Horse Show Association of Australia

Welcome

What is the Horse Show Association of Australia

The Horse Show Association of Australia Inc., or HSAA as most people know it, was established August 1977 in Brisbane with the Meeting of six concerned Breed Societies who saw the need to have uniformity in the general rules governing Horse Show and performance activities.

Since the first rule Book in January 1979 there have been many changes, including the number of breed associations involved. The HSAA is presently represented by the Australian Appaloosa Association Ltd., and Paint Horse Association of Australia. As well as member breeds there are dozens of affiliated clubs, some Western Performance clubs, some smaller Breed Associations and of course the many accredited judges.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 
What is the Horse Show Association of Australia?
The Horse Show Association of Australia Inc., or HSAA as most people
know it, was established August 1977 in Brisbane with the Meeting of
six concerned Breed Societies who saw the need to have uniformity in
the general rules governing Horse Show and performance activities.
 
Since the first rule Book in January 1979 there have been many changes,
The HSAA is presently represented by several Affiliated Clubs, Western
Performance Clubs, and smaller Breed Associations and of course the
many accredited judges.
 
What is the structure of the HSAA?
The HSAA is run by a �Management Committee� which consists of the
Office Bearers and four other members of the Association.  Each Judge
And a nominated member of an Affiliate are eligible to be nominate to the
Management Committee and all have voting rights.
 
When are the Meetings and who can attend?
The HSAA Management Committee meets four times each year.  There is
also an Annual General Meeting where all members of the HSAA are
welcome to attend and at which the Management Committee is elected.
 
Rules?
The rulebook is generally reprinted every three years.  Any changes to the
rules, judges listing and affiliated club details are notified to its members by
annual updates and a quarterly Newsletter.  All affiliated clubs and Judges
receive a copy of the minutes of the meetings for their information. 
When making decisions the Management Committee takes into consideration
its members views as well as outside breed associations to try to keep the
majority of rules in line with other Equine Organizations and therefore cause
as little confusion as possible in the show ring. 
 
Everyone who competes should have a current HSAA rulebook.
It is the competitor�s responsibility to know the rules.  The Western
Industry is growing every year, with the major influx being in the
beginner and green rider area, so it is essential to continue to inform and
instruct these people so that they can progress. It is a good idea for
affiliated clubs to have a few rulebooks on hand to sell to competitors.
The majority of clubs show programs are vastly made up of HSAA
recognised events.  By owning an up to date rulebook you will know
the class routine, dress requirements.  You will know what is allowed,
what is prohibited and what you need to do.
 
Rulebooks can be purchased direct from the HSAA Office or by obtaining
an order form off the website.
 
How are rules change?  
Rule changes and amendments, can either be submitted by an Affiliate
or Judge or �come from the floor� at a meeting.  Either way, the proposed
changes go back to the members to allow for their input.
If you are not happy with any ruling or have an improvement or
suggestion you can write to a letter direct to the HSAA.
How does any Club affiliate with the HSAA?
In order to gain recognition as a HSAA affiliated club and to enjoy the
benefits of a shared insurance cover, and regular updates, you simply need
to contact the HSAA office.  The annual Affiliation fee is currently $140.00
 
How do I become a judge?
Judges Seminars are held every second year in Queensland,
New South Wales and Victoria as well as affiliates being encouraged
to hold �Western Workshop� through out the year.  The HSAA is also
happy to organize a seminars in North Queensland, South Australia,
Western Australia and Tasmania at the request of an Affiliate.
 
To become a judge you must attend, a Judges Seminar, complete the written
examination, live judging and an interview.  The pass mark on the written
examination is 85% and your live judging must be of a satisfactory standard.
When completing the live judging section applicants not only mark their places
in each event but also write their reasons for doing so.  This helps the Panelist
to assess the applicant�s ability �in the ring�.  Judges Seminars are not only for
applicant judges, but also for judges wishing to �upgrade� and those simply
�refreshing�.  All Judges must attend a seminar at least every second year and
successfully pass a refresher examination.  If you are interested in becoming
a judge contact the HSAA office for an application form and likely date of the
next seminar in your State.
 
What happens at a Judges Seminar and who can attend?
Judges Seminar�s are very informative and are open to any one.  You do
not have to be a judge to attend and we encourage competitors to go
along to learn what the judges are looking for and to brush up on the rules. 
Apart from that already written above, the Judges Seminars include a lot of
explanation of the rulings, video footage of various events and are a general
melting pot for ideas and interpretations of rules and events.  A lot of rule
changes and clarifications evolve from these seminars, there is not better way
to get judges opinions.
 
What if I want to become an Amateur Owner?
Most Breed Associations have the facility to enable their members to
become a recognized Amateur Owner.  If yours does not, or you have
an unregistered horse, or you just don�t wish to gain points through your
Breeds Association, then you can apply to become an Amateur Owner
with the HSAA for the small annual fee.
 

Secretary Details - Lynda Gray
347 Newlands Road,
Wamuran 4512 Queensland Australia
Phone 07 07 5429 8797 - Mobile 0412 479 340
Email
gm8@bigpond.com

Copyright 2004 - 2009 Horse Show Association of Australia Inc - All Rights Reserved