1.RULES FOR JUDGES - IN HAND AND RIDDEN

Judging

The purpose of Judging is to place the animals in each class in order of merit subject to, conformation, quality and soundness. Horses and ponies are noted for strength and working ability therefore Judges will probably pay particular attention to characteristics illustrating that each animal can fulfil the purpose for which it is bred. Rosettes are usually awarded from 1st to 6th place on this basis. In BPS in hand classes at Affiliated shows (where there is a BPS Approved Judge) palomino animals will then be judged separately in terms of their colour. The best three palomino colours in the class will receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze award. All horses and ponies that receive a colour award must meet the ideal standard as laid down in the historical colour rules of the BPS (See Section 8) and if the judge does not believe that any meet the standard they have discretion not to award a colour award. Any County Show or Agricultural show must use a BPS Panel Judge. Smaller affiliated shows may sometimes not have a BPS approved Judge in which case no colour awards will be provided.

Conduct of Approved Judges From the time of arrival on a Showground, or where staying the night before, the Judges act in an official capacity. Except for necessary contact with Show Officials they are as reserved and impersonal with the general public and exhibitors as is socially acceptable, and are concerned only with seeing animals that may come before them in the ring. Judges do not discuss the relative merits of any animal shown except as required by their official duty. Their conduct during their visit to a Show upholds the dignity and reputation for integrity of the Society of which they are Approved Judges.

1.1 From 2024 certain affiliated shows will offer classes that are open to members and non-members with registered or unregistered horses. BPS Panel Judges will issue Qualifying Cards for a Members Championship at the BPS National Championship Show. Non-Members can qualify provided they register their horses and become horses within 14 days of receiving their Qualification Card.

1.2 A judge MUST have easy access to a Judging and Showing Handbook at the show where they are judging.

1.3 It is the responsibility of the Judge to be familiar with all the BPS Judging and Showing Rules and Codes of Conduct.

1.4 Schedules should be carefully studied beforehand, noting the number of rosettes to be awarded, special awards or qualifiers.

1.5 Judges should carry a schedule to hand to a Steward before judging.

1.6 A Judge should remember that it is a great honour to be invited to Judge at a show. They should reply promptly to the invitation and, having made the commitment, should honour it. If you find that you are, at short notice, unable to officiate, please inform the show secretary immediately, suggesting another Judge if possible.

1.7 A Judge who feels unable to Judge any class in the schedule should inform the show secretary well in advance of the show.

1.8 Judges are advised to make prior arrangements with the Show Secretary regarding their fees and expenses.

1.9 Because Judges are representing both themselves and the Society they should always be punctual and look their best. Judges should present themselves to the Show Secretary at least half an hour before the first class. It is the Judge who sets and maintains the standards of the ring. A courteous manner is expected at all times, even under provocation.

1.10 You know your integrity is beyond question - make sure that it is seen to be so. A Judge must be unbiased and fair. It is the Horse/Pony only that is being judged on the day

1.11 Judges must avoid judging in a local area more than once during a season so that competitors have different judges. A local area is defined as a 40 mile radius from the Showground.

1.12 Once a judge has judged at a County or Agricultural show they are unable to take a judging appointment for Palominos and Dilutes at that show for a period of 3 years.

1.13 A Judge should not accept any hospitality from an exhibitor during a show until judging is completed.

1.14 A Judge should avoid meeting exhibitors, their helpers and Horses or Ponies, on the day of the show prior to entering the show ring in which they are to Judge until judging duties have been completed.

1.15 A Judge is forbidden to refer to the show catalogue during the show.

1.16 Animals cannot be exhibited under a judge who has bred, owned, leased or produced that exhibit .

1.17 Before judging commences, discussion with the ring Steward should take place regarding the procedure to be adopted in the ring; where to stand the Horses/Ponies with the line up on the near side of the first placed animal.

1.18 A Judge should not call any exhibitor by their name in the ring and must remain completely detached. N0 social conversation should take place.

1.19 Instructions to exhibitors generally should be relayed through the ring Steward.

1.20 Judges should be smartly dressed at all times during the show, casual clothing is deemed inappropriate.

1.21 All Judges should wear a hat while judging and have their membership disc to hand.

1.22 No dark glasses to be worn whilst judging exhibits for the colour awards.

1.23 Judges should neither smoke nor use a mobile phone whilst in the ring.

1.24 Judges are asked to consider very carefully the placing of over-fat animals in the show ring so that the showing of such animals is discouraged.

1.25 Judges should present rosettes unless a sponsor is requested to do so. It is the Judge's prerogative to withhold rosettes if they feel entries are of insufficient merit.

