2014 rule book - british dressage

Effective Date 1st December 2013

Rules Handbook 2014

Contents

B R I T I S H D R E S S A G E - R U L E S H A N D B O O K 2 0 1 4

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PageSection 1 – Membership & Horse Registration

Agreement to be bound by the rules 6

Acceptance of rules 6

British Dressage membership 6

Age of members 7

Class tickets 7

Horse/ pony registration 7

Age of horse/ pony 8

Ponies/ height certificates 9

Equine Influenza vaccination 9

Limitations on competing 10

Section 2 – Grading of Riders and Horses

Grading of riders 12

Down Grouping of riders 12

Restricted and Open sections 13

Eligibility to compete 14

Training sections 15

Foreign riders domiciled in the UK and national classes 15

Grades of horses 15

Grading points 15

Imported horses 16

Downgrading horses 16

Horse Assessment 17

Grading of horses training or competing abroad 17

Section 3 – Competitions and Entries

Introductory classes 18

Preliminary classes 18

Unaffiliated competitions 18

Pick Your Own classes 18

Associated competitions 18

British Dressage tests 18

Freestyle tests 20

Freestyle to music 20

Availability of tests 21

Organiser’s rights 21

Opening dates and close of entries 21

Entries 21

Balloting 22

Waiting lists 22

Withdrawals 22

Refund of entry fees 23

Hors Concours 23

Prize money 23

Rosettes 24

Prize givings 24

PageSection 4 – Competitor Dress and Saddlery

Dress 26

Coats/ jackets 26

Body protectors 26

Hats 26

Breeches/ jodphurs 27

Gloves 27

Boots 27

Spurs 27

Whips 28

Union flag pocket badge 28

Saddles 28

Saddle cloths – flags 29

Logos & manufacturers marks 29

Bridles 29

Nosebands 30

Bitguards 30

Other tack 30

Decoration 30

Fly Fringes, gauzes and ear covers 30

Stallions 30

Tack while warming up 31

Lungeing 31

Warming up 31

Bits – snaffles 32

Under 21 classes 33

Bits – Double bridle 33

Quick guide to BD rules 36

Section 5 – The Arena and Performing the test

Arena layout 38

Markers 39

Inspection of arenas 39

Competitors’ conduct 40

Competitors’ responsibility 40

Riding the wrong test 40

Numbers 40

Riding in the collecting ring or practice arena 40

Commanders 40

Outside assistance 41

Penalties for contravening rules 41

Bit checking 41

Entering arena before the signal to start 41

Execution of test 42

Dispensation 42

Salute 42

Sitting and rising 43

Leaving the arena 43


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PageDismounting and/or fall of rider/ horse 43

Resistance 43

Grinding teeth and tail swishing 43

Voice 43

Errors of course 43

Penalties for errors of course 44

Errors of the test 44

Time 44

Lameness 44

Scoring – method 44

Scale of marks 45

Judges’ sheets 45

Judges’ decision final 45

Cautions 45

Objections 46

Section 6 – Judges

Appointment and deselection 48

Foreign judges 48

Positioning of judges 48

Judges restrictions 48

Standards at which judges may officiate 49

Special rules for Qualifiers and Area Festivals 49

Duration of judging 50

Section 7 – Qualifying and Championships

Eligibility 52

Cut off dates 53

Area Festivals 54

Regional and Championship qualification 56

Special rules for the Offshore Islands 60

Freestyle to Music qualifiers 60

Wellington Music qualifiers 61

Qualification from Regionals to National/Winter 61 Championships wild cards and allocation

Potential International Dressage Horse 62 Championship qualifying classes

General rules relating to all Young Horse classes 62

BD Young Dressage Horse Championships 63

British Young Horse Championships at Hickstead 63

The Sheepgate British Dressage U25’s 63Championships

Senior Home International competition 64

BYRDS Home International competition 65

Senior InterRegional competition 66

BYRDS InterRegional competition 66

Scottish Championship and qualification 68

Welsh Championship and qualification 68

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Section 8 – Rules for Para Equestrian

Grouping of Para Riders 70

Para Equestrian Dressage competitions for riders 70with classification of IIV

Visually impaired riders B1 – grade III 71

Visually impaired riders B2 – grade IV 71

Horses used for Para Equestrian competitions 71

Para Equestrian Championships 72

KBIS National Championships 72

Para Equestrian Summer Championship held at 72Hickstead

Para Equestrian Winter Championships 72

Para Equestrian Home International Competition 73

Para dressage tests in use 73

Annexes

Annex 1 Welfare of the horse 74

Annex 2 Quick reference guide to penalties for 78contravening rules

Annex 3 Members code of conduct 80

Annex 4 Disciplinary procedure 82

Annex 5 Judge complaints procedure 86

Annex 6 Equine & Human antidoping 88

Annex 7 Dressage definitions 90

Annex 8 Child Protection and equal opportunities 108

Annex 9 – Music licence 112

Annex 10 Specific rules relating to the FEI 113

Annex 11 – Members insurance 114

British Dressage Contacts 119

Index 120

a) In all respects the welfare of the horse is paramount. Please see the FEI code ofconduct for the welfare of the horse in the annexes.

b) The Directors of British Dressage (BD) are responsible for all matters connected withDressage. BD office staff are located at Meriden Business Park and allcorrespondence should be addressed to: British Dressage, Building 2020, MeridenBusiness Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands, CV5 9RG.

c) Affiliated Dressage Competitions are those held under the rules contained in thisbook. Their schedules are distributed in the publication “British Dressage” and onwww.britishdressage.co.uk.

d) These rules are intended principally for use in connection with National DressageCompetitions, relating to all competitions affiliated to BD. However, the Rules do notonly relate to National Competitions; some rules, particularly with regard to conductand discipline, are effective at all times and in any circumstance with regard to BDmembers.

e) Every eventuality cannot be provided for in these Rules. In any unforeseen orexceptional circumstances the relevant officials have a duty to make a decision in asporting spirit, approaching as near as possible the intention of these Rules and toprotect the reputation of the sport of dressage in the UK and the welfare of the horse.

f) As this is a major revision to the Rules, additions and amendments are nothighlighted. Further amendments or changes to the rules in this book may bepublished in ‘British Dressage’ (which is published 8 times per year), the website,show organisers or officials newsletter or letter, note, fax signed by a member ofstaff. Failure to comply with any published rule changes will be considered a breachof these rules.

g) Only queries relating to this rule book that are submitted and answered in writing byan authorised member of staff will be binding on BD.

h) Any member who wishes to appeal a decision of BD, the Board of Directors, the ChiefExecutive or the Disciplinary Sub Committee, must apply to the British EquestrianFederation (BEF) Appeals Panel, except where BD provides for an alternative appealprocedure.

i) Appellants are to lodge their notice of appeal within 7 days of receiving notification ofthe relevant decision. In the event that anyaber is dissatisfied with the BEF AppealsPanel’s decision, the matter may be referred to Sports Resolutions (UK).

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5B R I T I S H D R E S S A G E - R U L E S H A N D B O O K 2 0 1 4

Cover picture courtesy of Nicola Elliot

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Section 1 – Membership & Horse Registration

1. Agreement to be bound by the rulesa) All members of British Dressage (BD) are bound by the Memorandum and Articles of

BD, together with the rules, regulations and byelaws made under them. Decisions ofthe Board and other delegated authorities of BD in connection with the rules,regulations and byelaws are final and binding. Members are responsible for ensuringthey are familiar with the Rules.

b) The Rules and Annexes contained in this book are in force at the date of publication.Any amendments by BD are enforceable on the date of publication (unless otherwisestated in the notice of amendment), provided that notice of such amendment ispublished in one or more of the following media:

British Dressage Magazine

Show Organisers and Officials Newsletters

British Dressage Website – www.britishdressage.co.uk

c) By signing an Affiliation Agreement, Show Organisers are bound by all BD rules,regulations and byelaws and any published Code of Conduct. Additionally, theyagree to abide by and observe the decisions of the Board and delegated authoritiesand committees of BD. Show Organisers are responsible for ensuring that they arefamiliar with the Rules, Code of Conduct and any amendments made to them.

d) It is understood and agreed by members that any photographs (and/ or film footage)taken at a BD affiliated show or activity by an official photographer may be used by BDfor security and/or promotional purposes without payment. Under 18s consent will becovered by the photo consent form contained in the BD Child Protection Policy.

2. Acceptance of rulesBecoming a member of BD and making an entry for an affiliated dressagecompetition constitutes acceptance of these Rules. Owners and riders must ensurethat horses and riders are eligible to compete in the classes for which they areentered. Any dispensation from these Rules is only valid if in writing.

3. British Dressage membershipOnly members of BD may ride in affiliated competitions or register as the owner of ahorse/pony, except for those entering using a class ticket or where the class permitsto ride with associate membership.

Applications for membership are to be made on the approved form and submitted tothe BD office. They may also be made online at www.britishdressage.co.uk.Applications must be accompanied by the appropriate fee.

BD reserves the right to decline any application for, or renewal of, membershipwithout stating a cause.

Only members of BD and organisers of affiliated competitions are covered by theinsurances provided by BD (see annexes for full details).


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BD subscriptions run for twelve months from the date of joining, except for Eventers’BD membership and BRC membership which run from 1st October – 31st March.

Music membership entitles riders to compete in freestyle to music qualifiers with aregistered or associate registered horse. Horses must be fully registered to competein Music Regional Championships. All riders competing in freestyle to musiccompetitions must sign a PPL licence.

Eventers’ BD membership is only available to those who are currently members ofBritish Eventing (BE). It is assumed that the owners of eventing horses competing inBD classes will also be BE members. If BE membership lapses during the time ofregistration as an Eventing BD member the insurance cover from BE becomes invalid.

Pony Club membership only entitles members to compete in Preliminary classes.Those with a Pony Club membership who qualify for an Area Festival or RegionalChampionship must upgrade to a full member in order to compete.

4. Age of membersThere is no upper or lower age limit. Members are responsible for ensuring they arefit to compete.

5. Class ticketsBD members on nonregistered horses, and nonmembers on registered or nonregistered horses can purchase class tickets at £8 each. Each ticket enables them toenter one affiliated class. Holders of class tickets must also pay the entry fees and aresubject to the BD Rule Book. Class tickets may be used at any level provided the rideris eligible to compete in the class entered.

Those riding on a class ticket are eligible to win prize money and rosettes but will notearn grading points or qualify for Championships other than Area Festivals. Ridersmust be associate members to compete in Introductory or Preliminary open sections,and their horse must hold an associate horse registration. Should they wish tocompete in Preliminary restricted sections the rider must be a member or compete ona class ticket.

6. Horse/Pony registrationBefore competing in an affiliated dressage competition, a horse or pony must beregistered with BD (except for Introductory and Preliminary open classes wherehorses may have an associate horse registration). There is no lower height limit forregistration but horses/ponies must be four years old or over to compete. BDreserves the right to refuse registration.

For Preliminary restricted, Music, Young Horse and Para classes, horses must beregistered either fully or with associate horse registration. The latter is free of chargeand allows BD to record a horse’s details and results. An Associate member mayregister an associate horse.


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Full registration for horses and ponies runs for 12 months from the date ofregistration (with the exception of Eventers’ BD and BRC membership). If a horse’sregistration has lapsed for more than one month, any points or qualifications gainedsince lapsing will not be allocated.

A horse that has been subject to a loss of use insurance claim may be registeredprovided that it is sound and sufficiently fit for competition.

The legal owner/s of horses and ponies registered with BD must also be members ofBD because, where the stated owner of a registered horse/pony is not the legalowner, this could invalidate the liability insurance under the BD policy.

Registrations are accepted on the understanding that the person making theregistration is the bona fide owner, part owner or authorised agent of the horse orpony registered. BD accepts no responsibility in cases of disputed ownership, whichmust be settled by the parties concerned. BD may suspend registration of the horseor pony until such time as the dispute over ownership is settled.

Horses/Ponies must be registered with the same name as the name shown on theirregistered national breed society or FEI passport. The only exceptions are as follows:

• The name of the horse/pony can be changed if the name on its passport isformally changed by the issuing authority; the owner must send the relevantpages of the new amended passport to BD for verification. The fee for change ofname is £30.

• A horse registered with a different name to that on the passport prior to theimplementation of this rule in 2010 may keep the registered name. However, ifthe owner wishes to change the registered name to match the name on itspassport, this can be changed free of charge.

• If the horse/pony’s name has not been entered on its national breed societypassport the owner can choose the horse/pony’s name, enter it direct onto thepassport and inform the passport issuing body of its name. This name will belinked to the horse/pony’s unique identification number shown on its passport.

• A suitable prefix or suffix (not shown in the horse/pony’s passport) may be addedfor a fee of £30.

• If the horse/pony is subsequently registered with the FEI, the chosen prefix maynot be permitted and the horse/pony must be named according to FEI rules.

• If a horse/pony changes ownership/sponsorship the prefix/suffix can be removedand the horse/pony can revert back to its original name unless the national breedsociety passport has also been changed. There is no charge for this.


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7. Age of horse/ponyThe age of a horse/pony is taken from 1st January in the year in which it was born.The minimum age from which a horse may compete is 4 years old. Horses competingat PSG level and above must be at least 7 years old. Horses competing at Grand Prixmust be at least 8 years old.

8. Ponies/Height CertificatesPonies may be registered and compete on equal terms with horses in all affiliatedcompetitions, with a rider of any age. Grading points will be awarded in the normalmanner.

Ponies are not required to obtain FEI Height Certificates for their FEI Passports.However, ponies must have current JMB Height Certificates for Nationalcompetitions. Riders should ensure that their ponies are used to being measuredand within the current height limit, as they are liable to be measured if they travelto International competitions, and will be measured at the Pony EuropeanChampionships.

Ponies which attend Pony Squad training will be measured by the Team Vet at oneor more of their sessions. Copies of valid Height Certificates for all ponies enteredfor Selection Trials must be submitted with their entries.

9. Equine Influenza VaccinationA valid passport must accompany the horse to all competitions and be produced onrequest; failure to comply is a disciplinary offence and will debar the horse fromcompeting at the event for which it has been entered. A horse will not be permittedto compete unless it has a current vaccination against equine influenza whichcomplies with the following conditions:

• An initial course of two injections for primary vaccination, not less than 21days and not more than 92 days apart, are required before being eligible tocompete;

• A first booster injection must be given between 150 and 215 days after thesecond injection of primary vaccination;

• Subsequent booster injections must be given at intervals of not more thanone calendar year, commencing after the first booster injection.

• The full course or booster must have been administered at least 7 daysbefore the competition.

The Record of Vaccination(s) in the horse’s passport, in which the record ofinjection(s) is completed, signed and stamped line by line, must be completed by anappropriate veterinary surgeon (who is neither the owner nor the rider of thehorse). For those competing under FEI rules please refer to the FEI rules.


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10. Limitations on competingHorses that are suspected of suffering from infectious or contagious diseases, or havebeen in contact with other animals suffering from such diseases, and horses which arenot free from infectious or contagious diseases, or come from places orestablishments which are not free from such diseases, are not permitted to take partin any BD event.

Mares may not compete after their fourth month of pregnancy or with a foal at foot.

The rider is responsible for ensuring that their horse is fit to compete, includinghorses subject to a loss of use claim.

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Section 2 – Grading of Riders and Horses

11. Grading of ridersRiders will be graded in the following groups (also see rules relating to down grouping):

Group 1Riders who have competed in a CDI abroad or in any CDIO or CDIW after 1st January2000 except those who have competed on borrowed horses (eg, Sydney CDI). Group 1riders may not compete in Novice and Elementary qualifiers.

Group 2aRiders who have won point(s) at Grand Prix or who have competed in Big or Small Tour ina UK based CDI after 1st January 2000 (except Group 1). Group 2a riders may notcompete in Novice qualifiers. Any U25 rider who competes in FEI 1625 GP will becomeGroup 2a. Should the rider compete in this class abroad, and also compete in any SeniorCDI class, that rider will automatically become Group 1.

Group 2Riders who have won point(s) at Inter I and above in National Classes after 1st January2000 (except Groups 1 & 2a).

Group 3Riders who have won points at PSG level or above (including FEI Young Rider classes)since 1st January 2000 (except Groups 12). Additionally, riders may claim Group 3status in order to ride at PSG, having gained 62% or above in Advanced 102 or 105 orFEI YR level tests in the previous 12 months. U21 Riders may compete in the FEI YRlevel tests without having claimed their Group 3 status. Such claims may be madeby writing to the BD Office, and will take effect once the member has receivednotification of their upgrade.

Group 4Riders who have won more than 14 points at Advanced Medium level or any points at thelevels above (including FEI Junior classes), after 1st January 2000 (except Groups 13).

Group 5Riders who have won more than 14 points at Medium level or any points at the levelsabove (including FEI Pony classes) after 1st January 2000 (except Groups 14).

Group 6Riders who have won more than 14 points at Elementary level or any points at the levelsabove after 1st January 2000 (except Groups 15).

Group 7Riders who have won more than 14 points at Novice level or any points at the levelsabove after 1st January 2000 (except Groups 16).

