Breckland Carriage Driving. Club Handbook. having fun together, driving together.

Transcription

1 Breckland Carriage Driving Club Handbook having fun together, driving together

2 Club Handbook Breckland Carriage Driving Club takes its name from the forest and heathland area that spans the Norfolk and Suffolk border in the heart of East of England. Known simply as The Brecks, the area is renowned for its arable farming, fabulous country homes and estates, and its wide open spaces. At Breckland Carriage Driving Club we provide carriage driving enthusiasts with arena based activities and competitions. We have researched driving activities overseas, where the sport is increasing in popularity, to bring together some unique arena based driving competitions and tailored them for the British carriage driver. We have listened to many fellow competitors over the years and understand the difficulties they have encountered, and this has resulted in some of the traditional rules being revised to cater for the recreational driver; as simple as allowing a groom to call the dressage test for young junior, grassroots and veteran drivers! Our primary competitions are driven dressage, precision driving (cones) and combined marathon (and Derby); the three disciplines of the traditional Horse Driving Trials competition but without the marathon. Additionally, to cater for recreational carriage drivers, we have created some innovative competitions and fun activities such as long reining agility and long-reining dressage, driven agility, free style driven dressage and a selection of fun cones competitions. You ll not find some of our competitions at other driving clubs! We aim to cater for everyone, from those who drive small ponies to heavy horses, beginner grassroots competitors to the competitive FEI driver, young drivers to veteran drivers, and drivers with veteran horses and ponies to those wanting to educate their next driving star. At Breckland we believe it is all about enjoying your carriage driving as a recreation and sport, and we encourage people of all ages and ability to come along and enjoy a bit of friendly club competition. 2

3 Contents Rules... 4 General... 4 Safety... 4 Welfare & Cruelty... 4 Safeguarding... 5 Drivers & Grooms... 5 Carriages & Harness... 5 Prizes... 5 Driver Competition Categories... 6 Driven Dressage... 7 Grassroots dressage tests... 7 Freestyle to music... 7 Cones Obstacle Competitions... 8 Fault Competition... 8 Fault Competition - optimum time... 8 Top Score... 8 Fault and Out... 9 Precision and Speed... 9 Take your own line Combined Cones & Obstacles Competitions Combined Marathon & Derby Double jeopardy Combined Driving...11 Combined Dressage & Cones...11 Dressage & Cones Accumulator...11 Long-reining General rules Long Reining Agility class Long Reining Dressage Long reining cones & obstacles Driven Agility Fun competitions Santa s little helpers race Six Cones Definitions Club Handbook 2018 Breckland Carriage Driving Club. No part of this document may be reproduced without the written permission of Breckland Carriage Driving Club Limited. Handbook Issue 1.1 Jan

4 Club Handbook Rules GENERAL 1. It is the responsibility of all officials and competitors to ensure they have knowledge of the rules and comply with the rules. When you enter an event, you accept the rules and agree to abide by them. Breckland Carriage Driving Club runs its events in accordance with these rules and, where rules for competitions are non-existent, then the rules will be taken from the British Carriagedriving Rule Book or the FEI Rule Book for that event. 2. Drivers must have third-party public liability insurance which covers them for attending and taking part in club events. Members of the Breckland Carriage Driving Club are covered for insurance through British Carriagedriving whilst competing at club events. Non-members must provide proof of third-party public liability insurance with entry. This can be in the form of a membership card for British Carriagedriving, BHS Gold, British Driving Society (restrictions apply to certain activities) or a personal insurance policy covering driving activities. 3. Refer to the British Carriagedriving rule book, Annex 14 General Regulations for all British Carriagedriving Horse Driving Trials, for additional general regulations. SAFETY 4. It is the responsibility of ALL persons involved in carriage driving events (officials, drivers, grooms, spectators etc.) to ensure that they remain safe at all times. Drivers must ensure that they have control of their turnout at all times to safeguard themselves, their groom(s) and passenger(s) and everyone involved in the sport. Any horse or pony that rears, bucks or kicks whilst in carriage may be subject to a safety assessment and where a risk is identified will be disqualified. 5. Carriages must in a safe condition, the correct size and suitable weight for the equine. The physical weight of the driver (and groom if carried on the carriage) and the carriage must be within the acceptable pulling weight for a small pony or miniature horse or pony. 6. Passing another turnout must be undertaken with caution and only performed when it is safe to do so. Always strive to pass another turnout coming towards you on your right-hand side, observing the road rules. When warming up in an enclosed space, it is recommended that you allow a minimum distance of two turnout lengths between you and the turnout in front of you, use the inside track if you are walking and halt in the centre of the arena. 7. The driver must be the first person to mount the carriage and last person to dismount the carriage. A groom must be in attendance at the head of the horse or pony when the driver is mounting or dismounting the carriage. The bridle must not be removed from the horse until it has been unhitched from the carriage and secured by a head collar. 8. A horse hitched to the carriage must not be left unattended. 9. Whenever a horse or pony is driven, a groom must be on the carriage or at hand to provide assistance. WELFARE & CRUELTY 10. Cruelty to or abuse of any animal (including dogs) by any person at an event is forbidden. Anyone found abusing an animal will be disqualified from the event. 11. Deliberately using the action of the bit as a means of punishment in a manner likely to cause pain or discomfort to the equine will lead to disqualification. 12. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that the equine is physically fit for the competition entered. 13. Equines must be 4 years of age or over to compete in driven competitions. Some competitions permit younger horses to compete, such as showing led classes and long-reining. 4

