Training Level Challenge

A Voluntary, Permanent and Public Record of Achievement

Proudly Sponsored and Administered by

Canadian Registry

of the

Tennessee Walking Horse

 

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Table of Contents

Page		Topic
3	…....	Canadian Registry Of The Tennessee Walking Horse
3	…....	Mission, Values And Vision
4	…....	‘The Canadian’ Training Level Challenge
4	…....	Evaluation
4	…....	Standards
5		Fees
5	…....	Recognition of Levels of Achievement or Training
5	…....	Electronic Submission
6	…....	Tasks And Awards
6	…....	General Rules Regarding All Awards
6	…....	Basic Skills Award
7	…....	Horsemanship Awards
7	…....	Trail Riding Awards
7		Driving Awards
8	…....	Optional Activity Awards
8		Ultimate Canadian Horse Award
9	…....	Appendix 1 Gatherings
10	…....	Appendix 2 Electronic Submission
12	…....	Appendix 3 Request For More Than One Challenge
14	…....	Appendix 4 Guidelines For Appeal
15	…....	Appendix 5 Fee Schedule
16		Appendix 6 Training Level Standards
			Basic Skills Horsemanship Levels 1 -3 Trail Riding Levels 1 – 3 Driving Levels 1 – 3
17	…....	Entry Form
18	…....	Contact Information

 

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Canadian Registry of

the Tennessee Walking Horse

The Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse (the Registry) was incorporated under the Livestock Pedigree Act (Animal Pedigree Act) of the Department of Agriculture, Ottawa Canada in 1982. People using the services of the Registry must not only abide by the rules and regulations of the Registry, but also the rules and regulations of the Animal Pedigree Act.

Although a member association with an elected Board of Directors, the Registry subcontracts all work to Canadian Livestock Records Corporation. The Board sets the direction for the Registry, but is not involved in the day to day work regarding the registration or transfer of horses. In addition, full membership is available only to those who own a TWH registered in the Registry.

Objects of CRTWH according to the CRTWH Constitution

• to establish standards of breeding and to develop and maintain a system of identification and registration for purebred Tennessee Walking Horses through the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation, hereinafter referred to as the “Corporation".
• to encourage ongoing improvement in the quality of the Tennessee Walking Horse.
• to co-operate and co-ordinate with other Breed Associations and agriculture groups to develop the interest of the Light Horse Industry of Canada for domestic and international markets.
• to promote the Tennessee Walking Horse as a versatile breed by promoting the Tennessee Walking Horse for general family enjoyment; to foster friendship, good‑will and understanding between Tennessee Walking Horse owners; and to establish a friendly accord between the Association members, the public, and other Tennessee Walking Horse Association.

Mission, Values And Vision

Our Mission : To register and record purebred Tennessee Walking Horses, both in Canada and internationally, with accuracy and integrity. We are dedicated to preserving the historical attributes of the breed, while encouraging ongoing improvement in the quality of the Tennessee Walking Horse.

Our Values : To foster the respectful and humane treatment of Tennessee Walking Horses through increased public awareness and education, and to encourage the enhancement of each animal’s natural gait through good horsemanship.

Our Vision : We envision riders of all ages, in all applicable disciplines, having the opportunity to appreciate the smooth ride, strong build and mild disposition of the Canadian registered Tennessee Walking Horse.

 

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‘The Canadian’ Training level CHALLENGE

‘The Canadian ’Training Level Challenge was introduced at the 2007 AGM. Combined with ‘The Canadian’ Program for Excellence and ‘The Canadian’ Ride Your Walker program, it completes ‘The Canadian’ Challenge. ‘The Canadian’ Challenge is a comprehensive program replacing ‘The Canadian’ Futurity. Participation is voluntary and available to all CRTWH members/owners with; horses registered in the Canadian Registry of the TWH. Current Standard for Registration and Rules of Entry remain in effect.

At all Training Levels minimum ages have been established.

