These are the basic rules for any person/group desiring to bring horses to the Marching Through History Exposition (MTHE).  These rules do not replace any existing rules units themselves may already have in place (PACWAR, FTHA, etc.).  They are meant to provide the least restrictive parameters for horse use possible, while at the same time provide some protection to the event should a horse-related injury to the public occur.  As such, persons or units that do NOT agree and comply with these basic rules, and that HAVE an injury to which they are primarily at fault, WILL be banned from future events.

1  All horses should be in good health at the time of the event.  A sick or irritable horse can lead to unpredictable behavior, especially around the public.

2.  Educate the public as to basic horse safety precautions, which apply to ALL horses at the event.  This can be done even “in character”.  Such precautions should include, but are not limited to:

            a)  it is appropriate to ask the owner/rider’s permission  before approaching, petting or
                 feeding someone’s horse.

            b)  discourage loud noises up close, and or excited or erratic behavior.

            c)  some horses may shy away from such common factors as flashing cameras, unusual
                 hats, or sudden hand motions near their faces.

3.  Cantering is not allowed within 30’ of the public.  Should the public approach unexpectedly with 30’ of a cantering horse, riders must slow their horses to a slow trot or walk, until the public has exited the safety zone.

4.  A member of the horse owner’s camp must be present at all times when the horse(s) are at the encampment, so as  to assist, monitor, control, and/or restrict the public from interacting with the horse(s).

5.  When moving through the public while mounted, a ground guide must be used to clear the way, or to hand the lead line to should the need arise (thrown rider, restroom call, etc.).  Ground guides are not needed in areas of minimal public interaction (the equestrian parking lot, the “back 40”, etc.)

6.  Horses are to be monitored throughout the event to prevent dehydration.

7.  Nighttime “tactical” equestrian activity after show hours is not allowed.

8.  When not being used, and/or once the show closes for the evening, owners/groups have three options available to them on where to put their horse(s):

            a)  within your encampment, either at a picket line or within a portable pipe corral

            b)  at the horse trailer in the equine section of the parking lot

            c)  the nearby Prado Dam Equestrian Center.  The cost is $10 per night, per horse  (to be updated as necessary), and hay and water are provided.  Owners can of course opt to provide their own feed based on dietary restrictions/preferences.  To utilize this option, please contact the equestrian center directly, (909) 597-5757, or go to http://pradoequestrian.homestead.com/

9.  Basic trailer safety should be observed: do not attempt to load/unload horses into unfamiliar trailers going to or from the event.

10.  Historical accuracy: horses should conform to what was historically accurate for that group/individual’s impression.  Cavalry units, for example, generally did not ride draft horses.  While the MTHE makes no restriction regarding breed, color, etc., inauthentic horses may play a part in the judging criteria for awards.

The Director of the MTHE, and/or his staff, has the right to remove any participant from the event that displays negligent or unsafe horse control around the public, or who is observed disregarding these basic safety rules.  Our goal is to guarantee safe horse participation at MTHE for many years to come.  Please direct any related questions to the Equine Safety Officer, Gil Whitley, or the MTHE Director, Jeff Sharp, as needed.  Thank you.