Limit Classes

[PonyT]

Can someone please clarify what Limit classes are? I was under the assumption that they are for people that have not won more than 6 blue ribbons in a certain division. When I was competing eons ago, classes like Maiden, Novice, and Limit, were the classes to help the new/beginning riders get a little confidence.

The riders in the the Limit classes at the last few shows are all very accomplished riders that have many, many, championships and ribbons under their belts. So, I am a little confused.

[Linny]

If you are showing at a local level or in a regional association’s shows, check their rules. They may have adopted the term but use it differently.

“Limit” to me means non winner of 6 blues.

[PonyT]

It was an “A” rated USEF sanctioned show.

[gottagrey]

what was the class - Hunter? if so then it wouldn’t matter the rider as it’s judged on horse. The classes might’ve been at an A show but aren’t rated diivisions. Without knowing or seeing the class specs it’s hard to say. But many shows are using"limit" and “pre” for any number of unrated divisions/classes.

[PonyT]

It was a 17 & Under “Limit” Equitation

[RockinHorse]

[QUOTE=PonyT;8675564]
It was an “A” rated USEF sanctioned show.[/QUOTE]

You need to check the prize list to see what the specs are since, although the show is ‘A’ rated, I don’t believe limit equitation is a rated division so there is no USEF standard.

[fourfillies]

Around here it would be 6 blues in the 3’ Eq, ie THIS or our local association/state 3’ Medals. So those young ladies with 4 or 5 blues can be pretty accomplished.

[JenEM]

Hmm, I just pulled out the HITS Culpeper prizelist, because it was sitting in the pile on my desk and I know they offer it. For their “Limit Equitation” division, which is 3’, it just says “Open to Junior riders who have not won 6 blu e ribbons in Hunter Seat Equitation at a USEF or EC show.” But the “Adult Limit Equitation” allows 10 blues. So really, it varies by class, even at the same venue, and you can win all the local/unrated medals you want.

[findeight]

The wins have to be in that class at that height at shows rated by that organization,. So you can have quite a few blues in lower divisions and Tri colors at non rated shows and still be “Limit” within the rules or that particular Limit class.

Its hard for the average rider to win 6 blues in that specific division at rated shows, other placings don’t count, just wins.

[SWS]

I believe there has to be at least 10 riders in the division to count.

[SugarCubes]

@findeight

The wins have to be in that class at that height at shows rated by that organization,. So you can have quite a few blues in lower divisions and Tri colors at non rated shows and still be “Limit” within the rules or that particular Limit class.

Its hard for the average rider to win 6 blues in that specific division at rated shows, other placings don’t count, just wins.

Exactly this. And around here, Eq wins don’t count nor does the hack. I’ve won more blues in Eq over fences than hunters and so can still compete in Limit…

[Tackpud]

According to the USEF rulebook:

GR136 Maiden, Novice, and Limit Classes

1. Maiden, Novice and Limit classes are open to horses which have not won one/ three/six first place ribbons respectively, at Regular Competitions of the Federation or Equestrian Canada in the particular performance division or level in which they are shown. See DR137 for all rules related to Maiden, Novice and Limit classes in Dressage Competitions.

2. The Maiden, Novice or Limit status of both riders and drivers is affected by winnings at Regular and Local Competitions. (Exception: Arabian)

3. Ribbons won in one-horse classes do not count in reckoning the maiden, novice or limit status of either horse and/ or rider/driver in any division.

4. The status of Maiden, Novice or Limit entries is as of the closing date of entries for any particular Licensed Competition.

5. Ponies or horses which lose their Maiden, Novice, Limit or other classification in any division or section will not regain those classifications when shown in the Hunter Pony division or Junior Hunter division. Ponies or horses shown in the Hunter Pony division or Junior Hunter division which lose their classification will not regain them when shown in any other divisions or sections, unless specific regulations are set forth (e.g. Jumper division).

6. In all other divisions, ribbons won within one section or division do count in the reckoning of Maiden, Novice, or Limit status if horses and ponies compete in a different section or division.

7. In a change of status from horse to pony, or vice versa, ribbons won in one height classification do not count in reckoning the Maiden, Novice or Limit status of an entry.

There’s more pertaining to pairs and four-in-hands but I cut that part out. Obviously any local association can make up their own rules, but if the show is under USEF rules, the above should apply.

[Peggy]

@SugarCubes posted the general maiden, novice, and limit rules. There are is a different set in the Equation–>Hunt Seat Rules, that reads as follows EQ 110.4):
4. Maiden, Novice, Limit, Intermediate. Open to riders that have not won one/three/six/twelve first place ribbons respectively competing in equitation classes at Regular and Local competitions of USEF or Equine Canada. a. Maiden. For juniors and amateur riders who have not won 1 blue ribbon over obstacles.Test 1 b. Novice. For juniors and amateur riders who have not won 3 blue ribbons over obstacles. Tests 1-7. c. Limit. For juniors and amateur riders who have not won 6 blue ribbons over obstacles. Tests 1-7. d. Intermediate. For juniors and amateur riders who have not won 12 blue ribbons over obstacles 3’3" or higher. Tests 1-12. e. Open. For juniors and amateur riders. Tests 1-18. f. The Maiden, Novice, Limit and Intermediate status of riders at Regular and Local Competitions is determined from the closing date of entries. Blue ribbons won in the Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation section will not affect a rider’s status in the Saddle or Stock sections, etc. Ribbons won in classes restricted to a particular breed will affect a rider’s status. Ribbons won as a junior affect a rider’s status when competing as an adult. g. Ribbons won in leadline classes and in classes where entries are not required to ride at all gaits will not affect Maiden, Novice, Limit and Intermediate status. h. Ribbons won in classes not to jump do not affect a rider’s status in classes over jumps. However, ribbons won in classes over jumps do affect a rider’s status in classes not to jump. Ribbons won in classes with less than six (6) entries do not affect a rider’s status. Ribbons won in short stirrup classes and in classes over obstacles lower than 2’3" will not be counted in reckoning Maiden, Novice, Limit, Intermediate or Open status.

if you find that screen dump unreadable, here’s a link - https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/XdvTAt99tBw/eq-equitation-division

So it’s quite possible to be pretty accomplished and still be officially limit at a USEF show.

My recollection is that HITS followed the normal rules for junior eq, but for adults had a variety of divisions at different heights, slapped on some cross-entry restrictions, and let the adults sort themselves out.