Specifications - M&S Insurance League

Specifications - M&S Insurance League

General Membership: The Rider must be a League member in order for points to count. Any horse shown by a member rider will earn points in the division. Rider membership must be received in the League Office within 10 days after the completion of a League show in order for points from that show to count. Points will not be retroactive.

Annual Fee: The Annual Fee is $40 per rider, payable and mailed to Marshall & Sterling Insurance League, 319 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477. Alternatively, riders may apply online at www.hitsshows.com or at any member horse show.

2023 Season Dates: The 2023 season will include all shows starting on or after August 29, 2022, through shows starting on or before August 27, 2023.

*Member shows may offer M&S classes at no more than two shows in a seven-day period.

Divisions Sanctioned

Hunters

 

Children's Hunter Classic (3'/Horses, 2'6”/Lg Ponies, 2'/Sm/Med Ponies)

 

Adult Hunter Classic (3') 

 

Schneiders Saddlery™ 3'5" Hunter – Sponsored by Schneiders Saddlery™

 

Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic (2'6”)

 

HITS Hunter 1 (2'0”) - HITS Exclusive

 

HITS Hunter 2 (2'6”) - HITS Exclusive

 

HITS Hunter 3 (2'9") - HITS Exclusive

 
 

HITS Novice Children’s Hunter Classic (2’6”) – HITS Exclusive

 

 

HITS Novice Adult Hunter Classic (2’6”) - HITS Exclusive

 

Jumpers

 

Children's Jumper (3'6”)

 

Adult Jumper (3'6")

 

Modified Child/Adult Jumper Classic (2’11”) – HITS Exclusive

 

 

Child/Adult Jumper Classic Low (3’3”) – HITS Exclusive

 

Equitation

 

M&S Junior Medal (3'6”)

 

M&S Adult Medal (3') – Sponsored by Dover Saddlery™

 

M&S Children's Horse Medal (3') – Sponsored by Pyranha™

 

M&S 2'6" Adult Medal (2'6")

 

M&S 2'6" Children's Medal (2'6")

 

M&S Jr/Am Horsemanship (3'3")

 

M&S Children's Large Pony Medal (2'6”)

 

M&S Children's Small /Medium Pony Medal (2')

National Finals: The National Finals will be held at HITS-on-the-Hudson, Saugerties, New York on  September 13-17, 2023
Midwest Finals: The Midwest Finals will be held at Lamplight Equestrian, Wayne, Illinois during the Lamplight Fall Classic I on September 13-17, 2023.
West Coast Finals: The West Coast Finals will be held at Del Mar Showpark, Del Mar, California during the Del Mar Fall Classic on September 27-October 1, 2023.

Results

Results must be received within 21 days of the completion of the show and must include:

 

Class results for each Marshall & Sterling class or classic.

 

Champion and Reserve results for each hunter division (or submit their entire Championship Report).

 

Payment of Show Dues.

Results must show Horse, Owner, Rider, Addresses, and Prize Money Won, where applicable. When classes are combined, results must indicate in which section points are to be awarded. Note: Results not received within 21 days, or without payment will not be processed.

HUNTER SPECIFICATIONS
Regular Division Requirements -
In all Classes or Classics, three riders must complete the course for points to count.

Encouraged Classes / Divisions

Schneiders Saddlery™ 3'5" Hunter Division: must offer at least three classes (two over fences and an under saddle) with a championship. One class must be designated as the Marshall & Sterling point class. Prize money is encouraged.

Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic: A 2'6” classic for the novice-type children's and adult rider. Must be held as a separate, two-round classic. (i.e., the first round may not be a designated class of a division). Prize money is optional.

Eligibility

Children’s Hunter Horse Classic

 

Open to Junior riders on horses.  To be run as a two-round classic. Round one may be a designated over-fences class from the regular division.  Classic can be run separately or combined with Ponies and/or Adult Hunters.  Prize money is optional.

