PDIA General RULES

Athol Saddle Club Association

Playday in Athol Saddle Club
General Rules and Guidelines

GENERAL RULES


  1. No contestant can be disqualified unless a rule can be specifically called for in the ISCA/NSCA Rules or lined out in PDIA rules and guidelines.
  2. Horse and Rider must cross the turning line in all events unless otherwise specified.
  3. In all events the horse and rider must cross the finish line together. The rider cannot touch the ground before crossing the finish line or will be disqualified, with the exception of events that require dismounting.
  4. If equipment hits the ground after a contestant crosses the finish line, it is NOT a disqualification.
  5. A contestant will be disqualified for intentionally touching equipment to right or steady it to keep it from being knocked down.
  6. A contestant is allowed to be led into the arena by an assistant. The assistant is only allowed to help in entering and exiting the arena, with the exception of Peewee (9 & Under), where the contestant is led through the event by an assistant.
  7. Contestants MAY dismount their horses before leaving the lane/ arena. However, the contestants must stay in their lane until all riders are back across the finish line and are dismissed. Failure to wait will be a disqualification. This includes all age groups.
  8. A contestant will be given three calls, in a reasonable amount of time, to report for their heat. If a contestant does not report within three calls, they will be disqualified.
  9. Intentional breakage of equipment will be a disqualification.  Or need to be replaced by a 2/3 vote of the board.
  10. Any individual under the age of 18 must have a parent, guardian or adult supervisor at the event at all times or they will not be permitted to ride.
  11. A 3-Man Rule Committee will be appointed at the beginning of each Playday. All complaints need to be in writing with a $25.00 grievance fee.  This complaint needs to be filed with the PDIA Board. If the committee finds in favor of the complaint, the $25.00 will be refunded.
  12. If a contestant or parent of the contestant goes to the lane judge/announcer and complains about a decision about their ride or another contestants ride, that  complaining contestant will be disqualified, NO QUESTIONS ASKED.
  13. As determined by the PDIA officers, riders, owners, parents or spectators that are deemed unruly, unsportsmanship-like, or abusive to people or animals will be asked to leave the premises immediately. Or further actions will be taken.
  14. Race and time ends when contestant crosses start/finish line.  If a property hits the ground prior to a contestant crossing the start/finish line during the completion of the course the contestant will be disqualified. If property hits the ground after contestant crosses the start/finish line a time will be given. PDIA will disqualify for not stopping in contestant lane.


NOMINATION FEES


No Need to Nominate if you do not want to qualify for series awards, you may still ride for day awards.

Nomination Fee is a one-time annual fee, that nominates you and/or your horse(s) for awards at the end of the series (buckle, summer), Idaho State O-Mok-see and National O-Mok-see.


*if riding 2 age groups on one horse 2 fees need paid, Nominating rider not horse.

You have until the November show to nominate for the winter series. That will run you through until the next October.

You will have until the May show to nominate for the summer series. That will run you through until October that year.


If you begin riding after these dates you have until your third show to nominate for the series end awards.

Fiscal year runs October 1 thru September 31.


ENTRY INFORMATION


  1. Age Groups are as follows: Peewee (9 & Under), 10-15, 16-29, 30 & over and Open, 16 & Over Mens, Survivor.
  2. January 1st shall be the deciding date for determining a contestant’s age group.
  3. Sign-Ups: Sign-ups will end promptly 30 minutes before the show begins. 


EQUIPMENT AND ATTIRE


  1. All contestants must wear long pants, shirt and riding boots. 
    1. Shirt must be a minimum of 1" sleeve.
  2. Any safety gear, such as helmets will be allowed in any event, but not required.


STARTING


  1. When contestants are in front of the respective lanes, they will be given a “go when ready” signal by the announcer. All contestants must wait in their lanes until given the “go when ready” signal, or contestants will be disqualified.
  2. After the first contestant crosses the starting line, the remaining contestants have 10 seconds to start or will be disqualified.
  3. If a contestant steps out of their lane after the 'go when ready' sign is given they will be disqualified.