Group 8All other riders.All Pony, Junior and Young Riders regardless of their age will adhere to the same rules asa Senior Group 1 rider if they compete in a Senior International CDI, CDIO, CDIW, SmallTour or Big Tour (UK or abroad). This does not apply to Under 21 riders competing in CDIsat Pony, Junior and Young Rider level.

12. Down Grouping of Ridersa) Riders who have not competed at or above a specific level (including British

Eventing) for four years or more may apply to the BD office in writing to down groupby one level.


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b) Riders who have won fewer than 15 points at a specific level prior to 1st December 2007may be eligible to move to a lower rider group. Riders may only down group by onelevel. Cumulative points over more than one level will not be taken into account.Members should apply to the BD office so that their competition record can be checkedand rider group amended where applicable.

13. Restricted and Open sectionsRestricted and Open sections are offered so that less experienced riders who have juststarted competing at a given level can compete against similarly inexperienced riders inthe Restricted section. The Group into which each rider is placed is determined by theirexperience at each level of competition. The rider group then determines whether theymay compete in the Restricted sections of classes as set out below.

Restricted section riders may gain 14 points at the next higher level before having to ridein the open section at the level below. For example, a Group 7 rider will be able to gain 14points at Elementary before becoming Group 6 and therefore having to ride in theNovice Open section. This applies to all levels from Novice to Medium. At AdvancedMedium, riders may gain unlimited points at advanced level and retain eligibility to ridein the Restricted section. Those who wish to compete at PSG must be Group 3 and mustride in the Advanced Medium Open section.

Classes from Preliminary to Advanced Medium will be divided into Open and Restrictedsections. Organisers are to offer both sections when running a class at a level whereOpen/Restricted sections apply.

At Preliminary only those in the Restricted qualifier section are eligible to qualify forNational/Winter Championships. There is no championship for Open Preliminary.


At Preliminary level Riders are eligible for Restricted sections if they havewon no more than 14 points at Elementary level or anypoints at the levels above since 1st January 2000.

At Novice level Riders are eligible for Restricted sections if they havewon no more than 14 points at Elementary level or anypoints at the levels above since 1st January 2000.

At Elementary level Riders may enter the Restricted section if they have wonno more than 14 points at Medium level or any points atthe levels above since 1st January 2000.

At Medium level Riders may enter the Restricted section if they have wonno more than 14 points at Advanced Medium level or anypoints at the levels above since 1st January 2000.

At Advanced Medium level Riders may enter the Restricted section if they have wonno points at PSG or above since 1st January 2000 andthey do not wish to use Advanced points to claim Group3 status in order to compete at PSG.

a) Those riding a downgraded horse must compete in the Open section up to the levelfrom which the horse was downgraded.

b) U21 riders who have accepted nomination for a potential place at a CDI mustcompete in the open section at the level for which they are eligible.

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c) BD and BE riders awarded a Union Flag must ride in the Open section (with theexception of Para Equestrian Dressage riders). As soon as the Union Flag isawarded, any qualifications already gained in Restricted sections are to betransferred to Open sections.

d) Any rider who has competed at BE Advanced horse trials since 1st January 2000 maynot be below a group 5 rider.

e) A rider who has competed at BE Intermediate horse trials since 1st January 2000may not be below Group 6.

f) Foreign riders and those who have spent more than 12 months abroad will be nolower than Group 3 upon registration unless BD grants dispensation.

g) Those with a BHSI or FBHS qualification will be no lower than Group 5 uponregistration.

Riders must state the section they are entering for every class; if not stated, they will be putin the Open section. Riders may not change section once a class has started.

14. Eligibility to compete


Group 1Open Section (non qualifier only) Preliminary to ElementaryOpen Section Medium & Advanced Medium

Group 2AOpen Section (non qualifier only) Preliminary and NoviceOpen Section Elementary to Advanced Medium

Groups 2 & 3Open Section Preliminary to Advanced Medium

Group 4Open Section Preliminary to MediumEither Section Advanced Medium

Group 5Open Section Preliminary to ElementaryEither Section Medium to Advanced Medium

Group 6Open Section PreliminaryEither Section Elementary to Advanced Medium

Groups 7 & 8Either Section Preliminary to Advanced MediumQualifying Section Preliminary

Points won by a Group 1 or Group 2a rider may not count as a part qualification forNovice and/or Elementary classes for the horse concerned.

Foreign riders allocated to Group 3 by default must qualify for PSG by achieving a scoreof 62% or more in Advanced 102 or 105.

If any rider receives a score below 50% in a class at PSG or above they may not competeat these levels again until they have achieved a score of 62% or more in Advanced 102 or105.

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15. Training sectionsTraining sections are open to members on registered or associate registered horses; nonmembers may enter with class tickets. Both horse and rider must be eligible under BDRules for the levels entered.

Score sheets gained cannot be used for qualification to Summer or Winter RegionalChampionships, however, they may be used to qualify for Area Festivals. No gradingpoints will be given and the results will not affect rider status. No Prize money orrosettes will be awarded. BD Rules apply to Training sections.

16. Foreign riders domiciled in the UK and/or competing in national classesRiders who wish to maintain their eligibility to ride for their own country may compete inQualifiers and Championships but even though they may win the Grand PrixChampionship classes they will not become The National Champion and will not beawarded sashes, rosettes or prize money. Foreign riders competing at other levels at theNational Championships may be awarded first place sashes, rosettes and prize money.

Foreign riders competing in the UK require permission to compete from their NationalFederation; this must be submitted to the BD office upon registration. Riders withpassports from Eire are considered to be foreign.

17. Grades of horsesHorses may compete only at the level they are graded or higher. The upper points limitfor each grade is as follows:


Preliminary 49 points

Novice 124 points

Elementary 199 points

Medium 299 points

Advanced Medium 425 points

Advanced & Above Open to any horse

There are additional limits for classes qualifying for National Championships andrestrictions on horses which have started at Intermediate I and above. See Rules forQualifying and Championships for each level.

Ponies ridden by riders of 16 years and under may continue to compete at Medium levelonce 299 points are achieved but must compete in the Open section

FEI Pony tests carry grading points equivalent to medium level classes thereforeriders gaining more than 14 points will become a group 5 rider.

18. Grading pointsHorses are graded on a points system. Points will be awarded against the percentageachieved in accordance with the scales below:

60.00 – 61.99% 1 point

62.00 – 63.99% 2 points

64.00 – 65.99% 3 points

66.00 – 67.99% 4 points

68.00 – 69.99% 5 points

70.00 – 71.99% 6 points

72.00% and above 7 points

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Horses obtaining the percentages shown in the grading points table will be allocatedpoints regardless of place and prize money. However, points are not awarded forIntroductory and Preliminary classes, Music classes and all Young Horse classes.

For Preliminary Restricted classes “Prelim Points” will be allocated to the same scale asall other classes. Prelim Points are for qualification purposes only and do not counttowards the upgrading of a horse.

Grading queries can only be dealt with in writing and within twelve months of therelevant competition.

19. Imported horsesBefore an imported horse can be registered with BD, its owners must supply proof of age atimport, ie, official import documents or the record of a vaccination administered in the UK.

For the purpose of registration, horses foaled in Northern Ireland and Eire are classifiedas British.

Horses imported to the UK via Ireland will be awarded points according to their age uponentry to Ireland (proof of import must be provided) or, if they have competed underDressage Ireland rules, a full competition record must be submitted so that BD pointscan be allocated accordingly.

An imported horse which has been registered with BE for at least one year and has acompetition record will be exempt from importation rules.

Initially, imported horses will be graded according to their age at the time of registrationto the scale given in the table unless proof of import at an earlier age can be supplied.These points may be reduced by Downgrading or by Assessment.


4 year old 0 points

5 year old 45 points






20. Downgrading horsesAny horse may be downgraded once per twelve month period subject to the restrictionsbelow. Applications should be made to the British Dressage Office and, for a fee of £60;the horse will be regraded according to the following table.

Rider Group Points the horse will be allocated

Group 8 & 7 45 points

Group 6 125 points

Group 5 200 points

Group 4 300 points

Group 3 426 points

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Restrictions apply to horses which have competed at Inter IGP levels. Any such horse isnot eligible to compete in qualifiers at lower levels unless it has been downgraded,regardless of its actual points total. BD record the previous points for all downgradedhorses.

Downgrading applies to an individual horse/rider combination; it is only maintained if thehorse is competed by another rider at the same group (or lower) as the rider whodowngraded the horse, whilst still registered to the downgrading owner. For example, ahorse downgraded by a Group 7 rider will only maintain its downgraded status ifcompeted by another Group 7 or 8 rider, or a rider of an equivalent Group if thedowngrading rider upgrades. If the horse is sold, or a rider of a higher grade competes it,the horse’s points will revert to the highest number of points the horse has ever had onits record.

A horse can only be downgraded once it has gone over the upper points limit forthat level. Eg a novice horse can only be downgraded once it has reached 125points or more.

Downgraded horses must be ridden in the Open section, up to the level from which theyhave been downgraded regardless of rider group. Horses may be ridden in qualifiersonce they have been formally downgraded.

Once a horse has been downgraded it loses any qualification that it has previouslyearned.

A horse may be dedowngraded for a fee of £10 and will revert back to its highest everpoints total (provided this total is higher than its current points).

21. Horse AssessmentIf the owner wishes an imported horse’s level of training to be assessed, this must bedone between first registration and the first competition entry. He/she must contact theBD Office to make an appointment for the horse to be assessed. An assessed horse doesnot carry the restrictions imposed by downgrading. The cost of assessment is £75.Assessors are not to assess horses that are known to them, eg horses the assessor haspreviously seen in a training or purchasing/selling context.

22. Grading of horses training or competing abroadHorses which go abroad and compete in National competitions will be classed asimported horses for grading purposes if they return to the UK. However, if a fullcompetition record for that horse from the foreign federation is presented to BD, onlythe appropriate number of points according to results achieved will be added to thepoints the horse had when it left the UK.


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Section 3 – Competitions and Entries

23. Introductory classesIntroductory classes are open to members or associate members in groups 7 & 8 onregistered and associate registered horses with no grading points. Grading points will notbe awarded for Introductory classes and sheets gained in these classes cannot be used forqualification.

24. Preliminary classesThe Open section of Preliminary Classes is open to members or associate members onregistered or associate registered horses, horse not to have gained more than 49 BDpoints. Those competing in the open section do not qualify for the Winter or SummerRegional Championships.

The Restricted section of Preliminary Classes is for those who are eligible to qualify for theSummer and Winter Regional Championships, ie members of BD who are groups 7 or 8,riding registered or associate registered horses with no more than 49 BD points.

Preliminary Restricted sections classes carry “Prelim points” which are used for qualificationpurposes only and do not affect the horses grade. Full horse registration is required for theWinter/Summer Regional Championships and Area Festivals.

25. Unaffiliated competitionsIf an unaffiliated class is run at an affiliated show, the class must be run and judgedseparately from any equivalent affiliated class. If there are fewer than ten riders in eithersection, the class may be mixed, but organisers should endeavour to keep the sectionsseparate whenever possible. Unaffiliated classes run as part of an affiliated show must berun under BD rules in all respects in order to be covered by BD insurance.

26. Pick Your Own classes (PYO)Certain classes may be designated as PYO by an organiser. They will only be open tomembers of BD riding registered horses or to those with class tickets. They may covermore than one level with the schedule stipulating the test to be ridden eg. PYO PSG – GP.Classes are judged on a percentage basis.

PYO classes only count as nonqualifying classes in relation to qualifying points.

27. Associated competitionsThese competitions are open to members and nonmembers of BD but may be restrictedin some way, for instance to horses in a certain stud book. They are run under BD rules andmay give whatever prize money they choose. Their schedules must be included in theschedules section in “British Dressage” and they will be liable for the £2.00 levy percompetitor although no grading points will be given and classes will not count as qualifiersfor the BD Championships.

28. British Dressage tests

Introductory levelIntroductory A (2008) Short Introductory B (2009) Short

Preliminary level No. 1 (2006) Short No. 14 (2006) Short*No. 4 (2002) Short No. 15 (2008) Long*No. 7 (2002) Short No. 18 (2002) ShortNo. 12 (2005) Short No. 17 (2014) Long* No. 13 (2006) Short* No. 19 (2008) Long*


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Novice level No. 22 (2007) Long No. 30 (2006) Short*No. 23 (2012) Long No: 34 (2009) Short*No. 24 (2010) Short No. 37 (2007) Long*No. 27 (2007) Short No. 38 (2005) Long*No. 28 (2008) Short No. 39 (2010) Long*

Elementary levelNo. 40 (2010) Long No: 49 (2009) Short*No. 42 (2008) Short No. 50 (2007) Short* No. 43 (2006) Long No. 53 (2007) Long* No. 44 (2002) Short No. 57 (2007) Long* No. 45 (2010) Long No. 59 (2010) Long*

Medium level No. 61 (2002) Long No. 71 (2002) Short* No. 63 (2002) Short No. 73 (2007) Long* No. 69 (2005) Long No. 75 (2002) Long*

Advanced Medium level No: 85 (2009) Long (FEI Junior Prelim) No. 94 (2002) LongNo: 90 (2012) Short* No. 96 (2011) Long (FEI Junior Individual)No. 92 (2011) Long (FEI Junior Team)* No. 98 (2002) Long*No. 93 (2004) Short*

Advanced level No. 100 (2002) Long No. 105 (2011) Long (FEI Young Rider Prelim)No. 102 (2012) Long

BD Intermediate II 2014 (long arenas) (not an FEI test)*

Tests highlighted with a * will be the only tests used for qualifiers. It is still permissible forthese tests to be used in nonqualifying classes.

FEI tests (long arenas) FEI Young Rider Individual (No. 108 (2011) PSG Standard)FEI PSG (2009)* FEI Grand Prix (2009)*FEI Intermediate I (2009)* FEI Grand Prix Special (2009)FEI Intermediate II (2009)* FEI Olympic Grand Prix Special (2012)

FEI U21 testsFEI Pony Preliminary, Team and Individual Tests (2012), Freestyle (2009) FEI Junior Preliminary, Team and Individual Tests (2009), Freestyle (2009) FEI Young Rider Preliminary, Team and Individual (2009), Freestyle (2009)FEI Grand Prix 16 25*


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Freestyle testsIntroductory (2012) short arena Preliminary (2012) long arena Novice (2012) long arena Elementary (2012) long arena Medium (2012) long arena Advanced Medium (2012) long arena Prix St Georges (FEI YR Freestyle) (2009) – long arenaFEI Intermediate I (2009) long arena FEI Grand Prix (2009) long arena

Young horse testsBD Basic Test 4 year old (YHB4 2003)BD Novice Young Horse Test for 5 yr (YHN5 2004)BD Elementary Young Horse Test for 5 yr (YHE5 2009)BD Elementary Young Horse Test for 6yr (YHE6 2004)BD Medium Young Horse Test for 6yr (YHM6 2009)FEI Preliminary Test for 5yr (FEI YHP5 2009)FEI Preliminary Test for 6yr (FEI YHP6 2009)FEI Finale Test for 5yr (FEI YHF5 2009)FEI Finale Test for 6 yr (FEI YHF6 2009)

All National tests dated prior to 2002 have been withdrawn and must not be used.

29. Freestyle testsBD produces Test Sheets for Freestyle Tests at Introductory, Preliminary, Novice,Elementary, Medium, Advanced Medium and FEI tests at Prix St Georges, Intermediate Iand Grand Prix Levels. These tests may be ridden either with or without music. No gradingpoints are given for any Freestyle competition, whether with or without music, but in allother respects they are run in accordance with graded classes of the comparative level.

30. Freestyle to musicTests will be timed from the move off after the first salute until the halt before the finalsalute. Halts must be shown at the beginning and the end of all freestyle tests and thesemust be on the centre line facing the judge. Tests should be timed to run approximately15 seconds under the specified time to allow for a slight variation in running speed. Twopenalty points will be deducted from the final total if a test exceeds the maximum timeallowed or is more than 30 seconds shorter than the minimum stated time.

In the case of a technical failure that will interfere with the competition, the judge at Cwill ring the bell. In the case of the rider’s music failing, skipping or jumping during atest, the rider may make one request to restart or the judge can suggest that theyrestart. When possible the restart should be immediate but if not the rider shouldreturn to complete or restart their test during a scheduled break or at the end of thecompetition. During extreme weather conditions or other extreme situations the judgeat C may ring the bell for interruption of the test. The rider should return to completetheir test when conditions permit. It is up to the rider whether to restart the test fromthe beginning or to commence from the point the music failed. In either case the marksalready given to the point at which the music failed will not be changed.

Test sheets are available at all levels and each includes a list of compulsory movements,noncompulsory permitted movements and prohibited movements. If included,movements of a higher standard than the test being performed will be penalised by thededuction of two points each time they are performed


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Where a competition consists of two rounds, the second being a freestylecompetition, a rider automatically declares their intention to compete in theFreestyle if they participate in the first round. In cases of legitimate withdrawal dueto illness or veterinary/welfare reasons the next qualified combination will move upinto the freestyle.

31. Availability of testsThese tests come under the Rules for National Tests when used in Affiliated BD competitions,except that all trot work must be executed as instructed on the Score Sheets.

