Ask The Chief

Do you have a Horse Management question?
Please email your question to Ask The Chief or any member of the Horse Management Committee. The Horse Management Committee will make every effort to answer your question.

If you have a Discipline-specific question or a question about anything non-Horse Management, your DC is the best person to ask. If he or she is unable to answer your question, the next person to ask is your RS.
If necessary, contact the appropriate Committee Chair or Wayne Quarles, USPC Activity Services Director.

Questions - 2008

Question: Can laced reins that are missing 5 inches of the lacing but are in good condition be used for the spare bridle? The lacing is knotted so it will not slip further through the holes and the integrity of the main rein piece is intact.

• The Chief says:

Extra equipment needs to be of a quality that it can be used in competition by the competitor. The purpose of the extra equipment is so that the rider can still go even if a piece of necessary equipment fails. We've even seen a bit break on the way to a ride just after a safety check! How heartbreaking it would have been if that child didn't have a full bridle *and* bit in her extra equipment? (She had borrowed one from a friend to take to rally.)

Specific to the rein question are a series of questions you can ask yourself:
• Are the reins otherwise in good repair? ie Will they break easily if stress is exerted on the reins?
• Is the knot in the lacing at a place that will interfere with your hand placement?
• Will the knot interefere with gathering and releasing your reins while riding?

Question: Labeling for Rallies: If a team comes with totes that each contain a team kit do they just put one label on each tote? For example Human First aid - would they label just the tote, or the tote and each item in the tote? I had always thought they labeled the tote and any items in the tote that would need to be returned. For example label the box of Band-Aids but not the individual Band-Aids as you would take out and use one band (obviously not to be returned to the kit) but the box would go back to the kit thus needing a label..

• The Chief says:

The best rule of thumb for labeling items going to rally is that you label everything you want to see again -- labeling individual bandaids would be excessive. If you label the outside of the kit, but not the items inside, and they are removed, used, and in the rush of the moment left unattended, then they may not find their way home. This happens more often than you'd like with items like grooming kit things and tubes of triple antibiotic creme.

Question: How do I find out if a drug my vet is giving my horse is legal in competition?'

• The Chief says:

To find out if it is legal to use any particular medications at rally, you can call the USEF Drug/Med hotline at (800) 633-2472. They answer the phone 24/7, are very nice and really know their stuff.

USPC Rallies run in conjunction with a USEF/USEA recognized even follow all USEF/USEA rules on drugs. 'Standalone' USPC rallies require a Vet letter for medications to be used for your horse. Before going to any competition, you and your Vet can consult with the USEF hotline before making the decision which medication is best for your horse's condition to make sure it is legal for that competition..

Question: I have a pony with a white tail. The tail gets really dirty when I leave it loose, so I usually use a tail bag to keep it clean. Is this allowed at rallies?

• The Chief says:

From Northwest Region: 'We commonly see them here in the west, including at rallies. Western horses in this area actually wear them all the time - in the stall and out on pasture. There are many manufactured styles on the market that will not restrict blood flow to the tail, and while they aren't my thing, I can understand the little girl trying to keep her pony's pretty white tail both pretty and white up until turnout inspection.' From VA Region: ' Don't like 'em, but have allowed them. Obviously as long as it does not constrict the tail. In my experience, they have fallen off by night check :)'
As long as the style used does not restrict bloodflow there is not a problem with them.

Question: When are shorts considered 'short-shorts'?

• The Chief says:

The HM rules that apply are:

• HM15b, Attire for Jog Out: Neat slacks/skirt/walking shorts/riding pants and polo or other neat, workmanlike attire (short-shorts and/or jeans are not permitted)
• HM18a, Unmounted Attire -In addition to the general requirements (HM18a), unmounted competitors must adhere to the following dress requirements: Shorts should be appropriate for working in the barn (no short shorts).

We use the 'knuckle test' that most public schools use to determine if a pair of shorts are too short. Place your hands at your side and stand up straight. Ball your hands into loose fists. If the shorts are shorter than your knuckles, those shorts are too short (and are called 'short-shorts'). As a reminder, required unmounted attire also must safe, neat, and in good repair (no large tears). Shirts must cover the shoulder (to the point of shoulder - no tank-tops), and cover the midriff (no bare midriff). Because adults are expected to model Pony Club behavior for competitors they should also follow these attire guidelines.

