Rules on protective boots/wraps at county fair shows? ?

Question

This fall I am hoping to take my mare in addition to my gelding to a few of the local shows at the fairs. I have looked at the class lists and I cannot find any rules pertaining to protective leg wear for the horses. My mare is older, and has some arthritis in her hocks, so I never ride her without sport meds on all four legs. Any ideas on if this is allowed is the classes? She would either be entered in the adult or open english division. (Berlin Fair in CT)

I also now ride her bitless. Are those types of bridles acceptable? Thanks for any info!

Answer 1

You didn't say what you're showing your mare in.  Whatever it is, the rules at the county fair will be the same as the rules in non-county fair shows of the same discipline.  

Like, hunters don't allow leg gear, but jumpers do, etc.  It will be the same rules at the fair.

Answer 2

If it isn't disallowed, then it must be OK.  At our local fair, many horses had leg wraps, but there was a rule about bits.  I would go with a bit, just to be safe.

Answer 3

Typically no, you are not allowed to show in protective boots or training gear. It all depends on what rulebook the show is based on (usually AQHA or AHSA) which both state you cannot show in your boots.

as for the bitless bridle, bosals are allowed in western divisions for junior horses, 5 or under. In the english division, hackamores are typically not allowed, except for jumping hackamores in timed jumper events. For the show I would suggest switching her to a mild snaffle or a possibly a straight-bar to keep her soft

good luck!!

Answer 4

i take it since you are talking about county fair, you mean 4-h... if so you should be able to go your state 4-h website and most the time there is a search box somewhere on the page... if not, just look on there and it should have links or something to project manuals.

more than likely you wont be able to use protective leg wear or ride her bit-less... if you can't find the information on the website, go to your county extension office and ask for a horse project manual