ABHA & SABHA Rulebooks

As an affiliate of the Australian Barrel Horse Association, SABHA follows their rules and guidelines.

It is the responsibility of ALL competitors and persons to familiarise themselves with the

 rules before entering an ABHA affiliated competition. 

SABHA Policies

Event Guidelines


  • The Arena will be closed 10 minutes prior to event start time to prepare arena and set the course.


  • No practicing/ turning on drums whilst they are in the arena! (refer ABHA Rules)


  • ALL entry fees are "Per horse and rider combination"


  • ALL persons mounting horses at an event in or out of the arena must be an ABHA member. Non-competitors can purchase a $33.00/year non-rider membership from the ABHA.  Persons not holding membership are not covered by insurance and breaking SABHA rules. 


  • ALL entries are to go through Australian Barrel Horse Association website. A link to entries is available when posted via this website.


  • ALL entries are to be accompanied by FULL payment. Nominations will not appear on draws until proof of payment is received.


  • No changes to the draw on the day of the event. Please contact the committee in advance to ensure any changes can be made.


  • Scratching from an event - refer to rules & guidelines


  • A Horse cannot be ridden by two different riders in the same competitive event. (Excluding Tiny Tots events).


  • SABHA membership entitles competitors to end of season awards. Refer widget below for further information.


Ground Rules


  • ALL SABHA  Rules, Policies & Procedures to be adhered too. Refer to SABHA & ABHA rules & SABHA policies (above) for further information.


  • NO drugs/alcohol to be consumed by competitors or officials during an event. No alcohol is allowed in warm up, marshalling area or in the arena at all times. If the committee have reasonable doubt that any rider is riding under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, they will be asked to dismount and will be disqualified from the event. SABHA has a zero drugs tolerance on site.


  • NO Fires - Council regulations in place.


  • NO rubbish removal available at the grounds - please take your rubbish/waste with you.


  • NO horses to be tied to fencing including boundary fencing, arena panels or warm up area, nor around buildings or sheds (canteen/toilets/undercover areas).


  • Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian/carer at all times. Refer to child safe policies for further information.


  • NO spectators/dogs/prams allowed in the horse warm up area, alley way, arena entry point or marshalling area.

  • Dogs must be on a leash and kept under control at ALL times.  All waste must be picked up and disposed of or taken away at the owners responsibility. Dogs are not allowed in the warm up area, arena entry points or marshalling area.


  • Vehicles - a speed limit of 10kms per hour applies at all times. All vehicles must use designated entry gates, use access zones, parking areas and comply with all instructions of authorised persons.


  • Wash Bay area is to be kept clean from manure/hay/other feeds and rubbish. Please ensure water is turned off after use.


  • Please remove ALL rubbish & Hay - Take it with you
    SABHA provides wheelbarrows, forks and 3x manure pits for horse waste only.  It is the responsibility of owners to clean up and dispose of hay/manure appropriately. Dumping/Hiding or failure to clean up around yards, floats, trucks etc. can incur a cleanup fee. This fee must be paid prior to your next entry.


  • All Yards must be cleaned thoroughly prior to leaving. Any competitors found leaving yards dirty after departing grounds will receive a yard cleaning fee. This fee will need to be paid prior to the next event or entry may be denied.


  • No cruelty to animals. SABHA does not under any circumstances condone animal cruelty. Any displays of this behaviour will not be tolerated. Anyone committing acts of cruelty as outlined in SABHA's and the ABHA's rules and policies will be asked to leave the grounds immediately.


  • Behaviour No bad language or behaviour or any other actions deemed against conduct policies will be tolerated. Disrespect towards officials will not be tolerated. SABHA and ABHA codes of conduct must be adhered too.


  • Photography & videography policies must be followed. No photography of children without given permissions.


  • Smoke Free all buildings and enclosed/undercover areas are smoke free. SA legislation states: "no smoking within 10 metres of a sporting venue during an organised underage sporting event or training or practice session in preparation for an organised underage sporting event"