Amended 5/12/08

Question: Are there expiration dates on riding helmets with an ASTM/SEI approved sticker?

• The Chief says: After quite a bit of research and interviews with SEI and several major helmet manufacturers, here is the answer to your question.

For riding helmets, US Pony Club has four requirements a helmet must meet before it is considered safe for a member to wear:

• The condition of the helmet must be excellent.
• The helmet must fit correctly. (see 2007 HM Rulebook, Appendix H for further discussion)
• It has an SEI/ASTM approval sticker somewhere in the helmet
• It has a manufacturers label somewhere on the helmet.

The material condition of the helmet must not be compromised in any way. One fall can compress the helmet's internal lining and materials used to absorb the concussion of contact with a rigid object (ie: the ground) and once compressed it does not spring back. When this happens the helmet looses the ability to absorb any more impact and should be replaced immediately. Most manufacturers replace helmets at a reduced cost so keep your receipt and box, check individual manufacturers for their policies.

Helmets exposed to heated conditions, like the trunk of a car, can also quickly alter the material condition of the helmet.

The American Society For Testing And Materials is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. They set the standards. The Safety Equipment Institute does the actual testing of helmets submitted by manufacturers and determines if they meet the standards. In Pony Club terms, the Standards and Ratings Committee develops the riding standards, and the National Examiners test candidates against them.

According to the Safety Equipment Institute, the age of the helmet is immaterial as long as it's material condition is excellent. Their certification does not expire. The current ASTM Standard is F1163- 04a (meaning the last time it was revised was 2004). The revision before that was 2001, and the difference between 2001 and 2004 was a slight change to the retention system requirements.

Helmet manufacturers are required to keep their liability insurance in place as long as their products are on the market. Manufacturers may also set a 'Shelf Life' for their products, usually five years. This is based on expected use, exposure to the elements, treatment of the helmet and potential for unseen material deterioration.

Examples: If a helmet is date stamped '2008', carries the SEI/ASTM label, but does not fit or has been damaged a member will not be allowed to ride in it. If a helmet is date stamped '2002', carries the SEI/ASTM label, and is in excellent condition and fits correctly they will be allowed to ride in it.

So the answer to your question is no, there is no expiration date on ASTM/SEI certified helmets.

Here is a link to the Troxel helmet website Frequently Asked Questions page that is a good example of a manufacturer's guidelines: Troxel Helmets FAQ Page

Question: I just read this on another list and thought it was a brilliant solution to a not uncommon problem- would anyone (HM judge type) have an issue with this? "A pony discovered very fast that one good pull on the string set her free to wander off, eat grass, torture her pals or whatever. We tied 3-4 loops of binder cord to the solid object. Each loop was bigger than the next and the rope went through the centre of them all. She would break the first loop and sometimes the second but when she found she was still tied gave up and relaxed!

• The Chief says:

To start with, the applicable rules from the 2007 HM Rule book are:

• HM 9b. (page 14) Securing Materials: Appropriate fastening materials must be used to secure items. Amplification: To ensure a safe, comfortable environment for the mount during competition or while away from home, items such as buckets and fans must be secured with appropriate materials. There are a variety of materials that can be used for securing items, some of which have "breakaway" capability. If a mount pulls against it, the material will break before the mount can injure him/herself. - Note: The mount's halter and bridle are the only items and/or equipment that must always have some type of breakaway capability.
  • Materials used for Securing Equipment: Type Characteristics Baling Twine There are two types of baling twine: 1) Nylon type (often orange or yellow) may only be used to secure items that do not require breakaway capability. 2) Rope (hemp) type can be used as a safety or breakaway device.
• 10f. (page 18) Tying Mounts When mounts are tied, they must be tied to a secure object with:
  • A quick release knot, which is tied at the mount's shoulder height
  • A lead short enough, so the mount cannot become entangled, and enough distance between mounts to prevent injury.

