FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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WHAT IS THE SADDLEBRED SPORT HORSE CHALLENGE?

The SSHC is a training challenge and a celebration of the Saddlebred and Half Saddlebreds in sport horse disciplines.

WHAT HORSES ARE ELIGIBLE?

Saddlebreds and Half Saddlebreds with 0-2 years of experience in the discipline(s) that they will compete in. Riders can be Amateurs, Professionals, or Juniors. 

DOES MY HORSE NEED TO BE REGISTERED?

No. Please specify in your entry if your horse is a Saddlebred or Half Saddlebred.

IS THIS A SHOW JUST FOR RESCUED HORSES?

 No, in fact we hope to have horses from all backgrounds participate. However if your horse is a rescue please add that in the notes in your entry and tell us which organization you got your horse through or if it was a privately rescued horse. (This does not include commonly accepted training methods that an individual does not agree with, from a barn with a discipline that an individual does not agree with, or from a previous home who’s lifestyle an individual does not agree with.)

DO I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HORSE I AM BRINGING NOW?

No. Entry forms can be filled out with or without a specific horses information. This allows trainers to find a horse during the year before the show. Horse information must be submitted by August 1.

WHAT RIDER SHOULD SHOW A HORSE IN PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OR A LESSON BARN?

This is a training challenge so horses should be ridden by the horses primary rider for the 60 days preceding the show. 

WHAT LEVEL WILL THE CLASSES BE?

The classes will be offered at a level fair for horses in their first year of competing. 

Jumpers: 0.8-0.85m 

Hunters 2’3”- 2’6”

Eventing: Beginner Novice

Dressage: Training Level tests 2-3, and Freestyle.

Trail: Walk, Trot, and obstacles. Canter and gaiting optional.

Reining: Patterns 2, 3, and a Freestyle.

All divisions will be run in accordance with the USEF rulebook.

WHAT IS SPORT HORSE IN HAND?

This is a class judged on conformation and movement following USDF rules for presenting on the triangle. Every horse competing in a riding discipline will be entered in the Sport Horse In Hand class, though participation is optional. Young horses or horses who don’t meet the eligibility requirements may participate as well. Horses may be handled by someone other than their primary handler for this class.

WILL ALL THE DISCIPLINES BE OFFERED?

The divisions will be offered so long as they have 6 horses entered by the closing date of April 1.

WHY DO I NEED TO ENTER SO EARLY?

To run the best show possible we need to know how many horses to expect and what disciplines we will be providing.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO COMPETE?

The entry fees are $200 for one division and $75 for a second division. Sport Horse In Hand has an entry fee of $30. There is a late fee of $100 for horses entered between April 1 and August 1. There are no additional fees to participate.

WHEN IS THE LAST DAY I CAN REGISTER?

Entries will be accepted with a late fee until August 1, however entries after April 1 will not impact the divisions offered and may have less disciplines to choose.

WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

Entries withdrawn before August 1 will be refunded minus a $50 processing fee.

HOW DO I FIND STABLING?

The Vista does not have stabling but there are several stabling options in hacking distance or a short drive of the show. This show is designed for easily showing off the trailer.

Please contact these facilities via Facebook to secure stabling:

Valhalla Equestrian Center 2.5 miles

Four Squre Farm: 2.9 miles

Full Gallop Farm: 5.0 miles

WHEN ARE ENTRIES OPEN?

Entries will open in early February.