Bylaws
These Bylaws were approved at a meeting of the Board of Directors of POHA on January 16, 2010
2010 POHA POINT CLASSES
1. Halter Colts & Fillies, 2 Yrs. & Younger
2. Halter Mares
3. Halter Stallions & Geldings
4. Adult Showmanship at Halter
5. Youth Showmanship at Halter, No Stallions
~~~~~~~~ 15 minute break ~~~~~~~~
Classes 6-15 judged according to USEF rules:
6. Cross Rails Hunter Over Fences 18” (W/T)
7. Cross Rails Equitation 18” (W/T) **can not cross enter into classes 9-15**
8. Walk/Trot Hunter Under Saddle
9. Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Over Fences 2'
10. Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Equitation Over Fences 2'
11. Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Hunter Under Saddle
12. Hunter Hack 2’ (Judged by AQHA rules)
13. POHA Hunter Over Fences 2'3"-2'6"
14. POHA Equitation Over Fences 2'3"-2'6"
15. POHA Hunter Under Saddle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Classes 16-49 judged according to AQHA rules:
16. Walk/Trot Hunt Seat Equitation
(may not also enter class 17 or 18!)
17. Adult Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat
18. Youth Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat
19. 12 & Under Walk-Trot (English)
20. Green Horse and/or Rider English, W/T
(Horse or Rider's first year of showing)
21. Youth English Walk/Trot
22. Adult English Walk/Trot
23. Youth English Pleasure
24. Adult English Pleasure
25. Open English Pleasure
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
26. Walk/Trot Trail
(may not also enter class 27!)
27. Open Trail
28. Tots Lead In
29. Select Walk/Jog (Adults 45 and over)
30. Disciplined Rail(advanced riders only)
31. 12 & Under Walk-Jog (Western)
32. Green Horse and/or Rider, Western, W/J
(Horse or Rider's first year of showing)
33. Novice Western Pleasure
34. Youth Western, Walk/Jog
35. Adult Western, Walk/Jog
36. Youth Western Pleasure
37. Adult Western Pleasure
38. Open Western Pleasure
39. Walk/Jog Horsemanship
(may not also enter class 40 or 41!)
40. Adult Horsemanship, Western
41. Youth Horsemanship, Western
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
42. Youth Poles
43. Adult Poles
44. Open Poles .
45. Green Horse and/or Rider, Poles
46. Green Horse and/or Rider, Barrels
(Horse or Rider's first year of showing)
47. 12 & Under Barrels
48. Youth Barrels
49. Adult Barrels
50. Open Barrels
Palmetto Open Horseshow Association BY-LAWS
ARTICLE 1 - NAME, PURPOSE
1.01. The name of the organization shall be Palmetto Open Horseshow Association, hereinafter referred to as POHA.
1.02. The Palmetto Open Horseshow Association has been formed to provide fair and professional competition for all horseman and horsewoman of all ages and to encourage good sportsmanship and proper conduct among all persons interested in horses. Our purpose is also to provide an open show association developed specifically for the exhibitors and their horses.
ARTICLE 2 - MEMBERSHIP
2.01. Membership shall consist of exhibitors with a registered POHA horse for each show season and includes all board members. In the case that an exhibitor is a youth, their legal guardian shall have their official membership vote.
ARTICLE 3 - ANNUAL MEETING
3.01. The date of the regular annual meeting shall be set by the Board of Directors who shall also set the time and place. All members are welcome.
3.02. Special Meetings. Two or more officers may call a special meeting with a two weeks notice, if possible.
3.03. Notice of each meeting shall be given to each board member, by e-mail or phone call. It is up to the board if the meeting is open to all members. Unless there is an emergency situation or there is a sensitive subject to discuss, it is encouraged that all members be invited to attend.
ARTICLE 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
4.01. The Board is responsible for overall policy and direction of the Association, and delegates responsibility for day-to-day operations to the board members and its committees.
4.02. Meetings. The Board shall meet at least annually, at an agreed upon time and place.
4.03. Board Elections. Election of new officers shall be done at the end of each show season for the following year. POHA Horse Registrations will be accepted as defined by the current President.
