New Zealand Pony Clubs Association Incorporated

New Zealand Pony Clubs Association Incorporated T&E have made some alterations based on feedback from before and during conference Any further feedback can be emailed to admin@nzpca.org by th August Following this feedback T&E will create the rules and these will be included in the September Regulation Updates First Start An Introduction to Competitive Riding Regulations Commencement Date: October 2015 September 2017

Table of Contents Preamble 3 "NZPCA First Start" Introduction 3 1. General 3 2. Aim 3 3. Where and When Held 3 "NZPCA First Start" General Competition Regulations 4. Officials & Technical Officials 4 5. Gear and Safety Inspection 4 6. Dress and saddlery 4 7. Assistance 4 8. Falls 5 9. Scoring 5. Health and safety 9 11. Medical Cover 9 12. Veterinary Cover 9 13. Public Liability 9 14. "NZPCA First Start" Level 1 15. "NZPCA First Start" Level 1 Entry Criteria 6 16. "NZPCA First Start" Level 1 Dressage 6 17. "NZPCA First Start" Level 1 Obstacle Course/Orienteering/Activities 6 "NZPCA First Start" Level 2 18. "NZPCA First Start" Level 2 Entry criteria 7 19. "NZPCA First start" Level 2 Dressage 7 20. "NZPCA First Start" Level 2 Jumping 7 21. "NZPCA First Start" Level 2 Cross Country 8 "NZPCA First Start" Other Regulations 22. Health and safety 9 23. Medical Cover 9 24. Veterinary Cover 9 25. Public Liability 9 Page Annex Specifications Summary Table First Start Level 1 Lead Rein Dressage Test I First Start Level 1 Lead Rein Dressage Tests II 11 2 P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

PREAMBLE These Regulations are effective from October 2015 and have been introduced to meet the growing needs of our young and inexperienced pony club members. They provide opportunities for new and inexperienced riders to practice the necessary riding skills in a safe competition environment. NZPCA FIRST START INTRODUCTION The ultimate authority for NZPCA First Start Competitions is the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association. 1. GENERAL: THE FORM OF THE COMPETITION 1.1 There are three levels of NZPC First Start 1.1.1 NZPCA First Start Level 1 has two divisions a) NZPCA First Start Level 1 Lead Rein riders 12 years and under b) NZPCA First Start Level 1 Off Lead Rein 12 years and under 1.1.2 NZPCA First Start Level 2 for more independent, but still inexperienced riders of all ages 1.1.3 NZPCA First Start Level 3 for independent, but still inexperienced riders of all ages 1.2 NZPCA First Start competitions combine elements of all the disciplines undertaken at Pony Club a) NZPCA First Start Level 1 combines dressage and games/obstacles course b) NZPCA First Start Level 2 combine dressage, and jumping or games/obstacles course or crosscountry c) NZPCA First Start Level 3 combine dressage, and jumping and cross-country 1.3 All classes must have NZPCA First Start included in the name of class 2. AIM 2.1 The aim of the regulations is to ensure that young and inexperienced riders enjoy their first competition experiences in a safe and controlled environment 3. WHERE AND WHEN HELD 3.1 To be held at Pony Club venues either as a standalone competition or in conjunction with other Pony Club competitions 3.2 NZPCA First Start activities must be held in a separate and contained area. 3 P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

