GENERAL RULES
1. Contestants must be in suitable attire or will be disqualified. No tank tops or cutoff tee shirts. Shirts must be collared with at least a four (4) inch sleeves. Boots are required, hats not required, no ball caps of any type. Safety helmets are not required but are encouraged.
2. All contestants must stay out of the arena until called in by the announcer or judge, before or after any event.
3. All protests are to be handled by any Director or Directors present. Decision is final.
4. Barrels used for classes shall be painted an offsetting color from the color of the arena fence.
5. No electrical devices can be used on horses. All horses at the club will be treated humanely. Any abuse of horses witnessed by club members or public should immediately be brought to the attention of club Officer or Board members. Persons may be disqualified or asked to leave the grounds if warranted by Director and/or Officer.
6. Bats which are humane in nature may be used. No whipping with wires, sticks, chains, etc. will be allowed.
7. It is the responsibility of the rider to request that the end gate be closed during their run. If request is made it is the responsibility of the rider to provide an individual to operate the gate.
8. During the week of a show the arena will not be available to members to practice to allow time for preparation for the show.
BARREL RACE
1. A barrel race is a timed event using three identical barrels set in a cloverleaf pattern. Shows will use 55 gallon metal or plastic barrels with closed ends. Barrels must be empty with no rubber bump guards at the top of the barrel.
2. The barrel pattern for NBHA classes (Senior Barrels, Youth 4D Barrels and Open 4D Barrels) are as follows:
a) a minimum of 15 feet between each of the first two barrels and the side fence.
b) a minimum of 30 feet between third barrel and back of fence.
c) a minimum of 30 feet between timer and the first barrel
3. Ground conditions for NBHA classes:
a) The ground conditions within the arena must remain consistent throughout the event. The ground around the barrels must be reworked and leveled after each 10 or fewer contestants have competed. An amount less than 10 may be set by the District Director.
b) The preferred method for working the ground is with a ground tool pulled by some type of vehicle. Hand raking is not acceptable.
4. Ground conditions for all other Barrel Races:
a) The ground conditions within the arena must remain consistent throughout the event.
b) The ground around the barrels must be reworked and leveled after a given number of contestants have competed.
c) The number of riders between rework of the barrels will be determined by the Arena Committee and announced at the beginning of that class.
5. A contestant will be given a “no time” for missing the pattern.
6. A contestant will be disqualified for running out of turn. It is the contestant’s responsibility to know his/her draw position.
7. During NBHA Barrel Races and all 2D, 3D, and 4D Barrel classes, a contestant will be given a “no time” for knocking over a barrel. A “no time” will be given if a barrel is knocked over and it sets up again. Touching a barrel, including keeping it from falling, is permitted without penalty.
8. All other Barrel Race Classes, a contestant will be given a 5 second penalty for knocking over a barrel. A 5 second penalty will be given if a barrel is knocked over and it sets up again. Touching a barrel, including keeping it from falling, is permitted without penalty.
9. Entries for a NBHA class will close when the first horse in that class runs, or at an earlier time as specified on the show bill. Under no circumstances will entries be taken for a class after the first horse has entered the arena.
10. For all NBHA shows, the draw shall be done in a random matter. Examples: a random computer draw, shuffling entry cards, or drawing numbered chips. Under no circumstances shall a contestant be allowed to “pick out” their draw position. Once set, the draw may not be changed, except to accommodate multiple horse entries with the same rider that are too close too each other.
11. Reruns shall be granted if the timer fails to work properly or if the barrels are not placed properly on their markers. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall result in a “no time”.
12. Riders given a no time may complete the pattern. However if the rider is taken excessive time as determined by directors/officers present rider may be asked to leave immediately.
FLAG RACE
1. Three 55 gallon barrels are to be used. Two 5 gallon sand buckets with equal amounts of sand in each are to be used. There must be at least two flags. Flags will be on wooden sticks at least ½”diameter and no more than 1” diameter. The stick will be at least 12” long and no more than 18” long.
