Breeding Assessment & Sport Show FAQ

Can I bring my own shavings?

Yes.

When can I haul in?

Grounds open on Sunday, September 29 at 1:00 PM. Call Virginia at (515) 556-3307 if you need to arrive earlier.

Do I have to strip my own stall before leaving?

Yes, please!

Will there be refreshments on the grounds?

We will have coffee and pastry in the mornings, provided at no cost to participants. You can sign up for lunch on Saturday and Sunday and/or dinner on Saturday when you submit your stalling request.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are allowed but must be supervised and on a leash.

Do I need to have my horse shod to compete?

No. However, you must adhere to FEIF rules concerning shoeing. Please see Sport Rules Guideline G8.3.2.

Are there specific rules addressing protective equipment such as boots?

Yes. Please see Sport Rules Guideline G8.5.

Are there specific guidelines for appropriate tack?

Yes. There are specific rules regarding saddles, bridles, bits and whips. Tack requirements can be found in Sport Rules Guideline G8.

Can anyone ride in an open class?

Anyone age 14 and over can ride in an open class. Professionals cannot ride in an amateur class.

How do I know which division to compete in?

Most divisions in Icelandic horse competitions are based on the competition record and experience of the rider. Exceptions include several optional US divisions, which use the date of the horse or rider's first live competition to determine eligibility (Green Horse and Beginning Rider Divisions).

Open: The Open division includes National Ranking classes T1, T2, T3, T4, V1,V2, F1 and F2, which are ridden individually (for the virtual show). Any rider age 14 and older can compete in Open classes. Riders in the Open division generally have the most riding and competition experience.

Professional riders are defined as one who has accepted remuneration of any kind within a two-year period prior to the show in question for training or riding Icelandic Horses.

Intermediate: The Intermediate division is open to non-professional riders who have not achieved a final score of 6.0 or higher three times, riding the same or different horses, in a specific discipline at USIHC National Ranking competitions. Intermediate National Ranking classes are: T5, T6 and V3.

Novice: The Novice division is open to non-professional riders who have not achieved a score of 5.0 or higher three times, riding the same or different horses, in a specific discipline three times at USIHC National Ranking competitions. Novice National Ranking classes are T7 and V5. * Please note that Novice riders are required to ride with snaffle bits (USIHC rule).

Youth: Youth classes (riders under 16 years old) National Ranking classes are T8 and V6.

Green Horse (US Division): Horses are eligible for this division for two consecutive calendar years starting with their first participation in a live National Ranking show (or its equivalent).

Novice Horse (US Division): Horses which have graduated Green Horse.