Divisions:

YOUNG GUNS
AGES: 7 - 11 years old
* Allowed to ride "UP" into the Youth Division.
* May ride a Maximum of TWO horses.
Course: 
* 8 Obstacles rated 1 & 2.
* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
YOUTH DIVISION
AGES: 12 - 17 years old
* May ride up to Non-Pro & Pro Division (with parent approval)
* May ride a Maximum of THREE horses.
Course:
* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 4.
* Overall Horsemanship
​* Time Points
NOVICE DIVISION
AGES: 18 & OVER
* May ride up into higher divisions
* Not required to jump or go over anything higher then 12in.
Course:
* 10 Obstacles rated 1 - 3
* Overall Horsemanship
​* Time Points​
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION
AGES: 18 & OVER
* Allowed to ride up into higher divisions
* Not required to jump any obstacle higher then 18in.
Course:
* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 4.
​* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
NON- PRO DIVISION
AGES: 12 & OVER
​* 12 - 17 years of age must have parental permission.
Course:
* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 5
​​* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
PRO DIVISION​
AGES: 12 & OVER
​* 12 - 17 years of age must have parental permission.
* May ride an unlimited number of horses.
* May compete in Futurity.
Course:
* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 6
​​* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
RIDE SMART DIVISION
AGES: 55 & OVER
* May ride in any division as long as you are not registered as a Non-Pro.
Course:
​* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 5.
​* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
GREEN HORSE DIVISON
AGES:​ 12 & OVER
* Horses of any age.
* NO Green Horse Division at World Finals.
(Green Horse May enter Futurity Division at world finals)
* CAN NOT enter any other divisions.
* Scores do NOT get sent into EXCA for recording.
Course:
* 10 Obstacles- rated 1 - 6
* Overall Horsemanship
​* Time Points

SCORING:

* Each obstacle will be scored 1 - 10, with 5.5 being considered an average score.
* The 3 components they look for:
                  - The Approach       +1 or -1 point
                  - The Obstacle         0 - 8 points
                  - The Departure      +1 or -1 point
* Each rider starts with 0 points adding or subtracting quarter point increments or deductions.
* Emphasis on riding with a loose rein. They will be scoring what happens when the reins are picked up to make a transition or start the maneuver.
* You want Straight, Balanced, Smooth, & Soft.
* A judge can award up to 3 points making the maximum score an 8 per obstacle.
* A Judge can deduct points down to a 0.
* A perfect ride and score will equal 10 (extremely rare)
​* NO showboating!
Penalties - .25
  • Wrong Lead
  • Gaping Mouth
  • Cross Firing
  • Excessive spurring
  • Hanging or Balancing on your reins.
  • Going too fast in unstable conditions.
  • Being heavy handed.
  • Excessive speed into an obstacle.
  • Not keeping a hind leg planted in a turn around.
  • Not crossing in the front end in a turn around.
Awards + .25
  • Starting & maintaining the correct lead.
  • Riding in a loose rein
  • Keeping inside leg planted in a turn around
  • Crossing over without hopping on a turn around
  • Sliding stop without pulling on horse's face.
  • Good speed control with lots of rate
  • Backing straight while horse is broke at the pull
  • Staying collected & correct.

TACK:

DRESS CODE:
* Must be traditional Western or Australian (unless stated differently).
* Mechanical hackamores, tie downs, martingales, cavessons, drop        nose bands and any form of gag bit or slip bit is NOT ALLOWED.
* A Bosalito will be considered a cavesson except in a traditional two
​       rein set up. Will NOT be used with a get down rope.
* It is acceptable to ride bareback or bridle less.​
* Traditional Westen attire or Australian stock attire.
* Dress Jeans or Colored Jeans are acceptable. 
* Must wear long sleeve button up shirts.
* NO logos with the exception of Makers Mark.
* Shirts must be tucked in.
* Must wear riding boots with a heel.
* Must wear a Western style hat, or riding helmet. NO caps
* Chaps & spurs are optional. 

HORSES:

* May be of ANY breed.
* NO age or gender restrictions.
* Must pass a post - race exam by a licensed veterinarian.
* Every horse shall be treated with dignity & respect.
* Any action that is deemed to be cruel, abusive or inhumane will result in a DQ & will be reported to EXCA Board.
* The EXCA Judge has the obligation and authority to dismiss any horse that shows signs of lameness:
                                    - Consistent Limping at a trot
                                    - Obvious nodding, hitching, or shortened stride.
                                    - Minimal weight bearing while moving or standing.