2. The barrels will be placed in a triangular
form. Barrel #1 and Barrel #2 will be placed 4 Barrel rings off the fence.
Barrel #3 will be in the middle of the arena somewhere past the center. The
safety of the footing will determine the exact location of Barrel #3.
3. The two sand buckets will be placed, one in the center of barrel #1, and one in the center of Barrel#2. The buckets should be filled to within 2 inches of the top. The flag should be placed in the center of the bucket. To insure consistent placing of the flag in the bucket, the same person should place the flag during the entire class.
4. The flag must be deposited in the sand from the top of the bucket. A flag that goes through the bucket before going through the sand or a flag that does not stay in the bucket will incur a 5 second penalty. A flag that goes through the sand first but goes through the bucket and still remains in the sand will incur no penalty.
5. If the contestant fails to pick up the flag but completes the pattern correctly will incur a 10 second penalty.
6. A missed pattern will result in disqualification of rider.
7. If a rider knocks over a barrel or bucket during his/her run, that rider will be disqualified.
8. Reruns shall be granted if the timer fails to work properly or if the barrels are not placed properly on their markers. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall be applied.
POLE BENDING
1. Six (6) identical poles 6’ in height. Regulation bases either weighted or sand filled must be used.
2. Place poles in a straight line as follows: 1st pole 21 feet from starting line, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th poles placed 21 feet apart center to center.
3. Each pole that is knocked down during the run receives a 5 second penalty. Holding up a pole is permissible.
4. Contestants that go off pattern will receive a “no time”.
5. Reruns shall be granted if the timer fails to work properly or if the poles are not placed properly on their markers. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall be applied.
PLUG RACE
1. One 55 gallon barrel placed at least 30 feet from the end of the arena and placed in the center.
2. Knocking over the barrel will result in a “no time”
3. Reruns shall be granted if the timer fails to work properly or if the barrel is not placed properly on its marker. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall be applied.
1. Contestants must be in suitable attire or will be disqualified. No tank tops or cutoff tee shirts. Shirts must be collared with at least a four (4) inch sleeves. Boots are required, hats not required, no ball caps of any type. Safety helmets are not required but are encouraged.
2. All contestants must stay out of the arena until called in by the announcer or judge, before or after any event.
3. All protests are to be handled by any Director or Directors present. Decision is final.
4. Barrels used for classes shall be painted an offsetting color from the color of the arena fence.
5. No electrical devices can be used on horses. All horses at the club will be treated humanely. Any abuse of horses witnessed by club members or public should immediately be brought to the attention of club Officer or Board members. Persons may be disqualified or asked to leave the grounds if warranted by Director and/or Officer.
6. Bats which are humane in nature may be used. No whipping with wires, sticks, chains, etc. will be allowed.
7. It is the responsibility of the rider to request that the end gate be closed during their run. If request is made it is the responsibility of the rider to provide an individual to operate the gate.
8. During the week of a show the arena will not be available to members to practice to allow time for preparation for the show.
BARREL RACE
1. A barrel race is a timed event using three identical barrels set in a cloverleaf pattern. Shows will use 55 gallon metal or plastic barrels with closed ends. Barrels must be empty with no rubber bump guards at the top of the barrel.
2. The barrel pattern for NBHA classes (Senior Barrels, Youth 4D Barrels and Open 4D Barrels) are as follows:
a) a minimum of 15 feet between each of the first two barrels and the side fence.
b) a minimum of 30 feet between third barrel and back of fence.
c) a minimum of 30 feet between timer and the first barrel
3. Ground conditions for NBHA classes:
a) The ground conditions within the arena must remain consistent throughout the event. The ground around the barrels must be reworked and leveled after each 10 or fewer contestants have competed. An amount less than 10 may be set by the District Director.
b) The preferred method for working the ground is with a ground tool pulled by some type of vehicle. Hand raking is not acceptable.
