CLASSIFICATION
Colts for adult registration must have both testicles down.
All palominos 2 years of age & over are required to be classified for COLOUR in addition to CONFORMATION. They are classified on a point system for colour, and because they lose points for dark spots, dark hairs or smutting, it is necessary for you to present your horse washed and clean with mane and tail combed. It is not the classifiers' job to sort out whether dark patches and dark hairs are really that, or whether they are just dirt.
It is no use bringing a horse straight out of the paddock to a classification; the horse needs to have been handled so that it does not object when the classifier tries to check its mane, tail and coat colour, or its conformation. It also needs to have been taught to lead, walk and trot when asked to do so.
A horse which fails it’s first classification may be represented twice more for classification under different classifiers. (ie if it fails it’s second classification, it may be represented a third and final time). A horse which fails 3 classifications may not be represented in another state; it may only be presented 3 times ALL UP, not 3 times per state. The only exceptions are stallions which fail colour classification - these horses may be gelded after failing 3 times for stallion registration and represented as geldings.
Unless you apply to have your horse classified, the National and Branch secretaries do not know that the horse needs to be done, nor when it is ready; the responsibility for application for classification, submission of forms, presentation of the horse when requested to do so and payment of fees' rests solely with the owner of the horse.What the owner must do:
· Have all paperwork correctly filled out and sent to the National Office before the classification day accompanied by the appropriate fees.
· Brand the horse OR ensure that all paperwork proving it is already registered elsewhere without a brand has been lodged with the National Office.
· Wash the horse - it must be clean
· Trim the hooves - to ensure it’s action is correct.
· Handle the horse - classifiers need to look into manes and tails and under bellies.
· Teach it to lead properly - the horse does not have to in show condition but make sure it is looking its best.
· Attend the classification day - the inspection form has to be signed by the owner.
· Organise phone number for the day - in case something unforeseen arises.
What the horse must have:
· Palominos must have a mane 1 cm long or longer.
· No plaits in mane or tail.
· No dyeing, bleaching or colouring of mane, tail or body (including make-up on body)
· Buckskins and duns must not be clipped and their markings must be natural
· It’s own tail - false tails are not allowed
· Colts and stallions must have both testicles descended.
· Eyes must both be black, brown or hazel with the exception of white horses whose eyes must be blue.
· Must be 2 years of age and over.
Not allowed
· Dirty - if you can’t wash it, don’t bring it
· Lameness - if it’s lame, don’t bring it.
· Sickness - if it’s sick, don’t bring it.
· Dangerous behaviour - kicking, striking, biting, rearing, knocking handler down.
· Unmanageable behaviour - if you can’t control it, get someone who can.
· Blue eyes, except on cremellos or perlinos.
· Dorsal strip on palominos - dark line along backbone.
· White markings except where permitted on legs and head.
· False tails, false plaits, hair extenders.
· Clipped or faded coats - buckskins and duns (some clipped bays and browns can look like buckskins, hence this requirement).
· Artificially enhanced or applied primitive markings - buckskins and duns
THE METHODS
There is some misconception that immediately a horse is officially 2 years old it must be classified - this is not so: classification is necessary if you wish to show the horse but horses should only be classified when they are ready - presenting a horse that is not ready is a waste of the classifiers time and your time and money.
CLASSIFICATION FEE - Please check with your branch secretary for the amount required.
· Physical - to be paid to the branch on the day of classification;
· Video, photo/vet certificate - to be lodged with the Application for Classification form.
For the convenience of owners, we now offer the following three methods of classification.
Physical: Classification fee to be paid to branch on day of classification.
These are arranged through the branch and are the preferred method of inspection for all horses within reach of classifiers. A branch may organise and advertise a public classification day or may contact an owner or owners direct to organise a private classification.
Video: Classification fee to be lodged with the application for classification.
An owner may apply through their branch for this method of classification if in an area where classifiers are not able to conduct a physical inspection due to distance but they have access to a video camera.
Video requirements:
· to be taken in the daytime, preferably on a sunny day
· must show both sides, front, rear and underneath; these views to be taken from a distance of no more than 2 metres
· must be close enough to see smut, roan and spots as well as brands
· palominos - mane and tail must be fanned out so that quality, colour and discolouration can be assessed
· buckskins / duns - must include close-ups of any primitive markings.
· buckskins / duns must be in full (preferably summer) coat and may not be clipped; should also not be sun bleached.
· must show horse walking and trotting towards and away from the camera and trotting side on
· both eyes must be clearly shown in one view
· lips to be opened up to show the teeth
Photo and Vet Certificate: Classification fee to be lodged with the application.
An owner may apply through their branch for this method of classification if in an area where classifiers are not able to conduct a physical inspection due to distance but a vet is readily available. The vet certificate is on the back of the Application for Classification form and must be completed. The photos MUST also accompany the Application for Classification form
Photo requirements:
· Must be coloured.
· Must detail brands, scars, markings, UNDER BELLY, mane and tail.
· Mane and tail must be fanned out so that quality, colour and discolouration can be assessed.
· Must include full side shots of each side plus front and back of horse.
· Must include close up of both eyes.
· Buckskins & duns - must include close-ups of any primitive markings.
· Veterinarian must sign and date reverse of all photos
NB: Owners in Victoria must return ALL paperwork, photos, vet certificates, videos etc to the Federal Office. At present, all classifications in this state are by photo and vet certificate or video.