We appreciate your patience while we complete the information required of this page.
We have included definitions of all the divisions we offer. In an effort to make the rules for showing in various divisions, we wanted to make it a little more explanatory for those new to showing as well as the seasoned exhibitors. We comply with the guidelines set forth by the VHSA, USET and Marshall & Sterling.
VHSA Rules
The ECHSA holds VHSA Associate rated shows. This means that some classes and/or divisions also allow VHSA members showing at an ECHSA show to earn points toward the VHSA year-end awards.
Those classes and/or divisions will be indicated by an (*) on our prize list.
Clicking here will take you out of the ECHSA site and directly to the "Rules" page of the VHSA site.
USET Rules
Our jumper divisions are held in accordance with the USET rules.
Clicking here will take you out of the ECHSA site and directly to the Jumper Rules page of the USET site.
The following links will give you a copy of the rules in PDF format.
VHSA Rules USET Jumper Rules Marshall & Sterling League Rules
ECHSA members accrue points in all divisions with the exception of the medals.
V -Accrues VHSA points MS -Accrues Marshall & Sterling points
Class/Division Rules
| Division | Definition | Open To: | Fences | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Adult Amateur Hunter | Judged on performance, manner, way of going and soundness. The Adult Amateur definition is the same as the definition accepted by the VHSA Regular Program. Each Amateur/Adult should be capable of signing a statement to that effect. It is the responsibility of each show and/or horse show organization to police the Amateur status of its participants. If the Children’s and Adult Divisions are combined, then it is the Show Secretary’s responsibility to indicate which is the child and which is the adult. Amateurs on ponies may not accumulate points in this division. In order to accrue VHSA Associate points the height for this division shall be no lower than 2' 6". The Adult Amateur Division may only be combined with the 42 Junior/Children’s Division |
Open to horses ridden by an Adult Amateur. | 2'6 and up No less than 8 fences |
18 years of age and over. May not compete in any class where fences are over 3'3 |
| Baby Green Hunter | 1st year of showing | Any age horse or pony which has not been shown over fences higher tan 18" in previous show year or more than 2' in two previous shows in previous show year | 2' and up | Adults may ride ponies |
| Baby Green Pleasure | 1st year of showing | |||
| Beginner Pleasure Rider | Judged on the rider. | |||
| *Green Horse | Any age horse in 1st or 2nd year of showing over fences of 2'6 or higher as of Dec. 1. May be combined with Green Pony. A green horse is a horse of any age in his first or second year of showing in any classes that require horses to jump the designated height for green horses. The individual shows, show series or Associations determine that height, the only requirement is that in order to accrue points, the jump height be no lower than 2'6". If this division is combined with the Green Pony Division, then it is the Show Secretary's responsibility to indicate which is the horse and which is the pony. A horse’s green status is not affected if the horse has not been shown at more than three competitions prior to May 15th of any competition year. In order to maintain green status for the next competition year, the horse must be withdrawn from competition over regulation height and the owner must notify the VHSA office by letter, via certified/return receipt mail prior to December 1st of the year of withdrawal. The horse’s name and recording number must be included in the letter. In order to accrue VHSA Associate points the height for this division shall be no lower than 2' 6". The Green Horse Division may only be combined with the Green Pony Division. Do not report points for ponies that were ridden by adults. |
2'6 and up | Horse must be in 1st or 2nd year of showing in any jumping class. Green status is not affected if the horse has not been shown at more than 3 competitions prior to May 15th on any competition year. | |
