Heritage Farm Schooling Horse Trial and Dressage Rules

June 2017

There are two entrances to the Heritage Farm show grounds:

  • The “Morse Road” entrance with a North-South (NS) driveway
  • The “Mink Street” entrance with a West-East (WE) driveway

TRAILER PARKING:

  • Main trailer parking field is in the hay field located at the SE corner of Mink Street and Morse Road.
  • Please clean up manure and/or hay after your horse(s) and leave area clean.
  • Do not park in the entry/exit lanes (marked with red cones).
  • Overflow trailers may park in a pasture on the South Side of Morse Road (between Morse-Rd driveway and XC warm-up area). Pasture entrance is located near the Morse-Rd entrance. It is easiest to access it traveling North on the driveway.

REGISTRATION:

  • The secretary will be located near the camper and round pen, on the South side of the indoor arena.

WARM-UP AREAS:

  • DRESSAGE is between trailer parking and the Morse-Rd driveway.
  • Please avoid longeing your horse in the warm up area if there are 2 or more horses in the designated area.
  • We unfortunately do not have a designated area for longeing. Please be considerate of fellow competitors when choosing a longeing location.
  • STADIUM and CROSS-COUNTRY warm-up areas are near the XC start Box, South of Morse Road.

SPECTATORS, FRIENDS and FAMILYare welcomed. Please ask them to:

  • Stay at least 10feet away from the sides/ends of the outdoor dressage ring. These areasshould be cordoned off.
  • Exception: if a dressage competitor requires a reader, that person can stand close to the letter “E”.
  • Be aware that horses/riders have the right of way.
  • Stay out of the warm-up areas and do not crowd entrances.

DOGS: Only well-behaved dogs are allowed. They must be leashed and closely monitored at all times.

CATS: Three cats call Heritage Farm their home. Please check your cars, trucks and trailers before leaving the property as they are not shy.

AKA 101 ways to avoid the big "E" (Elimination)

A few highlights from official rules

The following information is designed to help introduce you to the rules of eventing.

  • Heritage Farm’s schooling horse trials follow the rules set by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the US Eventing Association (USEA).
  • To enhance your experience, we have adapted a few of the official rules.
  • If you do not understand a rule, it is your responsibility to inquire with the show manager.
  • Not every rule is covered on this guidance document: we have chosen the ones that we feel are most likely to be of consequence to new eventers.
  • For further info, please consult the USEF and USEA rulebooks.

CONTENTS

DRESSAGE PHASE

Warm-Up

Clothing/Tack Requirements

The Dressage Test

Causes of Elimination

Scoring

STADIUM PHASE

Warm-Up

Clothing/Tack Requirements

Walking the course

The course

Causes of Elimination

Scoring

CROSS-COUNTRY PHASE

Warm-Up

Clothing/Tack Requirements

Walking the course

The course

Definitions of Faults

Scoring

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 longed in side reins by a groom or the rider.

  • If a warm-up steward is available, please check in upon entering warm-up arena.

Clothing/Tack Requirements:Riders must wear an ASTM-approved helmet whenever mounted. The rider should ride in breeches and a shirt with sleeves. Tall boots are appropriate for teens and adults, although we do also allow half-chaps with special permission of the show organizer. Young riders may wear paddock boots, jodhpurs and garters.

A whip may be used in the dressage arena, but the whip may not exceed 43 inches in length including the lash. Spurs are permitted—they must be smooth metal with the shank pointing down. Spurs may be no longer than 4cm long (1 9/18in) as measured from the boot. The horse must be ridden in a simple smooth jointed or unjointed snaffle; only one type of metal should be in the mouth. A Dr. Bristol and Boucher bit are currently accepted.

  • If you are unsure if your bit is acceptable, please consult the rule book Appendix 4 for further drawing and explanation or contact the show organizer.

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 Arena

The Dressage arena may not be used after it has been prepared for the competition and closed by the Organizer. Riding in the Dressage arenas prior to the actual competition is forbidden, unless specifically authorized by organizer, under penalty of disqualification. A “training loop” is allowed right before your scheduled ride (see below).

The Dressage Test:

On your way to the dressage ring, you MUST CHECK IN with the Dressage Steward

  • He/she will be positioned near the outdoor dressage arena.
  • He/she needs to verify that each rider has shown up for his/her test.
  • He/she can also answer questions and tell the rider if there’s any delay in the schedule.

