1. Membership

1.1  Membership shall be divided into six categories:

• Full
• Youth
• Little Britches
• Family
• Life
• Professional

Membership cards shall be issued upon acceptance of fees deemed acceptable by Council and can be found on the members personal membership page at www.membershipmojo.co.uk/wes with a welcome letter and a copy of the current rule book.

1.2  Membership shall be a privilege, not a right: application for which shall be made on the current form (available on the Societies’ website) www.wes-uk.com or at www.membershipmojo.co.uk and by fees and procedures prescribed from time to time by the Society. Membership or application therefore may be terminated or rejected by Council of the Society for reasons that the said Council may feel are detrimental to the interest, policies, programmes, objectives or even the harmonious relationship of the Society and its members.

1.3  Whilst in good standing ALL full members shall have equal rights, interests and responsibilities, with respect of the Society and its property. They shall be bound and will obey all bylaws, rules and regulations of the Society and decisions and actions of the Council. They shall be entitled to vote by personal or virtual attendance at the AGM any EGM.

1.4  Full membership shall be a fee determined by Council each year and shall run for 12 months from the day of the month of joining. A renewal notice shall be sent to the current email address according to the Societies current records prior to the expiry date of the membership. If renewal is not received by the last day of the month following expiry of membership shall be deemed to be lost.

1.5  Youth membership will be 50% of the full membership for those members under 19 on the 1st January each year. On reaching the age of 19 membership will automatically extend to the expiry of their current membership year, from which date Full membership fees will apply. Youth members have no voting rights.

1.6  Little Britches membership is for youth 9 years of age and under on the 1st January each year. On reaching the age of 10 membership will automatically extend to the expiry of their current membership year from which date Youth membership will apply. Little Britches members have no voting rights.

1.7  Family membership is restricted up to two (2) Full members plus youth members living at the same address. When youth members reach the age of 19 membership will automatically extend to expiry of their current family membership year, from which date Full membership will apply.

1.8  Life membership is available a fee of eight times (8) the annual Full membership fee. All rights will be as Full members. The Society acting through its Council reserve the right to award Life membership to persons who merit special recognition of their efforts in promotion of the Society or Western Riding. All rights will be as Full members and are not transferable.

1.9  Professional membership is for approved WES professionals who fulfil all the criteria in Rules for WES professionals (Sec. 24). Fee will be Full membership + £15.

1.10  The Society acting through its Council reserves the right to award Honorary membership (usually for overseas trainers, judges etc). Honorary members have no Voting rights.

1.11  Amateur Status will be given to those members who have not received remunerations for training either riders or horses within three years (3) prior to their application for this status. Amateur status will be designated by an “A” in front of their membership number. Amateur status will be removed from any member who receives cash remunerations for training riders or horses. Expenses are allowed.

1.12  Any member who at the request of Council or its officers perform any work or services or incur expenses on behalf of the Society shall be entitled to such reimbursement as Council shall approve.

1.13  MEMBERSHIP AREAS

2. Statement on Animal Welfare

2.1  Every horse shall, at all times, be treated humanely and with dignity, respect and compassion. Rules established and enforced by the Western Equestrian Society demand that horse breeders, owners, trainers and exhibitors/competitors are continually responsible for the wellbeing and humane treatment of any animal entrusted to their care. Above all the horse’s welfare is paramount to other considerations and the continual development of procedures, which ensure humane treatment of the animal and fair competition, supersedes all other concerns. The standard by which conduct, or treatment will be measured is that which a reasonable person, informed and experienced in generally accepted equine training and exhibition procedures or veterinary standards, would determine is cruel, abusive or inhumane. For the purpose of this rule, a person responsible for the care of a horse is also responsible for and may be disciplined for the inhumane conduct of their trainers, agents, representatives and employees. For violation of this rule an individual may be disciplined, suspended, denied Society privileges, disqualified, expelled from showgrounds and/or expelled from the Society.

2.2  Inhumane, cruel and abusive treatment of any horse or any other animal on showgrounds or other venues used for training under the auspices of WES e.g. clinics, camps, etc. is strictly prohibited. Treatment of any animal will be considered to be inhumane if a person educated or experienced in equine training techniques would perceive the conduct of an individual to be inhumane.

2.3  For the purpose of this rule, a penalty system has been established based on the severity of the offence. All offences per rule 2.4 will be assigned a minimum level of offence (level 1 = mild; level 2 = moderate; level 3 = severe). Depending on the facts of the situation the level of the offence may be increased.

