Calgary Western Riders

on hold due to covid restrictions)

In order to qualify for our year-end prizes, you must attend a minimum of three (3) of the gymkhanas. Each member is to fill out a membership registration form and obtain AEF insurance, which can be found at www.albertaequestrian.com

Our membership form is emailed to the CWR mailing list at the beginning of each season. To be added to the mailing list please send an email request to [email protected]

General Rules

1. Riders will not be allowed to compete unless proper registration and fee payment has been made and both the horse and rider abide by all rules.

2. Contestants are not allowed to practice in the event arena on the day of the Gymkhana or Show.

3. Australian stock saddles are permitted but English saddles are not. Riders may use any humane type of bit or hackamore (excluding wire or other metal device) that may be used in conjunction with or as part of a leather chin strap. Bosals are permitted providing at least two fingers can be placed between the bosal and the horse's chin. Flat chin straps or chains not less than 2 inches wide are allowed.

4. Contestants are to be dressed in western attire (i.e. cowboy hat/helmet, long-sleeved western shirt, jeans, riding boot with a heel) for all events. Contestants must start any event wearing a cowboy hat or helmet.

5. Contestants shall be disqualified for any abuse of horses or for misconduct at the discretion of the CWR Executive for the remainder of the show at which the infraction occurs.

6. Horses must enter and leave the event arena at a walk. Horses must be kept to a walk in all areas outside of the event and practice arenas.

7. Horses may be led into the arena if needed but not to the starting line (exception for Tiny Mites and P*ewees that need to be accompanied by an adult).

8. Riders may hang onto the saddle and use one or both hands on the reins as desired.

9. Arena gates will remain closed during an event run until all competitors have completed their pattern and have walked their horses back to the gate. One rider will not be allowed to leave the arena if the other is still competing.

10. Any rider interfering with, colliding with, or cutting off another rider shall be disqualified in that particular event. The person interfered with shall receive a re-ride. A re-ride shall occur after a minimum of two other rides have been completed. (i.e.: 2 riders in Barrel Racing, 4 riders in all tandem events).

11. When competing, any rider who re-crosses the start line in any event or crosses the centre line in tandem events may, at the discretion of the Arena Director, be asked to immediately pull up and stop the event. If this occurs more than once with the same rider, that horse/rider combination may, at the discretion of the Arena Director, be excused for the remainder of the day.

12. At the beginning of each year, Gymkhana entrants shall register one horse from which they will collect points. Points shall be cancelled if another horse is used, unless the first horse dies or is injured (Vet certification may be required), in which case points shall carry to another horse registered by the same person. Points can only be taken by the designated point horse in ALL events for the ENTIRE year.

13. A horse may not be ridden for points by more then one rider. If horses are shared, the qualifying point run must be complete prior to the non-point run in each event. (This rule does not apply to Tiny Mites.) A contestant may ride two horses if time permits, but must inform the Secretary at the time of registration of their intentions so horses may be spaced properly.

14. The Arena Director will be responsible for seeing that all participants abide by the rules and that infractions and any other concerns that may arise are dealt with immediately.
15. The CWR Executive reserves the right to determine that a rider warrants elimination for any and all infractions. CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION

There are six (6) categories of competition in the Club. At the start of the season all members must indicate the category that they are going to compete in on their membership form. If there are less than 5 members in a division, the classes may be combined at the discretion of the CWR Executive. Tiny Mite – Not attained 8th birthday as of January 1st
P*e Wee – Not attained 13th birthday as of January 1st
Junior – Not attained 18th birthday as of January 1st. Senior Novice – Over 18 years of age as of January 1st and has never won high point in this category. Senior – Over 18 as of January 1st. There is no age limit to this category. Jack Benny – Over 39 as of January 1st. This category is considered a "fun" run with no points accumulated and no high point and reserve champion prizes awarded. There is an option to compete as a ‘Green Horse’ for those horses and/or riders that may be new to gymkhana events. No points or prizes are awarded for horses/riders competing with this classification. The CWR Executive reserves the right to move a competitor out of Green Horse to another category as deemed appropriate. POINTS/AWARDS

Points are awarded for placings as follows at each gymkhana and for each of the events:
1st – 8 points
2nd – 6 points
3rd – 5 points
4th – 4 points
5th – 3 points
6th – 2 points
Participant – 1 point

Awards are presented at the end of the season:
• 1st, 2nd, & 3rd in all events for all categories (except Jack Benny) based on overall placings in each event.
• Highpoint and Reserve Champion for all categories (except Jack Benny)
• Membership voted awards: Horsemanship, Most Improved, Sportsmanship (under 18 and over 18), and most active club member