HOLMES HORSE SHOW MANAGEMENT

2025 SHOW SAFETY AND SECURITY RULES

 

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!

 

All individuals on the competition grounds must comply with all safety rules and procedures. Failure to comply with the safety rules and procedures may result in suspension/halting of overall competition, fines, issuance of warning cards, forfeiture of the ability to participate in the competition, forfeiture of entry and other fees, and/or removal from the competition grounds.

 

Show Management reserves the right to remove anyone from the competition grounds and not grant re-entry for any unsafe actions, illegal behavior, disruption of the competition, or failure to comply with any safety rules/procedures at the Show Manager’s, Steward’s, or Safety Coordinators discretion. Additionally, if violations are determined by Show Management, ALL ENTRIES from the offending barn can be disqualified and removed from the showgrounds.

 

•             Anyone participating in the competition (rider, trainer, owner, volunteers, and officials) are required to complete a show specific general liability waiver form prior to participation.

•             All dogs/pets must always remain on a leash anywhere on the competition grounds. Dogs/pets are not

allowed in any foodservice or serving area. Failure to comply will result in a $100 fine, forfeiture of the ability to participate in the competition, forfeiture of entry and other fees, possible issuance of warning cards, and potential removal from the competition grounds. All dogs/pets must have current inoculations for rabies as prescribed by the state of residency. Show management reserves the right to remove any dog/pet from the competition grounds at any time.

•             Dogs/pets must not be left unattended in vehicles and/or trailers. Failure to comply will result in an issuance of warning cards, potential forfeiture of the ability to participate in the competition, forfeiture of entry and other fees, fines, potential removal from the competition grounds, and reporting to local animal control/law enforcement.

•             All local and state adopted fire safety codes and regulations must be followed. This includes ensuring adequate ingress/egress ability (minimum 5’ path), exits are not blocked, use of flame-resistant draping, approved electrical cords and appliances are utilized appropriately, electrical circuits are not overloaded, utilization of fire watch, etc.

•             Tents, canopies, or temporary roof structures over 4 square feet are not allowed inside any structure.

•             The use of extension cords will be at a minimum and only one cord per appliance. The chaining of extension cords together is not allowed. All extension cords shall be properly corded to prevent falls and other hazards (NC Fire Code 604). All extension cords shall be inspected by the Tenant to ensure the cords are properly grounded, and not frayed, loosely connected, cut, etc.

•             No outdoor burning, fire pits, or campfires will be allowed on competition grounds.

•             Smoking and vaping are prohibited in the show arena, warm up arena, and inside the barns.

•             Fireworks and/or explosives are not allowed on the competition grounds.

•             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 licensed competitions. Minors who have a valid temporary license may operate the above-described motorized vehicles if they are accompanied by an adult with a valid driver’s license. Failure to comply will result in possible fines, forfeiture of the ability to participate in the competition, forfeiture of entry and other fees, possible issuance of warning cards, and potential removal from the competition grounds.

•             The maximum number of passengers on a golf cart should not exceed the number of seats.

•             Non powered/powered scooters, bicycles, skateboards, in line skates, and heelers (skates in shoes) are not permitted in the show arena, warmup arena, or the interior of any barns.

•             Anyone involved in damaging/destroying property, stealing property, communicating threats, conducting acts of violence, assault/abuse (physical, emotional, verbal, sexual), stalking, harassment, disorderly conduct, animal cruelty, or any other illegal activities will be removed from the competition grounds and fully prosecuted of the law.

•             Show management reserves the right to remove and ban any public spectators from the competition grounds for acts of disobedience, discourtesy, or causing a disruption to the competition/competitors.

•             Any act of discourtesy, disobedience, bullying, harassment, retaliation, slander, or unsportsmanlike conduct to the judges, officials, show management, show staff, or other participants, on the part of an owner, rider/driver, trainer/agent, attendee, or groom will disqualify horse or rider/driver. Failure to comply will result in possible fines, forfeiture of the ability to participate in the competition, forfeiture of entry and other fees, possible issuance of warning cards, and potential removal from the competition grounds.