5 SAFEGUARDING 14. Breckland Carriage Driving Club takes matters of safeguarding young and vulnerable people seriously. Parents, Guardians and Carers are responsible for ensuring young and vulnerable people are kept safe at events. Young children must not be left unaccompanied whilst at an event (e.g. left alone in a horsebox). Any issues relating to the welfare of young and vulnerable people (including bullying by fellow competitors) should be reported to the club Safeguarding Officer. DRIVERS & GROOMS 15. Young drivers can compete at club events from the age of 10 years and in accordance with British Carriagedriving rule book, Annex 15 British Carriagedriving Young Drivers Rules. 16. New drivers who have not competed at any driving trials events or with any other British Carriagedriving affiliated club are required to provide an Affiliated Club Introductory Safety/ Competence Assessment before competing at their first trials type indoor or outdoor event with the club. 17. It is recommended that a securely fastened safety hat be worn at all times whilst on the carriage. A securely fastened safety hat and body protector must be worn by driver and groom in some competitions e.g. combined marathon events. 18. Junior drivers (10-17yrs) must wear a body protector and securely fastened safety hat at all times whilst on a carriage. Infringement will result in elimination. 19. A novice driver in their first competition season, para-driver and junior driver (10-17yrs) must be accompanied by a competent carriage driving groom aged 18 years and over. A second pair of reins may be attached to the bit and held by the groom for safety should an incident occur. In competition the groom must hold the reins in a manner that clearly indicates that they have no contact with the horse or pony. 20. Four-in-hand Very Small Pony turnouts: it is optional to have two grooms on the carriage if the competition is held in a secure arena. One groom must be present on the carriage with a second groom in the arena and ready to assist if required. 21. Very Small Pony and Small Pony singles and tandems (12.2 hh and under): it is optional to have a groom on the carriage if driven in a two-wheel carriage when the competition is held in a secure arena. The groom must be present in the arena ready to assist the driver if required. 22. All Grassroots, Pre-novice and Novice competitors must present themselves for a safety check prior to their first trials type competition (dressage, cones and/or obstacles) at the event. The safety inspection may be performed on the move in the warm up arena. Club Handbook CARRIAGES & HARNESS 23. Carriages with pneumatic tyres specifically designed for the carriage (e.g. not car tyres) are permitted in club competitions. 24. Traditional carriages may be used for some competitions e.g. driven dressage, obstacle cone driving (optimum time), and Combined Driving competitions. The wheel width of the carriage must be stated on the entry form. 25. Four-wheel carriages must carry a groom/passenger either standing or seated behind the driver and over the rear axle at all times when on the move (exception being carriages specifically designed with a single drivers seat such as a show wagon or seating for two persons over the front axle). PRIZES 26. Prizes are awarded for the first six placings. Additional prizes may be awarded at competitions at the discretion of the club. 27. In Combined Driving competitions, that comprise Dressage and an Obstacle competition, prizes will be awarded for the dressage phase in addition to those awarded for the combined driving competition. 5

6 Club Handbook Driver Competition Categories Our competitions use the standard driver based grades for indoor and outdoor driving trials events, since these are now commonplace in sports carriage driving. In addition, the club has introduced some new driver grades such as a Grassroots grade for recreational drivers, a Veterans grade for drivers aged 55+ and an Masters grade for experienced and highly competitive turnouts. The club permits Open and Intermediate graded drivers to compete a new turnout (such as a young horse/pony or a horse/pony newly broken to harness with less than 12 months driving experience) in a lower level competition to aid the education and correct development of the driving horse or pony. The club may request a driver to progress to a higher grade based on their competition success. Any driver wishing to downgrade may make a written request to the club clearly stating the reasons for downgrading to a lower grade competition. Some events may allow drivers to compete in competitions at their grade and in grade higher to gain experience. Drivers who regularly compete in British Driving Society competitions may be eligible for Grassroots and/or Pre-novice competitions but should check with the club before entering. GRASSROOTS This class is reserved for the genuine recreational driver and pot hunting will be actively discouraged! The driver may be graded Pre-novice in outdoor driving trials or Club/Novice class in indoors trials and have limited success in competing in these competitions. PRE-NOVICE NOVICE Grassroots sports driving competitions are judged on an Optimum Time. Competitors graded Pre-Novice in outdoor driving trials or Club/Novice class in indoors trials. Pre-novice sports driving competitions are judged on an Optimum Time or a Time Allowed. Competitors graded Novice in outdoor driving trials or Club/Novice class in indoors trials. INTERMEDIATE OPEN VETERANS Drivers graded Open or Intermediate can start a new turnout or inexperience horse/pony in this Novice competitions. Competitors graded Intermediate in outdoor driving trials or, Intermediate or Open class in indoors trials. Competitors graded Open in indoor or outdoor driving trials. Note: Any driver who competes a multiple turnout is graded an Open driver, this includes those driving a pair of ponies or horses in Scurry or British Scurry & Trials competitions. Drivers aged 55+ years of age. Drivers in this category are permitted to compete in their respective graded competitions and Veteran competitions at the same event. JUNIOR DRIVER Competitions for young drivers or handlers aged years of age based on their age at the start of the year. Competitions will be split into age groups, for example, Young Junior 10-14, Junior and Young Driver MASTERS Drivers in this category are permitted to compete in their respective graded competitions and Junior competitions at the same event. Drivers that have achieved a high standard in competition with regular success in National Driving Trials, placings in the Open competitions at the Indoor Driving Trails Championships, or championship wins in BDS competitions e.g. at County shows and elite shows such as HOYS. These classes are specifically designed to show case a high level of driving skills and competition experience. At some events competitors in this category may be restricted to Master classes. 6

7 Driven Dressage Driven dressage is performed within a marked arena and is a test of the obedience of the horse and the skill of the driver. It is judged on the freedom, regularity of paces, harmony, impulsion, suppleness and ease of movement, and showing the correct bending of the horse on the move. The driver is also judged on the accuracy of the test, as each movement is performed, and overall presentation of the turnout. The club may run dressage only competitions or combine the dressage competition with another discipline such as a cones fault competition (see Combined Driving). A variety of driven dressage competitions are run using tests designed by the FEI and British Carriagedriving, with the addition of simplified club tests specifically designed for Grassroots drivers and those with Very Small Ponies, Donkeys and Heavy Horses. All dressage competitions are run under British Carriagedriving rules with the following exceptions: A small arena measuring 50m x 20m may be used for some club competitions. Grassroots, para-, young junior, junior and veteran drivers are permitted to have a groom call the test as it is driven. This may be a person standing at the side of the dressage arena. There are no restrictions on the wheel width of the carriage in club dressage competitions. Club Handbook GRASSROOTS DRESSAGE TESTS Simplified dressage tests designed for the recreational Grassroots and Pre-Novice drivers, and drivers of Very Small Ponies, Donkeys and Heavy Horses. These tests do not contain one-handed movements, a reverse or lengthening of the trot (extension). To be driven in an arena size 50m x 20m. To be judged on the accuracy of each movement and the correctness of the pace (obedience, suppleness, straightness, bend etc.) Competitions may be judged by one or more judges. Where there is only one judge, the judge will sit at the C marker. FREESTYLE TO MUSIC To be driven in an arena size 80m x 40m. Time allowed 4-6 minutes. Drivers must show lengthening at the trot. Cantering not permitted. Reverse is not permitted. Drivers must execute a 3 loop serpentine. No circles less than 20m diameter. Half circles of 20m diameter permitted. Competitor must halt and salute at the finish of the test. Halt and salute at the start of the test is optional. Costumes permitted. Carriage decorations must not interfere with the wheels and must be secured. Competitors must provide a written list of the movements to be performed before the start of the competition. 7