Fences 3’0”

 

 

Children’s Hunter Pony Classic

 

Open to Junior riders on Small, Medium or Large ponies.  To be run as a two-round classic. Round one may be a designated over-fences class from the regular division.  A separate Classic may be run for Small/Medium and Large ponies.  Classic can be run separately or combined with Children’s Horse and/or Adult Hunters.  Prize money is optional.

Fences
2’6”
(Large)
2’0”
(Sm/Med)

 

 

Adult Amateur Hunter Classic 

 

Open to Adult Amateur riders on horses.  To be run as a two-round classic. Round one may be a designated over-fences class from the regular division.  Classic can be run separately or combined with Children’s Hunter Horses and/or Ponies.  Prize money is optional.

Fences 3’0”

 

Schneiders Saddlery™ 3'5" Hunter* 

 

A Schneiders Saddlery™ 3'5" Hunter is a horse of any age and is not restricted by previous showing in any division. Open to Junior, Adult Amateurs and Professional riders on horses. Prize money is optional.  Points will be awarded in one designated M&S class in the division and to the division champion and reserve.

Fences 3'5”

Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic

 

Open to Junior or Amateur riders. No cross entry of horse/pony or rider into the M&S Children’s Horse, Pony or Adult Hunter Classic. No cross entry of rider into any rated Hunters or any class with fences of 3’ or higher.  Prize money is optional.

Fences 2'6”

HITS Hunter 1*

 

Open to horses and ponies exclusively at HITS horse shows. Horses and riders may cross-enter into any division for which they are eligible.

Fences 2'0”

HITS Hunter 2*

Open to horses and ponies exclusively at HITS horse shows. Horses and riders may cross-enter into any division for which they are eligible.  

Fences 2'6”

HITS Hunter 3*

 

Open to horses and ponies exclusively at HITS horse shows. Horses and riders may cross-enter into any division for which they are eligible.  

Fences 2'9"

   

HITS Novice Children’s Hunter Classic

 

Open to Junior riders on horses or ponies exclusively at HITS horse shows. To be run as a standalone one-round classic. Can be run separately or combined with Novice Adult.  The horse or pony exhibiting, must have entered, shown and completed the course in two over fences classes at the same show. No cross-entry of rider into any Rated Hunter at the same show. Prize money is optional.

Fences 2’6”

 

HITS Novice Adult Hunter Classic

 

Open to Amateur riders exclusively at HITS horse shows. To be run as a standalone one-round classic. Can be run separately or combined with Novice Children.  The horse exhibiting, must have entered, shown and completed the course in two over fences classes at the same show. No cross-entry of rider into any Rated Hunter at the same show. Prize money is optional.

Fences 2’6”

 

*Open to Junior, Amateur and Professional riders. (Also see Option B Below.)

 

Eligibility for Children's and Adult Hunters will be determined by show management.

 

Points
Awarded to the horse, provided the rider is a League Member. Points will be awarded to sixth place in each division in the same manner as Hunter Championships (i.e.; 10, 6, 4, 2, 1, ½). Points will be awarded on this scale regardless of the number of entries in the class. In the case of a combined class (i.e.: Children's/Adult Hunter), points will be awarded according to the ribbon won. Bonus Points will be awarded to the Champion (10 pts.) and Reserve Champion (6 pts.) in each division (not applicable for Bit o' Straw Hunter Classic). Only horses shown by Member Riders will have their points recorded.

Conduct
Option A – Classic: Required for Children's Horse and Pony Hunters; Adult Hunters; and Bit O' Straw Hunters.

Criteria

A Hunter Classic must be offered for Children's Hunters, Adult Hunters, and the Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic. The Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic must be held as a separate two-round classic (i.e., the first round may not be a designated class of a division). Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count.  The rider need not be a member to compete, but only horses ridden by members will have their points recorded.

Special  Circumstances - Combining Classics

If there are fewer than 8 entries in either the Children's or Adult Hunter classic, the Classics may be combined at management's discretion. If there are fewer than 3 entries in either classic, the classics must be combined. When the Classics are combined under these circumstances and prize money is offered, the prize money and entry fee may be the lower of the two published in the Prize List. Points will be awarded according to the ribbon won.

