Rules and Regulations

Members of the Society agree to adhere to the following Rules and Regulations at all times.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

Note: Throughout this document and where appropriate reference to the masculine gender applies equally to the female gender except where it applies specifically to equines.

 

PREAMBLE

These rules cannot provide for every eventuality. In any unforeseen or exceptional circumstances a decision will be made as near as possible to the intention of these rules. Should any query or dispute arise not provided for in these Rules, the decision of Council shall be final. In all other disputes relevant to the Society’s Annual National Breed Show the decision of the show committee shall be final.

The original Rulebook is superseded by these new rules and the 1996 Rulebook is invalid.

SECTION 1 – STUD BOOK REGULATIONS

 

1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

The Society will enter into the breeding book, animals of the same breed, line or cross that are eligible for entry under the Society’s breed criteria, without discrimination on account of their country of origin. Due to current legislation it is not possible to issue passports for animals born in the European Union, however these animals may be entered into the Mother (UK) Stud Book.

All horses and ponies submitted for registration in the Stud Book must be microchipped and DNA typed and parentage tested. All must conform to the following conditions: –

SECTION A

Confirmed lineage tracing to foundation stock

STALLIONS: Registered Sire with a Permit and Registered Dam.

MARES:         a Registered Sire with a Permit and Registered Dam

b Registered Sire with a Permit and Thoroughbred Dam.

c Thoroughbred Sire and Registered Dam.

The immediate progeny of Mares registered under b and c above is only eligible

for registration in the Stud Book if it is by a registered Stallion with a Permit.

GELDINGS:   Registered Sire with a Permit and Registered Dam.

Registered means registered in the Mother Stud book and Thoroughbred means registered in the General Stud Book.  Where Thoroughbred Stallions or Mares are involved their references in the General Stud Book or their Passport Numbers must be given.  The immediate progeny of Mares registered under b or c if by a Thoroughbred Stallion (or out of a Thoroughbred Mare) are not eligible for the Stud Book.

 

SECTION B

      Part-bred.  Sire or Dam must be registered in a recognised Hackney Stud book

1. An animal by a Registered Hackney Stallion out of a Non-Hackney or a non-Thoroughbred mare.
2. An animal by any Stallion other than a Registered Hackney or a Thoroughbred, out of a Registered Hackney Mare.
3. A Stallion by a Thoroughbred Stallion out of a registered Hackney Mare, or by a registered Hackney Stallion out of a Thoroughbred Mare.
4. The progeny of animals on a, b or c of the Part-Bred Register by or out of a Registered Hackney.

 

Progeny from Section B must be crossed with an animal from Section A, C or from a recognised studbook to be registered within Section B.

Animals registered in Section B cannot be upgraded to Section A.

HBLB grants cannot be given to animals within Section B or C.

SECTION C

Un-confirmed lineage unable to trace to foundation stock

STALLIONS: Sire registered in a recognised Hackney Stud book with a Permit and Dam registered in a recognised Hackney Stud book.

MARES:         a. Sire registered in a recognised Hackney Stud book with a Permit and Dam registered in a recognised Hackney Stud book.

1. Sire registered in a recognised Hackney Stud book with a Permit and Thoroughbred Dam.

c Thoroughbred Sire and Dam registered in a recognised Hackney Stud book.

The immediate progeny of Mares registered under b and c above is only eligible for registration in the Stud Book if it is by a registered Stallion in a recognised Hackney Stud book with a Permit.

GELDINGS:   Sire registered in a recognised Hackney Stud book with a Permit and Dam registered in a recognised Hackney Stud book.

Thoroughbred means registered in the General Stud Book.  Where Thoroughbred Stallions or Mares are involved their references in the General Stud Book or their Passport Numbers must be given.  The immediate progeny of Mares registered under b or c if by a Thoroughbred Stallion (or out of a Thoroughbred Mare) are not eligible for the Stud Book.

Progeny from Section C can only be registered within Section C.

Animals registered in Section C cannot be upgraded to Section A.

HBLB grants cannot be given to animals within Section B or C.

 

2. FORM OF REGISTRATION
3. Direct Registration: – application for Registration must be made on the official form, fully               completed, including name and accompanied by the appropriate registration fee by 31^st December in year of birth or by 6 months after its birth, whichever is the later.                                                              The form incorporates a Breeder’s Certificate which must be signed by the breeder or his agent who    should have written authority to act; if the breeder is dead, by an executor or qualified                         representative having proven knowledge of the pedigree tendered.  The Breeder is the owner of the      mare at the time of registration.  Animals must be DNA typed and parent                  tested.    Animals must also be micro-chipped and the relevant details included on the form.
4. Hackney Horse registration is confined to animals exceeding 14 hands, Hackney Ponies 14 hands          and under.  Where height is not required to be stated on the form of registration i.e. horses/ponies            under four years old; owners must indicate which section the animal is to be registered.                              Subsequently altered height should be notified to the Secretary so that transfer to the appropriate               section can be made.