8 Club Handbook Cones Obstacle Competitions Cones Obstacle competitions are a test of the driver s skill and competence and the obedience and training of the horse over a course of varied obstacles that may include combinations. The Cones Obstacle competition may be run as an individual competition or be combined with Dressage (Combined Driving). Refer to the British Carriagedriving rulebook for a complete list of penalties for Cone Obstacle competitions. In addition to those rules: The speed m/min for Heavy Horses, Donkeys and Grassroots competitions is 180m per minute. Drivers using a non-trials carriage must provide the measurement for their wheel width on the event entry form. FAULT COMPETITION The Fault Competition is used at Driving Trials events and is conducted on the basis of penalties for obstacles knocked down and for exceeding the Time Allowed (based on the speed/minute for the turnout and course length). If there are drivers with equal penalties, then a drive off will decide the final placings. FAULT COMPETITION - OPTIMUM TIME Some Fault Competitions will be judged using an optimum time. The competitor should aim to finish the course as close as possible to the optimum time, with penalties for exceeding and being with the optimum time. Penalties are awarded for every second started either side of the optimum time. No timing device, including wrist watches, are to be worn by the competitor or groom or be present on the carriage during the competition. On completion of the course, the competitor may be subjected to an inspection to check for any timing devices. TOP SCORE The course is driven in any order. Each obstacle is clearly marked with a number of points from 10 to 100 according to its difficulty. Combination obstacles are permitted and must be driven as a combination to score points. The competitor can drive the obstacles in either direction and in any order. The competitor scores the number of points allotted to each obstacle provided it is driven clear. An obstacle that is knocked down or displaced for any reason is not rebuilt. Each obstacle may be driven twice to score. Driving an obstacle for the third or subsequent time or driving an obstacle already knocked down scores no points. Disobediences are not penalised since they decrease the time available. Following a disobedience a competitor may either attempt the same obstacle again or proceed to the next obstacle. A signal is given when the time allowed is reached. The competitor must then pass through the Finish markers in either direction to allow the time to be recorded. If the competitor does not pass through the Finish markers, the competitor is placed last of the competitors with the same number of points. The number of points allotted to the last obstacle driven clear will be included in the competitor s score provided the horse s nose has crossed between the line between the obstacle at the moment when the time allowed is reached. Driving an additional obstacle or obstacles after the signal has been given is not penalised. An additional obstacle may be included in the course, to be known as the Joker. The Joker should be significantly narrower than the other obstacles. The Joker may be driven twice to score. If driven clear, 100 points are added to the score, but if a ball is dislodged 100 points are deducted from the score. The Joker may be a combination obstacle, such as zig-zag and wave. In the event of equality of points, time decides the winning placings. 8

