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WESTERN NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER
OF THE PROFFESSIONAL HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA, INC.

BY-LAWS AND RULES



WELCOME TO THE WNE-PHA !   Please read over these By-Laws and Rules.  We want them to be clear, fair and comfortable for you so please let us know how to improve them.  Unless otherwise specified herein we follow the rules of the USEF so make sure that you have a copy of their rule book.  To ensure that all your points are counted PLEASE keep your own list to include the date and location of each show, the classes you entered and the ribbons that you won in each class.  In the event you do not place at all at a show, please have the Show Secretary write you a note to indicate your attendance.


WESTERN NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER
OF THE
PROFESSIONAL HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC.
amended November 30, 2008

  1. ARTICLE I - NAME
    The name of this organization shall be, The Western New England Chapter of the Professional Horsemen's Association of America, Inc.

    ARTICLE II - OBJECT
    The object of this chapter shall be to support the objectives of the Professional Horsemen's Association of American, Inc., which are "to give aid and sustenance to needy horsemen, to provide educational aid to children of professional horsemen through a scholarship fund, to promote and foster interest in the horse industry and to aid in the protection and care of horses through education.  It shall also be to facilitate the exchange of ideas and cooperation among those interested in horsemanship and to increase the knowledge of and interest in horses in the community, and to promote sportsmanship and set standards in the area.

    ARTICLE III - COLORS
    The colors of this Chapter shall be green and white.  We use the National Logo.

    ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
    Section 1.  Membership in this organization shall be divided into the following classes:
    a) PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS.  Any person whose principal means of livelihood is buying, selling, horse farming, training horses, teaching riding or any related profession and who is acceptable professionally to the Chapter Membership Committee shall be eligible for Professional Membership provided they also comply with the National requirements.  Professional members shall be entitled to certain benefits as outlined in Article V of the National By-laws.  The membership period is January 1 through December 31 of each year.  Annual dues shall be payable on December 1 upon notification by the membership chairman.  Any previous member who has been out of the Association for a period of one year or more must pay all back dues or make application as a new member if he wishes to rejoin the Association.

    b)  ASSOCIATE MEMBERS   Any amateur eighteen years of age and over who is interested in furthering the purpose of this Association and who is acceptable to the Chapter Membership Committee may be eligible for membership.  Associate Member points begin to accumulate upon joining and the membership is valid from finals to finals.

    c)  JUNIOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS  Anyone who has not reached the age of 18 years as of December 1 of the current show year, and is acceptable to the Chapter Membership Committee shall be eligible to Junior Associate Membership.  Junior Associate member points begin to accumulate upon joining and the membership is valid from Finals to Finals.

    Section 2a.  Application for professional membership shall be made on forms provided by the Association.  These will include:  professional status, address, next of kin and any pertinent information which may be helpful to the membership committee.

    Section 2b.  Application for Junior and Associate membership shall be made on the following form or online (preferred).  This form should be included in the prize list if possible and should be available at all WNE-PHA shows.  The Show Secretary can provide forms if needed upon request.  Forms are available for download and printing on this website as well.
                                Click to download Membership Application


    Section 2c.   SAMPLE OF MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM 
    WESTERN NEW ENGLAND PROFESSIONAL HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
    MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
    FEE $25 ADULT & $20 FOR JUNIOR
     NAME:_________________________________________________         DATE:________________
     ADDRESS:___________________________________________ PHONE:________________
     CITY:__________________________ STATE:_______ ZIP:__________ BIRTHDATE:__________________
     STABLE AND TRAINER:___________________________________________________________
     SHOW NAME OF HORSE OR PONY:____________________________PONY HEIGHT:________
     IF LEASED, name of owner who must be a current member:_________________________________
     EMAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________
    Prize lists will be sent to members through email.
     If you would like a paper copy, please check here □
     
    Please mail to :  WNE-PHA c/o Aimee Boyer 138 Seekonk Cross Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
     You may also become a member online at www.WNEPHA.com
                                Click to download Membership Application

    Section 3.  If a HORSE is LEASED the OWNER (and rider) has to be a current member in order for the horse to accumulate points.

    Section 4.  The annual dues shall be:

    PROFESSIONAL                  $35       ($30 of this goes to National PHA)
    ASSOCIATE                          $25       ($ 7  of this goes to National PHA)
    JUNIOR ASSOCIATE          $20       ($ 3  of this goes to National PHA)

     
    ARTICLE V - BOARD OF TRUSTEES
    Section 1.  All of the professional members in good standing shall form the Board of Trustees.
    Section 2.  The Board of Trustees shall have general supervision and guidance of the affairs of the Chapter and will perform such other duties as specified in these By-Laws.
    Section 3.  Special meetings of the Board of Trustees may be called by the president or by any three members of the Board, one of which shall be an officer.

    ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS
    Section 1.  The officers of this chapter shall be a chairman, a vice-chairman, several secretaries (points, show calendar, meeting minutes and membership), a treasurer, and the representative(s) to the National Board.  Together they shall form the Executive Committee.

    Section 2.  The Board shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three professional members by December 1.  This committee shall present a slate of officers to be elected at the Annual meeting of the Board.  Members of the Board shall submit additional candidates if any to the Nominating Committee at least two weeks before the annual meeting.  The consent of any nominee must be obtained before nomination.

    Section 3.  Officers shall hold office for a term of one year.  All officers may succeed themselves.

    ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS
    Section 1.  Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held each quarter or at the discretion of the board.

    Section 2.  The Chairman shall notify the board members of the date, time, place and purpose of the meeting at least one week in advance.

    Section 3.  The Annual Meeting of the Chapter shall be held in January of each year for the purpose of annual reports from officers and standing committees, presentation of awards and trophies, and completion of any other necessary business.

    Section 4.  The Annual meeting of the Board of Trustees shall be held before March 1 for the purpose of electing the new officers.

    Section 5.  Special meetings of the Board of Trustees may be called by the president, or by any three members of the Board, one of whom shall be an officer.

    Section 6.  The quorum for all Chapter meetings shall be five members at least two of which shall be officers.

    ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES
    Section 1.  The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE shall be composed of the elected officers of the Chapter and shall meet as necessary.

    a)  The executive committee shall have general authority over the chapter between meetings of the Board of Trustees and perform such other duties as specified in these bylaws.  (Any action taken by the Committee shall be ratified at the next following Board meeting.)

    Section 2.  The standing committees of this chapter shall be; horse show/Finals, banquet, finance, and nominating.

    Section 3.  The President shall appoint all standing committee chairmen who will choose their own committee members.  Committee appointments shall be approved by the Board.  The President shall announce the appointments in the website.

    Section 4.  Special committees deemed necessary by the professional membership or Board of Trustees to carry on the work of the chapter shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board.

    Section 5.  The President shall be an ex official member of all committees except the nominating committee.

    Article IX - FISCAL POLICIES
    Section 1.  The fiscal year shall run from December 1 to November 30.
    Section 2.  The books and accounts of the Chapter shall be kept in accordance with sound accounting practices.  The Treasurer shall furnish the board a report of the finances of the Chapter at the Annual Meeting and shall send a proportionate amount of each member's dues to the Professional Horsemen's Association of America, Inc. by April 1.
    Section 3.  No one may profit financially from membership in the chapter by sales or solicitation of sales at PHA meetings.  However, the chapter may contract with members in their professional capacity.
    Section 4.  In the event of dissolution of the chapter, all of its assets and funds shall revert to the National Association's Scholarship Fund.

    ARTICLE XII - SHOW AFFILIATION
    1. In order for a show to be affiliated the show date must be approved at least 21 days before by the Secretary who keeps the calendar.  After receiving an approved date a member must send $20 ($30 for a non- WNE-PHA member)
     2. No one barn (or other entity) may hold 2 horse shows (not to include other types of recognized events) less than 4 weeks apart, except in extenuating circumstances.
     3. Conflicting dates shall not be allowed.


    (SAMPLE)  WNE-PHA APPLICATION FOR SHOW DATE(S)
    NAME OF STABLE:______________________________
    ADDRESS:_____________________________________
    CITY:___________________STATE___ ZIP_______ PHONE:_____________
    DATE(S) REQUESTED:____________________   ______________________
    DIVISIONS TO BE POINTED:________________________________________
    NAME OF JUDGE FOR APPROVAL:__________________________________
    AMOUNT ENCLOSED (member fee $20, non-member fee $30) ___________
    CONTACT PERSON: _____________________ SIGNATURE_______________
    Please mail to:  karry@emerald-glen.com
                                    