2.4  Inhumane treatment includes, but not limited to:

Level 1 (minimum)

1. Leaving a bit in the horse’s mouth for extended periods of time so as to cause undue discomfort or distress.
2. Tying a horse’s head in a stall without access to food or water for an extended period of time.
3. Lunging or riding a horse in a manner so as to cause undue discomfort or distress to the horse.
4. Excessive spurring or whipping.
5. Excessive jerking of reins.
6. Excessive fencing.
7. Excessive spinning (defined as no more than eight (8) consecutive turns in either direction).
8. Exhibiting a horse which appears to be sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated, drawn or overly tired or is obviously lame.
9. Unintentional treatment that results in bleeding.
10. Any other treatment or conduct deemed by a show or training venue official to be inhumane or abusive.

Level 2 (minimum)

1. Placing an object in the horse’s mouth so as to cause undue discomfort or distress.
2. Tying a horse’s head up (above the withers) back or around in a stall or anywhere in any manner so as to cause undue discomfort or distress.
3. Tying or fastening any foreign object onto a horse, halter, bridle and/or saddle in order to desensitise the horse.
4. Use of prohibited equipment, including but not limited to:

• Saw tooth bit
• Hock Hobbles
• Tack collars or tack hackamores
• Riding in a curb bit without a curb strap
• Wire or solid metal curb strap (no matter how padded)
• Wire cavesson
• Wire or cable tie downs
• Bumper bits
• Metal bosals (no matter how padded)
• Martingales with curb bits without rein stops
• Draw reins attached between or around front legs will not be allowed in approved events (including clinics)
• Applying excessive pressure on or excessive jerking of a halter lead shank or an allowed lip chain

Level 3 (minimum)

1. Intentional or neglect treatment which results in bleeding.

The Society may accept receipt of a suspension ruling pertaining to cruel or inhumane treatment from other recognised equine related associations, the effect of which is to automatically suspend the individual from Society membership privileges or deny any such privileges for a length of time to which the suspension for which reciprocity is given.

3. Unsportsmanlike Conduct

3.1  Unsportsmanlike Conduct or any other form of misconduct that is irresponsible, illegal, indecent, profane, intimidating, threatening, abusive or contravenes the "Rules and Regulations" of the Society, is prohibited.

Event management may immediately expel individuals exhibiting unsportsmanlike conduct from the event or showgrounds (any unused entry fees will be forfeited). Management shall also file a written report with the Society's Council concerning the conduct in question, via the Council Secretary.

In addition, if any member feels that the actions or conduct of other Member(s) will bring the reputation of the Society into disrepute or contravenes the 'Rules and Regulations' of the Society, they can also report such an incident in writing to the Council Secretary.

If any report is found to have an element of truth, the Council will write to both or all parties at the last address shown in the Society's records and sent by recorded delivery giving 21 days' notice of a hearing of the case by Council at a time and place determined by them (Council). Both/all parties may attend the hearing to present or refute allegations. Or the case will be held in their absence.

If the case is proven then Council has the power to warn, suspend or expel that member, as per the Society's chart and explanations regarding any case requiring a disciplinary hearing, or as may otherwise be determined by Council dependent upon the circumstances of the incident(s).

The decision of a Council hearing will be final and binding on all parties with no further appeal.

3.2  Violations

In furtherance of their official duties, Council members, judges, stewards and show officials, and other WES members, their family or agents, will be treated with courtesy, co-operation and respect, and no member shall direct abusive or threatening conduct towards them (whether verbal or physical). Violation of this rule shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

