Side Saddle Classes – Affiliated to the Side Saddle Association (Classes 1 – 3 & 6).

No membership (SSA or VHS) required for these classes.

Open to horses/ponies 4 years old or over (not restricted to veterans).
To be run under SSA rules. Spurs or spur bands may be worn in these classes, as per SSA turnout rules.

It is strongly advised that all competitors wear correctly secured riding hats to the current Showing Council hat policy standards (viewable at www.theshowingcouncil.co.uk) and it is mandatory for all competitors under the age of 18 to do so.  Adults not wearing such hats do so at their own risk and must lodge a disclaimer form with the Show Secretary before the class, stating their acceptance of the risk.  A specific wristband will be provided by return and must be worn by the rider to show the disclaimer has been lodged.   Choice of headgear will not affect marks in any way.

Costume Concours d’Elegance classes (Classes 4 – 8)

No membership required to enter these classes.  Open to horses/ponies 4 years old or over (not restricted to veterans). Horses/ponies will not be stripped.  Spurs or spur bands may be worn in these classes, as per CDSGB turnout rules. 

Classes may be amalgamated if insufficient entries.  If entries warrant, classes 7 & 8 may be split at an alternative height to that advertised.  Competitors will be notified in advance in these cases.

The sole criterion for the classes in this section is the elegance of the picture presented by horse/pony and rider/handler and the way of going of the horse/pony. Safe tack must be used. Detailed inspection of the rider’s/handler’s period costume is not required. Fancy dress is not permitted. The horse/pony must be of a suitable size for rider/handler.

It is strongly advised that all competitors wear correctly secured riding hats to the current Showing Council hat policy standards (viewable at www.theshowingcouncil.co.uk) and it is mandatory for all competitors under the age of 18 to do so.  Adults not wearing such hats do so at their own risk and must lodge a signed disclaimer form with the Show Secretary by close of entries, stating their acceptance of the risk.  A specific wristband will be provided by return and must be worn by the rider to show the disclaimer has been lodged. Choice of headgear will not affect marks in any way.

Classes 4 – 8 are affiliated to The Concours d’Elegance Society of Great Britain (CDSGB)
1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd placed horses/ponies not already qualified in eligible classes will qualify for the Champion of Britain Title classes to be held at Onley Equestrian Centre, Rugby, Warwickshire on Friday 26^th & Saturday 27^th September 2025.  If a horse/pony has already qualified, cards may be handed down to 6^th place at judge’s discretion. Each qualified horse/pony will receive a qualification card in the ring which will enable the owner to enter the Championship Show, provided the owner and rider/handler are, or become registered with the Concours d’Elegance Society within 21 days of the qualifying show.  No horse registration is required. For up-to-date information telephone the secretary on 07960 107 111 or see  www.eqconcoursgb.com.

VHS  Showing Series – Direct Qualifier (Classes 9 – 14)    kindly sponsored by Allen & Page

Open to members and non-members, however non-members are to purchase day membership for this show.
Day membership must be purchased from VHS head office at least 2 weeks in advance of the show at a cost of £25.00 which includes provision of a day membership card and age badge.

Members and day-members must carry their current VHS membership card in the ring and produce these on request. No exceptions will be made. No card regrettably means no entry or qualification.

All competitors and grooms must adhere to VHS Rules in all circumstances. Failure to do so may result in immediate disqualification.

Horses/ponies will be stripped.

No spurs allowed.

• VHS Supreme Final qualification. Competitors placed 1^st and 2^nd in each class will qualify for the corresponding class at the VHS Supreme Final, to be held at the National Veteran Championships, Arena UK on Sunday 31^st August 2025.
• VHS Regional Final qualification. competitors placed 3^rd and 4^th in each class will qualify for the corresponding class at the VHS Regional Finals.  Regional Finals are held at venues around the UK, see the VHS website for details.  The last Regional Final is held at the National Veteran Championships, Arena UK on Friday 29^th August 2025.
• VHS M&M Supreme Final qualification.  The highest placed M&M in each class will qualify, at the Judge’s discretion, for the VHS M&M Supreme Final to be held at the National Veteran Championships, Arena UK on Saturday 30^th August 2025.

