|
|
|
|
|
SOUTHERN DRAFT HORSE ASSOCIATION ,INC. Objectives: A. To insure the proper treatment of draft horses. B. To raise the standards of draft horse pulling. C. To educate and stimulate public interest in draft horse pulling D. To create adequate rules for draft horse pulling contests. E. To provide equal judging standards for draft horse pulling contest. Rules: 1.All horses to compete in contest other than free for all shall be weighed in at a designated place and at a time set by the official doing the weighing . All horses must be weighed by a proper official .All horses to be weighed must have a halter on . Late arrivals and over weight horses can be weighed in a day before a pull at a designated place with at least three directors present . 2. Once a team has weighed in there will be no switching of horses . Split owner teams will be allowed to compete . Teams pulling on free for all class must have one horse that has not pulled in previous contest. 3. The starting load in each contest is at the discretion of the judges depending on pit conditions. At no time after a weight has been increased can it be decreased. 4.On a new load the judges can decide if the boat will be placed in the same spot for all hitches for all teams . 5. Pulling positions to be determined by the drawing of numbers before the start of each class. 6.All teamsters to compete in any contest shall have their teams ready at the published time . Any team arriving late can hook to the existing load providing no teams have been eliminated. 7. No changing of bridles during contest. 8. Time is started when you are called . You have 3 minutes to make 1st and 2nd hitch . You do not need to unhitch between first and second hitches . You may pass the 2nd hitch . Two minutes from the time called to make 3rd hitch .Third hitches will be taken at end of each load . If the track becomes bad at the discretion of the judges the 1st two hitches can be passed and the 3rd hitch taken at a spot decided by the judges. 9. There is to be no heading of horses. If an evener tender goes to the teams heads ,the team must unhitch and circle (1 hitch) before re-hitching. 10. Evener tenders and drivers must remain behind evener . Evener tenders must keep silent once team is hooked. 11.The use of reins for any purpose than to guide team is prohibited. Both hands must be in sight at all times. 12.What constitutes a hitch - 1" or more. 13.In case of breakdown ( actual separation of equipment) the team shall go to the end of the line -up . Equipment not properly secured and comes undone is not considered a breakdown. 14.Ropes or lines to pull between will be determined by the judges .Standard distance is 18 feet. 15. If a horse steps on or over the ropes while hitched to the boat the hitch is disqualified. 16.Any team deliberately driven over the ropes will be disqualified from the contest. 17.A full pull is a 20 foot pull of the stone boat . The driver has the option to ride or not. 18.A team has three tries to qualify each load. 19.A contestant has three passes ,not to exceed the time limits allotted (see rule 8) to hitch to the stone boat from the time he is called .A pass is considered to be a complete circle. 20. All teams shall remain in the ring until they are dismissed by the judge . 21.In case of a tie on longest distance ,the 2nd longest distance already pulled will determine finishing position. 22. Any contestant finishing in the top three places must make one hitch to receive premiums ,ribbons or trophies. 23. No teamster may be changed after the first load in any class except in emergency. Must have the consent of the judges and the majority of the other teamsters in the class. 24.During any contest , if a team runs away - free from driver and evener tenders- he is disqualified . He will receive any premiums won up to that point. 25.To receive any premiums, ribbons, or trophies , teams must line up in accordance to placing at the completion of the contest in front of spectators. Judge will award prizes and dismiss teams . 26. All owners of participation draft horses must submit proof of liability insurance in the amount of $300,000.00 . All participating draft horses must provide a negative cog gins test. 27. Any teamster or owners found in violation of substance abuse (drug or stimulants) will be barred from participating in any contest sponsored by the southern draft horse association, inc. You will be barred for 2 years ,assessed a $250.00 fine and will lose all premiums earned that year. All participating teams are subject to random drug testing . 28.All efforts shall be made to use proper language in and around the ring. 29.Any participant under the influence of liquor will be disqualified. The drinking of intoxicating beverages in and around the ring is prohibited. 30.All participants will be properly dressed .(shoes and shirts required). 31.Any situations that may arise and are not covered by these rules , decisions will be left to the discretion of the judges. 32.One driver only.
|