| *Green Pony Hunter | Adults riding ponies will not accumulate points for the VHSA May be combined with green horse Green Pony. Open to ponies ridden by Juniors. If this division is combined with the Green Horse Division, then it is the Show Secretary's responsibility to indicate which is the horse and which is the pony. All VHSA Associate Pony Divisions including unjudged and warm-up classes are restricted to Junior riders only. A Green Pony is a pony of any age in his first year of showing in any classes that require ponies to jump the designated height for green pony. (Ponies are only allowed to show one year as Green Ponies). A Pony’s green status is not affected if the pony has not been shown at more than three competitions prior to May 15th of any competition year. In order to maintain green status for the next competition year, the pony must be withdrawn from competition over regulation height and the owner must notify the VHSA office by letter, via certified/return receipt mail prior to December 1st of the year of withdrawal. The pony’s name and recording number must be included in the letter. In order to accrue VHSA Associate points the height for this division shall be no lower than Small 2', Medium 2'3", Large 2'6". The Green Pony Division may only be combined with the Green Hunter Division. |
Fences no lower than indicated for that size pony: Small 2' Medium 2'3 Large 2'6 | Points are restricted to ponies ridden by Juniors. Green status is not affected if the pony has not been shown more than 3 competitions prior to May 15 of any competition year. | |
| Junior Adult Hunter *Pleasure Horse | Judged on manners, performance, quality and suitability of horse to rider with emphasis on suitability. Shown in hunter tack on the flat. | Fence height determined by ECHSA | May not cross enter into another VHSA Associate Pleasure Division at same show. | |
| *Junior Adult Hunter Pleasure Pony | Judged on manners, performance, quality and suitability of pony to rider with emphasis on suitability. Ponies to be shown at walk, trot and canter. |
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| Junior/Children’s. | Open to horses ridden by Juniors. If a show sends in results for a Junior's Division and results in for a Children's Division, the VHSA will count points for the same horse from only one division. If the Children's and Adult's Divisions are combined, then it is the Show Secretary's responsibility to indicate which is the Child and which is the Adult. The VHSA will not accept any points for any Juniors on ponies. In order to accrue VHSA Associate points the height for this divisi |
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| *Children's Hunter | Judged on performance, manners way of going, | 2'6 or 3' | Open to horses ridden by Juniors. May not compete in classes where fences exceed 3'3, except for Medals and Jumpers. | |
| Lead Line | Open to riders 7 and under as of Dec. 1. | |||
| Long Stirrup | *1st or 2nd year of showing over fences who have not won more than 5 blue ribbons in previous year, except beginner eq. | 2' | Rider must be over 12 years of age, May be cross ecter short/lonog stirrup and the following pleasure classes: Horse/Pony |
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| Long/Short Stirrup Equitation | judged on performance. | 2' | Open to riders in their first or 2nd year of showing. riders may only cross enter into short, or long and pleasure. | |
| *Pleasure Horse | Judged on manners, suitability, soundness and way of going. Adult Hunter Pleasure Horse. Open to horses shown with hunter tack on the flat and, if applicable, over fences ridden by an Adult. Points for over fences will be accepted along with on the flat only if over fences is currently part of the show’s Hunter Pleasure Division. It is acceptable for Associate Horse Shows to combine the Adult Hunter Pleasure and the Junior Pleasure Hunter Divisions, however, it is the Show Secretary’s responsibility to indicate on the results which is the Adult rider and which is the Junior rider. The Adult Hunter Pleasure Horse Division may only be combined with the Junior Hunter Pleasure Horse and/or the Pleasure Pony Hunter Division. Horses may not cross enter into another VHSA Associate Pleasure Division at same show. (i) Junior Hunter Pleasure Horse. Open to horses shown with hunter tack on the flat and, if applicable, over fences ridden by a Junior. Points for over fences will be accepted along with on the flat only if over fences is currently part of the show’s Hunter Pleasure Division. It is acceptable for Associate Horse Shows to combine the Adult Hunter Pleasure and the Junior Pleasure Hunter Divisions, however, it is the Show Secretary’s responsibility to indicate on the results which is the Adult rider and which is the Junior rider. The Junior Hunter Pleasure Horse Division may only be combined with the Adult Hunter Pleasure Horse and/or the Pleasure Pony Hunter Division. Horses may not cross enter into another VHSA Associate Pleasure Division at same show. |
N/A | Open to any horse. | |
