event rules

PCVCA RULE BOOK

PCVCA means pure country versatility cowboy association

PCVCA is a multi-faceted equestrian sport that requires the contestants to demonstrate both speed and horsemanship

The safety of the contestant and the horse are always most important.

All PCVCA members shall sign the Participation and Liability Release Agreement. Green horn and Youth members shall have their parent and/or legal guardian sign their Participation and Liability Release.

A horse may be ridden one time in each Division with the exception of Young Guns and Youth, in which case the horse may be ridden a maximum of three (3) times.

Riders may compete on multiple horses in the same Division. The rider must pay an entry fee for each horse. A horse may be used a maximum of three (3) times per go in a PCVCA event.

Non-Pro competition shall be run prior to Retired competition. The reason is that every Retired competitor has the option to compete in Non-Pro but not every Non-Pro can compete in Retired because of the age requirement of being 55 or older.

The same horse may be ridden by multiple riders up to a maximum of 3 times per go in an event

The Cowboy Division shall always be the last to compete in a PCVCA event.

A Novice, Youth, Retired or Non-Pro can ride in the Cowboy Division using the same horse

Definitions:

Rules will say “shall”.

Guidelines will say “should”.

Competition Divisions:

Green horns - Minimum age of 7- maximum age of 11. Any rider between the ages of 7-11 is eligible to compete in the green horns Division. Green horns are allowed to ride “up” into the Youth Division with parental permission.

Course for Green horns shall contain 6 obstacles
Obstacles shall be rated 1 & 2.

Youth - Minimum age of 12- maximum age of 17

The Youth course shall contain 6 obstacles
Obstacles shall be rated 1 – 3

Novice. The Novice Division is designed for beginner riders that are new to the sport of Versatility Cowboy Racing. The purpose of the Novice Division is to provide competition that is fair to all beginner riders. Novice riders are allowed to ride “up” into higher Divisions of competition. If a Novice rider accumulates 3 Novice division wins in a one year period, they will finish out that year in the Novice Division. But then move up to non pro division.

Other ways to evaluate the Novice rider will be the placing and point accumulation in other divisions. The Novice rider by PCVCA definition should not be winning as an example the Non Pro Class with any consistency.

O The Novice course shall have 10 obstacles.

O Obstacles shall be rated 1 - 4

Non- Pro. A Non-Pro rider is an individual that has experience as a rider but does not receive any form of compensation for riding or training horses, ponies or mules. This definition applies to all riders age 18 and over. The course shall contain 13 obstacles plus overall Horsemanship and time points

The non-pro course shall have 13 obstacles

Obstacles shall be rated 1 – 5.

COWBOY DIVISION An individual is considered a cowboy rider if he/she is age 18 or over and receives any form of compensation for riding or training horses, ponies or mules.
An PCVCA cowboy rider may ride an unlimited number of horses in the Cowboy Division and

In order for a cowboy to return to a lower level of competition, he/she must not receive any form of compensation for riding or training horses, ponies or mules for a period of a year prior to applying to return to a lower level of competition.

O The course shall contain 13 obstacles

O Obstacles shall be rated 1 – 6.

55 & Over, RETIRED. The Retired Division is designed for non- professional riders age 55 and over.

O T THE course shall have 13 obstacles

Obstacles shall be rated 1 – 6

Jumps and bank jumps or drops

No permanent “fixed” jumps over 22”.

Bank jumps must be no more than 36”.

Drops must be no more than 54”.

All obstacles must be constructed with safety for the rider and horse in mind.

Example: no exposed T – posts, rebar

Purecountry Challenge Obstacles.

Each Division has been assigned a specific level of difficulty for the obstacles that they are allowed to attempt. It is the riders’ responsibility to have a clear understanding of their own ability and the ability they have achieved within the partnership with their horse. Should any rider approach an obstacle that he/she feels is beyond their ability, he/she is expected to skip that obstacle and go to the next obstacle.
Each obstacle shall have a 20 – 30 second time limit. The time begins when the rider approaches and begins to negotiate the obstacle. If the time limit elapses, a whistle will be blown and the rider must move on to the next obstacle. The judges may allow the rider to continue provided the horse/rider team was making substantial forward progress toward completing the obstacle when the whistle was blown.
If the rider does not complete the obstacle, points will be given or deducted based on his/her attempt. A valid attempt may be scored from .5 – to 2 points. The judges shall not give a 0 (zero) if a valid attempt is made.
If a rider skips an obstacle and begins the next obstacle (example: the rider completes obstacles 1 – 4 and skips obstacle 5 and begins obstacle 6) he/she may not go back to the obstacle that was skipped. If the rider does go back to the skipped obstacle at any time, it will be considered “off course” and will result in a DQ (disqualification) for that round of competition. The rider will receive a score of 0 (zero) and a 30 second time penalty for any obstacle that is skipped.

