Central West Barrel Horse Club Ground Rules
Affiliate Name: Central West Barrel Horse Club
Incorporated Club: Yes
Optional Club Membership Offered: Yes
Membership required for End of Year or Series Awards: Yes
Membership Fees:
• Club Open Membership Fee: $30
• Club Junior Open Membership Fee (Under 18's): $30
• Club Junior Membership Fee (Under 18's): $30
• Club Tiny Tot Membership Fee (7 & Unders): $10
Family Membership Deals: 3 or more members $70, non-riding membership $10
Core ABHA Events Offered
• Open Divisional (Junior Open members permitted to enter)
• 10 & Unders – Unassisted
• Tiny Tots – Non-competitive 7 & Unders includes assisted and unassisted
• Open Pole Bending (Junior Open members permitted to enter)
• Junior Pole Bending
Extra Events
• Novice
• Over 45's
Novice Horse Award Criteria
The Novice Horse Award is open to horses that have not:
• Won a Ladies and/or Open barrel race, OR
• Won a combination of four (4) Junior events in any association (1D), OR
• Won four (4) Novice barrel races, OR
• Won a 1st Division title/buckle in any ABHA association or rodeo event.
Competitors must sign a waiver confirming their horse's eligibility when entering an event.
Novice Points System
• The award is determined using a cumulative points system, tallied across all season
events.
• Points are awarded from 15 down to 1 as follows:
o 1st place = 15 points
o 2nd place = 14 points
o 3rd place = 13 points
o 4th place = 12 points
o 5th place = 11 points
o ... continuing down to 1 point.
• No points will be awarded for runs with a knocked drum.
• Points accumulate from the date of nomination. Any points earned prior to nomination
will not be counted.
Event Participation
• Points are awarded based on performance in the Novice Horse event.
• Times recorded in the Novice Horse Event are used to determine placings and point
scores among all nominated Novice Horses.
Tie-Breaker Rules
In the event of a tie for the overall title:
1. Countback – the horse with the most first placings.
2. If still tied, the Committee will apply further criteria (such as overall consistency or
attendance).
Breaking Novice Status
If a nominated horse breaks novice status during the year of nomination, they will:
• Finish the season as a Novice Horse with CWBHC.
• Remain eligible for the Novice Horse Award for that year.
Nomination Fee
A nomination fee of $30 applies to all entries for the Novice Horse Award for each Novice event
entered.
End of Year / Series Awards
Eligibility Criteria – Open Divisional
• Points are awarded to the horse/rider combination.
• The horse must be entered under the same name throughout the season.
• Points awarded based on member placement, starting at 5 points.
• Penalty runs are not eligible for points.
• Only current financial members are eligible.
• Must attend at least four (4) CWBHC events.
Eligibility Criteria – Junior Divisional
(Same wording as Open Divisional)
Eligibility Criteria – 10 & Unders Unassisted
(Same wording as Open Divisional)
Eligibility Criteria – Tiny Tots 7 & Under
Non-competitive and no EOY point score.
Tie Breaker Rules
If tied for first place:
• Count back: most event wins.
• If still tied: most Jackpot attendance.
• If still tied: fastest recorded time at any Club Jackpot.
• Applies to all minor placing ties.
Horse & Horse/Rider Rules
• Horses must be entered using the same name for every event.
• Switching between names will result in split points.
Points System Requirement
Affiliates must use the official ABHA points system:
• 1st – 5 points
• 2nd – 4 points
• 3rd – 3 points
• 4th – 2 points
• 5th – 1 point
Notes for Points System
• Points awarded based on member placements.
• Ties split points.
• Only members are eligible.
• Led competitors do not accumulate points.
• Day Memberships limited to three (3) affiliated days per year.
• Day members not eligible for EOY points.
• Highest points earned determines final division.
• A competitor cannot win multiple divisions with the same horse.
Open Overall High Point Eligibility
• Based on highest accumulated points across all Open events.
• Tie decided by most first-place finishes.
Junior Overall High Point Eligibility
• Based on highest accumulated points across all Junior events.
• Tie decided by most first-place finishes.
Entry Fee Refund Policy
Withdrawals Before Close of Entries
• Eligible for full refund.
Withdrawals After Close of Entries
• No refund unless extenuating circumstances.
• Extenuating circumstances include severe weather, bereavement, medical
emergencies, or vehicle breakdown.
• Vet/medical certificate required within 48 hours.
• Refunds subject to $10 administration fee.
How to Request a Refund
• Requests must be submitted in writing via email.
• Include rider name, event details, bank details, and certificate.
• Refunds processed within 5 business days.
Event Cancellation/Postponement
Riders may choose:
• Full refund, or
• Transfer to rescheduled date.
No Shows
No refunds.
Arena & Venue Rules
• Individuals under 16 cannot manage the entry gate.
• Led riders must have a handler over 16 who is a current ABHA member.
• Horses must not begin their run until hips pass through the gate.
• Early entry requires halting forward momentum.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash.
• Rubbish must be removed or placed in bins.
• Camping fee: $20 per vehicle per night.
• Canteen chairs must be returned after use.
Futurity & Maturity Events
All aged horses must have an ABHA ID Number.
ABHA Disclaimer
All affiliates and members of the Australian Barrel Horse Association (ABHA) are bound by the
ABHA Constitution and Rule Book. Compliance is mandatory. No affiliate-issued rule may
conflict with ABHA governing documents. In case of inconsistency, the ABHA Rule Book
prevails.