The overall safety issue with break-way items is 'Can a pony break away safely without breaking itself?' If we can assume that the pony is wearing a breakaway halter and that the loops are of a rope/hemp type (I'm not familiar with `binder cord') then it would seem the only issue is whether or not passing the lead rope through the center of each loop instead of tying a quick release knot is okay.

Other CHMJ's commented:

• "Since the halter is breakaway I don't see a problem as long as the loops do not create a tangling issue or problem with yanking the rope to quick release.."
• "That's an interesting idea but a lot of horses just pull harder until something breaks and in my experience the snap or the leather halter crown piece breaks before the bailing twine loop does. If it works for a particular horse or pony I see nothing wrong with it and I goes back to listening to the PCer's reason for doing that; we can always learn something new for our own "Bag of Tricks!"
• If this works and the horse is tricked into staying tied, I'm in favor of using any reasonable method. Also, if the person using the horse can explain why it is done, keep the loops small so they don't create a problem themselves and recreate additional loops when the first and second are broken, I seen no problem."

Question: Rubber riding boots are allowed as proper "riding" footwear, but what about for working around the horses? Do rubber boots meet the horse management definition of "synthetic materials" allowed in Pony Club for unmounted work around horses?

• The Chief says:

According to the 2007 Horse Management Handbook and Rules for Rallies, 18a, amplification: Attire, Dress Requirements while Unmounted: Unmounted footwear must meet all the following criteria:

• In good condition
• Made of leather or synthetic materials
• Cover the ankle
• Entirely closed
• Thick-soled
• Securely fastened

A rubber riding boot that is in good condition is made of synthetic materials, does cover the ankle, is entirely enclosed, is thick soled and is securily fastened. So it does meet all the criteria for suitable footwear while unmounted.

Questions - 2007

Question: I am a D2 rider and am going into the x-rail class. I ride a Fjord pony that has no mane. At home I use a leather strap around his neck...just in case. Will I be allowed to use the leather strap at rally?

• The Chief says: Since you are a D there is a lot of latitude on what equipment you may use. The issue is: will the grab strap hurt the pony or interfere with his way of going, or provide a danger to him or her (ie - the grab strap being too loose and risk getting caught in his hoof). A thick grab strap with breakaway capability, like an old stirrup leather would probably not hurt him or interfere. You will want to contact your rally Chief and run this by them - they will have the final say, but every CHMJ knows that safety is the overriding concern. (August, 2007)

Question: When labeling individual rally equipment, if your name is distinctive and you know there is no one else with your last name, can you use just your last name to label? For example, would "Whitelock FCHPC" be sufficient?

• The Chief says: The thing to remember when labeling is 'if this item is lost, can it be returned without too much hassle?' So 'Whitelock - FCHPC' would be fine, it nothing else it will get dropped off at your club's tent and they have to sort it out. What doesn't work would be 'Sarah G'. (August, 2007)

Question: Would the newer high -tech short sleeve, high collar "cool max" shirts for riding be considered a formal riding shirt for formals? It does have a zipper along the front of the neckline that is hidden by the stock tie. Also are ribbon belts allowed?

• The Chief says: A white shirt, as long as it has sleeves (either short or long) with a type of collar is appropriate. For belts, the 2007 Horse Management Rulebook only specifies that a belt is required, but is silent on the material. (August, 2007)

Question: Our horse is not safe when tied outside the trailer during trailer rallies. Different CHMJ's have taken different stances at rallies: Some require him to be held the entire day, others allow him to stay on the trailer where he stays quite calm and happy. What is the official policy about horses on trailers at a one day rally? It seems to be very variable.

• The Chief says:There is no policy because, as you say, each situation is different. A good way to handle this would be to contact the CHMJ and organizers before the rally and make a plan. Sometimes there are very good reasons why horses should not stay on trailers; problems loading/unloading and heat come to mind first. (August, 2007)

Question: I do not have a tack room or garage at home. Our trailer has a dressing room which my family uses as a tack room. Can I tape an an 'X' across all of the stuff with a note that it is not part of the rally equipment as long as it is safe? I don't want the judges to think I'm using stuff that is my mom's or my sister's but I have no where else to put it during a rally.