If the competitor has already qualified or does not wish to attend the Finals, they must refuse the qualification and pass it down the line on the day. Please tell the Judge in the ring if this applies.

Day-members must become full VHS members within 21 days and exchange their day-showing card for a full showing card in order to validate their qualification for the Supreme or Regional Final qualification. Regional Finals are open to members only.

Supreme Final entries must be made within 21 days of qualification.  NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED.

All competitors are eligible to enter open classes at the National Veteran Open Championships, Arena UK 29^th to 31^st August 2025.  No qualification or membership required for open classes. See VHS website for schedule. Entries close 4^th August.

For information on Membership and National Veteran Championship please contact

Veteran Horse Society  info@veteran-horse-society.co.uk  /  01239 881300  /  07789 514004

www.veteran-horse-society.co.uk

                                                                                                                      Show Regulations

Shared venue:  This is a shared venue.  A separate horse event will be taking place in the arenas at the other end of the showground.  This is a completely separate event, please do not use their arenas or warm up arenas.  The VHS South East Qualifier & Open Show has exclusive use of two arenas,  one for warm up and one for the showing classes.  These will be clearly marked.  Please keep to these VHS arenas.

 Parking:  This is a shared venue.  Please park considerately, as directed by an official.

 Show secretary:  The Show Secretary for the VHS South East Qualifiers will be located near the VHS arenas which are on the left of the showground as you drive in.  Note: The Show Secretary will not be located inside the main buildings.  

 Class splits:  Depending on the number of entries, classes may be split into separate sections for judging.  Should this occur, competitors will be notified by email in advance. 

 Withdrawals: Please advise the office at the earliest opportunity if you wish to withdraw from any class.    Email s.e.qualifier@veteran-horse-society.co.uk or text 07977 002710 with the class number and your name.

 Anybody not adhering to the rules will be asked to leave the showground, forfeiting all entry fees and qualifications.

YOUR DATA

1.       Online entries are made using software supplied by a GDPR compliant third party.  It is a condition of entry that all competitors entering the VHS South East Direct Qualifier & Open Show consent to their data being shared with the third party.

2.       The Veteran Horse Society will hold your information within our system for an indefinite period as VHS membership numbers are unique to each individual member rather than their horse/pony.  

3.       The Veteran Horse Society may publish results from any/all classes, including competitor’s names and their horse/pony names and ages and final positions.  This data may be made public and shared with third parties for publication.   Competitors consent to their data being shared for this purpose.

GENERAL SHOW RULES

1.       This show is run in accordance with Veteran Horse Society rules.  Please refer to VHS Rulebook and also visit the VHS website where any amendments/updates will be published. 

2.       By entering any class at this show, the competitor agrees to abide by all aspects of Veteran Horses Society rules, including those in the VHS Rulebook and those explicitly outlined in this schedule.

3.       Entries for exhibitors under the age of 18 must be made by a parent/guardian.

4.       Failure to observe any of the rules may result in disqualification of the horse/pony concerned and/or the exhibitor may be requested to leave the showground immediately.

5.       Exhibitors are required to have public liability insurance cover for their exhibits and it is strongly recommended that the exhibitor fully insure their personal property whilst attending the show.

6.       The VHS operates a zero tolerance to offensive, abusive or unpleasant behaviour whether it is directed to its officials, members or others. Any person found to be acting in this unacceptable manner will be asked to leave the showground and may be subject to disciplinary actions. Should an individual be ejected then all entry fees will be forfeited.  

7.       The VHS has a commitment to the protection of equines from any form of abuse, whether it is from misuse of a whip, inappropriate or ill-fitting tack/equipment, the restriction of fresh water or forage or any other abuse. A Welfare Officer will be present at the show and will investigate any concerns raised to the organisers.