Option B – The Designated Class System (Option B) will be used for the Schneiders Saddlery™ 3'5" Hunters and HITS 1 and HITS 2 Hunters. In this case, the last class of the division, or another class in the division designated by show management will count as the Marshall & Sterling Class. The Designated Class must be indicated in the prize list and on the time schedule.

JUMPER SPECIFICATIONS 

Ranking Criteria
Horses will be ranked based on points earned in their division during the current season.  A horse's points won will be recorded only if the rider of record is a current League Member. A horse may accrue points won in any division for which it is eligible, and may accrue points won in multiple divisions, with multiple riders, provided the rider of record is a current League Member. Eligibility will be determined by show management.

Child/Adult Jumper Classic (High)

Open to Junior and Adult Amateur riders.  The horse must have entered in at least one other Jumper class at the same show.  Fences 3’7”

Modified Child/Adult Jumper Classic – HITS Exclusive

Open to Junior or Adult riders exclusively at HITS horse shows.  The horse must have shown in at least one other Modified Children’s or Adult Jumper Class at the same show.  Riders may not show in any class with fence heights 3’6” or over.  Fences 2’11”

Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic – HITS Exclusive

Open to Junior or Adult riders exclusively at HITS horse shows.  The horse must have shown in at least one other Child or Adult Jumper Low Class at the same show.  Horse/Rider combination may not compete in the Child/Adult Jumper High Classic at the same show.  No cross entry of Horse or Rider into the Junior/Amateur or A-O Jumper Classics.  Fences 3’3”

Points / Money Won

Points are awarded to the horse, provided the rider is a League Member.

For all Jumper Classics: Points will be awarded to sixth place in each division in the same manner as Jumper Championships (i.e.; 10, 6, 4, 2, 1, ½). Points will be awarded on this scale regardless of the number of entries in the class. In the case of a combined class (i.e., Children's/Adult Jumper), points will be awarded according to the ribbon won. Only horses shown by Member Riders will have their points recorded.

A Classic must be offered for all Children's and Adult Jumpers.

Criteria
Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider need not be a member to compete, but only horses ridden by members will have their points recorded.

 

Prize Money for Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper Classic (High)

Minimum Prize Money must be offered as follows:

Children's Jumper
Adult Amateur Jumper
Combined Child/Adult Jumper

$1,000
$1,000
$1,500

Note: One and two-day horse shows may offer the Children's and Adult Jumper Classics separately or combined, with a total of $500 in prize money ($250 for each classic, or $500 if combined).
Note: Minimum Prize Money must be awarded as published in Prize List.

Special Circumstances - Combining Classes: It is suggested that separate classics be offered for Children's and Adult Jumpers with minimum prize money of $1,000 in each classic. A combined Children's/Adult Jumper classic may be offered with minimum prize money of $1,500. The Children's and Adult Amateur Jumper Classics may be combined if there are less than 20 entries in either Classic and less than 30 entries combined. The Classics must be combined if there are less than three entries in either Classic. When the Classics are combined under these circumstances, the prize money and entry fee may be the lower of the two published in
the Prize List. Points will be awarded according to the ribbon won.                      .

Note: Any discrepancy in results must be reported to the League Office within 30 days of posted results. Discrepancies in results and/or points will not be considered after September 7, 2023. Exhibitors are responsible for knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the League and are responsible for their own errors and omissions. Any conditions and/or questions that may arise, if not specifically covered herein, will be decided by the League Directors, their decision to be final.

 EQUITATION SPECIFICATIONS

Ranking Criteria: Riders will be ranked in the Standings based on points earned throughout the current season. The rider must be a member in order for points to count.  Riders may compete in one Medal section only.  All medal riders may compete in the Jr/Am Horsemanship at 3'3".

Points: Awarded to the rider, provided the rider is a League member. Points will be awarded to sixth place in the same manner as Hunter Championships (i.e.; 10, 6, 4, 2, 1, ½). Points will be awarded on this scale regardless of the number of entries in the class. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. 

