Never Limit Equestrian Show Series
Show Basics
Showing for the first time can be exciting, but also nerve wracking, especially if you’re new to the sport. Never fear, it’s not as confusing as it seems and we’ll guide you through. You’ll soon come to find that horse show days are the best! With that in mind, here are some showing basics:
- Show dates for the upcoming year will be posted in March. Registration forms will be available in the observation room and linked below.
- If you are an NLE Lesson Student, you must fill out your entry in full one week prior to the show date with payment in full. This is extremely important! This is the only way we have of knowing that you want to be in the show.
- If you are an NLE lesson student, Instructors will help enter you in the appropriate classes, as well as assign the horse you will ride.
- On the Friday before the show, you will receive a text with a link to horseshowing.com which will have the classes you are entered in and which horse you are riding.
- Riding attire is a show coat, traditional button show shirt, tall or paddock boots, & breeches. Riders under 10 years old have the option of full show attire OR may wear white 'polo' shirt, tan breeches & paddock boots. Hair MUST be completely under your helmet with a hairnet. For younger riders, a single/double braid with ribbons is acceptable. Boots must be clean and polished, coat and breeches clean, shirt ironed and crisp. You and your horse must be “show-ready” for the judge.
- Classes in the show are run in the same order listed on the show entry i.e. Class #1 is the first class to go, Class #2 is second and so on.
- So…. what time should we be there? This is the one question everyone asks and the one for which we do our best to answer. Riders will receive a text ahead of the date with an approximate tie to arrive. Shows start at 8:00 am, except for the Spring & Halloween shows which start at 9:00 am. There are just too many variables in a show to be able to give an exact time, horse shows in general are a perfect scenario of “hurry up and wait”. We recommend that you bring some chairs, pack a cooler with food & drinks, and make a day of it. Not only does this allow the newer riders to watch the more advanced classes, any day spent at a horse show is a fun and relaxing day!
- Remember that it’s not all about winning the blue ribbon! Competitions give you a chance to see how you compare to other riders and to get an idea of the skills you need to continue working on.
New to showing?
Each month during the summer NLE has a horse show! NLE lesson students are encouraged to participate in our shows, which also include riders from other barns who “haul-in” for the weekend to be in the show.
Our first show of the season is our Welcome Spring Show, traditionally held in May. The last show of the year is our Halloween Fun Show, held in October. In the summer months, we offer the Never Limit Equestrian Summer series of shows.
Our Summer Series shows are a series of four shows that combine both the Hunter/Jumper discipline, as well as Dressage. As in the spring show, lesson students will compete against other NLE riders, as well as riders from outside barns. Riders compete in their division(s) to earn points towards our Year-End Championships, which are awarded at the last HJDA show of the season.
The divisions are organized according to skill level and/or age of the rider and/or horse, and riders can qualify for more than one division:
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Equitation divisions: This division is based on the skill level of the rider: either beginner, intermediate or advanced. Equitation is a division judged on the ability and style of the rider, their “equitation”. A rider can enter both an over fences equitation class and on the flat equitation class in this division. In the over fence’s equitation class, each rider will individually ride a jump course of 6-8 jumps, ranging in height of low verticals and cross-rails for beginner riders, up to a height of 2’6” for the advanced equitation riders. In the flat class, riders walk/trot/canter in both directions as a group.
OPEN, ADVANCED, INTERMEDIATE, AND BEGINNER HUNTER DIVISIONS
Hunter divisions originated from the hunt field, and many of the rules and judging criteria are based on the tradition of fox hunting. As a result, both the horse and rider are judged individually and as a team in the ring. Horses are judged on hunting pace, movement, style of jumping, and manners. Riders are judged on their position, ability to communicate and control their mount with invisible aids, and ability to execute the course. A rider can enter both an over fences class and a flat class in this division. In the over fences class, each rider will individually ride a jump course of 6-8 jumps, ranging in height of low verticals and x-rails for Beginner hunters, up to a height of 2’6” for Open hunters, Advanced hunters, and Intermediate hunters. Also included in this division is the Hunter Hack class, which is a combination of both a jumping and a flat class. Riders walk/trot/canter in both directions as a group and then line up to individually complete 2 jumps (or vice-versa, depending on the judge)
- Open Hunter: For all riders including professionals
- Advanced Hunter: For all riders. May cross enter into Open hunter or Intermediate hunter.
- Intermediate Hunter: For rides who have not competed over fences higher than 2’3”. May cross enter into Beginner hunter or Advanced hunter.
- Beginner Hunter: For riders in their 1st or 2nd year of showing and have not competed over fences higher than 2’. May cross enter into Intermediate hunter.
- Hack: For all riders
WALK/TROT DIVISION
As the name implies, riders in this division will only walk/trot, no cantering or jumping. There are multiple classes offered in this division:
- Walk/Trot Hunter
- Walk/Trot Equitation
- Trot pole Hunter: a course of ground poles to be trotted.
- Trot Pole Equitation: a course of ground poles to be trotted.