4.04. Terms. All Board members shall serve one year terms, but are eligible for re-election.
4.05. Quorum. A quorum must be attended by at least 66% percent of the Board members before business can be transacted or motions made or passed.
4.06. These Bylaws may be amended when necessary by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Secretary to be sent out with regular Board announcements.
ARTICLE 5: Officers and Duties.
5.01. There shall be five officers of the Board consisting of a President, Vice-President, Points Administrator, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Youth Council President. Their duties are as follows:
• The President shall convene regularly scheduled Board meetings, shall preside or arrange for other members of the board to preside at each meeting.
• The Vice-President will chair committees on special subjects as designated by the board.
• The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of Board actions, including overseeing the taking of minutes at all board meetings, sending out meeting announcements, distributing copies of minutes, updating by-laws, and assuring that proper records are maintained.
• The Treasurer shall make a report at each Board meeting. Treasurer shall chair the finance committee, assist in the preparation of the budget, help develop fundraising plans, and make financial information available to Board members and the public.
• Web Design/Points Administrator will keep the website up to date and will post the points from each show.
• Youth Council President will coordinate youth activities and chair clinic planning committee.
5.02. Vacancies. When a vacancy on the Board exists, the President may receive nominations for from the board members for filling the vacancy. These nominations shall be sent out to Board members with the regular Board meeting announcement, to be voted upon at the next Board meeting. These vacancies will be filled only to the end of the vacant Board member's term.
5.03. Resignation, Termination and Absences. Resignation from the Board must be in writing and received by the Secretary. A Board member shall be dropped for excess absences from the Board if s/he has three unexcused absences from Board meetings in a year. A Board member may be removed for other reasons by a three-fourths vote of the remaining directors.
5.04. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board shall be called upon the request of the Chair or one-third of the Board. The Secretary shall send out notices of special meetings to each Board member postmarked two weeks in advance.
ARTICLE 6 - Committees
6.01. The Board may create committees as needed, such as fundraising, housing, etc. The President appoints all committee chairmen.
6.02. The six officers serve as the members of the Executive Board. Association decisions are based on majority vote.
6.03. Finance Committee. The Treasurer is chair of the Finance Committee, which includes two other Board members. The Finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures, fundraising plans, and annual budget the other Board members. The Board must approve the budget, and all expenditures must be within the budget unless approved unanimously by the Executive Board. The Executive Board must approve any major change in the budget. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year. Annual reports are required to be submitted to the Board showing income and expenditures. The financial records of the association are public information and shall be made available to the Board members. A treasury report should be submitted to the board after each show or clinic.
PALMETTO OPEN HORSESHOW ASSOCIATION
SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 7 – Disciplinary Action.
7.01. These rules and regulations shall become and be effective January 20, 2010. These rules and regulations as printed shall be used at all POHA Horse Shows.
7.02. Violations and Grievances:
A. If anyone is accused of a violation, he/she shall be given not less than fifteen (15) days notice of a time/place he/she shall have an opportunity to be heard and to present evidence in his/her behalf and to hear and refute evidence offered against him/her.
B. Whenever anyone disagrees with an official decision, his/her complaint may be made to the Executive Board for a fee of $50.00. Should the Executive Board be in agreement with the individual making the complaint, his/her money shall be refunded.
C. The decision of the Executive Board shall be final and binding on all parties.
PLEASE NOTE: When an Exhibitor, Trainer, Spectator and/or Representative is guilty of improper conduct, POHA can suspend the rights to participate in future POHA show for a period found appropriate by the POHA Executive Board. This suspension will include suspension of any horses owned or exhibited by the suspended
person according to Association records at the time of the offense. The person showing improper conduct will be approached on the day of the offense by the Executive Board and Show Committee and will be asked to leave the show grounds. Within 10 days a certified letter stating the terms and length of suspension will be sent by the POHA Executive Board to notify the offender of the decision. Registration fees will NOT be refunded. Improper conduct includes excessive abuse to a horse, offensive comments or actions to a judge, ring crew, spectators and/or fellow exhibitors.
ARTICLE 8 – Horse Registration, Points and Fees
8.01. Horse Registration and Points: In order to POHA Register a horse:
A. A registration fee of $25.00 per horse must be paid to the treasurer or show office. If the registration fee is paid after March 17, the fee goes up to $30.
