The National Walking Horse Association Standard Operating Procedures STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Transcription

1 The National Walking Horse Association Standard Operating Procedures STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

2 The National Walking Horse Association Standard Operating Procedures FOREWORD The National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) is a non-profit organization formed to do the following: To promote and increase public awareness of the true and inherent abilities of the Walking Horse To provide an equitable horse show affiliation program for Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses and Racking Horses to be exhibited, judged, and showcased in full compliance with the Horse Protection Act. NATIONAL WALKING HORSE ASSOCIATION 4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 4 Lexington, KY NWHA (6942) Please call ahead to fax. Visit our Web Site at:

3 The National Walking Horse Association Standard Operating Procedures INDEX Competitive Horse Incentive Program Guest Judge Card Procedure Horse Show Development Funding Procedure Judges and The Judges Committee Procedures Nominating Committee Procedures NWHA Clinic Recognition Procedure NWHA Rules Procedure NWHA Show Sanctioning Procedure Professional to Amateur Status Procedure Trainers Certification Procedure Trail Riders Incentive Program Procedure

4 The National Walking Horse Association Standard Operating Procedures

5 Competitive Horse Incentive Program (CHIP) Standard Operating Procedure Purpose: This procedure provides guidance for the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) Competitive Horse Incentive Program (CHIP). Scope: This procedure applies to any NWHA member who wishes to participate in CHIP. Responsibilities: Title Directors Dir of Operations Trail Committee Description Directors assure that CHIP rules are in place and meet the needs and desires of NWHA members Provides a venue for formal recognition of CHIP participants. Provides forms, maintains and files copies. Assures that information is provided on web site, in NWHA news and phone calls and s are answered in a timely manner. Solicits and encourages CHIP enrollment. Provides information to NWHA membership via National Walking Horse Association Trail Riders Facebook page, NWHA magazine and NWHA website. Procedures: 1. CHIP awards are presented at designated distance levels and will accumulate from year to year. The distance levels are as follows: a. 100 miles b. 250 mile increments thereafter 2. The high mile horse receives an annual award. 3. Logs must be received in the office by 7 January of each year to be eligible for year- end awards. 4. CHIP hours will accumulate from January 1- December 31 for the purposes of yearly high- mile awards. CHIP Rules: 1. CHIP is open to any NWHA member and any gaited horse owned by an NWHA member. 2. There is a $25 lifetime, transferable nomination fee required for participation. The fee can be transferred to a new owner in the event of the sale of the horse as long as NWHA is notified. 3. As long as the horse is owned by an NWHA member, it may accumulate miles with any rider or any combination of riders to be counted towards the CHIP high mile horse award. 4. Riding time is to be reported by the distance covered. No credit is given for showing. 5. Trail miles will be counted in ¼ mile increments, with the miles rounded out to the nearest ¼ mile and with a 3 miles minimum per ride.

6 6. Miles must be reported on the official log forms/book along with the contact information for the ride coordinator. These forms are available online or can be mailed/ ed upon request. 7. Miles are accrued at competitive trail competitions and endurance rides. a. Competitive trail competitions must be a minimum of three miles with a minimum of three obstacles. b. Endurance rides must be a minimum of 25 miles. 8. NWHA affiliated competitive rides or endurance rides will count double the actual amount of miles.

7 Guest Judge Card Standard Operating Procedures In order to ensure high quality judging, consistency in judging, and compliance to judging rules, the Judges Committee of the National Walking Horse Association sets forth specific procedures for regulating Guest Judges Cards. I. Circumstances whereby a Guest Judge is Approved a) The horse show is located where no NWHA judge resides within a 500 mile radius and transportation of an NWHA judge is cost prohibitive for the show b) No NWHA judge is available for the date/time of the event (show manager must produce a list of NWHA judges who have turned down the opportunity to judge show) c) The Judges Committee may recommend to the Executive Committee to approve a guest judge based on individual circumstances that are unique to a particular event II. Guest Judges Criteria a) Must hold a horse show judges license from another horse organization b) Must have at least three (3) years of experience judging horse shows c) Must have experience and/or knowledge of Walking Horses d) Must have three (3) references from NWHA sources including, but not limited to, trainers, officers, board members, exhibitors, judges e) Must exhibit integrity, honesty, and high ethical standards f) Must exhibit a true commitment to sound horses and be able to present evidence of such. Applicants having a USDA, HPA or NWHA violation including but not limited to the involvement of sensitivity, scarring, lameness or bad image will be considered ineligible for Guest Judge Cards III. Procedures a) Show manager must complete the request form and send it in to the NWHA Office b) NWHA Office forwards the form to Judges Committee c) Judges Committee reviews the information, checks references, discusses the request and makes a recommendation to the NWHA Executive Committee