32. Organiser’s rightsThe Organiser has the right to:

a) Cancel any class.

b) Divide any class.

c) Alter the advertised time of a class from that published in the schedule.

d) Refuse any BD nonChampionship entry providing a valid reason is given to thecompetitor and the entry fee is returned prior to the competition.

e) Refuse any entry to a BD Championship providing a valid reason is given,permission is sought from the Chief Executive and there is sufficient time for therider to enter an alternative Regional Championship.

33. Opening dates and close of entriesThe opening date for entries for affiliated competitions is six weeks prior to the date of thecompetition. Entries may only be made on or after the opening date. The closing date forentries is two weeks before the date of the competition unless otherwise stated in theschedule. Entries may not be accepted after the closing date unless at the discretion of theOrganiser. Organisers may charge a late entry fee of their choosing providing that it isshown in the schedule.

34. Entriesa) Entries must:

• Be made on the official entry form or via the venues online entry system.

• Be accompanied by the correct fees.

• Include the BD registration or associate registration number for each horseand rider. Entries without correct and current registration details may not beaccepted. Score sheets and any rosettes, prize money or prizes will not begiven until correct registration details are provided.

• A horse may only be ridden once in any class/level (with the exception of “pickyour own” classes where a horse may be ridden more than once in differenttests within the class).

b) Riders must state on their entry form whether they wish to compete in the Openor Restricted section for each class entered. If this is not stated, riders will be put inthe Open section. Riders may not change sections after the class has started.

c) The entry fee for each class is given in the schedules.

d) Horses and riders must be eligible for the classes in which they are entered at theclosing date of entries. In the event of a competition being postponed, horsesmust still be eligible two weeks before the new competition date.

e) If a horse or rider upgrades on or after the closing date for entries, they may stillcompete in the class/section for which they were entered.


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f) It is the responsibility of owners and riders to ensure that horses and riders areeligible to compete in the classes/sections for which they are entered.

g) Riders who take part in a class which they are not eligible or riding a horse in aclass for which it is not eligible will be notified in writing. This could result in a fineof up to £50.

h) All horses must wear numbers (preferably on both sides of the bridle/saddlecloth)whilst being ridden or exercised at affiliated events. Number discs are available topurchase from the BD Office.

i) The Secretary must be informed of any change of rider from the original entry.

j) Organisers have the right to eliminate competitors who fail to ring for startingtimes at the specified time or do not email an acknowledgment if requested withonline times.

k) A member who fails to attend a competition which they have entered withoutcontacting the organiser to withdraw will be entered on the results as a NoShow. Repeated No Shows may result in disciplinary action.

l) If a rider is found to be ineligible they must return prize money and rosettes to theorganiser so that they can be redistributed.

35. BallotingAn organiser may close a class before close of entries if it becomes full. If, at close ofentries, classes are oversubscribed, organisers will have the right to ballot. Competitorswho are not successful will be placed on a waiting list and must be notified. Championshipclasses will not be balloted.

36. Waiting listsOrganisers may keep a ‘Waiting List’. In this case, riders/owners must be informed. Iffor any reason a rider wishes to withdraw from the Waiting List, they must notify theorganiser.

37. Withdrawals

a) Once a competitor’s entry has been accepted, it will be assumed that he intends totake part unless he notifies the Organiser to the contrary. Competitors must thereforedeclare their intention to withdraw by the time specified in the individual schedules.This will usually be three days before the competition.

b) Competitors should do their best to avoid withdrawing after the withdrawal date but ifit becomes unavoidable they must ring and notify the organiser immediately.

c) Competitors failing to request/confirm their times as specified in the schedule may bedeemed to have withdrawn.

d) Written confirmation of a verbal withdrawal must reach the organiser within sevendays of the withdrawal.

e) Organisers may report anyone who does not take part yet fails to withdraw, or whocancels cheques to avoid payment when withdrawing to the BD office.

f) Once the test has been completed (ie the final halt at the end of the test) it is notpermissible to withdraw or retire.

38. Refund of entry fees

a) No refund will be made to those withdrawing after the Close of Entries.


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b) Fifty per cent of total entry fees will be returned to those whose withdrawal isreceived before the Close of Entries, and confirmed in writing within 7 days.

c) A full refund will be made for horses which upgrade on or before the Close ofEntries, but whose entries are not transferred to classes of a higher grade.

d) A full refund will be made for horses put on a waiting list, but not eventually offereda place.

e) In the event of a competition being cancelled, Organisers are entitled to retain up to£2.50 per horse, per class. The remainder is to be refunded to all entrants, includingthose who withdrew before the close of entries.

f) Competitors on waiting lists who choose to withdraw will have 50% of their totalentry fees refunded.

39. Hors Concours (HC)Riders wishing to compete ‘HC’ in any class, must make this request on their entry form.‘HC’ competitors will not be eligible for any prize or prize money, and their scores neednot be shown on the scoreboard. Horse and rider must be registered with BD and mustcomply with BD rules in all respects apart from eligibility as stated below.

Under no circumstances may a rider declare to be ‘HC’ after the class commences. Thoseriding HC will not gain any points. Riders may not compete HC at any Championship.

Any Member can compete a horse ‘HC’ without any restriction on eligibility for eitherhorse/rider except for PSG and above.

40. Prize money Prize money is mandatory, except for Freestyle to Music and Para Equestrian Dressageclasses. The number of prizes given and the amount of prize money, or type of prize if inkind, must be stated in the Schedule and is unrestricted. Once stated, this can only bereduced in the event of entries falling below the minimum scale as shown in the tablebelow. Organisers are free to exceed the minimum scale if they wish to do so.

Entries are as per the number of horses stated on the published times.The amount given for 1st prize must exceed the entry fee, and if entry fees are discountedfor groups such as club members, must exceed the highest entry fee charged.Prize money will be paid per class eg. over both sections, unless stated otherwise inthe competition schedule. Vouchers/prizes in kind can only be given if in addition toprize money.

Where prize money is provided by a National Sponsor at Regional/Winter/NationalChampionships, the number of prizes must be awarded as published in the schedules,regardless of the number of starters.


No prize money 1 – 4 entries

1st place 5 – 8 entries

2nd place 9 – 12 entries

3rd place 13 – 16 entries

4th place At the organisers discretion

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24 B R I T I S H D R E S S A G E - R U L E S H A N D B O O K 2 0 1 4

41. RosettesRosettes must be given to the scale in the table below for competitions but Organisersare encouraged to award at least up to 6th place. Where the classes are split in tosections the scale applies to each section. Rosettes and prize money are not awarded forTraining sections unless the organisers chooses to do so.

42. Prize GivingsCompetitors must attend prize givings, or ensure that they are represented, whenrequested by the organiser. Failure to attend (unless agreed with the organiser) may resultin the forfeit of prize money, rosettes and other awards. Prize givings may be mounted orunmounted at the discretion of the organiser.

Place Number of entries

1st 1 – 4

2nd 5 – 8

3rd 9 – 12

4th 13 – 16

5th 17 – 20

6th 21 – 24

7th 25 and over

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Section 4 - Competitor Dress and Saddlery

43. DressAdvanced Tests – tail coat with protective hat or top hat, or short jacket with protectivehat, both with correctly tied white/cream stock or tie. Uniform may be worn withprotective hat or uniform cap.

Introductory to Advanced Medium Tests (including FEI Junior tests) – uniform, shortjacket or tweed coat with correctly tied stock, white American Collar or shirt and tie, andprotective hat.

As long as the core dress rules are adhered to, embellishments and additions to anyitem of dress are permitted as long as they do not pose a welfare risk to the horse.

44. Coats/JacketsTail coats and short jackets may be any conservative, dark colour, eg black, navy, bottlegreen, charcoal grey, brown, etc, and may not be multicoloured or boldly striped. Subtlepinstripes are permitted, as are coloured collars and contrast piping to collar, lapels,pockets and vents. The red collar on a navy jacket used by the British team may not beused. Tweed jackets may not be brightly coloured or have loud patterns.

Logos level with the breast pocket are permitted on jackets but must not exceed 80square cm (9cm x9cm approx).

At the discretion of the organiser or judge, competitors may ride without coats inexcessively hot weather, but a suitable long/short sleeved shirt that fastens at the neck(not bright or multicoloured) with a tie, American collar or correctly fastened stock mustbe worn. A fitted, plain, conservativecoloured waistcoat may be worn when permissionhas been granted not to wear coats.

Plain, darkcoloured waterproof coats may be worn in wet weather.

45. Body ProtectorsRiders may wear body protectors or inflatable air jackets.

46. HatsProtective hats are to be worn by all riders at all times when mounted at a BDcompetition, including exercising, warming up and competing. Top hats or uniform capsare permitted as an exception to this rule only for Advanced to Grand Prix classes(including FEI Young Rider level) but only for the warm up directly prior to thecompetition (which may include riding from horse box park/stable to warm up arena)and competition test. It is, however, recommended that riders to whom this exceptionapplies wear protective hats at all times for their own safety. Organisers may requirethat Under 21 riders are to wear protective hats at all levels, if this is stipulated in theschedule. Organisers may also prescribe venuespecific rules that are stricter than statedif clearly shown in their schedules.

Protective hats must meet one of the following standards;PAS 015, EN1384, BSEN1384 (BD strongly recommends that hats are BSI Kitemarked)

ASTM F1163 (2004) with SEI mark

SNELL E2001

Australian & New Zealand All AS/NZS 3838 1998

or any new standard that meets or exceeds those stated.


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Harnesses must be correctly fastened at all times when mounted. Hats and hat coversmust be predominately black, navy blue or a conservative dark colour that matches therider’s jacket.

Competitors are strongly recommended to check their hats are correctly fitted andreplace them if damaged, or following a fall, and are responsible for ensuring their hatmeets the required standards above. Riders are also advised to check the wording of anyinsurance policy they may depend on in case of accident for any specific requirementsregarding the wearing of hats.

If a hat comes off during a dressage test, it must be replaced immediately; the rider maydismount or the hat may be handed to them. The test will be restarted at the beginningof the movement during which it came off. There will be no penalty for error of course,but if the hat is not replaced the Judge is to eliminate the competitor.

If a rider starts their test without wearing the correct headgear, the Judge is to ring thebell and instruct the rider to dismount and leave the arena. At the discretion of theorganiser and the Judge, the rider may restart the test once properly attired. If a riderfails to comply with the instruction, the organiser is to eliminate the competitor from allclasses on that day. This will also apply if, as a result of a spotcheck, a rider’s hat is foundnot to comply with the required standard.

47. Breeches/JodhpursBreeches or jodhpurs are to be plain white, cream or beige, except when worn withofficial uniform, when they may be of the uniform colour.

48. GlovesGloves are to be worn.

49. BootsBoots are to be black, brown or the same colour as the coat and may be long or jodhpurboots. Gaiters of the same leather as the boots may be worn. Traditional/patent topboots may be worn, but multicoloured or patterned boots are not permitted.

50. SpursSpurs may be worn at all levels and are mandatory from advanced level upwards.Excessive use of spurs is forbidden. Spurs may not be worn upside down. Spurs must bea pair (except when riding side saddle) and made of metal, although spurs with a smoothrotating rubber, metal or plastic ball on the shank are permitted.

The band round the heel must be smooth; “comb” spurs are not permitted. Any shankon the back of the heel must point towards the rear and the end must be clearlyhorizontal to the ground or pointing downwards. Dummy spurs are permitted, as areswan neck spurs subject to the above restriction. There is no restriction on the type ofshank and rowels that are permitted provided that they are free to rotate. Rowels withpoints must have rounded ends.

Only blunt spurs without rowels may be worn for Young Horse Classes.


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51. WhipsRiders may carry a whip in all National Classes except FEI level classes at PremierLeagues (including FEI U21 classes), Area Festivals, Regionals and ChampionshipClasses or at the request of the Selectors. A whip may not be carried by a competitorriding any FEI Pony, Junior or Young Rider test. Whips are permitted in all 4 year oldclasses, including Championships. A whip may be carried by ladies riding side saddle, butat no time may more than one whip be carried during a test or when warming up. Whipsare permitted in all Paradressage classes.

Excessive use of the whip is forbidden. A whip must not be used in a way or be of a length thatdisturbs other riders or horses, and may not be picked up if dropped during a test.

When saluting, competitors must take the reins and whip, if carried, in one hand, tosalute with the free hand.

52. Union flag pocket badgeOnly riders selected to represent Great Britain that compete on a Grand Prix team at aCDIO, CPEDI, Europeans, World Games, Olympic or Paralympic Games are entitled towear the Union Flag badge on the breast pocket. Riders competing at a CDI are eligiblefor a small pocket badge. Both badges can be obtained from BD.

In general, riders entitled to wear a Union Flag for BD, BE, another National Federation(in dressage or eventing), or the World Breeding Championships must compete in theOpen section. Exceptions are Para Equestrian Dressage riders and anyone awarded aUnion Flag from any other member body of the BEF (eg British Horse Society). As soonas a rider receives a Union Flag, BD will transfer any existing qualifications to the Opensection. U21 Pony Dressage riders may ride in the Restricted section at AdvancedMedium. U21 Pony and Junior Eventing riders may ride in the Restricted section atMedium and Advanced Medium.

Riders competing privately in International or foreign National competitions are noteligible for a pocket badge. Union Flag saddle cloth badges may only be worn when thecompetitor is competing for Great Britain. In exceptional circumstances the Board mayaward a pocket badge to an individual rider.

Those selected for friendly internationals are eligible for a small pocket badge with a StGeorge/St Andrew cross/Welsh flag or equivalent. However, these may not be worn insubsequent competitions.

The above rules apply to Seniors, Ponies, Juniors and Young Riders.

Pony, Junior and Young Riders who ride in the European Championships are entitled towear their relevant colour coordinated Union Flag pocket badge on the breast pocketfor the two years following the last occasion they were in the relevant team. Other Pony,Junior and Young Riders competing at FEI shows are eligible for a small pocket badge,which can be obtained from BD. This can be worn on the breast pocket for the two yearsfollowing the last occasion they were in the relevant competition.

53. SaddlesEnglish or Continental style saddles are mandatory, and are to be brown, black, grey ornavy. Side saddles and treeless saddles are permitted but riders choosing to ride sidesaddle must notify the organiser before the start of the class. Western style, traditionalIberian or Arabian (with raised pommel and/or cantle) or brightly coloured saddles arenot permitted. Stirrup leathers and irons are compulsory, are to be attached to the


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saddle and used in the conventional way. The rider’s boots must not be fixed to thestirrup iron by mechanical means unless dispensation has been given; the penalty forbreaching this rule is elimination. Saddle covers are not permitted except during ridingin. A gel pad/memory foam seat saver is permitted, provided that it is unobtrusive andmatches the colour of the saddle. Other types of seat saver are not permitted unlesswritten dispensation has been obtained from the BD Office.

54. Saddle cloths flagsIf used, saddle cloths may be white/cream or a dark conservative colour. Saddle clothsbearing the British Flag may only be worn by a competitor who is officially representingGreat Britain at an Olympic or Paralympic Games, CDIO, CPEDI, CDI, CDIP, CDIJ, CDIY,European Championships, or World Equestrian Games.

55. Logos & manufacturers marksa) Identification of a NonSponsor Manufacturer

In the competition area and during the prizegiving, names or logos identifying anonsponsoring manufacturer of clothing or equipment may appear only once oneach item of clothing or equipment. The name/logo is not to exceed three squarecentimetres in size (eg, up to 1 cm high, 3 cm wide).

b) Identification of SponsorsWhile in the Competition area and during the prizegiving the name and/or logo ofthe rider’s sponsor(s) may appear on a surface area not exceeding:(i) two hundred square centimetres on each side of the saddle cloth;(ii) eighty square centimetres on each of the two sides of jackets or top garment at

the height of breast pockets;(iii) sixteen square centimetres on both sides of the shirt collar and of the hunting

stock or centrally in the middle part of the collar on ladies’ blouses.

56. BridlesBridles must be used in the conventionally accepted manner. The loop of the reins mustbe above the horse’s neck with the reins attached to the bit. Permitted bridles at eachlevel are as follows;

Looped/modified reins are not permitted unless dispensation has been granted.

The Micklem multibridle is permitted as a snaffle bridle but must be used without bitclips. The ‘ST Zaum Poll Relief’ bridle is also permitted. Bitless bridles and hackamoresare not permitted.

Bridles must be predominantly black, brown, grey or navy and may not be decoratedwith tassels or any additions to the normal configuration. Discreet padding of the bridleat the poll and/or noseband is permitted. Padding of the cheek pieces is not allowed andwill result in elimination.


Preliminary and Novice standard Ordinary snaffle

Elementary – Advanced standards Ordinary snaffle or Double bridle

PSGGP tests that are ridden under National Ordinary snaffle orrules (unless double bridle requested by Double bridleselectors)

International PSG – GP tests ridden under Double bridleFEI rules

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57. NosebandsIt is obligatory to use a noseband. Either a drop, flash or cavesson noseband must beused with a snaffle bridle. Double bridles must use a cavesson noseband. Dropnosebands and flash straps must lie in the chin groove. Grackle nosebands are onlypermitted for Eventing competitions. Nosebands must not cause discomfort.

58. BitguardsBitguards are not allowed.

59. Other tackMartingales and bearing, side or running reins of any kind are forbidden. Reins withelasticated inserts are not permitted, neither are bandages, boots or any sort of blinkers.Tongue straps are not permitted.