B. All POHA Horse Registrations received at a show must be signed, dated, and the time that it was signed, by a POHA Officer. Any points received prior to POHA signing the POHA Horse Registration form do not count toward year end awards.
C. A horse must be POHA registered to be eligible for yearend awards.
D. A horse must be shown in 5 of the 7 shows to be eligible for yearend awards.
E. When a POHA registered horse changes ownership, the original owner notifies the
Points Secretary. Points will remain with the horse if the new owner pays a $30 registration fee to POHA.
8.02. Show Fees
A. Each class will have a $7 fee pre-registration or $8 day of show.
.
B. There shall be an all day show fee of $50 available for all exhibitors. This fee is for one horse/one rider combination only. If another exhibitor rides the same horse, they also have to pay for their classes or another all day fee. Or if an exhibitor pays the all day show fee for one horse and also shows another horse, they must pay for those classes or another all day show fee.
C. There will no refunds on the $50 all day fee.
D. Scratched classes may be refunded if the scratch is made in the show office at least two classes prior to the class the exhibitor is scratching. No scratch refunds on all day fee exhibitors.
E. Stalls will cost $20 which includes the one bag of shavings is required according to the sanitation rules at Riverbend. Extra shavings cost $6 per bag.
F. Camper/Trailer hook-ups are $15.
8.03. Youth classes are limited to individuals who are 18 years of age or younger. Age of the exhibitor is his/her age as of January 1 of the current show year. A youth may not show a stallion in any class at a POHA show.
8.04. Definition of Division Classes for Year End Awards:
Jumping Division:
Cross Rails Division: (This is a Walk/Trot division only. Riders may not enter the other jumping classes)
Cross Rails Hunter Over Fences 18” (W/T)
Cross Rails Equitation 18” (W/T)
Walk/Trot Hunter Under Saddle
Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Division:
Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Over Fences 2'-2'3"
Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Equitation Over Fences 2'-2'3"
Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Hunter Under Saddle
POHA Hunter Division:
POHA Hunter Over Fences 2'6"-2'9"
P OHA Equitation Over Fences 2'6"-2'9"
POHA Hunter Under Saddle
English Division:
Adult Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat
Youth Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat
Youth English Walk/Trot
Adult English Walk/Trot
Youth English Pleasure
Adult English Pleasure
Open English Pleasure
Western Division:
Open Trail
Youth Western, Walk/Jog
Adult Western, Walk/Jog
Youth Western Pleasure
Adult Western Pleasure
Open Western Pleasure
Adult Horsemanship, Western
Youth Horsemanship, Western
Speed Event Division:
Youth Poles
Adult Poles
Open Poles
Youth Barrels
Adult Barrels
Open Barrels
12 & Under Division
Halter Mares or Halter Geldings
12 & Under Walk-Trot (English)
Walk/Trot Equitation
Walk/Trot Trail
12 & Under Walk-Jog (Western)
Walk/Jog Horsemanship
12 & Under Barrels
Diane Lancaster Spicer Memorial Award
The Diane Lancaster Spicer Memorial Award for the Adult English Horse and Rider of the year. This award was donated in memory of Diane Lancaster Spicer who was a very talented rider and loved horses. This award will go to the adult english horse and rider with the most points for the year.
2009 - Amy Gee and Absolutely Priceless
ARTICLE 9 – Show Rules.
9.01. The following classes will be judged according to the American Quarter Horse Association Show Rules:
Adult and Youth Hunt Seat Equitation on the Flat
Adult, Youth and 12 & Under English Walk/Trot
Adult, Youth and Open English Pleasure
Open and Walk/Trot Trail
Adult, Youth and 12 & Under Western Walk/Jog
Adult, Youth, Open and Novice Western Pleasure
Adult, Youth and Walk/Jog Horsemanship
Select Walk/Jog
Disciplined rail work
Adult, Youth, Open, and Green Horse/Rider Poles
Adult, Youth, Open, 12 & Under and Green Horse/Rider Barrels
• Eligibility for Novice and Green classes is defined below.