 

3. BREEDER

     The Breeder is the owner of the mare at the time the foal is to be registered.

 

4. MARKINGS

HEAD       Star – any white mark on the forehead.  A few white hairs should not be described and not referred to as a star.

Stripe – a narrow white mark down the face.  Where star and stripe are continuous it should be described as Star and Stripe conjoined.

                  Blaze – white covering whole of forehead and extending to muzzle.

                  Snip – an isolated white mark situated between or in the region of nostrils.

 

LIMBS      Any white marking should be accurately described, e.g. white to fetlock; white to lower third cannon bone; white to knee; white to front of hock, etc.  The term sock and stocking should not be used.

 

ACQUIRED Any permanent mark e.g. saddle, collar, girth or other harness marks.  Firing, branding scars, tattoo, etc..

 

WHORLS Location where a hair stream changes.  Frontal and crest whorls are ideal for identification purposes and should be shown with an “X”.

Members of the Hackney Horse Society should adopt these methods when registering their animals.

 

NOTIFICATION OF COLOUR CHANGE

A veterinary surgeon must confirm in writing to the Hackney Horse Society the animals new colour.  The passport must be returned with the veterinary surgeons letter for the Secretary of the Hackney Horse Society to amend the colour details and to stamp and sign the amendment.

 

5. NAMING

All horses and ponies submitted for registration in the Stud book must be named in accordance with the following conditions; –

1. No Stallion, Mare or Gelding will be accepted for registration with a name, which has already appeared in the Stud Book, or with numerals etc, attached.
2. No change in the name of a registered Stallion, Mare or Gelding will be recognised by the Society.
3. Members can reserve, subject to the consent of the Council, the exclusive right to use a word as a prefix or suffix, on payment of the appropriate fee and agreement from Central Prefix Register.

These may consist of:

1. a geographical name, or
2. a distinctive name of not more than one word

• Initials will not be accepted, and no word or words likely to prove misleading, or in the opinion of the Executive Committee inappropriate. The exclusive right to a prefix or suffix lapses with the death of the holder, but once registered cannot be used again without the consent of the Executive committee unless the registered holder of the prefix or suffix wished it to be transferred to a nominee.

1. No name of a registered horse or pony shall exceed three words in length; a prefix/suffix being considered one word.
2. The Hackney Horse Society is a member of the Central Prefix Register, Council approved prefixes are submitted to the Register for listing and to check they are not already issued to owners or breeders in other Societies. Prefixes are then lodged in both registers.
3. The prefix of the breeder (owner of the mare at time of registration) is to be used in the naming of any progeny. If a mare is leased as long as the Society has been notified in writing of any such lease then the person to whom she is leased will be known as the breeder of any of her progeny during the lease period.  Prefixes and Suffixes are for use by breeders on their own home bred stock and not for use on bought in animals.

 

6. STALLION PERMITS

Applications for a Permit for Stallions aged three years old or over, must be made on the official form, accompanied by a Veterinary Surgeon’s certificate of freedom from hereditary diseases, unsoundness and the appropriate fee.  If accepted they will be placed on the Stallion Register and issued with a passport and Permit number.  Only Stallions, which have been DNA typed, will be issued with a Permit and may be used for Stud purposes.

 

7. CONFIRMATION OF COVERING

Mare owners should obtain a receipt confirming the name of the stallion used to cover their mare.

 

8. RE-REGISTRATION

Horses and ponies must be re-registered when gelded and may be re-registered to show minor changes of markings or colour.  Changes in marking or colour accepted only at the discretion of the Council.  When a horse or pony, already registered as a stallion is re-registered as a gelding no further breeder’s certificate is required, only a letter from the owner at time of re-registration confirming the animal has been gelded is required.  The animals registration and UELN numbers will not alter.

 

9. TRANSFERS

All changes of registered keeper/owner must be registered with the Society on the official form and the animal’s passport must be returned for updating in order for the transfer to be completed.  Transfer of ownerships are required to be done within 30 days of the sale/purchase. The new keeper/owner to send the completed transfer form to the Society’s offices with the passport and appropriate fee.  If the passport is not returned the transfer will not be completed.  If the last registered keeper/owner’s signature has not been obtained the Secretary of the Hackney Horse Society will write sending the form recorded delivery to the last known registered keeper/owner asking for them to complete the old registered keepers/owners section.  If the transfer form is not returned within 28 days it will be deemed acceptable for the Secretary to complete the transfer as stated.  Where unregistered foals accompany mares, this must be stated on the transfer.  These transfers must be up to date before any progeny can be registered.  The registered keeper/owner is responsible for ensuring the animal is properly registered.  The registered keeper/owner is not necessarily the legal owner.