4. Ground conditions for all other Barrel Races:
a) The ground conditions within the arena must remain consistent throughout the event.
b) The ground around the barrels must be reworked and leveled after a given number of contestants have competed.
c) The number of riders between rework of the barrels will be determined by the Arena Committee and announced at the beginning of that class.
5. A contestant will be given a “no time” for missing the pattern.
6. A contestant will be disqualified for running out of turn. It is the contestant’s responsibility to know his/her draw position.
7. During NBHA Barrel Races and all 2D, 3D, and 4D Barrel classes, a contestant will be given a “no time” for knocking over a barrel. A “no time” will be given if a barrel is knocked over and it sets up again. Touching a barrel, including keeping it from falling, is permitted without penalty.
8. All other Barrel Race Classes, a contestant will be given a 5 second penalty for knocking over a barrel. A 5 second penalty will be given if a barrel is knocked over and it sets up again. Touching a barrel, including keeping it from falling, is permitted without penalty.
9. Entries for a NBHA class will close when the first horse in that class runs, or at an earlier time as specified on the show bill. Under no circumstances will entries be taken for a class after the first horse has entered the arena.
10. For all NBHA shows, the draw shall be done in a random matter. Examples: a random computer draw, shuffling entry cards, or drawing numbered chips. Under no circumstances shall a contestant be allowed to “pick out” their draw position. Once set, the draw may not be changed, except to accommodate multiple horse entries with the same rider that are too close too each other.
11. Reruns shall be granted if the timer fails to work properly or if the barrels are not placed properly on their markers. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall result in a “no time”.
12. Riders given a no time may complete the pattern. However if the rider is taken excessive time as determined by directors/officers present rider may be asked to leave immediately.
FLAG RACE
1. Three 55 gallon barrels are to be used. Two 5 gallon sand buckets with equal amounts of sand in each are to be used. There must be at least two flags. Flags will be on wooden sticks at least ½”diameter and no more than 1” diameter. The stick will be at least 12” long and no more than 18” long.
2. The barrels will be placed in a triangular
form. Barrel #1 and Barrel #2 will be placed 4 Barrel rings off the fence.
Barrel #3 will be in the middle of the arena somewhere past the center. The
safety of the footing will determine the exact location of Barrel #3.
3. The two sand buckets will be placed, one in the center of barrel #1, and one in the center of Barrel#2. The buckets should be filled to within 2 inches of the top. The flag should be placed in the center of the bucket. To insure consistent placing of the flag in the bucket, the same person should place the flag during the entire class.
4. The flag must be deposited in the sand from the top of the bucket. A flag that goes through the bucket before going through the sand or a flag that does not stay in the bucket will incur a 5 second penalty. A flag that goes through the sand first but goes through the bucket and still remains in the sand will incur no penalty.
5. If the contestant fails to pick up the flag but completes the pattern correctly will incur a 10 second penalty.
6. A missed pattern will result in disqualification of rider.
7. If a rider knocks over a barrel or bucket during his/her run, that rider will be disqualified.
8. Reruns shall be granted if the timer fails to work properly or if the barrels are not placed properly on their markers. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall be applied.
POLE BENDING
1. Six (6) identical poles 6’ in height. Regulation bases either weighted or sand filled must be used.
2. Place poles in a straight line as follows: 1st pole 21 feet from starting line, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th poles placed 21 feet apart center to center.
3. Each pole that is knocked down during the run receives a 5 second penalty. Holding up a pole is permissible.
4. Contestants that go off pattern will receive a “no time”.
5. Reruns shall be granted if the timer fails to work properly or if the poles are not placed properly on their markers. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall be applied.
PLUG RACE
1. One 55 gallon barrel placed at least 30 feet from the end of the arena and placed in the center.
2. Knocking over the barrel will result in a “no time”
3. Reruns shall be granted if the timer fails to work properly or if the barrel is not placed properly on its marker. Any penalty incurred on the original run shall not be applied against the rerun; however, any penalty occurring on the rerun shall be applied.