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CHS RULES

 

PART FIVE HACKNEY DIVISION
CHAPTER 45
 GENERAL ARTICLE
 B4501 REGISTRATION 1. Entries must be registered with either the Canadian or American or other Hackney Societies and must be entered under the full registered name by owner of record or lessee of record. Hackneys owned by Canadian residents must be registered with the Canadian Live Stock Records Corporation. 2. Owners, trainers and competitors in the Hackney division must be current members in good standing with the Canadian Hackney Society. 3. Lessees are considered owners in connection with these membership requirements.
ARTICLE B4502 HEIGHT For horse competition purposes the minimum height of Hackney Horses shall be over 14.2 hands; for Hackney Ponies the maximum height shall be 14.2 hands.
ARTICLE B4503 BREEDING CLASSES Open to stallions and mares of various ages, registered with the Canadian or American or other Hackney Societies, to be shown in hand at a walk and trot. Twoyear old stallions may be shown in tack; stallions over two years old must be. A spoon crupper is optional. Conformation, type, quality and finish shall count 50% for one-year-olds and over, 60% for weanlings. Performance, manners, disposition and way of going shall count 50% for one-year-olds and over, 40% for weanlings. Separate classes for stallions and mares, two years and over are recommended.
 
CHAPTER 46 SHOWING ARTICLE B4601 Hackney Ponies must be exhibited with a braided mane or the appearance of a braided mane (artificial braids accepted) and a short or docked tail or the appearance of a short docked tail. Hackney Horses must be exhibited with a braided mane or the appearance of a braided mane (artificial braids accepted) and a short or docked tail or a natural tail. Entries are to be exhibited to a viceroy or other appropriate 4-wheeled vehicle, except in Ladies Phaeton and Gig classes where manes shall be natural and unbraided or appear natural and unbraided (false manes accepted). Over-checks are not permitted and entries shall be shown without artificial appliances (i.e. wired ears and leg bandages). Inconspicuously applied hair in mane or tail and a tail brace are accepted.  The use of chains or rollers as action devices on the competition grounds during or before a competition is prohibited.
 ARTICLE B4602 Harness Ponies are to be shown with a long mane and tail and are to be exhibited to a viceroy or other appropriate 4-wheeled vehicle. Over-checks are not permitted and entries shall be shown without artificial appliances (i.e. wired ears & leg bandages) except inconspicuously applied hair in mane or tail and a tail brace.
 ARTICLE B4603 1. Excessive Speed is neither required nor expected. The term “Drive On” is never to be used in regard to Hackneys. “Park Pace” and “Show Your Horse or Pony” will be commands given. 2. Entries shall be worked both ways of the ring at all gaits required as directed by the judge. In a workout the judge is not required to request all gaits but all ponies or horses chosen for a workout must be worked both ways of the ring at any gait requested. It is recommended that a second workout be required if there are ten or more entries in a class. Only one attendant, without whip, is allowed in the ring during any class to head a pony or horse. Ponies or horses may be unchecked while lined up. In Ladies, Junior Exhibitors, Amateurs, and Owners classes, the attendant may stand an entry on its feet and thereafter he/she shall remain at least two paces distant from the head and ponies or horses shall remain checked up except during a workout. All awards must be made from the lined up position and entries must not be asked to retire to the end of the ring but rather the winners are to be called out from the line and presented their award individually. 3. Inconspicuously applied finger loops are permitted on the reins in all classes.
ARTICLE B4604 HARNESS (NOTE... A simple harness description will be included in the future.)
ARTICLE B4605 JUDGING The animals shall be judged on the following:
1. The action must be fine, the leg raised and flow forward in an arch to cover the ground, not just raised up and back to the elbow. The legs must go in a two-beat action and be straight and true. The animal’s head carriage must be at a comfortable position, raised and flexed at the poll.
2. Entrants should have good manners and are judged on performance and conformation.
3. Cleanliness of the horse or pony, harness, viceroy and smartness of the driver are all essential. 4. All entrants may carry a Holly (or similar) type whip, and may wear an apron and gloves. Gentlemen are required to wear hats and ladies may, if they wish, wear a hat before 5 p.m. but never after.
ARTICLE B4606 CROWD PARTICIPATION Show management shall instruct the show announcer that crowd participation is to be encouraged by seeking out their favorite horse or pony and audibly and actively cheering and applauding. It is further recommended that show management provide suitable musical accompaniment that may from time to time be recommended by the Canadian Hackney Society.