 

10. ANIMALS BRED BEYOND THE U.K.

The rules and conditions of entry for horses and ponies bred beyond the United Kingdom are the same as those for horses and ponies bred in the United Kingdom.  Every horse and pony must trace back on both the sire’s and the dam’s side, in all lines to horses or ponies registered in the British Hackney Stud Book (Mother Stud-Book) and all previous back crosses must be registered in the Stud Book of the country concerned. Due to current legislation it is not possible to issue passports for animals born in the European Union, however these animals may be entered into the Mother (UK) Stud Book.

If the animal is already registered on another studbook, confirmation of the owner must be obtained from the studbook in question and a transfer form signed by the owner stated before the animal can be registered in the British Hackney Stud Book.

Entries must be parentage-tested in accordance with the Society’s rules above.

 

11. DNA TYPING

It is a condition of registration that all foals shall be DNA typed.  Kits can be obtained on application to the Secretary.

Foals can be DNA typed at birth as long as the hair is obtained from the tail, but it is recommended that they be at least one month old.  If they are one month old or over then the hair is to be obtained from the mane. A Veterinary Surgeon must take the sample.

 

12. ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

Artificial Insemination shall be permitted. There is no restriction on the length of time frozen semen can be used after the death of the stallion but the Society has the right to alter the length of time frozen semen may be used without prior notification.  The number of registrations of foals conceived by Artificial Insemination by each stallion will be decided annually by the Council.

1. All stallions used for artificial insemination AI must be registered and have a permit.
2. Only 50 progeny to be registered from a stallion in any one year either by natural covering, AI or both.
3. All inseminations of mares are to be carried out and certified by a qualified veterinary surgeon.
4. Before a mare is accepted for insemination with transported semen, she must undergo a pre-breeding genital examination, which includes the collection, and examination of uterine swab and smear samples. The results of this test are to be certified by a veterinary surgeon and notified to the stud supplying the semen.
5. The Society may wish to consider limiting the total number of mares inseminated by individual stallions during a breeding season, but, except for recording purposes, should not differentiate between the methods used to obtain a conception.
6. No applications for the registration of a foal conceived by AI will be accepted by the Society unless they are correctly certified. The intention to use artificial insemination must be notified to the Society  –
7. The donor Stallion must be fully Registered with the Hackney Horse Society.
8. Mares must be entered in the Stud Book.
9. The Semen to be certified by the Veterinary Surgeon or the Stallion Owner, or representative, concerned with the collection and preparation, as being the semen of the named Stallion.
10. A certificate stating the name of the Mare, and the required details, to be signed by the Owner. This certificate to be signed by the Veterinary Surgeon at the time of insemination.
11. The resultant foal/foals must be DNA typed before being accepted for registration.
12. Embryo transfer is now accepted.  The resultant foal must be DNA typed before being accepted              for registration.  The Society must be informed that the foal is a result of embryo transfer.

 

13. PREMIUM SCHEME
14. PREMIUM A STALLIONS/MARES: Those that have produced Champions in Hand or in Harness at the Annual National Breed Show with effect from 1984 (Amateur Championships and Pair classes do not qualify).

 

Qualifying Champions are: –

Junior Champion Stallion, horse and pony.

Senior Champion Stallion, horse and pony.

Junior Champion Mare, horse and pony.

Senior Champion Mare, horse and pony.

Novice Harness Champion, horse and pony.

Supreme Harness Champion horse and pony.

Please note Champion Yearlings do not qualify.

 

 

 

2. PREMIUM B STALLIONS/MARES: Those who have been Junior or Senior Champion or Novice Champion or Supreme Champion in Harness at the Annual National Breed Show with effect from 1984.

 

Qualifying Champions are: –

Junior Champion Stallion, horse and pony.

Senior Champion Stallion, horse and pony.

Junior Champion Mare, horse and pony.

Senior Champion Mare, horse and pony.

Novice Harness Champion, horse and pony.

Supreme Harness Champion horse and pony.

Please note Champion Yearlings do not qualify.

 

14. USE OF PREFIX

Prefixes and suffixes are for use by breeders on their own home bred stock and not for use on bought  in animals.  Anyone who is leasing a mare and wishes to be able to use their prefix or suffix on any progeny she may have must have already informed the Hackney Horse Society by sending in a letter from the owners of the mare stating the period of the lease. The Breeder is then the person who is leasing the mare at the time she foaled the animal to be registered. Only progeny from mares where a lease has been obtained will be able to use their prefix or suffix.

 

If a prefix is registered with the Hackney Horse Society and the same prefix is registered with another studbook in another country then any animal which has been registered in the country concerned and is imported must have the initials of the country of origin prefixing the said prefix.

 

15. RECOGNISED STUD BOOKS

      The following stud books are recognised with the Hackney Horse Society:

Under Section 92/353 our daughter studbook in Holland.

