General Show Rules   We are aware that the numbering of the General Show Rules in the printed show program is mixed up. If you are having a problem with reading the rules in the program because the numbers are not sequential, then please click "print page" to print a copy with the numbering changed in order. 1. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor, parent and/or trainer to read and understand the current 2008 Tri-State Horsemen’s Association (TSHA) rules contained in this book, and to read and understand the eligibility requirements and qualifications before entering any test. 2. Every test offered herein is covered by the rules and specifications printed in this program and will be conducted and judged in accordance therewith.  If any other rules not addressed here are needed to make a judgment, we will refer to the USDF and/or USEF rulebooks for reference purposes only in making our own decision. 3. Each horse/rider team can only enter one section of each test in the Introductory and Training Levels 4. Each horse may only show a maximum of six (6) tests per show. 5. Any horse/rider team showing 2 consecutive years in the same level with an average yearly score of 65% or better must move up at least one level. 6. A copy of a current negative Coggins and proof of current Rabies vaccination must accompany your first entry of the season and will not be returned. 7. Writers of all returned checks will be charged a $25.00 fee and also will not be considered as entered in the show until the entire debt is paid in full. 8. Due to limited time available, entries will be taken until slots are filled (125 rides).  Any entries over 125 rides will be put on a standby list. In the event that a ride time does not become available for those entries on the standby list, all entry fees will be returned. 9. All entries must be post marked by USPS.  Hand delivered or faxed entries will not be accepted.  Once entries close no further entries will be accepted at any Dressage show. 10. Ride times will be available the Friday prior to the show by calling the show manager between 10 AM and 5 PM at 860-376-8925 or on the TSHA website.  www.tristatehorsemen.com 11. No requests for refunds or cancellations will be accepted after the closing date without a vet certificate or doctor’s note, which must be dated on or before the show date.  Tri-State policy is that no refunds are issued at a show. 12. Sand and grass arenas will be used. 13. Revisions to original entry form will result in a $10.00 secretarial fee 14. The use of studs is recommended for all horses showing on grass. 15. Management reserves the right to combine, divide, cancel or move classes when deemed necessary to facilitate the smooth running of the show.  . 16. All horses on the grounds must have a number assigned and worn on the halter or bridle at all times when out of the stall or trailer.  If you are bringing a horse to ‘school only’ a number must be assigned by the secretary.  There will be a fee of $5.00 for the number, as noted on entry form.  Designated warm-up areas are provided.  Absolutely no schooling or warm-up around or in the Dressage rings except for the next rider to be judged.  Also, no warm-ups will be allowed around the ring prior to the Judge arriving at the ring. 17. All dogs must be leashed! 18. Judges’ decisions are final.  Any exhibitor or person with a concern about a judge’s decision will approach the show manager.  Under no circumstances will anyone approach a judge with these concerns.  Any exhibitor or person disregarding this rule may be asked to cancel all entries and forfeit all entry fees and vacate the show grounds. 19. Any person lodging a formal protest must submit said protest IN WRITING via US Mail to the Show Manager.  Protests must be postmarked no later than the Tuesday immediately after the show and accompanied by a non-refundable $25.00 fee. Evidence and supporting documentation of the protest is your responsibility to submit. Protests must be signed and contact information provided. Dressage Show Manager will appoint an independent panel of five (5) to review all protests and determine any remedies or sanctions if said protest is upheld. 20. To participate for YEAR-END awards, the exhibitor shall be a member of TSHA, with no outstanding debt to TSHA, and will be required to participate, as a member, in at least two (2) of the three (3) shows offered. 21. Stalls must be reserved and paid in full on the separate form provided.  Bedding is not provided and not available on the grounds. Water is available on the grounds. 22. There will be a $25.00 Fine for anyone using a stall that is not prepaid, in addition to the rental fee. 23. In order to park along side the barns on the fair grounds, owners of trucks and trailers must have rented stalls and have a parking pass. All other trailers MUST park on the soccer field. 24. All riders 17 & under are required to wear ASTM approved helmets with a harness whenever mounted.  All exhibitors must have appropriate footwear whenever mounted.  No person can ride bareback or with halter and lead lines.  25. A qualified independent veterinarian will conduct drug testing at TSHA Dressage Shows according to the Dressage Show Committee’s Random Selection Procedure.   Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of entry fees, TSHA points and any prizes/awards received. 26. The Drug testing at TSHA Dressage Shows will be sent to a USEF approved laboratory where testing for the current year’s substances and limits will occur. Upon receipt of the laboratory report, in the event that a positive result should occur, Tri-State will impose the following Tri-State Horsemen’s Association policy: Sanctions and penalties imposed when a *positive* test result is returned on a Horse at a Tri-State Dressage Show Competition: • Immediate Disqualification of said Horse from Tri-State competition • Immediate Disqualification of said Horse from any Year-End Awards • Immediate Disqualification of any and all exhibitors on said horse from Tri-State Competition • Immediate Disqualification of any and all exhibitors on said horse from Year-End Awards • Immediate Disqualification of said Horse’s Owner and/or Lessee, from Tri-State competition • Immediate Disqualification of said Horse’s Owner and/or Lessee, from any Year-End Awards • Immediate Disqualification of said Horse’s Trainer from Tri-State Competition • Immediate Disqualification of said Horse’s Trainer from Year-End Awards • Suspension of said Horse from any future Tri-State competitions for a period of no less than one year. • Suspension of any and all exhibitors on said horse from any future Tri-State competitions for a period of no less than one year. • Suspension of said horse’s Owner and/or Lessee from any future Tri-State competitions for a period of no less than one year • Suspension of said horse’s Trainer from any future Tri-State competitions for a period of no less than one year. This suspension holds true with any and all horses said Trainer exhibits. • Suspension of use of Training Facility’s name at any future Tri-State event for a period of no less than one year • Referral to the Tri-State Sanctions Committee for any further disciplinary action using USEF for reference, including but not limited to: suspension of Membership for a length of time to be determined by the Tri-State Sanctions Committee and monetary fines assessed on the Exhibitor(s), the Trainer(s), and the Owner(s)/Lessee(s) of said Horse.