RE-RIDES AND TIES


  1. Re-Rides will be given to the contestant that is interfered with during the running of their event. The contestant must make a qualified ride to be eligible for a re-ride. The lane judge will notify the announcer of any interference calls.
  2. Anytime a contestant makes a qualified ride and there is a mechanical failure a contestant will be allowed two (2) chances to make a qualified ride. Under the circumstance of operator mistake or interference of another rider, the contestant will be given one (1) chance to make a qualified ride. Any re-ride will occur in the same lane as the original run.
  3. The announcer may not stop the contestant(s) once a race has started, since the contestant(s) must still make a qualified ride before a re-ride will be awarded.
  4. Ties will be run-off, unless both contestants decide to flip a coin. The loser of either the run-off or coin toss will take the next lower placing. In the case when only one contestant wishes a runoff, the one who does not want to, will take the next lower Placing. Run-offs are for placing’s only.
  5. There shall be one (1) second penalty, instead of a disqualification (DQ), for each piece of equipment that is knocked over during a run-off. This only applies during run-offs, any other time it is a disqualification.
  6. Horses and riders may not be substituted during re-rides or run-offs, with the exception of a medical emergency or other mitigating circumstances. This will be decided by the 3-Man Rule Committee.


JUDGING OF EVENTS


  1. When a disqualification occurs, the Lane Judge raises the Red Disqualification flag, until the announcer acknowledges the disqualification, then the Judge lowers the flag.

  2. The Lane Judges will be responsible for disqualifications from the start/finish line back to the fence, including all four feet of the horse crossing the lane divider at the same time. Unless in the indoor arena, then only one foot out of the lane divider will be a disqualification.

  3. The Lane Judge’s decision is final, unless the contestant submits a complaint in writing to the 3 Man Rule Committee. The 3 Man Rule Committee then has the final decision. The contestant must submit the complaint before the end of  the event in which the disqualification occurred. The only exception is if the contestant is in the last heat of the last group to run that event. The contestant will then have until the next event starts.

  4. No one under the age of 16 may Lane Judge. Lane Judges must also have correct knowledge of the events they are judging. (See the List of Events for the correct pattern and rules for each event).

  5. Lane Judges have the power to disqualify a contestant for the following:

    1. General disqualification for not following the rules or pattern of an event.

    2. Disqualification for completely (completely meaning all four feet of the horse at the same time) crossing over the lane divider line. With the exception of the indoor or smaller arena. Then the rule will be one foot out or judge’s discretion. If the contestant goes out of the lane far enough to interfere with another contestant, the one interfered with shall be awarded to re-ride. (See Re-rides and Ties).

    3. Disqualification for knocking over any equipment (equipment being anything used in an event that is moveable). Any equipment that touches the ground with its top portion and returns to upright position shall be deemed equipment knocked over

    4. Disqualification for contestant intentionally touching equipment to right or steady it to keep it from being knocked down.

    5. Disqualification for contestant intentionally hitting or striking the horse with equipment.

    6. Disqualification for the rider touching the ground before the horse crosses the finish line. With the exception of events that require dismounting.

    7. Disqualification for poor sportsmanship, abusing a horse, or unruly conduct.

    8. Removal from the grounds for gross intoxication.


POINTS SYSTEM


1.  Series Points will only be awarded to participants that have been nominated and are competing in Playday events in each age group as described in Nomination Information.  Non-nominated riders shall receive day awards only as earned.
2. Playday series points for placing in each event will not be changed. They are as follows:

  1st Place 10 points
  2nd Place 9 points
  3rd Place 8 points
  4th Place 7 points
  5th Place 6 points
  6th Place 5 Points
  7th Place 4 Points
  8th Place 3 Points
  9th Place 2 Points
10th Place 1 Point

3. The Peewee  (6 & Under) age group will receive participation prizes, as well as series points.


Awards and Prizes


  1. Saddles (in the Summer Saddle Series) awards will only be awarded in age groups that have 5 or more nominated riders.
  2. Awards will be given to 10 high point places in the summer series, if there are enough riders in that age group and a minimum of 2 high point awards in the winter series.
  3. ​Day awards will be given at the discretion of the annual budget.
  4. You must be present to receive your awards. Unless prior arrangements are made. 