3^rd Countries, Argentina, Canada, South Africa and United States of America

 

SECTION 2 – APPOINTMENT AND APPROVAL OF JUDGES

 

1. JUDGES
2. An official List of Judges approved by the Society will be published annually.
3. Judges must be members of the Society.
4. Overseas judges, provided they are on the Official Panel of the country concerned, need not be Members of the Society and are automatically accepted in the official List of Judges.
5. Judges may not officiate at more than one qualifying show in addition to the N.H.S., in any one year for the Hackney Horse and Pony of the Year championships. The only exception to this is for the Judge judging at Balmoral Show Belfast, Irish Hackney Horse Society Show, where in an emergency they may be called upon by the Secretary of the Hackney Horse Society to officiate at one more qualifying show.  They cannot judge more than two affiliated shows in any year.
6. Judges will not be allowed to judge animals, which they own, are the owners of the prefix of the animal, or their immediate family have bred. They are not allowed to judge immediate family. If a judge has trained an exhibitors animal in the previous season the animal cannot come before said judge (this is the responsibility of the exhibitor)
7. If a trainer has trained or exhibited a judge’s animal in the previous showing season the judge will not be allowed to judge any of the trainer’s animals in the following showing season. (It is the trainer’s responsibility not to go under the judge).
8. Judges are expected to adjudicate in accordance with the procedures set out in these rules. Failure to do so may result in their name being removed from the Society’s Official Panel of Judges.
9. Judges may not adjudicate animals, which they have sold or transferred in the previous 12 months.
10. Judges who have just completed their probationary are not allowed to judge the Annual National Breed Show or Horse/Pony of the Year until they have completed a minimum of two years and have judged at least four affiliated shows.
11. A judge that is judging in the Open Classes at the Breed Show and the Horse of the Year will be unable to judge at any affiliated shows including the qualifiers in the same year.
12. The guidelines set out in these rules cannot provide for every aspect of judging and should be interpreted with intelligence and common sense. It is the duty of the judge to base his decision/placings on the performance of the day. See Appendix A.

 

2. PROBATIONARY JUDGES
3. Applicants for inclusion in the official List of Judges must be fully paid up members of the Society. Applications must be submitted to the Society by the 31^st January, (i.e. prior to the Council Meeting in February).
4. After approval by the Council applicants will be included in the List of Probationary Judges.
5. Probationary Judges will be required to attend at their own expense an awareness day, two affiliated shows from the agreed panel of shows and the Annual National Breed Show with a judge from the Probationary Assessors panel within a year. The Judge who will be asked to submit a report as to the suitability and knowledge of the Probationary Judge to the Secretary of the Society.  The same Panel Judge may not accompany them more than once.
6. Following the final assessment the reports will be considered by Council and if satisfactory the applicant will be included in the Official list of Judges for the following year.
7. Probationary Judges should select the shows which they could attend and return the list of selection to the Secretary of the Society.
8. Applicants to inform the Secretary of the Hackney Horse Society which shows they wish to attend. The Secretary will then advise the Applicant which shows they should attend.
9. Applicants will not be permitted to exhibit at the shows they attend as Probationary Judges nor may any horse/pony owned by them or a member of their family compete in any of the Hackney Classes.
10. The Council after considering the report will either accept the Probationary Judge for the official panel or refuse, without stating the reason. There is no appeal against the decision of the council.  However the Council may decide that an applicant may be given the opportunity of a further probationary period.

 

PENALTIES

 

Members, and exhibitors or their assistants who act in a derogatory manner to the judge or any member of council, or contravene any of the Societies Rules and Regulations will be suspended from the Society for a minimum of 12 months from the date of the ruling.  They will be unable to exhibit animals at any affiliated show and no transfers of convenience will be allowed.

 

SECTION 3 – AFFILIATION

 

1. AFFILIATION

Shows may become affiliated against payment of a fee.  In return they will receive a copy of the Year Book, inclusion in the Shows List, two free Society rosettes and two novice rosettes if required.  A copy of the draft schedule and also a list of entries must be forwarded to the Society for approval.

 

2. AFFILIATED SHOWS

Affiliated Shows must hold their classes for Hackney Horses and Ponies in accordance with these rules.  The animal must be registered in the studbook of the UK Hackney Horse Society or a recognised Hackney Society Abroad. Section A and Section C Animals not already entered into the Mother (UK) Stud Book must do so prior to exhibiting at any UK Affiliated Show. A combination of these classes may be held by Affiliated Shows but it is recommended that the horse and pony sections should be kept separate.

Minimum age of driver in open and novice classes will be 14 years at date of show.

It is the discretion of the judge to allow late entry into a class. Once judging has commenced in any class, exhibitors may not leave the ring.  If there is a reasonable problem they must ask permission to stay at the bottom of the line until the class is finished.