You may enter the arena for a “training” loop once the rider preceding you has completed his/her final halt and salute. Once inside the arena, walk past the dressage judge and his/her scribe and clearly announce your name and number. This will ensure that they have the correct score sheet in hand.

After completing the “training loop”, you must exit the arena and the judge will give you a signal (car horn or whistle). The rider must then begin the test within 45 seconds. You may be eliminated if you take more than 45 seconds to begin your test.

  • Please note that, due to space limitation in the indoor arena, the rider does not need to exit, and can stay inside the arena, beginning the test by cornering from K or F to A and turning up center line at A.
  • In the outside small arena, the rider may exit into the unused portion of the ring before re-entering to begin his/her test.
  • In the outside large arena, the rider must exit the ring completely.

When saluting, the rider should put reins in one hand and salute with the free hand.

Causes of elimination: The following will result in an elimination:

  • Riding with improper bit or equipment (as listed above).
  • Beginning the test more than 45 seconds after the judge signal.
  • 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 i.e.: sitting when it asks for posting trot).The judge will signal with car horn or whistle and will stop the ride if the rider has gone off course and does not immediately realize and rectify his error.
  • The first error is penalized by 2 points, second error by 4 points, thirderror by 8 points and the fourth by elimination.
  • A horse exhibiting marked lameness.
  • A fall of horse and rider will not be cause for elimination. The rider will be penalized for that movement, but the rider may remount and continue from that point.

Riders who are eliminated during the dressage phase will be allowed to continue to the other phases of the competition with permission of the show organizer.
If you decide to withdraw or retire, PLEASE inform show organizer

Scoring the Dressage Phase: The dressage test is scored by adding up each movement’s marks, subtracting errors, and dividing the total points received by the maximum points obtainable. This number is then multiplied by 100 to provide a percentage score, which is the final score for DRESSAGE ONLY riders.

For the MINI-TRIALS and COMBINED TEST riders, thepercentage score is subtracted from 100 to convert it into a penalty score. The lowest penalty score is the best score.

Any use of the voice, clicking, kissing or clucking will be penalized by 2 points per offense

Your dressage score sheet will be available at Registration as soon as the results are entered into our scoring system.

STADIUM PHASE

Warm-Up:

  • Warm up in the designated area.
  • Upon arriving in the warm-up area, each rider should check in with the Warm-up Steward positioned in theproximity of the jumping warm-up areaso that he/she can verify that you’ve entered the warm-up area.
  • Jumps will be marked with a red and white flag. Only jump these obstacles with the red on right and white on left. Jumping in the wrong direction is grounds for elimination.
  • Warm up obstacles must not be set more than 3 inches higher than the max height for the level at which you are competing.

Clothing/Tack Requirements:

All attire is the same as for dressage, except that a whip may not be weighted at the end and may not be any longer than 30 inches. Only unrestricted running martingales with rein stops or Irish martingales are allowed. No standing martingales or other gadgets are permitted. Reins must be attached to the bridle or bit. Gags and hackamores are permitted. Stirrup irons and leathers must hang free from the bar of the saddle and be unrestricted or unattached anywhere else.

Walking the Course:

Stadium course will be open to competitors to walk before the first division and between each subsequent division. Competitors may walk the course, but the horse is not allowed in the jumping area until he competes. Obstacles will be numbered and flagged (red on right and white on left).

The Jumping arena may not be used after it has been prepared for the competition and closed by the Organizer. Riding close to or in the jumping arena prior to the actual competition is forbidden, unless specifically authorized by the officials, under penalty of disqualification.

The Course:
The rider enters the arena when it is his/her turn. Failure to enter the arena when called may be grounds for elimination at the discretion of the ground jury.

Causes of Elimination

  • Three disobediences (horse stops or runs out).
  • First fall of horse and/or rider
  • Deviations from the Course: An uncorrected deviation from the course incurs elimination, including:omitting an obstacle, not jumping the obstacles in the order indicated, not jumping an obstacle in the direction indicated, jumping an obstacle which does not form part of the course.
  • Resistance: Taking more than 60 seconds to jump a single obstacle or first part of a combination, including after a fall and resisting continuously for 60 seconds during a round is grounds for elimination.
  • Jumping or attempting to jump an obstacle without headgear or a properly fastened harness.
  • A loose horse leaving the arena before the end of the test—even before starting.
  • Competing with improper saddlery, helmet or whip.

