2023 Handbook

Finalized January 2023

Statement of Purpose

Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC was founded on the principles of fair play, fellowship, sportsmanship and competition. The Association is dedicated to promoting the sport of drill team riding for entertainment and competition. We encourage teams to use all the equine skills they possess whether riding for entertainment or competition. Remember above all else ….

DRILL TEAM RIDING IS FOR FUN !!!!

It is the intention of the Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association to develop and bring together as many drill teams as is possible throughout the state of Florida, and to hold competitions and events throughout the year, one of which will be the State Competition for the purpose of naming an Annual State Champion.

The Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC rules and by-laws handbook is protected by US Copyright Laws and no part may be copied or duplicated without the express permission of the Managing Members. Possession of the handbook does not constitute permission or grant the right to duplicate or otherwise copy the material for personal or professional gain.

The copyright covers all printed text within the handbook and any graphic illustrations contained within.

By-Laws and Rules

Be it here known this body shall be recognized and known as the Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC. The State of Florida under the Charter Number L13000084404 charters this Association. Being organized as Non-Profit organization for the purposes of promoting fellowship, good sportsmanship and fairness in competition in drill team riding. The following by-laws shall govern all those present and future members of the Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC.

Managing Members

The Association is managed by up to three (3) managing members. The duties of these members will include, but are not limited to:

• Presiding over meetings, ensuring the by-laws, rules and regulations of the Association are
• Record and maintain minutes of all meetings.
• Collect dues, competition entry fees, donations and monies collected from any fund raiser and keep records of.
• Pay bills in a timely manner.
• Set up 3 qualifiers and State Championships for each year.

Membership and Annual Dues

Any person may join SSMDTA. Membership year runs from January 1 – December 31. Annual dues are $30 per person.

Each person wishing to join MUST fill out the Membership Form online and digitally sign the liability waiver.

A Team is defined as a group with a SINGLE point of contact. While we strive to answer all questions in a timely manner, the main contacts for each team will get faster responses. Most communication will go to the main point of contact for each team but other information will be posted on our website and Facebook page.

Association Meetings

An annual meeting will be held at the 3rd Qualifier of the season. Two (2) members from each team are allowed to represent their team. The floor will be open for discussion, but must have been placed on the agenda ahead of time. This will allow us to keep the meeting to a short length. This will allow teams to provide feedback on changes needed for the following year, so the Handbook can be ready by the State Championships. Other meetings may be called throughout the year at the Managing Members discretion.

Insurance

Association insurance is due yearly. If the treasury funds permit, the Association shall pay all of the insurance fee. In the case of insufficient Association funds, the cost of the insurance will be divided among the current member teams.

Sportsmanship

Un-sportsmanship-like conduct will NOT be tolerated. Any member or person associated with a member team who shall conduct themselves in a manner as to disrupt or do anything calculated to disturb the harmony of the Association, shall warrant a team being reprimanded and possibly disqualified. If conduct is observed it shall be brought to the attention of the Managing

Members for review. Loss of temper resulting in abuse of persons or animals will result in expulsion of team/persons involved. If more than 3 offenses are reported during a show, the team will be disqualified.

Each team needs to contribute to the other team’s encouragement and moral support with a positive attitude. Moments of frustration are common to all members, but a positive mental attitude should be maintained even when the going gets tough.

Termination

The Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Association, LLC reserves the right to terminate its association with any member after a full refund of one year’s dues are made to that member. Dissolution

Upon the dissolution of SSMDTA by the Managing Members, any remaining funds in the treasury shall be divided and distributed equally among the current paid member teams. Funds may be donated to a charitable organization in place of distribution.

Managing Members

Nichole Sandeen
Outsiders Drill Team
16931 W. Prestwich Drive
Loxahatchee, FL 33470
(561) 310-1041
fostermom715@yahoo.com

Valerie Stalvey
Renegades Drill Team
1290 NE 120th Street
Ocala, FL 34479
(352) 875-3334
valmarc@mac.com

Contact Us Follow us on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/SSMDTA

ssmdta22@gmail.com http://www.SSMDTA.com

Show Secretary Duties

• Time each drill – time starts when first horse’s nose enters the arena and end when the last horse’s tail exits the arena.
• Show Secretary shall time each drill and will place the drill time and access any penalties on the score sheets.
• Track drill times and put it on the score sheets. Calculate time penalties, if any, and input on score sheet.
• Collect score sheets from all judges.
• Total all sections of the score sheets and calculate the placings for each division.
• Fill in the placing sheet for announcer to read at awards.
• Make copies of score sheets for each team to be picked up at end of competition.
• Save copies of score sheets for the association – place in the binder in appropriate tabs.
• Get lunch/drink orders for all judges, announcer and show secretary, order, pay and bring to them.
• Pay the judges at the end of the competition. (checks in the binder)
• Assist in handing out awards, score sheets and music at awards ceremony.
• Responsible for all score sheets and audio recordings until the conclusion of the shows.
• Main point of contact for teams and judges for the duration of the show.
• Run the Captain’s Meeting at the shows.
• Assist the Announcer with music check and sound levels for all teams.
• Show Secretary makes the final decision on all items during the show.

General Rules & Information

• Entry forms are available at http://www.ssmdta.com and can be filled out online. Entry fees will have an Early Bird price if submitted 30 days prior to the competition and will be subject to a Late Fee if not submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the competition.
• Should a team need to withdraw after they have sent in their entry fee, it should be sent in writing to the Association (via email ssmdta22@gmail.com) 10 days ahead of said competition in order to receive a refund, otherwise the fee is forfeited.
• In the event of a fallen rider, please do not rush the arena. Please allow the coach, show staff and parent (if applicable) to access the situation. If additional assistance is needed, the coach/show staff/parent will request it.
• The Order of Go will be published prior to the competition. If any special needs are required in line up, the team manager needs to notify the association prior to competition.
• A Captain’s Meeting will be held prior to the start of the show and details will be given regarding Inspection for that day.
• Teams will be allotted 10-15 minutes of arena time. This time will be used for setting of your cones, inspection (if an inspection class), Courtesy Lap, drill performance and cone removal.
• During actual drill competition, external signaling from the sidelines will not be allowed and could result in disqualification of a team, signaling includes but is not limited to: talking to the team members, hand signals, whistles, head nods, etc.
• If excessive coaching from inside the arena is noticed as well, penalties can be applied.
  If internal or external coaching is noticed by the judges, SSMDTA show staff or representatives, a 50 point penalty will be accessed – along with a notation of the nature of the violation.
• Each team is responsible for providing their own gatekeeper. None will be provided for by SSMDTA. Gates MUST be closed for safety reasons.
• Teams MUST leave the arena at a walk. Racing out of the arena can incur a 20-point penalty.
• After each day of competition, the Show Secretary will finalize the Grand Total Forms and determine the winners.
• At qualifiers all teams will gather, without horses, for the announcements. If there are any special awards (i.e., high point or judge’s choice) they will be announced last.
• At the State Championships teams with gather WITH horses for the placings.
• Placings for the classes will be done in the order they performed that competition and will be announced in reverse order (sixth through first). The announcer will state the placing, number of points and team name.