| *Pleasure Pony | Judged on manners, suitability, soundness and way of going. Hunter Pleasure Pony. Open to ponies shown with hunter tack on the flat and, if applicable, over fences, ridden by a Junior. Points for over fences will be accepted along with on the flat only if over fences is currently part of the show’s Hunter Pleasure Division. The Hunter Pleasure Pony Division may only be combined with the Adult Hunter Pleasure Horse and/or the Junior Hunter Pleasure Division. All Pony Divisions including unjudged and warm-up classes is restricted to Junior riders only. |
N/A | Open to ponies ridden by Juniors only. | |
| Hunter Short Stirrup | Judged on the rider at equitation. Open to horse and ponies. - under saddle consist of walk-trot-canter. Hunter Short Stirrup. Open to horses and ponies ridden by children 12 years and under, however, shows may specify a lower age limit, i.e., 10 years and under. The division will consist of three (3) classes, two over fence classes and a walk, trot, canter under saddle class. Short Stirrup riders, ponies and horses may not cross enter into any other VHSA Associate Division or a VHSA Associate rated Equitation Class with the exception of Pleasure Pony or Pleasure Horse at any show in which they exhibit in the Short Stirrup Division. Short Stirrup riders will be limited to no more than two (2) entries in the Short Stirrup Division at any one horse show. The jump height for this division shall be decided by individual horse shows, but should be no lower than 18" and no higher than 2" with a minimum of four (4) jumps. The Short Stirrup division cannot be combined with any other VHSA Associate High Score Award Division. |
18" to 2' with minimum or 4 jumps | 12 years of age and under only May not cross enter into any other VHSA Assoc. division except, pleasure horse/pony. |
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| *Small Medium Pony Hunter |
Open to ponies ridden by jrs. Small-Medium Pony. Open to ponies ridden by Juniors. If this division is combined with the Large Pony Division, then it is the Show Secretary's responsibility to indicate the size of each pony. All VHSA Associate Pony Divisions including unjudged and warm-up classes are restricted to Junior riders only. In order to accrue VHSA Associate points the height for this division shall be no lower than Small 2', Medium 2'3". The Small/Medium Pony Division may only be combined with the Large Pony Division. At the VHSA Associate Championship Horse Show the Jump Heights for this Division will be Small - 2', Medium - 2'3". (f) Large Pony. Open to ponies ridden by Juniors. If this division is combined with the Small-Medium Pony Division, then it is the Show Secretary's responsibility to indicate the size of each pony. All VHSA Associate Pony Divisions including unjudged and warm-up classes are restricted to Junior riders only. In order to accrue VHSA Associate points the height for this division shall be no lower than 2'6". The Large Pony Division may only be combined with the Small/Medium Pony Division. |
No lower than sm 2' med 2'3 |
Ponies ridden by Juniors only. May be combined with Lg. pony |
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| *Large Pony Hunter | Open to ponies ridden by jrs | No lower than 2'6 | May be combined with sm/med pony | |
| Special Hunter | Open to pony, jr and amateur hunters | 2' to 2'6 | ||
| Very Beginner Equitation | All ages in their first year of showing. Judged on performance, manners and way of going suitable to a pleasure horse or pony. | May cross enter into W/T and beginner equitation. | ||
| *VHSA/ECHSA Associate Equitation | Walk-Trot-Canter and an additional test at judge's discretion. On horses - 1/4 show on flat and perform additional test at judges discretion Adults on horses |
Fence height is determined by EHCSA however, Ponies no less than S-2' M-2'3 and L-2'6 Horses- no less than 2'6 |
Juniors on ponies Single class. Must be VHSA member. Only one VHSA Assoc. Eq class per show Only one VHSA Assoc. Eq class per show . |
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| *VHSA Medals | ||||
| Walk - Trot | Open to riders in their first or 2nd year of showing | |||
| Walk - Trot - Canter | Open to riders in their first or 2nd year of riding | |||
| *Working Hunter | The VHSA will only accept points for the Working Hunter Division. If a show does not have a Working Hunter Division, but does have an Open Division then we will accept those points toward the Working Hunter Division as long as there are at least three Working Hunter exhibitors competing in the Division and they meet the VHSA division specifications. In order to accrue VHSA Associate points the height for this division shall be no lower than 2' 6". The Working Hunter Division may not be combined with any other VHSA Associate High Point Division. |