INTRODUCTORY AND TRAINING LEVEL DRESSAGE DIVISIONS
The actual word "dressage" is French and evolved from the verb Dresseur meaning to train. Dressage is a discipline, or type of riding. Many liken it to horse “ballet”. In a dressage, horse and rider are judged on how well they can perform a series of movements, which is called a Test, and these Tests are the same throughout the world. When watching an Olympic rider and horse perform a Grand Prix test (the highest level and a simply beautiful sight to behold), know that they started out by riding the Introductory/Training level tests our students ride in the shows
Year End Awards
Riders earn points based on how they place in their classes at the Summer Series shows. 1st place = 10 points, 2nd place = 8 points and so on. At the end of the season, we award Champion and Reserve Champion in each of the above divisions. The most important thing to remember about year-end championships: a rider must ride in 3 of the 4 Summer shows and must be entered in the last show, typically in late August, to qualify for year-end championships. We keep track of a rider’s points during the season and post those points on our website. We have an awards ceremony at the last show, handing out prizes and ribbons to our champion and reserve champions, it really is quite exciting!
Show Information
Class Descriptions & General Show Information
Please note: We feel our shows offer a relaxed opportunity for both horses and riders. To keep things fun and fair, please enter only those divisions you are qualified to ride in. Professionals and those over-qualified are welcome to ride in the Warm up or Open classes. Or you may school your horse in any of the other classes, but please indicate that you are riding hors' concours so you will not be placed. Thank you.
Order of Go: All over fences classes will be run according to a random order of go, which can be found in the Show Program (received at rider check-in). In the event of a conflict between the dressage ring and the hunter/jumper ring, the dressage test must be ridden first as times are assigned to each ride. The conflicting class in the hunt ring will be held until the test is ridden.
Please enter consistent levels: Example: Intermediate over Fences with Intermediate on the Flat NOT Advanced over Fences and Intermediate on the Flat. Keep in mind all classes & divisions are based on level and not age. Open, Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner and Walk Trot are SKILL based divisions. Basically, the idea is, if you're able to ride in an advanced jumping class, then your skill in the flat classes should also be advanced.
In Hunter Classes, the Horse will be judged on manners, jumping style and way of moving. Extreme speeds will be penalized. Three refusals in any over fences class constitute disqualification. In Equitation classes, the Rider will be judged on correct position, seat, hands, guidance and control of mount and three refusals will also require disqualification.
Never Limit Equestrian Medal/Twila Slavic Memorial Medal:
Payback class or Sweepstakes. The additional $5 entry fee in each class will go towards that class’s jackpot. WINNER TAKES ALL!! Minimum of 4 entries per class for the class to run.
Equitation Class. Will contain a course of 8 fences 2’3” which is posted the morning of the show. Riders will ride the first course in the posted order of go. After all entrants have completed their individual rides, the judge will then make up another course "on the spot" which will be announced over the speakers twice and told directly to the riders in the ring.
Entrants will remain in the ring during the 2nd course and will ride according to reverse placing order i.e. the rider that came in last will ride first, the rider who came in second to last will ride next and so on until the first-place rider is last to complete the second course. The combined points of both rides will determine the placing of the class. Winner takes the jackpot.
The course may include a trot jump, halt, roll-back, or dismount. Judged on the rider’s ability to accurately guide the horse around the course of jumps and keep accurate and appropriate pace, stride, rhythm, balance, lead and to jump from an accurate and safe spot in front of the jump. Rider’s position- especially position across the jump- is a consideration in that it will affect an accurate performance.
Warm Up Over Fences: Hunter Judged Class
Warm Up High: Course of 6-8 fences with heights 2'3” to 2'6" Open for divisions Open & Advanced
Warm Up Low: Course of 6-8 fences with heights X-Rails to low verticals 2’. Open for divisions Intermediate & Beginner
Open Equitation:
Over Fences: Course of 6-8 fences. Up to 2'6" & may include in and out or change in direction.
On the Flat: Walk/Trot/Canter both directions & may include work without stirrups or a pattern at judge's discretion.
Advanced Equitation:
Over Fences: Course of 6-8 fences. Up to 2'3" & may include in and out or change in direction.
On the Flat: Walk/Trot/Canter both directions & may include work without stirrups or a pattern at judge's discretion.
Intermediate Equitation:
Over Fences: Course of 6-8 fences. Up to 2' consisting of lower verticals, straight poles etc.
On the Flat: Walk/Trot/Canter in both directions
Beginner Equitation:
Over Fences: Course of 6-8 Cross rails (x-rails)
On the Flat: Walk/Trot/Canter both directions
Open Hunter: For all riders and may cross enter into Advanced
Over Fences: Course of 6-8 fences 2'6"
On the Flat: Walk/Trot/Canter both directions
Advanced Hunter: Riders may cross enter into Open or Beginner
Over Fences: Course of 6-8 fences 2'3"
On the Flat: Walk/Trot/Canter both directions
Beginner Hunter: For riders in their 1st or 2nd year of showing that have not jumped over 2'3" at any show. Riders may cross enter into Advanced.