Breastplates and breast girths are permitted. Cruppers are permitted but are not allowedfor tests run under FEI Rules.

Neck straps or balancing straps (a loop on the front of the saddle) are permitted at all levels.

Hoof boots or any forms of shoe replacement which cover the bulb of the heel are notpermitted during competition.

60. DecorationAny unusual decoration of the horse with unnatural items such as ribbons, flowers oranything applied to the horse such as glitter is forbidden.

Discreet red bows in the tail for horses that kick or items such as diamante plaitingbands are permitted.

61. Fly Fringes, gauzes and ear coversEar covers/fly fringes are permitted during riding in and for competitions held outdoors,solely to protect the horse from insects. They may not be worn for competitions heldindoors. The ear cover/fly fringe is to be discreet, not brightly coloured and must notcover the horse’s eyes. Ear plugs are not permitted (except for prizegivings). Spotchecks may be carried out immediately after a test to ensure that ear covers/fly fringesare not being used to muffle sound.

Antifly impregnated browbands and fly repellent discs are permitted.

Nose nets are permitted and must be discreetly coloured and cover the nose only,leaving the mouth and bit visible. NB Nose nets are not permitted under FEI rules, whichmay be applied to certain competitions in the UK.

Equilibrium Net Relief Riding Masks are permitted during competition and warm up ifwritten dispensation has been granted from the BD office. A veterinary certificate isrequired to confirm the reason a dispensation is being applied for.

62. StallionsStallions are to be identified by the rider wearing a yellow cross band or stallion disc onthe bridle whilst working in and in competition.


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63. Tack while warming upWhilst warming up, horses may wear only the saddlery allowed for their level ofcompetition, except:

• Boots, bandages and whips are permitted.

• Riders who are visually impaired should wear a white armband.

Warming up in anything other than permitted saddlery (unless specified above) willentail the elimination of both horse and owner/rider from all classes on the day. Anyoneseeing this rule being breached should immediately report it to the Organiser who is toeliminate the horse/rider.

64. LungeingThe lunge rein must be attached to the bit or cavesson and two reins are permissible.Side reins may be used, but not running or balancing reins. The rider may be mountedwhile the horse is being lunged and may hold the reins. The rider must obtain permissionto lunge from the organiser, who may designate a specific area.

65. Warming up Except for Grade I and II Paradressage classes, at Summer, Winter, Music Regionals, AreaFestival and Championships, only the competitor may warm up the horse. Another ridermay exercise the horse on a long rein at walk under supervision of the steward ormarshal (who is to be notified). In all other competitions the horse may be warmed up(including being competed in an earlier class) by another person.

If a warm up arena is becoming overcrowded, those not competing on that day may beasked to leave the arena. If at any time during a competition a horse is seen to bebehaving in a dangerous manner which could threaten the safety of other competitors orspectators, a Steward, Marshal, Organiser or Regional Development Officer is authorisedto request the removal of this horse from the arena.


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66. Bits – SnafflesOnly bits following the configuration of those illustrated below are permitted. Indoubt, guidance should be sought from the Sports Operations Manager of BD inwriting with a diagram.

1. Loose ring snaffle

2. a,b,c, Snaffle with jointed mouthpiece where middle piece should be rounded.

3. Eggbutt snaffle.

4. Racing snaffle Dring.

5. Eggbutt snaffle with cheeks.

6. Loose ring snaffle with cheeks (Fulmer).

7. Snaffle with upper cheeks only.

8. Hanging cheek snaffle.

9. Straight bar snaffle. Permitted also with mullen mouth and with egg butt rings.

10. Snaffle with rotating mouthpiece.

11. Snaffle with rotating middle piece.

12. Rotary bit with rotating middle piece.


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Bits of rubber, nylon or other synthetic materials are permitted. Bits must be used in theirmanufactured condition without any addition to any part. Only the bits illustrated arepermitted; mouthpieces may be used with any of the cheeks or rings illustrated. A mix ofmetals in the mouthpiece is permitted. A plastic snaffle with a cylindrical rotatingmouthpiece is permitted. Minimum diameter of the mouthpiece is 10mm. Snaffles used inYoung Horse classes must have a minimum diameter of 14mm.

Snaffles may be used at Advanced level (including National PSG, Inter I, Inter II, Grand Prix)unless a double bridle is requested by the selectors. Double bridles are to be used for allInternational FEI tests.

67. Under 21 classesBridles are to be used as defined in the FEI rules. Bits may vary for U21 classes: pleasecontact BD for details.

68. Bits Double bridleBits should follow the configuration of those illustrated below:Bridoons:1. Loose ring bridoon bit.2. a,b,c Bridoon bit with jointed mouthpiece where the middle piece should be rounded.

Eggbutt sides also allowed.2. d Bridoon bit with rotating middle piece.2. e Bridoon Rotary bit with rotating middle piece.3. Eggbutt bridoon bit.4. Bridoon bit with hanging cheeks.

Curbs :5. Halfmoon curb bits.6.+7 Curb bit with straight cheeks and port.8. Curb bit with port and sliding mouthpiece (Weymouth). A curb bit with rotating lever

arm is also allowed.9. Variation of bits No 6, 7 & 8.10. Curb bit with Scurved cheeks.11. Curb chain (metal or leather or a combination).12. Lip strap.13. Leather cover for curb chain.14. Rubber cover for curb chain.

NB. Curb chain hooks must not be fixed.


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Bridoons:


Bits must be used in their manufactured condition without any addition to/on any part.The lever arm of the curb is limited to 10 cm in length (length below the mouthpiece). Theupper cheek must not be longer than the lower cheek. The ring of the bridoon bit must notexceed 8 cm in diameter. If the curb has a sliding mouthpiece, the lever arm of the curb bitbelow the mouthpiece should not measure more than 10cm when the mouthpiece is at theuppermost position. The diameter of the mouthpiece of the bridoon and/or curb must besuch as not to hurt the horse.

Rigid bits coated in plastic are permissible in a double bridle however flexible rubber bitsare not permissible.

The curb chain may be made of leather, metal or a combination and must be fitted in theconventional way.

All competitors are advised to check their FEI Rule Book before taking part in acompetition run under FEI rules.

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* Whips and commanders are not allowed in Finals, Championships or at theSelectors’ request.

** A flash/drop noseband may be used in conjunction with a snaffle only.

*** A double bridle may be required at the request of the selectors.

69. Quick guide to BD Rules

Some rules vary slightly when tests are being ridden under different discipline rules.

Key to symbols: P – permitted, X – forbidden, C compulsory

Intro, Prelim P X P P P P& Novice

Elementary P P P P P P

Medium P P P P P P

Advanced P P P P P PMedium

Advanced P P P P P** P

Regular PSG, Int I, P*** P P C P** PInt II, GP & GPS

Premier League PSG, X C P C X XInt I, Int II, GP & GPS

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Section 5 – The Arena and Performing the test

70. Arena layout

Arenas are to be set out to the dimensions shown.The arena should be level and separated from the public by a distance all round of 15metres for International competitions and at least 10 metres for other events if moreroom is not available. Adjacent arenas should be a minimum of 5 metres apart. Roping(incorporating safety break points) should be used when necessary to prevent intrusion.The arenas may be marked in the following ways:

a) By a continuous surround of white boards.

b) By intermittent white boards placed at each corner and opposite each marker.

NB –Alternative arena surrounds may be used with permission from BD.

Plan of 20 x 40 arena


The length of the diagonal from corner to corner is 44.72 m

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The length of the diagonal from corner to corner is 63.25m

71. Markers

The outer markers must be clearly visible. Arena boards may be marked opposite eachoutside marker. A gap of about one metre each side of the centre line must be left at Ato form an entrance and the A marker placed far enough back to allow horses to enterthe arena on a straight track.

72. Inspection of arenas

The Judge is responsible for checking that the arena is satisfactory and having itmodified as necessary.

Plan of 20 x 60 arena

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73. Competitors’ conduct

Riders and owners of competing horses and their assistants must, under penalty ofelimination, obey any order or direction given to them by any official and they must, inparticular, be careful not to do anything liable to upset or hinder the progress of thecompetition.

74. Competitors’ responsibility/declarations

The competitor is responsible for arriving at the appropriate competition arena earlyenough so that they start their test at the designated time. The competition time allocatedto the competitors is the time that they should start their test.

75. Riding the wrong test

A rider who starts the wrong test for the class may be allowed to restart the test (at theJudge’s discretion) as long as they can do so immediately. They will be penalised for a firsterror of course.

76. Numbers

Ideally all horses should wear numbers on both sides of their bridle or saddle cloth.Competitors without numbers will be given a verbal warning. Horses attendingaffiliated competitions are to wear their competition numbers at all times when theyare ridden or exercised.

77. Riding in collecting ring or practice areas/arenas

Riders are to behave with consideration to their fellow competitors whilst working in:

a) Pass left hand to left hand when meeting another rider coming in the oppositedirection unless they are in counter canter, when you should give way by circling.

b) Make tack adjustments outside the arena if possible, or near the middle of the arena,but without obstructing the diagonal or centre lines.

c) To avoid accidents, announce that you intend to enter an indoor practice area.

d) Ensure your whip is not so long or used so that it could upset a passing horse.

e) Do not halt or walk on the outside track and always leave room for other riders to pass.

f) Do not lunge without the permission of the Organiser and only if there is sufficientroom so as not to cause inconvenience to other riders.

g) Trainers or other pedestrians are not to stand in the collecting rings or practiceareas/arenas and must minimise disruption to other riders when helping their client.

h) Riders with impaired vision should wear a white armband whilst warming up as anindication to other riders.

i) If a warmup arena is becoming overcrowded, the Organiser or steward/marshal mayask competitors not competing that day to leave. An organiser/steward may impose alimit on the number of horses allowed in the warmup arena, giving priority to thoseclosest to performing their test.

78. Commanders

a) Commanders may be used in all classes except Area Festivals, Premier Leagues,Championships and Selection Trials, although they may be used for warm up classes.Organisers who do not wish to allow commanders at their shows must state this inthe schedule.


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b) Where commanders are allowed the competitor is responsible for ensuring that onlythe words of the printed text or extracts therefrom are read out and that there is noemphasis on any part of the command. The Judge may eliminate the rider if this ruleis not met.

c) The Judge may mark an error of course for repetition of any part of the text if it isused to redirect a competitor in the process of making such an error.

d) Dispensation must be granted by BD for the use of headsets, and will only bepermitted when an independent adult stands next to the caller to check that onlywords from the tests are used.

e) Commanders may be introduced partway through the test at the Judge’s discretion

f) Commanders may not stand inside the arena.

g) A Commander may be used for blind riders in addition to callers.

79. Outside assistance

The Judge is to eliminate a rider who is given any outside assistance designed to help themimprove their performance during a test.

80. Penalties for contravening rules

The penalty for a contravention of these rules will range from a two point deduction foreach occurrence of a minor infringement, such as incorrect dress; to elimination for majorinfringements, such as forbidden tack, or when stated explicitly in the rule concerned.Elimination is always at the discretion of the Judge and the rider will be notified at the endof the test. Points will be deducted from the final score and will not count as errors ofcourse. Please see annex 2 for the table of penalties for contravening rules.

81. Tack Checking

A Steward may be appointed to checking saddlery and equipment, but competitors areresponsible for complying with the rules. If a bit is in question the trainer/groom may beasked to open the horse’s mouth before or after the test at the rider’s discretion.Alternatively, the bridle can be removed following the test. When checked after thecompetition, if the bit is not permitted the horse will be eliminated from the competition.

82. Entering arena before the signal to start

Normally, no horse may enter any arena, other than the practice arena, except whenactually competing, on penalty of elimination. Competitors must wait until the Judgehas signified that they may start before entering the arena. Riders are not to enter orride around the competition arena during a break or whilst the Judge is not present.

Where the construction of the arena makes it impossible for the competitor to rideoutside the entire circumference of the arena before the Judge’s signal to enter issounded, they may ride inside the arena. Where a 40m x 20m arena has been createdwithin a 60m x 20m arena, the competitor is permitted to ride in the entire arena.Depending on the circumstances, riders have the option of entering at A from inside oroutside the arena.

Any horse failing to enter the arena within 45 seconds of the bell being sounded will have a2 mark penalty per Judge awarded. Failure to enter after 90 seconds of the signal to startwill result in elimination.


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83. Execution of test

Movements must follow one another in the order laid down in the test. In a movementcarried out at a specific point, the movement is executed when the rider’s body is levelwith the marker. All tests are to be ridden with both hands except where statedotherwise on the test sheets. In tests up to and including Elementary, transitions may beprogressive except where stated otherwise on test sheets; in simple changes the upwardtransition is always direct.

Competitors may not repeat a movement or put in an extra circle or loop, unless theJudge decides that an error of course has been made, and sounds the horn or bell. If,however, the rider has started a movement and tries to do the same movement again,the Judge is to consider the first movement only and, at the same time, penalise for anerror of course.

84. Dispensation

Any BD member with a physical disability preventing them from riding the test inaccordance with the rules or who requires compensating aids should apply to theDispensation Panel through the BD Para Officer for a Dispensation Certificate.Members applying for dispensation for a permanent disability must be assessed by aqualified FEI or RDA classifier. Contact the BD Para Officer for details.

On classification, if a rider’s impairment is not considered sufficiently severeunder the Para Equestrian rules to warrant classification to Grades I IV, thedispensation panel will review the full classification card submitted by theclassifier. The level of impairment in the relevant affected part of the body will beconsidered (e.g. a rider requesting dispensation for looped reins would have thescores for wrist, fingers and thumb taken into account, but not those for any otherpart of the body). Only riders demonstrating 10% or higher levels of impairment(based on the classification results) in the relevant body part will be considered.

When entering a competition, the rider is to send a copy of the DispensationCertificate to the organiser who is to pass it to the Judge. Such competitors must becapable of riding in and competing in the facilities as provided for all competitors. Anyimprovement or deterioration in the rider’s condition must be reported to the BDPara Officer.

85. Salute

Competitors are to take the reins and whip, if carried, in one hand, then lower the freehand to their side and nod their head. Gentlemen wearing top hats may salute in thesame manner or, if they wish, may remove and lower their hat with their free handbefore nodding.

86. Sitting and rising

Trot work may be ridden sitting or rising for all tests at Elementary level and below. AtMedium level trot work must be ridden sitting except extended/medium trotmovements, which may be ridden in rising. At Advanced Medium level and abovesitting trot is mandatory. For National Young Horses tests in 4, 5 and 6 year old classestrot work may be sitting or rising. FEI tests, including Young Horse tests, require sittingtrot except where specifically marked otherwise.


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87. Leaving the arena

Riders are to leave the arena (after the final salute) at walk on a long rein at anappropriate place. The Judge is to eliminate any horse that leaves the arena during atest, when the surround is continuous and 9in high or more. Where the surround is lessthan 9in, no marks are to be given for any movement when the horse places all four feetoutside the arena. Where the arena is marked by a line or intermittent boards, it is at theJudge’s discretion as to the marks deducted. Any horse leaving the arena not undercontrol is to be eliminated. A test begins when the horse enters at A and finishes when itmoves off from the final salute.

88. Dismounting and/or fall of rider/horse

If, after the rider has entered the arena, they dismount without a reason acceptable tothe Judge, no marks will be given for the movement. In the case of a fall of horse and/orrider, the combination will be retired immediately from that test but may ride in furthertests if the rider declares they are fit to continue.

89. Resistance

a) Any horse failing to enter the arena within 45 seconds of the bell being sounded willhave a 2 mark penalty awarded by each Judge. Failure to enter after 90 seconds ofthe signal to start will result in elimination.

b) The Judge is to eliminate any horse refusing to continue the test for a period of 20consecutive seconds during a test.

90. Grinding teeth and tail swishing

Teeth grinding and tail swishing may be signs of nervousness, tenseness or resistanceand can be taken into account by the judges in their marks for the movementsconcerned as well as in the appropriate collective mark at the end.

91. Voice

The use of the rider’s voice is prohibited and is to be penalised by the loss of two marksfrom the score that would have been awarded for each movement in which it occurred.

92. Errors of course

When a rider makes an error of course (takes the wrong turn, omits a movement etc),the Judge at C is to ring the bell. If necessary, the Judge will explain the point at whichthe rider must take up the test again, and the next movement to be executed. However,in some cases when the sounding of the bell would unnecessarily impede the fluency ofthe performance – eg if the competitor makes a transition from medium trot to collectedwalk at V instead of K or, cantering up the centre line from A, makes a pirouette at Dinstead of at L – it is up to the Judge to decide whether to ring the bell or not.

The Judge should ring the bell when a movement is executed at the wrong marker, if there isthe possibility of a similar mistake when the movement is repeated on the other rein. If thecombination does not enter at A in a Freestyle test, two marks are to be deducted.

If the Judge does not realise until the competitor has left the arena that one or moremovements have been omitted he must:a) Adjust as necessary the position of his marks and comments on his sheet to accord

with the movements actually performed.


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b) Give to each of the movements not executed a mark equal to the average of thecollective marks entered at the bottom of his sheet (averaged to the nearest half).

c) Record the penalty for error of course.

93. Penalties for errors of courseEvery error of the course, whether the bell is sounded or not, is to be penalised:• the first time by 2 points• the second time by 4 points• the third time the competitor is eliminated, although he may continue his

performance to the end, marks being awarded in the ordinary way.

94. Errors of the test

If a competitor makes an error of the test (eg, trots rising instead of sitting, or at thesalute does not take the reins in one hand) he is to be penalised as for an error ofcourse. The writer is to put a star against the movement concerned and mark an errorat the bottom of the sheet. Competitors are not to repeat a movement of the testunless the Judge at C decides on an error of course and sounds the bell. If, however,the rider has started the execution of a movement and tries to do the samemovement again, the Judges must consider only the first movement shown and alsopenalise for an error of course. The penalty points are deducted on each Judge’ssheet from the total points given to the competitor.

95. Time

The approximate times given on National test sheets are for guidance only. Timepenalties are not awarded under BD or FEI Rules except for Freestyle Tests.

96. Lameness

In the case of marked lameness, the Senior Officiating Judge is to inform the riderthat he is eliminated. There is no appeal against the decision. If there are any doubtsas to a horse’s soundness, the competitor will be allowed to complete the test andany unevenness of pace severely penalised.

97. Scoring method

Each Judge will allot from 010 points for each numbered movement and collective.Half marks from 0.5 9.5 may be used. The marks are then added together and anypenalty marks are deducted. It is essential that all penalty marks are deducted fromthe individual totals before these are added together. Where there is a panel of 2 ormore judges, the final percentage is calculated by adding the scores for all judges andcalculating the percentage for the combined total.

Under both BD and FEI Rules the Judges’ marks are totalled to find the finalpercentage. If 2 riders achieve the same percentage, the horse with the highercollective marks is to take the higher placing. If the total of the collective marks isalso equal the horses concerned are to be given the same placing.


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98. Scale of marks

The scale of marks is as follows:10 Excellent 4 Insufficient9 Very Good 3 Fairly Bad8 Good 2 Bad7 Fairly Good 1 Very Bad6 Satisfactory 0 Not Executed5 Sufficient

The marks 10 and 0 must be awarded where the performance warrants their use. “Notexecuted” means that nothing required has been performed.

99. Judges’ sheets

Score sheets, one per horse per Judge, may be purchased from the BD office. Thesetests are protected by copyright: photocopying is not permitted, and legal action will betaken against offenders.

When judges have sanctioned their distribution, competitors may collect their sheets.Competitors taking part in two classes on the same day judged by the same Judge, arenot to have access to their score sheets before competing in the second test. Judges’score sheets with remarks signed by the Judge must be treated as confidential untilgiven to the competitor, when they become his or her private property. Organisers arenot obliged to make public any figures other than total marks, percentage scoresawarded and results.

100.Judges’ decision final

In all cases the Judges’ decision is final.

a) Any complaint against a Judge must be made in writing and in accordance with theofficial complaints procedure.

b) The BD Board may direct the retest of any Judge, or remove him/her from theOfficial Panel, giving reasons for their decision. If necessary complaints may beforwarded to the Disciplinary SubCommittee (DSC).

c) Any Judge under investigation is to be suspended until their hearing.

101.Cautions

a) The Judge is authorised to caution a competitor as to his conduct at an affiliated show. All such cautions must be reported to the Chief Executive in the following form:

“I have to report that at the .....Show, on ....(date), I had occasion to caution ...(name) as to his conduct....(Signature of Judge)”

b) If the same member receives a second caution within a period of 3 calendar years,the Chief Executive will call for a full report of the incident which gave rise to thesecond caution and may refer this to the DSC as a case of misconduct. The DSC willbe advised of any previous caution.


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102.Objections

Only the owner, his agent or the rider of a horse taking part in a competition may lodgean objection. Objections must be made in writing to the Secretary of the competition,accompanied by a deposit of £25, not later than 1 hour after the final results are put ontothe scoreboard.

The senior dressage Judge present should adjudicate whenever possible. If this is notpossible the objection should immediately be referred to the BD Office for considerationby the DSC.

The deposit is forfeited unless the objection is upheld or it is decided that there weregood and reasonable grounds for lodging an objection. Where an objection relates to ascoring error, the competitor must notify the organiser within 24 hours of the resultbeing published, if a change needs to be made or a possible qualification registered.

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Section 6 – Judges

103. Appointment and deselection

Judges of affiliated classes must be on the Official Judges’ Panel. They are appointedby the organisers of competitions or by BD. Judges must be 18 years or over uponapplication. Where appropriate, Judges subject to investigation may be suspendeduntil their hearing. A Judge may be deselected from the Official Judges Panel by BD ifhe or she:a) is in serious or repeated breach of the BD Judges’ Code of Conduct;b) brings BD or its name or reputation into any form of disrepute;c) is determined by the DSC or the Chief Executive (using his/her summary powers) to

be in breach of any BD Rule; d) commits any act of dishonesty or criminal offence;e) is in breach of any of the subparas aq inclusive of the conduct of members in the

annexes.

104.Foreign Judges

Only FEI 3, 4 or 5* Foreign Judges may officiate at affiliated BD competitions. Irishjudges may officiate at one list lower than their Irish listing and must be BD members.

105. Positioning of Judges

A Jury usually consists of 2, 3 or 5 judges.

Judges may be positioned on the outside of the arena at E,H,C,M & B. The President sitsat C, and 2 others (M and H) on either side of the Judge at C, to the inside of the long sides.Side Judges are placed at B & E. There should always be a Judge at C but the positioningof the other Judges may be decided by the Jury. A Jury of 2 Judges may be positionedclose together either side of C, or one at C and one at E or B. The Judges’ boxes should besited at least 2 metres away from the side of the arena to ensure a full view.

106.Judging restrictionsThe following restrictions apply for affiliated dressage competitions:

a) The Judge may not be the owner of or have a financial interest in any horse in the class.b) The Judge may not be in a relationship with or a close relative of a rider or owner.c) No Judge may judge a horse at Advanced level which has been in their ownership

within 2 years of the date of the competition concerned.d) No Judge may judge a horse at levels up to and including Advanced Medium which has

been in their ownership within one year of the date of the competition concerned.e) The Judge must try to avoid judging any combination with whose training he/she

has been regularly involved, unless exceptional circumstances demand it, (eg at veryshort notice). In this instance the Judge must record the possible conflict of interestwith the Organiser which must then be displayed on the scoreboard. Regulartraining is defined as having trained a horse or rider more than three times in thepreceding 12 months and not within four weeks of a competition.

f) No Judge may judge a freestyle if they have participated in the making of a musicalCD or creation of the floor plan used by a competitor in the class.

g) Judges, writers, or others within earshot of the Judge are not to write a commentaryof the class for publication.

h) BD reserves the right to refuse an application from a Judge for upgrading to any List,without giving a reason.

i) A Judge can be asked to judge up to 40 horses. BD recommends that after judgingeach block of 10 horses, Judges are given a 15 minute break.


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107.Standards at which Judges may officiateUnless stated, only one Judge is required (See also Special Rules for Qualifiers)

List 1 Tests of all levels. For Grand Prix and Intermediate II (nonqualifiers) oneList 1 judge is required but for Grand Prix where possible 2 judges arepreferred. Young Horse Qualifiers and Non Qualifiers. All Eventing.

List 2A All tests up to and including Intermediate I. Young Horse Qualifiers and NonQualifiers. All Eventing.

List 2 All tests up to and including Prix St Georges, Young Horse Qualifiers andNon Qualifiers. All Eventing.

List 3A All tests up to and including Advanced Medium. Young Horse Non Qualifiers. All Eventing.

List 3 All tests up to and including Medium. Young Horse Non Qualifiers. OpenIntermediate, Intermediate and Intermediate Novice Eventing.

List 4 All tests up to and including Elementary. Young Horse Non Qualifiers. OpenIntermediate, Intermediate and Intermediate Novice Eventing..

List 5 All tests up to and including Novice. Eventing Novice and Open Novicetests. All Riding Club and Pony Club tests.

List 6 Introductory and Preliminary Tests. Eventing BE100, BE90 & BE80. RidingClub tests up to and including Novice standard, except when used as aqualifier. All Pony Club tests.

108.Special rules for Qualifiers and Area Festivals

a) Qualifiers including Freestyle to Music Qualifiers

Grand Prix Two judges from List 1

Intermediate II Two judges from List 1

Intermediate I One Judge from List 1 or 2a. For Premier Leagues, 2 or 3Judges, one of which must be List 1

Prix St Georges One Judge from List 1, 2 or 2a. For Premier Leagues 2 or 3Judges, one of which must be List 1 or 2a

Advanced Medium One Judge from List 1, 2A, 2 or 3A

Medium One Judge from List 1, 2A, 2, 3A or 3

Elementary One Judge from List 1, 2A, 2, 3A, 3 or 4

Novice One Judge from List 1, 2A, 2, 3A, 3, 4 or 5

Preliminary One Judge from List 1, 2A, 2, 3A, 3, 4, 5 or 6

Young Horse One Trainer for Potential International Dressage Horse classes.One Judge from List 1, 2A or 2 and one Trainer for Young HorseQualifiers/Championships.

b) Area Festivals

If dispensation for only one judge is given, he/she must come from the higher list.

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Prix St Georges Two judges, one from List 1 and one from 2 or 2a

Advanced Medium Two judges, one from List 2 and one from 3a

Medium Two judges, one from List 3a and one from 3

Elementary Two judges, one from List 3a and one from 3

Novice Two judges, one from List 3 and one from 4

Preliminary Two judges, one from List 3 and one from 4

109 Duration of judging

The judging begins when the rider enters at A and finishes when the rider moves off fromthe final salute.

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Section 7 – Qualifying and Championships

110. Eligibility General Rules

a) Eligibility for qualifying classes

i. Horses and riders must be eligible for qualifiers at the close of entries.

ii. To gain qualification, riders must be members of BD at the time of competing,except for Area Festivals where qualification on class tickets is permitted.

iii. Classes designated a Championship (including Area Festivals) may not be usedto provide part qualification towards a Regional Championship.

iv. Riders placed in the top 10 with 65% or above in Preliminary at the NationalChampionships/Winter Championships may not compete in the PreliminaryChampionships in future years.

Riders placed in the top 10 with 65% or above in Restricted Novice or RestrictedElementary class, or placed in the top 5 with 66% or above in a RestrictedMedium or Restricted Advanced Medium class at the NationalChampionships/Winter Championships may not compete subsequently in theRestricted section for that level or below that level in future years.

The above is effective immediately on gaining such a placing; any preexistingqualification is to be switched to the Open section of the Winter/SummerRegional Championships.

v. Riders placed in the top 10 of the Novice, Elementary or Medium RestrictedFreestyle Championships with 68% or more are required to ride in the Opensection of the appropriate Freestyle class in future years. However theireligibility to ride in Restricted sections in nonFreestyle classes is not affected.

b) Eligibility for Regional Championships and Area Festivals

i. All Horses and Riders competing in any Championship or Area Festivals must bebe fully registered.

ii. Having qualified, horses and riders may compete in all Championships even ifthey have subsequently upgraded except for Preliminary level and unlessindicated to the contrary by any other qualification rule.

iii. A copy of the notification of qualification must be attached to all entries for theRegional Championships.

iv. Riders qualifying one horse for both the Open and Restricted sections at thesame level may choose which section they wish to compete in at the RegionalChampionships but may not compete in both sections.

v. Riders qualifying several horses at the same level and having one or more in theOpen section must compete them all in the Open section.

vi. Competitors may choose at which Summer/Winter Regional Championship theycompete and may compete in different Regionals if they have qualified morethan one horse. The same horse may not compete at the same level at anyRegional Championship in any one season.

vii. Restricted riders may not ride at a higher level in an Open section than they ridein a Restricted section.

viii. Riders may not ride at Regional Championships, Regional Music Championshipsor Area Festivals at 2 Restricted levels. Those who have qualified at 2 Restrictedlevels must compete in the Open section at the lower qualified level if theychoose to compete at both levels.

ix. Horses which have qualified directly for the National Championships may not goto the preceding Regional Championships at the same level that year.


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x. If there is a change of rider for horses qualified for the Regional Championships(including Music) the new rider must be eligible to ride the horse in the sectionfor which it has qualified unless the qualification has been compulsorilyupgraded to the Open section.

xi. Riders who upgrade from Restricted to Open at a given level midseason maycarry forward points gained previously from Restricted sections, subject topoints/percentages matching the requirements of the Open sectionqualification. To do this the rider must notify the BD Office in writing.

xii. Horses which have been qualified by a rider in the Restricted section may beridden in the Open section if the Open qualification criteria are met and hasbeen authorised by BD. Horses qualified in the Open section may not revert tothe Restricted section.

c) Eligibility for National/Winter Championships

i. To qualify from a Regional Championship to the National or WinterChampionships eligible combinations must gain 65% or above unless awarded awild card.

ii. Except for Young Horse classes, a rider may not be changed followingqualification from Regional Championship or where qualification is direct.

iii. If a horse is unable to compete at the championship, the next highest placedcompetitor from the relevant qualifying Regional Championship will be invited tocompete, providing that the BD Office is informed a week before the close ofentries for the Championship concerned and wild cards have not yet been issued.

iv. The starting order for Championship Finals will be drawn, if necessary inmultiple sections, depending on the qualification percentages.

v. BD reserves the right to offer wild card places for any BD Championship.

vi. A horse may only be entered in a maximum of 2 levels at the National/WinterChampionships (excluding Young Horse classes).

111. Cut off dates

A series of competitions qualify for Regional Championships. The cutoff dates in thetable below shows the time periods in which points can be earned for Preliminary to InterI qualification.

The exception to this table is that qualification points for PSG to Inter I may still begained from Premier Leagues up until the 30th June.

The cutoff date for PSGGP direct qualifications and for those wishing to submitoverseas CDI scores for inclusion on the wild card list is the last day of the final PremierLeague/UK based CDI competition of the calendar year.

The table below shows the specific time period for Young Horse Qualification


01 Dec – 31 May Qualification for the Summer Regional Championships

1 June – 30 Nov Qualification for Winter Regional Championships

01 Jan – 31 Dec Qualification for Winter Music Regional Championships

01 March – 30 June Qualification for Young Horse Championships (except for thePotential International Young Dressage Horse Championships)

01 March – 31 July Qualification for the Potential International Young DressageHorse Championships

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112. Area Festivals

Please also read general rules for qualifying and Championships as some items are alsoapplicable to Area Festivals.

a) Scope of Area Festivals

i) Classes are from Preliminary to Prix St Georges level, with Restricted and Opensections from Novice to Advanced Medium level.

ii) Area Festivals classes carry grading points and count as qualifiers for the FestivalFinal. Area Festivals may also run regular BD classes including Freestyle toMusic. Combinations must be eligible for any non Area Festival classes.

b) Eligibility for Area Festivals

i) Qualification is restricted to individual horse/rider combinations.

ii) Once qualified, combinations may compete even if they subsequently upgrade,except for Preliminary where riders must remain as Group 7 or 8 riders at theclose of entries of their Area Festival.

iii) Horse and rider combinations may only ride in Area Festivals at 2 consecutive levelsin the qualification cycle: eg Preliminary/Novice or Medium/Advanced Medium.

iv) Combinations competing at Regional Championships are ineligible for AreaFestivals at that level or below in the same calendar year except for Freestyleclasses, when they only lose their eligibility to compete in Area Festivals if theycompete at the Winter Championships.

v) Group 38 riders may compete in Area Festivals up to and including PSGaccording to normal eligibility rules. Only Group 7 & 8 riders may compete atPreliminary level. Group 2 riders may only compete at Medium level and above.

Group 2A riders who have not ridden in a CDI may only compete in AdvancedMedium and PSG. Group 1 and 2A riders who have ridden in a CDI may notenter Area Festivals.

U21 riders eligible to wear a Union Flag pocket badge may not compete in AreaFestivals during the period they are entitled to wear the badge.

vi) Once a rider has ridden at the National or Winter Championships (includingMusic Championships), they cannot compete at that level or below on anotherhorse in Area Festivals in that year or the following year.

If a rider qualifies for the Area Festival Championships before the NationalChampionships they lose their eligibility to compete in the Area FestivalChampionships at that level or below once they compete at the NationalChampionships.

Riders who have competed in any Para Equestrian Championship, or the AreaFestival Championship which runs alongside the Winter Championships, areexempt from this restriction.

vii) Riders placed in the top 10 with 65% or above in Preliminary at the Area FestivalChampionship may not compete in the Area Festivals at Preliminary level infuture years.

Riders placed in the top 10 with 65% or above in the Restricted Novice orRestricted Elementary class, or placed in the top 5 with 66% or above in aRestricted Medium or Restricted Advanced Medium class at the Area FestivalChampionship may not compete in the Restricted section for that level or belowthat level in future years.


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This is effective immediately on gaining such a placing; any preexistingqualification is to be switched to the Open section of the Area FestivalChampionships. However their eligibility to ride in Restricted sections insummer/winter regional classes is not affected.

viii) Associate members may qualify at Preliminary level in Open Preliminary classes.They must be a Group 7 or 8 rider when qualifying.

ix) Horses/ponies need to be at least associate registered to qualify for an AreaFestival when competing in Open Preliminary classes but must not have morethan 49 BD points when qualifying. Horses must be fully registered to competeat Area Festivals at all levels.

x) Nonmembers may qualify using scores gained on Class Tickets but both horseand rider must be fully registered before entering any Area Festival.

xi) Combinations may not compete at two restricted levels in one or multiple AreaFestivals in a calendar year.

c) Qualifying for Area Festivals

i) All qualifying scores must be gained between 1st January of the calendar yearand the close of entries for the relevant Area Festival.

ii) Preliminary to Elementary level qualification requires 3 affiliated scores at 62%and above at the same level and section.

iii) Medium to PSG level qualification requires 2 affiliated scores at 60% and aboveat the same level and section.

iv) Competitors in the Channel Islands, IOM and IOW may qualify with 2 affiliatedscores at 62% and above at Preliminary to Elementary and 1 affiliated score at 60%and above from Medium to PSG, providing all qualification is achieved ‘On Island’.

v) BD will inform members who qualify for an Area Festival; a copy of the notificationmust be sent with the entry form. Qualifying scores may only be used once.

Scores from training sections, class tickets, BYRDS/Senior Home International,BYRDS/Senior Inter Regionals and U25 Championships may be used.

Scores from Freestyles, HC tests, Area Festivals and Regional Championshipsmay not be used.

d) Qualification for Area Festival Championships

i) The winning riders with 62% and above in Medium – PSG classes at the AreaFestivals will qualify for the Festival Championships. If classes are split, firstplace from each section will qualify.

ii) At Preliminary Elementary the top 4 combinations with 62% and above willqualify. If the classes are split, the first and second place from each section willqualify. In remote regions Area Festivals may be allocated half qualificationwhere only the top 2 combinations with 62% and above will qualify.

iii) If any combination is already qualified for the Area Festival Championship, thequalification will pass down to the next eligible combination.

iv) Wild cards will be issued to the next highest qualified percentages across allArea Festivals after close of entries for the Area Festival Championships, for anyclass which has not been filled. Entries received after the closing date from prequalified combinations will not be accepted once wild cards have been issued.

v) Combinations which qualify for both the Area Festival Championship and theWinter Championships in the same year may only compete in the Area FestivalChampionship at a higher level than in the Winter Championship. MusicFreestyle classes are included. Those qualified for both at the same level orbelow must withdraw from the Area Festival Championship.


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vi) Members will be notified that they have qualified for the Area FestivalChampionships prior to the Winter Regional Championship taking place.

113. Qualification for Winter/National Championships

a) Points Table for Regional Championships.

See rule 114 for special rule for offshore islands.


Level Points needed Points from qualifiers Minimum %

Preliminary Restricted 19 19 65

Novice Restricted 19 10 65

Novice Open 20 10 67

Elementary Restricted 15 8 64

Elementary Open 18 9 66

Medium Restricted 10 5 63

Medium Open 16 8 64

Adv Med Restricted 8 4 63

Adv Med Open 10 5 64

PSG & Inter I* 6 6 63

*3 points may be gained in CDI’s. Members must notify the office if they want CDIpoints to be included in their total.

b) Qualifier Competition Rules Table

Level Rider Rider Notes Horse Horse Notes

Prelim Restricted

Novice Restricted

Group 8 & 7 only

Must remainGroup 8/7 as atclose of entriesfor RegionalChampionships.

Groups 8 & 7

Full BDmembership.

Full BDmembership.

No more than 49points at close ofentries ofqualifier

No more than124 points atclose of entriesof qualifier

Prelim points tosame scale asother classes;qualificationpurposes only.

Minimum ofAssociateregistration.Must be fullyregistered forRegionalChampionships

Fully registered

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Novice Open

ElementaryRestricted

Elementary Open

Medium Restricted

Medium Open

Advanced MediumRestricted

Advanced MediumOpen

Prix St Georges

Intermediate I

Group 1 and 2Ariders may nottake part inNovice qualifiers.

Groups 86

Group 1 ridersmay not take partin ElementaryQualifiers

Groups 85

All rider groups

Groups 84

All rider groups

Group 3 or above

Group 3 or above

Full BDmembership.

Full BDmembership.

Full BDmembership.

Full BDmembership.

Full BDmembership.

Full BDmembership.

Full BDmembership.

Full BDmembership.

Full BDmembership.








Horses not tohave won morethan 6 points atGP (unlessdowngraded).

Horses not tohave won morethan 12 points atGP (unlessdowngraded).

Horses must be atleast 7 years old.

Fully registered

Fully registered

Fully registered

Fully registered

Fully registered

Fully registered

Fully registered

Fully registered

Fully registered

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• Horses that have started in Inter I classes or above may not compete in Prelim Medium qualifiers unless they have been downgraded.

• Horses which have started in Intermediate II classes may not compete in qualifiersup to and including Advanced Medium unless they have been downgraded.

• If a qualifier is oversubscribed Organisers may run additional sections.

• Points won by a Group 1 or Group 2a rider may not count as a part qualification forNovice and/or Elementary Classes for the horses concerned

c) Direct Qualification

Direct qualification for the National Championships may be achieved by horses that havecompeted in Premier Leagues, CDI’s abroad and UK based CDI’s, at PSG level and above:

Direct Qualification Rules Table for National Championships

PSG & Intermediate I

In qualifiers at Premier Leagues and UKbased CDIs, 2 combinations from the show will qualifydirectly with 65% or above. If there is only one qualifier the top 2 combinations will qualify. Ifthere are two, both winners will qualify. If the qualifiers are oversubscribed, they may be splitwith the winners of the sections qualifying, making a total of 4 qualifiers from that show.



Prix St Georges

Intermediate I

Intermediate II

Grand Prix

Group 3 or above

Group 3 or above

Group 3 or above

Group 3 or above

Full BDMember

Full BDMember

Full BDMember

Full BDMember

Horses not to havemore than 6 pointsin GP (unlessdowngraded).


Horses not to havemore than 12points in GP(unlessdowngraded).



Horses may notcompete in morethan one GP classeach day.


Fully Registered

Qualification willnot pass downfrom prequalifiedhorses

Fully Registered


Fully Registered

Qualification willpass down.

Fully registered


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If all the direct places are not filled from the Premier Leagues a first allocation of wildcards will be issued prior to the Summer Regional Championships taking place.

Combinations which have competed in PSG and Inter I in CDIs abroad may request thattheir highest score be entered onto the wild card list if they notify the BD Office inwriting before the end of the qualifying period for direct qualification to the NationalChampionships.

Intermediate I Freestyle Championship The top combinations in the Intermediate IChampionships will qualify but marks will not be carried forward.

Intermediate II

Direct qualification for the National Championships will only be from Premier Leagues &UK Based CDI’s. 2 combinations from the show will qualify directly with 65% or above. Ifthere is only one qualifier the top two combinations will qualify. If there are two the 2winners will qualify. If both qualifiers are oversubscribed, one may split with the winnersof both sections qualifying, making a total of 3 qualifiers from that show.

If a qualifying place is taken by a prequalified horse, the qualification will pass down tothe next highest placing at 65% or above.

Horses which gain 5 or more grading points in Intermediate II qualifiers at 65% or abovewill potentially be eligible for a wildcard. Three points must be won from either PremierLeague qualifiers or UK based or overseas CDI classes. Any allocation will be based onthe highest score earned at a Premier League or CDI.

Combinations which have qualified directly for the Grand Prix Championship and theIntermediate II Championship are only eligible to compete in both if they have notcompeted at GP CDI/ CDIO level abroad. Combinations which have competed at GPlevel at a CDI/CDIO abroad are eligible to compete in the GP Championship only.

Grand Prix

Places for the Grand Prix Championships will be allocated as follows;

• Automatic qualification for the selected combinations for that year’s seniorEuropean or World Championships or Olympic Games.

• Automatic qualification for the winners of each of Premier League GP class(excluding GP Special or Freestyle) scoring 65% or above.

• Qualification to the 4 horses who have achieved the highest scores above 65% inUK based or overseas CDI Grand Prix classes (excluding GP Special or Freestyle).

• Qualification to the 4 horses who achieve the highest average score above 65%from 3 Premier League or High Profile Show Grand Prix classes (excluding GPSpecial or Freestyle). At least one score must come from a Premier League.

If the places are not filled by the above method, additional places will be filled by takingthe next highest score from either the CDI list or the list of the highest average scoresfrom 3 Premier League/ High Profile Show Grand Prix classes.

The top 10 combinations will go through to the Grand Prix Freestyle. Riders who enterthe Grand Prix class at the National Championships automatically declare theirintention to compete in the Grand Prix Freestyle if qualified. In cases of legitimatewithdrawal due to illness or veterinary/welfare reasons the next qualified combinationwill move up.

U25 Grand Prix classes do not form part of the qualification for the NationalChampionships.


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The marks from both sections will be added and the average percentage calculated todetermine the National Champion.

114. Special rules for Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight and offshore islandsFor all levels, half the qualifying points must be achieved at the required percentage andat least half these points must be gained in qualifiers. Where the total points required isan odd number, the number of points needed under these special rules will be roundedup eg Prelim will require 10 points all from qualifiers and Novice Restricted will require 10points, 5 from qualifiers. This rule only applies to residents in Jersey, Guernsey, Isle ofWight, Isle of Man and other offshore islands. Riders who gain points at competitionsheld on the mainland may only use them towards the full qualification total. Onisland points may also be used towards the full total, but off island points may notbe used towards the reduced on island total.

115. General rules applicable to all Freestyle to Music qualifiersa) Riders must provide their own CD, timed to run from the moveoff from the halt at

the start of the test, until the final halt. Halts must be on the centre line facing theJudge. No more than 20 seconds of introductory music may be played beforeentering the arena at A.

b) To compete in Music competitions and Qualifiers at any level riders must be Full, BDMusic or BRC Music members on a fully registered or associate registered horse.Riders must upgrade to Full Membership and full horse registration to compete in aRegional Music Championship or any other Championship.

c) All tests must include the compulsory movements for the relevant level and mayalso include additional movements at that level or below.

d) All music must be licensed. A PPL licence and music record form can be obtainedfrom the BD office.

e) Minimum percentages for all levels apply.f) At Novice and Elementary levels, qualifiers may be held in a 40 x 20 arena at the

organiser’s discretion; this must be advertised in the schedule.

Level Length of Test Minimum Maximum Rider/horse Qualification Score Points eligibility

NoviceRestricted

Novice Open

ElementaryRestricted

ElementaryOpen

MediumRestricted

Medium Open

4 – 5 minutes

4 – 5 minutes

4 ½ 5 minutes

4 ½ 5 minutes

4 ½ 5 minutes

4 ½ 5 minutes

67% 2 highest nonqualified combinations






124 and notstarted at Int Ior above124 and notstarted at Int Ior above199and notstarted at Int Ior above199and notstarted at Int Ior above

299 and notstarted at Int Ior above

299 and notstarted at Int Ior above

Rider groups 8 or7 only

All groups exceptgroups 1 and 2A

Rider groups 8 to6 only

All groups exceptgroup 1

Rider groups 8 to5 only

All Groups

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116.Qualification for the Wellington Freestyle to Music Championships

Advanced Medium

The highest placed nonqualified combinations of each Wellington Direct Qualifierwill qualify directly for the Advanced Medium Freestyle Championships at WellingtonRiding providing they achieve 65% or above. Wild cards may be given to nonqualified combinations with the highest % gained in direct qualifiers. Open to horsesthat at the time of qualifying have not started at Intermediate II level and not havemore than 425 points.

Prix St Georges

The winners of each Wellington Direct Qualifier will qualify for the Prix St GeorgesFreestyle Championship at Wellington Riding providing they achieve 65% or above. Wildcards may be given to nonqualified combinations with the highest % gained in directqualifiers. Open to any combination which has not won more than 6 points at Grand Prix;horses must be at least 7 years old.

117. Qualification from Regionals to National/Winter Championships and wild cardallocation

a) Combinations qualify from Regionals to the National or Winter Championships on aproportional basis, depending on the total number qualified at each level and thenumber of starters at each Regional Championship. A table showing the ratio ofqualifiers to starters and any variation on the proportional qualification basis for aspecific class is to be displayed at each Regional Championship.

b) Wild cards are a means of qualifying for a championship other than gainingqualification at the Winter or Summer Regionals or direct from a Premier League.When determining the ratio for direct qualification from Regional Championships, apercentage of the available places at the Nationals are retained for use as wild cards.

c) Immediately after the final Winter or Summer Regional Championships thosequalified at Preliminary – Advanced Medium are listed and the remaining places inthe relevant Championship class are filled by the nonqualified competitors with thenext highest percentages from across all of the Regionals. Wild cards are onlydistributed after all Championship places have been allocated to those who qualifyby right. If combinations on the wild card list end on equal percentages, thecollectives will decide the order of acceptance.

d) For Prix St Georges and Intermediate I, wild cards are to be offered to nonqualifiedcombinations from both Premier Leagues and Regional Championships, with theaim of having approximately 70% of the places available at the NationalChampionships filled from combinations competing at Premier Leagues/CDIs.

e) The Board may offer places for any BD Championship or Regional Championship.This discretion is mainly for higher level classes at the National Championships andfor horses that the selectors would like to see in top class competition.


Level Length of Test Minimum Maximum Rider/horse Qualification Score Points eligibility

Ad Medium

PSG

4 ½ 5 minutes

4 ½ 5 minutes– FEI YR FS Test



425 and notstarted at Int IIor above

Not more than6 GP points

All Groups

Groups 3 andabove. Horse atleast 7 yrs old

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118.Potential International Dressage Horse Championship qualifying classes

a) Classes are to be held in an arena minimum area of 60 x 20 or equivalent (1200 sq m)and ideally should be enclosed with fencing.

b) In the first rounds, horses’ natural paces are assessed as they are ridden in groups of 2. Each pair will ride a set pattern which will be commanded. This is not adressage test and marks will not be deducted for riding the wrong pattern. Thepattern is designed to assess the quality of the horse’s paces, talent and training.First round marks are used solely to determine the top 6 horses, which then returnfor final judging. Horses are not stripped or ridden by the Judges. Final placings aredecided between the top 6 horses, disregarding the first round marks.

c) There are separate sections for 4 and 5 year olds.

d) The 1st and 2nd with scores of 7.0 or over from each section go forward to the Finalat the National Championships where they will be prejudged. The top 6 horses ineach age group will go forward to final judging. Once qualified it is mandatory toparticipate in the final. In cases of legitimate withdrawal due to illness orveterinary/welfare reasons the next qualified combination will move up.

e) If the 1st or 2nd placed horse is already qualified for the final, the qualification passesdown to the next eligible combination. If the class is oversubscribed priority is givento those not already qualified.

f) To enter, horses (exceeding 14.3hh) must be 4 or 5 years old. For the qualifyingclasses horses need to be at least associate registered with BD.

g) Horses which have, at the close of entries, won grading points at Medium level arenot eligible to compete in these qualifiers.

h) Owners and riders must be members of BD. There is no lower age limit for riders.

i) The same rules for saddlery, dress and equipment apply as for affiliated Novicedressage competitions.

The Final

a) Before entering the Final, horses must be fully registered with BD.

b) The rider does not have to be the same as for the qualifier.

c) Horses may be ridden by the Judges.

119.General rules relating to all Young Horse classes (except for Potential International Dressage Horse classes)

a) These will be held in a 60 x 20 metre arena. The arena boards must be continuousaround the arena.

b) Open to BD Members riding registered or associate registered horses but horsesmust be fully registered to compete in semifinals or Championships.

c) Horses must be ridden in snaffle bridles.

d) Horses must exceed 14.3hh.

e) No grading points are awarded.

f) The Jury will comprise a BD judge on List 2 or above and a Trainer.

g) Additional Judges may be invited for Regional Championships or Championships.

h) In qualifiers the top 3 nonqualified horses with a score of 7.0 or above go through tothe Championships (or Regional Championships where these are held).

i) The rider in the final does not have to be the same as for the qualifier.

j) Sitting or rising trot is permitted in all Young Horse classes.

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120. Rules relating to the BD Young Dressage Horse Championships

a) At each competition there will be separate qualifying classes for 4 yr olds, 5 yr olds, 6yr olds.

b) The tests to be used at the Championships for the 4, 5 and 6 yr olds are the same asfor the qualifiers.

c) The highest placed Amateur Owner/Rider in each Championship wins an award;those who are eligible must declare this on their entry form.

Tests used for the BD Young Dressage Horse Qualifiers and Championship:

4 yr olds the BD Basic Test for 4 year olds YHB4 2003

5 yr olds National level the BD Elementary Young Horse Test 2009 YHE5 2009

6 yr olds National level the BD Medium Young Horse Test 2009 YHM6 2009

121. Rules relating to the British Young Horse Championships at Hickstead

The qualifiers for these Championships are coordinated by BD in association with TheBritish International Dressage Trainers Foundation and Dressage at Hickstead (DAH). Apanel of representatives of both committees will deal with any problems with theserules. Entrants must accept the decisions of this panel. Enquiries about the competitionshould be directed to DAH, Tel: 01444 882150. There are 10 qualifying rounds butadditional rounds may be added at the discretion of DAH in association with BD. Eachqualifier has separate qualifying classes for National 5 year olds, International 5 year olds,National 6 year olds and International 6 year olds.

Tests used for the British Young Horse Championships qualifiers at Hickstead

5 yr National level the BD Novice Young Horse Test 2004 YHN5 2004

6 yr National level the BD Elem Young Horse Test 2004 YHE6 2004

5 yr International/FEI level the FEI Preliminary Test for 5 yrs FEI YHP5 2009

6 yr International/FEI level the FEI Preliminary Test for 6 yr FEI YHP6 2009

5 yr International/FEI level the FEI Finale Test for 5 yr FEI YHF5 2009

6 yr International/FEI level the FEI Finale Test for 6 yr FEI YHF6 2009

Combinations may qualify for and compete in both International and National Finals.

National level

a) The Championships are held at Hickstead.

b) The test for the Championships will be the same as for the qualifiers.

International level

a) The semifinals for both 5 and 6 year olds will be held at Hickstead.

b) The top combinations from each semifinal will go forwards to the Championshipsheld at Hickstead. The number to go forward will be advised at the semifinal.

c) The Tests for the semifinals and the Championships will be the FEI Finale test for 5yrs – FEI YHF5 2009 and the FEI Finale test for 6 yrs, FEI YHF6 2009.

122. The Sheepgate BD Under 25s Championships

The Sheepgate U25s Championships are open to combinations qualifying at affiliatedcompetitions between 1 December and the closing date for entries.


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There is no lower age limit and riders may take part until the end of the year of their 25thbirthday.

All Riders and Horses must be registered with BD to compete at the U25 Championships.Horses and ponies may be any height.

To obtain a letter of qualification, score sheets or copies of score sheets (with a large SAEfor return) clearly stating date and venue, are to be forwarded to the BYRDS Assistant([email protected]). BD will inform Sheepgate whichcombinations have qualified; the qualification letter need not be sent/shown toSheepgate.

Under 25s Qualifiers Summary

123. Senior Home International Competition

Queries relating to selection for the Senior Home International should be directed to theRegional Development Officer for the corresponding region.

a) Riders must be members (18 and over at 1 January in the year of competition) of BDor Dressage Ireland.

b) Riders must not have competed at the BYRDS Inter Regional Championship orBYRDS Home International in the same year.

c) Riders who have competed internationally in a CDIY/J/P in the UK or abroad or aCPEDI3* or above may only compete if a period of 12 months has passed since theirlast competition at this level. Riders who have represented Great Britain on aParalympic, World or European Para team are not eligible to compete.

d) Riders who have competed at Grand Prix/Intermediate II in the current or precedingcalendar year are not eligible.

e) Horses must be 4 years or over, and 7 years or over for Advanced and PSG classes.

f) Riders or horses who have competed at the BD National or Winter Championshipsincluding Freestyle to Music classes in the previous 12 months are not eligible tocompete at the same level or any level below at this competition.

Level Score Required Horses Riders

Preliminary

Novice

Elementary

Medium

Adv Medium

2 Prelim scores at 62% orabove as a combination

2 Novice scores at 65% orabove as a combination

2 Elementary scores at 65%or above as a combination

2 Medium scores at 63% orabove as a combination

One Adv Med score at 62%or above as a combination

Up to 49 points as at closeof entries





Group 7 or 8

All Groups

All Groups

All Groups

All Groups

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g) Riders who have competed in the Area Festival Championship and/or RegionalChampionships are eligible to compete.

h) Riders must be eligible to compete in accordance with BD rules in the correct ridergroup/level. Rider groups and eligibility are as at the date of close of entries.

i) Results will be recorded however no grading points will be allocated.

j) Points will be awarded for the placings in the team classes. The top 3 scores perteam will count on each day. The individual competition will be determined from theindividual results in the team classes.

k) Teams are to be selected in accordance with the Regional Team Selection Policy.

l) Each team of 4 riders must comprise the following levels: Novice, Elementary andMedium, and 1 rider at either Restricted Novice or Adv Med/PSG level.

m) If a team drops to three members, the remaining members may still compete as ateam, with all three scores to count. If a team drops to two members, they may stillride in the competition for individual placings, however the competition is a teamcompetition and therefore will not start with any individual riders.

n) No whips or commanders are permitted in any of the classes.

o) During the show, only the competitor may school the horse from the saddle.

124. BYRDS Home International Competition

Queries relating to selection for the BYRDS Home International should be directed to theRegional BYRDS Representative for the corresponding region.

a) All riders are to be current members of BD or Dressage Ireland.

b) Riders must be eligible to ride at the level which they intend to compete as follows:

Fledgling Riders: To the end of the year of their 11th birthday, ponies over 5 yearsold as at 1st January.

Pony Riders: From the beginning of the calendar year of their 12th birthday to theend of the calendar year of their 16th birthday, ponies max 14.3hh and 5 years old orover as at 1st January.

Junior Riders: From the beginning of the calendar year of their 12th birthday tothe end of the calendar year of their 18th birthday, horses 5 years old or over as at1st January.

Young Riders: From the beginning of the calendar year of their 16th birthday tothe end of the calendar year of their 25th birthday, horses 5 years old or over as at1st January.

Teams are to consist of 4 riders; one Pony, Junior and Young Rider and oneother who can be a fledgling. Only two riders in any team may ride at the samelevel (novice, elementary, medium). Riders must ride the designated team teston each day.

c) If any invited country does not take up their full complement of teams, othercountries will be offered additional team places. If a team member wishes tocompete a second horse/pony as an individual they will be placed on a waiting listand might be offered a place only after all the team entries have been filled.

d) All classes, will be run under BD rules.

e) No whips or commanders are permitted.

f) Results will be recorded however no grading points will be allocated.


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g) During the show, only the competitor may school the horse from the saddle.

h) Specific competition rules for this event are available via the regional BYRDSrepresentative or RDO.

i) Teams will be selected in accordance with the Regional Team Selection Policy.

j) Points will be awarded for the placings in the team classes, 1st 1 point, 10th 10points. Each day, the top 3 scores per team will count. The individual competitionwill be determined from the individual results in the team classes over the 2 days.

k) Riders may not have competed at the Senior Inter Regional Championship or SeniorHome International in the same year.

l) Warmup tests do not count towards Individual or Team Rankings.

125. Senior InterRegional Competition

Queries relating to selection for the Senior InterRegional should be directed to theRegional BYRDS Representative for the corresponding region.

a) Riders must be 18 years old and over as at 1 January of the year of the competitionand be current members of BD.

b) Each Team will comprise 4 riders from the Region. Each of the specified Team testsmust be ridden according to the rider group eligibility specified in the schedule, withno more than two riders in a team riding the same level.

c) Points will be awarded for the placings in the team classes. The top 3 scores perteam will count on each day. The individual competition will be determined from theindividual results in the team classes.

d) Riders and horses who competed at the Winter Championships (including Freestyleclasses) or/and National Championships in the previous 12 months, or intend tocompete at the BYRDs Inter Regional and/or BYRDS Home Internationalcompetition in the same calendar year, may not also compete at the Senior InterRegional competition.

e) Whips and commanders are permitted.

f) Results will be recorded however no grading points will be allocated.

g) During the competition, only the competitor may school the horse from the saddle.

h) Teams will be selected in accordance with the Regional Team Selection Policy.

126.BYRDS InterRegional Competition

Queries relating to selection for the BYRDS InterRegional should be directed to theRegional Development Officer for the corresponding region.

a) Riders must be current members of BD.

b) Riders who have competed in a Pony, Junior or YR International competition in anydiscipline, either in this country or abroad, and gained a Union Jack pocket badge arenot eligible to compete in that calendar year. Riders who have a EuropeanChampionship pocket badge and have represented GB at European team level inany discipline are not eligible to take part.

c) Fledgling riders who have been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd at Regional Championshiplevel, are not eligible to ride in the Fledgling section at the InterRegional(BYRDS) on the same pony. They can be selected for C Squad.

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The Fledging Champion of the previous year may contest the FledglingChampionship in the current year if on a different horse/pony. If on the samehorse/pony they must move to c squad.

The C Squad Champion of the previous year may contest the C Squad in thecurrent year if on a different horse or pony, if on the same horse/pony they mustmove to B Squad.

C Squad riders who have been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd at Regional Championshiplevel, are not eligible to ride in the C squad section at the InterRegional (BYRDS)on the same pony/horse. They can be selected for B Squad.

The B Squad Champion of the previous year must move up to A squad in thecurrent year irrespective of being on the same horse/pony.

d) There will be a maximum of 5 teams per region. Each team comprises 4 riders fromthe region, 3 of whom must be on different squads, including Fledglings. Riders mayonly ride at the level at which they are currently squadded. Riders can only competewith 1 horse at 1 squad level. Horses may only compete at one level once per day.

e) The team competition is decided on combined points scores over the 2 days. Threescores of the 4 team members will count. The highest points score of each team willbe discounted each day for the team result.

f) Scoring is to be according to place in the class and not marks eg winner of class – 1point, 10th place – 10 points etc. The rider with the lowest score on each day andthen in total is the winner.

g) C Squad competition will be split into two age sections as below. This does not haveany effect on the team composition. In the Individual competition prizes will beawarded from 1st – 3rd place in each section.

Section A– from the beginning of the year of their 12th birthday to the end of theyear of their 14th birthday.

Section B – from the beginning of the calendar year of their 15th birthday to theend of the calendar year of their 25thth birthday.

The Individual C Squad Champion will be awarded to the C Squad rider with thelowest points in the full class results irrespective of section A or B.

h) Rider tests are to be ridden on both competition days. For A and B Squad ridersthese will be different tests – Day 1 and Day 2 Inter Regional Squad Competition.

i) All tests will be judged on rider competence; marks will be given, not percentages.

j) The individual competition is determined from individual results in team classesusing the point scoring system, winner of class – 1 point, 10th place – 10 points etc.

k) Whips, and spurs without rowels are permitted.

l) Fledglings and C Squad riders may have their tests commanded. A and B squadriders are to ride their tests from memory.

m) Teams will be selected in accordance with the Regional Team Selection Policy.

n) During the competition, only the competitor may school the horse from the saddle.

o) Riders may not have competed at the Senior Inter Regional Championship or SeniorHome International in the same year.

p) Results will be recorded however no grading points will be allocated.


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127. Rules for Scottish Championship and Qualificationa) Qualifiers for the Scottish Championships run from 1 August to 31 July.b) Horses that finish 1st and 2nd in each Scottish Championship Qualifying class in

Scotland or elsewhere in Great Britain if ridden by a resident in Scotland or a personborn there will qualify. All affiliated classes at BD competitions held in thequalifying period are qualifiers.

c) Qualifying percentages:• Preliminary 65% or above• Novice 65% or above• Elementary 63% or above• Medium 62% or above• Advanced Medium 60% or above• PSG 60% or above• Inter 1 60% or aboved) Every member will receive a copy of the qualification letter to be used if they qualify.

This will be sent by a representative of the Scottish Region. e) The competitor must send their qualification letter to Jackie Gray, The Kennels

Cottage, Ormiston Farm Steading, Leydon Road, Kirknewton EH27 8DQ within 14days of the date of the competition. Riders may forfeit their place in theChampionships if they fail to correctly record their qualification.

f) Only Group 7 and 8 riders competing on registered or associate registered horseswith no more than 49 points are eligible for Preliminary classes. All horses must befully registered to compete at the Scottish Championships.

g) All entries will be drawn for starting times.

128.Rules for Welsh Championship and Qualificationa) Queries relating to the Welsh Championships should be directed to the Regional

Development Officer for Wales. b) Qualifiers for the Welsh Dressage Championship run from 30 June to 31 May.c) All affiliated classes at BD competitions held in Wales in the qualifying period are

qualifiers. d) To qualify combinations must achieve two scores at the required percentage for

that level.Qualifying percentages:• Restricted section at Prelim with 62% or above• Open and Restricted section at Novice 62% or above• Open and Restricted section at Elementary with 62% or above• Open and Restricted section at Medium with 60% or above• Open and Restricted section at Advanced Medium 60% or above• PSG with 60% or above

e) Each competitor will receive a qualification card which must be completed andsent with their entry to the Final.

f) Only members or associate members of BD riding registered or associateregistered horses are eligible to qualify.

g) The final will be held at the David Broome Event Centre (Mount Ballan) in SouthWales.

h) Only Group 7 and 8 riders competing on registered or associate registered horseswith no more than 49 points are eligible for Preliminary classes. All horses mustbe fully registered to compete at the Welsh Championships.

i) No commanders or whips are allowed.

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Section 8 - Rules for Para Equestrian Dressage

129.Grading of Para Riders

Group A: Riders who have competed in a CPEDI**** (European/World/Paralympic)after April 1st 2004, full members on registered horses.

Group B: Riders who have competed in a CPEDI*** after April 1st 2010, fullmembers on registered horses.

Group C: Riders who have competed in a CPEDI** and/or BD Para Equestrian OpenChampionship after April 1st 2010, full members on registered horses.

Group D: Riders who have competed at a BD Para Equestrian RestrictedChampionship and/or CPEDIJ/YR after April 1st 2010, full members onregistered or associate registered horses.

Group E: Riders who have not competed at a BD Para Equestrian Championshipssince April 1st 2010, full or associate members on registered or associateregistered horses.

Groups A – E are eligible to compete at Open Championships. Qualified combinations inGroups C – E are eligible to compete in Restricted Championships.

130. Para Equestrian Dressage competitions for riders with classification of IIV

All competitions are run under FEI rules, unless otherwise stated below.

a) Commanders may be used in all national Para classes except Championshipsand Home International competitions. Commanders are not permitted whencompeting under FEI rules unless specified on the rider’s classification card.Please refer to Rule 133 & 134 for details for blind riders.

b) A copy of the classification card/letter issued by FEI PE/RDA must be sent withentry forms for Para Equestrian competitions. Riders must always carry a currentcard/letter in case of any query. It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure their cardsare current and have all compensating aids listed.

c) For BD ablebodied competitions Para Riders must seek dispensation from the BDPara Officer if they wish to use compensating aids. All current FEI cards and RDAletters must be submitted when applying for dispensation.

A copy of the BD formal dispensation must be sent with the entry forms to theOrganisers. It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure it is passed to the Judge on theday. A copy of the dispensation is to be carried by the rider in case of any query.Any rider not currently classified should contact the Para Officer in the BD office.Please also refer to rule 84.

d) Whilst all disabled persons are welcome to compete in affiliated competitions, it isthe rider’s responsibility to check before entering whether the venue’s facilities aresuitable for their individual requirements.

e) Para Riders in Groups A – C are required to have FEI classification. If a rider hasboth RDA and FEI classification, FEI takes precedence. FEI classification isrequired for International competitions and Para Equestrian Open Championships.

f) Riders may only compete in their classified grade, although any rider wishing tocompete at a higher grade may do so in accordance with FEI rules. Riders maycompete HC at a higher grade at the discretion of the organiser.

g) Para Rider Groups A – D must be BD members, riding registered horses. ParaRider Groups C – E may also compete in Para Equestrian Open competitionsproviding they have FEI classification. Para Rider Group E riders who are not BDmembers may only compete on a class ticket.


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h) Horses may wear nosenets in Para Equestrian Dressage competitions. However, anyhorse competing with a nosenet in the Open section will not be considered forselection for International competitions as nosenets are not allowed under FEI rules.

i) Riders may only carry one whip with a maximum length of 120 cm in ParaEquestrian classes. Two whips may only be used if they are specified on theirclassification card. If a rider needs to carry one or more whips when competingable bodied Dressage, this must be stated when applying for dispensation,otherwise BD/FEI able bodied rules will be applied.

131. Visually impaired riders B1 – grade III

a) Before the competition the horse may be led around the outside of the arena withthe organiser’s permission and at a suitable time in the competition programme.

b) Before beginning the test riders may choose to ride a circuit of the arena on bothreins, including one change of rein. If the bell for the start has not rung, the ridermay halt or continue at any pace inside the arena. When the signal to start thetest is given the rider may start the test from inside or outside the arena.

c) Callers are permitted for riders who are classified as B1 Grade III (totally blind).Riders are required to ride with Para Equestrian Dressageapproved blacked outglasses, swimming goggles or a blindfold.

d) Riders may have up to 9 callers, with the senior caller communicating with theJudge at C. Only one caller is allowed inside the arena; others must stand outside,and must make sure they do not restrict the vision of the Judges. The rider is alsoallowed a commander in addition to callers if stated on their classification card.

All riders who use callers may be requested to compete at the beginning or endof a class to avoid disruption to other competitors.

132. Visually impaired riders B2 – grade IV

Those riders who are visually impaired and classified as Grade IV may use their ownlarge letters if they wish but will be required to compete at the start or the end of theclass. Riders wishing to do this must inform the organiser and are responsible forproviding their own large or taller markers.

All riders who use callers may be requested to compete at the beginning or end of aclass to avoid disruption to other competitors.