NZPCA FIRST START GENERAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS 4. OFFICIALS & TECHNICAL OFFICIALS 4.1 All officials such as dressage judges and jumping (show jumping) judges should be suitably qualified and/or experienced in these role at pony club 4.2 At NZPCA First Start Level 1 competitions, only one technical official is needed; a Technical Delegate. An ECTP qualified Level D or above coach can act as a technical official such as the Technical Delegate at Level 1 competitions 4.3 At NZPCA First Start Level 2 & Level 3 competitions, the following technical officials are required; a Technical Delegate and a Cross-Country Judge but only if cross-country is included. They should be on the ESNZ or NZPCA lists for these technical officials. 4.4 A Technical Delegate is needed for all NZPCA First Start levels. They are representing NZPCA and are there to assist the organisers to run their event in accordance with all relevant NZPCA rules and regulation. They must inspect and were necessary measure all arenas and courses (obstacles, jumping & cross country) for the competition to ensure they comply with the regulations See ## to ##. Once the competition starts the Technical Delegate will advise and assist organisers and judges with the running of the competition and any problems that may arise during the competition 4.5 A Cross Country Judge is only needed for NZPCA First Start Levels 2 & 3. They are ultimately responsible for the judging of the competition and for settling all problems that may arise during the competition in conjunction with the either the senior dressage judge if it is a dressage problem or the jumping judge if it is a jumping or cross-country problem. Together with the Technical Delegate, and organisers, the Cross-Country Judge is to ensure that all arrangements for the competition, including the arenas, courses and obstacles, are appropriate 4.6 All decisions made by officials are binding and must be adhered to 5. GEAR AND SAFETY INSPECTION 5.1 A Gear Safety Inspection is compulsory for all riders, at all levels before commencing each discipline or activity 6. DRESS AND SADDLERY 6.1 An approved riding helmet must be worn always when mounted as per NZPCA General Regulations 6.2 Approved foot wear must be worn at all times 6.3 Pony Club uniform is recommended attire as per NZPCA General Regulations 16 and 18 6.4 A Neck Strap is recommended for all disciplines and activities 6.5 In NZPCA First Start Level 1 competitions Grass reins are allowed 6.6 NO Spurs allowed 6.7 Dressage Whips may be used but must not exceed 1.0mtr including flapper for ponies and 1.mtr for hacks 6.8 All disciplines or activities short whips are allowed 4 P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

6.9 Body protectors must be worn for NZPCA First Start Level 2 Cross Country 7. ASSISTANCE 7.1 Assistance can only be given at NZPCA First Start Level 1 7.1.1 NZPCA First Start Level 1 On Lead Rein a) Lead rein to be attached to a halter fitted under the bridle or a cavesson noseband. Lead may not be attached to the bit b) The leader must always be on the inside of the pony when in an enclosed area/arena and by the pony s shoulder. Never in front of pony. c) The leader must change sides during halt in middle of dressage test d) The leader may only if necessary assist in controlling the pony. They must give the rider every encouragement to have control. e) The Leader must not carry a whip f) The leader must wear appropriate covered foot wear 7.1.2 NZPCA First Start Level 1 Off Lead Rein a) An assistant may walk or run beside the rider for moral support in Obstacles/Activities section only. 7.2 No assistance is allowed at NZPCA First Start Level 2 and Level 3 8. FALLS 8.1 First fall in any discipline or activity at any level means elimination and the rider must leave the competition course or arena 9. SCORING 9.1 NZ First Start Level 1 Scoring Level 1 competitions use an accumulating scoring system specific to NZPCA First Start : see 9.2-9.4 9.2 NZPCA First Start Level 1 and level 2 dressage. Use highest score (good marks). The rider with the highest score will be placed first, the rider with the second highest score will be placed second and so on. As per Dressage NZ scoring 9.3 NZPCA First Start Level 1 Obstacle Course/ Orienteering/Activities a) points if achieved at first attempt at obstacle or activity b) 5 points if achieved at second attempt at obstacle or activity c) 2 points if achieved at third attempt at obstacle or activity d) Zero points if not achieved after third attempt, rider to move on to next activity e) The rider with the highest score will be placed first, the rider with the second highest score will be placed second and so on 5 P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