• The Chief says: The 'X' is a creative solution! Alternatively you might want to set out your labeled equipment and explain that it is what you are using. Does your club set up a tent at trailer rallies? Your equipment would be there and the judges wouldn't have a reason to go in the tack room. (August, 2007)

Question: I have double pierced ears. At a rally, per the rule-book, I wore small studs in both holes (both in earlobes). The HM judge said this was unacceptable and the rules state "only one set of studs in the ears". I cannot find that reference. I was made to take the second pair out and assessed one penalty point. Was this correct?

• The Chief says: Rule HM18a, Required Attire, amplifies on page 29 that 'stud earrings', plural, are permitted. So you are correct, one set or multiple are allowed. (August, 2007)

Question: Are boot jacks or pulls required for tall boots that have a full zipper along the back?

• The Chief says: The Required Equipment List requires  'boot hooks (if tall boots are used)'.  However tall boots with full zippers don't need boot pulls.  If a rally team has all full-zipper boots, rubber boots and/or short boots (paddock or jodhpur boots) then the team would have no use for boot hooks, so boot hooks don't have to be in the trunks.  The team should not be penalized for not having them. As a practical matter, you might be scrambling with a rider who wears traditional tall boots, so some clubs might consider it a good idea to have a set of boot hooks in your trunks.  Zippers also break and get stuck, so boot hooks come in very handy when you need them! (May, 2007)

Question: I am confused about Pony Club longeing requirements.  I am told that only C3's and above can longe a horse at Pony Club events. But there are some very competent older D's in our group that will not be rating to C3 anytime soon, but in every other area I would consider them excellent. Can longeing be left to the discretion of the DC (at lessons) or CHMJ (at rallies) or is this a hard and fast rule?

• The Chief says: At a rally Horse Management rule 11.b states:   "Longeing must follow USPC standards and safety procedures and may only be done with the consent of, and in the area designated by, the CHMJ. Individuals authorized to longe:
  • Any competitor C3 and higher, regardless of age
  • The adult owner of the mount, or
  • An adult designated by the owner.

  At a club-level mounted meeting, it is up to the DC who may longe. (May, 2007)

Question: I'm the DC of our club and we have a rally team that has just learned the rally has been changed to a one day rally with NO stalls so we need to quickly learn how to set up feed and tack rooms from a trailer. Do you know have any suggestions about how teams set up tackrooms at trailer rallies?

• The Chief says: Trailer rallies take a little more planning but can be set up easily.  You don't need a feed room since it's a one day rally, but you do need a tack room. Many teams like using the 'umbrella' type pop-up tents (they are usually white). Make sure they are staked using the provided pins, and if ropes are used as tie downs it's a good idea to flag them with some tape or ribbon because they can disappear.   Not great for windy days, though.
  
  Many teams will also use the dressing room of a larger trailer for the tackroom, but that can get cramped. Another great alternative is to bring an extra trailer, remove the divider and use that as the tackroom - just make sure it stays connected to it's tow vehicle.  Horse Management rule 14a states "At regional rallies, competitors may not set up tack rooms until the CHMJ or rally organizer has given approval."  This means that you cannot set the trailer up as a tackroom ahead of time - it needs to be set up on the rally grounds.
  
  For storing required equipment, portable saddle stands work well and grooming kits can be stored underneath. Bridle hooks can sometimes be hung on the metal framing of the tent roof as long as it's not too heavy, but a freestanding bridle rack is a good club investment.   (May, 2007)

Question: What will a  C+ and HB rated Pony Club member be considered at a rally after August 1, 2007?

• The Chief says: They will be considered C2's until they become full C3's.  (May, 2007)

Question: We were at a Show Jumping rally recently and a C2 member was told she was not allowed to use her bit converter and had to switch to double reins. When we looked in the current Show Jumping rule book and the HM rulebook we could not locate that rule.  Could this possibly be an old rule?