ARTICLE B4607 AMATEUR STATUS
1. A person is an amateur for all competitions conducted under Chapter 46, Rules for Showing, who has reached his/her eighteenth birthday as of January 1st of the current year and has not engaged in any activity which would make him/her a professional. Every person who competes in a class for amateurs under the Canadian Hackney Society Rules must possess a current Amateur Card issued by the Canadian Hackney Society. Amateur certification will be issued only upon receipt of an application properly signed and endorsed by two senior members of the Canadian Hackney Society in good standing and who are not members of the applicant’s family. Applications for an amateur card are available from the Secretary of the Canadian Hackney Society. Amateurs must be a member in good standing of the Canadian Hackney Society.
2. If such person violates or does not comply with (a) above, he/she shall not be eligible to compete in such classes and shall not be entitled to an award in such classes and shall be deemed guilty of a violation.
3. In the event that a person is found to be a professional as a result of a protest or charge made in connection with a show, all awards won by such person at such show and subsequent shows shall be forfeited and returned to the show and the person shall be subject to further disciplinary action. The holding of an amateur card does not preclude the question of amateur standing being raised by a protest or charge.
4. Any person whose application for an amateur card or its renewal, which has been denied by the Canadian Hackney Society, may request a hearing by the Hearing Committee of the Canadian Hackney Society. Said request must be in writing and mailed to the Secretary of the Canadian Hackney Society within ten days from receipt of the decision sought to be reviewed, and accompanied by $100 cash or certified cheque, which shall be refunded pending the successful outcome of the hearing. Said hearing shall be after ten days’ notice to all parties concerned. The notice shall contain a brief statement of the facts reporting the position of the Canadian Hackney Society and shall specify the time and place at which the hearing is to be held. The person requesting said hearing may attend and bring witnesses, sworn statements or other evidence on his/her behalf. Upon the written request of a representative of the Society or of the person requesting the hearing, there shall be furnished before said hearing any evidence to be introduced, the names of witnesses and the substance of their testimony. Protests or charges brought in connection with a person’s amateur when challenged, such challenge is subject to EC rules regarding official complaints. See Chapter 12 – General Dispute Resolution and Protests at EC-sanctioned Competitions.
ARTICLE B4608 DEFINITION OF A PROFESSIONAL
 A person becomes a professional for horse show purposes, if he/she engages in any of the following activities after his/her 18th birthday as of January 1st of the current year:
1. Accepts remuneration for riding, driving, showing in halter, training, schooling, conducting clinics or seminars.
2. Accepts remuneration for giving instructions in equitation or horse training (persons acting as counselors at summer camps who are not hired in the exclusive capacity of a riding instructor are excluded).
3. Accepts remuneration for employment in other capacity (i.e. Secretary, bookkeeper) and rides, drives, shows in halter, trains or schools horses or gives instructions when his/her employer or a member of the family of said employer owns, boards or trains said horses.
4. Accepts remuneration for the use of his/her name, photograph or other form of personal association as a horseman in connection with any advertisement or article to be sold.
5. Accepts prize money in Equitation or Showmanship classes.
6. Rides, drives or shows in halter in competitions any horse for which he/she or a member of his/her family accepts remuneration for boarding or training.
7. Gives instruction to any person or rides, drives or shows in halter in horse shows, any horse for which activity another person in his/her family or corporation which a member of his/her family controls, will receive remuneration.
ARTICLE B4609 The following activities shall not affect the amateur status of a person who is otherwise qualified:
1. The writing of books or articles pertaining to horses.
2. Accepting reimbursement for expenses without profit.
3. Accepting a small token of appreciation, other than money, for riding, driving or showing halter. NOTE: horse board, prize money, partial support or objects of more than $300 are considered remuneration not small tokens of appreciation.
4. Accepting remuneration for judging or stewarding.
5. Having the occupation of veterinarian, groom or farrier, or owning a tack shop, breeding or boarding stable in itself, does not affect the amateur status of a person who is otherwise qualified.
ARTICLE B4610 CHANGE OF STATUS
 1. A professional continues to be such until he/she has received amateur status by a vote of the Hearing Committee. Any person who has been a professional and who desires to be reclassified as an amateur on the grounds that he/she no longer engages in the activities which made him/her a professional, must so notify the Canadian Hackney Society in writing. The applicant then must wait a period of one year from the date of his/her reapplication for amateur status to be acknowledged by the Canadian Hackney Society.