No training aids are permissible at the showground apart from draw reins.  Standard rubber over-reach boots and cross-over reins are allowed.

 

3. JUDGES AT AFFILIATED SHOWS

Affiliated Shows must appoint judges from the Society’s official Panel of Judges.

 

 

SECTION 4 – RULES FOR THE BREED SHOW

All exhibitors, drivers, grooms and handlers must be members of the Hackney Horse Society.

   It is the sole responsibility of the Exhibitor to not enter under a judge who:

1. Are the owners of the prefix of the animal.
2. The judge or their immediate family have bred.   
3. Are immediate family to the judge.
4. In the previous and current showing season exhibitor has trained or exhibited                 for judge.
5. In the previous and current showing season judge has trained or exhibited for                 

 

       All Owners/Exhibitors must carry their own Third Party Liability Insurance.

 

1. GENERAL
2. Entries must be entered in the British Hackney Horse Society’s Stud Book but excludes class 35, Pairs & all International Classes. Exhibitors must be members of the Hackney Horse Society.
3. Entries must be the property of the exhibitor at the time of entry or have a lease registered with the Hackney Horse Society. (except Pairs)
4. Excessive Shoeing, Cording Horses etc.

The Judges, Stewards, and Veterinary Inspectors will receive directions from the Show Executive committee to disqualify any animal, which is ‘corded’, or doped in a manner, which, in the opinion of the committee, is discreditable to the exhibitor or his servant, and report it to the Council.

1. Faking

Horses’ markings must agree with the picture/description in their Passport.

The Veterinary Inspectors are empowered to subject any horse to a special examination and

to take such samples and any such tests as may be necessary for this purpose.  Any horse may

be subject to re-examination at any time.  These rules will be strictly enforced.  Before

entering the ring, animals will be liable to examination for cording, doping, faking and excess

shoeing.

Hackney – Yearling – 12 ozs maximum

All other Hackneys exceeding 14 hands –1 ½  lbs. maximum.

Hackney Ponies – Yearlings – 8 ozs maximum.

All other Hackney Ponies not exceeding 14 hands – 1 lb. maximum

If in the opinion of the officiating, any shoe exceeds the prescribed weight he will have                      the power to have such shoes removed by a veterinary surgeon or farrier appointed by the                   Society, and if found to exceed the weight specified the horse will be disqualified.

1. No training aids are permissible at the showground apart from draw reins.  Standard rubber                      over-reach boots and cross-over reins are allowed.  Anyone abusing this ruling will be                        disciplined.
2. It is the discretion of the judge to allow late entry into a class. Once judging has commenced in any class, exhibitors may not leave the ring. If there is a reasonable problem they must ask permission to stay at the bottom of the line until the class is finished.
3. Penalties:
4. Members, and exhibitors or their assistants who act in a derogatory manner to the judge or any member of council, or contravene any of the Societies Rules and Regulations will be suspended from the Society for a minimum of 12 months from the date of the ruling. They will be unable to exhibit animals at any affiliated show and no transfers of convenience will be allowed.
5. Exhibits arriving late will be disqualified from the class for which they are too late.

iii.  Doping, cording and faking.  The exhibitor will be barred from competing in the whole of the show.

1. Schooling of Horses/Ponies with boots, hobbles, and/or other similar devices. The exhibitor will be barred from competing in the whole of the show.
2. Assistant trailing an exhibit in the Breed Classes will disqualify the exhibit from the class in which the incident occurred.
3. Minimum age for all In-hand and Harness classes, except the Junior Whip, will be 14 years at date of show.
4. No animal is to be blindfolded.
5. No allowed aids to be on any horses or ponies within the walkways or collecting rings.

 

 

2. IN HAND CLASSES
3. CLASSIFICATION

The Society’s Annual Breed Show provides a full classification for both horses and ponies with separate classes for yearlings, 2 y.o., 3 y.o., and 4 y.o. and over, males and females.

1. VETERINARY

An appointed Veterinary Surgeon may be consulted by the judges if they wish.  Any animal rejected by a Veterinary Inspection shall be ineligible to compete.

1. SHOWING

Yearling colts to be shown in a halter, bridle or tack, 2 y.o. colts and over to be shown in tack; yearling fillies to be shown in a halter or bridle; mares 2 y.o. and over to be shown in a bridle.

 

1. JUDGING OF IN HAND CLASSES
2. Exhibits will be judged on conformation, type quality, and turn out which shall count 60%            and performance, manners and way of going which shall count 40%.
3. Exhibits to be walked in the Ring until instructed to the contrary by the Stewards.

iii.  Each exhibit will be pulled out and stood up in front of the Judge/s to be adjudicated for        conformation and turn out.