8.       All exhibitors are asked to be aware of animals on the showground and ensure that all exhibits are fit and well. If anybody has reason to believe that a horse/pony is unfit or unwell, they must report this to the organisers immediately.

9.       All horses to be accompanied by a valid equine passport which must be produced upon request.

10.    All entry fees are non-refundable. In exceptional circumstances, on the submission of a written request with corroborative medical or veterinary certification, then the Show Secretary has the discretion to award a full or partial refund of entry fees.  In the event of the show being cancelled by the organisers, competitors will be entitled to a full refund of all entry fees paid, less any booking fee charged by the online entry provider.

11.    Entries will not be accepted without full payment.

12.    Competitor numbers can be collected from the Show Secretary on the day.

13.    Horse/Pony age badges should be worn in all VHS veteran classes.  Age badges are supplied with show cards or can be ordered directly from VHS Head Office.

14.    The VHS has the right to refuse entry of any individual to any class without explanation.

15.    The VHS has the right to limit entries, change, cancel, split or amalgamate classes as they see fit.

16.    Classes will not be held up for late or missing competitors.

17.    It is mandatory for all competitors to wear correctly secured riding hats to the current Showing Council hat policy standards (viewable at www.theshowingcouncil.co.uk), at all times when mounted, including when working in.

Alternative headgear may be worn by adults for Side Saddle and Costume Concours d’Elegance classes (classes 1 – 8) – as stipulated in class wording:
It is strongly advised that all competitors wear correctly secured riding hats to the current Showing Council hat policy standards (viewable at www.theshowingcouncil.co.uk) and it is mandatory for all competitors under the age of 18 to do so.  Adults not wearing such hats do so at their own risk and must lodge a disclaimer form with the Show Secretary by close of entries, stating their acceptance of the risk.  A specific wristband will be provided by return and must be worn by the rider to show the disclaimer has been lodged.   Failure to show the required wristband on request may result in disqualification. 
Disclaimer forms may be requested by emailing s.e.qualifier@veteran-horse-society.co.uk. Completed and signed forms should be emailed to the same email address by the close of entries.
Choice of headgear will not affect marks in any way.

18.    Spurs are not permitted to be used for any of the VHS direct qualifier classes, including around the showground and in the warm up arenas for these classes.

19.    Body Protectors may be worn.

20.    Motorbikes, quad bikes, bicycles and scooters are not be permitted on the showground.

21.    Buggies and mobility vehicles may not be driven around the showground, unless an exemption has been granted in writing by the organisers. Only exhibitors with a medical disability will be granted dispensation. All persons must be over 18 years of age and have a valid licence and appropriate insurance.

22.    The organisers do not accept any liability for any accident, injury, loss, damage or illness to any riders, handlers, spectators, horses, ponies or to any property whatsoever and howsoever caused.

23.    Whilst the VHS Show team take Health and Safety very seriously, they look to all those in attendance to support them and to play their part in keeping any risks and potential accidents to an absolute minimum. Any concerns to this effect must be raised without delay to the Show Secretary. We accept that riding, leading and generally being around horses has inherent risks, so please work with us to keep risks to an absolute minimum. All competitors compete ultimately at their own risk.

24.    The VHS complaints and disciplinary procedures apply, as set out in the VHS Rulebook.

25.    No lunging in arenas.

26.    No emptying of water tanks, waste or rubbish onto car park or surrounding areas. 

27.    No mucking out onto car park – please use official muck heap areas.

28.    It is strongly recommended that all horses/ponies have been fully vaccinated against Equine Flu within the last 12 months.

29.    No horse should be brought onto the showground if there is any question that it may not be completely healthy.

30.    Late entries may be accepted in all classes, space permitting.  Late entries will only be accepted in the VHS direct qualifier classes provided membership or day-membership cards have already been acquired by the competitor.  Late entry fee of £8 applies. 

Be vigilant,   Be kind,   Respect each other,   Maintain safe distance   and enjoy the event.