9 ACCUMULATOR The competitor drives as many obstacles in the time allowed. 3 points are scored for each obstacle driven clear. Combination obstacles such as Waves and Zig-Zags are permitted. The competitor may drive a single element of a combination obstacle to score points. Compulsory obstacles are permitted. The competitor must drive the compulsory obstacle during the round. If the competitor fails to drive a compulsory obstacle, the total number of points for that obstacle are deducted from their score; for example, if the competitor fails to drive a zig-zag comprising 4 obstacles, 12 points are deducted from the score. When the time allowed is reached a signal is given. The competitor will be awarded points for the last obstacle driven provided the horse s nose has crossed the line between the obstacle at the moment when the time allowed is reached. The competition is decided by the number of obstacles accumulated. FAULT AND OUT Club Handbook A timed course of numbered obstacles. After passing through the Start markers, the competitor shall proceed to drive the course in number order, until the time allowed expires or until an obstacle is dislodged or a disobedience occurs. If the competitor completes the course, having driven all the obstacles cleanly before the time allowed expires, the competitor will begin the course again, starting with obstacle numbered 1, without having to pass through the Start markers. 3 points will be scored for each obstacle cleared before the time allowed expires. When the time allowed expires, a disobedience occurs or an obstacle is dislodged, a signal will be given. The competitor shall then proceed through the next consecutively numbered obstacle. The time will be taken when the rear axle clears that obstacle. If that obstacle is cleared, one point is scored. If it is dislodged, no points for that dislodged obstacle are scored. Dislodging a Start marker will incur elimination. Passing through the Start markers more than one time incurs elimination. The score of a competitor who fails to drive the next consecutively numbered obstacle after the signal is given shall count, but the competitor will be placed after those with an equal score and time. Competitors are placed on points and in the event of equality of points, the competitor with the fastest time wins. PRECISION AND SPEED The course is divided into two sections. The first or precision section consists of five to seven obstacles of progressively increasing severity designed to test the driver s precision skills. This section is driven not against the clock but with a time allowed. The competitor then proceeds straight to the second, or speed, section of the course. This consists of six to eight obstacles to be driven at speed (or optimum time). The Start and Finish is indicated for each section. Finish of the precision section to be start of speed section. The competition is decided by penalties and time over the speed section. Penalties for dislodging an obstacle in the Power section is 10, and for every obstacle dislodged in the Speed section 10 seconds are added to the time. 9

10 Club Handbook TAKE YOUR OWN LINE A course of obstacles is set and numbered for identification purposes only. The competitor drives every obstacle on the course in any order in any direction. Combination obstacles are permitted and must be driven as a combination. 3 penalties are scored for each obstacle dislodged. If optimum time is used, then 1 penalty is scored for each second either side of the optimum time. The competition is decided by the fastest time (or nearest to the optimum time) to complete the course without penalty. Further placings are decided by those competitors with fewer penalties and fastest time (or nearest to the optimum time). Combined Cones & Obstacles Competitions Combined Obstacle & Cones competitions, known as a Combined Marathon or more familiarly known as a World Cup style competition, are a test of the driver s skill to negotiate a course of cones and up to two marathon type obstacles. COMBINED MARATHON & DERBY See British Carriagedriving rule book, ANNEX 17 Rules for Combined Marathon/Derby. In addition to those rules: The Combined Marathon competition may be run using an Optimum Time. DOUBLE JEOPARDY To be driven over a course of up to 12 cone obstacles and up to 2 marathon obstacles. Combination obstacles are permitted. Grooms may direct and talk to the driver throughout the competition. A compulsory turning flag is included and must be driven. Failure to drive a compulsory marker will incur elimination. The competitor, having passed through the Start markers, shall proceed to drive the course in the correct numbered order including the marathon obstacles. The competitor, on completion of the highest numbered obstacle must drive the compulsory marker then drive the same course in reverse order. A signal may be given to stop the competitor to allow any dislodged obstacles to be rebuilt. The time is stopped when the competitor passes through the compulsory marker. When the signal is given to restart the round, the competitor must pass through the compulsory marker again in the correct direction to restart the timing. Any combination obstacle on the reverse course must be driven in reverse order, for example if an obstacle is driven A, B, C, D on the first course, on the reverse course it must be driven in the order D, C, B, A. Failure to correctly drive a combination obstacle in the right order, without correcting an error of course, results in elimination. The competition may be judged as a Fault Competition (optimum time), a fault competition with Time Allowed or as a Derby type competition where penalties are converted to seconds. 10