2. After this time period has elapsed, the person must submit to the Hearing Committee an amateur application supported by two or more notarized letters from Canadian Hackney Society members, outlining the applicants activities for said time period and testifying that the applicant has not engaged in any activities which would make him/her a professional as outlined above during the interim time period. The burden of proving amateur status is on the applicant. The committee which considers the application may call for and/or consider any and all further evidence and facts which it deems pertinent. The decision of the Hearing Committee on the application shall be final.
3. Any person who under these rules is a professional and shall knowingly falsely represent him/herself to be an amateur in order to ride or drive in amateur classes and any person who violates any of the provisions of this rule shall be subject to disciplinary action. An competitor who engages a person to ride or drive or show in halter in an amateur class and then remunerates such person above and beyond the extent to which such amateur is entitled as above provided, shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Canadian Hackney Society.
4. A person who signs an amateur application as outlined in Article H4607 must know the applicant and be certain that all statements are true as he/she is also subject to disciplinary action.
ARTICLE B4611 JUNIOR COMPETITOR
1. To be exhibited by a Junior under 18 years of age as of January 1st of the current year. Open to registered Hackneys, mares or geldings, suitable to be driven by a junior. Competitor or a member of his/her immediate family must be a member of the Canadian Hackney Society.
2. If there is no Junior Competitor Class provided in a division then the Junior Competitor may show Amateur, (i.e. if there is no Junior Competitor Roadster Pony class, the junior may then enter and show in the Amateur Roadster Pony Class).
3. In all children’s classes, a birth certificate for the child must be produced when called for by a Competition Official. In lieu of a birth certificate, a legally binding statement may be taken by the Competition Management.
4. Canadian Hackney Society Junior Competitor Divisions:
a) Canadian Hackney Society Junior Driver: To be shown to a suitable 4- wheeled vehicle. To have long mane and tail or with a braided mane or the appearance of a braided mane (artificial braids accepted) and a short or docked tail or the appearance of a short docked tail. To be judged on manners, quality and performance of the animal and driver’s ability; 50% for the driver’s ability and 50% for the suitability of the animal. Headers are permitted, but are not to handle the pony. Competitor or a member of his/her immediate family must be a member of the Canadian Hackney Society.
b) Canadian Hackney Society Junior Showmanship: To be shown in a suitable line bridle. To have long mane and tail or with a braided mane or the appearance of a braided mane (artificial braids accepted) and a short or docked tail or the appearance of a short docked tail. To be shown at the walk and/or trot both ways of the ring. It is preferred that the competitor keep the pony or horse between themselves and the boards while walking or trotting. In the line up the competitor is to keep the pony or horse between themselves and the judge at all times. It is preferred that the Junior Competitor keep two hands on the lines while walking or trotting the horse or pony. Use of crop or whip is preferred as is wearing gloves. To be judged on manners, quality and performance of the animal and exhibitor’s ability; 75% for the exhibitor’s ability and 25% for the overall presentation of the entry. Suitable competitor attire includes: dress shirt, dress pants and dark colored shoes, gentlemen should wear a tie. Tailers are NOT permitted in this class.
c) Canadian Hackney Society Junior Competitor Pleasure Driving: switches or artificial tails may be added. Must have appearance of natural mane. Appointments include: fine harness, low crupper, side check or overcheck, snaffle, martingale optional, no braids. Check is mandatory. Must be shown to an appropriate vehicle, either a two-wheeled basket type jogging cart or road bike with basket. Only one attendant is allowed in the ring during any class to head a pony or horse. The attendant may stand the entry on his feet and thereafter he/she shall remain two paces distant from the head and ponies or horses shall remain checked up except during a workout. To be shown at a flat walk, pleasure trot and road trot, (showing a distinct difference in gait), must stand quietly and must back easily remaining checked while lined up except during a workout. Excessive speed and laboring motion to be penalized. Judge’s emphasis should be on ability to give a pleasurable drive while retaining a show attitude. To be judged on manners, suitability, performance and confirmation; 50% for the dri-ver’s ability and 50% for the suitability of the animal. The use of artificial appliances or devices such as chains, shackles and rubber bands are prohibited on the grounds before the show.