8 SOP Guest Judge Card (continued) Page 2 of 2 d) NWHA Executive Committee gives approval or disapproval e) If approved, the show manager must remit the $100 Guest Judge Card fee to the office prior to completion of Guest Judge s contract IV. Special Notes a) The NWHA National Championship Show and all NWHA Regional Shows must use NWHA licensed judges. b) All NWHA affiliated multi-day shows must use NWHA licensed judges unless approved by the Executive Committee based on recommendation from the Judges Committee c) Double point and/or multi-judged shows must use at least one NWHA licensed judge (End)

9 Horse Show Development Funding Procedure #: Purpose: This procedure is for the review and approval of funding from the Horse Show Development Committee budget to NWHA affiliated shows/events. Scope: This procedure applies to any NWHA show or event that makes application for funding. Responsibilities: TITLE Executive Director Committee Chair DESCRIPTION Shall require interested shows/events to submit application to NWHA office preferably 90 days from the start date of the show Shall forward the applications to the chairperson of the Horse Show Development Committee as soon as they are received. This can be via electronic communication or traditional mail service. Shall communicate to the applicant show management, the final decision of the Horse Show Development Committee. Shall distribute any and all applications to each member of the Horse Show Development committee for review. Shall oversee the review of applications and ascertain that such applications fall within the guidelines established by the Horse Show Development Guidelines For Show Funding as attached here. Shall communicate to the Executive Director of NWHA the final decision of the Horse Show Development Committee Committee Members Upon receipt of show funding applications from the HSD Chair, will review and make recommendations as to approval or denial of funding requests. In the event that not all committee members agree on the final decision, each member will vote and the decision will be based on the majority vote of the committee. List of Appendices: HSDC Guidelines For Show Funding Application for HSDC Show Funding

10 Procedure # Procedures: HSDC Guidelines for Show Funding Shows must either be new affiliations or have not affiliated with NWHA for the past 5 years. Funding cap of $500 for shows offering a full range of classes including but not limited to rail, model, versatility. Funding cap of $400 for shows offering only rail classes. Funding cap of $250 for shows with 'special considerations' i.e. dressage only, versatility only Shows or members of show management cannot be in debt to NWHA Members of show management cannot be on suspension with NWHA, USDA or any other HIO. Shows with published programs should agree to a minimum 1/2 page ad for NWHA in that program Shows with a website should agree to a link on that site to the NWHA website. All funding is subject to the amount approved by the Board of Directors in the NWHA Annual Budget or by special dispensation by the BOD. No monies will be paid to approved shows until all paperwork has been received in the NWHA office following the completion of the show. Monies approved will be returned to the HSDC budget if the approved show is cancelled for any reason. 9/14/10

11 Procedure # National Walking Horse Association Show Support Request SECTION 1: Contact Information Name of Requesting Organization/Show Contact Person Mailing Address City/State/Zip Phone Show Manager Phone SECTION 2: Requesting Organization Information Mission of Organization/Purpose for Show Is this a new show? Is this an existing show? How many years has show been held? Past affiliations with what HIO? Approximate # of Horses expected Does your organization host other Horse Shows? If Yes, affiliated with what HIO? SECTION 3: Funding Request Name and Location of Show 9/14/10

12 Procedure # Show Date Type of Funding Requested: (check only one) DQP Travel Judge Travel Sponsorship Other (explain) Amount of Funding Requested Attach a copy of Show Class list and submit to NWHA Office. The Horse Show Development Committee will review your application and you will be notified of the status of your application. Preference will be given to those applications submitted 90 days prior to your start date. 9/14/10

13 Judges/ Judges Committee Standard Operating Procedures In order to ensure high quality judging, consistency in judging, and compliance to judging rules, the Judges Committee of the National Walking Horse Association sets forth specific procedures for regulating judging. I. Judges Licenses To be eligible to become an NWHA judge, a potential applicant must first meet the following criteria: i. Possess an individual current year NWHA membership and be a member in good standing. ii. Be at least 25 years of age iii. Complete the application form and submit to NWHA prior to September 1 iv. Submit three (3) reference forms (provided by NWHA). Two of the three references must be from people who possess experience in the walking horse industry such as Board members, Board officers, trainers, judges and/or members. The last reference can be from one of the aforementioned individuals or from outside the Walking Horse industry. v. Receive approval to attend Judges Qualifying Clinic from NWHA Judges Committee and Executive Committee. vi. Participate in the Annual Judges Qualifying Clinic A. Judges Qualifying Clinic will be held once every other year or as deemed necessary by the Judges Committee and Executive Committee B. Payment of Registration Fee C. Pass the NWHA Judges Tests, both rule book (75% minimum score required) and judging (rail and/or versatility) D. Successfully complete interviews by the Judges Committee designees where applicants will be evaluated for expertise in various classes as well as particular judging situations. The interview will take place after completion of the Judges Qualifying Clinic and test. E. Apprentice a minimum of four (4) NWHA shows, which must be pre-approved by the NWHA Judges Committee. This apprenticeship must occur under an experienced NWHA Judge and will take place after the successful completion of the clinic, test and interview. Apprenticing may be waived if applicant has qualifying judging experience, as determined by the Judges Committee. Revised 04/09/2013