9.4 NZPCA First Start Level 1 Halt Box. Refer to 16.9 and 16.8 a) points if immobile for 5 seconds b) 5 points if immobile for 2 seconds c) 2 points if attempt halt and stay in halt box d) Zero points if cannot remain in halt box e) Zero points if do not enter and exit at walk 9.5 NZPCA First Start Level 2 and Level 3 Scoring NZ First Start Levels 2 and 3 can use the conventional scoring system for Eventing with the exception for Level 2 of no time penalties. Alternatively, NZ First Start Level 2 can if the organisers wish uses an accumulating scoring system specific to NZPCA First Start see 9.6-9.8 9.6 NZPCA First Start Level 2 Jumping a) points if clear at first attempt at obstacle or activity b) 5 points if clear at second attempt at obstacle or activity c) 2 points if clear at third attempt at obstacle or activity d) Elimination after three refusals e) The rider with the highest score will be placed first, the rider with the second highest score will be placed second and so on 9.7 NZPCA First Start Level 2 Cross Country a) points if clear at first attempt at obstacle or activity b) 5 points if clear at second attempt at obstacle or activity c) 2 points if clear at third attempt at obstacle or activity d) Elimination after three refusals at same obstacle, or total of four refusals on the course e) Eliminated competitors may continue if it is safe to do so at the discretion of the Technical Delegate f) The rider with the highest score will be placed first, the rider with the second highest score will be placed second and so on 9.8 NZPCA First Start Level 2 Halt Box. Refer to 21.11. f) points if immobile for 5 seconds g) 5 points if immobile for 2 seconds h) 2 points if attempt halt and stay in halt box i) Zero points if cannot remain in halt box j) Zero points if do not enter and exit at walk 6 P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

. HEALTH AND SAFETY.1 The Organising Committee must appoint a Health and Safety officer and have a risk management plan in place..2 Refer NZPCA General Regulations 25 11. MEDICAL COVER 11.1 If competition is being run as a standalone event the minimum standard is a First Aider and medical station as per a rally 11.2 If competition is being run as part of another organised event then the cover is as for that event 11.3 Refer NZPCA General Regulations 23 12. VETERINARY COVER 12.1 If competition is being run as a standalone event the minimum veterinary standard is as per rallies. 12.2 If competition is being run as part of another organised event then the cover is as for that event 12.3 See NZPCA General Regulations 24 13. LIABILITY 13.1 Organising committees will be covered by NZPCA Public Liability Insurance if these NZPCA First Start Regulations are adhered to 13.2 See NZPCA General Regulations 28 7 P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 1 14. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 1 ENTRY CRITERIA 14.1 On Lead rein classes Rider on the lead rein and 12 years and under on day of competition 14.2 Off Lead rein classes Rider off the lead rein and 12 years and under on day of competition 14.3 If numbers warrant it is recommended that entries be split into age group classes 15. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 1 DRESSAGE COMPETITIONS 15.1 Dressage tests to include walk and trot only. 15.2 Lead Rein riders only Tests NZPCA Lead Rein Tests NZPCA First Start Test 1 or 11. Refer Annex 1 15.3 Off Lead rein riders only NZPCA Test A and B 15.4 Tests may be called/commanded by caller outside arena at B or E 16. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 1 OBSTACLE COURSE/ORIENTEERING /ACTIVITIES 16.1 No jumping allowed 16.2 Must be in a contained area 16.3 Maximum distance 500m 16.4 Maximum number of activities 8 (eight) 16.5 All obstacles/activities to be consecutively numbered 16.6 Start and finish flags compulsory 16.7 Activities can include (But is not limited to): a) Simple individual games, e.g. Bending b) Exercises e.g. Round the world c) Dismounting and mounting with a block d) Carrying object between set points e) Compulsory passages f) Ride a simple track between cones or poles 16.8 There will be a halt box in the middle of the course consisting of 3 poles on the ground to form an open sided box approximately 4mtrs x 4mtrs. The rider to enter at walk, halt for 5 seconds and exit at walk 16.9 This halt box will be a compulsory activity and scored as in regulation 9.4 16. No times to be recorded for scoring, however a maximum time limit of 0m per minute to be set. 8 P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 2 17. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 2 ENTRY CRITERIA 17.1 Riders must be independent in walk, trot and canter 17.2 No age limits. Recommended age group classes years and under, 11 to 14 years, and 15 to 17 years 17.3 Adults, 18 years and over must be in separate competition from children. 18. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 2 DRESSAGE 18.1 Dressage tests to include walk, trot and canter 18.2 Tests NZPCA Beginners Tests C, D, E, and F 18.3 Tests may be called/commanded by caller outside arena at B or E 19. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 2 JUMPING 19.1 Small basic jumps 19.2 No fillers 19.3 Maximum height 50cm, minimum height 30cm 19.4 Oxers only ascending with maximum spread of 50cm 19.5 Maximum efforts 8, maximum jumps 8 no combinations 19.6 Maximum distance 300m 19.7 At least one change of rein 19.8 All jumps to be consecutively numbered 19.9 Start and finish flags compulsory 19. No times to be recorded for scoring, however a maximum time limit of 0m per minute to be set 20. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 2 CROSS COUNTRY 20.1 At NZPCA FIRST START Level 2 organisers can choose to run an obstacle course / games activities as per Level 1 See 16.0 16, instead of a cross-country test, 20.2 Cross-Country NZPCA FIRST START Level 2 jumping efforts should be straight forward and encouraging, e.g. simple, non technical jumps such as logs on the ground, roll tops etc. that encourage ponies to jump correctly 20.3 Jumps should not be mini versions of larger eventing jumps such as corners, chairs, etc. 20.4 Brush, drops, ditches or anything associated with water are NOT to be included in the course 9 P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