11 Combined Driving Combined driving competitions are a combination of a Dressage competition with other driving disciplines such as a Cones Obstacle competition or a combined marathon competition or comprise all 3-phases of a driving trials competition without the marathon (dressage, cones, marathon obstacles). The competitor will drive the dressage test before driving the other disciplines which make up the competition. The Combined Driving competition is scored by combining the dressage penalties with the penalties in the other disciplines. Typically the club will run a Fault Competition or Fault Competition - Optimum Time as part of the Combined Driving competition. Awards are given for the dressage competition and the overall Combined Driving competition. COMBINED DRESSAGE & CONES This single phase combined driving competition comprises a dressage test performed in an arena in which the cones course is also driven. Trials carriages must be set to 125cm wheel width. Other carriages catered for and wheel width must be included on the event entry form. The competition in run in an 80m x 40m or 100m x 40m arena. On completion of Dressage, the competitor will salute the Judge at C, a signal will be given and the competitor will then continue straight on to the Cones course (in the same arena). The Cones phase will comprise 8-10 Cones Obstacles set at 145 cm or equivalent for non-trial carriages. The Time Allowed will be calculated based on a speed of 220 m/minute (180m/minute for Donkeys, Heavy Horses and Grassroots drivers). Groom may stand or sit throughout the competition. Marathon type dress. Boots and bandages are permitted. The competition is decided on the lowest penalties of the combined competition. Club Handbook DRESSAGE & CONES ACCUMULATOR A two-phase competition combining dressage with an Accumulator cones obstacle course. Trials carriages must be set to 125cm wheel width. Other carriages catered for and wheel width must be included on the event entry form. The cones obstacles are not marked and drivers may choose their route to accumulate the most cones within the time allowed. In this competition, every cone obstacle cleared within the time allowed will be scored at 0.25 of a penalty. Compulsory obstacles are permitted. The competitor must drive the compulsory obstacle during the round. If the competitor fails to drive a compulsory obstacle, the total number of points for that obstacle are deducted from their score; for example, if the competitor fails to drive a zig-zag comprising 4 obstacles, 12 points are deducted from the score. When the time allowed is reached a signal is given. The final score is then converted into penalties that are deducted from the overall score of the dressage. Groom may stand or sit throughout the competition. Boots and bandages are permitted. Marathon type dress. 11

12 Club Handbook Long-reining Long reining forms part of the early training of the horse/pony and can be used to promote balance and straightness. It can also be used to continue the horse s education, teaching advanced and lateral movements such as shoulder-in. These competitions are designed to provide an opportunity to work horses from the ground in competition, and educate and accustom younger horses to the competition arena. The dress code for these competitions is workmanlike with the wearing of show jackets optional. Shoes should be sturdy and suitable for the arena surface such as riding boots or equestrian trainers that are specifically designed for yard work and training from the ground. Novelty seasonal dress, for example at Christmas time, may be worn. Equipment used must be a safe condition. Equipment used for schooling your horse such as a lungeing roller may be used or parts of a driving harness (e.g. driving pad and blinkered bridle). A full set of harness is optional for these competitions. GENERAL RULES 1. Horses may be long reined in an open or blinkered driving bridle. 2. Reins must be attached to the bit. 3. Reins must pass through a suitable lunging roller/pad or the terrets on the driving a saddle. Breeching and breastplate are not required unless the competition specifically states that a driving harness must be used. 4. No artificial training aids permitted (side reins, head-checks, martingales etc.). 5. The handler must be dressed appropriately, in workmanlike clothing with sturdy shoes. Gloves must be worn. Handlers must wear a securely fastened safety helmet. 6. A whip may be carried by the handler. 7. Horses may compete in long-reining classes from the age of 3 years. It is not necessary for a younger horse to be broken to ride or drive, but the horse must be at a suitable level of training to compete. 8. A groom may be present at the ringside to assist when needed. Any assistance incurs penalties. 9. Junior handlers under the age of 18 must have an competent adult groom available at the ringside to assist as needed. Any assistance incurs penalties. LONG REINING AGILITY CLASS A long-reining competition that requires the handler to demonstrate their skills for working the horse through a course of obstacles (commonly known as tasks) such as cones, bridges and gates. The tasks are predominately negotiated at a walk pace but some tasks must be performed at the trot pace and points are deducted for a break of pace. The trot pace may be used when moving between tasks in the arena (if desired). The Handler, on entering the arena presents to the judge. The judge checks the cleanliness, fit and suitability of the equipment, and presentation of the complete turnout including the attire (outfit) of the Handler. The Handler, having passed through the Start markers, proceeds on course and attempts each task in numbered order. Each task must be completed in accordance with the criteria provided on the course plan or individual task plan. The Handler must pass through the Finish markers on completion of all tasks. The Handler may attempt a task as many times as desired, but must consider the impact of repeated attempts against the possibility of exceeding the Time Allowed for the competition. Handlers can request the assistance of their groom (if required), but every occurrence incurs 5 penalties. The competition is decided on the highest score, minus any penalties. 12

