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A guide to the MHBA Yearling Show.

In order to compete in Classes I through VI, your yearling must meet the eligibility requirements for Maryland-bred registration under Maryland law. However, the yearling need not be registered prior to the show.

Handlers

Any competent person, regardless of age, may show the yearling in the ring. The capability of the individual, and common sense, should determine your choice. Please keep safety in mind. Poorly schooled horses and inexperienced handlers can create a dangerous situation.

Dress code

A neatly dressed handler and a well-groomed yearling go a long way in making a good impression on the judge. In addition, a groom’s award is presented for the best turned out horse in each class.

To braid or not to braid

The decision is yours—either is perfectly acceptable. Often the conformation of the yearling indicates the better choice.

Shoeing

Again, do whatever is in the best interest of your yearling. There is no set rule—the option is yours.

Tack

Leather halters and leather shanks are most often used. The addition of a properly fitted Chifney bit (brass) gives the handler more control and is traditionally proper. An English bridle with snaffle bit and reins is also used frequently. A halter or bridle plate indicating the breeding of the horse is not permissible under any circumstance. We strongly suggest that your yearling be accustomed to whatever equipment you choose.

Preparation

Practice, practice, practice. We urge exhibitors to take a few minutes every day for several weeks preceding the show to practice walking and standing prospective yearling show entries. It will make show day a much more pleasant and safe experience for horses and exhibitors alike.

What to expect in the ring

Every judge is different and there are no specific guidelines as to what he may or may not ask of the exhibitors. However, normal procedure in the past has been for each yearling to stand for the judge, then walk away from and back toward him. Yearlings are judged on conformation and suitability for racing.

Stabling

An ample number of stalls is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Straw will be provided, but you must provide water buckets and hay for your yearlings. Upon arrival, be sure to check in at the ring and get your exhibitor number(s). A negative Coggins certificate and proof of vaccination for EHV-1 must be presented at the time you pick up your number(s).

Arrival and departure times

The first class begins promptly at 10 a.m. We suggest you allow sufficient time before your class for your yearling to relax after the van ride and for you to check in and do last-minute grooming. The duration of each class is unpredictable, determined by the number of horses and the judge himself.
If you are pinned first in classes I through VI, your yearling is eligible for the championship (class VII), judged at the end of the day. Otherwise, you may leave as soon as the judging of your class is completed.

Lunch break

There is a break between the third and fourth class for the officials’ lunch. The actual time of the break cannot be predetermined. Refreshments are available on the premises.

Yearling Show purses

In order to be eligible for the bonus awards given to the entrants who earn the most money racing as 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds, the horse must actually compete in the ring at the show.

Yearling Show cash prizes and awards (no. of recipients total value)

Classes I - VI cash awards: 30 $6,000
Grand champion: 1 $1,000
Reserve champion: 1 $500
MM-nominated: 4 $2,000
Grooms: 8 $800
Maryland Fund premium: 8 $40,000

A premium of $40,000 will be split and distributed twice: $20,000 divided among the exhibitors of the four show contestants who earn the most money as 2-year-olds and another $20,000 divided among the exhibitors of the four highest-earning 3-year-old runners the following year. Every yearling shown, regardless of class standing, is eligible for these cash awards.

This premium, an official part of the Maryland-bred Fund Program, will be distributed 65 percent to the exhibitor of the leading earner, 20 percent to second, 10 percent to third and 5 percent to fourth.

Yearling Show trophies

Classes I - VI: Trophy to each winner
Grand Champion: Challenge trophy and permanent trophy
Reserve Champion: Trophy
Get of sire: Trophy
Amateur judging contest: Lady’s trophy/ Gentleman’s trophy