Combinations: When there is a refusal, run out or fall at a combination (Obstacles designated with A and B), the rider must retake all the jumps or will be eliminated—i.e.: if the horse refuses the "B" element of a double combination—the horse must retake A and then jump B.

Assistance: Since this is a schooling competition, assistance from the side of the ring is allowed, but we asked that it be subtle. A rider may accept a leg up and may be handed his/her whip or spectacles after a fall.

If you decide to withdraw or retire after the stadium test, PLEASE inform show organizer promptly.

Scoring: Faults at Obstacles:

  • First disobedience (knockdown, refusal or runout): 4 penalties
  • Second disobedience (at same or different location on course): 8 penalties
  • Third disobedience (at same or different location on course): elimination
  • Time Faults: The stadium course is not timed.

Riders who are eliminated during the jumping phase will be allowed to continue the jumping round as well as the cross-country phase only with permission of ring stewardand/or show organizer. The following apply to fall of rider and/or horse:

  • Fall of rider:
  • The show organizer must be consulted after a rider’s fall.
  • An adult rider will not be allowed to continue without consultation with show organizer.
  • If the rider is a child or junior rider (under 18 years old), the parent or trainer must give approval for the rider to continue to the show organizer.
  • Fall of horse:
  • The horse must be examined by the rider’s trainer and/or owner; and the show organizer must then be consulted before continuing the competition.

CROSS COUNTRY PHASE

Warm-Up:

  • Upon arrival to the jumping warm-up area, riders should check in with the warm-up ring steward.
  • Warm up in the designated area, over designated jumps only.
  • Riders must not jump fences higher than 3" above the maximum height for their level.
  • Jumps must be jumped in the direction they’re flagged—red on right; white on left.
  • The area can be crowded, please be cautious of spectators, volunteers and other riders. Avoid standing in other riders’ way, and be aware of riders coming through the finish line.
  • After warming up, each rider should check in with the cross-country Starter to obtain his/her start position.

Clothing/Tack Requirements: All attire is the same as for stadium jumping but, in addition,a regulation cross-country safety vest is required. Horse tack requirements/restrictions are identical to those listed for the stadium jumping phase.

Walking the course:The course will be available for walking (on foot) the day before and all during the day of competition. There will be a course map available for each level. Each level will be numbered with a different color combination for the obstacles. Competitors may walk the course on foot even once XC has started, but must stay alert and always give horses on course the right of way.
The course will be closed at the organizers’ discretion up to a week before the date of the competition. Horses are not allowed on the course prior to being competed, and riding close to cross-country obstacles prior to the actual competition is forbidden, under penalty of elimination.

The Course:The rider must report to the start box when it is his/her turn. The starter will give him/her a count down and he/she must not leave the box before the countdown has been completed. The horse should leave the box from a near standstill, and not take a "flying start". If the competitor leaves the box early, he/she will have 5 seconds added as a penalty to his score.
Note: only the maiden, beginner novice and novice divisions will be timed.

Optimum Time: The distance of the course divided by the designated speed gives an optimum time. Riders who take longer than the optimum time to finish the course will be penalized by time faults (0.4 per second). Exceeding twice the optimum time will be grounds for elimination.

Stopping Competitors: A competitor may be stopped on course by an official if it becomes necessary due to a fall or problem with a preceding rider or a general hold on course. The time the rider is held will be recorded and deducted from his final time.

Pace and Dismounting: Between start and finish the rider may choose his own pace (but please note the section below on Dangerous Riding.) They must be mounted to pass all red and white boundary flags. Dismounting or falling as a result of attempting an obstacle is penalized as a fall. Otherwise the rider may dismount on course without penalty.

Overtaking: A competitor who is about to be overtaken by a following competitor must quickly clear the way. The rider overtaking must choose a safe and suitable place (i.e.: not at the takeoff of a fence). A leading competitor who obstructs another competitor from overtaking may be eliminated at the discretion of the ground jury.

Unauthorized Assistance: Except for the Speed Bump and Grasshopper divisions, any intervention by a third party solicited or unsolicited will not be permitted and the rider may be eliminated. Use of cell phones or radios is strictly forbidden by riders.

Errors of Course: All compulsory passages including start and finish flags, mandatory flags and all obstacles must be passed or jumped in order with red on right and white on left. A single obstacle may not be jumped again. If any passage is missed, the rider will be eliminated.

Definitions of Faults: