Rules and Regulations
Welcome to our community! We invite all exhibitors and members to familiarize themselves with our rules to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated as work together to create an engaging environment. Thank you for being here!
IMHA Rules and Regulations
Genral Rules
✅ Event Sanctioning – All IMHA-sanctioned events must adhere to approved competition formats, use IMHA-carded judges, and maintain proper insurance.
✅ Code of Conduct – IMHA enforces humane training, ethical competition, and respectful behavior at all events. Abuse, misconduct, or rule violations may result in penalties or disqualification.
✅ Point Accumulation – Horses and riders earn IMHA points based on performance in sanctioned competitions, clinics, and trail rides. Points contribute to year-end awards and lifetime achievement rankings.
✅ W2W Incentive Program – Mustangs nominated at adoption for the Wild to Winning Incentive Program receive exclusive bonus points, awards, and recognition.
✅ Event Reporting & Verification – Organizers must submit official results, attendance records, and mileage tracking (for trail rides) within 14 days of event completion.
IMHA continuously updates and refines its rules to support fair play, sportsmanship, and the long-term success of mustangs beyond adoption.
Animal Welfare
The International Mustang Horse Association (IMHA) is dedicated to the humane treatment, ethical training, and responsible care of mustangs in all aspects of competition, training, and daily management. Our Animal Welfare Policy ensures that the health, safety, and well-being of all horses remain the top priority.
Key IMHA Animal Welfare Standards:
✅ Humane Training & Handling – Horses must be trained and ridden using fair, effective, and humane techniques, free from excessive force or harsh equipment.
✅ Proper Care & Nutrition – All mustangs competing in IMHA-sanctioned events must receive appropriate nutrition, veterinary care, hoof care, and conditioning to ensure their fitness and welfare.
✅ Fair Competition – IMHA enforces strict anti-doping policies and prohibits the use of performance-enhancing drugs or abusive training methods.
✅ Safe Environments – Events must provide adequate footing, proper facilities, and humane transportation to reduce stress and prevent injury.
✅ Zero Tolerance for Abuse – Any neglect, mistreatment, or rule violations will result in investigation, penalties, or disqualification from IMHA competitions and programs.
IMHA strives to foster a culture of respect, horsemanship, and responsible mustang ownership, ensuring that these remarkable horses thrive in their second careers beyond the wild.
Rules for Sanctioned Event Hosts
Hosting an IMHA-sanctioned event requires adherence to strict fairness, safety, and horse welfare standards. Event hosts must apply at least 30 days in advance, provide safe facilities, use IMHA-carded judges, and ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Key requirements include:
✅ Facility & Safety – Provide proper footing, water, shelter, and emergency plans.
✅ Judging & Competition – Use IMHA-approved judges and follow scoring procedures.
✅ Minimum Class Entries – At least three (3) entries per class for points to count.
✅ Insurance & Liability – Submit proof of insurance with IMHA listed as additionally insured.
✅ Event Reporting – Submit results within 14 days, including trail ride mileage and clinic attendance.
✅ Code of Conduct – Maintain professionalism and enforce IMHA rules & horse welfare policies.
Failure to comply may result in warnings, fines, or loss of sanctioning privileges. Approved hosts gain IMHA marketing support, official recognition, and opportunities to promote mustangs in competitive events.
For full details see visit "Rules for Sanctioned Event Hosts"