Which minimum offense applies to a device that restricts movement of a horse's tail?

• A. Disqualification
• B. Level 2
• C. Level 1
• D. Level 3 (DQ)

Answer: (C)

Offense levels organize penalties for equipment violations by how serious or risky they are. A device that restricts a horse’s tail is not allowed, and it falls under an equipment violation, but it’s categorized as the lowest level—the minimum penalty. That means it’s treated as a minor infraction that requires a penalty but does not automatically result in disqualification. Higher levels would come into play if the violation caused greater safety concerns, repeated offenses, or there was clear intent to cheat or harm, which could escalate to Level 2 or disqualification (Level 3). So, the tail-restriction device is a Level 1 offense—the standard minimum for this type of violation.