All Entries must successfully challenge the Basic Skills before they are eligible to challenge any of the Levels. A horse that successfully challenges all 3 Levels in 3 categories, may challenge the criteria for ‘The Canadian’ Ultimate Horse.

Basic Skills

Category	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Horsemanship (A)
Trail Riding (B)
Driving ©
Optional Activities (D)

‘The Canadian’ Ultimate Horse

Evaluative

• Depending upon the Level, evaluation with be through:

Standards

• In the future maximum age limits and/or rule changes may be imposed.
• Every horse currently registered or eligible for registration in the Canadian Registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse is eligible to participate in ‘The Canadian’ Training Level Challenge.
• CRTWH reserves the right to change or modify ‘The Canadian” Challenge. Change or modification will not be instituted without notice to all members of CRTWH. Notification of change will be given at least one year in advance of the proposed change. Any change will be publicly advertised.
• Standards of achievement for each Award will be established and made public.
• Standards of achievement are established by people with knowledge of horses in general and of the Tennessee Walking Horse in particular.
• Each Entry will be evaluated, and the evaluation sheet returned to the owner.
• All Awards are achievement awards. They are pass/fail awards with no distinction for ranking.
• Each task must be successfully completed in order that a Level be successfully challenged.

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Fees

A fee schedule has been established. Fees have been kept to a minimum and reflect a cost recovery principle. Fees may change from time to time. See the Entry Form for current fees (Appendix 5)

recognition of Levels of Achievement or Training

Electronic Submission

• Electronic submission may be Video or DVD format.
• Electronic submissions must be formatted as outlined in Guidelines for Electronic Submission. (Appendix 2)
• Filming may occur at the home of the Entry or at a Gathering. (See Guidelines for Gatherings Appendix 1).
• Filming may be done by an amateur or professional.
• All submissions must be received by CRTWH by October 15 of any given year. Entries received after that date will be evaluated at the next regular evaluation.
• All submissions must include:
• A signed official Entry Form
• The applicable Entry fee.
• A copy of the Registration certificate for the Entry
• The electronic submission of the test
• CRTWH will copy all electronic submissions for a permanent record.
• Electronic submissions will be returned to the owner after evaluation.
• With permission from the owner of the Entry, CRTWH may place a video clip on the CRTWH web site and may identify the owner.

Tasks And Awards

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General Rules Regarding All Awards

• Appropriate fees must accompany the entry form (see Appendix 5).
• Entry must be registered in CRTWH.
• Entry must be owned by a member of CRTWH.
• Entry may be handled by the current owner of the horse or by a person designated by the owner of the horse.
• Entry forms must be submitted by the current owner of the Entry.
• When electronic submission is appropriate, Entry must be submitted in the format as outlined in Guidelines for Electronic Submission.
• The actual date of birth of the Entry (horse) is used to determine age.
• Entries under the age of 36 months must be barefoot.
• Entries over the age of 36 months may be either barefoot or keg shod. Keg shoes are unaltered factory made shoes of the sort normally referred to as a keg shoe. Toe weighted shoes like the Diamond Toe Weight are not permissible. Material in the keg shoe must be of a consistent type. Only clips drawn from the shoe itself are permitted. No additional weight can be added to the shoe, nor can anything be welded or added to the shoe. A heeled shoe is permitted but trailers on keg shoes are prohibited. No turned back caulks, only poured caulks on the originally manufactured shoe are allowed.
• Full polyurethane composition shoes with no metal core may be used in place of keg shoes.
• All tack must be serviceable and safe.
• Entry must be received by October 15. Entries received after this time will be evaluated at the next available evaluation.
• Submissions must be accompanied by a completed Entry form.
• Submissions must be accompanied by the appropriate fee.
• Once an Entry is submitted, there will be no refunds.
• Except when electronic evaluation is inappropriate, submissions must be in electronic format either Video or DVD. (see Electronic Submission Appendix 2 OR instruction for each Level)
• The Evaluation sheet for every Entry will be returned to the owner who submitted the Entry.
• If an Entry does not satisfy the standard of achievement of training for any Award at any Level, the owner may appeal the result. (See Guidelines for Appeal Appendix 4) If the result of the appeal is the same, the Entry may Challenge the Award at a future date.

Basic Skills Award

1. The Basic Skills Award will be given to any Entry that satisfies the standard of achievement or training as identified.
2. Basic Skills comprise a series of tasks in hand and under saddle that must be achieved before the Basic Skills Award is granted.
3. An Entry must be 18 months to Challenge the Award.
4. In the future maximum age limits and/or rule changes may be imposed.
5. To participate in the Challenge, the horse must be registered in CRTWH and the owner must be a member of CRTWH.
6. Any practice that we deem unsafe or dangerous or abusive shall mean that the Entry has not satisfied the standard of achievement or training for the Basic Skills Award
7. The Entry will be evaluated, and the evaluation sheet returned to the owner.
8. An overall score of less than 70 percent will mean the Entry has not satisfied the standard of achievement or training for the Basic Skills Award.
9. The Basic Skills Award is an achievement award. It is a pass/fail Award with no distinction for ranking.
10. If an Entry does not satisfy the standard of achievement or training for the Basic Skills Award, the owner may appeal the result. (See Guidelines for Appeal (Appendix 4). If the result of the appeal is the same, the Entry may Challenge the Award at a future date. (See General Rules Regarding all Awards, page 6)
11. The Basic Skills Award must be achieved before the Entry may apply to participate in or challenge the levels of achievement or training as outlined in all Levels of Horsemanship, Trail Riding, Driving or Optional Activities.
12. Entries may Challenge more than one Award and more than one Level at one time or test period. (See also Request for More than One Challenge Appendix 3).

 

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Horsemanship Award levels 1 to 3

1. The Basic Skill Award must be achieved before an Entry may Challenge any Horsemanship Level.

Trail Riding Award levels 1 to 3

1. The Basic Skills Award must be achieved before an Entry may Challenge any Trail Riding Level.

2. Trail Riding Awards at all Levels will be given to any Entry that satisfies the standard of achievement or training as identified in each Level.

3. Trail Riding Awards at all Levels comprise a series of tasks under saddle that must be achieved before any Horsemanship Award is granted.

4. An entry must be 36 months of age to challenge Level 1. An Entry must be 39 months of age to challenge Level 2. An Entry must be 54 months to challenge Level 3. In the future minimum age limits and/or rule changes may be imposed for Trail Riding Awards at all Levels.

5. The horse must be registered in CRTWH and the owner must be a member of CRTWH.

6. Any practice that we deem unsafe or dangerous or abusive shall mean that the Entry has not satisfied the standard of achievement or training for Trail Riding Awards at any Level.

7. The Entry will be evaluated, and the evaluation sheet returned to the owner.

8. Trail Riding Awards at all Levels are achievement awards. They are pass/fail Awards with no distinction for ranking.

9. If an Entry does not satisfy the standard of achievement or training for the Trail Riding Award, at any Level, the owner may appeal the result. (See Guidelines for Appeal Appendix 4). If the result of the appeal is the same, the Entry may retake the test at a future date. (See General Rules Regarding all Awards, page 6)

10. Entries may Challenge more than one Award and more than one Level at one time or test period. (See also Request for More than One challenge Appendix 3).

Driving Award levels 1 to 3

1. The Basic Skills Award must be achieved prior to challenging Driving Level 1.

2. Driving Awards at all Levels will be given to any Entry that satisfies the standard of achievement or training as identified in each Level.

3. Driving Awards at all Levels comprise a series of tasks under harness that must be achieved before any Driving Award is granted.

4. Any practice that we deem unsafe or dangerous or abusive shall mean that the Entry has not satisfied the standard of achievement or training for Trail Riding Awards at any Level.

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Optional Activity Awards

Canadian registered Tennessee Walking Horses participate in Equine activities and disciplines not included in the described Horsemanship, Trail Riding and Driving Levels. Recognized Optional Activities include Competitive Trail Riding, Endurance Riding, 3 Day Event, Gymkhana, Cattle Penning, Cutting, Team Roping, Hunter or Jumper, Show Ring Competition or Cross Country Driving.

1. An Optional Activity Award will be granted to any Entry that demonstrates a level of achievement or level of training as officially recognized by the activity or discipline and where the level of achievement is considered by the CRTWH to satisfy the expectations of this Program.

3. An Optional Activity is recognized and documented by the organizing group.

4. Until an Entry is 48 months of age, participation in Optional Activities will not be recognized by CRTWH. In the future maximum age limits and/or rule changes may be imposed for recognized Optional Activities.

5. To participate in the Challenge, the horse must be registered in CRTWH and the owner must be a member of CRTWH.

6. Any practice that we deem unsafe or dangerous or abusive shall mean that the Entry has not satisfied the standard of achievement or training for an Optional Activity.

‘The Canadian’ Ultimate Walking Horse Award

1. ‘The Canadian’ Ultimate Walking Horse Award is the highest honor that will be granted under ‘The Canadian’ Training Level Challenge Program.

2. To participate in the Program, the horse must be registered in CRTWH and the owner must be a member of CRTWH.

3. ‘The Canadian’ Ultimate Walking Horse Award will be presented to the Canadian Registered Tennessee Walking Horse who has:

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APPENDIX 1

GUIDELINES FOR GATHERINGS

1. Any CRTWH member or members may organize a Gathering
2. Any CRTWH member may act as the liaison person / facilitator.
3. The facilitator contacts local CRTWH members to agree upon a date and time.
4. The ‘Gathering’ may be held in conjunction with an established show or clinic, or may be a stand-alone event.
5. The facilitator locates a video photographer (either a professional or a volunteer)
6. The facilitator arranges local advertising for the ‘Gathering’ ( posters in tack stores, word of mouth, local newspapers etc). CRTWH currently supports this through advertising on the web site, The Canadian Walker, and Walking Horse News.
7. The facilitator is responsible for delegating work, etc if applicable.
8. The facilitator may arrange a social for after the videoing is finished. A social provides breeders an opportunity to get together, visit and compare notes on horses.
9. All copies of the videos are given to the facilitator for submission to CRTWH.
10. The facilitator is responsible for mailing the electronic submissions to CRTWH.

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APPENDIX 2

GUIDELINES TO ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION

Please note: Horses will be evaluated to the best of the judge’s ability. In some cases the quality of the tape may affect his or her ability to evaluate the Entry.

General:

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Instructions:

General Instructions

• Depending upon the activity being filmed, the camera may have to be moved. A tripod is valuable.
• When horse is stationary, run the camera for at least 45 seconds unless indicated otherwise.
• When zooming in is important to the activity, zoom in SLOWLY!
• Move the camera or the horse as the situation dictates

Movement under saddle or in harness

DISPOSITION and MANNERS

While there are no specific tests for Disposition and Manners, it is impossible to remove these factors from the level of achievement or training.

Send Completed Video or DVD and Entry Form To be postmarked by October 15 619 Lake Linnet Cres. S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2J 2J3

 

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Appendix 3

REQUEST for MORE THAN ONE Challenge

 

Because “The Canadian” Challenge is a new program, CRTWH recognizes there are currently CRTWH horses who have already attained an achievement or training level as outlined in “The Canadian’ Challenge. Therefore for a limited time, a horse may Challenge more than one Award or may Challenge more than one Level at a time.

Basic Skills Award and any Level 1 award

Basic Skills Award and Driving Level 1 and Driving Level 2 Award

1. If a horse is over 39 months of age, the owner may Challenge the Basic Skills as well as Driving Level 1 and Driving Level 2 Awards at the same time.

2. The appropriate fee must accompany the request for the Challenge.

3.T he standard of achievement or training for the Basic Skills Award must be satisfied BEFORE the other Awards are evaluated.