4. Assistants trailing an exhibit are not allowed (see Section 4. 1. e. v.)
5. Exhibits arriving late will be disqualified (see Section 4. 1. e. ii.)
6.   Two handlers only per animal in addition to the Owner/Trainer are allowed in the Ring                             and they must be correctly dressed.

 

3. HARNESS CLASSES
4. CLASSIFICATION
5. Heights – Horses/Ponies height without shoes.
6. Classes for Hackney Horses are confined to animals exceeding 14 hh.

These may be divided as under: –

1. over 14 hh but not exceeding 15 hh.
2. exceeding 15 hh.
3. Classes for Hackney Ponies are confined to animals not exceeding 14 hh.

These may be divided as under: –

12. not exceeding 12.2 hh.
13. exceeding 12.2 hh but not exceeding 14 hh.
14.   Harness Classes are open to Stallions, Mares or Geldings, unless otherwise specified 4 y.o.                         or over.
15. Open Classes                                                                                                                                      Exhibits to be shown to a Box/Show Wagon or Viceroy.

The use of hackamores, martingales, side reins, draw reins, kicking straps, aluminium beck-sets etc. are not allowed.  Looped reins or handholds are not allowed.  The only exception being for a driver with arthritis or similar complaint who cannot hold the reins, but he/she must have a doctor’s certificate.  The use of looped reins will only be permitted once the Society has received and verified a doctor’s certificate confirming the requirement to use them.  Permission once given is permanent. A whip must be held.

If a animal enters an Open Class at an affiliated show the Novice points will be awarded on the position it achieves within this class.  Points awarded will be as follows:- 1^st 10 points, 2^nd 8 points, 3^rd 6 points & 4^th 4 points.

1.     Novice Classes

To be eligible for a Novice class the exhibit can only be shown for three seasons (Non-consecutive).  Points are awarded at Affiliated Shows. 1^st 10 points, 2^nd 8 points, 3^rd 6 points, 4^th 4 points.  Novice animals may only win the title of Annual National Breed Show Novice Champion and Novice of the Year once. If they win either title they will still be eligible for Novice classes but will not be eligible to compete in either Championships the following year.  The top 12 point scorers will be invited to enter the Hackney Horse/Pony of the Year championships 10 from UK including 2 from Ireland and 2 top point scorers from the Dutch entries at Ardingly.  The Novice Horse and Pony Champion at the Annual National Breed Show will automatically qualify.  An animal can only be a Novice for three seasons from the start of their first show (not consecutive seasons).   The showing season starts from Edenbridge show in one year through to and including Equifest Show the following year.

Overseas showing animals/imported animals/re-imported animals

Any animal living outside of the UK, that are imported or re-imported can only be a Novice for three seasons from the start of their first show (not consecutive seasons) also they may not have been a Novice Champion at the Annual National Breed Show or Novice Hackney Horse or Pony of the Year.  If they have been removed from Novice classes in the country where they are living, imported or re-imported due to the rules and regulations of the Country’s showing body this overrides any of the Hackney Horse Society Novice eligibility.  Any animal unable to prove its Novice status will automatically be classed as an Open animal, it is for the owner and exhibitor to prove its Novice classification.

1.          Amateur Classes                                                                                                                                             i.    Animals exhibited in Amateur classes must be suitable for and driven by an Amateur                                An amateur driver is an individual who receives no financial remuneration.
2. Horses/Ponies must have good mouths (driven double cheek or half cheek) and                                         manners.  Drop nosebands are not permitted.  A drop noseband is any noseband that                                 does up under the bit and the only noseband allowed is a normal cavesson noseband.                                A whip must be held.                                                                                                                                iii.  The decision of the Show Committee as to the qualification shall be final and binding.                        iv.   Open Champions or Reserve Champions in Harness at the Society’s National                                           Hackney Show in the current or preceding two years are ineligible.
3.       Pair and/or Tandem Classes.                                                                                                                           These may be divided into Horses and Ponies, or may be combined depending on the                                number of entries.

To be judged on performance, quality, manners, turnout, and matching.

1.      Private Drive Classes – Affiliated to the BDS and also run under their rules.                                   Exhibits to be shown in the correct harness to a traditional vehicle.  To be judged at park pace, and a smart trot           and on presence, manners, performance, quality and appointments.             Horses/Ponies must have good mouths (driven double cheek or half cheek) and manners.              drop nosebands are not permitted. A drop noseband is any noseband that does up under    the bit and the only noseband       allowed is a normal cavesson noseband.   Breeching/False   breeching and bearing reins are allowed.  Spares may be inspected.
2.         Junior Whip

                        JUNIOR WHIPS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT IN A VEHICLE                       SUITABLE TO CARRY TWO PEOPLE.  ONLY ONE SET OF REINS.

                       The adult stays in the vehicle at all times.  A groom is required as well.  The vehicle                    maybe traditional or non-traditional BUT EXCLUDES SHOW WAGONS OR                          SULKIES.