1.26 Be cautious and discreet in any remarks made after judging is over whilst remaining open to questions from exhibitors who are entitled to ask for reasons for the placing of their animal after the class.

1.27 It should be remembered that each competitor pays the same entry fee and therefore merits the courtesy of having their Horse/Pony given the full attention of the Judge at all times.

2. EXHIBITORS, OWNERS & PRODUCERS

2.1 Exhibitors should conduct themselves at all times in an orderly, polite manner as they represent the Palomino and consequently the BPS. Bad language is not tolerated under any circumstances whether to fellow Exhibitors, Owners, Producers, Judges, Stewards or Show Officials. Bad behaviour brings the Society into disrepute.

2.2 Judges should not be approached on the day of the show.

2.3 Exhibitors, owners and producers are expected to be familiar with the rules of the Show and the BPS.

2.4 It is their responsibility to ensure they are in the ring at the right time and should not expect a show or its Judges to hold up a class for them.

2.5 Exhibitors should comply with the Steward or Judges requests at all times.

2.6 No exhibitor should leave the ring unless permission has been obtained from the Judge via the Steward.

2.7 Exhibitors should be dressed smartly and appropriately at all affiliated BPS Shows i.e. no denim or shorts.

2.8 Appropriate and safe footwear must be worn.

2.9 Stud advertising on clothing is strictly forbidden in the ring.

2.10 Exhibitors should ensure they are wearing the correct number for the animal they are showing.

2.11 The welfare of their Horse/Pony is paramount and no lame, sick or overly fat animal should be brought to the show or into a class.

2.12 A courteous manner is expected at all times.

2.13 The Judge‘s decision is final. Any objections must be lodged officially according to the show’s and BPS Rules.

2.14 Whips – Show canes only - maximum length 76 cm (30”).

2.15 The use of any artificial aid (e.g. plastic bags, excessive use of whips, drinks cans etc.) to excite the animal being shown is not acceptable and may be subject to penalty, including being asked to leave the ring.

2.16 BPS Membership badges/bridle discs must be worn or valid membership card must be available in order to qualify for colour awards.

3. GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

3.1 All members must meet the following requirements in regard to their conduct and behaviour. Members should:

3.2 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.

3.3 Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others.

3.4 Be professional in, and accept responsibility for, their actions.

3.5 Be aware of and maintain the rules and regulations of the Society and operate within those rules.

3.6 Preserve and protect the standing and reputation of the Society.

3.7 Never use their position or role for personal gain, to avoid their responsibility or to unjustly prevent an individual from exercising their rights.

3.8 Be aware of their legal responsibility and the legal rights of others.

3.9 Do not use their involvement with the Society to promote their own beliefs, behaviour and practices where these are inconsistent with those of the Society's rules.

3.10 Be a positive role model and demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility especially when dealing with persons less than 18 years of age as their words and actions are examples.

3.11 Ensure interaction with persons under the age of 18 years is appropriate and that unaccompanied and unobserved activities are avoided wherever practical.

3.12 Refrain from any form of harassment or intimidation of others.

3.13 Refrain from using any behaviour that may bring the Society into disrepute.

3.14 Provide a safe environment for the conduct of the activity.

3.15 Show concern and caution towards others who may be sick or injured.

3.16 At all times abide by the Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Horses and the Land Transport of Horses.

3.17 Understand the repercussions if they breach the Code of Conduct of the British Palomino Society.

3.18 Mental Health/Disability - The BPS believes that every individual has the right to take part in any equestrian event safe from harm, degrading treatment or discrimination. Our view is to encourage and uphold an environment to protect all from abuse and be respectful to the rights and feelings of others. The Society will make reasonable adjustments to help exhibitors with a disability to use a handler to participate in classes.

3.19 Child Protection - The Society is in full support of the BHS Code of Good Practice for Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults Policy. The Society will take all reasonable steps to apply the BHS Code.

3.20 or present that is derogatory to the Society.

3.21 All photographs posted on BPS social media platforms must have the copyright Internet and Social Media Platforms - the BPS strongly recommends that any material that is posted by any individual connected to the BPS is clear as a personal view and not authorised, or representative of the view of the BPS.

3.22 No material should be posted on BPS platforms by any member, or judge past authorised.

3.23 The BPS will not tolerate any posted or printed social media or internet postings that are inaccurate, or will cause any unnecessary stress to any member, or general hatred to any person or horse/pony. We advise that any public discussion or comments are thought through carefully prior to posting. Any breach of these rules MAY lead to civil/criminal proceedings being brought against you.