• Before each team starts a drill, you will make a courtesy lap around the arena. During that time the Announcer will read a short introduction about your theme, which can also be emailed to ssmdta22@gmail.com.
• Courtesy Laps are allowed prior to every drill. At the 3 qualifiers, only the Theme classes will have an introduction read. This is a great opportunity to tell the audience how your theme works (costumes, music, etc.). Remember what may be obvious to you may not be to others if they haven’t seen that movie/theme/style before.
• At the State Championships, an Introduction is requested for ALL classes.
• A drill may be anything your team is capable of doing. You are only limited by the imagination of your team.
• In the interest of safety and fair play, the use of firearms or any explosive device is NOT allowed to be utilized in anyone’s drill.
• Please use tack stalls and do not block aisle ways at events.
• Stallions may only be ridden and handled by an adult, over the age of 21, who is experienced and knowledgeable in handling of a stallion.
• Safety helmets are not required and may be used at the discretion of the teams. Teams will NOT be penalized if they choose to wear safety helmets. This will not count as a non- conformity in costuming. Safety is a main concern and helmets are encouraged.
• Per Florida law, any rider under the age of 16 must wear a helmet while riding at any time.
• To qualify for the State Championship, teams need to compete in at least two out of the three qualifying competitions.
• Teams must also compete in the same class at 2 qualifiers in order to compete in that class at the State Championships.
• Any team that is not qualified but wishes to attend the State Championships may do so, but they will only receive scores and judge feedback. Non-qualified teams will not place and will not earn points.
• Music must be submitted ahead of the show in order to be placed on the computer. Music will be kept from one show to the next, so if the same music is being used again, the team just needs to indicate that on their entry form.
• If incorrect music is played, teams should not start their drill, but notify the Show Secretary or Announcer to have the correct music played.
• One member is responsible for giving a thumbs up or cue of some kind when the music is to be started for their drill. Announcer needs some sort of a cue so that he knows when to start the music or if the music is too loud or not loud enough.

• Disputes must be put in writing and submitted to the Show Secretary who will handle
  the dispute per the rules or forward the dispute to a Managing Member. It shall be the
  duty of the Show Secretary to validate or invalidate the complaint. A $30 fee must accompany all complaints or disputes. The fee will be forfeited and monies placed into the Association’s treasury if the dispute goes against the issuer. The fee shall be refunded if the issuer’s complaint is upheld. The dispute/complaint must be presented prior to the days competition results. If the fee and dispute are not issued to the Show Secretary in a timely fashion, the dispute will not be considered and the fee not accepted.
• Excessive abuse of animals may be grounds for dismissal from the event. A repeat offense by the same individual will result in expulsion. Anyone witnessing an act of abuse should report it to a Managing Member or the Show Secretary. The team and individual will be spoken to. If 3 offenses are noted at a show, that team or individual will be disqualified from the show.
• If there is a costume malfunction (for safety) in that a team is losing a leg wrap or other safety issue, the Managing Members or Show Secretary may stop the drill with NO penalties to the team. The team manager can also have the drill stopped by notifying the Managing Members or Show Secretary and NO penalties will be deducted. If a team’s music stops or glitches due to an issue with the sound system ONLY, the team may restart with NO penalties. With the exception of a rider fall, the drill can only be stopped by the Team’s Coach. Otherwise, music should continue playing throughout.
• A Practice Schedule will be published and the arena will be closed afterwards.
• Music will not be played via the sound system for anyone’s practice. You may bring personal speakers to play music during your practice time.
• In the event of a problem in the arena during a team’s ride that is beyond their control (i.e., loose animals, sound system malfunction, spectator interference and acts of God), a team may request a Re-Ride from the Show Secretary. The Show Secretary will confer with the judges and will make the final decision if the Re-Ride request is approved.

Inspection

The main purpose of Inspection (aka Parade Rest) is to allow the judges time to review your costumes, but it also shows how your team performs as a unit, entering the arena single file and standing quietly.

Judges look at your General Appearance, Costume/Theme unity, Tack Uniformity (bridles, reins, breast collars, pads and leg wraps). This does NOT include tie-downs spurs, saddles or rear cinches. Horses are expected to stand quietly and their general manners will also be taken into consideration.

Riders will enter the arena and proceed up the center line at a walk, single file. At the top end of their defined arena, they will turn towards the judges and proceed down the quarter line (remaining 10 feet off the rail). The unit will stand at parade rest centered in front of the judges. This inspection is 15 seconds and the time begins when all horses have stopped their forward progression.

After 15 seconds have elapsed, the unit will be released to complete your Courtesy Lap and your introduction is announced.

At qualifiers the Rodeo and Theme classes will always be in costume and stand for Inspection. Quad, Freestyle and Novice classes will each costume at a single qualifier. At the State Championships ALL classes, except Compulsory and Short Program, will stand for Inspection.