d) Canadian Hackney Society Junior Competitor Roadster Pony: Open to all registered Hackneys (mares or geldings), 52 inches and under, suitable to be exhibited by a junior, of good appearance, conformation, manners and standard colour who travels easily at speed. Roadster Ponies wear long, natural tails. Ponies shall be serviceably sound and shown without artificial appliances (i.e. wired ears & leg bandages), except quarter boots and inconspicuously applied tail switch or brace. Ponies to be shown in a suitable two-wheeled roadster cart. Handholds are permitted in all classes in the Roadster Pony Division. Drivers to wear stable colours. Approved protective headgear* is mandatory. Headers are permitted, but are not to handle the pony. Ponies are to remain checked. To be judged on manners, suitability, performance and confirmation; 50% for the driver’s ability and 50% for the suitability of the animal. The use of chains or rollers as action devices on the competition grounds during or before a competition is prohibited. *(See Glossary, Section A – Headgear Standards).
 e) Hackney Horse or Pony Under Saddle- Ridden by a Junior Exhibitor. To be shown under English Saddle, Open Bridle, Martingale optional. Saddle Suit attire. To be shown at a flat walk, pleasure trot and road trot. To be judged on suitability, manners. Performance and quality. Artificial devices not allowed
5. With the exception of the Junior Competitor Roadster Pony Division in which approved protective headgear is mandatory for all competitors age 18 years or younger, all other Junior competitors are not required to wear approved protective headgear, but may do so if they wish.
 
CHAPTER 47 CLASS SPECIFICATIONS ARTICLE B4701 CLASS SPECIFICATIONS The following classes may be divided: over 15.2 hands; 15.2 hands & under but over 14.2 hands for horses. Over 13.0 hands; 13.0 hands & under for Hackney Ponies. Stallions are prohibited in Ladies and Junior Competitor classes.
1. SINGLE HACKNEY MAIDEN, NOVICE, LIMIT: To be judged on quality performance and manners. a) Maiden: no wins at EC or USEF recognized shows b) Novice: not more than 3 wins at EC or USEF recognized shows c) Limit: not more than 6 wins at EC or USEF recognized shows
2. SINGLE JUNIOR HACKNEY, 5 YEARS OLD OR UNDER: STALLIONS, MARES, GELDINGS. To be judged on quality, performance and manners. 3. SINGLE JUNIOR HACKNEY, 5 YEARS OLD AND UNDER: CHAMPIONSHIP. To be eligible, must be entered, shown and judged in any other single performance class in the division. Nominations are in blank. Entries need not be named until . . . hours before scheduled time of holding the class when names and description of entries must be made in writing by the owner or his/her agent. To be judged on quality, presence, performance, conformation and manners.
4. SINGLE HACKNEY: LADIES, JUNIOR EXHIBITORS, AMATEURS, OWNERS, AMATEUR OWNERS. To be shown to viceroy or other suitable vehicle. To show all-round action at a park pace and not faster. To be driven in the half cheek with side checks, appear to have perfect mouths, must stand quietly and must back easily remaining checked while lined up except during a workout. Not an appointment class. To be judged on manners, quality and performance. 5. SINGLE HACKNEY: OPEN, STALLIONS, MARES, GELDINGS. To be judged on performance, quality and manners.
6. GIG CLASS. Single hackney pony or horse, shown to a gig and to be driven by a Gentleman Amateur, eighteen years of age or over. To be shown at a walk, park pace and smart trot. Pony’s or Horse’s mane should appear natural and unbraided (false manes accepted).
7. SINGLE HACKNEY: CHAMPIONSHIP. To be eligible ponies or horses must be entered, shown and judged in any other single performance class in this division. Nominations are in blank; ponies need not be named until .... hours before the scheduled time of class, at which time the names and description of entries must be made in writing by owner or his/her agent. To be judged on performance, presence, quality, conformation and manners.
8. PAIR OF HACKNEYS: MAIDEN, NOVICE, LIMIT. To be judged on quality, similarity, performance and manners.
9. PAIR OF HACKNEYS: LADIES, AMATEUR. To be shown to a viceroy or other appropriate vehicle. Not an appointment class. To show all-around action at a park pace and not faster. To be driven in the half cheek, appear to have perfect mouths, should stand quietly and back easily. To be judged on manners (paramount), quality and performance.
10. PAIR OF HACKNEYS. To be judged on performance, quality, similarity and manners.
11. TANDEM HACKNEYS. Should be shown to a gig or suitable 2-wheeled vehicle. To be shown at a smart trot and to be judged on performance, quality, uniformity and manners. The wheeler should be of proper size for the shafts and possess substance and power for the work in hand, with some action. The leader to be slightly smaller than the wheeler notable for brilliance of action and beauty. A smart leader is essential for a good tandem. Variance of colour is acceptable but uniformity of colour is to be considered. A Tandem of Hackney horses must carry a Footman in Proper Livery.