20.5 Maximum dimensions, height 50cm (recommended minimum height 30cm), top spread 40 cm and base spread 75cm with or without height 20.6 Distance 800m to 00m 20.7 Maximum jumping efforts no combinations 20.8 All obstacles and jumps must be securely fixed to ground 20.9 All jumps to be consecutively numbered and must be flagged, red flag on the right-hand side of the jump and white flag on the left-hand side of the jump as you face the jump. If flagged all jumps on the course must be flagged not some 20. Start and finish flags compulsory 20.11 There will be a halt box in the middle of the course consisting of 3 poles on the ground to form an open side box approximately 4mtrs x 4mtrs. The rider to enter at walk, halt for 5 seconds and exit at walk. 20.12 The halt box will be a compulsory activity. a) If using First Start accumulating scoring system see Regulation 9.8. the Halt Box is scored. b) If using conventional eventing scoring system there is no scoring 20.13 No times to be recorded for scoring, however a maximum time limit of 0m per minute to be set P a g New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 3 21. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 3 ENTRY CRITERIA 21.1 Riders must be independent in walk, trot and canter 21.2 No age limits. Recommended age group classes years and under, 11 to 14 years, and 15 to 17 years 21.3 Adults, 18 years and over must be in separate competition from children. 22. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 3 DRESSAGE 22.1 Dressage tests to include walk, trot and canter 22.2 Tests NZPCA Beginners Tests C, D, E, and F 22.3 Tests may be called/commanded by caller outside arena at B or E 23. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 3 JUMPING 23.1 Small basic jumps 23.2 No fillers 23.3 Maximum height 50cm, minimum height 45cm, 23.4 Oxers only ascending with maximum overall spread of 65cm 23.5 Maximum efforts 9, maximum jumps 8 only one combination allowed must be two strides (.6m) 23.6 Maximum distance 300m 23.7 Speed 225mpm 23.8 At least one change of rein 23.9 All jumps to be consecutively numbered 23. Start and finish flags compulsory 24. NZPCA FIRST START LEVEL 3 CROSS COUNTRY 24.1 Cross-country jumping efforts at NZPCA FIRST START Level 3 should be straight forward and encouraging, e.g. simple, non technical jumps such as logs on the ground, roll tops etc. that encourage ponies to jump correctly 24.2 Jumps should not be mini versions of larger eventing jumps such as corners, chairs, etc. 24.3 Brush, drops, ditches or anything associated with water are NOT to be included in the course P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Ass ociation 2015

24.4 Maximum dimensions, height 50cm (recommended minimum height 45cm), top spread 40 cm and base spread 75cm with or without height 24.5 Distance 800m to 00m 24.6 Speed 225mpm 24.7 Maximum jumping efforts no combinations 24.8 All obstacles and jumps must be securely fixed to ground 24.9 All jumps to be consecutively numbered and must be flagged, red flag on the right-hand side of the jump and white flag on the left-hand side of the jump as you face the jump. If flagged all jumps on the course must be flagged not some 24. Start and finish flags compulsory 24.11 There will be a halt box in the middle of the course consisting of 3 poles on the ground to form an open side box approximately 4mtrs x 4mtrs. The rider to enter at walk, halt for 5 seconds and exit at walk. 24.12 The halt box will be a compulsory activity. P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Ass ociation 2015