9.02. The following classes will comply with USEF Rules:
Cross Rails Hunter Over Fences 18” (W/T)
Cross Rails Equitation 18” (W/T)
Walk/Trot Hunter Under Saddle
Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Over Fences 2'-2'3"
Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Equitation Over Fences 2'-2'3"
Short Stirrup/Long Stirrup Hunter Under Saddle
Hunter Hack
POHA Hunter Over Fences 2'6"-2'9"
P OHA Equitation Over Fences 2'6"-2'9"
POHA Hunter Under Saddle
9.03.
A. Halter:
Open to all age exhibitors. No youth may show a stallion. To be judged on conformation – balance, structural correctness, stride, soundness, trueness to breed or type characteristics, and appearance.
B. Youth and Adult Showmanship -
Exhibitors to show in age appropriate class. The showmanship class shall be judged strictly on the exhibitor’s ability to fit and show a horse at halter. The horse is merely a prop to demonstrate the ability and preparation of the exhibitor. The ideal showmanship performance consists of a poised, confident, neatly attired exhibitor leading a well groomed and conditioned horse that quickly and efficiently performs the requested pattern with promptness, smoothness and precision. The showmanship class is not another halter class and should not be judged as such. Exhibitors attire may be traditional western or English attire (see our rules on Attire.).
9.04.
A. The Green Horse and/or Rider Classes. These classes are for horses and or riders that have shown no more than in two classes previously, regardless of when and regardless of discipline. The “green” classes are designed for riders and horses that are just learning to be shown, no matter what discipline they are showing or have shown in the past.
B. Novice classes are for horses or exhibitors that have shown LESS than 2 seasons of showing. These classes are intended for people or young horses just starting to show. Novice classes are limited to a horse and/or rider that have shown under saddle no more than 2 years including the current show season.
C. If a horse is age 6 or over and is being shown two-handed with a snaffle bit, the horse and rider combination is limited to riding in the 12 & under classes, green horse classes and novice classes only. Note: The bit used must be a legal bit per AQHA rules.
9.05. Barrel Racing Class Rules.
A. A clear visible starting line shall be provided. Electronic timers or at least two (2) stop watches shall be used.
B. The only time(s) when reruns will be allowed is in the event of faulty time due to the timers. No reruns will be allowed for faulty tack. In case of a tie, equal points will be awarded to the tied riders. No reruns by request will be granted.
D. If a barrel is knocked over, it will result in a 5-second penalty per barrel.
E. Cloverleaf Barrels:
1) May use plastic or metal, but they must be the 55 gallon size.
2) May use 2 inches or less of sand in plastic barrels.
3) No filler may be used in metal barrels.
4) Barrels must be all metal or all plastic.
5) If pattern is broken, the horse is disqualified.
6) The course must be measured according to the diagram below and cannot exceed these dimensions. However, if the course is too large for the available space, the pattern should be reduced five yards at a time until the pattern fits the arena. Adequate space must remain between barrels and any obstacle. The distance from barrel number 3 to the finish line need not be reduced 5 yards at a time if there is sufficient room for the horse to stop. When measuring the arena for the barrel course, allow ample room for the horses to complete their turns and stop at the finish. It is recommended there be at least 45 feet from the starting line to the starting gate, at least 18 feet from barrels 1 and 2 to the fence and 36 feet from barrel 3 to the end of the arena. (Note: The distance between barrel 3 and the line between barrels 1 and two is approximately 100 feet.) 
F. Poles:
1) Base must be no smaller than 9 inches in diameter at base.
2) Poles must be ¾ inch to 2 inches plastic material.
3) Poles must be 6 feet high from the ground.
4) Poles must be 21 feet apart and 21 feet between the time line and the first pole.
5) If a pattern is broken, the horse is disqualified.
6) It is recommended there be at least 45 feet from the starting line to the starting gate. 
9.06. Points will be awarded as follows for all classes:
1st Place 5 points
2nd Place 4 points
3rd Place 3 points
4th Place 2 points
5th Place 1 point
9.07. The High Point divisions are defined in 8.04. There are three mini-divisions for the Jumping Division. Each of these divisions will receive a High Point Award at the end of the year. This is based on a one rider/one horse combination. In order for a class to count towards the high point and/or division awards, the class must have been shown in a minimum of 5 times by the horse/rider .