Horse and Ponies. Open to animals that are not entered in a pony division at the same show. As a clarification, any animal that competes in a VHSA Associate recognized horse division is ineligible to compete in any VHSA Associate Pony Division at the same show.. |
No lower than 2'6 | |
| Marshall & Sterling League | ||||
| Division | Definition | Open to | Fences | Restrictions |
| BIT O’ STRAW HUNTER CLASSIC Entry fee $30 |
Held as a two-round classic. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider need not be a Marshall & Sterling member to compete, but only horses ridden by members will have their points recorded. | Open to junior or amateur riders. No cross entry of horse/pony or rider into the M&S Children’s or Adult Hunter Classic. No cross entry of rider into any rated hunter division. |
2'6" | No cross entry of horse/pony or rider into the M&S Children’s or Adult Hunter Classic. |
| MARSHALL & STERLING CHILDREN’S HUNTER CLASSICS | Only M&S members will receive points. To be eligible for points, a horse/pony must complete the course in at least two classes over fences in the Children’s Hunter section at the same show. To be judged on performance and soundness with manners emphasized. To be scored under the open numerical judging system. The top 12 horses/ponies from the first round will return to jump a second round in reverse order of their scores in the first round; lowest score going first and highest score going last. In case of ties, order of those tied to be drawn. Scores will be averaged from both rounds to determine winners. In case of tie for first place only, the tied horses/ponies will jump a third round over a shortened course to break the tie. The second class of each section of Children’s Hunter will count as the rider’s first round of the M&S Children’s Hunter Classic. The third class will count as the rider’s second round. Riders must enter the M&S Hunter Classic prior to competing in the first Children’s Hunter class. Each rider that chooses to have the classes count as a M&S Children’s Hunter Classic will pay an additional $30 per class. |
open to junior riders. |
No lower than 2'6 | Classics will not count toward a show champion or circuit champion award. |
| CHILDREN’S HUNTER DIVISION | To be shown by junior exhibitors. | Fences for small/medium ponies not to exceed 2’. Fences for large ponies not to exceed 2’6”. Horses 3’. |
Same horse/pony rider combinations may not cross enter into any other rated division except equitation and pleasure. Riders may not cross enter into any other class in which fences exceed 3’6”. | |
| MARSHALL & STERLING ADULT MEDAL | (3’) Entry Fee $30.00 Open to Adult and Amateur Riders. To be shown over minimum of 8 fences at 3’ including a combination and at least two changes of direction aft er the fi rst fence. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same horse must be used in all phases. Only one rider per horse. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count toward qualifying for the Finals. |
No lower than 2'6 | ||
| MARSHALL & STERLING CHILDREN’S MEDAL – Horse | Entry Fee $30.00 Open to Junior Riders on horses who are not competing at the same show in any hunter or equitation class in which the fences exceed 3’3”. To be shown over a minimum of 8 fences the required height including a combination and at least two changes of direction aft er the fi rst fence. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same horse must be used in all phases. Only one rider per horse. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count toward qualifying for the Finals. No cross entry of rider into the Marshall & Sterling Children’s Pony Medal at the same show. |
No lower than 2'6 | ||
| MARSHALL & STERLING JUNIOR MEDAL | 3’6” Entry Fee $30.00 Open to Junior riders. To be shown over minimum of 8 fences at 3’6” including a combination and at least two changes of direction aft er the fi rst fence. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same horse must be used in all phases. Only one rider per horse. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count toward qualifying for the Finals. |
No lower than 2'6 | ||
| Marshall & Sterling Children / Amateur Adult Hunter Equitation | To be shown over 8 fences with 2 changes of lead. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. Points are on the horse as long as the rider is a current league member. Sm./Med. Ponies to jump 2’ Lg. Ponies to jump 2’6” horses 3’ |
No lower than 2'6 | ||