14 vii. Criteria that will be taken into consideration during the licensure process will include, but not be limited to: applicant s character and professionalism, knowledge of the horse, knowledge of the history of the Walking Horse, knowledge of NWHA rules and ability to apply this knowledge when judging. viii. Final review and approval by the Judges Committee and Executive Committee. ix. All apprentices will have three (3) years to complete the process from the time they pass the NWHA Judges Test. If they do not complete the process within the 3 year time frame, they must start the process over again with the Judges Clinic, test, etc. II. Judges Performance Judges are expected to act professionally at all times. Integrity, honesty and good moral character are of utmost importance. Designation as an NWHA judge is a privilege, not a right, bestowed by NWHA according to procedures formulated by NWHA, to individuals, whose equine expertise and personal character merit the honor. An individual s conduct and ability as a judge must be exemplary; is subject to continual review; and such designation is revocable by NWHA with or without notice and formal hearing. All judges are expected to comply with the rules for judging put forth in the NWHA Rule Book and attend the annual NWHA Judges Clinic once every two years. If judges must miss a clinic due to unforeseen, emergency type consequences, the Judges Committee may provide a one time waiver to those judges. The judge must then attend the next Judges Clinic. If a judge does not renew his/her license on an annual basis, they may be readmitted one time during a three (3) year period if approved by the Judges Committee. After the three year period, judges must start the process of licensure at the beginning (clinic, test, apprenticeship, etc.). If judges neglect to comply with these rules, consequences will involve courses of action as outlined in this document. III. IV. Judge Evaluation Forms Judges will receive copies of all evaluation forms that deal with their performance. The evaluations will be completed by exhibitors and sent to the Executive Director who will then remove the exhibitor s name from the evaluation before forwarding it on to the affected judge. Censoring a Judge A censor, in the form of a letter written by the Director of Judges (or if unavailable, the EC or JC) will be sent to a judge who receives negative evaluations or concerns that are of a serious nature and are deemed legitimate. They must be deemed legitimate by the Director of Judges (or if unavailable, the EC or JC) before this action is taken. To determine Revised 04/09/2013

15 legitimacy, the Director of Judges (or if unavailable, the EC or JC) will review complaints and concerns and if necessary verify these through an interview process. The censor letter will outline the concerns stated in the exhibitor evaluations and will be placed in the judge s file. V. Suspension of a Judge s License Suspension of a judge s license may occur if violations of rules continue to be reported to the NWHA over a period of time consisting of one or more show seasons or if more serious issues occur which require immediate action. Suspension of a judge s license may also occur if a judge neglects to attend the Judges Clinic two out of three consecutive years. The judge will receive a letter from the Director of Judges (or if unavailable, the EC or JC) informing him/her of the specific concerns and reasons for the suspension. The length of the suspension will depend on the number and seriousness of violations. Judges who are suspended will be required to successfully apprentice at least two shows and will be assigned to specific judges and shows by the Director of Judges (or if unavailable, the JC). He/she will not be approved to judge at NWHA shows during their suspension period and will be evaluated by the Director of Judges ((or if unavailable, the EC or JC) prior to reinstatement of their license. The suspension letter and any accompanying documentation will be placed in the judge s file. If a judge receives a Horse Protection Act violation or an NWHA violation, he/she will be subject to these penalties: Violation First Offense Second Offense Third & Subsequent Offenses Pressure Shoeing Bilateral Sore Permanent Loss of License 2 year loss of license must reapply for new license 3 year loss of license must reapply for new license Permanent. Loss of License Unilateral Sore 1 year suspension 2 years suspension Permanent Loss of License Scar Rule 1 year suspension 2 years suspension Permanent Loss of License Technical Violations and/or Shoeing Violations Other Infractions 6 months suspension during show season 60 days suspension during show season 1 year suspension Permanent Loss of License 6 months suspension during show season 1 year suspension Revised 04/09/2013

