CHSA Rules

Points System

CHSA awards points toward year-end awards for each placing in a class at a CHSA horse show. At least 3 entries must complete a class in order for any points to be awarded for that class. No points are awarded for the CHSA Classic.

In order for a horse/pony to be eligible for year-end points both it and it's owner must be registered CHSA members. Points accrue from the date of payment for membership.

1st = 10 points
2nd = 6 points
3rd = 4 points
4th = 2 points
5th = 1 point
6th = .5 points

Bonus points are awarded to the above placings for each class in a division based on the number of exhibitors completing the first class of the division.

3-5 exhibitors = 0 bonus points
6-9 exhibitors = 1 bonus point
10 or more = 2 bonus points

Points for 1 - 6 place in Equitation classes are doubled for the Equitation Finals only.

For all Hunter divisions, exhibitors must place in the top 4 over fences in order to be eligible for Champion or Reserve.

Points used to calculate Champion and Reserve are inclusive of any bonus points earned.

In case of a tie for divisions with Over Fences classes, the Over Fences sub-total will be used to break the tie. No bonus points are added to Champion or Reserve.

Champion = 10 points
Reserve = 6 points

Additional Rules

Please check the rules of eligibility for all divisions here. It is your responsibility to follow the rules.
Lifetime members do not need to re-register each year unless there has been a change in horse/pony ownership. This applies to situations where rider, owner and horse/pony are all lifetime members.
All owners, riders, horses/ponies and/or farms who pay their membership fee Annually, must re-register and pay every year in order to accrue points towards year-end awards. Points accrue from the date of payment for membership.
In coordination with the Virginia Pony Breeders Association, the CHSA offers High Score Awards to Registered Virginia-bred ponies. Year end Champion and Reserve Champion awards will be presented to the owners of the Registered Virginia-bred ponies scoring the highest number of points in a Small, Medium, Large or Green Pony Hunter section at CHSA shows. Awards are based on the official record of points kept by CHSA.

To be eligible for this award, a pony must be registered with the Virginia Pony Breeders Association, exhibited under its registered name, and in the name of its last recorded owner as shown in the VPBA Registry. The owner must be a current VPBA member.

For further information visit www.VPBA.com or contact Gayle Presson at grpresson399@gmail.com or 804-784-5441.
As documented in the Division Specifications, the CHSA age limit for our Pre-Short Stirrup division is under 12 on December 1st of the previous calendar year.
As documented in the Division Specifications, the CHSA age limit for our Short Stirrup Hunter and Short Stirrup Equitation divisions is under 13 on December 1st of the previous calendar year.
ALL riders (not just those showing) must wear an approved helmet while riding on the show grounds of any CHSA show.
Please remember to enter and exit the ring at a walk for the safety of all.

Rules for the CHSA Classic

To be eligible to participate in the CHSA Classic

The horse or pony must be registered and owned by a CHSA member.
The horse or pony must have competed in at least two CHSA member shows over fences during the current show season.
The rider must be a registered CHSA member.
The rider must have competed in at least two CHSA member shows over fences during the current show season.

No points are awarded toward any YE high score awards. There will be a posted order of go for the Classic. Entries received first will go last in the first round of the Classic. Riders with multiple entries will be seeded. Ribbons first through eighth will be awarded. Warm up fences will be provided in the schooling area.

Open Hunter Classic - Each competitor will jump a course of 10 to 12 Hunter - type fences 2’9” to 3‘, with spreads not to exceed the fence height. “Hunt and go” style course. In the hunt-and-go format, the first part of the course resembles a traditional classic round and competitors continue straight into the second half of the course with more handy elements. The scores from each round are added together - highest score wins. To settle a tie, the two first place horses will be asked to jump a shortened course with fences not to exceed 3’.

Pony Classic - Scored the same as Open Hunter Classic with fence heights 2’, 2’6”, or 2’9”, spreads not exceed fence height. Pony heights judged together.

Junior/Amateur Classic - Open to Juniors and Amateurs on horses or ponies. Scored the same as Open Hunter Classic, fence height at 2’ or 2’6”. Heights judged separately.

Scoring - The classes will be scored under the Open Numerical System. The scores of the horses from each round will be averaged to determine the winner.

Unjudged warm-up – Entrants will be allowed to ride a shortened course. Any rider who falls off or a horse with three refusals will be eliminated from the warm-up and must leave the ring.

Attire - It is suggested that riders wear dark blue or black coats, with white shirts and white stock or tie; Black boots and black approved hunting cap are required.

Rules for CHSA Equitation Finals

To be eligible to participate in the CHSA Equitation Finals

The rider must be a registered CHSA member.
The rider must have competed in at least two member shows in the corresponding Equitation class during the current show season.

Equitation class points for 1st through 6th place are doubled for the Equitation Finals.