1. For avoidance of doubt abusive conduct may include discriminatory, homophobic, misogynistic, racist or similar remarks clearly intended as being abusive or threatening to any of the above persons or to fellow Society members or their immediate family or agents.
2. Such conduct may not necessarily be confined to an event/show but may occur during meetings or other interactions or (for example) in on-line post on Facebook pages or other such social media.
3. No member shall conspire with another person to intentionally violate the rules of the Society.
4. No member shall use the Society's name or logo or council members name in advertisements (whether physical/hard copy or electronic media) unless written agreement is obtained from Council.
5. No member will enter or be allowed to be entered into a ridden class, approved or affiliated to the Society, with an equine under the age of 4 (Four); the age of the horse shall be computed on the basis of a calendar year starting January 1st of year foaled. It is a weanling during the calendar year in which foaled and a yearling during the first calendar year following its foaling date, regardless of the time of the year foaled. For example, a horse foaled anytime in 2023 is considered to be one year old on January 1st, 2024, and two years old on January 1st, 2025.
6. Horses under the age of 4 may be shown in-hand after July 1st in their first year.
7. A horse may not be shown under a judge, if that judge has been owner, exhibitor, trainer (by direct payment), or agent of that horse within the previous 14 days or if said horse is shown by a member of his/her immediate family or by an employee/employer of said judge. If a horse is exhibited not in compliance with this rule the judge should notify the show management of the non-compliance prior to the class being placed. The exhibitor should not be counted as an entry, and the horse shall not be placed in the official placings. All parties involved including but not limited to the owner, exhibitor and judge will be held responsible in the event of non-compliance. The Judges Committee will investigate the matter and in accordance with their findings, make their recommendations to the Society's Council.
8. Anyone wishing to make a complaint at a show/event must do so in writing on the showground/location not more than one hour after the class ending or the incident taking place. The complaint being handed in to the show/event manager, together with a deposit of £10 (returnable if complaint upheld).

WES officials wishing to raise issues in respect of a show/event may do so directly with WES Council in writing within 2 days (postmark) of the issue taking place, via the Society Secretary, without the submission of the £10 deposit.

1. Complaints will be handled in accordance with the Society's formal Complaints Procedure, which forms part of the WES Policy Framework. Where a complaint is raised under this rule, it will be reviewed by a panel comprising two independent members in good standing, chaired by a Council or Judges Committee member. The panel may request supporting written reports. Complainants will be informed of the outcome in writing.

Where a complaint meets the threshold for formal investigation or further action, it may be escalated in line with the Society's Disciplinary Procedure. The panel's decision is final and binding.

4. Disciplinary Procedure

4.1  Effect of Suspension on Privileges in Approved Events:

On or after such times as any person has been denied participation privileges in Society approved events (including clinics) but their membership privileges are not affected the following restrictions shall apply.

1. That person shall not be eligible to participate in any Society approved event.
2. That person shall not be eligible to hold judge's credentials or any other Society accreditations (including positions e.g. Area representative).

During the period of suspension of Society privileges, failure to comply with restrictions and any other express conditions or restrictions of said disciplinary action may constitute reason for further disciplinary action.

4.2  Effect of Membership Suspension:

On or after such times as any person has been suspended, expelled or denied any Society privileges:

1. That person shall not participate in any Society activity.
2. That person shall not be eligible to hold approved judge's credentials or any Society accreditations (including professional) and must requalify/re-apply after successful reinstatement of membership.

4.3  Any member suspended or expelled for more than 1 year (12 calendar months) loses the right to Society privileges and may not enter a horse owned by them (unless out on loan prior to suspension), in any event nor may they ride in one. Any such person who subsequently successfully re-applies for membership shall be considered for the purpose as a new member with the exception of competition points previously accrued.

4.4  Disciplinary Actions and Penalties

The Society's Council have produced the following chart and explanations regarding any case requiring a disciplinary hearing.

5. Equipment and Attire

5.1  Wearing of Western Hats: Everyone including competitors, helpers or grooms when mounted at a WES activity must wear a BHS Assessments Hat Rules compliant hard hat relevant to the current year. However, competitors 19 and over at a WES approved or affiliated show can wear a Stetson in both competition and warm up areas subject to providing the Show Management with a signed disclaimer (forms can be downloaded from the Society website).

5.1.1  All Youth competitors (18yr and under) must wear a BHS Assessments Hat Rules compliant hard hat at all times when riding or working a horse in hand at a WES event; this includes clinics and shows, for the entire duration on the show ground, or any private facilities being hired by the WES.

5.1.2  It is recommended that approved hard hats are always worn whilst schooling and hacking out including the WES Trail Ride Scheme in-hand (statistics show that most head injuries are when a horse is being led). Competitors in freestyle or themed Charity classes must sign a separate disclaimer if they wish to participate in costumes that do not incorporate either a Stetson or hard hat.

5.2  Wearing back protectors that conform to the current BETA Standards are allowed in all Society events.

5.3  In all classes it is mandatory to wear clean neat western type attire. The hat must be on the rider's head when the exhibitor enters the ring. Judges have the right to exclude exhibitors from the ring if they feel that the exhibitor does not conform to the required standard. Judges at their discretion may authorise adjustments to attire due to weather-related conditions.