4. If an Entry fails to successfully challenge the Basic Skills Award, the other Awards will not be evaluated. There will be no refund of fees.

5. All Awards are achievement awards earned by successfully challenging the Award. They are both a pass/fail award with no distinction for ranking.

6. If an Entry does not successfully challenge any Award, the owner may appeal the result. (See Guidelines for Appeal Appendix 4) If the result of the appeal is the same, the Entry may challenge the Award at a future date. (See General Rules Regarding all Awards, page 6)

Basic skills Award and Horsemanship Level 1, 2 and 3 Level Awards

Basic Skills Award and Trail Riding Level 1 and 2 Awards

 

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Appendix 4

GUIDELINES FOR APPEAL

1. When an entry does not successfully Challenge any Award, the owner of the entry may appeal the decision.
2. All appeals must be in writing.
3. All appeals must include reasons for the appeal and a copy of the electronic submission and evaluation.
4. All appeals must be received by CRTWH within 1 month of the date of the postmark of the return of the evaluation and be accompanied by the appeal fee.
5. An Appeal Board determined by the CRTWH Board will be struck.
6. A time and location for a meeting of the Appeal Board will be set.
7. The person (the Appellant) appealing the decision has the right to attend the meeting of the Appeal Board and present his case. If the Appellant does not choose to present the case in person, the Appellant may appoint a representative to act in his place, or the Appellant may submit a written case.
8. The Appellant will not be permitted to sit in on the deliberations of the Appeal Board.
9. The decision of the Appeal Board will be released within 2 weeks of the hearing.
10. The decision of the Appeal Board is final and not open to further appeal.

 

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APPENDIX 5

Fee Schedule AS OF 2007

	TEST or TESTS	FEE/FEES
	Basic Skills	$30
	Horsemanship Level 1 or 2	$20
	Trail Riding Level 1 or 2	$20
	Driving Level 1 or 2	$20
	Any Optional Activity	$20
	Level 3 Test (Contact CRTWH)	Cost will vary
	Basic plus 1 Level	$50 ($30 + $20)
	Basic plus 2 Levels	$60 ($30 + $20 + $10)
	Basic plus 3 Levels	$70 ($30 + $20 + $10 + $10)
	Any 3 Levels (excluding Basic)	$50 ($20 + $20 + $10)
	Any 4 Levels (excluding Basic)	$60 ($50 + $10)
	Any 5 Levels (excluding Basic)	$70 ($60 + $10)
	Any 6 Levels (excluding Basic)	$100 ($70 + $10)
	Optional Activity	$30 (may increase if travel is required)
	Ultimate Horse	No Charge
	*Appeal Fee	$50

*Appeal fee of $50.00 will be refunded if the appeal is upheld.

 

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APPENDIX 6

Training Level Standards

	Basic Skills
	Horsemanship Level 1 or 2
	Trail Riding Level 1 or 2
	Driving Level 1 or 2
	Any Optional Activity

 

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The Canadian’ Challenge

Entry Form: Awards

Please send a separate application for each entry. This is an entry for the following

	Award Challenged	FEE

 

Fees must be included with entry. Make cheque payable to CRTWH

Fee included $ ______________

Registered Name
Registration Number
Birth Date
Breeder
Owner
Address
Telephone number
E mail address

*Include a copy of the registration papers.

I ___________________________________________ hereby certify that:

Signed _______________________________ Date ____________

 

Yes	No
□	□	Clips from electronic submissions may be used on the CRTWH website.
□	□	Clips on the CRTWH website may identify the entry and owner
□	□	I give permission for CRTWH to use clips from my video on the CRTWH website or for other promotional purposes.
□	□	I give permission for CRTWH to identify the horse and the owner on the CRTWH website

 

 

Signed _______________________________ Date ____________

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT US AT:

Email: president@crtwh.ca

or

CRTWH

‘The Canadian’ Training Level Challenge

PO Box 246

Postal Station “M”

Calgary, Alberta T2P 2H9

Canada