Royalty


In the event that a royalty representative must forfeit their title, the respective alternate will fill the position.  Royalty titles may be taken away if the following occurs:

Royalty fails to follow “Royalty Responsibilities”.
Royalty becomes married, pregnant or cohabits.
Royalty is caught using alcohol or illegal drugs.
Royalty uses profane language or displays in appropriate conduct.

Forfeiting includes giving up the title, crown and any item that PDIA has given to the person.  Only during extreme conditions or emergencies may a royalty ambassador be dismissed from attending events listed under “Royalty Responsibilities.” In such an event the royalty advisor needs to be notified ahead of time.

For all the royalty rules please see royalty packet.


Events Listed in alphabetical order:


Arena Barrel Race

Rider is mounted at start, races to barrel centered on turning line, makes a right or left turn around stake and races back to finish line. Rider is disqualified for knocking over barrel. 


Arena Race

Rider mounted at starting line, races to pole bending pole centered on the turning line, makes a left or right turn around the pole and race back to the finish line. Disqualification for steadying pole or knocking pole over.


Barrel and Stake

Rider races to barrel centered in the lane 30 feet from start/finish line which contains three stakes. Rider picks up one stake and races to second barrel centered on turning line and deposits the stake in the second barrel. The rider races back to the first barrel, picks up the next stake and continues until all stakes are in the second barrel, the rider then races across the finish line. Rider must keep the barrels to the right or left at all times. The rider may not cross between the barrels. Intentionally hitting the horse with the stake disqualifies the rider. The wooden stakes to be used are 5 feet long, 1 to 1 ¼ inches in diameter, full round and of a light weight. Disqualification for dropping a stake outside a barrel.


Barrel Pole Race 

A barrel is centered in the lane 60 feet from the start/finish line. Three poles are centered in lane, the first on the turning line and the other two poles set 21 feet apart toward start/finish line. At signal, contestant races to barrel and circles it right or left, weaves poles down and back, circles barrel again either way, then races across finish line.  Disqualification for knocking over any properties, crossing out side of lane, or incorrect pattern. 


Big O

2 poles are centered in the lane. One on the turn line and the second 25' towards the start/finish line. At signal, contestant turns the pole on the turn line and continues straight to the second pole, turns the pole and heads back to the pole on the turn line in a straight line and turns pole, heads straight back across start/finish line.  Disqualification for knocking over any properties, crossing out side of lane, or incorrect pattern. 


Birangle 

Rider crosses the start/finish line towards the inside of pole 1, turns pole 1, passes in a straight line towards pole 2, turns pole 2, the rides back across the start/finish line. Poles are spaced 30 feet apart. Disqualification for knocking over a pole. 


Cowboy Flag Race 

2 poles and 2 barrels (open end up) alternating placed 40 feet apart from the turning line to the starting line. Starting with a barrel on the turn line. A flag to be placed at the tip of each pole. Rider races to 1st pole and picks up the flag and deposits the flag in the 1st barrel, races to the 2nd pole and picks up flag and deposits flag in 2nd barrel, turning barrel on turn line, races home. Rider must keep poles and barrels on the same side at all times. Contestants are disqualified for knocking over barrel(s) and/or pole(s), dropping the flag(s) and breaking the pattern. 