9.08. There will be an award given for each POHA class to the horse who earns the highest number of points in that class, the reserve horse, and the third place, provided the horse is POHA registered and has shown a minimum of five(5) shows in that class.
9.09. The POHA shows will comply with the rules on drugs from AQHA.
9.10. Show dates will be drawn for Saturday. If it is possible to make up the show the following Sunday, that option must be considered.
9.11. When a horse enters the show grounds of an approved POHA show, he is subject to all rules of POHA.
9.12. Shows will begin at 11:00 AM unless otherwise approved by the POHA Executive Board.
9.13. A minimum balance of $1,200.00 shall be left in the Treasury at the end of each year to start with the following year.
9.14. At POHA sponsored shows these procedures will be followed concerning the State Coggins Laws:
A. Original (yellow) copy or new photo copy must be shown.
B. Copy must be signed and notarized.
C. Any alterations must be signed and notarized.
D. Negative Coggins Test must be dated within one (1) year.
E. All State Regulations and Laws will be adhered to.
9.15. Courtesy tack changes are limited to 5 minutes. Please let the office know if you will need a tack change.
9.16. The exhibitor’s back number must be clearly displayed. The back number goes with the horse, not the exhibitor.
9.17. Any exhibitor leaving the show grounds without paying their tab or issuing a bad check will not receive their points for that show. If cash payment or money order is received within 10 days, points may be rewarded. Also, the exhibitor will not be permitted to show at any POHA show until all outstanding tabs or bad checks have been resolved. If a bad check is issued, a bank charge of $30 must also be paid to receive the POHA points from the unpaid show.
9.18. All tabs must be secured with a check in the show office.
9.19. The POHA show management may ask any exhibitor or spectator to leave show grounds for verbally offensive remarks, disruptive behavior, or threatening remarks.
9.20. Exhibitors, parents, spectators and trainers may not approach the judge with any complaints until after the show has completed.
9.21. All dogs must be on leashes.
ARTICLE 10. Attire.
10.01. AQHA judged classes, halter and showmanship classes – refer to AQHA rule #445.
445. ATTIRE
(a) In halter, speed events, team penning and other western classes, appropriate western attire is required which includes pants (slacks, trousers, jeans, etc.) long sleeves and collar (band, standup, tuxedo, etc.) western hat and cowboy boots. Special exception because of religious reasons or physical handicap must be requested by filing a written request to AQHA and obtaining written approval prior to participation. The hat must be on the rider’s head when the exhibitor enters the arena. Spurs and chaps are optional.
(b) It is mandatory for riders in all hunter, jumper and equitation classes, including hunter hack, where jumping is required and when jumping anywhere on the competition ground to wear properly fastened protective headgear that meets ASTM/SEI standards or equivalent international standards for
equestrian use. The helmet must also be properly fitted with harness secured. It is optional that an exhibitor may wear a hard hat with harness in all classes; however, it is mandatory that all youth and recommended that amateurs wear a ASTM/SEI approved hard hat with harness in all over fence classes. It is mandatory that all exhibitors wear a hard hat in all over fence classes and when schooling
over fences.
(c) In all English classes, riders should wear hunt coats of traditional colors such as navy, dark green, grey, black or brown. Maroon and red are improper. Breeches are to be of traditional shades of buff, khaki, canary, light grey or rust (or jodhpurs), with high English boots or paddock (jodhpur) boots of black or brown. Black, navy blue or brown hard hat (with harness for youth in any
over fence classes) is mandatory. A tie or choker is required. Gloves, spurs of the unrowelled type, and crops or bats are optional. Hair must be neat and contained (as in net or braid). Judges must penalize
contestants who do not conform.
(e) Judges, at their discretion, may authorize adjustments to attire due to weather-related conditions.
(f) Speed Event Attire - is somewhat relaxed, but safety is priority. Proper footwear includes boots with heels - no tennis shoes, flip flops, crocs, etc. Exhibitors must wear long pants.
10.02. USEF judged classes – refer to USEF rule U127.
SUBCHAPTER HU-4 ATTIRE, TACK AND EQUIPMENT.
HU125 Tack.
