I thought I read some where that mules are not allowed at recognized Events, is that true?
Sorry, didn't see your post. We must of posted at the same time.
I am not sure of the rules herein the U.S so you have to ensure that you call the secretary to find out if you can enter.
I had issues back in B.C with some recognized shows. When I sent my entries in, I remember getting them back with a letter stating that I cannot compete with my Mule because they smell differently and will scare the other competators horses.
So I called the Secretaries and asked if they were serious and they said that they stand by their decisions - so I called them pig headed and called the President of the B.C Horse Council and told him what was going on.
He laughed and said that they obviously do not know the rules of HCBC and sent me high lighted parts of the rules in the book. He also said that they should head over to the Coast *Vancouver area* and see how many Mules compete in the same ring as horses. He also said that if any Horse Show states that they follow HCBC's rules, they must allow mules to compete along side horses.
So I, took the fax's that he sent me, and faxed them to the Secretaries - still did no good. So I called the President again, and told him - he proceeded to call the Secretaries himself and before I knew it, they called me back appologizing and said that they'd be happy to see me there with my Mule.
We entered and did very well.
I don't know what the rules are now - they could of changed since then, and I haven't been to B.C in over 5 years since I moved here to Michigan.
I do not know the rules here though - but I do know that I can enter a mule in any TEAM sanctioned HT, who do follow USEA rules. I do not know about Hunter/Jumper shows.
I do know that they can compete in the dressage shows here, Glass-Ed, but again, they follow USEA rules. I have seen a few mules at dressage comps over the years.
Edit: I just asked a friend on FB who lives in Vancouver , and she said YES Mules can compete in sanctioned shows there. But that's the HCBC rules. Not U.S.A.