    Click to download Application for Show Date

    ARTICLE XIII - SHOW REQUIREMENTS
    1.  Prize lists must state that the show is WNE-PHA pointed and contain the name of the judge and show officials.
                      A.  In the event that the show is not affiliated with the USEF or any other organization with a list of approved judges, an impartial, non licensed judge may be hired that is approved by two WNE-PHA officers.  WNE-PHA also has available a list of approved judges.
                     B.  All Hunter, Medal and Equitation classes Novice level and above will show in front of the published judge.
    2.  The show management must invite all WNE-PHA affiliated stables and every member should receive a prize list at least two weeks before the show.
    3.  Shows must include the Short Stirrup, Maiden, Mini, Limit, Junior and Adult WNE-PHA Medal Classes to be pointed.  If these classes are not filled the show's points still count. 
    4.  All specifications not covered in these regulations shall be in accordance with the USEF.  At any show affiliated with the USEF the rules of that organization shall prevail over these regulations.
    5.  Exhibitors may join WNE-PHA on the day of the show, (for the present year only) by PAYING THE MEMBERSHIP FEE  to the Show Secretary BEFORE ENTERING ANY CLASSES.  Those exhibitor points will count only from the date that the exhibitor has joined the WNE-PHA.
    6.  Any shows not complying with these aforementioned rules shall be subjected to a written warning from the Grievance Committee upon the first offense and a $200 fine for any subsequent offenses.
    7.  In the case of combined divisions, the Show Secretary must designate which division each rider is accumulating points for.

    ARTICLE XIV - POINTS
    1.  WNE-PHA Medal points for the Short Stirrup, Maiden, Mini, Limit, Junior and Adult Medal classes will accrue from the show following the Medal Finals Show to the show prior to the Medal Show Finals.
    2.  WNE-PHA DIVISION POINTS will accrue from the December 1st through November 30th of the following year.  Only the points won at affiliated shows will be counted.  The show management must send a list of all riders and horses that participated along with the results of all classes to the Point Secretary within two weeks following the show.  To receive point forms for show results please look under forms at www.wnepha.com.  To accrue WNE-PHA Division points the rider and horse owner must be current members of the WNE-PHA.
    3.  POINT VALUE the points in all classes will be scored as follows: 



     PLACE
     POINTS
     First Place
         5
     Second Place
         3
     Third Place
         2
     Fourth Place
         1

    4.  There must be at least 3 riders
    in each class (non-medal) for points to count.  MEDAL CLASSES - At least 4 riders must compete, classes may be combined only as follows: Short Stirrup may not be combined with any other Medal; Maiden may not be combined with any other medal. Mini may not be combined with any other Medal; Adult, Limit and Junior Medals may be combined, in any combination, as needed for minimum number.  Riders must designate which division they are collecting points.

    ARTICLE XV - YEAR END AWARDS AND CLASS SPECIFICATIONS
    1.  Points for the High Score Awards shall be awarded by the WNE-PHA in the following divisions: (Year end high points)
     Baby Green
     
     Low Hunter
     
     Novice Hunter
     
     Junior / Amateur Hunter
     
     Children's Pony Hunter
     
     Children's Horse Hunter
     
     Open Working / Junior Hunter
     
     Adult Hunter
     
     Pleasure Division
     
     Open Equitation
     
     Adult Equitation
     
     Jumper Division
     
     Sporting Division
     
     Short Stirrup Equitation Division
     
     Maiden Medal High Year End Points
     Mini Medal
    High Year End Points
     Limit Medal
    High Year End Points 
     Adult Medal
    High Year End Points
     Junior Medal
    High Year End Points 
     Short Stirrup Medal
     High Year End Points

    2.  In all  HUNTER divisions at least one over fences class must be completed in each division in order for the points (for that show) to count toward the year end awards.  The Show Secretary should make a note of those horses and riders who did not complete any over fences classes in their Hunter Division.  This rule does not apply to equitation. All hunter jumps must be normal width, of appropriate “field hunter” colors and type and have wings on both sides.

    3.  Western New England Professional Horsemen's Association Medal Classes:

      A.  The WNE-PHA JUNIOR MEDAL CLASSES are open to Junior members of WNE-PHA.  Rider MUST be a member BEFORE the class begins.  A course, of at least 8 fences, not to exceed 3' with at least one change of direction. A minimum of 4 riders is needed to fill the class.  If appropriate, the judge is encouraged to offer a test to the top riders.
                     
    B.  The WNE-PHA ADULT MEDAL CLASSES are open to Adult members of the WNE-PHA. Rider must be a member before the class begins. A course of at least eight fences not to exceed 2'9" with at least one change of direction must be included.  A minimum of 4 riders is needed to fill the class. If appropriate the judge is encouraged to offer a test to the top riders. 