16 VI. Revoking a Judge s License A judge s license may be revoked if the violations of rules continue to be reported to NWHA over a period of a show season after the judge has successfully completed the suspension period. Further, a judge s license may be revoked immediately upon any infraction deemed to be based on misfeasance, malfeasance, dereliction of duty or immoral conduct by the Director of Judges and the Executive Committee. If a judge s license is recommended for revocation, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors will determine final action. The judge may request a hearing with the Executive Director prior to Board action. All pertinent documentation will be placed in the judge s file. See chart above for consequences of HPA Violations and/or NWHA Violations for judges. VII. Judges Committee The Judges Committee is appointed by the President of NWHA and works under the direction and guidance of the EC and/or Board of Directors in coordination with the Director of Judges who is an employee of NWHA. The Executive Committee appoints the Director of Judges and oversees all activities of this position. Revised 04/09/2013

17 Nominating Committee Guidelines Procedure #: ADM002 Purpose: This procedure provides guidance for the nominating committee for selection of candidates for officer and director positions within the National Walking Horse Association. Using these guidelines, the committee will compile a slate of nominations for consideration to election by the Members for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and for each Director position currently open. Scope: This procedure applies to all personnel who are selected to the nominating committee of the National Walking Horse Association. Responsibilities: TITLE President Directors Nominating Committee Nominees Description The President appoints a 5-person nominating committee by November 1 of each year. Directors from each Region recommend at least 3 possible nominating committee members to the President during September/October. Select personnel who would agree to serve and who meet required qualifications to serve as officers and directors of NWHA. Complete application completely and truthfully. Definitions: Word Nominating Committee Definition An NWHA Committee/Task Force consisting of five members (not more than one member shall come from any one state and not more than three members from any one region) who are appointed by the President as stated in the Responsibilities Section. Application: See NWHA Board of Directors/Officer Application Document Continued... NWHA SOP # ADM002 1/26/11; Revised 06/11/13 1

18 Procedure: General Guidelines for the NWHA Nominating Committee 1) Nominees must file a written application with the Nominating Committee by October 15 of the election year. 2) Nominees must meet all qualifications. a) Qualifications of Board Nominees include: 1) Nominee must have been an NWHA Member for at least two (2) consecutive years and must not live in the same household and/or be an immediate family member of a current NWHA officer or Board Member. 2) Nominee must have exhibited a true commitment to sound horses and ending the abuse associated with Walking Horses and other gaited breeds and be able to present evidence of such; nominees having a violation involving sensitivity, scarring, lameness or bad image within the last five years will be considered ineligible for director positions. 3) Nominee must have ability to lead, listen, reason, research and make decisions to further NWHA s mission. 4) Nominee must be willing to follow the direction of the Board even if they may not agree with the final decision of the Board. 5) Nominee must agree to the commitments associated with being a Board Member and sign the application as such. 6) Characteristics of Board Members must include: honesty, integrity cooperation, loyalty, open mindedness, high moral values, and dependability. 7) Nominee must reside in area where the open position exists. 8) Nominees who exhibit specific interests that are needed on the Board will be given preference by the Nominating Committee so that all areas of interest are represented (i.e. trail, show, versatility, etc.). 9) Previous experience on NWHA committees will weigh heavily in the selection process. 10) Nominees for officer positions must have first served on the NWHA Board of Directors. (Note: Any person who served on the NWHA Board prior to 2006 will be considered as having this experience regardless of amount of time served on the Board.) 3) If all qualifications are met, candidates will be considered by the Nominating Committee for all open positions in their geographic area. The Nominating Committee will propose a slate of directors and officers to the membership by January 1 of each year. The ballot will contain write-in spaces for candidates. 4) The Nominating Committee shall notify all applicants of the contents of the slate as soon as the slate is decided but no later than three (3) weeks prior to the mailing of the ballots. ~~~End~~~ NWHA SOP # ADM002 1/26/11; Revised 06/11/13 2

19 Clinic Recognition Procedure #: OP001 Purpose: This procedure provides guidance for National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) to recognize clinics and other educational seminars. Scope: This procedure applies to any NWHA personnel who wish to recognize or organize clinics aimed at improving the training practices of walking horse owners. Clinics do not have to be specifically oriented toward gaited horses, but should address training and horsemanship issues that may be applied. Responsibilities: TITLE Directors Director of Operations Education Committee Description Directors assure that the rules for clinic recognition are in place and meet the needs and desires of the membership. Provides a venue for formal recognition. Provides forms, maintains and files copies. Assures that information is provided on web site and in NWHA News. Solicits clinicians. Provides information to NWHA membership. Promotes educational clinics List of Appendices: Appendix A Clinic Recognition Form NWHA Procedure # OP001 March 25,

20 Procedure: Procedure # OP001 NWHA strives to improve the education of gaited horse owners to promote horsemanship and eliminate abuse. To this end, NWHA will solicit clinicians to provide educational seminars on a variety of topics. NWHA will recognize these clinics and promote them through whatever venues are available to it. To recognize a clinic, complete the following: The clinic organizer will complete a clinic recognition form (Appendix A). Submit the form to the corporate office either electronically or on paper. The fee for clinic recognition is $25.00 The Director of Operations or his designee will affirm that the form is received. The Director of Operations or his designee will add the clinic date, time, and topic to the NWHA Calendar, so that it will appear both on the web site and in the NWHA News (if time permits). If the clinician or the organizer wishes, they may write a short course description to be posted on the web site along with the date and time. NWHA Procedure #OP001 March 25,