Costuming

Classes that are not being inspected at qualifying competitions should wear matching Team Shirts. Baseball caps and visors are allowed. Flags and Props are allowed.

Theme and Rodeo Classes will perform in Costume at ALL events and your costume, horse decorations and music should work together to showcase your theme.

Awards

Members will accumulate points throughout the year based on their placings in their individual classes and a Point Redemption Catalog will be published at the end of the show year and you can exchange points for the items available.

In Qualifiers riders will earn points per placing as follows:
1st Place = 6 points
2nd Place = 5 points
3rd Place = 4 points
4th Place = 3 points
5th Place = 2 points
6th Place = 1 point

At the State Championships, riders will earn the following points for placings:
1st Place = 20 points
2nd Place = 15 points
3rd Place = 10 points
4th Place = 8 points
5th Place = 5 points
6th Place = 3 points

The High Point Team in each class will receive recognition and 25 points for each rider in that class at the State Championship show.

At the State Championship show, awards will also be given out for Best Music, Best Costume and Highest Score of the Weekend.

Additional awards may be given out at the discretion of show management.

High Point

Points will be tallied for each team in each class they compete in at qualifiers and State Championships. These tallies will be published on the Association’s Facebook page and website after each qualifier. Teams are encouraged to attend all 3 qualifiers in order to secure that top spot in the rankings.

Traveling Trophies

Traveling trophies are awarded at each show for teams to enjoy for a year.
Qualifier #1 = Judges’ Choice
Qualifier #2 = Horsemanship Award
Qualifier #3 = Sportsmanship Award
State Championships = Golden Shovel

Penalties

Exceeding Time Limit

The time starts when the first horse breaks the plane of the performing team’s “designated” arena. (This will be determined by each team’ s use of some form of markers. If a team doesn’t mark their field, it may be assumed by a judge that they are using the entire arena.) The time will end when the last horse’s tail leaves the team’s “designated” arena.

If a team goes under or over the allotted time, it shall incur a 10 point penalty. Fall of Horse/Rider

A fall of horse or rider due to arena conditions, horse behavior, faulty equipment, etc. shall incur a twenty (20) point deduction from team’s total sore. If the fall of horse/rider is due to a collision between two or more horses, collision of horse or rider with gate or wall, a one hundred (100) point deduction will be incurred. This penalty will be accessed per incident. The Fall of Horse/Rider penalty includes Re-Grouping, so a Re-Grouping penalty shall not be added on top of a Fall of Horse/Rider penalty. Penalty shall be deducted from specified area on official score sheet.

Re-Grouping

Shall incur a ten (10) point deduction, per incident, to be taken from the team’s total score sheet. Re-grouping penalty shall be accessed when an obvious loss of direction occurs. Penalty shall be deducted from specified area on official score sheet.

The following are deductions that a team may incur during a competition:

If internal or external coaching is noticed by the judges or SSMDTA Staff, a 50 point penalty will be accessed – along with a notation of the nature of the violation.

Music not turned in on time will result in a 10 point penalty for each class music is missing for. Racing out of at the arena will result in a 20 point penalty.

Compulsory

Description

Open to all teams. A pre-written drill will be provided to all the teams and will be used for an entire show year. Teams will be judged on the execution of each move and this division will have a separate score sheet.

Compulsory drill is available at http://www.ssmdta.com in the current year show information.

Inspection:
There will NOT be inspection for this division at any competition.

Gaits:
There are no gait requirements for this class.

Time:
No time limit.
Please be considerate of show schedule and be expeditious with your ride.

Riders:
Minimum of 4 riders.

Short Program

Description

The purpose of the Short Program is for teams to put together a short drill that incorporates 6 pre-determined moves. These can be done in any order and any additional moves can be added to facilitate setup of any moves. Maneuvers may be performed in a variety of ways to allow for originality.