1. Regulation snaffles, pelhams and full bridles, all with cavesson nose bands, are recommended.
A judge may penalize for non-conventional types of bits or nosebands.
2. Competitors may be refused an award unless they return to the ring for conformation or
soundness with the same complete bridle in which they have performed.
3. Martingales of any type are prohibited in Under Saddle, hack and tie-breaking classes.
Standing martingales are allowed for all over fence classes. All other martingales may be
considered unconventional.
HU126 Equipment.
1. Light pads and bar shoes are permissible, however, bar shoes indicate a weakness and
in Conformation classes a judge may penalize accordingly. Boots, wraps and bandages are
prohibited. In the case of inclement weather competition management may permit the use
of bell boots.
2. No mounted exhibitor may wear or carry an electronic communication device (i.e., cellular
telephone, pager, walkie talkie, etc.) while in the competition ring. The penalty for wearing
or carrying a forbidden device if observed by the judge may be elimination from the
class during which the device was worn or carried. Exception: A handicapped participant
may use electronic devices if, prior to the class, he/she presents to the USEF Steward written
justification from treating personnel setting forth the necessity of the equipment.
3. Any rider competing and or riding anywhere on the competition grounds with their stirrup,
stirrup leather, or foot tied and/or secured in any manner, will automatically be eliminated
from the entire competition. The steward will note the trainer name(s) on the stewards
report and further disciplinary actions may be taken by the Federation.
4. Whips. Competitors are prohibited from carrying a whip that is longer than 30” (75cm)
while jumping or schooling over fences. A rider may not carry more than one whip. Whips
that are weighted at the end are prohibited. (Exception: Ladies Side Saddle and appointments
classes. See HU128.) BOD 1/13/08 Effective 12/1/08
HU127 Attire.
1. Formal Attire. Riders are required to wear a hunt coat; white shirt
stock; white, buff or canary breeches and protective headgear. See GR801. All Hunter and
Hunt Seat Equitation riders must wear protective headgear while jumping in accordance
with General Rules, GR801.2. In classes restricted to junior exhibitors protective headgear
must be worn in accordance with GR801.
2. Inappropriate attire. When management permits Hunter or Hunter Seat Equitation riders
to ride without jackets, riders must wear traditional, short, or long-sleeved riding shirts
with chokers or ties. Polo shirts and chaps are not permitted except in unjudged warm-up
classes. Management or Judge may eliminate an exhibitor who is inappropriately attired.
Attire Addendum: Formal hunter jackets, white or colored hunt shirts with collar, and light colored breeches will be acceptable in all USEF classes.
ARTICLE 11 – Judges.
11.01. Judges must act in a professional manner at all times.
11.02. Judges may order any exhibitor or horse from the arena for abuse of the horse or for behavior deemed not safe for all exhibitors in the ring. Dismissed exhibitors are disqualified from the class.
11.03. Safety should be the first concern in any situation.
11.04. Judges may dismiss any exhibitor that is excessively schooling, in that they appear to no longer be participating in the class.
11.05. Judges are expected to stay the duration of a POHA show. Judges are expected to dress professionally.
11.06. Judges should adhere to the 3 refusal rule for the jumping classes and trail classes.
11.07. The judge’s decision is final.
11.08. Judges may not have a conflict of interest between POHA’s objective and their own personal business. Each judge should refrain from using his or her official status to further one’s own personal or financial purpose. When such conflict of interest arises, the judge is expected to either withdraw the personal objective from the transaction in question or resign from POHA’s approved judges list, so he or she may pursue the personal objective.
11.08. Judge may not judge a horse which is owned or exhibited by anyone from whom he or she has received a salary, commission or any kind of remuneration for selling or buying any horse for that individual, whether or not a horse is concerned in the transaction, has been in the employ, or has represented such individual in any capacity for enumeration, within six months from the date of the subject show.
11.10. If a judge cannot exercise an objective opinion, free from possible prejudice, bias, or outside influence, because of a connection with an owner, exhibitor or anyone else connected with the horse, or for that matter, if such connection would appear to others of possible bias, whether or not the judge feels he or she would be affected, a judge must disqualify himself or herself. A judge may not judge a horse belonging to, or being exhibited by any member of his/her immediate family.