPERLY SECURED, AND CLOSELY MANAGED AT ALL TIMES.
DOGS/COMPANIONS ARE TO BE QUIET AND NON-DISRUPTIVE.
OWNERS ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE FROM THE BEHAVIOR OR ACTIONS OF THEIR DOGS/COMPANIONS.
HAIR
INCONSPICUOUSLY APPLIED HAIR TO TAIL, MANE, FORLEOCK IS ACCEPTABLE IN ALL DIVISIONS PROVIDED THE HAIR IS ATTACHED HAIR-TO-HAIR ONLY.
NO ADHESIVES, TAPES, ETC. MAY BE USED IN HAIR APPLICATION.
SHOE REGULATIONS
HORSES IN ALL DIVISIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMPETE BAREFOOT.
NAIL-ON SHOES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON HORSES UNDER 2 YEARS OF AGE.
PONY TOE LENGTH IS NOT TO EXCEED 4.25" (Includes shoe and pad.)
HORSE TOE LENGTH IS NOT TO EXCEED 5" (Includes shoe and pad.)
THIN PADS/GELS ARE ACCEPTABLE IN ALL CLASSES IF REQUIRED FOR COMFORT.
PLEASE LET THE SHOW OFFICE KNOW BEFORE THE COMPETITION IF YOUR HORSE REQUIRES SPECIAL FOOT ATTIRE TO COMPETE.
SLIP-ON BOOTS FOR COMFORT ARE ACCEPTABLE IN ALL CLASSES.
TAILS/APPLIANCES
TAIL SETS, TAIL BRACES, BUSTLES, AND ANAL IRRITANTS ARE PROHIBITED AT ALL EVENTS. STRETCHIES, ROLLERS, CHAINS, LEATHER RINGS, OR ANY MOTION ENHANCEMENT DEVICES ARE PROHIBITED AT ALL EVENTS.
PARK TYPE AND DRIVING HORSES MAY BE WORKED IN BLINKERS BUT ARE NOT TO BE BLINDFOLDED AT ANY TIME AT ANY EVENT.
BITS/BRIDLES
OPEN BRIDLES ARE ACCEPTABLE IN ANY DRIVING DIVISION.
BITLESS BRIDLES, HACKAMORES, AND BOSALS ARE ACCEPTABLE IN ANY DIVISION REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF THE HORSE. (YES A 5-GAITED HORSE MAY BE SHOWN IN A BOSAL IF THE HORSE IS COMFORTABLE AND THE RIDER IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT CONTROL.)
DOUBLE BRIDLES ARE NOT REQUIRED IN ANY DIVISION.
PROPERLY FITTED RUNNING MARTINGALES MAY BE USED IN ANY DIVISION PROVIDED THE BIT USED IS A THICK SNAFFLE THAT PROVIDES SUFFICIENT TONGUE RELIEF AND THE MARTINGALE IS NOT USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A CAVESON.
NO MULE BITS OR OTHER BARBED BITS MADE TO INDUCE PAIN ON THE TONGUE, LIPS OR BARS.
INCONSPICUOUS TONGUE TIES ARE ALLOWED IN ALL DIVISIONS IF NEEDED FOR SAFETY.
SHANKS ON CURB BITS CANNOT EXCEED 8.5".
SPORTSMANSHIP GOALS
CHEER FOR YOUR FRIENDS, CHEER FOR YOUR COMPETITION.
TRY NEW THINGS AND ASK OTHERS TO SHOW YOU WHAT THEY DO WITH THEIR HORSE.
HELP SOMEONE YOU SEE WHO'S STRUGGLING.
PARTICIPATE AND INSPIRE OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED.
TRADE FARM CHORES FOR LEARNING.
VOLUNTEER.
WE'RE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU PART OF THE NATURAL SADDLEBRED ASSOCIATION.
WE ARE ALL HERE FOR THE PRESERVATION AND WELL-BEING OF THE HORSE
**TOGETHER WE WILL GIVE THESE EQUINE DIAMONDS THEIR OWN PLACE TO SHINE!**