Cloverleaf Barrels

Rider may go to either the right or left barrel first, but must make one left turn and two right turns or one right turn and two left turns. Barrels should be at least 20 feet from the fence. The start/finish line should be at least 45 feet from the fence. Regulation distance of 165 feet from the start/finish line to the turning line; 40 feet from the start/finish line to barrels #1 and #2; 75 feet between barrel #1 and #2. All distances measured to the center of the barrels. For safety reasons, distances may be governed by the amount of arena space available. Start/finish line will be 30 feet wide and marked at each end by a pole bending pole. The rider must cross the start/finish line between the poles. AT least 30 gallon barrels, closed end up, will be used. No
horses will be allowed to run in or out any gate, they must start and finish in the room allowed for in the arena.


Exchange Race - Team of Two

First rider starts mounted in saddle at starting line. At signal, first rider races to second rider who is standing behind turning line. After crossing turning line, first rider dismounts and second rider makes an attempt to mount. Second rider must be astride horse before crossing finish line. Riders may assist each other. Disqualification for not crossing turning line, losing contact with horse and not making an attempt to mount behind the turning line. Turning lane to be marked across entire lane. 


Express Rescue – Teams of Two

The first rider is mounted at the start line, races to a partner who is standing behind the turning line, the rider crosses the turning line and picks up the partner, behind the saddle and races across the finish line. Disqualification if the partner touches the ground before the rider crosses the finish line. 


Figure Eight Stake Race

A pole bending pole is centered on the turning line with a second stake set 60 feet toward the start/finish line and centered in the lane. The rider races to the pole on the turning line, making a left for right turn, races to the second pole, crosses over and repeats the first turn, then races back across the finish line.


Flag Race

A flag is placed in a gallon can of sand and centered on at least a 30 gallon barrel which is centered on the turning line. The rider races to the barrel, making a left or right turn, picks up the flag and returns across the finish line with the flag in hand. The flag is to be white, 9 inches square and attached to a stick 18 inches 18 inches long. The flag is to be set straight up in the can. Disqualification for knocking over the can or the barrel or dropping the flag before crossing the finish line.


Golf Ball Drop

A cone is centered on the turn line. Rider is given a golf ball at entrance to lane. At signal rider races down to cone and places the golf ball into the cone, and races back across the start/finish line. Rider is disqualified for knocking over cone, dropping golf ball, or breaking pattern. 


Gated Keyhole

A barrel is centered on the turn line, one pole 6' from the barrel is placed on each side on the turn line. At signal, contestant races down between a pole and barrel, turns the barrel, and continues through the other side of the barrel and opposite pole.  Disqualification for knocking over any properties, crossing out side of lane, or incorrect pattern. 


Flying W Race 

Place two pole bending poles, 90 feet apart, centered in arena on the turning line. Place one pole in the center of the arena 60 feet from the turning line. Rider will run to first pole on either side of arena and make a right or left turn toward center of arena, proceed to center pole make a turn in opposite direction of first turn, continue to pole on opposite side of arena from first pole and make a right or left turn towards fence and on to start/finish line. Rider will be disqualified for not completing the pattern, touching pole with hand, or knocking over pole.


Four In A Row - Team of Four

Four poles centered in lane 21 feet apart, first pole set 21 feet from starting line. A barrel is set on the turning line and in line with the poles. Two barrels, one each set 30 feet on either side of barrel on turning line and placed 21 feet back toward starting line. Last rider to wear a red arm band. At signal, contestants, riding one behind the other, start to weave poles, then race around outside of barrel pattern and weave back again through poles. Last rider to completely circle the last pole before crossing finish line. May go either left or right, but all riders must go the same way. Disqualification for not starting/finishing in the same order, breaking pattern or knocking over properties. 


Half Eight Race

The first pole is centered on the turning line, a second pole is set back 6 feet toward the start/finish line. The rider races down, making a left or right turn, crosses between the poles before crossing the turning line, then makes an opposite turn around the first pole and races back across the finish line. Disqualification for not going between the poles before crossing the turning line or knocking over the poles.


