Post by Johnnie on Mar 19, 2003 16:48:41 GMT -5
I found this great page of rules for the beginner eventer. It is quite long and some rules have been changed. I will try and edit the parts that have been changed. As was stated before, some of the rules may not apply to your particular event, so you will need to check, but I thought this was a great starting point.
If you're just beginning to event the following information is designed to help introduce you to the rules of eventing. Our schooling horse trials follow the rules set by the USA Equestrian and used by the USEA (US Eventing Association). Not every rule is covered here — we have chosen the ones that we feel are most likely to be of consequence to new eventers. For further info consult the USEA rulebook.
If you are not a member of our local Combined Training Association or the USEA—we encourage you to join. Membership forms are available at the office on show days. It’s a great way to learn about our sport and also to become eligible for end of the year awards.
First and foremost - Eventing differs from other horse sports in that coaching the rider while she is competing is strictly prohibited. Anyone who gives a rider advise or direction while the rider is competing can get the rider eliminated from the competition. This rule does not apply while the rider is warming up but only while she is in a competition arena or on the cross country course.
DRESSAGE PHASE
Warm-up: Only the competitor may ride the horse. Horses may not be warmed up in draw reins or side reins or an illegal (for dressage) bit. A horse may be lunged by a groom or the rider in side reins. The competitor may carry a dressage whip during warm-up. A horse may not be schooled in the dressage arena that he will be competing in during the competition. We usually allow competitors to school in the competition arenas the days before show day but remember, this is not allowed at USEA recognized competitions.
Clothing/Tack Requirements: The rider should ride in light colored breeches and dark colored conservative riding jacket. A white riding shirt with a stock tie should be worn under the jacket. Tall boots are appropriate for teens and adults. Young riders may wear paddock boots, jodhpurs and garters. Half chaps or full chaps are not permitted. Riders must wear a hunt cap and should have the helmet on whenever mounted. If weather conditions warrant jackets may be waived by the ground jury. If jackets are waived riders must have sleeves on their riding shirt—short or long. Any shirt without sleeves will not be permitted without a jacket. The stock tie should be removed and the top button unbuttoned when riding without a jacket. A white polo type shirt is also acceptable. A whip may not be used in the dressage arena, but spurs are permitted—they must be smooth metal with the shank pointing down. Spurs may be no longer than 1 3/8 inches and may not be rowelled. The horse must be ridden in a simple smooth jointed or unjointed snaffle, only one type of metal should be in the mouth. Dr. Bristol and Boucher bits are currently accepted. If you are unsure if your bit is acceptable consult the rule book Appendix 4 for further information. A steward will be assigned to check bits before the horse enters the dressage arena. If the horse performs his test before the steward checks the bit he will not be eliminated, but should have his bit checked upon completing his test. However, if the bit is then found to be illegal the horse will be eliminated from the competition. The horse may not be ridden in a martingale, or any form of gadget (draw reins, side reins, etc.) or bit guard. The noseband must be of smooth leather and no fly mask or saddle seat cover may be used. The horse may not wear boots or bandages of any sort when showing in the dressage arena. A breast plate may be used.
The Dressage Test:
Riders must ride their test from memory. The exception to this are the Green As Grass & Beginner Novice Divisions at our schooling shows for riders just starting in the sport. At these levels the test may be 'called' by a coach from outside the arena. Keep in mind that at recognized shows and at our schooling shows at all levels above Beginner Novice that the test must be ridden from memory.
The rider may ride around outside of the dressage arena once the rider before has completed their final halt and salute. Until this time all riders other than the competitor in the ring should stay 20 meters or further from the dressage arena. When the judge gives the signal (bell, whistle or horn) the rider has 60 seconds to enter the arena. If the rider is not in the arena after 60 seconds he/she will be eliminated.
Other causes of elimination: Entering the arena before the signal is given. Riding with improper saddlery (as listed above) or with a whip. Any resistance that prolongs the continuation of the test for more than 20 seconds will be grounds for elimination. Horse leaving the arena with all four feet (from the time he enters at A until he performs his final halt/salute). Rider receiving unauthorized assistance from someone other than the judge. Having 4 "errors of course" (going "off course" or performing a movement incorrectly ie: sitting when it asks for posting trot) The first error is penalized by 2 points, second by 4 points, third by 8 points and the fourth by elimination. The judge will sound the bel whistle or horn stop the ride if the rider has gone off course and does not immediately realize and rectify his error. A horse exhibiting marked lameness will also be eliminated.
A fall of horse and rider will not be cause for elimination. The ride will be penalized for that movement, but the rider may remount and continue from that point.
Any use of the voice, clicking, kissing or clucking will be penalized by 2 points per offense.
When saluting the rider should put reins in one hand and salute with the free hand. It is optional for gentlemen to remove their helmet to salute.
Scoring the Dressage Phase: The dressage test is scored by dividing the good marks received by the maximum good marks obtainable. This is the percentage score. This score is subtracted from 100 to convert it into a penalty score. Any penalties for errors of course are added to the penalty score. This is the total penalty score for the test. The lowest penalty score is best score. Be sure and pick up your test score sheet from the secretary’s office. The test paper will show you a score for each movement, comments and collective remarks that will help you to understand why you received the score you got and give you an idea of what you need to work on.
Penalties from the other 2 phases will be added to your dressage score and the objective is to "finish on your dressage score" by not accumulating any more penalties during stadium and cross country. The lowest score wins.