Teams will be judged on: How many maneuvers are incorporated into a smooth working drill; Lines and circles; Suitability of music to maneuvers performed; Spacing, Timing, Alignment, Pace; Uniqueness and originality in presentation of the drill; Showmanship; Performance of all Maneuvers; and Equitation and Horsemanship. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Each team participating is required to submit a list of their maneuvers in the order they will appear in the drill. Maneuver copy can be a written list or an arrow diagram. Please highlight or indicate the 6 required moves as they appear in the drill to make it easier for the judges to see on their copy.

Required Maneuvers:

Bubble • Circle – Clover Leaf – Box • Diagonal Cross (Big X)
Holy Cross – Partner Swap • Suicide into Single File • Swing Your Partner

Descriptions of the moves can be found in the Move Glossary at http://www.ssmdta.com.

Inspection:
There will NOT be inspection for this division at any competition.

Gaits:
There are no gait requirements for this class.

Time:
3 – 5 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 4 riders

Rodeo

Description
This class is all about “flash and dash” and “pizzazz”.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Emphasis will be on Showmanship and Entertainment. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:
Inspection for this class will be held at ALL Qualifiers and at the State Championships.

Gaits:
Canter Only. No stop, walk or trot.

Time:
Less than 5 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 4 riders.

Jackpot / Team Bonding Class

Description
2 teams, with the same number of riders each, work together on a drill.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Emphasis will be on Showmanship and Entertainment. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:
There will NOT be inspection for this division at any competition.

Gaits:
There are no gait requirements for this class.

Time:
Less than 5 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 4 riders.

A minimum of 3 entries are required in order for this class to run.

There will be payback in this class based on the number of teams entered. It will be a 70/30 payback.

Since this is a Payback class, riders will NOT earn points.

This class can be entered at any show and there is no need to qualify to compete at the State Championships.

Youth Freestyle

Description

This division is for riders 18 and under. Exception to this is that ONE adult rider (over the age of 18) may ride with the youth riders. Rider’s age will be determined on January 1st of each year and they will remain that age for the competition year. All Youth riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet while riding at any time during the event.

This class allows you to showcase your team and its style.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:

Inspection for this class will be held at the 2nd Qualifier and at the State Championships. The other 2 qualifiers will be conducted in t-shirts and jeans.

Gaits:
Walk, Trot and Canter are required.

Time:
6 – 8 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 5 riders.

Youth Quad

Description

This division is for riders 18 and under. Exception to this is that ONE adult rider (over the age of 18) may ride with the youth riders. Rider’s age will be determined on January 1st of each year and they will remain that age for the competition year. All Youth riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet while riding at any time during the event.

This class allows you to showcase your team and its style with just 4 riders.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:

Inspection for this class will be held at the 2nd Qualifier and at the State Championships. The other 2 qualifiers will be conducted in t-shirts and jeans.

Gaits:
Walk, Trot and Canter are required.

Time:
4 – 6 minutes.

Riders:
Maximum of 4 riders.

Youth Theme

Description

This division is for riders 18 and under. Exception to this is that ONE adult rider (over the age of 18) may ride with the youth riders. Rider’s age will be determined on January 1st of each year and they will remain that age for the competition year. All Youth riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet while riding at any time during the event.

This class allows you to showcase a specific theme. Your costumes, tack and music should blend to create a theme or story that is carried throughout your drill.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:
Inspection for this class will be held at ALL Qualifiers and at the State Championships.

Gaits:
Walk, Trot and Canter are required.

Time:
5 – 8 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 4 riders.

Open Freestyle

Description

This class allows all teams to compete against each other. There are no restrictions on age or number of horses.

This class allows you to showcase your team and its style.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:

Inspection for this class will be held at the 1st Qualifier and at the State Championships. The other 2 qualifiers will be conducted in t-shirts and jeans.

Gaits:
Walk, Trot and Canter are required.

Time:
6 – 8 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 5 riders.

Open Quad

Description

This class allows all teams to compete against each other. There are no restrictions on age or number of horses.