12. PAIR OF HACKNEYS: CHAMPIONSHIP. To be eligible, ponies or horses must be entered, shown and judged as a pair in any other class in this division. Nominations are in blank; ponies need not be named until . . . hours before scheduled time of class, at which time the names and description of entries must be made in writing by the owner or his/her agent. To be judged on performance, presence, quality, conformation and manners.
13. COLLECTION OF THREE HACKNEYS. To be shown in single harness or as a pair and a single. Each animal to be the bona fide property of the exhibitor. Competitors need not describe animals when making entry. To be judged on performance of ponies or horses as a unit, and ability to maintain proper distance between ponies or horses, uniformity and quality. Each competitor to give a solo performance of his/her three ponies or horses as a unit, both ways of the ring. The prize list should indicate whether entries are to be shown singly or as a pair and a single.
14. LADY’S PHAETON CLASS. Driven by a lady 18 years of age or over. A George IV, Peter’s Phaeton, or in the summer, a Brewster basket phaeton may be used. The appointments of the phaeton should include lash whip, wet weather gloves, card case, lap robe, cooler, two rain coats, wheel wrench, umbrella, hat cover, dash clock, appointment kit, halter, lead shank, livery hat and coat for wet weather. The horse’s mane should be natural unbraided (false manes accepted). It should be borne in mind at all times that extreme smartness and perfection should be the aim in horse, harness, vehicle and servant. The pad should be heavier than the one used in classes for other fourwheeled show wagons as the phaeton, being a very heavy vehicle, naturally requires a stronger pad; standing martingale, Buxton bit and breeching and bearing rein are compulsory.
15. GIG CLASS SINGLE HACKNEY HORSE. a) Size of gig to be in proportion to size of horse shown. A gig horse should have presence, all round action and be able to go at a good pace, but excessive speed should not be required. b) Appointments: Lash whip, wet weather gloves, card case, lap robe, cooler, two rain coats, wheel wrench, hat cover, dash clock, appointment kit, halter, lead shank, livery hat and coat for wet weather. c) After the competitors have made at least three turns of the ring at the trot, horses should be asked to show in turn a walk, a park pace and a smart trot. All horses should be required to back. To be driven by a gentleman amateur eighteen years of age or over. To be judged on presence, manners, performance and quality. d) The gig most commonly used is the “Park Gate” gig. Other gigs which may be used are the “Very Spicy”, “Stanhope” and “Tilbury”. The latter requires a horse 15.3 to 16 hands of great presence and lofty action. e) The horse’s mane should appear natural and unbraided (false manes accepted). Harness: Kay collar standing martingale and kicking strap. The gig bit with plain bridoon and short bearing rein is a trifle more proper but the Buxton bit and full bearing rein may be used. The saddle pad should be heavier than that used for four wheel show wagons. Each entry must carry a footman in proper livery.
 
CHAPTER 48 SHOWING HACKNEY ROADSTER PONIES
 ARTICLE B4801 ROADSTER PONY A Roadster Pony is a registered Hackney Pony who must be 52 inches and under, of good appearance, conformation and manners, who travels easily at speed. Roadster Ponies wear long, natural tails. Ponies shall be serviceably sound and shown without artificial appliances (i.e. wired ears & leg bandages) except quarter boots, and inconspicuously applied tail switch or brace. Handholds are permitted in all classes in the Roadster Pony Division.  The use of chains or rollers as action devices on the competition grounds during or before a competition is prohibited.
ARTICLE B4802 GAIT REQUIREMENTS Action should be free and easy, straight, and well balanced but excessive height of action is not required. The principal gait for the Roadster is the trot. They shall be asked to trot at three different speeds; the slow jog trot, the fast road gait and at full speed. At all speeds they should work in form, that is, their chins set and their legs working beneath them, going collected at all speeds. Animation should characterize the Hackney Roadster Pony in working at the jog trot and road gait. Long sprawling action in front, dragging or trailing hind legs and spraddle gaited action behind makes a balanced trot impossible. Ponies should be shown on the rail at all times except when passing and should go to the far end of every corner without side reining. Good manners without severe bitting are a requisite. Ponies should be balanced and under control, take the turns without breaking their gait, to be taken up at the turns or in the straight-away when necessary and come out of the turns fast. They should stand when lined up, no attendant is permitted and the driver should not leave his/her vehicle except for necessary adjustments. A driver may, however, uncheck and stand at the pony’s head when left in the center of the ring while part of the class is on the rail for a workout.
