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251. Gymkhana General Rules

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Open and Youth – (Green mules may enter only with approved snaffles or bosal hackamores, mild-twisted wire or gag snaffles) Martingales, tie-downs and cavessons may be used. No draw reins may be used. (See Rule 106) The time line is NOT to be drawn on the ground. It is indicated by starting poles or automatic timer when referred to in this division.

  1. Line judge shall be the judge in gymkhana events.
    1. Line judge must disqualify contestants for hitting in front of the cinch with spurs, crops, bats, romal or hands, or for going off course.
  2. Starting order – Management shall draw for the position in which the entries shall compete. Post entries shall go first, in reverse order received. Not more than one mule shall be in the arena at one time. (Exception: Teams comprised of more than one and the flagman.)
  3. Start and Finish of Course – The course for all competitions shall be timing line, indicated by poles or automatic timer. NOT a line on the ground. See individual event for distances.
    1. Time shall begin as soon as the mule’s nose reaches the starting line and stop when the mule’s nose reaches the finish line.
    2. The start and finish line must be the same poles. It is not to be a line drawn on the ground.
  4. Contestant will be disqualified for not following the pattern.
  5. No mule may enter more than once in any one class.
  6. Breakage of Equipment – If tack or equipment should break, and the difficulty prevents completion of the course, the entry shall be disqualified.
    1. Should the entry be able to continue the course, despite the difficulty and without cruelty to the mule, he may continue without penalty.
  7. If there is an excessive number of entries in any timed event, slack must be run and drawn for.
    1. It is requested that show management make every effort to avoid preliminary runs in Gymkhana events.
    2. AMA points will go to final official placing from total entries.
  8. Penalties – Any of the following infractions may disqualify an entry.
    1. Failure to begin or leave the arena mounted.
    2. Failure to begin course within one (1) minute after ready signal.
    3. Loss, of course, including negotiating obstacles.
    4. Mule being out of control.
    5. Any kind of cruelty to mule, whether or not specifically mentioned.