Central Zone of Pony Clubs Inc. Jan. 2008

Horse Trials Course Standards[1]

To All Clubs,

It would be fair to say that Central Zone riders experience much tougher courses at the State Championships and PCAV Inter-Zone Teams Championship than they do at many club events. Therefore, Central Zone would like to see each show jumping and cross-country course in the zone reflect a state level standard. This is so that the standard of riding can improve and riders are more prepared when attending State competitions. This applies to all grades.

What is a State Level Standard?

Show Jumping - the course should create challenge through maximum number of jumps, spreads, interesting configurations and course lay out set as per speed requirements.

  • The current PCAV rule is that maximum starting heights for all grades must be observed only for the first round of the first event of the day of the competition, and these heights need not be reached if conditions are unsuitable.
  • After the first round, if conditions are safe to do so, subsequent rounds or events on the day could start up to 15cm above the maximum starting height, which is the maximum allowable single raise.
  • Quality judges can also make a big difference. If you need help selecting a judge, contact the Zone Chief Instructor for a list of suitable judges.

Cross-Country – the course would preferably have maximum obstacles and efforts.

  • Obstacles would predominantly be maximum height and spreads, at least 80% of the course.
  • The jumps would focus on challenging riding lines, which create technical difficulty. Fences that set up run outs if the line is not ridden well.
  • Maximum distances would be used where the event grounds permit.
  • Construction of fences would be consistent with the rules. Wire would be eliminated from course construction. An obstacle should be lashed with rope so that it can be easily dismantled if a horse became trapped. Fixed ends secured with bolts or rods etc. are not acceptable. Fences would be sturdy, as they are required to be by the rules. It is strongly recommended that flags be mounted on 6ft high poles. These should be attached to the jump using cable ties threaded through 2 staples.
  • Your club should attend course-building clinics when available.
  • Courses should be properly maintained. Dilapidated fences repaired.

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Course Accreditation:

The fact that an event may have been held year after year does not mean that course accreditation will automatically be accredited. State qualifying courses in particular, will be scrutinised to ensure that they are at a satisfactory State level standard. Running courses with undersized obstacles, lack of challenge and unsatisfactory construction, will mean that state-qualifying accreditation is unlikely.

HT Expected Course Standards.doc. Version 11.

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[1]Note: Please doublecheck the CZ website to check this is the most current version of this document.