5.4  Competitors with disabilities/specific religious requirements. The Western Equestrian Society recognises its obligations to cater wherever possible for the needs of competitors with disabilities or other very specific requirements and will assist all competitors to participate in Society activities. The safety of competitors is paramount and in order to enable the Society to make provisions for such competitors, prior knowledge of any specific requirements is essential. Special exceptions because of religious reasons or physical handicap must be requested by filing a written request to WES and obtaining written approval prior to participation.

5.5  Hackamore. Whenever this rule book refers to Hackamore, it means only the use of a flexible braided rawhide, leather or rope bosal, the core of which must be flexible. A hackamore must use a complete mecate rein, which must include a tie rein. Absolutely no rigid material will be permitted under the jaws, regardless of how padded or covered. Horsehair bosals are prohibited as are so called mechanical hackamores.

5.6  Snaffle Bits. Whenever this rule book refers to a snaffle bit in performance classes it means the use of conventional O-ring, egg-butt or D-ring with a ring no larger than 4" (100mm) in diameter and no less than 2" (50mm). The inside circumference of the ring must be free of rein, curb or headstall attachments which would provide leverage. The mouthpiece should be round, oval or egg-shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal. It may be inlaid, but smooth or latex wrapped. The bars must be a minimum of 5/16" (8mm) in diameter, measured 1" (25mm) in from the cheek with a gradual decrease to the centre of the snaffle. The mouthpiece may be two or three pieces. A three-piece connecting ring of 1 1/4" (32mm) or less in diameter or a connecting flat bar of 3/8" to 3/4" (10mm to 20mm) measured top to bottom, with a maximum length of 2" (50mm) which lies flat in the horse's mouth is acceptable. Optional leather strap (not a curb chain) attached below the reins measuring 1/2" (12mm) in width on a snaffle bit is acceptable.

5.7  Curb Bits. Whenever this rule book refers to a curb bit in performance classes it means a bit that has a solid or broken mouthpiece, has shanks and acts with leverage. All curb bits must be free of mechanical devices.

• 8 1/2" (215mm) maximum length shank overall. Shanks may be fixed or loose.

In regard to mouthpieces, bars must be round, oval or egg shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal of 5/16" to 3/4" (8mm to 20mm) in diameter measured 1" (25mm) from the cheek. However, wire on the sway bars (above the bars and attaching to the spade) of a traditional spade bit is acceptable. They may be inlaid but must be smooth or latex wrapped. Nothing may protrude below the mouthpiece (bar) such as extensions or prongs including upward prongs on solid mouthpieces. The mouthpiece may be two or three pieces. A three-piece connecting ring of 1 1/4" (32mm) or less in diameter or a connecting flat bar of 3/8" to 3/4" (10mm to 20mm) measured top to bottom, with a maximum length of 2" (50mm) which lies flat in the horse's mouth is acceptable.

The port must be no higher than 3 1/2" (90mm) maximum with rollers and covers acceptable. Broken mouthpieces, half breeds and spades are standard.

Slip or gag bits and doughnut and flat polo mouthpieces are not acceptable.

A curb bit must be used with a curb strap or curb chain properly attached so as to contact the horse's chin.

5.8  Rein Carriage in Performance Classes

• Split Reins - Curb Bit: Except when using a hackamore or snaffle bit, only one hand may be used on the reins, and the hand must not be changed. The hand is to be around the reins, index finger only between split reins permitted. In a trail class it is permissible to change hands to work an obstacle. Violation of this rule is an automatic disqualification.
• Split Reins - Snaffle Bit: May be ridden with one or two hands on the reins. The tails of the reins must be crossed on the opposite side of the neck when riding with two hands. Closed reins (example mecate) may not be used with a snaffle bit.
• Romal Reins: Romal reins refer to an extension of braided or round material attached to closed reins. This extension shall be carried in the free hand with 16" (40cm) spacing between the guiding hand, and the free hand holding the romal. When using romal reins, the rider's hand shall be around the reins with the wrist kept straight and relaxed, the thumb on top and the fingers closed lightly around the reins. When using a romal no fingers between the reins are allowed. The Romal shall not be used forward of the cinch or to signal or cue the horse in any way. Any infraction of this rule shall be penalised severely by the judge.

5.9  Saddle: In all ridden classes horses are to be shown only in a western saddle ridden astride and appropriate bridle for the duration of the class. A western saddle is a common type of saddle distinguished by a large noticeable fork on which there is some form of horn, a high cantle and large skirts. Silver equipment will not count over a good working outfit.