ARTICLE B4803 RING PROCEDURE Roadsters shall enter the ring clockwise at a jog trot then show at the road gait, turn counter clockwise at the jog trot, show at the road gait and then trot at speed.
ARTICLE B4804 APPOINTMENTS Roadster Ponies shall be shown to a 2-wheeled cart or bike with foot stirrups only, with low crupper, over-check, broken or straight snaffle bit, martingale, and shaft thimbles which are optional; protective boots to be worn. The harness is to have blinkers of square pattern, snaffle bit, and check attached to a check bit or chin strap, breast collar, reins of tan leather preferred made rolled to the hand pieces. Harness should be clean, of good stability, buckles, rings, etc. polished and clean before entering the show ring. Roadster Ponies shall be driven by an competitor in stable colours, cap and/or approved protective headgear and jacket to match. Whips may be carried and gloves may be worn.
ARTICLE B4805 CLASS SPECIFICATIONS
1. SINGLE OPEN ROADSTER PONY. To be shown to a road cart or bike, drivers to wear stable colours, cap and/or approved protective headgear and jacket to match. To be judged on pace, action, quality and manners.
2. SINGLE JUNIOR ROADSTER PONY, 5 YEARS AND UNDER. To be shown to a road cart or bike, drivers to wear stable colours, cap and/or approved protective headgear and jacket to match. To be judged on performance, manners, style, speed, and equipment.
3. SINGLE ROADSTER PONY SHOWN BY A LADY or GENTLEMAN, AMATEUR. To be shown to a road cart or bike, drivers to wear stable colours, cap and/or approved protective headgear and jacket to match. To be judged on Manners, pace, action, and quality. The attendant shall remain two paces distant from the head and ponies shall remain checked
4. JUNIOR EXHIBITOR. Refer to Article B4611.4.d.
5. SINGLE ROADSTER PONY STAKE. To be eligible ponies must be entered, shown and judged in any other class in this division. To be shown to a road cart or bike, drivers to wear stable colours, cap and/or approved protective headgear and jacket to match. To be judged on performance, conformation, manners and equipment.
ARTICLE B4806 CROSS ENTRY Cross entering Hackney Roadster Ponies into the Hackney Harness Pony Division or Hackney Pleasure Pony Division is not permitted except for the Junior Exhibitor, Gig, Tandem and Pair classes.
 
ARTICLE B4807 BITTING ARRANGEMENTS Bit Numbers 1,2,3,4 and 5 are eligible for Lady’s Amateurs and Junior Competitor classes. Bit numbers 4,5,6, and 7 are eligible for Gig classes. (Please refer to EC rulebook for illustrations)
 
ARTICLE B4808 GROOM He/she may be either a footman or a coachman. If the former, he/she must wear a single breasted coat with six buttons in front and six on the coat tails, full striped waistcoat, silk hat, tan driving gloves, boots with tops of mahogany, tan or pink, the latter being the smartest, coachman’s collar and flat white ascot tie. The footman should be smart looking, active and not tall or heavy. His/her coat and breeches should show that they were made for him/her. The coat should be either black or should be the same colour as the upholstery of the gig. His/her boots should fit perfectly and the tops should fit close to the leg. The general appearance of the groom must be extremely smart. A coachman is similarly turned out except that he/she wears a coachman’s coat, six buttons in front and four in the coat tails.
 
ARTICLE B4809 HORSES CLASSES ON THE LINE STALLIONS OR MARES, COLTS AND FILLIES: • 1-year olds should be over 13.3 hands • 2-year olds should be over 14.0 hands • 3-year olds should be over 14.1 hands • 4-year olds should be over 14.2 hands
 
ARTICLE B4807 BITTING ARRANGEMENTS Bit Numbers 1,2,3,4 and 5 are eligible for Lady’s Amateurs and Junior Competitor classes. Bit numbers 4,5,6, and 7 are eligible for Gig classes. (Please refer to EC rulebook for illustrations)
 
CHAPTER 49 HARNESS PONY GENERAL The same rules apply for this division as in the Hackney division. ARTICLE B4901 DEFINITION Entries must be registered with either the Canadian or American or other Hackney Societies and must be registered under the full registered name. Hackneys owned by Canadian residents must be registered with the Canadian National Live Stock Records Corporation. To be shown with long mane and appearance of natural long tail. The appropriate vehicle is either a viceroy or a miniature side rail buggy of a type used for fine harness horses. Overchecks are not permitted.
ARTICLE B4902 HEIGHT For competition purposes, the height of harness ponies shall be over 11 hands but not exceeding 12.2 hands. It shall be the duty of the Competition Management to see that each pony is officially measured before the pony is allowed to compete. All animals must be measured in the shoes and pads in which they will compete.
ARTICLE B4903 CROSS ENTRY No pony in the Harness Pony Division may be shown in harness in the cob-tail Hackney Division, Hackney Roadster Pony Division or Hackney Pleasure Pony Division except for the Junior Exhibitor, Gig, Tandem and Pair classes.
CHAPTER 50 RING PROCEDURE
ARTICLE B5001 RING PROCEDURE 1. Entries to be shown to an appropriate vehicle at a trot and as directed by the Judge. Excessive speed is not required or expected. “Park Pace” and “Show Your Pony”, which designates a smart trot, will be the commands given in regard to this gait. 2. Every entry chosen for a workout shall be shown both ways of the ring. All classes, after completing at least three rounds of the ring, shall be reversed and shown in the opposite direction at the command of the judge. 3. Only one attendant is allowed in the ring during any class. 4. Entries will remain checked upon being lined up in Ladies’, Junior Exhibitors, Amateur and Owners’ Classes (Open classes entries may be unchecked). Attendant may stand an entry on his/her feet and shall thereafter remain at least two paces distant from the head. Ponies shall not be lined up head to tail. All awards must be made from the lined up position and entries must not be asked to retire to the end of the ring.
CHAPTER 51
CLASS SPECIFICATIONS ARTICLE B5101
1. SINGLE HARNESS PONY: OPEN. To be shown to a viceroy or other suitable vehicle. Open to stallions, mares and geldings. To be judged on performance, presence, quality, conformation and manners.
2. SINGLE HARNESS PONY: MAIDEN, NOVICE, LIMIT. To be judged on quality, performance and manners.
3. SINGLE HARNESS PONY, 5 YEARS OLD AND UNDER: STALLIONS, MARES, GELDINGS. To be judged on quality, performance and manners. 4. Single Harness Pony 5 Years Old and Under, Championship: To be eligible, ponies must be entered, shown and judged in any other single performance class in this division. Nominations are in blank. Entries need not be named until . . . hours before scheduled time of holding the class when names and descriptions of entries must be made in writing by the owner or his/her agent. To be judged on quality, presence, performance, conformation and manners.
5. SINGLE HARNESS PONY: LADIES, JUNIOR EXHIBITORS, AMATEURS, OWNERS, AMATEUR OWNERS. To be shown to viceroy or other suitable vehicle. To show all-round action at a park pace and not faster. To be driven in the half cheek with side checks, appear to have perfect mouths, must stand quietly and back easily, remaining checked while lined up except during a workout. Not an appointment class. To be judged on manners, quality and performance.
6. SINGLE HARNESS PONY: CHAMPIONSHIP. To be eligible ponies must have been entered, shown and judged in any other single performance class in this division. Nominations are in blank; ponies need not be named until . . . hours before scheduled time of class, at which time the names and descriptions of entries must be made in writing by owner or his/her agent. To be judged on performance, presence, quality, conformation and manners.
7. PAIR OF HARNESS PONIES: LADIES, AMATEURS. To be shown to a viceroy or other appropriate vehicle. Not an appointment class. To show allaround action at a park pace and not faster. To be driven in the half cheek, appear to have perfect mouths, should stand quietly and back easily. To be judged on manners (paramount), quality and performance.
8. PAIR OF HARNESS PONIES: To be judged on performance, quality, similarity and manners.
9. TANDEM HARNESS PONIES: To be shown to four- or two-wheeled vehicle. A smart leader is essential. Variance in colour does not eliminate but uniformity will be considered. To be shown at a smart trot and to be judged on performance, quality, uniformity and manners.
