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The British Show Horse Association
THE BSHA

Working-In Guidance

The BSHA is committed to treating all members fairly, equally and with courtesy.

The British Show Horse Association places the highest importance on the welfare and safety of horses. Working-in practices must always reflect this priority. These protocols are guidance to achieve this at shows and events affiliated to the BSHA.

The information below sets out the Association’s guidance for preparing horses to compete at BSHA affiliated shows and events. It applies to all horses on the showground at any time, including days when they are not competing, and covers both members and non-members competing under BSHA rules.

Show organisers and event centres may impose additional rules. Competitors are responsible for complying with any such requirements.

Working-in is essential to prepare horses to compete. The following activities are permitted as working-in when competing under BSHA rules:

  1. Ridden by a rider
  1. Lunging
  • The duration and intensity of working-in must reflect the horse’s age, fitness, maturity, the surface being used, and prevailing weather conditions. Good practice includes:
    • Beginning with a period of walking to allow the horse to settle and stretch
    • Providing regular breaks
    • Allowing adequate cooldown time
    • Washing down appropriately
    • Ensuring frequent hydration
  1. Ridden by a Rider
  • Rider-to-Horse Weight Ratio
    • Riders must take account of the rider-to-horse weight ratio when warming up or competing.
    • Research indicates that a fit, appropriately conditioned horse can carry approximately 15-20% of its body weight (including tack and equipment).
    • Additional factors, such as the horse’s age, body condition, fitness, and the rider’s height, fitness and ability, must also be considered.
  • Practice Jumps
    • In Working Show Horse and Working Hunter classes, competitors must compete adequate practice jumps during warm-up.
    • Only fences provided in the warm-up area may be used.
    • Practice fences must not exceed the height of those in the class being prepared for.
  • Tack and Equipment
    • Horses must be warmed up only in tack permitted under BSHA rules
    • Boots and bandages may be used when warming up even if they are not allowed when the horse is competing with the exception of working hunter classes where back boots are not permitted in the warm up or the class.
    • Crank nosebands must not be overtightened.
    • Side reins, draw reins, Market Harboroughs, or similar training aids are not permitted when riding unless prior permission has been granted by the Association.
  • Martingales and Neck Straps
    • A correctly fitted running or standing martingale, or a neck strap, may be used during warm-up even if not used in the class.
    • Running martingale
      • When attached, the rings must reach just into the horse’s throat where the jaw meets the neck.
      • With a rider in a normal hand position, the martingale must not interfere with the reins.
    • Standing martingale
      • Adjust so the strap attached to the noseband can be pushed up to touch the throatlash when the horse’s head is in a natural position
      • With a rider in a normal hand position, the martingale must not interfere with the reins.
  • Welfare and Way of Going
    • The horse’s head must never be tied down.
    • Rolkur or any forced outline that places the front of the face behind the vertical is unacceptable.
  1. Lunging
  • Location and Eligibility
    • Lunging may only take place in designated areas provided by the show.
    • Only individuals aged 18 or over may lunge a horse.
  • Protective Equipment
    • The person lunging is advised to wear gloves, suitable footwear and a hard hat.
  • Tack and Training Aids
    • Horses may be lunged only in a cavesson or snaffle bridle.
    • The lunge line must be securely fitted to the cavesson, used as an overhead check, or attached via a coupling.
    • Correctly fitted side reins, Chambon, Pessoa or Bungee may be used.
    • Rolkur or any forced outline placing the front of the face behind the vertical is unacceptable.
    • Training aids must be used with care and only by competent individuals.
  • Use of the Lunge Whip
    • Lunge whips are for safety and guidance only.
    • They must never be used to reprimand a horse.
    • They are to support natural communication and act as a directional aid when asking the horse to move forward.
  • Mobile Phone Use
    • Mobile phones may only be used in an emergency or for brief time checks.
    • Prolonged phone use while lunging is unsafe and not permitted.