3.24 We request that no material is posted on ANY social media or internet platform that is threatening, discriminatory, offensive, pornographic, aim to cause scandal, aim to incite racial hate situations, or to cause bullying or stress to any individual.

3.25 Sanctions may be taken against any person in breach of these rules including removal from the BPS judging panel, or suspension or revocation of membership.

4. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COMPETITORS AND EXHIBITORS

In addition to the British Palomino Society General Code of Conduct, the following requirements must be met by competitors and exhibitors during any show/activity held or sanctioned by the Society. Members should:

4.1 Respect the rights, dignity and worth of fellow competitors, judges, stewards, officials, volunteers and spectators.

4.2 Be aware that acts of aggression will not be tolerated.

4.3 Respect the talent, potential and development of fellow competitors.

4.4 Conduct themself in a professional manner relating to language, temper and punctuality, be courteous and kind and set a good example in dress and behaviour.

4.5 Maintain high personal behaviour standards at all times.

4.6 Abide by the rules and respect the decision of the official, making all appeals through the formal process and respecting the final decision.

4.7 Bullying is an issue in many sports today. The British Palomino Society wants members, organisers and officials to know that bullying is not acceptable at any Society event.

4.8 The British Palomino Society recognises that bullying is unacceptable and has a clear policy in dealing with bullying under the Society’s rules.

4.9 Bullying is any inappropriate behaviour using force or power. Bullying undermines another person's self-esteem and confidence.

4.10 Reports of bullying will be handled promptly and confidentially.

4.11 We need the knowledge & experience of our volunteers. We cannot afford to lose good people through bad behaviour.

4.12 Every official, competitor and volunteer has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and the Society has the responsibility to ensure that this occurs at all shows/activities.

4.13 The BPS can only discipline the appropriate person if the bullying or intimidation is reported under the correct Society Procedures.

4.14 Any person who feels they have been intimidated should put it in writing to the BPS Council.

4.15 ln Criminal Law any threatening behaviour, intimidation or bullying can be considered to be an assault.

DISCLAIMER The BPS strongly advise that all members and exhibitors have their own PUBLIC LIABILITY insurance to ensure adequate indemnity to protect against their negligent acts or omissions. The Society nor any associate or representative council member nor any person involved with any show accepts any loss, liability for any accident or claim, injury or illness to any riders, handlers, spectators, horses, ponies or other animals whether caused by negligence, accident or omission, or in any other way whatsoever. All exhibitors, handlers, riders and spectators attend and take part at their own risk.

RULES FOR JUDGES FOR CLASSES AFFILIATED TO THE BRITISH PALOMINO SOCIETY

5. GENERAL

5.1 All Panel Judges must be current members of the British Palomino Society

5.2 Judges at Royal, Agricultural or County shows MUST be selected from the BPS Judges Panel.

5.3 Judges at smaller affiliated shows should ideally be selected from the BPS judges panel. If a BPS judge is not available a suitably qualified and experienced judge may officiate. Non Panel judges may award qualifiers for the BPS National Show but cannot give awards for colour.

5.4 A judge must attend a Conference/Seminar a minimum of once within every two years to enable them to remain on the Judging Panel. If a judge does not attend their name will be deleted from the Judging Panel until they attend a Conference/Seminar.

5.5 A judge must declare themself to be medically/physically/mentally fit to judge otherwise they may present Health & Safety issues for themself and/or others. A judge must desist from judging if they are not medically /physically/mentally fit.

5.6 A judge must complete and return the annual disclosure form; failure to return will result in their name being deleted from the Judging Panel.

5.7 A judge must be fully conversant with all BPS judging and showing rules. If any doubts arise at a show they must refer to the handbook for clarification.

5.8 A judge must at all times adhere to the Codes of Conduct as published in the BPS Judging and Showing Handbook.

6. IN HAND

6.1 Exhibits in registered Palomino In-hand classes may be plaited or unplaited as suits their breed type and personal choice.

6.2 Clipping, Hogging or partial hogging is allowed, but any plaited, clipped, hogged or partially hogged exhibit will not be eligible for a colour award as the judge needs to see that the mane and tail have less than 15% dark hair.

6.3 For absolute clarity only exhibits in full coat with free flowing manes and tails are eligible for colour awards

6.4 No make up, false hair, or other falsification of markings allowed.

7. RIDDEN

7.1 Judges officiating Ridden Classes for Palominos must not ride entries and must Judge from the ground.

7.2 Ridden classes for registered ridden Palominos to be judged as a riding horse/pony.

7.3 Exhibits are expected be stripped, where time constraints of the individual show permit

7.4 Ridden Exhibitors should expect their horse to be stripped, and provide a suitably attired groom to support.

7.5 Exhibits can be shown plaited or unplaited as suits their breed type and personal choice.

7.6 Colour Awards are not issued for ridden classes as the whole body of the animal is not visible.

7.7 No makeup, false hair, or other falsification of markings allowed.

COLOUR & CONFORMATION

8. TYPE & CONFORMATION and COLOUR

All BPS Affiliated showing classes are to be judged on conformation, movement and correctness to type. Colour will not be a factor in awarding the placings at all. However, in each affiliated in hand or ridden class (judged by an Approved BPS Judge) there will be 3 colour awards – these will be judged on colour and will be judged against the current colour criteria (shown below). The winners of these colour awards (provided they are members with registered animals) will qualify for the Golden Trail Colour Championships held at the National Championships each year. Plaiting is optional and hogging will be permitted, but no hogged, plaited or clipped horse will be eligible for the colour awards. Membership of the Society and registration of the exhibit is not necessary to compete in any open or affiliated BPS class with the exception of ‘Royal’ Shows and the British Palomino Society National Championship Show. Members and Non-Members may compete in any open affiliated BPS class. However, to receive a colour award, exhibits must be registered with the society and owners must be members of the society. Where non-members or unregistered horses qualify for the National Championships they will be awarded a qualification card. Non-members will need to join the Society and apply to register their exhibit in order to enter the BPS National Championship Show within 14 days of receipt of qualification card.

Conformation

8.1 Ponies and horses should have good correct conformation with sound movement and true to type.

For Palomino Colour Awards the following criteria must be considered:

8.2 Body Coat Colour

The colour of a newly minted gold coin, or three shades lighter or darker. NOTE: White body markings and other discoloration should not extend above the ‘Plimsoll line’. White markings caused by injury or freeze-branding on the body are permitted.

8.3 Mane & Tail

White, with not more than fifteen percent dark or ’off-coloured’ hairs.

8.4 Eyes Dark brown, hazel or black iris, and both of the same colour. No blue eyes allowed.

8.5 Skin Basically dark, the skin around the eyes and nose may be mouse coloured, brown or black, except where the extension of a white facial marking makes the skin pink.

SHOWING RULES & RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AFFILIATED SHOWS

These rules/guidelines are aimed to assist show secretaries; Judges and exhibitors participating at shows affiliated to the British Palomino Society and should take precedence over other Societies’ rules when BPS Awards are being given.

9. AFFILIATION

9.1 Royal Shows, county Shows and Agricultural Shows must use a BPS Panel Judge.

9.2 Open classes at smaller affiliated shows may be judged by any suitable qualified and experienced judge. However, BPS Colour Awards will only be supplied to affiliated shows where they have a BPS Panel Judge.

9.3 All shows affiliating to the British Palomino Society must have agreed to abide by the Rules and Recommendations of the Society.

9.4 Schedules for all affiliated shows must be submitted to the BPS Office for approval prior to printing together with the appropriate affiliation forms and the appropriate affiliation fee

10. GENERAL RULES FOR AFFILIATED SHOWS

Stallions and Colts

10.1 All stallions exhibited in stallion classes must be licensed.

10.2 All entire males aged 2 years and over MUST be bitted and led from the bit.

10.3 Children under 16 years of age will not be permitted to handle entire males (excepting foals).

Whips and Canes

10.4 Show canes only, max. 75cms (30 inches). No dressage/schooling whips allowed.

10.5 The use of any artificial aid (e.g. plastic bags, excessive use of whips, drinks cans etc.) to excite the animal being shown is not acceptable and may be subject to penalty, including being asked to leave the ring

Freeze Branding

10.6 The Society has no objection to Horses and Ponies being branded and this should not be detrimental to animals in the show Age

10.7 Age is calculated from 1st January in the year of birth

Soundness

10.8 If a Horse or Pony entered in a class is, in the opinion of the Judge, unsound, the Judge shall, at his/her discretion, require the exhibitor to withdraw the animal from that class or place it at the end of the line. The Judge’s decision in this matter is final. Welfare - Removal of Tactile Hairs

10.9 The BPS is aware of the FEI ruling regarding the removal of sensory hairs around eyes and muzzle, but will leave this to the discretion of the owner. Conduct

10.10 Where an unruly animal is likely to cause an accident, the Judge may ask that the animal leaves the ring.

10.11 Exhibitors must not remove their ponies from the Ring during judging, without the Judge's permission. The class ends when the Judge requests the class to be dismissed.

