Youth riders may show only in the youth classes or professional division. A rider is a youth if he or she is eighteen (18) years or younger on January 1st of the show year. The youth classes may be divided by age groups at the discretion of show management. A youth rider may not show a stallion or ride a stallion on the show grounds.

Schooling horses are horses that are thirty six (36) months or over but less than sixty-one (61) months on the first day of the show. Schooling classes may be divided by gender and age groups at the discretion of show management. Schooling horses, in every division, may be shown with double reins. The reins, clips, or snaps may not be overly weighted so as to affect the performance of the horse. Any metal within a nosepiece or chin piece may be used with schooling horses only and must be covered with a flexible material. Horses over the age of sixty (60) months must be shown on the bit only. Horses over the age of sixty (60) months may not be shown with any metal within the nosepiece or chin piece.

For the purposes of competitions, classes may be divided by gender and months of age. “Months of age” is established from the foaling date until the first day of the entered competition. Age groups are divided as follows:

36 - 48 months of age (This is considered a schooling division.)
49 – 60 months of age (This is considered a schooling division.)
61 – 77 months of age
78 months and over

Entry and stall fees must be paid and/or secured by the time the horse competes. There will be no refund of show fees once entry forms are submitted without a veterinarian or physician excuse.

Show management has the discretion to permit each exhibitor and horse to enter the competition area individually. The name of the rider, owner/farm, and horse will be announced. Show management has the discretion to select what division and/or classes will be included in its show schedule.

Judges are required to follow the rules of the Federation and perform their duties knowledgably and with integrity and professionalism. The conduct and performance of the judges are always under scrutiny since it is their responsibility to enforce and apply the rules of the federation. Failure to do so will result in suspension of that judge.

Judges have the discretion to use individual tests to determine the placements in the class, if necessary. Judges are responsible for educating not only the exhibitors but the spectators. This means that judges, when time permits, should explain their placements to the exhibitors and to the spectators. This can be accomplished by the use of a microphone. These actions will promote a better understanding of the requirements of the classes and an appreciation for the uniqueness of the Paso horse. It is only through education that the Federation can promote the Paso show horse.

The Federation recognizes that there are Paso owners who enjoy attending competitions but are not interested in competing their horses in Federation sanctioned shows. The Federation will establish a recreational committee to promote trail rides, demonstrations, parades and events which showcase the multi-faceted talents of the Paso horse. All Federation members are encouraged to promote and participate in these recreational activities so as to promote the Paso horse.