10. PAIR OF HARNESS PONIES: CHAMPIONSHIP. To be eligible, ponies must be entered, shown and judged as a pair in any other class in this division. Nominations are in blank; ponies need not be named until... hours before scheduled time of class, at which time the names and description of entries must be made in writing by owner or his/her agent. To be judged on performance, presence, quality, conformation and manners
ARTICLE B5102 SINGLE HACKNEY PLEASURE DRIVING
 1. Open to registered Hackney ponies 14.2 hands and under. Entries over 14.2 hands may be included at the discretion of the Horse Show Manager. Junior Competitors and Amateurs only. Open to mares and geldings only.: switches or artificial tails may be added. Must have appearance of natural mane. Appointments include: fine harness, low crupper, side check or overcheck, snaffle, martingale optional, no braids. Check is mandatory. Must be shown to an appropriate vehicle, either a two wheeled basket type jogging cart or road bike with basket. Only one attendant without a whip is allowed in the ring during any class to head a pony. The attendant may stand the entry on his feet and thereafter he/she shall remain two paces distant from the pony. To be shown at a flat walk, pleasure trot and road trot, (showing a distinct difference in gait), must stand quietly and must back easily remaining checked while lined up except during a workout. Excessive speed and laboring motion to be penalized. Judge’s emphasis should be on ability to give a pleasurable drive while retaining a show attitude. To be judged on manners, suitability, performance and confirmation. The use of artificial appliances or devices such as chains, shackles and rubber bands are prohibited on the grounds before the show.
2. Single Hackney Pleasure Driving, Championship. To be eligible, ponies must be entered, shown and judged in a qualifying class with the same specifications. To be judged on manners, suitability, performance and conformation.
ARTICLE B5103 TRADITIONAL SINGLE HACKNEY PLEASURE DRIVING PONY OR HORSE 1. Open to registered Hackney ponies and horses. Junior Competitors and Amateurs only. Open to mares and geldings only.: switches or artificial tails may be added. Must have appearance of natural mane. One attendant without whip is permitted to head each pony or horse only during the lineup. The header must stand two paces back from the pony or horse and is not allowed to touch the pony or horse unless for safety purposes. Appointments include: fine harness, low crupper, side check or overcheck, choice of liverpool or snaffle bit, martingale optional, no braids. Check is optional. Must be shown to an appropriate pleasure vehicle with either two or four wooden wheels. To be shown at a flat walk, pleasure trot and road trot, (showing a distinct difference in gait). Excessive speed and laboring motion to be penalized. Judge’s emphasis should be on ability to give a pleasurable drive while retaining a show attitude. To be judged on manners, suitability, performance and confirmation. Ponies and horses must stand quietly and are required to back. The use of artificial appliances or devices such as chains, shackles and rubber bands are prohibited on the grounds before the show.
2. Single Hackney or Harness Pony or Horse Pleasure Traditional Driving, Championship. To be eligible, ponies or horses must be entered, shown and judged in a qualifying class with the same specifications. To be judged on manners, suitability, performance and conformation.
 
CHAPTER 51A OFFICIALS ARTICLE B
5104 GENERAL RULES – HACKNEY JUDGES
1. All EC licensed Hackney judges are permitted to officiate at any breed sport competition which is not licensed by Equestrian Canada, as independent contractors and are NOT covered by the protection of the EC officials license. (Refer to Rules of Equestrian Canada, Section A, General Regulations, Chapter 13, Officials.)
2. The Hackney Division does not require Hackney officials to officiate in one recognized competition within three years after obtaining a license or for any three-year period thereafter to apply for reinstatement. 3. The Hackney Division may require testing from time to time.
ARTICLE B5105 HACKNEY GUEST CARDS
1. The issuance of Guest cards in the Hackney Division must be approved by the Canadian Hackney Society. Competitions requesting such a Guest card shall make application in writing. Refer to Rules of Equestrian Canada, General Regulations, Section A, Chapter 13, Officials.
2. Guest cards will be issued for any licensed USEF Registered (“R”) Hackney judge.
3. Guest cards will be issued for any licensed EC Recorded (“r”) Hackney judge.
4. Guest cards may be issued from time to time, to licensed USEF Recorded (“r”) Hackney judges, however such Guest card approval must be given by the Canadian Hackney Society.
5. Guest cards may be issued from time to time, to licensed EC or USEF judges not carded in the Hackney division, however such Guest card approval must be given by the Canadian Hackney Society. 6. Guest Cards may be issued to anyone who is not a licensed EC or USEF Judge upon approval of the Canadian Hackney Society.
ARTICLE B5106 LEARNER OR RECORDED HACKNEY JUDGES
1. Only one learner or recorded judge is permitted in the ring at any one time acting in that capacity while accompanying a senior judge.
 2. It is the learner or recorded judge’s responsibility to contact competition management for permission to act in that capacity, and also to obtain consent from the senior judge(s) with whom he/she will be working.
3. Learner or recorded judges have no authority whatsoever in the show ring or as to the merits of the competitors.
 
last updated January 2017