    C.  The WNE-PHA MINI MEDAL CLASSES are open to junior members of the WNE-PHA who are eligible for Novice Equitation AND who are 14 and under, unless they are in their first year of showing at 2’6”.  Riders in this class may not complete in any classes where the fence height exceeds 2'6", except equitation.  Rider must be a member before the class begins.  A course of at least eight fences not to exceed 2'6" with at least one change of direction and no combinations must be included.  A minimum of 4 riders is needed to fill the class.  If appropriate the judge is encouraged to offer a test to the top riders.
     
    D. The WNE-PHA MAIDEN MEDAL CLASSES are open to junior members of the WNE-PHA who are eligible for Maiden Equitation AND who are 14 and under, unless they are in their first year of showing at 2’.  Riders in this class may not compete in any classes where the fence height exceeds 2'6".  Rider must be a member before the class begins.  A course of at least eight fences not to exceed 2' with at least one change of direction and no combinations or oxers should be included.  A minimum of 4 riders is needed to fill the class.  If appropriate the judge is encouraged to offer a test to the top riders. 


    E.  The WNE-PHA LIMIT MEDAL CLASSES are open to junior members of the WNE-PHA who are eligible for Limit Equitation.  Riders in this class may not compete in any classes where the fence height exceeds 3'.  Rider must be a member before the class begins.  A course of at least eight fences not to exceed 2'9" with at least one change of direction. A minimum of 4 riders is needed to fill the class.  If appropriate the judge is encouraged to offer a test to the top riders.
    F.  The WNE-PHA SHORT STIRRUP MEDAL CLASSES are open to junior members of the WNE-PHA who are eligible for Short Stirrup Equitation.  Riders in this class may not compete in any classes where the fence height exceeds 18”.  Rider must be a member before the class begins.  A course of at least eight fences not to exceed 18".  A minimum of 4 riders is needed to fill the class.  If appropriate the judge is encouraged to offer a test to the top riders. 
    G.  Riders in all the Medal Classes will compete for total points accrued from the previous year’s Finals date to the date of the Finals of the current show year.  All riders with at least  5 points in a specific level Medal class qualify for the Medal Finals Show.  (Two Barn rule does NOT apply to Medal qualification.)  Riders should check www.wnepha.com for qualification (with 5 points). Please check a few weeks prior to Finals, to make sure points are correct.  Riders who qualify for more than one final must compete at the higher level. The WNE-PHA MEDAL FINALS CLASSES are to be held at a designated show in October of each year. 
    The exact date and location is to be announced by August 1 of that year.
    4.  OUT OF MEDALS - Awards will be given to those riders who have graduated out of a division during the current year.  NOTE:  Riders must notify the secretary by sending a note listing the classes won and stating the division change, to receive the award.
    5.  All awards are at the discretion of the WNE-PHA Board.  Additional awards may be presented at the discretion of the Awards Committee.
    6.  There will be no cooler for any division with less than 8 places.  The Medal High Point awards will not be coolers.

    ARTICLE XVI- CLASS DEFINITIONS
    A.  BABY GREEN - Open to any horse in their first or second year of showing who has never shown higher than 2'6" in said 1st or 2nd year.  Horses who enter this division at a given show may not enter any other class at that show in which fence heights exceed 2'6". No rider restrictions.
    B.  LOW HUNTER - Open to all horses and ponies and riders with no age limitations.  To be judged on manners, performance, suitability and soundness.  Fences not to exceed 2'6".
    C.  NOVICE HUNTER DIVISION - Open to any rider who is eligible for novice adult or novice junior equitation as of December 1 of the current show year.  Riders who enter this division at a given show may not enter any other class at that show in which fence height exceeds 2'6".  The course will not include any combinations.  Fences not to exceed 2'6".
    D.  JUNIOR/AMATEUR HUNTER - Open to all except professional riders.  No horse restrictions.  Horse/rider combinations who enter this division at a given show may not enter any other class at the show in which fence height exceeds 2'6".  No combinations.
    E.  CHILDREN'S HUNTER PONY - Open to all ponies ridden by juniors.  Small ponies, 12.2 hands and under to jump 2'.  Medium ponies, 12.2 but not exceeding 13.2 to jump 2'3".  Large ponies, over 13.2 but not to exceed 14.2 to jump 2'6".  Judged on manners, performance, suitability and soundness.  NOTE:  Children's Hunter may be run together as long as riders designate horse or pony.
    F.  CHILDREN'S HUNTER HORSE - Open to horses to be shown by Junior riders.  Riders over 15 years of age must still be eligible for Limit equitation over fences (1.e.. they have not won 6 equitation blues over fences) as of December 1st of the current show year.  Fences not to exceed 3' for horses.  Note:  if 6 or more of each (horses and ponies) are entered in this class, it should be split.  Judged on manners, performance, suitability and soundness.
    G.  OPEN WORKING / JUNIOR HUNTER - Fences to be 3' to 3'3".  No restrictions on age or status of rider except in Junior Hunter.  Judged on manners, suitability and soundness.
    H.   ADULT HUNTER DIVISION - Open to horses ridden by riders 18 years of age and over.  Fences not to exceed 3'.  Judged on manners, performance, suitability and soundness.
    I.  PLEASURE DIVISION - May include Open Pleasure, Road Hack, Bridle Path Hack, Hunter Pleasure.  Classes must be open to all horses and ponies.  To be shown on the flat only at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring.  Judged on manners, performance, suitability and soundness.  Martingales not permitted.
    J.  OPEN EQUITATION - Open to Junior riders.  Fences not to exceed  3'.  To be judged on seat, hands, guidance and control of the horse.
    K.  ADULT EQUITATION - Open to riders 18 years of age and over.  Fences not to exceed 2'6".
    L.  JUMPER DIVISION - Open to horses and riders. To be judged solely on Jumping ability.  Scoring to be done according to USEF rules, unless otherwise stated.
    M.  SPORTING DIVISION - To include - Dressage, Hunter Pace, Games, and Multi Phase Event (example: X-Country, Dressage, Pleasure, Stadium Jumping).
    N.   SHORT STIRRUP EQUITATION DIVISION - Open to riders 12 and under, limited to riders not having shown for more than 2 years and not able to show in any other division except for the Pleasure Division.  Not to exceed 18" in height.

