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Rules & Regulations
The Rule Book speaks to all facets of the running of CGA shows. It includes local district requirements and guidelines for the running of a show, including before, during and after a show. The Rule Book also includes rules for riders during the show, and all materials and equipment requirements for each event, including the construction of required equipment.
Rider Basics
The CGA Rule Book provides details of the regulations that must be followed. Below are some of the basics rules for riders.
Dress Code
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A Safety Helmet (hard hat) is required when riding any CGA event, unless the adult rider (18 or over) signs a waiver that indicates refusal to wear a safety helmet.
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Clothing shall be neat and clean. All contestants shall be fully attired in a dress shirt with a button or snap closure in the front from top to bottom, a collar, long or short sleeves (female contestants may wear sleeveless shirts), long pants, belt or half belts and boots. The sleeves on long-sleeved shirts must be rolled down and fastened at the cuff. Shirts must be tucked into the pants. Only the top two buttons of the shirt may be left unbuttoned as long as the buttons go to the collar line of the shirt.
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Any appropriate, neat and humane Western and/or English equipment may be used with the following exception: the judge may prohibit the use of bits or equipment he may consider severe or unsafe. Riders are permitted to use whips, crops, quirts and spurs if used sparingly, so long as these aids do not result in abuse of the horse. A rider may use any part of the horse or saddle to maintain balance. Use of a tie down is permitted.
Arena Rules
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All riders should be fully prepared to run when called, be in proper dress, have equipment in good shape and horses warmed up ready to compete.
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The rider will be notified when the course is ready and must enter the arena within one minute after such notification. A rider who remains mounted may be assisted through the gate. After entering the arena, the rider must show control of the horse before the judge will signal approval for the run.
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The course must be run in accordance with the prescribed pattern (See Sections 5 and 8). A horse is on course when Page 21 any part of the horse crosses the start/finish line. It remains on course as long as it is run in accordance with the prescribed pattern for the event being run until every part of the horse crosses the start/finish line. If a rider goes off course, but corrects the course, and completes the prescribed pattern, there will be no disqualification or penalty.
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The rider is requested to acknowledge the judge after bringing his/her horse under control. The rider should watch for the judge’s signal to leave the arena before walking the horse from the arena
