• Contestant’s age is as of January 1. This is the age used for the entire year.

• A stallion with an age of yearling or older must be shown by an exhibitor who is 18 years of age or older.

• No ponying of horses in the arena will be allowed during scheduled breaks at NIHSA shows.

• Approved shows must have 5-point placings.

• Exhibitor numbers are available at every show but laminated permanent exhibitor numbers for the show season are available to be purchased at a cost of $5.00 per number. Each exhibitor is required to have their own number, which must be fastened to the exhibitor or saddle pad while showing; if it is the wrong number when participating in a class, the exhibitor will be disqualified in that class.  You  must have an approved number.  If you are found to be using a number that is not approved you will be charged $5 for the number and additional $2 fine.  

• No member of NIHSA may judge an NIHSA approved show.

• All ponies under 14.1 hands MUST be measured at least two classes before their class or at least one-half hour before they enter the arena, or they will be disqualified for the show. The NIHSA Measuring Committee must do the measuring.

BIT RULES

• • Any horse that is 5-years-old and under may be ridden with a shank bit, snaffle bit or bosal, and has the option to be ridden two-handed. At 6-years-old or older horse must be ridden with a shank bit and one-handed.

  • NIHSA will use the same rules for bits as AQHA.

GAMES

• • If any contestant rides more than one horse in a game class, he/she must designate the point horse and non point horse on entry cards.

  • No slip-on spurs allowed to be worn in the arena during game classes.

  • All game horse participants must follow the dress code policy: Boots, jeans, sleeved shirts unaltered and the shirt must be tucked in when entering the arena. If the show committee deems the apparel inappropriate the committee has the right to make the final decision.