Pure country Scoring and Judging System

The following is an explanation of the Pure country scoring system. This is how judges will be looking at each obstacle. It is included to help racers learn how the judges are scoring. The Pure country judging of each obstacle will be done on a scale of 1 – 10, with 5 being considered an average score. There are three basic components to each obstacle: the Approach ( 1 or -1 point), the Obstacle itself (0 - 8 points) and the Departure ( 1 or -1 point). Although there are three components to consider, the judge only records one number for each obstacle score. The purpose of this is to improve horsemanship and to allow the judge to provide a more accurate score for each obstacle, as well as pinpoint areas for improvement. The following is a breakdown of the scoring system defining each phase as well as what the judge will be looking for on each obstacle.

THE APPROACH

Every rider will start the approach with a score of 0, and receive point increments or deductions, based on performance. Total points for the approach are not to exceed -1 or 1 point in this section.

The approach to any obstacle might involve a downward transition to a trot or walk from a canter or even a gallop. Pure country places an emphasis on riding with a loose rein. The judge will be scoring on what happens when those loose reins are picked up to make a transition or start the maneuver.

The downward transition should be smooth, soft and balanced. The horse should be in a natural frame and willingly respond to cues from the rider. The horse should act as if it knows how to do the transitions, and that they are following the cues they were taught. The horse should not act as if being pulled down by strength, gaping its mouth, or throwing its head up in the air to resist to the point of notice. The horse should not be swapping leads on the way in. The approach should be as straight as possible.

Penalties (-) point per incident

incorrect lead[ Gaited horses have different rulings]
Riding two handed in a shanked bit
Gaping mouth
Not changing in the back during a lead change (cross firing)[ Gaited horses have different rulings]
Excessive spurring
Hanging or balancing on your reins to maintain balance
Going too fast when conditions make footing unstable
Being heavy handed
Having excessive speed going into an obstacle creating an unnecessary risk for the horse and rider
Not keeping the horses’ hind leg planted during a turn around
On a turn around, hopping and not crossing over correctly on the front end

Awards ( ) point per incident

Starting on and maintaining the correct lead [ Gaited horses have different rulings]
Riding on a loose rein
Keeping the horses inside leg planted during a turn around
On a turn around, showing speed and crossing over in the front without hopping
Big sliding stop, without pulling on the horses’ face, causing a gaping mouth and head elevation
Good speed control with lots of rate
Backing through an obstacle with straightness, cadence and speed while having the horse bridled up and broken at the poll
Keeping the horse collected and correct throughout the obstacle maintaining the proper framed body

THE OBSTACLE

The rider shall start the obstacle portion with an average score of 5 A judge may award up to 3 additional points for the execution of the obstacle and may deduct to a score as low as 0. The maximum score of an obstacle shall be 8. Contestants shall be awarded or penalized using quarter point increments as shown below.

After transitioning down to the appropriate safe speed the horse should act as if it has seen and done the obstacle before and is looking to find their way through the challenge. On the obstacle, Pure country is looking for a horse working on a loose or soft rein. For example, does the horse have a catty look with his head down hunting the obstacle? And, does the rider know where the horses’ feet are? Ideally, the horse and rider should look confident and even a little relaxed. Again, horsemanship is always stressed as well as speed with control.

Penalties (-) point per incident

Incorrect lead [Gaited horses have different rulings]
Riding two handed in a shanked bit
Gaping mouth
Not changing in the back during a lead change (cross firing) [Gaited horses have different rulings]
Excessive spurring
Hanging or balancing on your reins to maintain balance
Going too fast when conditions make the footing unstable
Being heavy handed
Having excessive speed going into an obstacle
Not keeping the horses’ hind inside leg planted during a turn around
On a turn around, hopping and not crossing over correctly on the front end

Awards ( ) point per incident

Starting on and maintaining the correct lead [Gaited horses have different rulings]
Riding on a loose rein
Keeping the horses’ hind inside leg planted during a turn around
On a turn around, showing speed and crossing over in the front without hopping
Big sliding stop, without pulling on the horses’ face, causing gaping mouth and head elevation
Good speed with lots of rate
Backing through an obstacle with straightness, cadence and speed while having the horse bridled up and broke at the poll
Keeping the horse collected and correct throughout the obstacle maintaining proper framed body

THE DEPARTURE

In the departure, the rider shall be awarded up to 1 point or deducted as much as 1 point depending on his performance done in point increases or deductions.

Leaving an obstacle is probably a little easier to do and judge. How the actual obstacle is accomplished will have a lot to do with how the horse and rider leave. If an obstacle went well, Pure country would expect to see a smooth exit and an efficient line being established to the next obstacle. Like jumpers coming down from one jump while looking and lining their horse up for the next jump.

The upward transition should be smooth and on the correct lead for the line of travel. Leads are really important here but may not always happen within the parameters of the obstacle. A lot of riders trot out and acquire the new lead on the way to the next obstacle. That correct or incorrect lead will be judged in the overall horsemanship category.

