AHCA Rules for ROE Sanctioned Shows

AHCA Policy Statement Concerning the Fitting of Highland Breeding Cattle for the Show Ring

It is neither the desire nor the business of AHCA to act as a show ring policeman. It is however, within the scope of AHCA’s responsibilities to maintain the purity of the breed and by extension, act to ensure the preservation of those characteristics deemed unique to Highland cattle. This includes presenting breeding cattle to the public that do exhibit those unique breed characteristics. It is also within the scope of AHCA’s responsibilities to mediate and ensure ongoing contentment within its constituency.

Highland cattle possess unique characteristics not found in other breeds of cattle. Some of these are physical characteristics that permit the instant recognition of the breed. Attempting to alter the physical appearance of Highland breeding show stock by the excessive removal of hair is not an acceptable procedure at any ROE recognized Highland show. Clipping, shaping and increasing hair volume are all common and accepted cosmetic procedures permitted to purebred breeding stock. However, excessive clipping or blocking will not be tolerated in the show ring except for market animals. AHCA understands that “excessive clipping and blocking” are subjective terms open to individual interpretation. None-the-less, AHCA expects that all participants in ROE Highland shows will exercise restraint in the removal of hair for the purpose of showing Highland breeding stock.

1.          Exhibitors must be members in good standing of the American Highland Cattle Association or Canadian Highland Cattle Society.

2.          All animals must be owned by the exhibitor and registered with the American Highland Cattle Association or Canadian Highland Cattle Society.

3.          Registration papers must be presented to show officials or AHCA representatives upon request.

4.          Tattoos must be legible and correspond to registration papers.

5.          Use of hormones or steroids in animals exhibited is prohibited.

6.          Breeding cattle may not be dehorned.

7.          Exhibitors agree to abide by the IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expositions) National Code of Show Ring Ethics.

8.          A calf in the cow/calf class must be the cow’s natural calf, still nursing and a maximum of 250 days old.

9.          All bulls born prior to the current calendar year of the show season must have a ring or noselead.

10.   Beginning with the current 2013 show season, all ROE shows attended will be counted in the cow/calf division. In the case of a tie for the cow/calf division, the cow/calf that has defeated the most animals will be the winner.

11.   Beginning with the current 2013 show season, registered & unregistered steers, both pure and crossbred will be included for the number of animals in a point show.

12. Beginning with the current 2013 show season, only registered pure and crossbred steers will count toward the Premier Breeder and Exhibitor awards at all ROE shows.

13 Beginning with the 2015 show season, ROE sanctioned shows must be in a venue with a minimum of two (2) other beef breeds exhibiting and holding shows.

Points