If you're just beginning to event the following information is designed to help introduce you to the rules of eventing. Our schooling horse trials follow the rules set by the USA Equestrian and used by the USEA (US Eventing Association). Not every rule is covered here — we have chosen the ones that we feel are most likely to be of consequence to new eventers. For further info consult the USEA rulebook.
If you are not a member of our local Combined Training Association or the USEA—we encourage you to join. Membership forms are available at the office on show days. It’s a great way to learn about our sport and also to become eligible for end of the year awards.
First and foremost - Eventing differs from other horse sports in that coaching the rider while she is competing is strictly prohibited. Anyone who gives a rider advise or direction while the rider is competing can get the rider eliminated from the competition. This rule does not apply while the rider is warming up but only while she is in a competition arena or on the cross country course.
DRESSAGE PHASE
Warm-up: Only the competitor may ride the horse. Horses may not be warmed up in draw reins or side reins or an illegal (for dressage) bit. A horse may be lunged by a groom or the rider in side reins. The competitor may carry a dressage whip during warm-up. A horse may not be schooled in the dressage arena that he will be competing in during the competition. We usually allow competitors to school in the competition arenas the days before show day but remember, this is not allowed at USEA recognized competitions.
Clothing/Tack Requirements: The rider should ride in light colored breeches and dark colored conservative riding jacket. A white riding shirt with a stock tie should be worn under the jacket. Tall boots are appropriate for teens and adults. Young riders may wear paddock boots, jodhpurs and garters. Half chaps or full chaps are not permitted. Riders must wear a hunt cap and should have the helmet on whenever mounted. If weather conditions warrant jackets may be waived by the ground jury. If jackets are waived riders must have sleeves on their riding shirt—short or long. Any shirt without sleeves will not be permitted without a jacket. The stock tie should be removed and the top button unbuttoned when riding without a jacket. A white polo type shirt is also acceptable. A whip may not be used in the dressage arena, but spurs are permitted—they must be smooth metal with the shank pointing down. Spurs may be no longer than 1 3/8 inches and may not be rowelled. The horse must be ridden in a simple smooth jointed or unjointed snaffle, only one type of metal should be in the mouth. Dr. Bristol and Boucher bits are currently accepted. If you are unsure if your bit is acceptable consult the rule book Appendix 4 for further information. A steward will be assigned to check bits before the horse enters the dressage arena. If the horse performs his test before the steward checks the bit he will not be eliminated, but should have his bit checked upon completing his test. However, if the bit is then found to be illegal the horse will be eliminated from the competition. The horse may not be ridden in a martingale, or any form of gadget (draw reins, side reins, etc.) or bit guard. The noseband must be of smooth leather and no fly mask or saddle seat cover may be used. The horse may not wear boots or bandages of any sort when showing in the dressage arena. A breast plate may be used.
The Dressage Test:
Riders must ride their test from memory. The exception to this are the Green As Grass & Beginner Novice Divisions at our schooling shows for riders just starting in the sport. At these levels the test may be 'called' by a coach from outside the arena. Keep in mind that at recognized shows and at our schooling shows at all levels above Beginner Novice that the test must be ridden from memory.
The rider may ride around outside of the dressage arena once the rider before has completed their final halt and salute. Until this time all riders other than the competitor in the ring should stay 20 meters or further from the dressage arena. When the judge gives the signal (bell, whistle or horn) the rider has 60 seconds to enter the arena. If the rider is not in the arena after 60 seconds he/she will be eliminated.
Other causes of elimination: Entering the arena before the signal is given. Riding with improper saddlery (as listed above) or with a whip. Any resistance that prolongs the continuation of the test for more than 20 seconds will be grounds for elimination. Horse leaving the arena with all four feet (from the time he enters at A until he performs his final halt/salute). Rider receiving unauthorized assistance from someone other than the judge. Having 4 "errors of course" (going "off course" or performing a movement incorrectly ie: sitting when it asks for posting trot) The first error is penalized by 2 points, second by 4 points, third by 8 points and the fourth by elimination. The judge will sound the bel whistle or horn stop the ride if the rider has gone off course and does not immediately realize and rectify his error. A horse exhibiting marked lameness will also be eliminated.
A fall of horse and rider will not be cause for elimination. The ride will be penalized for that movement, but the rider may remount and continue from that point.
Any use of the voice, clicking, kissing or clucking will be penalized by 2 points per offense.
When saluting the rider should put reins in one hand and salute with the free hand. It is optional for gentlemen to remove their helmet to salute.
Scoring the Dressage Phase: The dressage test is scored by dividing the good marks received by the maximum good marks obtainable. This is the percentage score. This score is subtracted from 100 to convert it into a penalty score. Any penalties for errors of course are added to the penalty score. This is the total penalty score for the test. The lowest penalty score is best score. Be sure and pick up your test score sheet from the secretary’s office. The test paper will show you a score for each movement, comments and collective remarks that will help you to understand why you received the score you got and give you an idea of what you need to work on.
Penalties from the other 2 phases will be added to your dressage score and the objective is to "finish on your dressage score" by not accumulating any more penalties during stadium and cross country. The lowest score wins.
We schooled the 2 Prelim coarses around here and he was awsome, no jump to big or scary although 1 coarse was pretty small. The other was at High Prarie Farms, and they have 1 or 2 3 days a year. That was fun. I'm not worried about staduim, just dressage, being as Nate and I are lazy ;D and we have alot to learn!
I wish a few were mine though....sigh.
..shame on you. 