• The Chief says: Your C2 member should have been able to use the bit converter at Show Jumping rally.  While bit converters are not allowed at C-level ratings, the Horse Management rulebook is silent on the subject and defers to the discipline rulebook.  The 2005 Show Jumping rulebook is also silent on the topic, so they are permitted.  The only discipline that specifically permits them is Games, and the only disciplines that forbid them is Dressage, and the dressage phase of Eventing.  Under the 'D Exception', all D rated Pony Club members are permitted to use them.  (May, 2007)
  

Question: We are sending our very new PC members to their very first Dressage Rally (an overnight) and I have a question regarding required equipment. Under 'Grooming Kits' it states body sponge, scraper and wash bucket. Does that  mean each horse has his own, instead of each team? And under 'Stall Equipment : 2 (5 gal) water buckets, top-off bucket, feed tub'  I am counting 5 buckets per horse?? That seems like a lot of buckets! Can the feed tub be washed and used as a top off  bucket at night?  We are trying to be practical but want to make sure we follow the rules.

• The Chief says:Grooming kits - each rider and mount must have their own hoof pick, rub rag, dandy brush, body brush, wet wipes (box or baggie filled with some) or sponges, curry comb, body sponge (big and squishy), wet scraper and wash bucket. It's a bit of an investment for each rider but well worth it.  The problem with sharing is that some things should never be shared (hoofpicks, wetwipes/sponges), and it's important for each rider to be responsible for their own grooming kit items.  Have each rider put their initials on each item to help keep track of them.
  
  Stall equipment - At overnight rallies all buckets do get used.  Ponies will frequently wait until after dinner to drink and can easily drain two buckets.  So the stall buckets should be filled water and market 'water only'.  The top-off bucket should also be marked 'water only' but doesn't have to be a heavy-duty type of water bucket intended to be hung by it's bale; clean construction type five gallon buckets (also called 'pickle buckets') with thin bails can be used.  Since it is hard for littler members to carry a full five gallons of water two buckets can be set out, as long as they add up to five gallons of water.  Feed tubs can be buckets but should not be marked 'water only'.  (May, 2007)

Question: Are suede half chaps or combination smooth leather on the outside and suede on the inside (against the leg) half chaps okay?

• The Chief says: For C-rated competitors and above, half-chaps must be all smooth leather, with no suede on any parts.  D's may continue to use suede half-chaps.  Please note that the 2003 Polocrosse rule book states in Article 6, #3 (page 5) "unadorned half chaps may be worn with Jodhpur boots"; Article 6, #7 states "all competitors must wear lower leg protection, such as tall boots, half-chaps or gaiters over their jeans or breeches."  (March, 2007)

Question: Are D's are no longer required to wear garters with jodphurs? 

• The Chief says: The 2007 Horse Management Newsletter makes the following correction for the chart on page 31 of the 2007 Horse Management Rulebook: ADD to the row: pants; column: D Rated Members:  If  Jodhpurs are worn with Jodphur/paddock boots, rider must wear: - Knee straps (garters), and/or - Pant clips. (March, 2007)

Question: Would a heavy-duty retractable X-acto utility knife be acceptable in place of a jack knife in the Required Equipment Utility Kit?

• The Chief says: Heavy-duty X-acto knives, which  use retractable, replaceable thin razor blades, are not considered a suitable alternative to jack knives because the blades can snap very easily.  While the blades are very sharp they dull quickly and are tricky to replace.  A jack knife is considered a more solid, reliable and safer form of knife. (March, 2007)
  

Question: Are the type of spur, called 'Le Spur', allowed in Pony Club?  It looks like a regular spur but doesn't have a shank - instead it has a few little teeth on the inside arm.

• The Chief says: A very good question!  We found out that this type of spur is forbidden at all levels of USEF competition.  Since USPC tries to follow USEF in rules like this, this spur is forbidden in all disciplines that have rules about spurs; namely Dressage and Eventing.  Polocrosse and Games do not allow spurs.  USEF and USPC Show Jumping do not mention spurs, so this type of spur is allowed in Show Jumping, and therefore the Show Jumping phase of Tetrathlon as well. (March, 2007)

Question: Are pre-tied stock ties now allowed in USPC?

• The Chief says: That is correct, pre-tied stock ties are now allowed. (March, 2007)

Question: Confusing regarding heat index & jackets. Competitor responsible to remove jackets and must remove jackets for warm up, but can still ride with jacket on even though it is mandatory to remove jacket.