21 Appendix A NWHA Clinic Recognition Form Procedure # OP001 Clinic Name: Date: Clinician: Location: Organizer: Contact Information: Clinician phone number: Organizer phone number Brief description of clinic for web site (Maximum 100 words): NWHA Procedure #OP001 March 25,

22 Rule Change Procedure OP Purpose: This procedure provides guidance for the creation and changing of rules for the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA). 2 Scope: This procedure applies to all rules generated by the NWHA for the exhibition of horses. This procedure does not apply to rules governing business operations, nor does it apply to the generation of rules for versatility events. 3 Responsibilities: Rules Committee Chair Rules Committee Directors Executive Director Board Liaison Responsible for coordinating all horse show rule initiation and change. Provides recommendations to the Board of Directors. Compiles all public comment for review. Researches, develops, and presents new rules and rule changes for horse shows. Provides recommendations and rationale for approval by the Board of Directors. Assess the validity of any proposed rule change. Direct the rules committee to begin research and to develop recommendations on proposed new rules. Approve new rules as recommended by the Rules committee. Provide information to committee members and Directors as requested. Post proposed rule changes for public comment. Assure that new rule changes are posted and broadly announced. Provide information, reports and proposals from the Rules Committee to the Board of Directors. As a member of the committee, represent the Rules Committee at Board meetings and teleconferences. 4 Definitions: Rule Change Rule changes may be defined as: a. An entirely new rule b. A modification of an existing rule c. A new rule with relevant modifications to existing rules 5 List of Appendices: Appendix A: Rule Change Flow Chart NWHA Procedure # OP-301 1

23 Procedure # OP Procedures: 6.1 Rule Change Recommendations The following people or groups of people may recommend a rule change to either the NWHA Board of Directors (Board) or the Rules Committee (RC): Rules Committee General Membership Any Standing Committee Board member All recommendations for a rule change must be include the supporting member s (or members ) name(s), City, State, NWHA member number. Committees making a rule change recommendation may use instead their committee name. Rule change recommendations may be submitted on paper or electronically, but must not be proposed verbally. Proposers must present the desired rule change along with a stated rationale. The recommendation must include the reference number of the rule in question, or a proposal of a new reference number for the rule book. If a proposal is presented first to the RC, they may decide whether or not it warrants presentation to the Board, and may decide to proceed that way or to disregard it. The Board of Directors, upon receiving a recommendation for a rule change, will decide whether or not to pursue the feasibility of that change. Recommended rule changes will generally be presented to the Board at a regular meeting or teleconference, but if the situation warrants (safety, error, etc), the proposed change may be presented via at any time. The Board will decide whether the rule change is feasible. If the Board agrees that it is, the proposed rule is passed to the Rules Committee for discussion, study, recommendation, and construction. 6.2 Rules Committee Study and Recommendation When the Rules Committee (RC) receives a recommended rule or rule change from the Board, they will work to determine whether or not the change will be beneficial to the NWHA as a whole. The Committee will consider whether the proposed change: Promotes safety for horse and/or rider Promotes horse protection Clarifies ambiguous rule/s Tradition and professional opinion #OP /28/2008

24 Promotes class participation Simplifies Criteria to avoid lengthy classes and judging difficulty Helps ensure an even playing field Promotes a positive image Procedure # OP-301 The RC will develop a recommendation based on the factors above, and either decide that the proposed rule change is unwarranted or formally prepare it for member comment. If the RC determines that the recommended rule change should not be considered, they will provide that information directly to the Board. If the RC determines that the recommendation should be considered, the Formal rule proposal will include: The complete wording of the new rule The section number to be changed or inserted Rationale describing the RC s recommendations The RC will present the formal proposal to the Executive Director, who will assure that it is disseminated to the membership. The RC will work on only one recommended rule change at a time. Once the RC begins working on a change, it will not address another new recommended change until the one in progress is presented for Member comment. 6.3 Member Comment The Executive Director will post the proposed rule change on the interactive web site and cause it to be published in the next edition of the NWHA News. Following publication on the web site, the Executive Director will allow a period of 60 days for membership to comment on the proposal. The web page will forward all comments to all members of the RC and the Executive Director. The Executive Director (or designee) will forward all written comments received at the NWHA office to the Chairman of the RC for dispersal to the committee. Neither the Executive Director nor the RC should respond to comments received. Members should not be concerned about reproach for stating their opinion. 6.4 Special Provision In the event that a rule change directly affects horse protection or the safety of humans, AND if that rule change was supported unanimously by the RC, the public comment period may be circumvented and the rule change proposal submitted directly to the Board. In this case, the Board retains the authority to send the proposed rule back for member comment if it feels that member input would be beneficial. #OP /28/2008