Specifications Summary Table Dressage Dressage Test Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Lead Rein First Start Tests I or II NZPCA Tests C, D, E or F NZPCA Tests C, D, E or F Off Lead Rein NZPCA Test A or B Dressage Arena Size 20m x 40m 20m x 40m 20m x 40m Jumping NOT Applicable Maximum Height Minimum Height 50cm 30cm 50cm 45cm Overall Spread 50cm 65cm Ascending Oxers ONLY Speed None 225mpm Maximum Distance 300m 300m No of Obstacles 8 8 Maximum Efforts 8 9 Combinations NONE 1 x two stride double Cross-Country Activities Obstacle course or Games Activities see 16.0 to 16. Not Applicable Obstacle course or Games Activities see 16.0 to 16. 50cm 30cm Maximum Height Minimum Height 50cm 45cm Max Top Spread 40cm 40cm Max Base Spread 75cm 75cm With/without height Brush Fences None None Drop Fences None None Water into or out of None None Halt Box One One Combination Fences None None Distance 800-00m 800-00m Speed Not Applicable 225mpm Maximum Jumping Efforts (1 effort per 0m) P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Ass ociation 2015

NEW ZEALAND PONY CLUBS ASSOCIATION FIRST START LEVEL 1 LEAD REIN TEST I 2015 Suitable for Lead Rein Riders only A whip may be carried. Spurs not allowed Directions for Leader refer to First Start Regulation 7 Bridle: Ordinary snaffle Arena: 40 x 20 metres Suggested Schedule Time: 5 mins Notes to Judges: The object of this test is to see the rider's position and co ordination of basic aids. All transitions may be progressive. 1 A 2 C 3 K 4 X 5 X 6 Before M 7 F The Test Enter at walk, proceed down centre line. (Leader to be on left side of pony) Track left. Before H prepare to trot and proceed at trot to K Walk. At A 20m half circle left to X Halt immobility for 4 seconds. (Leader changes to right side of pony) Proceed at walk on 20m half circle right to C Prepare to trot and proceed at trot to F Walk. A turn down centre line. Max. marks Judges marks Comments 8 X Halt immobility. Salute. Leave arena at walk on a long rein at A Regularity of pace, 9 Pony calmness and cooperation Rider Correct position, use of aids, control of pony. TOTAL MARKS 0 Cours e e rror s: Jud ge s m ar k s: FINAL MARKS Jud ge s S ignat ure : P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Ass ociation 2015

NEW ZEALAND PONY CLUBS ASSOCIATION FIRST START LEVEL 1 LEAD REIN TEST II 2015 Suitable for Lead Rein Riders only A whip may be carried. Spurs not allowed Directions for Leader refer to First Start Regulation 7 Bridle: Ordinary snaffle Arena: 40 x 20 metres Suggested Schedule Time: 5 mins Notes to Judges: The object of this test is to see the rider's position and co ordination of basic aids. All transitions may be progressive. 1 A 2 C The Test Enter at walk, proceed down centre line. (Leader to be on right side of pony) Track right. Before M prepare to trot and proceed at trot to F Max. marks 3 F Walk and proceed at walk to E Judges marks Comments 4 E 5 X Turn right. X halt immobility 4 seconds. (Leader changes to left side of pony) Proceed at walk. B turn left and proceed at walk to H 6 Before H Prepare to trot and proceed at trot to K 7 K Walk. A turn down centre line. 8 X Halt immobility. Salute. 9 Pony Leave arena at walk on a long rein at A Regularity of pace, calmness and co operation Rider Correct position, use of aids, control of pony. TOTAL MARKS 0 C ou r se er ror s : Jud ge s m ark s: FINAL MARKS Jud ge s S igna tur e: 11 P a g e New Zealand Pony Clubs Association 2015

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