• The Chief says: We are not requiring members to put their jackets back on, but are giving them the option to do so.  Many riders at USDF, USEA and other large shows often warm up without a jacket and then put it back on - even in hot weather - for their test or round. Jackets look polished and professional, and since actual ride times are usually very short it should not put the rider at risk.  By allowing this option, the Horse Management Committee is trying to make the requirements at rally more consistent with other horse sport governing bodies. (March, 2007)

Question: Which bandaging materials are OK'd by USPC for ratings and rallies? Which type of padding is legal and are Velcro fasteners OK as well?

• The Chief says: The Required Equipment List Amplification - Equine First Aid Kit discusses bandaging materials and options available. Materials chosen shold do their job safetly and effectively, and fulfill the following criteria:
  
  -  The padding must be sufficient and even enough to ensure that the horse’s leg circulation won’t be compromised.  Typically if sheet cottons are used, usually about 6 or 7 sheets are about right for one standing wrap padding.  Other commonly used materials are “pillow wrap padding” or “no bows”.  Some brands of no bows will be too thin to be safe.  In this case, sometimes two no bow paddings can be used together.  In a pinch, even terrycloth towels can be safe and effective padding.  Be sure that there are no wrinkles though.  One material that is too thin is commonly sold as “quilted leg wraps”.  They are the thickness of a cheap mattress pad.  These are useful for cold water or ice wraps when the horse will be attended, but not to leave on as standing wrap padding.
  -  The padding must cover from about an inch above the bottom of the horse’s knee to the middle or bottom of the horse’s fetlock depending on whether the wrap will cup under the fetlock or not.  The padding must be able to cover this area on all of the mounts, additional padding may be necessary if the team consists of horse and ponies of different sizes.
  -  The wrap material may have stretch (like the ponte polyester material that’s sold as “standing wraps”) or not (like flannel).   
  -  Typically, the wrap material is about 6 inches wide for standing wraps.  This allows for good overlap and lends sturdiness to the finished wrap.  For small ponies, 4 inch wraps may be more appropriate.  The length also depends on the mount’s size.  About 11 feet is a minimum length for most horses, 12 or 13 feet is better.
  -  The fastening must be able to do its job.  Velcro that is in good condition is fine, as are bandage pins or diaper pins.  When using pins it is recommended that tape is put over them to help ensure that they won’t snag on things.  Pins should be fastened on the outside of the horse’s leg.
  -  In the Equine First Aid kit, the 4 paddings and wraps should be stored already made-up, ready to put on a horse quickly in an emergency.  The padding should not just be a big wad of sheet cottons in their package.
  
  A good reference for bandaging is "The USPC Guide to Bandaging Your Horse", by Susan Harris, 1997.  It is available from the USPC Bookstore for $7.95. (March, 2007; updated January 2008)
  

Question: I am working on Quiz. We are going to have a station on formal and informal turnout for riders. As I go through the new HM rulebook (which is wonderful!) I have a question on gloves: Are string back gloves with the tan leather palms an acceptable option? I guess I have always thought they were, but I don't see it listed.


• The Chief says: Yes, the gloves that you described are just fine for formal attire! (March, 2007)
  

Question: What parts of the Horse Management rulebook are required as part of the Required Equipment list? Obviously Parts I and II are most important to the competitors as the rules are explained and amplified. Are they required to also have Part III, which explains (primarily to adults and organizers) how to administrate the HM program? How about the Appendices?


• The Chief says: The answer to your question and what the Committee intended is that Part I is the only part of the handbook that is required along with the newsletter. If a team chooses to have the entire handbook in their tack room that is their prerogative  but it is not required. The intent is that each rally organizer and/or CHMJ will have the complete handbook along with all Appendices on hand to refer to as may be necessary. (March, 2007)
  

Question: Regarding decorations and accessories - Games teams at regional and national rallies are allowed to decorate with everything that is not allowed. People/chiefs look the other way - why does this occur?

• The Chief says: Games teams are not allowed any "special considerations" for tack room decorating and are expected to follow the same rules. The HM Committee feels very strongly that any "decorations" in tack rooms should be there not for decoration purposes but for a real, working purpose - like drapes to provide privacy if needed, or rugs on the floor to keep the dirt down. Having matching items promotes the sense of team but is not a requirement. When looking at tack rooms the HM Judge is looking to determine if it is a neat, clean, functional and workman like environment - the HM Judge is not looking for all of the "fluff" and "frills".