25 Procedure # OP Rule Committees Formal Presentation Upon receipt of comments, the RC shall re-convene and again discuss the feasibility and reasons for the proposed rule change. Based on their discussion, the RC shall either decide not to pursue the rule change at all, modify the original proposal, or leave the original proposal intact. The RC will present its recommendation to the Board. This recommendation will take the form of either a recommendation to disregard or a DRAFT rule change. Unless the proposed rule change affects the safety of the horse and rider, the RC s proposals will be presented at regularly scheduled Board meetings or teleconferences. 6.6 Board Approval/Disapproval The Board will review and discuss the RC s formal presentation. If the presentation includes a DRAFT rule change, the Board will either approve or disapprove that change. If approved, the Executive Director will assure that the change is posted on the NWHA Web site and published in the NWHA News. Unless a rule change affects the safety of the horse or rider, all new rules will take effect at the beginning of the next show season, typically in October 1. If the Board disapproves the rule change, they may: Send the proposal back to the RC for more work Close the item #OP /28/2008

26 Procedure # OP-301 APPENDIX A #OP /28/2008

27 Sanctioning non-nwha Shows Proc #: OP002 Purpose: This procedure provides guidance for sanctioning shows that are not NWHA shows, thus recognizing that these shows offer additional opportunities for individuals to showcase their sound horses. Scope: This procedure applies to all NWHA and non-nwha personnel who would like to have their shows recognized by NWHA as a venue for the sound horse. Responsibilities: TITLE Directors Director of Operations Show Management Description Directors bear the responsibility for approving this procedure, and for its update should that be deemed necessary. The director of operations shall assure that personnel wishing to sanction a show follow this procedure and complete the necessary form. Individuals who have show management responsibility and who wish to have their shows sanctioned by NWHA will contact the Director of Operations, fill out the appropriate form, and certify that they do not have rail classes at their shows. Definitions: Word Definition List of Appendices: Appendix A NWHA Show Sanctioning Form NWHA Procedure # OP002 March 25,

28 Procedure # OP002 Procedure In an effort to recognize the versatility of the National Walking Horse, NWHA seeks to sanction shows and other competitive events where walking horses are included. These shows and events must NOT include traditional rail classes. In order for NWHA to sanction a show or event, the show manager must: Complete a sanctioning form Pay a fee of twenty five dollars per show Agree to assure that all walking horses present are in compliance with the Horse Protection Act Provide a prize list Send show results to NWHA. When a show or event is sanctioned, NWHA will advertise that event on its website and include them in any calendar of events that appears in the NWHA News. All points accumulated toward the Lifetime Superior Achievement Program will apply if the exhibitor provides his results at the end of the year and if the judge is licensed with any organization. Participants at sanctioned shows will receive points toward NWHA year-end high points if the show managers supply results to NWHA. NWHA Procedure # OP002 March 25,

29 Procedure # OP002 Appendix A NWHA Sanctioning Application & Agreement National Walking Horse Association PO Box 100, Whitesboro, TX Tel: (903) / FAX: (903) Name of Show Location Show Dates Starting Time Sponsoring Organization Show Manager/Chair Address Phone Number (Home) ( ) (Work) ( ) Show Secretary Address Phone Number (Home) ( ) (Work) ( ) Judge Judge By signing this form, show management agrees to: 1. Not include rail classes for Walking Horses or other gaited breeds. 2. To insure that all horses are in compliance with the Horse Protection Act since NWHA does not assign DQPs at NWHA Sanctioned Horse Shows. 3. When applicable, abide by the rules of the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) & the Horse Protection Act (HPA) & to honor, show management agrees to all disciplinary actions taken by the NWHA & the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 4. Employ appropriately qualified judges. (Judge's fee and travel expenses are negotiated between show management and judge.) 5. Send class sheets (walking horse classes only) to the NWHA within two weeks following the show. Show management further agrees to insure that the class entry sheets are complete & legible, including name of horse, owner, owner's address, rider, trainer and placement of entries. There is a $25 per show sanctioning fee. Signature Title Date PLEASE SEND THE $25 SANCTIONING FEE AND A COPY OF YOUR CLASS LIST WITH THIS APPLICATION. THANK YOU FOR SANCTIONING WITH THE NWHA NWHA offers the following benefits to sanctioning organizations: Advertisements of the sanctioning events will appear in the NWHA Procedure # OP002 March 25,