CLASS CONDITIONS

M&S Junior Medal

 

Open to Junior Riders. To be shown over a minimum of 8 fences at 3'6” including a combination and at least two changes of direction after the first fence. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same horse must be used in all phases. Only one rider per horse. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count. t May not be combined with any other M&S Medal.

 

Fences 3'6”

Adult Medal 3’ - Sponsored by Dover Saddlery™

 

Open to Adult Amateur Riders. To be shown over a minimum of 8 fences at 3' including a combination and at least two changes of direction after the first fence. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same horse must be used in all phases. Only one rider per horse. Three riders must complete the course for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count.  May be combined with Child Horse and/or Pony Medal.

 

Fences 3'

Children's Horse Medal  3’ – Sponsored by Pyranha™

 

Open to Junior Riders on horses that are not competing in any Hunter or Equitation class in which the fences exceed 3’3”. To be shown over a minimum of 8 fences at 3’ including a combination and at least two changes of direction after the first fence. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same horse must be used in all phases. Only one rider per horse. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count.  No cross entry of rider into the M&S Children’s Pony Medal at the same show. May be combined with Dover Saddlery™ Adult and/or Pony Medal.  

 

Fences 3'

M&S 2'6" Children's Medal

 

Open to Junior Riders on horses or ponies that are not competing at the same show in any class with fences exceeding 3'. To be shown over a minimum of 8 fences the required height including at least two changes of direction after the first fence. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same horse must be used in all phases. Only one rider per horse. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count. No cross entry of rider into the M&S Children's Pony Medal at the same show. May ONLY be combined with M&S 2'6" Adult Medal.

 

Fences 2'6"

M&S 2'6" Adult Medal

 

Open to Adult Amateur Riders that are not competing at the same show in any class with fences exceeding 3'. To be shown over a minimum of 8 fences at 2'6"' including at least two changes of direction after the first fence. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same horse must be used in all phases. Only one rider per horse. Three riders must complete the course for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count. May ONLY be combined with M&S 2'6" Children's Medal.

 

Fences 2'6"

M&S Children's Medal – Pony

 

Open to Junior Riders on ponies that are not competing at the same show in any class with fences at 3' or higher. To be shown over a minimum of 8 fences at the required height with at least two changes of direction after the first fence. A combination is optional, and must be adjusted according to fence heights. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. The same pony must be used in all phases. Only one rider per pony. (Riders may not ride in more than one height section of the class.) Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. The rider must be a member in order for points to count.  No cross-entry of rider into the Pyranha™ Children's Horse Medal or Children's 2'6" Medal at the same show. May be combined with Pyranha™ Children’s Medal and/or the Dover Saddlery™ Adult Medal.

(Fence heights above are suggested, and should be used whenever possible. If Children's Hunter Pony specifications differ, show management may offer pony medal  fence heights according to those specifications.)

 

Fences 2'6"
(Large)

Fences 2'0"
(Sm/Med)

M&S Jr/Am Horsemanship

 

Open to Juniors and Amateurs. No cross-entry restrictions. Over fences phases to be shown over a minimum of 8 fences at 3'3” including at least one combination (a double and a triple are preferred) and two changes of direction after the first fence. A Liverpool is encouraged. At least 12 riders, if available, to return to show on the flat. Flat phase to include the working walk, working trot sitting, working trot rising, work trot rising showing a lengthening of stride, working canter, working canter showing a lengthening of stride, and the counter canter (no more than 12 to counter canter at the same time). The same horse must be used in all phases. Running martingale or standing martingale allowed in the jumping phase. No martingales allowed in the flat phase. Change of bridle is permissible between phases.

 

Fences 3'3 "

 

 

Special Circumstances: M&S Children's Medals: Separate Finals for Horses and Ponies will be offered. Points will be tabulated separately. Shows are encouraged to offer separate M&S classes, but may, at their discretion, offer a combined class if entries and scheduling warrant. If a combined class is offered, fence heights and combinations must be adjusted for ponies. Results must distinguish between horses and ponies and must categorize the size of the pony (i.e. Sm/Med or Large). Points will be awarded according to the ribbon won.