13 Scoring Presentation...10 Each task (max. score)...10 Handler (position, use of reins, whip, voice etc.)...10 Horse (obedience & paces)...10 Penalties Exceeding the Time Allowed... Elimination Assistance from groom (each occurrence)... 5 penalties LONG REINING DRESSAGE Long-reining Dressage is a competition that requires the handler to demonstrate their skills for working the horse in long-reins through a sequence of movements, as in a ridden dressage test. Movements are predominately performed at the walk and working trot. Note that when driving a circle movement, the handler may chose to drive the horse from behind following the outline of the circle or to stand in the centre of the circle and use the two reins to lunge the horse around the circle. In addition to the general rules: No leg protection to be worn (e.g. boots, bandages). Callers are permitted. A person calling the test must remain at a centre marker outside the dressage arena as directed by the Judge or Steward. Long-reining dressage competitions take place in an arena measuring 20m x 40m. Club Handbook LONG REINING CONES & OBSTACLES A long-reining competition that is judged as a Fault Combined Marathon with an optimum time. The handler is required to drive the horse in long-reins about a course of cones and marathon obstacles. In addition to the general rules: Leg protection may be worn (e.g. boots, bandages). No timing device, including wrist watches, are to be worn by the competitor. The competitor should aim to finish the course as close as possible to the optimum time, with 1 penalty incurred for every second started either side of the optimum time. Cones width set at 1.30m. Obstacles gates set at 2m. Grassroots and introductory competitions should be judged at 60m/min. Any increase in the speed for more advanced competitions will be set at a speed of a fast walk and not require the handler to run. Penalties Dislodged ball... 3 penalties Exceeding the Time Allowed... Elimination Assistance from groom (each occurrence)... 5 penalties Part of second either side optimum time... 1 penalty All penalties for a Combined Marathon where relevant apply. 13

14 Club Handbook Driven Agility Drivers and groom work together to complete a series of skills tests (commonly known as tasks). The tasks will vary in the level of skills needed to complete them, for example, a simple task may be to drive a series of cones in order or cross a bridge or drive under an arch; whilst the more difficult tasks may include having to solve a puzzle, drive a serpentine with reins in one-hand or drive a narrow path with one wheel (or two wheels in a four wheeler) remaining within the markers. Some tasks may require the groom to dismount the carriage and perform a separate task. The tasks are predominately negotiated at a walk pace. Some tasks must be performed at the trot pace, for example, trot a 20m circle reins in one-hand, and marks are deducted for a break of pace. The trot pace may be used when moving between tasks in the arena (if desired). The driver, on entering the arena presents to the judge. The judge checks the harness for cleanliness and fit, the cleanliness of the carriage, and presentation of the complete turnout including dress of the driver and groom. Note that the dress code for this competition is workmanlike with the wearing of show jackets optional. Marathon type dress and novelty seasonal dress, for example at Christmas time, may be worn. Safety helmets are compulsory for driver and groom. Body Protectors are optional. There is no requirement for a spares kit to be carried. The presentation of the turnout is marked out of 10. The driver, having passed through the Start gates, proceeds on the course and attempts each task in numbered order. Each task must be completed in accordance with the criteria provided on the course plan or an individual task plan. The driver must pass through the Finish gates on completion of all tasks. There is a Time Allowed to complete the course and exceeding the Time Allowed incurs elimination. The driver may attempt an task as many times as desired, but must consider the impact of repeated attempts against the possibility of exceeding the Time Allowed for the competition. The skills of the driver and groom to negotiate each task is judged and marked out of 10. The mark awarded will reflect any disobediences or lack of accuracy. If the groom is required to dismount/remount the carriage, the carriage must be stationary. Any groom dismounting/remounting a moving carriage is awarded 0 marks for that task. Drivers of Very Small Ponies and Small Ponies (12.2hh and under) Small ponies put to a two wheeler (single/tandem) that choose to have a groom on the ground, are eligible to compete. The groom must be available to assist the driver with any task that requires assistance from the groom. Penalties Exceeding the Time Allowed... Elimination Groom dismounting/mounting a carriage whilst it is moving... 0 marks for that task 14