Question: Why is hay allowed to be measured in "flakes" now? Each person pulls out a flake differently and every bale is different. How can we feed for others if we do not know what they feed?


• The Chief says: >I will answer this question with a question. How many of us weigh our hay? I would bet not many and that most of us feed hay by flakes - so why not do that when away from home? The HM Committee is trying very hard to have reasonable expectations that are in step with what most of us do at home on a regular and on going basis. Teaching our members how to weigh their hay is something that is a good instructional activity and is better left for the club instructional program. The HM Committee recognizes that every bale of hay is different with different sized flakes. Most of us decide how many flakes to feed based on the size of the flakes in the bales and change the number of flakes to be fed accordingly. In most instances when one pulls a flake off a bale they are going to be fairly close in size/amount pulled off the bale and any differences in what might be pulled off is not going to be significant and not likely to cause harm to the mount. The HM Handbook specifies in Part II, HM 13a (page 21) the following: Hay fed during the rally does not need to be measured by weight, but hay:
  • Must be clearly labeled to indicate which mount is to receive that particular hay.
  • May be pre-packaged, but should not be packaged in plastic.
  • May be left in bales, but the bale must be securely tied together. The bale must be re-tied each time after removing flakes.
  • Must be listed on the feed chart by either the number of “flakes” to be fed or by weight (if listed by weight, the team/competitor must have a scale).

  The above should help others to know which mount is to be fed from each bale of hay. Hope this helps!!

Question: When using trailers for tack rooms and feed rooms can the teams use the dressing room portion for items, or must everything be in the horse compartment of the trailer?

• The Chief says: Yes, the tack room compartment of a trailer can be used as the feed area - in fact, the feed area can be anywhere as long is a) its easily secured from four-legged critters and b) the location is clearly documented in the tack room area, so that all members and rally officials can find it!  At the start of the rally season, and in the organizers notes to the DC's, parents and competitors it is best to note that this is an acceptable practice so that "urban legends" can't run rampant!  Additionally, letting your CHMJ know that this is done in your region is always advised.  (February, 2007)

Question: I am a Vegan and do not use any animal products, including leather.  I have a product called Saf T Strap made by Snap-Backs.  It is a breakaway attachment that I use on a nylon halter.  I have used this system for numerous rallies without any negative comments. 

• The Chief says:Yes, the primary consideration is that a halter will break if caught on an object preventing injury to the horse.  Although I have not used this product I have seen them and they have an elastic piece which stretches and is the part that would make your halter be considered a break away.  (February, 2007)

Question: Do you know if it would be allowable to ride in a Bitless Bridle for Games competition? We found the types of bits, cavessons, hackamores but I was unsure if the 'Bitless Bridle' would be allowed.

• The Chief says: Yes, it is allowed for everything except dressage and the dressage phase of eventing. (February, 2007)

Question: I'm a D3, and at my last rally I slipped and fell in a huge mud puddle two minutes before my formal inspection.  Luckily I had a spare pair of breeches that I changed into quickly, but I got penalty points for being late to my formal!  This doesn't seem fair.  What should I have done, gone to the inspection in filthy breeches?

• The Chief says: What an unfortunate accident!  This actually happens a lot, and often at the last minute.  The best thing to do is to show up for your inspection and explain what happened, and that you'd like to go back and change.  Unless there is a compelling reason, the formal judge should give you permission to do so with no penalty points accessed.  If you cannot be there in person (maybe something ripped?) send your Stable Manager or another team member to let the judge know you're going to be late.  (February, 2007)

Question: I have a question that I need answered about labeling of equipment.  Does the equipment need to be labeled with team name, individual name, club or region name?

• The Chief says: The simple answer to the label question is with another question: "Can the item be returned to the owner at the end of the day?"  As a group, we're working to move away from the days of having to have the owners name, number, pony club and social security number on each item! Items can be labeled with regional name (if regional equipment), club name (if club equipment), or personal name.  The point of labeling equipment is to return the item if lost, not to label for the sake of labeling. (February, 2007)