RIHA Rules

Our Rules

The following Rule Book is in effect until a new Rule Book is published:

 2022/2023 RIHA Rule Book

Note: The show dates printed in this Rule Book may change. Please check this website or contact the show managers for the correct show dates.

The RIHA board has voted to allow any out-of-state horse show within 12 miles of the Rhode Island Board to run RI Medal Classes at their horse show! Guidelines for running RI Medals Out of State

Reminder for Medal entries: You must bring your membership card or a copy to enter a medal class. If you do not have it with you, you will have to fill out the new Affidavit for a fee of $35. When received in the office if you are a current member, the money will be returned to you. If you are not a current member, the money will be put towards a new membership.

Divison not listed in rulebook: RI Training Hunter: Open to all horses or ponies. No age limitations and no rider restrictions. No restriction of horse/pony/rider into other divisions if otherwise eligible. To be judged on performance, soundness, suitability and manners. Simple lead changes and/or trotting in corners are permitted. To be shown over a hunter type course. Combinations are optional. Fence height not less than 18" and not to exceed 2'6". The same horse/rider combination may not compete in more than one fence height section at the same show. RIHA points will accrue at all heights for one combined year end award.



With the newly created "Low Adult Amateur Hunter" division by the USHJA, there has been some confusion around the difference between that and the "Modified Adult Hunter" division, as the specifications are different for each. For 2023, RIHA will point BOTH as separate divisions for year-end awards. The specs for each are as follows:

MODIFIED ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER DIVISION
Open to Amateur riders 18 years of age or older who, as of December 1st of the current show year, have not won six blue ribbons at any Recognized Show in Adult or Junior Equitation classes, including Adult or Junior Medal classes, but excluding Modified Adult classes. Amateurs who have won six blue ribbons are eligible for Modified Adult if, as of December 1st of the current show year, they have not shown in classes with fences 3’0” or higher within the past five show years. Fences not to exceed 2’6”. Riders in this division cannot show in any other recognized classes at the same show where fences exceed 2’6”.

LOW ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER
Open to exhibitors who have reached their 18th birthday as of December 1st of the current competition year. Riders may not cross enter into any class or section where fences exceed 2’9” at the same competition (Exception 3’0” Equitation). Fence height is 2'6". Not required to jog for soundness. The Low Adult Amateur Hunter section may be combined with the Low Children's Hunter section when there are fewer than four (4) entries in either section.



RIHA has gone green! In an effort to be "green", RIHA does not mail rulebooks unless requested. Please download the rulebook from this page, check this website frequently, and join the RIHA Facebook group for rule changes, information on the annual banquet, point standings, calendar changes, the annual meeting, RI Finals information, etc.

If you really need a printed copy of the rulebook, please print the following form, fill it out and mail it to the RIHA Secretary:

  Rulebook Request Card

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