SHOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR WHSA MEMBERS 

The common goal of showing your horse is to promote the Waler breed. However, there are rules and a few key things that should be remembered to ensure that we get the right message across about our horses. These are: 

1. It is imperative that professional conduct is always demonstrated. 

2. Waler classes are for Purebred Waler horses only, unless otherwise stated. Part bred Waler horses may only enter classes for Part bred Waler horses. If there is any doubt regarding eligibility of a horse the Show Coordinator /Ground Jury is to be contacted. 

3. Any horse shown in a Waler class must be Registered, or Foal Recorded if under three years of age. 

4. Registration pending letters issued and signed by the Studbook Keeper are also acceptable at certain shows (excluding Royal Shows) up to the expiry date of the letter. 

5. Proof of Registration or Foal Recording should be carried at all times. 

6. Handlers must either be financial members or take out Day Membership each day of the Show.

7. Proof of membership should be carried at all times. 

8. Failure to provide proof of membership, Registration or Foal Recording may result in forfeit of award and dismissal from the Waler breed class until proof can be provided. 

9. Any rider under the age of 18 years, riding a horse at a show must wear protective headgear to the current EA standards.

10. Always endeavour to have full control of your horse. Take extra care with stallions, young horses or inexperienced horses. If at any time your horse causes any type of disruption you should apologise and remedy the situation as best and as quickly as possible. 

11. Remember you may be liable for any damage or injury to another animal, human or property at a show. 

12. Remember you are also there to have a good time! Don't let competitiveness or a certain decision spoil the day for you. Every judge is different and personal likes do come into play when judging. The judge’s decision is final on the day, however you may approach the Judge at the close of the Show to ask about a decision.

13. Always remember to follow show protocol and the rules of both the EA, Agricultural Society and of the Waler Horse Society of Australia

GENERAL PRESENTATION OF HORSES AND HANDLERS 

1. Horses must be clean and well groomed.

2. Trimming of ear hair and any sensory hair/whiskers is forbidden and will result in elimination.

3.  Hooves cleaned and correctly trimmed, or shod. Hoof black or clear enamel may be used. 

4. Horses that are feathered should be shown in full feather. In the case of feathered horses, oiling of hooves with clear oil is acceptable. 

5. Horse make-up may be used. 

6. Horses may be shown with free flowing, plaited or hogged mane. 

7. Stallions/colts (over 12 months) – must be correctly bitted and/or with chain and under control whilst in hand. Stallion/colt handlers must be over the age of 18.

8. Gear must be clean and must fit the horse correctly. 

9. Handlers must be neat and tidy. 

10. Attire must be clean, dirty boots or clothing is not acceptable. 

11. Crops/whips are allowed in led and ridden classes, and must be no longer than 75cm. 

12. Stock whips may be carried in working classes. 

13. Dummy Spurs are permitted in ridden classes – spikes not permitted. 

RECOMMENDED ATTIRE/TACK

Working attire: (suitable for led and ridden classes) 

1. Hat - Akubra style hat, EA approved riding helmet if under 18 years old. 

2. Shirt - Collared plain or fine checked long sleeve shirt (light blue preferred).

3. Jacket - Sports equestrian style jacket (tweed or dark colour). 

4. Trousers - Moleskins or working cut style (fawn/beige) jeans/pants. 

5. Skirts (led class only) – women/girls may also wear neat skirt of mid to long length (fawn). 

6. Tie - WHSA tie or narrow plain coloured tie. Tie pins are allowed. 

7. Boots – short EA approved boots with heel & non-grip sole.

8. Gloves may be worn.

Working horse tack: (ridden) 

1. Bridle – leather Barcoo bridle preferred. 

2. Saddle – Stock, half-breed or fender saddle is acceptable. Breastplates are permitted. Western saddles not permitted.

3. Bit - Snaffle, no curb bits permitted. 

4. Saddle blanket - WHSA Saddle blanket preferred.  Plain black, white , or dark coloured saddle cloth is permitted.

Promotional attire: 

1. Hat - Akubra style hat (fawn) or WHSA cap (hat, NOT cap to be worn when entering the main of a Royal Show). 

2. Shirt - Black polo top with WHSA logo. 

3. Trousers - Fawn or light-coloured working cut trousers (moleskins, or Jodhpurs) 

4. Boots – EA approved riding boots with heel & non-grip sole, black or brown

Promotional horse tack: 

1. Saddle blanket - The WHSA Saddle blanket is black with grey piping and the WHSA logo/patch at the rear on one or both sides and is recommended for shows, parades and general riding activities. 

Working horse tack: (led) 

• *  Bridle - leather Barcoo bridle preferred. 

• *  Halter - leather led halter. Leather led line with or without chain may be used. 

English style tack attire: (suitable for led and ridden classes) 

• *  Hat – EA approved riding helmet, or bowler hat 

• *  Shirt - Hacking or dressage collared shirt 

• *  Jacket - Hacking or dressage jacket 

• *  Trousers - Jodhpurs (fawn) 

• *  Tie - Hacking tie or dressage stock (no tie required if wearing a dressage stock) Tie/stock pin is allowed. 

• *  Boots – EA approved riding boots or long boots (black or brown) with heel & non-grip sole

• *  Gloves permitted

English style horse tack - Ridden

• *  Bridle - Leather hacking or dressage style bridle. Nosebands are permitted. 

• *  Saddle - Dressage, hacking or all-purpose saddle. Breastplates, martingales are not permitted. 

• *  Bit - Snaffle bits permitted. 

• *  Saddle blanket - WHSA Saddle blanket preferred - Black with grey piping and the WHSA logo on the rear corner of both sides. White blankets with the WHSA logo may be used for dressage or plain white in accordance with EA official competition guidelines. 

English/tack horse tack: (led) 

• Bridle - Leather hacking or dressage style bridle. 

• Bit - Snaffle bit permitted. 

Light horse uniform: 

Traditional Light Horse uniform may be worn in accordance with the official guidelines of the Australian Light Horse Association. 

Light horse tack: 

Traditional Light Horse tack may be worn in accordance with the official guidelines of the Australian Light Horse Association.