Holmes Horse Show Management

2026 ACADEMY SCHEDULE & RULES

(as of 01/01/26)

Show Management reserves the right to refuse, accept conditionally or cancel any entries of any exhibitor at its discretion and require horses and entrants to vacate the premises at its discretion and without liability.

Academy entries are to follow all horse show entry rules; i.e., they are due at the same time as performance entries.

NEW FOR 2026:

Show Management reserves the right to refuse entries submitted after the closing date. IF they are accepted, a late penalty (tbd) per class will be imposed.
“Calendar year” refers to the period of January through December.
If necessary, a protest may be submitted in writing, signed and accompanied by a deposit of $100 (payable to the Horse Show). It must be received by the Show Steward or Show Manager within 24 hours of the alleged violation. If the protest is upheld, the deposit shall be returned; if not upheld, the deposit shall be forfeited to the Horse Show. In case the protest is upheld, entries standing next in awards will move up accordingly.

The following rules MUST be followed. If violations are determined by Show Management, ALL ENTRIES from the offending barn will be disqualified and required to vacate the showgrounds.

Safety is of the utmost importance! Unruly, out of control or disruptive horses will be excused.

Handlers/headers are to be sixteen (16) years of age or older.

Trainers, with multiple riders in a class that competes collectively who require/need a header, must provide multiple leaders/headers.

Horses are NOT to be led into the show ring with a lead shank attached to the bit.

Riders

Riders are to be enrolled in a professionally run lesson program.
Once riders show in regular performance classes, they are no longer eligible to show in Academy classes.

However, returning riders are eligible for WTC Academy classes after a 10-year absence from the show ring.

Riders who have shown in a regular division, or in a suit/coat, are no longer eligible to show in Academy classes, with the exception of Show Rider classes.
Riders who have shown/been judged in WTC classes are no longer eligible to return to WT classes.
Riders who have shown/been judged in WT classes are no longer eligible to show in Lead Line.
Riders may not show in any performance division at the same show (except driving or in hand classes), with the exception of Show Riders.
Age of the rider is determined by their age as of December 1 of the previous year.
NO earpieces allowed on riders in the show ring. If rider is hearing impaired, medical documentation must be produced for Show Management.
Riders who show in “elite” classes at other shows must enter Show Rider classes as they are considered advanced riders.

Horses

Horses must be regularly used as lesson horses.
While it is preferred that horses are owned by instructors, horses may be owned or leased by riders IF they are used and shown regularly by others as a lesson/school horse.
Horses shown in Academy classes cannot be in show training with a professional. This includes horses on consignment. Horses should not have been professionally trained within 60 days of show.
Horses should be plain shod. (Exception may be made if corrective shoeing is needed, one pad and/or wedge is allowed for the comfort of the horse.) The definition of “show package” will be determined by Show Management, with help from Show Farrier if needed.
Hoof blacking is optional; no ribbon braiding allowed.
School horses may cross enter regular show classes at the same show.
Academy classes are open to mares and geldings of any breed.

Tack

Horses are to be tacked with saddle consistent with saddle seat style of riding.
Full or Pelham bridles or snaffle bridle with martingale. A martingale on a leverage bit is prohibited.
Wraps, splint boots, bell boots are permitted if needed for the safety of the horse and in driving classes. No blinkers allowed in under saddle classes.

Attire

To be appropriate for the style of riding/driving.
Jodhpurs, breeches, dark pants, long sleeve shirt, with collar, tie, gloves, vest (sweater permissible in very cold weather) Riding suits and jackets are prohibited.
Roweled spurs are not permitted.
All riders 17 years of age & under MUST wear protective headgear that meets or exceeds ASTM/SEI standards. However, all riders are encouraged to wear protective headgear.

Judging

Exhibitors are to be judged on their skill to effectively control the horse and to show the horse to its best advantage.
Horsemanship/Showmanship classes are judged on the rider’s performance ability; i.e., how well they show the horse and utilize the ring, including correct diagonals and leads. Diagonals will count, no backing. Rider’s ability to show is paramount.
Equitation classes are to be judged on a rider’s basic equitation skills; i.e., riding on correct leads and diagonals, conveying the impression of effective and easy control.
Horses are not to back, perform an extended trot or a hand gallop.
Headers are permitted in the line-up for the 10 & under riders; no towels or whips allowed.
The horse IS NOT to be judged.

Descriptions

Pattern Classes – No rail work, entries to work the pattern individually.
Green Rider WTC Classes – open to Academy riders in their 1st calendar year of cantering. Riders who have competed at the national level competitions are ineligible. Green Rider WT Classes – open to Academy riders in their 1st calendar year of showing. Riders who have competed at the national level competitions are ineligible.
Show Rider Classes – for advanced Academy riders or amateur/junior exhibitor riders with prior show ring experience. A Show Rider may not return to regular Academy classes.
Academy Driving Showmanship/Reinsmanship Classes – Open to any amateur or junior exhibitor. Drivers may not cross enter into other driving classes at the same show but may cross enter into under saddle performance classes or other Academy classes. Academy driver may be accompanied in the cart by an experienced adult who is not allowed to coach. Only a 2-wheel cart/buggy is permitted in driving classes.
WT Lead Line (8 & Under) – Riders will be led in at the walk and worked each way of the ring. They will trot individually past the judge. Riders are expected to post but correct diagonals are not required. Class will be judged.

Class Splits

Should class splits be necessary, the rider’s age and classification (A-Advanced, B-Beginner, C-Intermediate) must be listed on the entry form. Entries made without split information will automatically be entered into the Advanced sections.

Classes should have no more than 15 entries.
10 & Under WT/8 & Under WT will split at 10 entries.
6 & Under WT will split at 6 entries.

Class List

Academy Showmanship Driving
Academy Reinsmanship Driving (Figure work to be performed after rail work)
Show Rider Equitation WTC
Show Rider Showmanship WTC
Academy Equitation WTC, 18 & Over
Academy Showmanship WTC, 18 & Over
Academy Equitation WTC, 14-17
Academy Showmanship WTC, 14-17
Academy Equitation WTC, 13 & Under
Academy Showmanship WTC, 13 & Under
Green Rider Academy Equitation WTC, All Ages
Green Rider Academy Showmanship WTC, All Ages
Lead Line – 8 & Under WT Equitation
Lead Line – 8 & Under WT Showmanship
Show Rider Showmanship WT
Show Rider Equitation WT
Academy Equitation WT, 30 & Over
Academy Showmanship WT, 30 & Over
Academy Equitation WT, 14 & Over
Academy Showmanship WT, 14 & Over
Academy Equitation WT, 11-13
Academy Showmanship WT, 11-13
Academy Equitation WT, 9 & 10
Academy Showmanship WT, 9 & 10
Academy Equitation WT, 7 &8
Academy Showmanship WT, 7 & 8
Academy Equitation WT, 6 & Under
Academy Showmanship WT, 6 & Under
Green Rider Academy Equitation WT, All Ages
Green Rider Academy Showmanship WT, All Ages
Pattern Class WTC, All Ages (no rail work)
Pattern Class, WT, All Ages (no rail work)

ACADEMY WT & WTC PATTERN OPTIONS ATTACHED HERE

AND WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE SHOW OFFICE

WALK/TROT PATTERN #1 (01/01/26)

WALK/TROT PATTERN #2 (01/01/26)

WALK/TROT/CANTER PATTERN #1(01/01/26)

WALK/TROT/CANTER PATTERN #2 (01/01/26)