FAQ

 

What division should I ride in?

The division you ride in is dependent on your experience level and show history. Take a look at our Rider Divisions page for a breakdown of each level.
 

What kind of equipment should I have?

Western equipment is required for all classes including western stock saddle, cinch, and western headstall.  Optional equipment includes rear cinch, breast collar, and protective equine boots.

Training equipment is not allowed in any division which includes any martingale, draw reins, mechanical hackamore, tie downs, etc.  Use of this equipment is grounds for disqualification for that class.

Riders with disabilities which require the use of additional equipment (non-standard western equipment) need to notify the office of the equipment to be used.  This may require review from the judge prior to competing to prevent an unintentional disqualification under the ‘no training equipment’ rule. Handicapped competitors and special needs riders are welcome to ride with NSHO.


 What should I wear?

Western attire is required including a long-sleeved collared shirt, long pants, heeled riding boots, and a western hat or equine approved helmet (no ball caps).  Chaps, chinks, and spurs are optional.

Keep an eye on our facebook page! We may be having another ugly show shirt contest!

Hats/helmets

All riders are required to wear a western hats or helmet to show. All riders 18 years old and under are REQUIRED to wear a helmet while mounted at any NSHO Show or event.

Bits & Bitting information

Horses five (5) years of age and under (junior horses) may be ridden in a snaffle bit or a hackamore and are to be ridden two handed when using this equipment.  (Horses five years and under also have the option to be shown one handed in a leverage bit. See the senior horse bit rules for descriptions).

  • Snaffle bits are to have a maximum ring diameter of four (4) inches, with no wrapped metal (no twisted wires), and a minimum mouthpiece diameter of 5/16 of an inch when measured one (1) inch from the headstall at either end.

  • A hackamore is a flexible, braided rawhide, leather, or rope bosal with a flexible core.  A mecate rein must be used.

  • All mechanical hackamores are prohibited.  

Horses six (6) years of age and over (senior horses) are to be ridden one handed in a leverage bit with either split reins or a set of romels.

  • Maximum shank length is 8.5 inches from center of headstall ring to center of rein ring.

  • Ports may not exceed 1.5 inches.

  • No bit feature may extend lower than the mouth piece.

  • Curb straps may be leather or double link flat chain only and must be wider than 3/8 of an inch thick.

An NRCHA two-rein setup is acceptable for use for a maximum of one show season expiring each year on December 31st.

NOTE: Novice and youth division riders may ride either one-handed or two-handed in any legal bit regardless of age of horse or rider.

Any other questions?

If you have any other questions, please email us at Northernstockhorse@gmail.com