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General Category => General Discussion => Trailer Pool => Topic started by: South Texas Barrel Racer on January 05, 2010, 01:51:57 PM

Title: AQHA HAT Rule Change Request
Post by: South Texas Barrel Racer on January 05, 2010, 01:51:57 PM
I have requested to have the five second penalty rule for hats falling off in the arena during AQHA shows to be removed in the following timed events of barrel racing, pole bending, and stake race. I have never lost my hat during a run at an AQHA show, but I saw a little girl loose her hat after passing the timer this past week at show and she was penalized. I started thinking how stupid this rule really was, as far as the PRCA, WPRA, and NBHA do not give you a time penalty just in some cases a hat fine.. So I have  filed all of the proper paper work to have this rule deleted from the 2011 rule book. It is my understanding that a list of proposed rule changes will hit the AQHA website sometime prior to the AQHA Convention to be held in early march 2010.. Please go on line and show your support of these rules being deleted. It doesn't promote the sport of barrel racing in AQHA to penalize the rider five seconds for loosing their hat anywhere in the arena and in some AQHA shows I have been to the judge considered the alley part of the arena.  The AQHA World show is still a very prestigious event to aspire to for barrel racers and many of the WPRA were in attendance this year in OKC, so barrel racers please speak up to have our voices heard by the powers that be at  AQHA. Let me know your thoughts for the betterment of the industry, we can work together and get this change processed if enough barrel racers will speak up and help the change get passed.
Title: Re: AQHA HAT Rule Change Request
Post by: paywindow on January 07, 2010, 11:23:56 AM
I think it is great that there are penalties for this at "big time" shows.  Arena workers running to pick up items is a waste of time & resources, and only delays the event, which is usually on a strict schedule to begin with.  If I worked hard to qualify for AQHA World, I expect everyone to abide by the same rules or be fined/penalized.  It's not like AQHA made up that rule just prior to the show - people know it is expected and should take proper precautions for keeping their lid on.  (hair spray on brim of hat - my old trick from my reining days, believe me it will not move; or use a stampede string)  For example, imagine 200+ entries, and most losing their hat.  It all adds up.  Sorry, your recommendation is one I will not support.
Title: Re: AQHA HAT Rule Change Request
Post by: meandmo on January 14, 2010, 06:46:41 PM
I would have won at San Antonio AQHA show one year but the hurricane string on my hat broke.  It was brand new horse hair string and was a manufacturers defect. It came loose from the pins that stick in the hat band.  My hat came off after I passed the timer and was entering the alley way out.  It blew off my head and fell just inside the arena.  I got a 5 second penalty for it and lost the barrel race because of it.  I don't think a hat should give you a 5 second penalty.  They need a different form of punishment when the hat falls off after you pass the timer but that is just my opinion from my experience.  I was so mad.  I had bought the string at Allen's Western Wear in Pasadena and I went back in and threw the thing at Larry and blamed him for it.  He was ducking and taking verbal abuse from me!  LOL