Idaho Two Barrel Flag

Two barrels (at least 30 gallons), one is centered on the turning line, open end up. The second barrel is set 30 feet from the start/finish line, centered in the lane, also open end up. Two stakes, 5 feet long, 1 to 1 ¼ inch in diameter, painted on one end with red at least 12 inches down the stake. The stakes are placed in the barrels, one stake with the red end up, the other with the red end down. The rider will raise their right or left arm when coming into the arena indicating what side of the barrel they will pick up the stake. The rider races to the first barrel, picks up the stake, races to the second barrel, deposits the first stake into the second barrel, picks up the second stake and races back to the first barrel and deposits the second stake, then races back to the finish line. The rider must keep the barrels on the right or left at all times. Disqualification for not keeping the barrels on the same side at all times and for stakes falling out of the barrels before the rider crosses the finish line.


Jellyfish Race

Four poles centered in lane 21 feet apart, first poles set 21 feet from the start line. A barrel is centered on the turning line. Two barrels set 21 feet toward start line 10 feet between each barrel. At signal, rider weaves poles, then races around the outside of the barrel pattern and weaves back through the poles, circles the last pole closest to the finish line before crossing the finish line. Contestant is disqualified for breaking patter or knocking property over. 


Kansas Lead Back

At signal, horse and rider must race across turning line; rider dismounts and leads horse back across finish line. Rider must cross finish line ahead of horse with reins in hand. Length of reins not to exceed seven feet (7'). The use of a strap, lead rope or rein attached where the riding reins are attached is permissible. 


Keg Race

A course of six kegs or traffic cones, set 25 feet apart, centered in the lane. The last keg is set on the turning line. The rider passes the first keg to the right or left and weaves the kegs, turns the last keg and returns, weaving back and across the finish line. Disqualification for jumping the kegs or knocking them over. The kegs are to be uniform in size.


Key Barrel Race

Two barrels are placed on the turning line 5 feet apart, 10 feet from each barrel to the lane  divider line. Two more barrels are placed 10 feet back toward the start/finish line, also 5 feet apart. These barrels are to be in line with the poles on the turning line. The rider races between the barrels across the turning line, turns and reverses course back through the barrels to the finish line. 


Key Race

Two pole bending poles covered with a 4 inch by 5 foot red sock are places on the turning line 5 feet apart, 10 feet from each pole to the lane divider line. Two more poles are placed 10 feet back toward the start/finish line, also 5 feet apart. These poles are to be in line with the poles on the turning line. The rider races between the poles across the turning line, turns and reverses course back through the poles to the finish line. All of the poles to be covered in red.


Lane Barrels

A barrel is centered on the turning line with a second barrel set 75 feet toward starting line and centered in the lane. Contestant races between the barrels before making a right or left turn around barrel on the turning line, then races to "second barrel" making an opposite turn and returns to the turning line barrel and makes a turn in the same direction as the second turn, then races back across the finish line. Disqualifications for breaking the pattern and/or knocking over barrel.


Little Birangle

Rider crosses the start/finish line towards the inside of pole 1, turns pole 1, passes in a straight line towards pole 2, turns pole 2, the rides back across the start/finish line. Poles are spaced 10 feet apart. Disqualification for knocking over a pole. 

Little Cats Cradle

Pole 1 is centered in the lane 90' from the turn line, pole 2 and 4 are 10' off the lane edge  45' from the turn line, pole 3 is centered on the turn line. At signal, rider races to pole one and passes on either side and crosses over the lane, continues on the outside of pole 2, crosses lane again and turns pole 3 (on turn line), rider then passes pole 4 on the outside and crosses over passing pole 1 again on the opposite side as before.  Disqualification for knocking over any properties, crossing out side of lane, or incorrect pattern. 