15 Fun competitions SANTA S LITTLE HELPERS RACE A fun competition for Christmas where the groom and driver have to work together to collect all the Christmas presents (balls) and carefully place them into sack ready for Santa. A course comprises up to 16 single cones set randomly around the arena with a ball on top. The groom is provided with a sack to collect the balls. The driver, having passed through the Start markers, proceeds on the course passing the cone on the correct side as shown. The groom shall attempt to collect the ball and place it safely into the sack. Any ball dislodged (i.e. on the ground) cannot be collected and 5 seconds is added to the time. The balls on the Start and Finish markers are not to be collected and dislodging a ball from either marker incurs a 5 second penalty. This is a speed competition with the time taken when the turnout passes through the Finish markers. The competition is decided on the fastest time (including any time penalties for dislodged balls) and the total number of balls collected. 1 Club Handbook Drivers of Very Small Ponies and Small Ponies (12.2hh and under) Small ponies put to a two wheeler (single/tandem) that choose to have a groom on the ground, are eligible to compete. The groom must travel on foot behind the carriage, in the tracks of the carriage and following the same course as that taken by the driver to collect the balls. Any dislodged balls must be discarded. The groom must not overtake the carriage. The time is taken when the unmounted groom passes through the Finish markers having cleared all the balls from the cones or marathon type obstacles. Penalties Dislodged ball... 5 seconds Picking up a ball from the wrong side of a cone obstacle seconds/ball discounted Picking up a dislodged ball... Elimination Unmounted Groom overtaking the carriage... Elimination All other Cone Obstacle driving penalties apply. SIX CONES The course for this competition comprises six obstacles placed in a straight line with 6-8m between each obstacle. In indoor arenas the first two obstacles may be placed on one straight line and the last four obstacles on a different straight line. The obstacles become narrower down the line, and as the competition progresses. The obstacles must be driven at trot pace. In the event of equality of faults for first place there will be up to four successive drives-off not against the clock. The first drive-off must be over all six obstacles, but the course may be reduced progressively for each further drive-off to a minimum of three obstacles by removing in succession first, second and third obstacles. The Judge at his/her discretion may terminate the competition after the third drive-off. In the event of equality of faults in the final drive-off competitors are placed equal. 15

16 Club Handbook Definitions For the purpose of our rules and events we run, the following definitions apply: Very Small Pony (VSP): any equine not exceeding 10.2hh. Small Pony: any equine exceeding 10.2hh but not exceeding 12.2hh. Large Pony: any equine exceeding 12.2hh but not exceeding 14.2hh. Open Pony: any equine not exceeding 14.2hh. Open Horse: any equine exceeding 14.2hh. Heavy horse: any horse that is registered with a heavy horse society. Marathon dress: Clothes worn on the marathon phase of an outdoor trials or indoor trials events such as Jeans and smart rugby shirt. Sturdy shoes, plain coloured trainers permitted. Driver and groom usually coordinate outfits for a smart appearance. Smart Trials dress: Required at major events attracting a general public audience. Drivers and grooms to wear smart trousers, with collared shirts, tie or stock, and jackets (riding, hacking). Sturdy shoes, plain coloured trainers permitted. No jeans or T-shirts. Short legged trousers (leggings) not permitted. It is preferable for the horse to be well presented e.g. plaited and well groomed. 16

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