Tri-County Horseman’s Association – Milan Rules (PDF File)
1. Hats are to be worn in competition and safety helmets, ASTM/SEI-certified WITH STRAPS are to be worn in
English classes & Gymkhana, by ALL exhibitors. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A STRAP THE JUDGE WILL DISQUALIFY YOU
FROM THE CLASS.
2. The age of exhibitor is on January 1st of the showing year. BIRTH DATE MUST be on entry form and
membership.
3. Michigan 4-H rules will apply as guidelines unless otherwise stated in T.C.H.A. rules.
4. STALLIONS are to be shown by ADULTS ONLY (18 years and older and able to control the horse.)
5. Grand and Reserve Halter will consist of first and second place horse/ponies from class 1-6.
6. To be eligible for WALK-TROT 13 & under Year End Points, a rider must never have exhibited in a 3-gaited
class (walk, trot, and canter) at a show and must meet the age requirements, if observed by a Board Director
riding on T.C.H.A. grounds and/or other shows in a 3 gaited stride you will be required to ride in a 3 gaited class
from that point on and points will be accumulated in that age/class only. We appreciate your honesty and respect
your integrity. WALK -TROT 14 & Over – Horse / rider combination may not have shown in a 3-gaited class at a
show in the last 5 years.
7. A rider may not ride in Walk-Trot and be judged if he/she has been riding in any other gaited class. Once a
rider does ride in class other than Walk-Trot they will not be judged in a walk-trot class. It is the responsibility of
the rider to inform the board/judge prior to entering class if they are not to be judged!
8. All added money sweepstakes classes must have at least 10 people in the class for added money to be paid
out – if under 10 exhibitors then the 70% payback will be divided 50%-30%-20%
9. TRAIL CLASSES – if rider is a Walk Trotter they are to Walk/Trot and not lope in any pattern as posted.
10. Leadline Trail is to acquaint a Lead liner ONLY to the trail obstacles. This is the only Trail class that will allow a
horse and rider to be lead through the obstacles.
11. Leadline showmanship is only for the lead liner to exhibit and it is only for 8 and under exhibitors. The
exhibitor will show to the judge and the assistant will stand by to assist the lead liner when needed for safety.
12. All Exhibitors must have a current year negative Coggins or ELISA test for the horse they’re showing to exhibit
at TCHA-Milan shows.
13. FEES: There will be a $3.00 Grounds Fee, $10.00 Office Fee, and for all Non-members an additional $3.00 fee
per horse/exhibitor combination even if you share a horse. T.C.H.A. members are automatically included in Daily
High Point; non-members MUST pay $5.00 fee if they would like to participate.
14. $40 RIDE ALL DAY FEE is for T.C.H.A. Members ONLY. The ride all day fee includes your (6) six age group
classes OR (6) six Gymkhana classes or (6) Six Pony/Mini Classes ONLY.
15. Daily High Point and Year-End Awards are based on ONE HORSE/ONE RIDER combination, per member.
Exceptions: 1) Lead Line-points go to the rider.
16. Points will be accumulated on a sliding scale, example: Point System: 6 in class: 6-5-4-3-2-1, 5 in class: 5-4-
3-2-1, 4 in class: 4-3- 2- 1, 3 in class: 3-2-1, 2 in class: 2-1, 1 in class 1.
17. High Point and Year-End ties WILL be broken by most 1st, 2nd, and so on…
18. Ponies and Minis Must be 45" or under to compete in the Pony/Mini Division.
19. T.C.H.A. Membership is required for eligibility of “Year End Awards”. Points will not be counted until
membership is paid. You MUST show 3 out of 5 shows to be eligible for Year-End Awards.
20. Year End Award & Daily High Point is based on ONE HORSE/ONE RIDER COMBINATION per member, the
points include: Showmanship, English, Western and Trail classes, Mini and Gymkhana. Classes with a ( * ) are
excluded in point totals: Halter, Sweepstakes, bareback, open driving etc.
21. Year End awards must be picked up at the banquet or arrangements made to pick them up within two weeks
of the banquet or award will be forfeited.
22. Class closes when the previous class exits the ring, and the gate is closed. NO Exceptions.
23. Classes with less than four (4) entries can be combined or canceled at the Boards discretion. Exceptions are
Lead Line and Walk-Trot.
24. If an exhibitor has a question for the judge, they need to go through a board member or ask the booth
personnel. The judge will answer questions when available. Do not interrupt during classes or approach judge
prior to speaking to a show representative.
25. Tack changes are limited to 3 minutes and the Booth needs to be informed at least 3 classes before the
needed change.
26. NO REFUNDS or vouchers will be given. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to make it to their classes on
time. Class drops are appreciated at least 3 classes before the class. This must be done at the booth not at the
gate.
27. Appeals may be lodged with the show office and a $50 appeal fee will be charged prior to acceptance of
28. If a rider feels that they may not be able to control a horse related to environmental concerns – trains; please
feel free to enter the center of the arena. Please be aware that this is stopping forward motion and the judge may
choose to disqualify you. If the judge stops the class and asks the exhibitors to enter the center of the area it is the
choice of the judge to judge accordingly.
29. The judge may disqualify an exhibitor or rider based appeal.
on safety in the arena, equipment, and/or soundness of
the horse.
30. All Horses are to be off the grounds an hour after the last class is completed.
31. The Judge’s and/or the Board’s decision is FINAL.
Revised 2024