NewClubs

RHR Gymkhana Racing, Inc
the ultimate in Gymkhana
and Gymkhana Match Racing
The most exciting game on horseback

NEW CLUBS/SHOW CENTERS

1. RHR GYMKHANA RACING, INC. OBJECTIVE & INTENT

The objective of RHR Gymkhana Racing, Inc. is to develop the sport of gymkhana and related horsemanship programs based upon the principles of competitiveness and recreation, while serving the interest of both the membership and the public.

Our intent is to provide an educational program for children wherein they can learn to set and be rewarded for achieving formalized goals and to encourage riders (children & adults) to increase their performance capabilities as they compete for increased prestige and awards.

Our organization is a nonpartisan, nonsectarian, nonprofit and nonpolitical organization that provides educational services and a framework of a gymkhana program to interested affiliates called Show Centers. Our Show Centers are separate individual entities that pay a fee for our services and programs.

The RHR Program can be implemented by any show facility or organization that is currently putting on shows involving timed events.
Any show facility or organization can maintain their identity if that is their choice but at the same time implement a match race program that allows their riders to come together and compete at Regional, State, or National Shows for increased recognition and awards.

NOTE: Use of the term Show Center is intended to mean arena operator,
club, or association who either participates or desires to participate in the RHR Program.

2. REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE MET TO BECOME A SHOW CENTER

Any show facility or organization that can meet the following requirements will have no difficulty becoming an approved RHR Show Facility or Center and have sanctioned shows.

2.1 FACILITY

Have an arena, parking area, or field that is safe and large enough to run the events. Detailed information is given in the RHR Rule Book.

2.2 NUMBER OF SHOWS AND EVENTS

Must be willing to schedule and put on at least 6 shows with at least 6 events per show over a 12 month period.

2.3 EVENTS, RULES, AND PROCEDURES

a. Use standardized events for each show per RHR Rule Book.

NOTE: Any show center desiring to use events and/or course obstacles different from the approved events in the RHR Rule Book must receive prior approval from the RHR Corporate Office for their use. In most cases, the different events being used by other clubs and associations can be approved for RHR recognized show providing all other rules are followed.

b. Apply rules and procedures as outlined in the RHR Rule Book to insure fairness, equal opportunity, and performance evaluation of the riders based on rider times.

c. Submit show dates to the RHR Corporate Office at least 30 days prior to show date for approval.

2.4 MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND WORKERS

Any show facility desiring to put on approved shows shall insure that the following requirements can be met.

a. The number of riders in the area is sufficient to support the Show Center
b. A sufficient number of qualified management personnel and workers is available to meet the needs of the riders. The following minimum requirements shall be met:

(1) At least twenty (20) riders will attend each show,
(2). At least five (5) people will work each show as secretaries, announcers, gate persons, etc.

3. RHR SHOW CENTERS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

A show site may consist of a facility being run by an arena operator or it may be a show site being run by a show center or district
that is part of a larger equestrian organization. The basic criteria to be considered by show management in determining the show format and awards includes:

a. The events to be run and the number of lanes to be used for each event.

b. The means by which winners will be determined.

3.2 NUMBER OF LANES USED FOR A GIVEN EVENT

A gymkhana match racing show may be put on using 1, 2, 3, or 4 lanes for match race competition. A single lane may be used for an event when the size of the arena is too small to set up more than one lane of competition for the event In this case, a match race time can be obtained but riders are not able to race against other riders as is normally done in a match race competition using two or more lanes. Multi-lanes are used for an event when the size of the arena allows two or more parallel lanes to be used.

3.3 TYPES OF CLASSES AND AWARDS:

A show center is free to determine the divisions of competition and type of classes to be used at their shows. Two basic types of classes are available: Single Round competition and Multi-Round competition. These classes provide different means for determining the winners of match race competition. Each show facility is requested to design their classes in a way that maximizes the probability that class awards are distributed among riders that have different levels of performance capability and that the overall needs of the riders are being met.

3.4 SINGLE OR MULTI ROUND COMPETITION

The issue of whether to run single or multi round competition is again left to the discretions of the show center. Factors influencing that decision might include a number of issues such as, the riders desires, the number of competitors, the number of events, the number of lanes you are using, the time factor etc. Whether running single or multi round competition however, the time used for Year End Awards purposes will be obtained and recorded in the 1st round and will not change based on performance in subsequent multi rounds.

3.4.1 Single Round Competition.
A Show Center will use single round competition when it is desired to give out Day Awards based on the times earned by the riders in one Round of Competition. In this case, the riders assigned to participate in a given class of an event will compete in heats in accordance with the RHR computerized rider handicap system. Three rider times are obtained for all riders who successfully complete the event;
“Start” time, “On Course” time and “Match Race” time. It is possible to give out Day Awards based on criteria involving any one or more of these times. In Single Round competition each rider rides one time. Their times are recorded for year end awards purposes. The advantages of a Single Round competition include the following:

a. Advantages:

--Awards are based on rider times; therefore awards are given to riders in different levels of rider performance capability
--Less time is required to run an event. Therefore, there is less waiting time by riders between events
--Time saved allows more events to be run and Riders may acquire more rating levels at a given show.

b. Disadvantages
--Riders do not win awards based on the number of heats they may be capable of winning.

3.4.2 Multi Round Competition:
In multi round competition the 1st round is run the same as in single round competition. The riders round 1 times are recorded for year end awards purposes. However, instead of ending the class after round one, the Round 1 heat winner compete in a 2nd, 3rd or 4th round until the winning riders are determined. Although generally the riders desire to run off each event there are limiting factors that must be considered. Perhaps the most important is the number of rider in a class and the number of lanes you’re running. The Day Awards given out can be based on:

a. Rider performance criteria based on the performance of the riders during Round #1 competition.

b. The number of heats won by each rider.

c. The placement of the riders in the final heat of the class.

4. OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR STARTING A SHOW CENTER

4.1 GENERAL

An arena operator or equestrian organization has the following options to investigate the merits of gymkhana match racing.

4.2 DEMONSTRATION SHOWS

A demonstration show is a show that is put on to demonstrate the merits of gymkhana match racing to the riders, show management and workers. These shows are strictly introductory in nature and the awards given are Day Awards Only. A demonstration show can be planned to use the events that are currently used in your gymkhana program or use the events specified in the RHR Rule Book. RHR is available to assist in meeting the needs of riders in your particular area. This assistance includes:

a. The acquisition of equipment, obstacles, and materials required for operation of shows.

b. The education and training of management and show worker personnel.

c. Providing show procedures, software, and administrative support as required to put on shows.

4.3 RECOGNIZED SHOWS

Demonstration Shows are implemented to demonstrate the advantages of gymkhana match racing to the riders.

An RHR recognized show give riders an opportunity to compete in the RHR Year End Awards Programs that are offered by RHR Gymkhana Racing, Inc. A brief description of these programs is given below.

RHR has developed objective criteria for evaluating the Performance Capability of riders. Rating charts have been developed to evaluate both the Start and On Course capability of riders who compete in gymkhana and gymkhana match racing. Riders who are signed up for the Year End Awards Program and meet specified requirements receive recognition and year end awards. The awards are given based on the demonstrated performance capability of riders in each of the following areas:

a. Match Race Fundamentals Awards
(1) Rider Start Capability
(2) Rider On Course Capability

b. Match Race Championship Awards

Additional details pertaining to the means by which clubs and/or organizations may become involved with gymkhana match racing
may be obtained by contacting the following:

RHR Gymkhana Racing, Inc
207 W. Los Angeles Avenue #221
Moorpark, Ca. 93021
Attn: Ted Bowler

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