Let's Talk Horse

Dear Provincial Chairperson / Provincial Secretary,



The Dressage Technical Committee would like to share the following information with all equestrian enthusiasts in South Africa. Please can you distribute this to ALL your members, and publish on your websites and in your newsletters? The new rule book will come into effect on 1 August 2009 (except for the pass-left-to-left guideline which comes into effect immediately), but the Committee would like to make everyone aware of the changes already now. The things bound to have the biggest impact on riders on a national scale are the following :



1) 2009 Dressage Tests: Many dressage tests have been changed & the format altered. Please see the SANEF website for the latest tests.



2) Whip length: Whip length may not exceed a total maximum length of 120cm (including the tassle) and for Pony Riders total maximum length is 100cm (including the tassle). The use of one whip, as above, in the practice area is allowed at all shows. Only the rider when riding, walking, leading or lungeing a horse (standard length lunge whip allowed), is allowed to carry a whip (maximum120 cm) anywhere on the showground. The groom may also walk, lead and lunge a horse as above. Other parties are allowed to carry a whip, provided it is not in connection with the training of the horse.



3) Bridle numbers: A number will be allocated for each show to each horse by the show organiser. Each horse must keep the same identification number allocated by the organisers on arrival and throughout the competition. This number is to be worn on the left side of the horse’s bridle or halter and the number display device to be provided by the rider. It is compulsory that the number be worn by the horse while actively competing and at any time while working in the exercise and schooling areas or being walked in hand so that they can be identified by stewards and officials. Failure to display the number incurs a first warning and in the case of repeated offence a fine may be imposed.



4) Warm-up etiquette: These guidelines will be published as an addendum in the rule-book. With immediate effect, all riders are to pass left-shoulder-to-left-shoulder in all warm-up areas (similar to all international events). The etiquette guidelines are to be displayed outside the entrance to all warm-up areas. It is advisable for clubs, riding schools and stable yards to have the "pass left shoulder to left shoulder" printed and displayed clearly at all riding arenas, in order to help with the cross-over to the internationally agreed system.

ETIQUETTE FOR RIDING ARENA & WARMING UP AT SHOWS

· Pass left shoulder to left shoulder (thus, a horse on the left-rein on the track has right of way).

· A slower moving horse (walking) keeps to the inside track. When walking or halting, do so 5m off the track in order to keep the track clear for faster moving horses ( i.e. cantering horses).

· A horse doing lateral work has right of way (shoulder-in, leg-yield, half-pass).

· A horse doing more advanced work (tempi changes, extended trot, etc.) has right of way. If you would like to use the diagonal or centre-line, please announce it in a clear voice (ie “Diagonal please !”).

· Be aware of stallions, they can be unpredictable and should be treated with respect.

· Be aware of your fellow riders and ride considerately:

o Try not to stop suddenly and don't deliberately cut across someone else's path.

o Don't obstruct the entrance/exit, or the track.

o When entering the riding arena,, make sure you do not get in the way of approaching riders. If the entrance or view to the entire arena is obstructed , announce in a clear voice “Door please”, before entering, in order to prevent accidents.

o Give riders ample room when passing them so they don't get pushed up against the railings of the arena, whether passing from behind or in front .

o When passing, make sure your whip does not inadvertently touch the other horse

o Don't gallop past riders in the arena or anywhere on the grounds.

o If you have a fractious or young horse, use the riding and lungeing arenas to settle him but not at the expense of everyone else's safety. Also, if you see a young or fractious horse, try not to upset them.

o Instruction from the side of the arena is allowed, but not at the expense of distracting other riders or to the detriment of the image of our sport - instructors and riders are encouraged to use microphones and earpieces in order to minimise distractions.

o Make sure what tack is allowed in the warm-up ring at shows, as it can lead to elimination (eg. Running reins , whips longer than 120cm, helpers carrying whips).

o The warm-up arena steward's duty is to protect the sport & ensure safe and fair warm-up experience for all competitors. His decision is final: if you are reprimanded or warned, obey graciously and learn from your mistakes.

Regards



Jaco Fourie
Dressage Technical Committee Member

Share

Reply to This

About

Debbie Marshall Debbie Marshall created this social network on Ning.

Create your own social network!

Events

Badge

Loading…

Photos

Loading…
Please note that not all the views expressed here are the views of Let's Talk Horse. Every attempt will be made to ensure the accuracy of information found here.
The right to remove incorrect, offensive or any information which falls outside the intention of this site is reserved.
Should you come across anything that falls into the above category that management may have missed, please inform us pronto.

Thank you
Natural remedies to reduce swelling; How do you know if your horses blanket fits;More Healing Vibes Needed, Please; Healing Vibes Needed; Inside vs Outside; The things they do that make us smile; Rain sheets; He's thin 'cos he's old; Kinesiology; Advice please; Buying a horse; Prelim to Novice; How do you know you are ready for your first show; Where does their beauty lie for you; Wishes for happiness and success; Starting a miniature horse, carriage driving eventually; From a Dressage Judges Perspective; How to test eye sight; Saddle Fit; Sore back or just balance; Teeth; What is a good contact; Ahs; Healing herbs; What is the best horse to buy for jumping; Teaching a horse to go into water, happy horses, Youngsters on outrides; Catching issues; Horse healing in bodies; Swollen Glands; Jana is going to be a mum; Horses eye sight; Welcome; Distance Healing; The colour question; The effect of hoof balances on conformation; Mares in season; Equestrian jobs in East London; Swollen legs; Grain Intolerance; Horses hearing; Towing and Travelling; Buying a horse; They can hear us; Crib biting; Foal watch Cameras; Vices.

© 2009   Created by Debbie Marshall on Ning.   Create Your Own Social Network

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy  |  Terms of Service