This class allows you to showcase your team and its style with just 4 riders.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:

Inspection for this class will be held at the 1st Qualifier and at the State Championships. The other 2 qualifiers will be conducted in t-shirts and jeans.

Gaits:
Walk, Trot and Canter are required.

Time:
4 – 6 minutes.

Riders:
Maximum of 4 riders.

Open Theme

Description

This class allows all teams to compete against each other. There are no restrictions on age or number of horses.

This class allows you to showcase a specific theme. Your costumes, tack and music should blend to create a theme or story that is carried throughout your drill.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:
Inspection for this class will be held at ALL Qualifiers and at the State Championships.

Gaits:
Walk, Trot and Canter are required.

Time:
5 – 8 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 4 riders.

Novice Freestyle

Description

This is the perfect opportunity to aide in working in new riders, horses, maneuvers, costumes, etc. It allows for feedback from the judges without the pressure of the other divisions. The purpose of the Non-Canter Division is mainly for new riders and/or new horses, but can be used for teams that prefer to ride at the Walk/Trot only.

This class allows you to showcase your team and its style.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:

Inspection for this class will be held at the 3rd Qualifier and at the State Championships. The other 2 qualifiers will be conducted in t-shirts and jeans.

Gaits:
Walk and Trot are required.

Time:
4 – 6 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 5 riders.

Note:
The same horse/rider combo cannot ride in novice and any other Youth, Open or Rodeo classes.

Novice Quad

Description

This is the perfect opportunity to aide in working in new riders, horses, maneuvers, costumes, etc. It allows for feedback from the judges without the pressure of the other divisions. The purpose of the Non-Canter Division is mainly for new riders and/or new horses, but can be used for teams that prefer to ride at the Walk/Trot only.

This class allows you to showcase your team and its style with just 4 riders.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:

Inspection for this class will be held at the 3rd Qualifier and at the State Championships. The other 2 qualifiers will be conducted in t-shirts and jeans.

Gaits:
Walk and Trot are required.

Time:
3 – 5 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 4 riders.

Note:
The same horse/rider combo cannot ride in novice and any other Youth, Open or Rodeo classes.

Novice Theme

Description

This is the perfect opportunity to aide in working in new riders, horses, maneuvers, costumes, etc. It allows for feedback from the judges without the pressure of the other divisions. The purpose of the Non-Canter Division is mainly for new riders and/or new horses, but can be used for teams that prefer to ride at the Walk/Trot only.

This class allows you to showcase a specific theme. Your costumes, tack and music should blend to create a theme or story that is carried throughout your drill.

You will be judged on Execution of Drill, Performance and Manner of Horses, Originality and Uniqueness of Presentation, Degree of Difficulty, Showmanship, Rider Equitation and General Impression. Props and Flags are allowed at all competitions.

Inspection:
Inspection for this class will be held at ALL Qualifiers and at the State Championships.

Gaits:
Walk and Trot are required.

Time:
3 – 6 minutes.

Riders:
Minimum of 4 riders.

Note:
The same horse/rider combo cannot ride in novice and any other Youth, Open or Rodeo classes.

Judge’s Guide

Manners of Horses Well-mannered, no kick, bite or buck.

Originality Original patterns used; method to present maneuvers.

Judges

• Starting in 2018, judges will be hired directly by SSMDTA off of a list of qualified judges. These judges are professionals and will be paid for by the Association. The judges decisions will be final and will not be reversed. If two judges are used then both judges will judge all sections of the score sheet. Both scores will be added together for the grand total.
• The scoring is the Judge’s opinion of the drill (their interpretation) to the rules and the team’s drill.
• Judges will be seated in the grandstands. Do not sit near the judges or talk to them during the competition.
• The judges may also be asked to assist with handing out the awards to the teams.
• Judges usually stay after awards on Sunday to talk with teams. Please take advantage of this one-on-one feedback.

