HORSE/PONIES

• Each team must provide a safe horse or pony for the contest. The horse/pony does not need to belong to any team member. Each team must bring one safe horse/pony (13.2 HH and taller).

• As with all 4-H Horse activities, horses and ponies being used for the contest MUST have a minimum body condition score of 4, not be obviously sick or exhibit a Grade 3 or greater lameness to be considered eligible to participate in the contest.  An alternate horse may be used if available.  If no suitable replacement is available, the team will be ineligible to compete in the contest.   (See Uniform Rules, page 14, #38)

• Horses/ponies may be switched prior to the beginning of the contest, at the discretion of the judges.

• Each horse/pony must arrive wearing a PROPERLY FITTING NYLON OR LEATHER HALTER (No silver show halters allowed) AND TIE ROPE. The horses/ponies should be reasonably groomed. NO show sheen is to be used before mud is applied.

• The horses/ponies should arrive at the contest site at least two hours prior to the contest starting time so that management can uniformly dirty them. Allow more drying time if the weather is damp.

• The horses/ponies will be dirtied using mud (sandy mud does not work). Never put mud in body openings or in cracks or tight places (i.e. between the rear legs).

• A team member may work on a horse/pony provided by his/her team for the contest if it is acceptable with the judges.