Hackney Stallion, Mare or Gelding, 4 years old or over, suitable for and to be driven by                            a Junior Whip who has not attained their 15^th birthday at date of show.  Entries

must be registered in the studbook of the UK Hackney Horse Society or of a recognised Hackney Society Abroad.  Minimum age 10 years at date of show.  All exhibitors must wear a British standard safety helmet with chin strap.

To be judged on the driver’s ability, also manners and performance of the animal.                                      Horses/Ponies must have good mouths (driven double cheek or half cheek); drop                                       nosebands are not permitted.  A drop noseband is any noseband that does up under the bit                         and the only noseband allowed is a normal cavesson noseband.  A whip must be held.                               To be judged at park pace, exhibits will be required to do a Stand Show at park pace.                                Dress Rules apply.

Young Driver

Young Driver who has not attained their 18^th birthday at date of show. Minimum age 15 years at date of show. the rules the same as any open class.

1. International Classes

All international classes are open to Section A and Section C animals

Open International

Exhibits to be shown to a Box/Show Wagon or Viceroy.

The use of hackamores, martingales, side reins, draw reins, kicking straps, aluminium beck-sets etc. are not allowed.  Looped reins or handholds are not allowed.  The only exception being for a driver with arthritis or similar complaint who cannot hold the reins, but he/she must have a doctor’s certificate.  The use of looped reins will only be permitted once the Society has received and verified a doctor’s certificate confirming the requirement to use them.  Permission once given is permanent. A whip must be held.

Novice International

To be eligible for a Novice class the exhibit can only be shown for three seasons (Non-consecutive). No points will be awarded.  It will not go towards its three year novice allocation

Amateur International

1. Animals exhibited in Amateur classes must be suitable for and driven by an Amateur        An amateur driver is an individual who receives no financial remuneration.
2.            Horses/Ponies must have good mouths (driven double cheek or half cheek) and                                          manners.  Drop nosebands are not permitted.  A drop noseband is any noseband that                                  does up under the bit and the only noseband allowed is a normal cavesson noseband.                                 A whip must be held.                                                                                                                               iii.  The decision of the Show Committee as to the qualification shall be final and binding.                      l.    Newcomers Class

For exhibits 4 years old or over in their first showing season.  Novice points will not be         awarded and it will not be taken into account for the three year novice allocation if the only class shown in the season.

 

 

 

4. JUDGING OF HARNESS CLASSES
5. Exhibitors should enter the ring a park pace on the right rein. Park pace should only be maintained long enough for all the exhibitors to have entered the ring and/or every competitor to have passed the judge once.
6. Exhibits will change the rein on instruction by the Steward.
7. Each exhibit will be pulled out and stood up in front of the Judges to adjudicate

conformation and turnout.

1. The Attendant when requested by the steward leads the exhibit squarely in front of the judge and when asked, the exhibit, gives an individual stand show. The attendant should then return to their original place in the line up and wait for the exhibitor to return.

 

 

Appendix A

 

AFFILIATED SHOWS must be run in accordance with the HHS Rules. For animals born in the EU please see Rules & Regulations, Section 1 – Stud Book Regulations No.1 & No. 10. Section 3 – Affiliation, No.2. Affiliated Shows.

All exhibitors, drivers, grooms and handlers must be members of the Hackney Horse Society.

   It is the sole responsibility of the Exhibitor to not enter under a judge who:

1. Are the owners of the prefix of the animal
2. The judge or their immediate family have bred
3. In the previous and current showing season exhibitor has trained or exhibited                for judge.
4. In the previous and current showing season judge has trained or exhibited for                 

 

1. HARNESS CLASSES
2. Dress. Driver and Attendants should follow the guidelines for dress including gloves and

Apron.

1. Attendants. One handler per exhibit is allowed in a Harness Class. Handlers must remain

at the designated point as advised by the steward until the exhibits are pulled in.

iii.  Once judging has commenced in any class, exhibitors may not enter or leave the ring if there  is a reasonable problem they must ask permission to stay at the bottom of the line until the class is finished.

1. Exhibits will be expected to change the rein at a designated point across the diagonal at the

instruction of the steward.  Exhibits should be pulled out in front for judging, making it easier

for the judge and better for the public.

1. Stand Show.  The top rein has to be put on before the horse does his stand show, and a

properly trained horse should stand for this to be done.  Judging must be positive, looking for

the good rather than the bad points.

Brilliance with slight inconsistency should beat consistence with no brilliance.

1. It is important after the judge has pulled in his first three, that the others are pulled in as

quickly as possible, and the last exhibitor is not left going round and round on his own.

vii. Running or standing Martingales are not allowed i.e. connected to reins or noseband, but reins

threaded through the loops on the breast collar are allowed.  This is not classified as a

martingale.

viii. An overcheck (not allowed) is a rein attached to the bridoon bit which comes up the front

of the head and goes between the ears and pulls the bridoon up to the roof of the mouth.