    ARTICLE XVII - POINTS AND AWARDS
    1.  To accrue WNE-PHA Division points both the rider and the horse owner must be current members of the WNE-PHA.  Please do not change the name of your horse during the show year.
    2.  Point Value - the points in all classes will be scored as follows:
     PLACE
    POINTS 
     FIRST
      5
     SECOND
      3
     THIRD
      2
     FOURTH
      1

    3.  Point Year - Year end High Score Awards will be given to members of WNE-PHA in the Divisions outlined in Article XV above at the Annual Banquet unless stated otherwise.  Winners (except Medals) will be those horses and riders which accrue the highest number of points at recognized WNE-PHA competitions held from
    the show following the Finals Show to the show prior to the Show Finals.
    4.  TWO BARN RULE - Unless otherwise specified points will be counted only for those horses and riders who compete in at least three WNE-PHA competitions held in at least 2 different barns during the year.  A cancelled check or note from the Show Secretary may be required as proof of attendance. This does not apply to Medals qualification.                                                                                                       
    5.  The trainer of the Finals winner must be a professional member of the WNE-PHA in order to receive the trainer award.  Please note that the winner of any of the WNE-PHA MEDAL FINALS classes is no longer eligible to compete in that level of WNEPHA Medal class. (NOT APPLICABLE TO ADULT MEDAL FINALS WINNER.)
    6.  " OUT OF " MEDALS - Awards will be given to those riders who graduated out of a division during the current year.  The status of Maiden, Novice or Limit entries is as of the closing date of entries for any particular competition.  That is, in any one show you stay in the division that you started in and enter the next division in the next show.

    SHORT STIRRUP TO MAIDEN (WHITE) - A rider graduates out of Short Stirrup classes at their instructor's advice or after two years of showing in Short Stirrup.

    MAIDEN TO NOVICE (YELLOW) - A rider graduates out of maiden after winning one blue ribbon in a maiden equitation class over fences.  After winning one blue ribbon in a maiden flat class the rider may ride in novice flat classes an continue to ride in maiden over fences.  The blue ribbon must be won in a class with at least  5 riders.

    NOVICE TO LIMIT (RED) - A rider graduates out of the novice division after winning three blue ribbons in equitation over fences classes (Maiden and Novice).  After winning three blue ribbons in equitation flat classes a rider should ride in limit flat classes, but can continue to ride in novice over fences.  The blue ribbons must be won in classes with at least five riders.

    LIMIT TO OPEN (BLUE) -  Six blue ribbons won in equitation over fences classes will graduate a rider out of the limit division.  Six ribbons won in equitation flat classes require that the rider compete subsequently in open flat classes, but the rider may continue to ride in limit over fences.  The blue ribbons must be won in classes with at least 5 riders.

    6.  All medal final classes accrue points for year end awards independently of the year end finals competition.  Additional awards may be presented at the discretion of the Awards Committee. Points from Finals show do not count for division points.

    We ask that PHA exhibitors follow USEF Drug Rules

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