Little Flying W 

Two poles placed 10 feet from each lane line and 10 feet from each other, a third pole placed 10 feet from the turning line, turns the 1st pole, the rider then goes down the lane and turns the pole center in the middle of the lane (opposite turn from the 1st pole), then ride back to the 3rd pole on the turning line, turns pole, rider then races home. Rider may go right or left. Disqualification for knocking over pole(s) or touching pole(s) with hand.


Little Streaking Poles

Four poles placed 45' from start line and 10' from each other, a fifth pole placed on the turn line with the last pole placed 10' towards the start line centered in the lane. At signal, rider races through two poles on edge of lane, through poles on turn line, and back through poles closest to opposite edge of lane. Rider may go left or right. Disqualification for knocking over any properties, crossing out side of lane, or incorrect pattern. 


Open End Barrel Race - Team

A 55-gallon barrel with both ends out, is placed 10 feet beyond the turning line. Rider #1 is mounted, races to the barrel, dismounts. Rider #2 holds horse while rider #1 tips barrel on side and crawls through. Rider #2 then tips barrel back up, mounts horse, and races across finish line.


Pair Sack – Teams of Two

Partners are mounted at the starting line holding a 4 inch by 5 foot red sock between them. At the signal, they race around a barrel (at least 30 gallons) centered on the turning line, make a left turn and race back to the finish line. Disqualification for not making a left turn or letting loose of the sock before both horses cross the finish line.


Pole Bending

Each rider shall have a line of six poles. The riders race to the last pole on the turning line first, make a left or right turn and weave through the poles and back again, then race back to the finish line. The poles are to be 5 feet high, 1 to 1 ¼ inches in diameter. Bases to be a maximum of 15 inches in diameter. Total weight of the pole and base not to exceed 12 pounds. All poles and bases to be uniform. Poles to be set 21 feet apart, centered in the lane, with a distance of 60 feet from the start/finish line to the first pole. The last pole is to be centered on the turning line. Disqualification for steadying or knocking over poles.


Polo Turn

At signal, rider races to pole centered on turning line, makes a complete circle (one and a half revolutions) around pole, then returns back across finish line. Rider may turn to either right or left. 


Rescue Race - Team

Standing Start. First rider of team stands next to horse with both feet on the ground at start/finish line. Partner to be rescued stands behind the turning line in lane opposite his/her partner. At signal, rider mounts and races across turning line, picking up partner and races across finish line. Partner to be rescued must make an attempt to mount behind the turning line. Both riders to be astride horse at finish. Race will be started by a sounds device. Time to start simultaneously with starting signal.


Reverse Flag

A can of sand is centered on a 30 gallon barrel which is centered on the turning line. Rider is handed a flag at lane entrance. At signal, contestant races around the barrel placing the flag into the can and returns across the finish line. Flag is to be white, 9 inches square attached to stick 18 inches in length. Disqualification for knocking over barrel or can. 


Ring Around The Flour

At signal, rider races to turn line where there is a 3 foot ring of flour, makes a complete circle (one and a half revolutions) around the ring of flour, then returns back across the finish line. Rider may turn either right or left. Disqualification for stepping in the circle or on the flour ring. 


Ring Around The Pole

Rider is handed a ring at lane entrance. Rider proceeds to pole with ring in hand, as you turn the pole and head back towards the finish line, place the ring around the pole and ride back across the start/finish line. Rider is disqualified for missing the ring on the pole, knocking over the pole, or dropping the ring.


Silly Figure 8 

​A pole bending pole is centered on the turning line with another pole set 42 feet toward the start/finish line and centered in the lane. The rider passes the first pole on either the right or left, crosses to the second pole, makes an opposite turn and weaves back, then races to the finish line. Disqualification for steadying or knocking over poles.


Speed Ball (All Ages) 

You will be given a golf ball at the start of the race. Run down to the cone, as you go around the back side of the cone and head for the finish line, drop the golf ball into the cone, and race back across the finish line. 