1. Cording (not allowed) is a cord looped through the bit and slipped under the top lip which

pulls on the gum and is very cruel.

1.   Horses’ markings must agree with the picture/descriptions in their

passports.  The use of wire to keep the ears forward is not allowed.  A

false tail is permissible.

1. Looped reins or handholds as used by trotters are not allowed, the only exception being for a

driver who suffers from arthritis or similar complaint who cannot hold the reins, but he/she  must have a doctor’s certificate.  The use of looped reins will only be permitted once the Society has received and verified a doctor’s certificate confirming the requirement to use them.  Permission once given is permanent.

xii.   A whip must be held.  Excessive use of the whip and/or voice will be reported to the Council                     and disciplinary action may be taken.

xiii. Amateur classes are judged for the best hackney driven by an amateur, and not the best

amateur hackney, so exhibits should not be driven by the judge.

xiv.  Kicking straps are not allowed.

1. Aluminium beck-sets or similar devices are not allowed.

xvi.  Breeching false breeching, and bearing reins are allowed in Gig classes.

xvii. Exhibits which are considered to be un-safe should be asked by the Steward to leave the

ring, and a report is to be sent to the Council afterwards.

xviii Roaring, chocking and stopping, are all faults which will impair the way of going of the

horse.

xviv Classes may be divided as for Open classes (see above). To be eligible for a Novice class the                     exhibit can only be shown for three seasons (Non-consecutive).  Points are awarded at                               Affiliated Shows. 1^st 10 points, 2^nd 8 points, 3^rd 6 points, 4^th 4 points.  Novice animals may                        only win the title of Annual National Breed Show Novice Champion and Novice of the Year                              once. If they win either title they will still be eligible for Novice classes but will not be                               eligible to compete in either Championships the following year.  The top 12 point scorers will              be invited to enter the Hackney Horse/Pony of the Year championships 10 from UK                                  including 2 from Ireland and 2 top point scorers from the Dutch entries at Ardingly.  The                          Novice Horse and Pony Champion at the Annual National Breed Show will automatically                         qualify.  An animal can only be a Novice for three seasons from the start of their first show                       (not consecutive seasons).   The showing season starts from Edenbridge show in one year                           through to and including Equifest Show the following year.

Overseas showing animals/imported animals/re-imported animals

Any animal living outside of the UK, that are imported or re-imported can only be a Novice for three seasons from the start of their first show (not consecutive seasons) also they may not have been a Novice Champion at the Annual National Breed Show or Novice Hackney Horse or Pony of the Year.  If they have been removed from Novice classes in the country where they are living, imported or re-imported due to the rules and regulations of the Country’s showing body this overrides any of the Hackney Horse Society Novice eligibility.  Any animal unable to prove its Novice status will automatically be classed as an Open animal, it is for the owner and exhibitor to prove its Novice classification.

Exhibitors must inform the Secretary of the Hackney Horse Society of non-appearance at a show by the end of the showing season otherwise the season will be counted.

xx     No training aids permissible at the showground apart from draw reins.  Standard  rubber                      over- reach boots and cross-over reins are allowed.

xxi   No animal is to be blindfolded.

xxii  No allowed aids to be on any horses or ponies within the walkways or collecting rings.

 

2. IN HAND CLASSES
3. It is optional whether Yearling colts are shown in tack or not.
4. The crossing of side reins over the withers is allowed.

 

3. GENERAL
4. Judges at affiliated shows are appointed by the shows concerned from the Hackney Society                Judges’ Panel.  They can only judge two affiliated shows in any year.
5. The judge must not be influenced by clapping at the ringside, as the public probably only                    see the action and do not take in the conformation.

iii.    Judges are not allowed to exhibit at the Breed show in the section they are judging and they are not allowed to judge animals which they, or their immediate family have bred.  They are not allowed to judge immediate family.

1. If a referee judge is called he should not confer with the two judges in the ring, who

should stand apart and make no comment to the referee.

1. Christian names should not be used when talking to competitors.
2. It is essential for exhibitors’ horses/ponies to have correct flu vaccination certificates.

vii.   Weight of shoes should be noted, although it is thought none would exceed the weight

allowed, but more notice should be taken of the foot, which is an essential part of the horse.

viii. The whole turnout should be taken into consideration, but just the general impression, and not to be inspected closely.

1. Entries must be the property of the exhibitor at the time of entry or have a lease registered with the Hackney Horse Society. (except Pairs)
2. If a trainer has trained or exhibited a judges animal in the previous showing season the judge will not be allowed to judge any of the trainers animals in the following showing season. (This is the trainers responsibility not to go under the judge)