10.12 Exhibitors must not show an animal under a Judge who has or has had a financial interest in that particular exhibit, stud fee excluded, (the exhibitor being the owner, lessee or person producing and/or showing the animal).

10.13 A Judge may not adjudicate a horse/pony which, to the Judge’s knowledge, was a horse/pony bred, sold, leased or produced by the Judge or his immediate family or employer. If a Judge has reasonable grounds for belief that any part of this rule is being contravened they must ask the exhibitor to leave the ring and the exhibitor must withdraw. The Judge’s decision is final in all cases.

10.14 A rider, whip or handler must not compete in a class Judged by a person for whom they have ridden, driven or produced or shown in hand during the previous 12 months.

10.15 An exhibitor or producer must not enter any animal in a class under a Judge who has produced an animal for that exhibitor within the previous 12 months. (12 months being from the last day the animal was shown/produced by that person).

10.16 Substitutions and nomination of entries are not allowed.

10.17 Substitution of handlers in classes is not permitted without the permission of the Judge.

RULES FOR CLASSES

11. IN HAND

Stallions and Colts

11.2 In the interest of safety all colts and stallions, two years old or over must be suitably bitted and led by a handler who has reached the age of 14 years or over before January 1st of the current year. Mares

11.3 Brood Mares must be 4 years old or over with foal at foot, or have produced a foal in the current year.

11.4 Foals must accompany their dams into the ring or a veterinary certificate justifying the absence of the foal be produced on request.

11.5 A Barren Mare, for the purpose of showing, is a mare that has not produced a foal and will not produce a foal in the current year. Foals

11.6 Mares with Foals under 4 weeks of age must not be exhibited.

11.7 Foals to be shown in a halter or leather head collar. In-Hand Tack

11.8 No chifneys allowed. In-Hand Dress

11.9 The impression to aim for is smart, appropriate, safe and comfortable.

11.10 Handlers aged 12 years or under must wear a correctly fitted secured current British Standard skull cap/riding hat when showing in in-hand classes.

11.11 All exhibitors should wear suitable safe footwear.

12. RIDDEN

All animals must be 4 years old or over. Ridden Tack

12.1 No spurs to be worn by a rider under the age of 16.

12.2 Saddle - Close fitting and comfortable. The use of a plain coloured numnah is optional.

12.3 Bridle - A snaffle or double bridle or Pelham. Cavesson noseband.

12.4 No extra tack to be worn in flat classes Ridden Dress

12.5 The impression to aim for is smart, appropriate, safe and comfortable.

12.6 Hat: Correctly secured British standard 3 point harness skull caps/riding hats up to current British Standard must be worn at all times when mounted.

12.7 Jodhpurs: Canary or beige breeches or jodhpurs. White breeches or jodhpurs are for dressage only.

12.8 Boots: Brown or black jodhpur boots, or long riding boots as appropriate, for juniors. Long black or brown riding boots for adult riders. Matching short boots and leather gaiters (black or brown) may be worn, but not chaps.

12.9 Jacket: Tweed riding jacket or dark coloured show jacket with or without a plain coloured waistcoat. Plaited horses or ponies can have a navy or black jacket.

12.10 Shirt: Light shirt with collar and tie or stock.

12.11 Gloves: should be worn. 12.12 Hair and Jewellery: Hair nets should be worn with long hair tied back. Plaits are acceptable for junior riders. No jewellery should be worn. Conduct

12.13 Where an unruly animal is likely to cause an accident, the Judge may ask that the animal leaves the ring.

12.14 Exhibitors must not remove their ponies from the Ring during judging, without the Judge’s permission. The class ends when the Judge requests the class to be dismissed.

12.15 Where a rider has been unseated or fallen from his/her animal, the rider cannot remount in the ring. The animal must be led out of the ring and cannot rejoin the class.

12.16 Correctly secured British standard skull caps/riding hats up to current British Standard must be worn at all times when mounted. A competitor whose hat comes off, or chin strap comes undone whilst competing must, on penalty of elimination, replace it or fasten it before continuing. They may dismount without penalty to recover the hat or have it passed up from the ground or may stop without penalty to fasten the chin strap.

12.17 No change of rider will be allowed during a class. Where an exhibitor qualifies two animals for a championship, they must elect a substitute rider who conforms to the regulations of the class.

12.18 In all ridden and driven classes Horses / Ponies must be 4 years old or over.

12.19 Mares with a suckling foal are not eligible to compete in ridden or driven classes.

12.20 Grooms and handlers, when entering the ring, must at all times look neat and smartly dressed – no denim jeans or shorts allowed