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1. This event is open to all Purebred and Partbred Standardbreds (proof of registration for Partbreds or Purebreds that do not carry a recognised freezebrand is required through the National HRA Non-Racing Stud book registration). 
2. Partbred Horses are horses that are a minimum of 25% Standardbred. Partbreds must be registered in Official HRA Stud Book to participate in 2025 State Championships. They can contest any class that states Partbred horses are eligible. 
3. Classes will be conducted under the 2025 Equestrian Australia Show Horse Rules and the SAQ Showing and Judging Guidelines, in conjunction with the rules and conditions stated herein. 
4. A horse’s age is calculated from the actual foal date of the horse at the time of the event. Minimum ridden age is 5yrs PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK TO CALCULATE YOUR HORSES CORRECT BIRTH FOR THE EVENT:  https://saq.com.au/horse-age-calculator/
5. A rider/handler may enter more than one horse; however, classes will not be held up and officials will not be asked to hold horses. 
6. Rider may ride more than one horse; however, each horse can only be ridden/driven in one hack level. 
7. To be eligible for the capped price nomination offer, the horse must have the same handler/rider/driver for all classes.  If a horse will have multiple handlers/riders/drivers (E.g. family members, friends etc), the horse is not eligible for the capped price nomination offer and each combination will be required to nominate separately.  
8. HELPER FEE (COMPULSORY) – A compulsory helper fee of $30 is required to be paid at the time of nomination. This fee is fully refundable for those who assist at the show. Helpers will be marked off a list during the event, and refunds will be processed after the event. 
9. In harness classes, horses can only be driven by one driver per class category. The same horse can’t be driven in the same class by different drivers. 
10. When the final catalogue is released, handler/rider/driver substitutes will NOT be permitted.  This applies to changes prior to the event or on the day. 
11. Single memberships are for single members only.  Other family members/children are not included in a single membership.  For other family members/children to compete, the membership must be upgraded to a family membership or non-member fees (day insurance and first aid levy) will apply for those not covered by membership. 
12. Adoption Horse Classes are for any horse that has been adopted through the SAQ Horse Placement Program and is still with its original adopter (i.e. horse hasn’t been sold on/given away). Adoption horses must still be owned by the Original Adopter or under a current SAQ Adoption Contract. 
    1. Amateur – A horse adopted through the SAQ Horse Placement Program that has had no more than 3 wins or contested and won Champion against other eligible champion contestants at any agricultural or hack show.  Amateur adoption horses must be shown in a snaffle bit only. No chains, pelhams or double bridles will be accepted. Horses in Amateur Adoption Classes are not required to canter but may show canter if the option is given. 
    2. Advanced – is for any horse adopted through the SAQ Horse Placement program that is ineligible to contest Amateur ridden show class. Horses in the Advanced class are expected to demonstrate their ability at walk, trot and canter and are expected not to pace. More advanced movements, for example, serpentines, simple changes, lengthened strides and rein back, may be requested as part of a workout.  
13. A Racehorse is a horse that is racing or has raced/ trialled within 2 months of close of nominations or is in race training (i.e. a young horse working up). Horse should be evidently fit. Racehorses   are   eligible to compete in all classes, including the additional Racehorse classes. 
14. Horses can only participate in one Best Presented class (either Junior, Youngstock or Senior section). Horses entered in the Junior Best Presented class section should be primarily prepared by a Junior with minimal presentation assistance from an adult. 
15. Fashions on the Field – This class will be open to any Standardbred or Partbred and handler combination. All contestants are permitted to engage the services of a strapper/leader. Only the one leader on the near side of the horse will be judged. The strapper/ leader is permitted to lead on the off side of the horse throughout the competition. The strapper will not be judged as part of the overall picture but should be dressed neatly and appropriately for the occasion; The judges will base their decisions on the following criteria: – Style and originality of outfit; skirt length MUST be between the knee and the ankle (dresses/skirts MUST NOT be touching the ground); Appropriateness of the outfit for the Spring Racing Carnival and the individual; – Attention to detail with accessories; – Understanding and interpretation of the current fashion trends; – Grooming and deportment: – Turnout of the Horse, conformation, manners and suitability as the ultimate accessory to the leader; appropriateness of the colour and style of the leader’s outfit with the colour of the horse and the horse’s accessories. Please take note in General Rules and Regulations above in regard to appropriate footwear. Horses can only participate in one FOTF class (either Junior or Senior or Masters section). 
16. Junior Classes are restricted to riders/handlers under the age of 17 years at time of event, unless specified otherwise in the program. Youth Classes may be offered and restricted to riders/handlers (17- 25 years), and if youth is offered, then Junior would be restricted to riders/handlers 16 & under.  
17. Senior Classes are restricted to riders/handlers 17 to 40 years old.  Masters Classes are for participants who are 41 years old or older. All ages are based on the age at time of the show. 
