2025 STARS Rules and Conditions of Qualification and Entry

What You Need to Know!

Qualification is based on points accrued over the season, which determine Champion, Reserve Champion, and 2nd Reserve Champion.

• Each club MUST offer the option to represent their club to each class champion. If they cannot attend, it may pass to Reserve or 2nd Reserve.
• Each club may send 1 competitor per class. If 2 competitors tie on points, both qualify.
• Show dates must run between March and September 17, 2025.
• Entries for STARS open October 1 and close November 1.
• All RCs must hold a minimum of 4 points shows in 2025.
• All competitors must attend at least 2 points shows.
• Where possible, trophy shows should be held in September to give show secretaries time to invite competitors to STARS.
• Competitors may enter multiple classes and represent multiple RCs, if criteria are met.
• All competitors must be current members of any club they represent.

Record Keeping

• All RC secretaries must keep accurate, accessible points records throughout the season.
• These must be available at shows and at the STARS final.

Combination Rules

• No change of horse/pony/rider combination is allowed from that which qualified.
• LR pony leaders may be substituted under exceptional circumstances with STARS permission.

Eligibility Restrictions

• No horse/pony that qualified for HOYS in 2024 or 2025 may compete at STARS (exceptions apply to “Search for a Star”).
• No rider/handler who competed at HOYS in 2025 may compete (other years permitted).
• No top 5 RIHS placings (2025) allowed – riders may compete on different animals.
• No horse/pony may have been produced by professionals since March 1, 2025.

Professional and Semi-Professional Restrictions

• No professional producers or horses/ponies in production may enter.
• Full livery allowed at non-showing professional yards – no production services permitted.
• Semi-professionals (those who show 2+ animals for others) are not eligible, regardless of payment.
• Helping one friend is permitted, but no more.
• No animal shown in 2025 that belongs to or was produced by a professional is eligible.

Rule Summary

Rule 10 – Complaints Procedure

• Complaints before STARS: via email. If investigated, a £50 admin fee will be requested.
• Complaints during STARS: Must be made within 1 hour to the official complaint handler with £50.
• If upheld, the fee is refunded. If not, it’s donated to a horse charity of your choice.

Rule 11 – Social Media

No harmful or defamatory content about STARS or its participants is permitted. Violations may result in civil/criminal action.

General Rules (12–36)

• Stallions must be ridden/handled by someone 14+ years old.
• Correct attire and PAS015+ headgear required. Juniors must wear hats in hand.
• No horses/ponies under 4 may be ridden. No one under 3 years may ride.
• LR pony leaders must be 16+ years. Snaffle bridles mandatory for LR/FR classes.
• Ages determined from Jan 1. Spurs allowed only for seniors (18+).
• Whips max length: 75 cm. Excessive use = disqualification.
• Fallen horse/pony must leave ring. Rider eliminated.
• Abusive, disrespectful, or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in removal from showground.
• No audience shouting/booing – offenders will be asked to leave.
• No competitors with animal cruelty convictions or pending charges allowed.
• Late arrivals will NOT be admitted once trot-out has begun.
• Judges/officials’ decisions are final. Organizers may amend or amalgamate classes.

Venue Rules

• No lunging. Stick to official working-in times.
• Do NOT walk/ride on the racecourse.
• No dogs in arenas/buildings/stables/racecourse.
• Dogs must stay in vehicles unless exercised or on toilet breaks.
• All dogs must be leashed at all times.

Parking & Conduct (Rules 27a & 27b)

• Park only where instructed. Abuse of staff = removal from event.
• Any aggressive, rude, or uncooperative behavior on arrival = removal from grounds.

Safety and Liability

• Use designated walkways only. No pedestrians in horse walkways.
• Pushchairs discouraged near horses.
• Organizers/landowners/agents are not liable for injury, loss, or damage.
• Exhibitors responsible for any damage they cause – even accidental.

Trophies & Fees

• Trophies are perpetual – must be returned clean and engraved by September 30.
• Entry fees and first aid contributions are mandatory and non-refundable.

Class Judging Criteria

• Ridden/In-Hand: 50% conformation/type, 50% performance/manners.
• Best Turned Out: 30% tack, 30% rider/handler, 10% overall impression.
• Young Handler: 50% ability, 25% pony suitability, 25% impression.
• Equitation: 50% rider’s use of aids, 25% position, 25% suitability/impression.

Disclaimer

All competitors are deemed to have read and accepted these rules as a condition of entry.