TWHBEA | Association

Versatility Program

Congratulations 2012 Versatility High Point Top Ten Winners

The Versatility Program is a showcase for the flat-shod Tennessee Walking Horse. With as many as 20 different events from which to choose, you and your horse have a variety of events in which to participate. You may choose to enter one event, or compete in them all! Some of the divisions are more challenging than others, so perhaps you would like to start with one of the simpler divisions such as English pleasure, western pleasure, water glass, or model. Because the Versatility Program is a self achievement program which you custom design for you and your horse, you set the goals you'd like to accomplish, and the excitement begins! Prizes, fame, glory, honor, increased horse value, and a sense of accomplishment are in store for you as a participant of the TWHBEA^SM Versatility Program.The Versatility Program is just one of the many services of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association^SM! There will be a one time nomination fee of $25 for each horse/rider combitnation participating in this international program

Versatility Rule Clarification

In order for points to count in the TWHBEA Versatility Supreme/Superior Program, approved equipment, including a bridle or hackamore must be used when showing. Bridleless riding or riding with a halter is strictly prohibited when it comes to counting points in the program.

Divisions
The program is divided into two divisions, one for youth competitors 17 and under and one for adult competitors 18 and over. Youth exhibitors may compete on mares or geldings only, while adults may use horses of any sex. All horses must be TWHBEA^SM registered and must be two years old or over. Points are awarded to a horse/rider combitnation if, for any reason, an exhibitor changes horses once the show season has begun, the new combitnation shall begin a new point record.

Eligibility
1. In both the youth and adult divisions of the Versatility Program, written nomination must be made to the TWHBEA^SM, listing the recorded name of the horse and the owner of registry record, and the rider.

2. If an exhibitor changes horses any time during the show season, a new point record begins for that pair.

3. Leased horses are eligible. For horse show purposes, the term owner means the person shown as the owner by the records of the TWHBEA^SM or a person who has a bona fide lease on said horse.

4. TWHBEA^SM registration shall be required of all horses for eligibility.

5. TWHBEA^SM membership is required for both owners and exhibitors of horses participating in the youth and adult divisions of the Versatility Program.

6. All classes are open classes unless specified as an amateur class.

7. Shows can be affiliated with any reputable HIO (Horse Industry Organization) for you to earn points. You may earn points in all breed shows but the show must have a licensed judge.

8. Youths 17 and under are eligible to show mares or geldings only, two years of age and over. Horses must be plain shod. Pads and hoofbands are prohibited.

9. Adults 18 and over are eligible to show stallions, mares and geldings two years of age or over. Horses must be plain shod. Pads and hoofbands are prohibited.

10. Points are tabulated from the date of nomination on file at the TWHBEA^SM Office.

11. Misrepresentation of facts in your point book will result in the nullification of the entire year's points. List all classes in which you participated at a given show.

12. Points will be counted only at shows that utilize the "standard" approved by the TWHBEA^SM. Class sheets from shows where you competed must accompany your point book. In addition to shows already accredited for Versatility Points, any Walking Horse show must follow the regulations set forth in the TWHBEA^SM Versatility Rule Book for accreditation, thus allowing versatility points from that show to be counted. The class sheet must state that the TWHBEA^SM Versatility Rule Book will be followed.

13. Go-As-You-Please Classes do not qualify for points in the Versatility Program because they are not judged on walking gaits.

Versatility Shows
The TWHBEA^SM World Versatility Show debuted in1998 as the TWHBEA^SM Versatility Show. The event was developed to offer participants in the TWHBEA^SM Versatility Program the opportunity to compete against peers from all over the country in a championship setting. For many competitors, the World Show is the event at which they reap the benefits of a year's hard work. The show offers double versatility points as well as an ample prize list, the apex of which is a beautiful Tennessean Deluxe Saddle awarded to the show's overall highpoint winner. Generous prizes are also awarded to the adult, youth, and trainer highpoint and reserve highpoint winners.

The TWHBEA^SM World Versatility Show (the only triple point show) features a complete schedule of point earning versatility classes. The schedule includes Showmanship, Model, Equitation, Stock Seat Equitation, Dressage, Hunter Hack, Trail Obstacle, TWH Over Fences, Obstacle Driving, Pleasure Driving, Western Riding, Basic Reining, Water Glass, Barrels, and Poles. Points earned in these classes count towards end of the year highpoint honors and Superior or Supreme Versatility Championships.

Since its inception, the TWHBEA^SM World Versatility Show has experienced steady growth with entries increasing by approximately 50 each year. In 2004, due to the high level of entries, the show had to be expanded to a two-day event. In 2007, the show was expanded to a 3 day event to include rail classes as well.

TWHBEA^SM also sponsors a number of regional versatility shows throughout the country. These shows offer the same classes as the World Versatility Show and operate under the TWHBEA Versatility Rulebook. Exhibitors at these shows earn points towards end of the year high point honors and Supreme or Superior Versatility Championships. The shows are coordinated through the TWHBEA^SM Horse Show Development program. They offer an excellent opportunity for Versatility Program participants to earn points in their own backyard.