| M&S Children’s Medal – Pony | Open to Junior Riders on ponies that are not competing at the same show in any hunter or equitation class in which the fences exceed 3’3”. To be shown over a minimum of 8 fences the required height with at least two changes of direction after the first fence. A combination is optional, and must be adjusted according to fence heights. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same pony must be used in all phases. Only one rider per pony. (Riders may not ride in more than one height section of the class.) Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count toward qualifying for the Finals. No cross entry of rider into the M&S Children’s Horse Medal at the same show. (Fence heights above are suggested, and should be used whenever possible. If Children’s Hunter Pony specifications differ, Show management may offer fence heights according to those specifications.) Fence heights at the Finals will be 2’ for Small/Medium, 2’6” for Large. |
(2’ for Sm/Med, 2’6” for Lg) | ||
| Jumpers Must have minimum of 2 classes and no more than 3, Must have no less than 2 exhibitors who complete the course in order for the class to count. |
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| Division | Definition | Fences | Restrictions | |
| Beginner Jumper | Juniors and amateurs | 18" cross rails | ||
| Children's Adult Amateur Jumper | In order to accrue VHSA Associate points this division shall be no lower than 2'6" in height and no greater than 3' in height. Spreads shall be no greater than height of the fence. Associations may submit points for their jumper for their divisions that have the same specifica |
No lower than 2'6 and no greater than 3'3. Spreads no greater than the height of the fence. | ||
| Low Jumper | In order to accrue VHSA Associate points this division shall be no lower than 2'6" in height and no greater than 3' in height. Spreads shall be no greater than height of the fence. Associations may submit points for their jumper divisions that have the same specifica |
No lower than 2'6 and no higher than 3' | ||
| Novice Jumper | May be combined with Novice Children's Adult Amateur Jumpers. Open to horses and ponies in their 1 or 2 year of showing in jumper classes at st nd 2'6" or higher as of December 1st of the current show year. Horses and ponies in this division may only cross enter into Novice Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper if the rider is eligible, and Low Jumper at the same show. This division shall be no lower than 2' 3" and no higher than 2' 6". Associations may submit points for their jumper divisions that have the same specifications as VHSA Associate Jumper Divisions. However, shows must use the VHSA Division names on their result sheets |
No lower than 2'3 and no higher than 2'6 | Open to children and adults amateur riders in their 1st or 2nd year of showing. May cross enter into nc/ad am and low jumper |
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| Novice Children's Adult Amateur Jumper | May be combined with Novice Jumpers. Open to children and adult amateurs in their 1st or 2nd year of showing in jumper classes at 2'6" or higher as of December 1st of the current show year. Riders in this division may only cross enter into Novice Jumper, if eligible and Low Jumper at the same show. This division shall be no lower than 2' 3" and no higher than 2' 6". Associations may submit points for their jumper divisions that have the same specifications as VHSA Associate Jumper Divisions. However, shows must use the VHSA Division names on their result sheets. **Novice Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper and Novice Jumper classes may be run together, with separate points reported to the Associate Program. |
No lower than 2'3 and no higher than 2'6 | Open to children and adults amateur riders in their 1st or 2nd year of showing. May cross enter into Novice and Low Jumper. | |
| Schooling Jumper | In order to accrue VHSA Associate points this division shall be no lower than 3' in height and no greater than 3'6" in height. Spreads shall be no greater than the height of the fence. Associations may submit points for their jumper divisions that have the same specifications as VHSA Associate Jumper Divisions. However, shows must use the VHSA Division names on their result sheets. |
No lower than 3' and no higher than 3'6 Spreads no greater than the height of the fence. |
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| Modified Jumper | In order to accrue VHSA Associate points this division shall be no lower than 3'6" in height and no greater than 4' in height. Spreads shall be no greater than the height of the fence. Associations may submit points for their jumper divisions that have the same specifications as VHSA Associate Jumper Divisions. However, shows must use the VHSA Division names on their result sheets. |
No lower than 3'6 and no higher than 4'. Spreads no greater than the height of the fence. | ||