RULES
UPWHA 
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RULES
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OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS As of June 1, 2007 (revised May, 2007) GENERAL RULES
II I. Intent and Philosophy: To educate, promote and foster interest in the naturally gaited pleasure walking horses; to encourage sportsmanship; to create wholesome competition among riders, owners, and exhibitors of naturally gaited pleasure walking horses; and to expand upon the popularity as well as to demonstrate the versatility of the natural pleasure walking horse gaits. Horses are to be evaluated on the basis of “way of going” and how well they fit the description of the ideal horse for the class rather than on the arbitrary distinction of how they are shod. United Pleasure Walking Horse Association (hereinafter referred to as UPWHA) is committed to shoeing practices that correspond with the protection and preservation of the horse’s foot and structure rather than the use of the shoe as a gait enhancer or “action device”. Any shoeing practice that detracts from the integrity of the animal’s foot or that is done with the intent of creating exaggerated performance is prohibited II. Drugs and Medication: a. Each UPWHA member must conduct themselves in accordance with Horse Rule S-2543, Horse Protection Act of 1970, signed into law by The President of the United States. b. Cruelty to, or the abuse of a horse by any member is forbidden and constitutes a violation of UPWHA rules and renders the offender subject to penalty. It shall be the duty of any member and any properly constituted humane organization to report to any association officer, any person who indulges in the abuse or cruelty, for such further actions as may be deemed appropriate.
III. Conduct: a. It shall be incumbent upon all members to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, displaying no acts of discourteousness, and to behave as ladies and gentlemen at all times. b. Anyone found to be in violation of this rule by the Executive Committee shall have their membership reviewed and, upon evidence of good cause, revoked.
IV. Coggins and Health: a. Proof of current health statement and/or negative Coggins test is required by State Law. At the time of any UPWHA sanctioned activity said papers must be made available upon request. b. UPWHA agrees to strictly enforce all rules and regulations of the USDA and the Horse Protection Act.
HORSE SHOW RULES 1) UPWHA shall adhere to the rules of the International Judges Association, with the additions or exceptions listed below:
2) Classes: a. All classes to be shown in accordance with UPWHA rules. b. All horses may cross enter in Western and English classes. c. Stallions may not be shown in Juvenile classes
JUDGING STANDARDS 1) UPWHA shall adhere to the judging standards of the International Judges Association, with the additions or exceptions listed below: a) UPWHA Country Pleasure classes shall be treated as breed specific, Pleasure Walking Horse classes with the gaits called accordingly.
VIOLATIONS AND HEARINGS I. Any person suspended by USDA is automatically suspended by the UPWHA for the period of the USDA suspension from membership and any UPWHA activity. II. Cases will be heard before the Executive Committee or the Rules Committee as appointed by the President of UPWHA. III. A complaint must be received by UPWHA no later than 2 weeks after the occurrence of the rules or bylaws infraction. Except for protests or complaints filed by a show official or show management, a Complaint must be submitted with a $100 check payable to UPWHA and must be mailed to the address of the President. If the complaint is upheld these funds will be refunded to the complainant. a. The Board of Directors must first decide whether the complaint warrants immediate temporary suspension of association privileges until such time as hearing and final determination are reached. They will notify all Interested Parties of such a suspension and its enforcement should that be the case, until the matter can be resolved. b. All persons involved in or handling a Protest, Complaint or Disciplinary Action shall keep information relating to these proceedings confidential, providing information only to the extent necessary to complete official review of the matter. c. Rules of evidence need not be strictly observed, and the standard by which admissibility of evidence is determined is whether the evidence is such that an ordinary prudent person could rely on it. The Investigating Committee may examine the allegations made in the Complaint or Disciplinary Action Resolution to determine if a Hearing is warranted. A majority vote of the board of directors will authorize the committee to conduct such a disciplinary hearing. d. Any disciplinary hearing shall be scheduled within a reasonable time period not to exceed 60 days. Complainants and interested parties have the right to produce evidence to the Hearing Committee and may be represented by counsel. Physical appearances are not required. The Hearing Committee shall establish further procedures for a hearing, which shall provide both reasonable and due process for complainants and interested parties and as prompt a resolution of the matter as possible. Documented evidence will be required and presenting party will bring sufficient copies, at their expense, for all of the hearing Board of Directors. Hearing and determination by Board of Directors constitutes a condition precedent to further legal action or challenge. Should a further legal challenge be raised by any party, the parties agree that such dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration subject to the right of the American Arbitration Association. e. The Hearing Committee shall issue its decision within thirty (30) days after the hearing has concluded, and the decision shall be final. Written notice of the decisions and any action, remedy or penalty prescribed by the committee shall be mailed to the complainant, to all interested parties and to the President of UPWHA. The Hearing Committee has complete discretion in fashioning a remedy and/or penalty arising out of any hearing, including but not limited to, conditional participation in, suspension or expulsion from, the ability to participate in sanctioned classes or events sponsored by or affiliated with UPWHA. f. Forfeiture of membership, awards or points, imposition of fines and/or any other actions may be deemed appropriate by the Board. If the Board’s decision involves any of these actions, a summary of its decision shall be made known to all members and become part of the official minutes. The Board’s decision must include a determination whether a fee submitted with a complaint is to be refunded. g. Actions of Officials: Neither UPWHA, the Hearing Committee or any of their officers, directors, representatives, or agents will be liable for losses or damages incurred by any individual in connection with proceedings under this rule, or in connection with any failure to take action under this rule, except for any losses or damages resulting from such individuals’ proven intentional wrongdoing. DEFINITIONS AND GLOSSARY
§ Junior horse: FIVE -year-old horse and under. § Juvenile Exhibitor: 17 years and under, as of January 1 of the show year. § Amateur: A person is an amateur for horse show purposes who, after his or her 18th birthday, does not engage in any manner in which the individual receives compensation of any kind. Any person who has not reached his 18th birthday is declared to be an amateur. § Keg Shoes: Unaltered factory made shoes of the sort normally referred to as a keg shoe are permissible with the exception of toe weighted shoes. § Prohibited Tack and Equipment that would eliminate a horse from showing in UPWHA may include: o Heavy shoes o Pads or stacks o Chains of any kind on the legs of the horse o Leg wraps while being stalled o Weighted bell boots o Shoes heavier than manufactured keg shoes o Shanks on curb bits greater than 8.5 inches o Any bit the judge considers inhumane o Cross chain or crank chain cavessons o Bits with bicycle chain or chainsaw chain o Sharpened points on spurs o Whips longer than 48 inches o Tongue ties or mouth ties o Curb straps or Chains less than ½ inch in width or do not lie flat; any wire, rawhide or other material
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info@uppha.com