Slo Barrels 

To be run in standard lanes, with three 30-gallon barrels set in a cloverleaf pattern ten feet beyond the turning line. 10 feet between barrels #1 and #2; barrel #3 is set 25 feet beyond turning line (15 feet beyond line between barrels #1 and #2). Riders race through standard cloverleaf pattern and return across finish line. 


Speed Barrels

Three barrels (at least 30 gallons) are centered in the lane, 50 feet between the barrels, the last barrel is to be centered on the turning line. The rider weaves the barrels through and back. The rider may start to weave on either the left or right side of the first barrel.


Spur Race

There are a total of 5 poles, 4 10 feet past the timer line and 1 centered on the turn line. Rider races through 2 poles, crosses to the other side of the lane and turn the pole on the turn line, then cross back over to opposite side of the lane and go through opposite 2 poles at the finish line. 


Stilly Figure Eight

A pole bending pole is centered on the turning line with another pole set 30 feet toward the start/finish line and centered in the lane.At signal, contestant races to the pole on turning line, making a left or right hand turn, races to the second pole and makes opposite turn, then returns to pole on the turning line, repeating the first turn, then races across the finish line. Disqualification for steadying or knocking over poles.


Straight Barrels

Three barrels ( at least 30 gallons) are centered in the lane, 55 feet between the barrels, the last barrel is to be centered on the turning line. The rider races to the first barrel and proceeds to circle the barrels to the left or right, heading towards the turning line, turns the last barrel and reverses the course, circling barrels to opposite direction on the return trip. Disqualification for turning the barrels in the wrong direction.


Switch - n - Weave (All Ages)

A pole is centered in lane 40 feet toward turn line from start/finish line. Another pole is centered in lane 40 feet toward start/finish line front turn line. At signal, rider 1 (mounted) races down, weaves between poles, and crosses turn line and dismounts. Rider 2 mounts horse and races back between poles OPPOSITE the way rider 1 and crosses finishes line. 


Team Arena – Teams of Four

Rider #1 carrying a 12 inch baton races to a pole bending pole centered on the turning line, making a left turn, races back to rider #2 who has moved toward the start/finish line. Rider #1 passes the baton to rider #2. The baton must be passed in the lane before rider #2 crosses the start/finish line. Repeat for riders #3 and #4. The race finishes when rider #4 crosses the finish line. Riders must remain mounted to pass or receive the baton. If the baton is dropped, the rider passing the baton must pick it up and remount their horse before passing the baton to the receiving rider. The last rider to tie a red sock around the left arm. Disqualification for not making a left turn around the pole, intentionally hitting the horse with the baton, crossing over the lane divider or not passing the baton before crossing the start line.


360-8 Race

A barrel is centered on the turning line and another barrel is set 75 feet toward the starting line in the center of the lane. Contestant is mounted, races to closest barrel and circles it completely to the left or right then races to the barrel on turning line (crossing between the barrels as in Figure 8 on the way) turning the opposite direction around the second barrel, on return (crosses between barrels like Figure 8) to first barrel and circles it completely the same direction as first turn and races to the finish line. Contestant is disqualified for breaking the pattern or knocking over a barrel. 


Tail Spin

5 poles starting from turn line spaced every 25' towards start/finish line. At signal, contestant weaves poles starting with the closest pole to the start line, after turning the last pole on turn line, contestant races straight back across the finish line.  Disqualification for knocking over any properties, crossing out side of lane, or incorrect pattern. 


Tomahawk Ball Run

A barrel, open end up, is centered in lane 30 feet from start/finish line with a second barrel centered on turning line, closed end up. Three baseballs to be placed on barrel on turning line. At signal, contestant races to turning line, makes a left or right hand turn around the barrel, picks up one ball, races to barrel with open end up and deposits ball into barrel, continues until all three balls are deposited in the open barrel. Disqualification if any balls fall to the ground.