  Score Sheets

• Score sheets shall be handed out to team manager or designated team representative at the end of the competition. Each team will receive the original of the score sheet. The carbon copy becomes the property of SSMDTA to remain on file for a period of one year.
• Copies of all team’s scores from each qualifying competition will be posted on the Association’s Facebook page after the competition for all to view.
• In case of a tie for any placing, the team with the higher Equitation section score will take the higher placing. In the Compulsory division, Musical Theme will be used to break ties.
• The judges will be responsible for scoring all sections of the Official Scoring Sheet. They agree to do so according to the format provided for in the Judges section. After each performance the judges will turn their score sheets into the Show Secretary who will access any time penalties and will total each section. Once turned in, the judge cannot have the score sheet back, although the Show Secretary may bring the score sheet back to a judge if he/she has questions on what a number says or if a number is missing off the score sheet. The judge may only have 1 teams score sheet at a time. Each team is to be judged individually and not compared against each other.
• Any changes made on a score sheet by a judge must be initialed by that judge in ink. It is the judge’s responsibility to do a final check and make sure that all changes are indeed initialed in ink.
• In the event of a technical malfunction with music, confirmed by the Announcer, teams will be given the highest score issued by each judge in that division.

Flag Protocol

Flag Order – (Right to Left or Front to Back) 1. American Flag

2. State flag
3. Armed Forces flags (in order below)

a. Army
b. Marines
c. Navy
d. Air Force
e. Space Force
f. Coast Guard

4. City flag (only if State flag is used) 5. Team flag
6. Sponsor flag

Flag Staffs – Heights

Normally flags should fly above a rider’s head about 6” to not block their view. Therefore, as a guide, if you want to carry a 4’ x 6’ flag, you will need a 10’ pole (4+6=10). A 3’ x 5’ flag needs an 8’ pole, etc. This calculation may not always work for taller riders. For a uniform look, flag poles may be cut (adjusted), or flag boots may be positioned in a manner so all flags on a team appear to be the same height.

Flags – General Information

No flags on the team should be higher or larger than the American Flag. A small sticker on a flag pole can mark where riders need to hold the pole to keep flags facing forward. The lighter a flag is, the easier it is to handle. No flag should leave the arena before the American Flag.

General Flag Carriage – Riders

Riders carry flags on their right in a steady manner with shafts and/or poles perpendicular to the ground (regardless of the drill speed…no leaning forward or backward). Elbows should be bent in a right angle and held close to the body. Flags need to be kept free-flying and not allowed to wrap around poles. All flags (except the American Flag) should be dipped in honor of the American Flag, the National Anthem, or the Pledge of Allegiance of the American Flag. Flags are dipped by fully extending the right arm forward, not to the side.

American Flag Carriage – Riders

Riders must always carry the American Flag on their right, straight upright, perpendicularto the ground. Elbows should be bent in a right angle and held close to the body. The American Flag is NEVER dipped. Regardless of the drill speed the American Flag NEVER leans forward, backward or outward. It should always be free-flying and not allowed to wrap around the shaft. The American Flag should not be allowed to touch the ground. American Flag horse/rider should have skills capable of carrying the National Flag. If an American Flag is dropped during drill, it should be rescued immediately, and placed back in its position.

The American Flag – Position in Maneuvers:

The position of the American Flag during drill shall always be to the front or to the right of
all other flags and all other riders. In a single file the American Flag shall lead all other flags
and riders. In pairs, fours, eights, obliques or full team abreast, the American Flag shall be to the right and/or in front of all other flags and riders. When performing a Crack The Whip, the American Flag should be on the outside and the team should be traveling counter-clockwise.
In a Chevron the American Flag should always be at the front point leading other riders. When
in a Circle, the American Flag must leave the formation first and be in a leading position. In a counter-clockwise Pinwheel, American Flag(s) should be in the far outside positions. When performing a clockwise Pinwheel, American Flag(s) should be the center pivots. When performing other maneuvers remember to always place the American Flag in the front position and/or
to the right of all other flags and riders. At NO time may the American Flag back up (signifies retreat) in a maneuver. On exiting an arena, no other flag may leave the arena before the American Flag; the American Flag leads the exit.