The following rule changes were approved for the 2026 Horse Show Season at the Annual Meeting held on October 27, 2025.
Rule Changes/Additions for 2026 Show Season
- Motorized Vehicles/Golf Carts – Minors who do not have a valid driver’s license which allows them to operate a motorized vehicle in the state in which they reside will not be permitted to operate a motorized vehicle of any kind, including, but not limited to, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters, or farm utility vehicles, on the competition grounds of NIHJA competitions. Minors who have a valid temporary license may operate the above described motorized vehicles as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid driver’s license. The parent/legal guardian or individual who signs the entry blank as a parent or guardian of a minor operating a motorized vehicle in violation of this rule are solely responsible for any damages, claims, losses or actions resulting from that operation. Violations of this rule will be cause for penalties against those responsible for the child committing the offense.
The unsafe use of personal electronic transport devices, as determined by the competition officials and management in their sole discretion, that do not require a driver’s license to operate, including but not limited to segways, hover boards, electric bikes (e bikes and dirt bikes) and single wheeled scooters is prohibited on NIHJA competition grounds. Operating such devices in areas where people gather or horses have access to may be deemed “unsafe use” if there is a risk of harm to people or horses. If the operator of the device is a minor, the parent/legal guardian or individual who signs the entry blank as a parent or guardian of a minor operating the device in violation of this rule is accountable and may be subject to penalties. - The Combined Jumper division may be split into 2 jumper divisions
- Low Combined Jumper – Fences not to exceed 3’6”
- High Combined Jumper – Fences not to exceed 3’9”
- Puddle Jumper and Schooling Jumper – Table 2.1 (Timed First Round/Speed) may not be used