COOL Classes are recommended to be included in all shows to encourage physically and mentally challenged individuals to expand their enjoyment of ponies and miniature horses by offering the opportunity to participate at pointed shows. At least one Halter, Showmanship and Driving Class must be included in the Area and National Shows. It is recommended that shows not charge an entry fee for the COOL classes and that the classes may be split for Youth and Adult. Of course, Safety First! All modifications must be designed to maximize safety in the show ring. 

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Eligibility
For horse show purposes, persons competing in this division must have a disability in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A disability is defined by the ADA as: "A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; or a record of such impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment."
Reasonable accommodations shall be granted on a case by case basis. A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to enjoy equal opportunities.
Direct any questions regarding eligibility to the Show Management.

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Adult Exhibitors
In the case of adult exhibitors, each participant assumes all risk of personal injury or property damage and releases and discharges the corporation and show management, their respective officers, directors, representatives and employees from any and all liability, whenever or however arising, as to personal injury or property damage occurring as a result of participation in these events.

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Youth Exhibitors
If the exhibitor is a minor, the parent or guardian, by allowing participation, assumes all risk of personal injury or property damage occurring as the result of the participation and does hereby release and discharge the corporation and show management, their respective officers, directors, representatives, and employees, from any and all liability whenever or however arising from such participation except for the willful or wanton act of omission, if any, of those who are indemnified. Further, a parent or legal guardian, they agree to indemnify and hold harmless the corporation and show management from such liability to the minor.

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Cross Entering Rules
COOL exhibitors may cross enter into any other class as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for that class.

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AIDS
COOL exhibitors have the option of utilizing a variety of "aids". Any "aid" must be provided by the individual exhibitor. An "aid" includes but is not limited to:
Another person who accompanies the exhibitor into the ring. These individuals will be referred to as "attendants".
a. Attendants should be at least 16 years old.
b. Attendants should be appropriately attired.
c. Attendants may touch the horse or exhibitor, as necessary, to ensure safety.
d. Attendants may verbally assist the exhibitor (i.e., "you are getting too close to the wall", etc.). They may also clarify or repeat directions as necessary.
e. Attendants may physically help an exhibitor in a mobility device (electric wheelchair, scooter, etc) should soft or deep footing become a problem.
f. A headset or two-way radio may be used by visually impaired or mentally challenged exhibitors.
g. In addition to their attendant, hearing impaired exhibitors may bring their own translator into the ring.
h. An exhibitor using a mobility device may lead from either side of the horse.
i. Use of a modified halter or lead is not to be penalized as long as it is clean and safe.

Exhibitors who choose not to use these modifications should not be penalized unless their decision results in an unsafe situation.

COOL exhibitors must provide their own specialized equipment, attendants, translators, etc. While show management is not responsible for the exhibitor's needs, show management is responsible for implementing the approved COOL modifications.

All COOL classes are limited to Mares and Geldings - No Stallions.

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Dress
Exhibitors should be appropriately attired. Boots, gloves and hats are suggested for showmanship classes, but are not required.

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Ring Conditions
Ring conditions often change during the course of the show. Adjustments (such as the placement of the line up, etc) should be made accordingly. If deep footing is a problem, the Show Manager should decide to use only the better portion of the ring.

Notification of the modifications is highly recommended! Modifications should be noted on the prize list. It is the Show Secretary's responsibility to inform the Judges of COOL modifications prior to the start of the show.

COOL exhibitors that are unable to fully meet class specifications due to limitations will not be disqualified from any COOL class.

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COOL Showmanship Rules
Boots, gloves and hats are suggested but not required.

Always use Pattern 1 even if another pattern is to be used in other showmanship classes at the same show.

Modifications of Pattern 1 are acceptable, if necessary. For example, an exhibitor using a mobility device will have difficulty moving from one side of the horse to the other. An acceptable alternative could be for the exhibitor to move around to a position in front of the horse's head so that the Judge is able to have an unobstructed view. The exhibitor would move back to his or her original position after the Judge passed by.

An exhibitor who inadvertently touches the horse because of poor balance or inadequate motor coordination will not be penalized.

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Halter Class Rules
Since exhibitors using a mobility device may have difficulty keeping their horse trotting on rough or deep footing, the Judge will take this into consideration when placing the class.

Exhibitors should make every effort to "set up" their horse without assistance. Attendants may assist only if safety becomes an issue.

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Judges must ascertain the quality of conformation even if the exhibitor is unable to present his/her horse to its full advantage. Exhibitors will not be penalized for clumsy positioning or inability to "square up."

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Obstacle Class Rules
Six will be the maximum number of obstacles.

The exhibitor will be allowed up to 90 seconds to complete each obstacle.

Exhibitors will not be penalized for crossing their own path.

Exhibitors will not be penalized for taking an obstacle on the wrong side. Since exhibitors may lead from either side, all obstacles should be designed to be taken from either side.

All obstacles should be designed wide enough for a mobility device/horse combination to successfully negotiate them.

Obstacles should be brightly colored to assist the visually impaired participants.

As with all obstacle courses, the exhibitor must attempt to have a clean round. When there is more than one clean round in a class, Judges should evaluate the willingness and the responsiveness of the horse as well as the way in which the handler and the horse interact.
 

Driving Class Rules
Classes may be split by the Show Manager to provide adequate space for all COOL participants.

Headers should be allowed easy access in case they are needed quickly (i.e.: the center ring is preferable).

Headers may hold the horse while at a stand.

Head-sets or two-way radios are encouraged for the visually impaired.

Wearing protective ASTM/SEI Equine Helmets is strongly recommended.

The Judges may consider the suitability of the horse. They may penalize or excuse an unsafe entry based on the Standard ASPC/AMHR/ASPR Rulebook.