18. Rider Classes are based on the rider’s age on the day of the show.  
19. Junior Hack (for all riders aged 16yrs and under) All horse levels combined. Junior Hack horses must be shown in a snaffle bit only. No chains, pelhams or double bridles will be accepted. Horses in Junior Hack Classes are not required to canter but may show canter if the option is given. A horse that paces in Junior Hack classes should not be penalised for pacing during a workout.  
20. Maiden Hack has had no wins at any agricultural or hack show. Maiden horses must be shown in a snaffle bit only. No chains, pelhams or double bridles will be accepted. Horses in Maiden Classes are not required to canter but may show canter if the option is given. A horse that paces in maiden classes should not be penalised for pacing at times during a workout. 
21. Intermediate Hack is a horse that has had no more than 3 wins or contested and won Champion against other eligible champion contestants at any agricultural or hack show.  An Intermediate horse has been actively competing under saddle for 18months or less.  Intermediate horses must be shown in a snaffle bit only. No chains, pelhams or double bridles will be accepted. Horses in Intermediate Classes are not required to canter but may show canter if the option is given. A horse that paces in beginner classes should not be penalised for pacing during a workout providing a correction is attempted at time of occurrence/s. 
22. Novice Hack is a horse that has ceased to be eligible for Maiden or Intermediate ridden classes and has not won an Open Championship at any agricultural or hack show (If you win an Open ridden/hack class at any Ag or Hack show and then go on to win the Overall Ridden Championship, you have won an Open Championship).  Novice horses must be shown in a snaffle bit only. No chains, pelhams or double bridles will be accepted. Horses in Novice Classes should be able to perform basic manoeuvres in walk, trot and canter, with adequate time for progressive transitions. Allowances can be made for a few pace strides occurring in the workout. The Novice is not expected to be fully educated but should be able to complete a basic workout in a reasonable manner. 
23. Open Hack is for any horse that is ineligible to contest a Maiden, Intermediate or Novice ridden show class. Horses in Open Classes are expected to demonstrate their ability at walk, trot and canter and are expected not to pace. More advanced movements, for example, serpentines, simple changes, lengthened strides and rein back, may be requested as part of a workout.  
24. Under saddle – Workout as per judge’s instruction. Canter is optional for Maiden/Intermediate Hacks. Some canter should be shown by Novice Hacks in canter specific classes. Open Hacks are expected to canter in canter specific classes.    
25. Best Educated – Free choice workout, not to exceed 1 minute in duration. Canter is optional for Maiden/ Intermediate Hacks. Some canter should be shown by Novice Hacks. Open Hacks are expected to canter.  
26. Lead line is for those who are not capable of riding their horse by themselves. Appropriate handler to accompany entry. Rider should show some ability to ride/control the horse. Leadline is for children under 10 years old (unless program states age groups).  
27. Related Horses – This is a pair of horses who are immediately related, i.e.: Both horses are by the same Sire or out of the same Dam. Also accepted are the Sire or Dam and their direct progeny. 
28. Harness Classes – In Harness classes, the horse, harness, vehicle and whip/s (Driver/s) are to be judged. The judge will take into account the overall look, condition and safety of the horse and the gear, relative to the class being contested.  
    1. Turnout – the presentation, cleanliness and the completeness of the horse, vehicle and driver (and groom if present) will be taken into account. 
    2. Racing harness – horses and drivers should be in correct race attire, harness and sulky, as if they were about to compete in a race. Note: Horses in hobbles should pace during workouts. Horse’s without hopples can either pace or trot but should perform the majority (greater than 75%) of any workouts in that gait. 
    3. Pleasure harness – horses to be shown in more traditional style harness and vehicle (sulky, buggy, viceroy etc). Driver’s (and groom’s if present) attire should be relevant the vehicle/period. 
    4. The workouts will be prepared by the judge. SAQ recommends these classes may include: transitions, lengthening of stride, change of rein, halt and rein back and/or pacing or trotting through cones/obstacles. The canter is unsuitable in any Harness class. 
    5. Competitors may enter either Racing or Pleasure Classes, however vehicle, harness & attire must suit section, i.e. Racing turnout will not be allowed in Pleasure classes and vice versa. 
    6. Barrel Race – Horse and driver attempt to complete a clover-leaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. 
29. Versatility Classes – fun classes for those wanting to try something new 
    1. Pleasure Hack – No nosebands, whips, spurs or double bridles. The horse should be a pleasure to ride. Horse does not necessarily need to be in a frame. Horse should have impeccable manners and be able to perform a basic walk trot workout with ease including a rein back. Part of this workout will be required to be performed one handed.  
    2. Bridle-path Hack – Is a horse with impeccable manners, particularly while mounting, dismounting and standing. A bridle path hack is not a jumping horse but should be able to perform a hand gallop and rein back with ease.  
    3. Hunter Hack – Should have more bone and substance than a traditional hack. The Hunter Horse should perform a basic workout of walk, trot and canter with ease along with a hand gallop. They should have a good work ethic and display ability to clear a jump.  
    4. Working Hunter Class – Horses should display all listed above in Hunter Hack but will be required to jump a 4 jump course with manners and tidiness in workout.  This is not a show jumping event. It is not based on speed. It is based on ability, manners and style. 

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