• According to the Horse Protection Act (“HPA”), the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (“APHIS”) can inspect any horse show to ensure it is compliant with the soring rule.  Anyone encountering such personnel must treat them with the utmost cooperation and respect.  Failure to do so will result in possible fines, forfeiture of the ability to participate in the competition, forfeiture of entry and other fees, possible issuance of warning cards, and potential removal from the competition grounds.

• Competition Management will ensure the competition is conducted in accordance with all local, state and federal animal health requirements.  Trainer/owner/rider is to notify the show veterinarian and show management as soon as possible after detection of a feverish animal.  It will be decided by the show veterinarian and show management if isolation and/or further treatment or testing of the feverish animal is appropriate.

•             Unattended children, excessive noise, running, or other actions that may disrupt competitors are not allowed in the competition arena. Parents/guardians must always maintain supervision of their children while inside the arena and ensure they remain seated and are not disrupting the competition or competitors. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed along the rail, in the war-up ring or on victory passes.  Minors along with their guardians causing disruptions in the competition or warm up arena will be immediately removed and not allowed to return. 

•             Individuals under the age of 21 are not allowed to possess and/or consume alcohol. Anyone under the age of 21 caught in possession will be immediately reported to law enforcement and removed permanently from the competition grounds. Any adult 21 or older caught providing alcohol to an individual under the age of 21 and/or knowingly allowing them to consume alcohol will result in forfeiture of the ability to participate in the competition, forfeiture of entry and other fees, possible issuance of warning cards, reporting to law enforcement, and removal from the competition grounds. Show management reserves the right to verify age by checking the identification of any individual in possession or believed to be in possession of alcohol on the competition grounds.

•             Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol, or a controlled substance are prohibited from operating a motorized vehicle, riding/driving a horse, or participating in the competition while they are in an impaired state that may endanger themselves or others.

•             Show management reserves the right to remove any individual from the competition grounds and involve law enforcement (as needed) who appear or are found to be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance at any time.

•             Anyone currently experiencing symptoms (fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, shortness of breath, etc.)  of a communicable illness or has recently had close contact (more than 15 minutes in a 24 hour period) with anyone symptomatic with a communicable illness are not permitted on the competition grounds. These illnesses include, but are not limited to Influenza, RSV, COVID-19, Norovirus, Strep, and other transmissible illnesses. Show management reserves the right to remove anyone from the competition grounds who is symptomatic or has been exposed to anyone with a communicable illness.

•             No parking will be allowed in the barn area, in an area that impedes the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, in any area designated as a fire lane/no parking zone, and/or blocking a manure pit or trash receptacle. Motor vehicles must park in appropriate designated areas and follow all traffic safety laws on the competition grounds. Show management and the facility reserves the right to tow any vehicle improperly parked at the vehicle owner’s expense.

•             Sharp containers are provided in convenient locations throughout the barns for the disposal of needles, medical waste, and other disposable sharp instruments. Failure to comply will result in a $100 fine, forfeiture of the ability to participate in the competition, forfeiture of entry and other fees, possible issuance of warning cards, and potential removal from the competition grounds.

•             No one should purposely or intentionally damage or remove any signage, decorations, arena wrap/bunting, plants, hospitality items, safety items, or other show provided items.

•             Any loss, theft, accident, injury, damage to personal property, or illegal activity should be reported to the show office/management immediately.

•             Show management and officials reserves the right to suspend competition temporally or permanently during any event that may impact the safety, security, health, and the general wellbeing of participants on the competition grounds.

•             Lost and found will be in the show office.

 

EQUINE ACTIVITY LIABILITY ACT WARNING: HORSEBACK RIDING AND EQUINE ACTIVITIES CAN BE DANGEROUS, RIDE/PARTICIPATE/ATTEND AT YOUR OWN RISK.

 

Under North Carolina law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for any injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting exclusively from the inherent risks of equine activities.  Chapter 99E of the North Carolina General Statutes