Tomahawk Race

A barrel, open end up, is centered in lane 30 feet from start/finish line with a second barrel, closed end up, centered on turning line. A 15 inch white garden hose (tomahawk) with a red mark 6 inches from the end of the tomahawk is placed on top of barrel on turning line, extending 6 inches from edge of barrel. At signal, contestant races to second barrel, picks up tomahawk and races to first barrel, depositing tomahawk into barrel. Disqualification for dropping the tomahawk. Contestant much keep barrels to either right or left at all times. 


Tunnel Vision (All Ages)

Race between poles, weave between barrels, around top barrel, weave back between barrels and through poles to finish. Top barrel centered on turning line. Contestants is disqualified for breaking the pattern or knocking over a property. 


Two Barrel Flag 

Two 30 gallon barrels per lane, two (2) 5 foot wooden poles (1 to 1 1/4" diameter) with a colored flag on one pole and different colored flag on the second pole. Flags to be 9" inches square. Approximately 1-2" inches of dirt will be placed in the bottom of first barrel. Contestant will raise right or left arm when coming into arena indicating what side of barrel from which they will pick up stakes. All stakes will be set in the same fashion from bottom edge of barrel to opposite top rim. Stakes may not be custom set by contestant. At signal, contestant races to first barrel centered in lane, 30 feet from start/finish line, picks up stake with colored flag and races to second barrel centered on turning line, deposits stake into barrel and picks up second stake with a different colored flag, then races back and deposits second stake into first barrel and races across start/finish line. Rider must keep barrel to right or left at all times. In the event of a contestant breaking the first stake, a re-ride will automatically be awarded(contestant may not elect to keep their time). If the second stake breaks when contestant deposits it to final barrel, the portion remaining in the barrel must be the full diameter of the stake to be considered a qualified ride. Disqualification for dropping stake with flag. 


Two Barrel Pole Race

Two barrels are set 60 feet from the start/finish line. 1o feet between barrels and 10 feet from each barrel to lane divider lines. All measurements made to the center of the barrel. Three pole bending poles centered in lane, the last pole to be centered on the turning line. The remaining two poles set 21 feet apart towards the start/finish line. At signal, contestant races to the right barrel, making right turn and the opposite turn around the second barrel, then weave poles through and back, either right or left, then races back between barrels across start/finish line. To be run in alternate lanes per heat. 


Western Jumping

A plastic pole 15 feet in length and 1 ½ inches in diameter set on standards a minimum of 12 inches and a maximum of 18 inches above the ground is placed 60 feet from the start/finish line. Standards to be placed at the end of each pole. Three poles centered in the lane. The last pole is placed on the turning line with the remaining poles set 21 feet apart toward the start/finish line. The rider races to and crosses the jump, weaves the poles through and back, crosses the jump and races to the finish line. For the 8 and under age group the pole will remain on the ground. Disqualification for knocking over equipment.


Western Relay – Teams of Four

Barrels to be placed on four corners of the arena. Barrel #1 placed on the inside corner of the start/finish line of lane #1. Barrel #2 is placed on the inside corner of the start/finish line of lane #3. Barrel #3 is placed on the inside corner of lane #3 at the turning line. Barrel #4 is placed on the inside corner of lane #1 at the turning line. All riders to enter the center of the box created by the four barrels. The start/finish line is to be between Barrels #1 and #2 (lane #2). The first rider starts between barrels #1 and #2, turns left, races around the arena, outside of the barrels, passing the baton to the second rider between barrels #4 and #1, continuing until all rider have completed the course. The last rider crosses back over the finish line between barrels #1 and #2. The last rider to wear a red arm band. A 12 inch long garden hose may be used for the baton. Disqualification for dropping the baton, knocking over the barrels, failure to pass the baton between #4 and #1 and failure of the passing rider to get back into the box before the receiving rider turns barrel #4.

Any other event not listed is run according to National Rules.