Over Fences: Course of 6-8 Cross Rails (x-rails)
On the Flat: Walk/Trot/Canter both directions
Hunter Hack: Open to all levels. Walk/Trot/Canter both directions as a group. 2 fences (cross-rails or verticals) taken individually depending on which hack entered (High or Low).
Pole Piles: The Pole Piles class is designed for riders who are beginning jumpers. Riders compete over a course of "jumps" either trot or canter, that can be described as two standards with a pile of poles between them. Both hunter & equitation classes offered.
Walk/Trot: Equitation and Hunter Divisions. For those horses/riders not able to canter in a group class.
Riders in this class may not enter into any other classes except Pole Piles and Introductory Level Dressage.
DRESSAGE CLASSES
Classes follow current USDF/USEF rules and standards for tack
Tests: All dressage are current 2023 USEF/USDF test. NO hard copies of tests will be provided to riders.
Ride Times: Every consideration is given when assigning ride times with regards to rider's entry in the hunter/jumper classes. Depending on show size, conflicts may be unavoidable. In the event of a conflict between the dressage ring and the hunter/jumper ring, the dressage will be done first as times are assigned to each ride in the dressage class. The conflicting class in the hunt ring will be held until the test is ridden, without penalty to the rider.
Test of Choice: First level & Above: Please specify the Level and Test you would like to ride on your entry form. Each horse/rider combination may enter up to 3 tests at each show. We follow USEF/USDF rules regarding showing consecutive levels.
GENERAL SHOW INFORMATION
Tack: USEF/USDF rules apply to all classes.
Riding Attire: Coat, traditional button show shirt, tall or paddock boots and breeches. Riders under 10 years old have the option of full show attire OR may wear white "polo" shirt, tan breeches and paddock boots.
Schooling: Available in dressage & jump rings the day before the show only. Rings are closed for final dragging at 7:00 p.m. NO schooling permitted in the rings on the day of the show. Sand warm up ring and 2nd dressage ring are available on the day of the show.
Lunging: Lunging permitted on show morning until 7:00 a.m. in the warm up area. After 7:00 a.m. lunging is permitted on the grass area north of the show ring. Safety first for all riders!
Fees: All fees MUST accompany entry form or it will not be accepted. The only exception is for NLE Lesson Students (see below). Class fees are listed on the entry form.
Closing Date: All entries must be received by 7:00 p.m. on closing date. Please contact show secretary if your entry will be late
Post Entry Fee: Entries not received by closing date will be assessed post entry fee. Please pay close attention to the closing dates listed. Hate to be cranky about this, but seriously, help me out here.... get your entries in on time!!
Stabling: Stalls are $35 with the 1st bag of bedding included. Additional bags of bedding are available at $8 per bag. Please specify on entry if stall is needed overnight or just for the day of the show. You may also include on your entry form if you have a preference to be stabled with your barn and/or next to another rider. Tack stalls are based on availability. 10 x 10 permanent stalls with door are in the barn and 10 x 10 wooden temp stalls with door in the indoor ring. STALL FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE FOR ANY REASON. Stalls will be available after 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Refunds: Refunds on CLASS FEES ONLY will be granted prior to the closing date. Refunds after the closing date for class fees only will be provided with a valid vet certificate and proper notification to the show secretary. ABSOLUTELY NOT REFUNDS ON STALL FEES OR OFFICE FEES. Refunds will NOT be given due to weather related conditions unless the entire show has been cancelled by management. There are no refunds for scratched classes the day of the show.
NLE Lessons for Students Only: Student registration form & $20 deposit (applied toward your show fees) MUST be received by show closing date. Classes will be selected by your trainer & emailed to you (if email on file) prior to the show. If registration form is not turned in by closing date, rider will not be entered in the show.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
- This should be a no-brainer, but there is NO SMOKING anywhere inside the barn or aisle ways
- A processing fee of $35 plus collection fees are charged for any bounced check
- All riders must wear a helmet while mounted
- All horses brought to our barn (whether showing or not) must provide a negative Coggins per Michigan law
- Dogs must be leashed
- TENTS MUST BE ERECTED BEFORE THE SHOW STARTS. THEY CANNOT BE TAKEN DOWN UNTIL AFTER THE SHOW OR DURING THE LUNCH BREAK ONLY. THIS IS FOR THE RIDERS' SAFETY!
- The Public is always welcome and there is no charge to watch the show!
Management: The horse show management reserves the right to refuse, accept conditionally or to cancel any entries, disqualify any riders or exhibitors and to prohibit exhibition of entries, without claim for damages, to change any course, to cancel or combine classes if insufficient entries warrant or to reschedule classes after due notice to exhibitors; to change judges, to change specifications in jumper classes as competition warrants.
Under the Michigan Equine Activity Liability Act, an Equine Professional is not liable for an injury to or death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of the equine activity. Management will not be responsible for any damage to a person, animal, or property at Never Limit equestrian, nor will Management be responsible for any property lost or destroyed. Each exhibitor shall indemnify and hold harmless from all claims and demands of any kind or nature arising from exhibitor, his/her employees, guests, children, animals, or property exhibiting on or in the show grounds. This is a condition of entry.