30 NWHA news and on the NWHA website. Procedure # OP002 NWHA Procedure # OP002 March 25,

31 Procedure #: OP403 Professional to Amateur Status Purpose: This procedure outlines the criteria for transferring from professional status to amateur status per NWHA Rule 6.4. Scope: This procedure applies to all NWHA members who have either held or claimed the status of a Professional and intend to claim the status of an Amateur. Title: A person must be inactive as a Professional for the same period of time he/she was a Professional for up to five years maximum. The Professional must notify the NWHA office in writing regarding his/her intent to change from Professional to Amateur status. Responsibilities: Executive Committee/Executive Director: Executive Director shall assure that individuals wishing to file their written intent have provided the necessary required information. Executive Director will submit to the Executive Committee for approval or disapproval. Executive Director will send acknowledgement letter. Definitions: Rulebook Section 6.1 Amateur (Note: If there is a question of whether or not a person is an Amateur, determination shall be made by the NWHA.) A. A person is an amateur for horse show purposes who, after his / her 18th birthday, does not engage in any activities which would cause him/her to be classified as a professional. B. A person who has not reached their 18th birthday is declared to be an amateur. Rulebook Section 6.2 Non-Amateurs A person is not an Amateur for horse show purposes if after his/her 18 th birthday that person: A. Engages in brokering, dealing in, hiring out, acts as a paid agent or takes on consignment for the purpose of sale or training horses/ponies other than those owned wholly or in part by him/her or by a family member. B. Accepts remuneration for riding, schooling, driving, showing in halter/in hand, training or conducting seminars. See Section 6.1 (F)(5) for exceptions. 1 April 14, 2009

32 C. Accepts prize money in Equitation or Showmanship classes. Prize money may be accepted by Amateur riders in Dressage. D. Rides or shows in halter/in hand in horse shows any horse for which he/she or family member accepts remuneration for boarding or training for a person outside of the immediate family. E. Accepts remuneration for employment in any capacity rides or shows in halter/in hand in horse shows, any horses which his/her employer or a member of the immediate family of such employer owns, boards or trains. F. Accepts remuneration for the use of his/her name, photograph or other form of personal association as a horseperson in connection with any advertisement or article to be sold. G. Stands a breeding stallion as his/her principal means of income. H. Accepts remuneration for employment in other capacity (secretary, bookkeeper, veterinarian, groom farrier) AND gives instruction, rides, drives, shows in halter/in hand, trains or schools horses, other than horses actually owned or lease by him/her, when his/her employer or member of the family of said employer or a corporation which a member of his/her family controls, owns, boards or trains said horses. Rulebook Section 6.3 Relative of a Professional A. Any member of a Professional s family who has reached his/her 18 th birthday is not an Amateur if he/she aids or assists in the activities which make the aforesaid a professional. B. Any member of a Trainer s immediate family who has reached his/her 18 th birthday shall not be considered an Amateur if he/she shows a customer s horse. C. Performing clerical work only or providing financial aid only is not deemed aiding or assisting. Procedure: A person must be inactive as a Professional for the same period of time he/she was a Professional for up to five years maximum. The Professional must notify the NWHA office in writing regarding his/her intent to change from Professional to Amateur status. This written notification shall be sent prior to the start date of intended status change requested by the Professional. The letter of intent must be accompanied by three separate affidavits from NWHA members as witness that the Professional requesting status change to an Amateur has not engaged in any activity that would cause him/her to be classified as a Professional during the same period of time he/she was a Professional for up to five years maximum. Upon receipt of the intent letter and three affidavits, the Executive Director shall forward the information to the President for distribution and consideration by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will then approve or deny the request and the Executive Director will notify the applicant of the results. If a written letter of intent is not accompanied by three affidavits, it will not be considered valid. 2 April 14, 2009

