Competition Team Events & Shows

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 No refunds available for competition fees.  

Al’s Horse Academy Competition Rules 2025

General Rules

1. Members of all ages, race, and riding abilities will be eligible for competitions. 
2. All participants must sign a liability release form prior to participating in any event. Participants under the age of 18 must have a liability form signed by a parent or legal guardian. 
3. Good sportsmanship by all participants and visitors shall be present at all times. Participants, horses and visitors causing a disturbance will be asked to leave and will be disqualified. 
4. Riders shall ride responsibly at all times.
5. Children must be supervised at all times. 
6. Age division shall be determined by the riders age as of January 1st of the calendar year. 
7. No person shall excessively strike in front of the cinch. No person shall excessively whip or spur any horse. Cruelty to horses shall not  be tolerated. Concerns of abuse should be reported to an Al’s Horse Academy officer. Infractions may lead to ejection from the event. 
8. HELMET RULE: All riders under the age of 18 must wear an approved equestrian riding helmet with secured harness when riding. 
9. A check returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $50 return fee. All future payments will then be cash only. 

Competition Rules

1. Equipment: No rider shall ride with a halter. Saddle is required. No Shorts allowed. All riders must wear boots and long pants. If you bring it, you take it with you including equipment and horses Keep Facility Clean. If we see you littering you will be asked not to return.  
2. Divisions: Lead Line, Walk/Trot, 0-10, 11-17, 18-39, 40-55, 56+
3. Awards: Ribbons for 1st through 6th place will be given in each division at each competition. 
4. Points: Points shall be awarded in each division. For example: 1st = 6 points, 2nd = 5 points, 3rd = 4 points, etc. Riders after 6th place will receive .5 point for participation. Riders who DQ will receive no points. Points are accumulated for the Buckle prize at the end of the series. In order to receive the buckle, riders must attend all shows and participate in all events. 
5. Definition of off-course: The course must be run in accordance with the mapped out pattern. A horse is on course when any part of the horse crosses the start/finish line. It remains on course as long as it is on pattern for the event being run until every part of the horse crosses the finish line. 
6. Disqualifications: If a rider goes off course, but corrects the course by moving backwards and completes the pattern, it is a disqualification. Rider must keep the horse on a forward motion or correct turn during each pattern as mapped out. An unexpected dismount while “on course” shall result in a disqualification. In order to contest disqualification of the rider, video must be presented to Al Armenta for final decision. Contestation must be presented prior to the next pattern starting.
7. Timer Malfunctions: If the timer malfunctions, a second run is allowed. 
8. Penalty Points: 5 seconds shall be added to the time for each barrel/pole knocked over. 
9. Buckle Series for each age group for Spring Series and Fall Series . Participants must participate in 4 of 4 events in each series to be eligible for the Buckle and prizes. 
10. In the case of a tie for points at the end of the day, pole pattern will decide tie breaker standing. If tie breaker is at end of series, 3rd competition standings will be decision maker for standings.