1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This specification covers the procedures and principles of the "Horse Beauty Contest" to be organized in order to encourage traditional and modern horse breeding, support the healthy development of horse generations, and evaluate horses' physical (morphological) characteristics, breed standards, general health, care, and ring presentation performances in accordance with international norms.
2. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
• Organization Committee: The institution assuming the administrative, legal, and logistical responsibility of the contest,
• Referee Board (Jury): The expert national/international selective board that makes the morphological and behavioral evaluation of horses,
• Ring: The official area where horses and handlers come out for evaluation,
• Groom / Handler: Refers to the authorized person who brings the horse into the ring, handles its presentation and leading.
3. PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS AND APPLICATION PRINCIPLES
• Identification and Registration Obligation: All horses participating in the contest will undergo a check of their Equine Identification Document (Passport) and microchip approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry or internationally recognized official authorities. Horses without identification will strictly not be allowed into the contest area.
• Categorization: For a fair evaluation, the contest will be carried out separately in the following categories:
1. Friesian
2. Arabian Horse
3. Show Arabian Horse
4. Native Horse
5. European Pinto
6. Native Pinto
7. Tinker
8. Pony-Shetland
• Health Status and Quarantine: On the morning of the contest, a clinical examination (fever, pulse, respiration, and contagious disease check) of all horses will be performed by the Official Veterinarian appointed by the Organization Committee. Horses showing symptoms of contagious diseases such as lameness, open wounds, ringworm, glanders, or mange, or whose general condition is found inadequate, will be disqualified from the contest and removed from the area.
• Registration Process: Applications must be completed via the official website or form announced by the organization until July 1, 2026. No new registrations will be accepted on the day of the contest.
4. ANIMAL WELFARE AND SAFETY RULES
Under no circumstances can the welfare of horses be ignored for the purpose of commercial or sporting success.
• Prohibition of Cruelty and Mistreatment: The use of whips, spurs, electroshock devices, application of physical violence, or intervention with chemical substances (doping, tranquilizers, local anesthetics, etc.) to increase the performance or change the appearance of horses is strictly prohibited. In case of detection, the participant is banned from the organizations for life.
• Logistics and Care Conditions: The organization is obliged to provide portable stables (boxes) with proper ventilation, clean bedding, and an uninterrupted clean water source for the horses. Feeding and daily care of the horses are the responsibility of the participant.
• Safety Equipment: The use of appropriate halters, leads, and chains is mandatory to keep horses under control in the ring and preparation areas. Horses that are fierce and tend to harm the environment (people or other horses) are disqualified by the decision of the referee or veterinarian.
5. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND SCORING SYSTEM
Referees will evaluate each horse out of 100 full points using a closed scoring system according to the criteria in the table below:
Criterion Title Description and Sub-Details Maximum
Points
Type and Breed Character The ratio of the horse carrying the head, ear, eye structure, and characteristic lines of the breed it belongs to (Arabian, Thoroughbred, Rahvan, Haflinger, etc.). 20 Points
Body Structure
(Conformation)
Neck, shoulder, back, croup integrity; chest depth and general anatomical proportion. 20 Points
Foot and Leg Structure Soundness of bone structure, hoof structure, absence of posture defects, joint health. 15 Points
Movement and Gait Flexibility in walk and trot gaits, balanced stepping, track width, and elegance of movements. 15 Points
Care and Condition The horse being at ideal weight, muscle development, general health and vitality status. 10 Points
Grooming (Aesthetic Care) Shine of the coat; mane, tail, and hoof care. Excessive chemical makeups that disrupt naturalness will cause point deductions. 10 Points
Temperament and Ring Performance The calmness of the horse, its harmony with its handler, its stance in the ring, and obedience to commands. 10 Points
TOTAL Highest Grade 100 Points
6. CONTEST FLOW AND RING RULES
• Dress Code (Handler Standards): The handler/groom leading (presenting) the horse must wear clean, corporate, or traditional (matching the concept of the event) clothing suitable for the seriousness of the contest. Entering the ring with shorts, slippers, ripped jeans, or clothing with political/inappropriate slogans is not allowed. The handler's clothing and the accessories on the horse (headgear, etc.) must be in aesthetic harmony.
• Duration and Presentation: Horses are invited to the ring one by one according to their chest numbers. The total ring time for each horse is 30 seconds. The first 15 seconds of this time is carried out as a static (standing position) morphological examination in front of the referees; the last 15 seconds is carried out as a ring tour with a walk or trot gait to demonstrate the horse's mobility.
• Tie-Breaking Situation: In case two or more horses have the same total score, the horse with higher scores from the "Type and Breed Character" and "Body Structure" criteria respectively will be placed higher. If the tie still persists, the decision of the Head of the Referee Board will be decisive.
7. AWARDS AND TITLES
The following awards will be presented to the owners of the horses ranking in each category:
• Category Winner: Official First Place Trophy
• Category Runner-Up: Second Place Medal or Ranking Badge
• Category Third Place: Third Place Medal or Ranking Badge
8. OBJECTIONS AND LEGAL PROVISIONS
• Objection Procedure: Objections regarding contest results, scoring, or rule violations must be submitted in writing with their justifications to the Organization Committee within 30 minutes at the latest after the results of the relevant category are announced.
• Decision Authority: Objections are evaluated immediately by the board consisting of the Chief Referee and the Head of the Organization Committee. The final decision made by the committee is final and cannot be changed, and no administrative appeal can be made against this decision except for the judiciary.
9. ENFORCEMENT AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
• All participants who sign (or digitally approve) the contest application form are deemed to have unconditionally accepted all articles of this specification.
• The Organization Committee reserves the right to make changes in the contest schedule, hours, and award content in case of adverse weather conditions, force majeure, or operational necessities.
Göreme Municipality
Cappadocia Horse and Equestrian Culture Festival
Contest Organizing Committee