Balance, cadence and confidence are what Pure country wants to see coming into and out of obstacles. Smoothness up and down through the gait transitions, similar to hydromantic transmissions, rather than four speeds with popping clutches.

Penalties (-) point per incident

Incorrect lead [Gaited horses have different rulings]
Riding two handed in a shanked bit
Gaping mouth
Not changing in the back during a lead change (cross firing) [Gaited horses have different rulings]
Excessive spurring
Hanging or balancing on the reins to maintain balance
Going too fast when conditions make the footing unstable
Being heavy handed
Having excessive speed going into an obstacle
Not keeping the horses’ hind inside leg planted during a turn around
On a turn around, hopping and not crossing over correctly on the front end

Awards ( ) point per incident

Starting on and maintaining the correct lead [Gaited horses have different rulings]
Riding on a loose rein
Keeping horses’ hind inside leg planted during a turn around
On a turn around, showing speed and crossing over in front without hopping
Big sliding stop, without pulling on the horses’ face, causing gaping mouth and head elevation
Good speed control with lots of rate
Backing through an obstacle with straightness, cadence and speed while having the horse bridled up and broke at the poll
Keeping the horse collected and correct throughout the obstacle maintaining proper framed body

A score of 8 or 9 indicates the horse rider team had an outstanding Approach, Obstacle and Departure.

A perfect ride and a score of 10 should be extremely rare.

Showboating

Contestants are not allowed to add any components to an obstacle that are not required without prior approval from the judges. Should additional components be added, it will be classified as “showboating” and points will be deducted from the obstacle score. If competitors have a creative idea they should consult with the judge prior to the event. Originality and flair are encouraged.

Tack

All tack must be traditional western or Australian unless stated differently for a specific event.
Mechanical hackamores, tie downs, martingales, cavessons, drop nose bands and any form of gag bit or slip bit is not allowed.
A bosalito will be considered a cavesson except in a traditional two rein set up. A bosalito will not be used with a get down rope.
It is acceptable to ride without a bridle or bareback.

Draw for “Order of Go”.

The draw for the order of go shall be held in one of three ways:
It may be determined by an electronic draw.
It may be a random draw with contestants present.
It may be determined by the order of registration.
The draw for the order of go may not be challenged and contestants must compete in the order they are drawn unless given specific permission to change by the Judges.
Riders shall be ready to compete in the order they are drawn. Failure to be ready in the correct order is grounds for disqualification from that round.

Walking the Course

Contestants will walk the course with the Judges prior to the event. No horses are allowed on the course during the walk through and no practicing is allowed on the course prior to or during the event.
Obstacles and course rules will be reviewed at that time.
Only the contestants are allowed to ask questions about any obstacle or rule on the course.
It is the responsibility of the contestant to fully understand the rules, obstacles and the order of obstacles prior to the beginning of the event.
It is acceptable for event officials to conduct one walk through for all Divisions. This means that every obstacle to be used in competition that day shall be explained. It is the contestants’ responsibility to know which obstacles are to be maneuvered in their Division and the sequence of these obstacles. If one walk through is to be used for multiple Divisions, the Producer/Host shall provide a map to every contestant describing their Division.

Tie Breaker

If there is a tie at the conclusion of the Event that involves the top places, the winner is determined by the fastest time.

. Timing

Events shall use either electronic timers or a minimum of two stop watches for total time. The 20 – 30 second limit for obstacle time will be done by a separate stop watch.
There should be a primary timer and a back up timer for total time.
The obstacle time (20-30 seconds) begins when the horse/rider team approaches each obstacle.
The obstacle timer will blow a whistle if a rider reaches the 20-30 second limit to indicate to the rider that they must move on to the next obstacle.

. Dress Code

Dress jeans or colored jeans are acceptable.
Riders shall wear long sleeve button up shirts
Shirts must be tucked in when the rider begins competition.
Riders must wear riding boots with a heel. Tennis shoes are not acceptable.
Riders shall wear a western style hat or certified riding helmet. Caps are not allowed.
Chaps and spurs are optional.

HORSES

Horses that are competing in Pure country events may be of any breed.
There are no age or gender restrictions, unless specifically stated for a specific event in which age restrictions may apply. Any event with an age restriction must be approved by Pure country.
All Pure country events should have post race exams by the event BOSS!!

(James Weidman)

Welfare of the Horse

Every horse shall be treated with dignity and respect.
Any action or treatment that is deemed to be cruel, abusive or inhumane will result in immediate disqualification from the Pure country Event.
Such disqualification shall be reported by the Event BOSS. . The event BOSS will review the details of the incident and have the authority to take additional disciplinary action as deemed necessary.

Lameness

The Event BOSS, have the obligation, responsibility and authority to disqualify any horse that is obviously lame. Lameness is determined if:

The horse is showing consistent lameness at a trot.
Obvious nodding, hitching and shortened stride.
Minimal weight bearing while moving or standing still.