33 List of Appendices: Appendix A: Current National Walking Horse Rules and Regulations 2 April 14, 2009

34 NWHA Trainers Certification Standard Operating Procedures To advance integrity in training and compliance with NWHA s mission, vision, values and rules, the Trainers Committee of the National Walking Horse Association sets forth the procedure for recognition as an NWHA Certified Trainer. I. Eligibility Requirements for Recognition as an NWHA Certified Trainer A. Possess a current NWHA membership (Individual, Family or Life) and have been a member in good standing for at least one (1) year*. B. Be at least 25 years of age. C. HPA violation free for five (5) years prior to application submittal. Documented NWHA rule violations would be subject to review by the Trainers Committee. D. Affirm on application that soring practices are not a part of training techniques. *If an applicant does not meet the one-year membership requirement, he/she will be reviewed for a Trainer s Card, but will not be recognized as a Certified Trainer until the start of the next calendar year and upon meeting all other requirements of item I above. II. III. Application Criteria A. Submit NWHA Certified Trainer Application form to NWHA postmarked no later than September 1 prior to the calendar year for which application is being made (i.e. apply by September 1, 2013 for 2014 review/certification) B. Submit three references on NWHA Reference Form 1. Two references must be from persons experienced in the Walking Horse industry such as trainers, judges, DQP s, owners. 2. One reference, attesting to character, may be from within or without the industry. C. Application fee (noted on application form) must accompany the application. Approval Process A. Approval shall be conferred by the NWHA Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Trainers Committee. The Committee will review an application within 30 days of receiving the same into the NWHA office. The Committee s finding and recommendation shall be submitted to Board of Directors within 10 days of review. The Board will review and approve/deny the application at their next scheduled meeting. B. Upon approval by the Board of Directors, the trainer shall receive notification and, if approved, an updated NWHA Membership Card with certification noted. C. Trainers are expected to act professionally at all times. Integrity, honesty and good moral character are the keystones of a Certified trainer. SOP - NWHA Trainers Certification 1 (02/12/2013)

35 D. Designation as an NWHA Certified Trainer is a privilege, not a right, bestowed by NWHA according to procedures set forth by NWHA, to professional trainers whose equine expertise and personal character merit the honor. IV. Loss of NWHA Certified Trainer Designation A. A trainer may be removed from the NWHA Certified Trainer designation if the trainer violates HPA Rules or exhibits conduct unbecoming an NWHA Certified Trainer. Documented violation of a NWHA Rule and repeat offenses are subject to review/consideration by the Trainers Committee. B. The Trainers Committee shall review cases of revocation and shall make its recommendations to the Board of Directors for final determination. V. Renewal of NWHA Certified Trainer Designation A. Annual renewal shall be January 1 st at which time the Trainer shall submit to NWHA any changes in information, a statement of compliance with NWHA mission, values and rules and the annual renewal fee. The initial application fee shall be sufficient for the year of application until the end of the calendar year of initial application. Thereafter, the renewal fee shall be assessed annually. VI. Benefits of NWHA Certified Trainer Designation A. Prestige and credibility of approval by sound Walking Horse Organization affiliated with the United States Equestrian Federation. B. Designated in NWHA Literature. C. Designated on NWHA website with business information. D. Granted permission to use term NWHA Certified Trainer on the trainer s business materials. E. Such other benefits as NWHA may from time to time confer. ~End~ SOP - NWHA Trainers Certification 2 (02/12/2013)

36 Trail Riders Incentive Program (TRIP) Standard Operating Procedure Purpose: This procedure provides guidance for the National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) Trail Riders Incentive Program (TRIP). Scope: This procedure applies to any NWHA member who wishes to participate in TRIP. Responsibilities: Title Directors Dir of Operations Trail Committee Description Directors assure that TRIP rules are in place and meet the needs and desires of NWHA members Provides a venue for formal recognition of TRIP participants. Provides forms, maintains and files copies. Assures that information is provided on web site, in NWHA news and phone calls and s are answered in a timely manner. Solicits and encourages TRIP enrollment. Provides information to NWHA membership via National Walking Horse Association Trail Riders Facebook page, NWHA magazine and NWHA website. Procedures: 1. TRIP awards are presented at designated hourly levels and will accumulate from year to year. The hourly levels are as follows: a. 100 hours b. Every 250 hours thereafter 2. The annual high hour adult rider receives an annual award. 3. The high hour horse receives an annual award. 4. The high hour youth rider receives an annual award. 5. Logs must be received in the office by January 7 of each year to be eligible for year- end awards. 6. TRIP hours will accumulate from January 1- December 31 for the purposes of yearly high- hour awards. 7. A special distance award will be awarded to the member accumulating the highest number of hours at American Field Trial events. This will be a special award at the NWHA annual meeting. TRIP members need only note in their trail logs which rides are field trials in order to be eligible. TRIP Rules: 1. TRIP is open to any NWHA member and any gaited horse owned by an NWHA member. 2. There is not a fee to enroll. 3. As long as the horse is owned by any NWHA member, it may accumulate hours with any rider or any combination of riders to be counted towards the high hour horse award.

37 4. As long as the enrolled adult or youth remains an NWHA member, he/she may accumulate trail hours on any gaited horse to be counted towards the high hour rider award. 5. Trail riding time is to be reported in time spent in the saddle and not by the miles covered. Time is only counted while riding. No credit is given for arena riding, showing, riding in parades or riding within ½ a mile of owner s own home. 6. Trail hours will be counted in ¼ hour (15 minute) increments, with the time rounded out to the nearest ¼ hour and with a ½ hour minimum per ride. 7. Hours must be reported on the official log forms with a separate log for each participating horse and/or rider. These forms are available online or can be mailed/ ed upon request. 8. Hours spent in the saddle for Field Trials may be counted towards TRIP.