133. Horses used for Para Equestrian competitions

a) Horses competed by Grade I and II riders may be trained/schooled by a designatedrider other than the competitor for up to 30 minutes on the day of the competitionbut may only be ridden by the competitor in the 15 minutes preceding the test.

b) Any horse owned by a BD member and loaned for the day to a para rider may beridden by their regular rider in another affiliated class on the same day.

c) All grades may use double bridles, except Grade I and II riders in the restricted class.

d) Riders may share a horse in a Para Equestrian dressage competition provided theyare competing in different grades. Horses may be ridden by another ParaEquestrian Dressage rider in able bodied competition on the same day, as long asthey only warm up the horse for that class.

134. The following apply to all Para Equestrian Championships unless otherwise stated

a) All horses must be BD registered. All riders must be members of BD.

b) Restricted championships are for Para Group Riders C – E. Open Championshipsare open to all Para Group Riders who have qualified and who hold FEIclassification.

c) It is the rider/horse combination that qualifies for Open championships.

d) With the exception of the KBIS championship, riders who qualify for any ParaEquestrian Dressage Championship may ride up to 2 qualified horses in thatChampionship.

e) If there is only one entry in either the grade 1a or 1b class these classes will becombined to one Championship class.

f) The BD Office will notify riders of their qualification for a Championship.

g) If a rider is unable to compete at a Championship they must notify the BD office aweek before the close of entries so a wild card can be issued.

135. KBIS National Championship held at the BD National Championships

This is an Open Championship for all rider groups. Riders qualify with a minimumscore of 64%. The 4 riders with the highest percentage overall in each grade from theregional qualifiers go through to the Championship. If the numbers fall below 4 in agrade, the rider with the highest percentage overall, regardless of grade, will receive awild card. Up to 20 riders may ride at the Championship.

136. Para Equestrian Summer Championship held at Hickstead

To qualify, riders must earn points from qualifying classes at regional qualifiers. Tenpoints are required for the Restricted and 12 points for the Open Championship. Forpoint allocation please see the main qualification rules. The Open Champion fromeach grade will qualify for a Freestyle Championship.

137. Para Equestrian Winter Championships

The Open is held at Hartpury alongside the Winter Championships, and the Restrictedat the Festival of Para Dressage at Vale View EC in March.

To qualify, riders must earn points from qualifying classes at regional qualifiers. Tenpoints are required for the Restricted Championship and 12 points for the OpenChampionship. For points allocation please see the main qualification rules. In theevent of riders being on equal points the rider with the highest average percentagefrom qualifiers will qualify.

Automatic qualification will be awarded to the selected championshipcombinations from the previous year’s championship.

There are 20 places at the Winter Championships. Riders qualify with a minimumscore of 64%. The 4 riders with the highest points in each grade from the regionalqualifiers go through to the Championship. If the numbers fall below 4 in a grade,the rider with the highest points overall, regardless of grade will qualify.

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138. Para Equestrian Home International Competition

a) Riders must be BD or Dressage Ireland members, aged 14 and over at 1st January.

b) Riders may not have competed at an FEI 3* competition since January 2009.

c) Horses/ponies must be 5 years and over.

d) Riders must be eligible to compete in the restricted or open section in accordancewith BD rules.

e) Riders are required to attend regional training days in line with their regionalselection policy and submit test sheets from the last 12 months’ BD and/or RDAdressage competitions to their Regional Para Representative or RDO.

f) No grading points will be awarded for this competition.

g) Each region may send 2 teams of 3 or 4 rider/horse combinations.

h) No team may contain more than 2 riders from any one grade.

i) Teams will be selected in accordance with the Regional Selection Policy.

139. Para dressage tests in use

FEI PE 2013 Grade Ia Novice, Team, Individual, Freestyle (20x40m)

FEI PE 2013 Grade Ib Novice, Team, Individual, Freestyle (20x40m)

FEI PE 2013 Grade II Novice, Team, Individual, Freestyle (20x40m)

FEI PE 2013 Grade III Novice, Team, Individual, Freestyle (20x60m)

FEI PE 2013 Grade IV Novice, Team, Individual, Freestyle (20x60m)

FEI PE 2006 Grade Ia Test 3 (20x40m)

FEI PE 2006 Grade Ib Test 10 (20x40m)

FEI PE 2006 Grade II Test 21 (20x40m)

FEI PE 2006 Grade III Test 31 (20x40m)

FEI PE 2006 Grade IV Test 41 (20x40m)

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Annex 1 - Welfare of the Horse

British Dressage adopts the FEI code of conduct for the welfare of the horse in all respects inorder to maintain standards in both International and National competition.

FEI Code of conduct for the welfare of the horse

The FEI requires all those involved in International equestrian sport to adhere to the FEI’s Codeof Conduct and to acknowledge and accept that at all times the welfare of the Horse must beparamount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial influences.

1. At all stages during the preparation and training of competition horses, welfare must takeprecedence over all other demands.

a) Good horse management

Stabling, feeding and training must be compatible with good horse management andmust not compromise welfare. Any practices which could cause physical or mentalsuffering, in or out of Competition, will not be tolerated.

b) Training methods

Horses must only undergo training that matches their physical capabilities and level ofmaturity for their respective disciplines. They must not be subjected to any trainingmethods which are abusive or cause fear or for which they have not been properlyprepared.

c) Farriery and tack

Foot care and shoeing must be of a high standard. Tack must be designed and fitted toavoid the risk of pain or injury.

d) Transport

During transportation, horses must be fully protected against injuries and other healthrisks. Vehicles must be safe, well ventilated, maintained to a high standard, disinfectedregularly and driven by competent staff. Competent handlers must always be availableto manage the horses.

e) Transit

All journeys must be planned carefully, and horses allowed regular rest periods withaccess to food and water in line with current FEI guidelines.

2. Horses and Athletes must be fit, competent and in good health before they are allowed tocompete.

a) Fitness and competence

Participation in competition must be restricted to fit horses and athletes of provencompetence.

b) Health status

No horse showing symptoms of disease, lameness or other significant ailments or preexisting clinical conditions should compete or continue to compete when to do sowould compromise its welfare. Veterinary advice must be sought whenever there isany doubt.

c) Doping and Medication

Abuse of doping and medication is a serious welfare issue and will not be tolerated.After any veterinary treatment, sufficient time must be allowed for full recovery beforecompetition.

d) Surgical procedures

Any surgical procedures that threaten a competing horse’s welfare or the safety ofother horses and/or athletes must not be allowed.


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e) Pregnant/recently foaled mares

Mares must not compete after their fourth month of pregnancy or with foal at foot.

f) Misuse of aids

Abuse of a horse using natural riding aids or artificial aids (e.g. whips, spurs, etc.) willnot be tolerated.

3. Events must not prejudice horse welfare.

a) Competition areas

Horses must only be trained and compete on suitable and safe surfaces. All obstaclesmust be designed with the safety of the horse in mind.

b) Ground surfaces

All ground surfaces on which horses walk, train or compete must be designed andmaintained to reduce factors that could lead to injuries. Particular attention must bepaid to the preparation, composition and upkeep of surfaces.

c) Extreme weather

Competitions must not take place in extreme weather conditions if the welfare orsafety of the horse may be compromised. Provision must be made for cooling horsesquickly after competing in hot or humid conditions.

d) Stabling at events

Stables must be safe, hygienic, comfortable, well ventilated and of sufficient size forthe type and disposition of the horse. Clean, good quality and appropriate feed andbedding, fresh drinking water, and washingdown water must always be available.

e) Fitness to travel

After competition, a horse must be fit to travel in accordance with the FEI’s guidelines.

4. Every effort must be made to ensure that horses receive proper attention after they havecompeted and that they are treated humanely when their competition careers are over.

a) Veterinary treatment

Veterinary expertise must always be available at an event. If a horse is injured orexhausted during a competition, the athlete must dismount and a veterinarian mustcheck the horse.

b) Referral centres

Wherever necessary, the horse should be collected by ambulance and transported tothe nearest relevant treatment centre for further assessment and therapy. Injuredhorses must be given full supportive treatment before transport.

c) Competition injuries

The incidence of injuries sustained in competition should be monitored. Groundsurface conditions, frequency of competitions and any other risk factors should beexamined carefully to indicate ways to minimise injuries.

d) Euthanasia

If injuries are sufficiently severe the horse may need to be euthanased by aveterinarian as soon as possible on humane grounds and with the sole aim ofminimising suffering.

e) Retirement

Every effort should be made to ensure that horses are treated sympathetically andhumanely when they retire from competition.

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5. The FEI urges all those involved in equestrian sport to attain the highest possible levels ofeducation in their areas of expertise relevant to the care and management of thecompetition horse.

British Dressage Statement

Those in the sport of Dressage are very caring of their animals and welfare related incidents areusually due to a lack of knowledge and understanding. Therefore by adopting a more proactiveapproach to welfare and its implementation, we can help prevent these situations occurring.

It will be for the Technical Committees ie Judges, Training etc to make policy recommendationson welfare issues relating to their areas of responsibility and to implement this policy. Thesepolicies will be reviewed annually by the Welfare Committee. Each Technical Committee shouldhave a member whose specific responsibility is welfare policy.

BD Welfare procedure

Any distress caused to dressage horses is almost always due to ignorance or over determinedriding. Riders are usually very concerned when they are told that their actions amount to abuseand are anxious to cooperate. The person on the ground must keep this in mind whenassessing the situation and act accordingly.

If during a competition abuse to a horse is witnessed by an Organiser, a Judge or a Steward, asecond person should be sought to discuss the incident before a decision is taken, unless thesituation is very urgent in which case an attempt to stop this abuse should be madeimmediately. If someone else witnesses what they perceive to be abuse they shouldimmediately draw it to the attention of an Organiser, Judge or Steward.

It is always preferable to deal with welfare issues on the day on which they have occurred andeither while they are occurring or as soon as possible after they have occurred.

If the issue can be dealt with appropriately on the day it may not be necessary to report it. Ifhowever the issue can be dealt with on the day but the Technical Delegate(TD)/Organiser/Judge/Steward still feels that it is a serious welfare issue then it needs to bereported to the Disciplinary Sub Committee for further action/consideration.

If in the opinion of the TD/Organiser/Judge/Steward this issue cannot be dealt with on the daythen it should be reported to BD along the following lines:

Make a note of the time and place, name of horse and the name and contact details of at leastone witness. Report the abuse to BD setting out all of the details as clearly as possible.

If possible the competitor involved should be informed on the day that a complaint is beingsent to BD about their conduct.

If abuse takes place during a test and abuse of the horse is seen, or blood is seen and thisamounts to abuse of the horse as laid out below, then the competitor must be eliminatedimmediately. The competitor must be informed why they have been eliminated and if theJudge feels it appropriate the situation should be reported to BD.


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Examples of abuse (this is not an exhaustive list and other incidents or injuries may beconsidered to be abuse or the result of abuse):

• Bit – The bit must never be used as punishment.

• Spurs – To use spurs excessively or persistently so as to injure the horse. If ajudge/steward sees a spur that is likely to cause injury they can ask the competitorto remove them.

• Overworking – To ride/compete an obviously exhausted, lame or injured horse.

• Whip – Excessive and inappropriate use of the whip is not acceptable.

• Lameness – Riding an unsound horse.

• Tack – Tack should be correctly fitted to avoid pain.

• Distress – To manifest distress of a horse or pony whether caused by the rider orexternal factors.

• Blood – If blood is seen anywhere on the horse during riding in or the test the ridershould be stopped, informed and must withdraw from the competition. The bloodmay or may not be related to abuse but it indicates a problem which requiresattention and which the rider should know about. If the blood is only noticed bythe Judge towards the end of the test and before there is a chance to stop thehorse, then an inspection should take place immediately after the test is finishedand if the horse is definitely bleeding then the score should not count. If the Judgeat C fails to see the blood but it is seen by a cojudge, Organiser, spectator etc itshould immediately be reported to the Judge, Steward or Organiser who shouldinspect the horse and if it is confirmed then the score would not count.

Any horse which has a “sore patch”, an area where hair has been rubbed off andthe skin is inflamed, in a location where there is a danger that the skin could bebroken if the horse were continued to be ridden, must be withdrawn fromcompetition. If the sore patch is not noticed until after a test has been completed,then elimination will only occur if the skin is broken, however the horse may notcontinue to compete for the remainder of the competition thereafter, unlessapproved to continue by an independent vet.

The following documents are available from BD on request:

a) General Welfare Guidelines

b) Welfare Guidelines for Organisers, Judges and Trainers.

c) Terms of Reference for British Dressage Technical Delegates (Welfare)

d) British Dressage Welfare Complaint Form

e) The Welfare of the Horse Notice for Organisers

f) The Welfare of the Horse – British Dressage Code of Conduct

g) Terms of Reference for the Welfare Standing Committee

h) Guidelines for Organisers about requirements for Technical Delegates.

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Annex 2 - Quick reference guide to penalties for

contravening rules

The following table summarise the reasons for which a judge may either deduct penaltypoints or eliminate a combination during the course of a dressage test. This list should beused only as quick reference and is not intended to replace the individual rules.


Dressage to Music test exceeding the time allowed or more 30 2 from totalthan 30 seconds shorter than the stated time.

Movements of a higher standard than level for the Dressage to 30 2 each timeMusic test being performed.

Hats – incorrect colour 46 2 mark deduction

No hat. (No penalty if hat comes off during test and rider has to Eliminationrestart a movement after retrieval).

Hat of incorrect standard i.e. no harness etc.. Elimination(except top hat from Adv – GP when worn with a tail coat)

Jacket – not worn, incorrect colour, (pin stripes, contrasting 44 2 mark deductioncoloured collars/piping, lapels, pockets and vents are permitted)

Breeches – incorrect colour, patterned 47 2 mark deduction

Waistcoat – incorrect colour 44 2 mark deduction

Gloves – not worn 48 2 mark deduction

Shirt – incorrect colour or sleeveless 44 2 mark deduction

Boots – incorrect colour 49 2 mark deduction

Gaiters – not matching the boot 49 2 mark deduction

Spurs – not made of metal 50 2 mark deduction

No spurs at Advanced level upwards. Spurs worn upside down. 50 EliminationExcessive use of spurs. Comb spurs worn.

Carrying a whip in a FEI Class at a Premier League, Area Festivals, 51 EliminationRegional Championships and Championships (without dispensation).Carrying more than one whip. Excessive use of the whip.

Saddle – western / other specified styles 53 Elimination

Saddle incorrect colour 2 mark deduction

Sheepskin seat saver (without dispensation) 2 mark deduction

Boots fixed to the stirrup by mechanical means Elimination(without dispensation)

No stirrup leathers or Irons (without dispensation) Elimination

Bridle – Incorrect colour 56 2 mark deduction

Decorated with Tassels 2 mark deduction

Indiscreet padding 2 mark deduction

Padding of cheek pieces Elimination

Double bridle at Prelim & Novice. 56 Elimination

No noseband. (Drop, flash or cavesson required with a snaffle 57 Eliminationbridle. Cavesson only with a double bridle). Grackle noseband (except Horse Trials).

Bitguards. 58 Elimination

Rule Rule Penalty

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Martingales; bearing, side or running reins of any kind; 59 Eliminationbandages; boots and any sort of blinkers.

Tongue straps 59 Elimination

Unusual decoration 60 Elimination

Ear covers/fly fringes if worn for competitions held indoors 61 Elimination

Hoof boot or replacement shoes which cover the heel 59 Elimination

Prohibited bits 66 68 Elimination

Commanders reading anything other than the printed text or 78 Eliminationextracts there from or emphasising any part of the command

Any outside assistance by voice or signs, etc. designed to help 79 Eliminationa competitor improve their performance

Entering the arena before the signal to start or failing to enter 82 2 mark deductionthe arena within 45 seconds of the signal to start. Failure to start after 90 seconds from signal to start 89 2 mark deduction

Repeating a movement (penalise as error of course and mark 92 94 Appropriate to errorfirst attempt only)

Horse placing all four feet outside the arena where the surround 87 0 for that movementis continuous and less than 9 inches and is marked by boards or similar

Horse placing all four feet outside the arena where the arena is 87 At Judge’s discretionmarked by a line only or intermittent boards

Horse leaving the arena when the surround is continuous and 87 Elimination9 inches high or more

Leaving the arena not under control 87 Elimination

Rider dismounting without a reason acceptable to the judge 88 0 for that movement

Fall of horse and/or rider 88 Retire from test

Horse refusing to continue for a period of 20 consecutive seconds 89 Elimination

Use of Voice 91 2 each time from mark for movement

When a competitor makes an ‘error of the test’ (trots rising 94 Appropriate to errorinstead of sitting, at the salute does not take the reins in one hand, etc) he must be penalised as for an ‘error of course’.

Lameness 96 Elimination

Rule Rule Penalty

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Annex 3 - Members Code of Conduct

No member of British Dressage shall:

a) Conduct himself at a show in a manner which is offensive to the public.

b) Argue at a show with a Judge or with a show official or use abusive or threateninglanguage or behave with incivility or contempt towards a Judge or show official.

c) Illtreat in any way a horse or pony whether inside or outside the arena at a show, orin any circumstance.

d) Misuse or use excessively a whip or spur.

e) Deliberately use the action of the bit as a means of punishment and/or misuse anyitem of saddlery in a manner likely to cause pain or discomfort to the horse or pony.

f) Allow knowingly or otherwise a horse or pony for which he is responsible as owner,lessee, authorised agent, or rider to compete in any dressage competition under theinfluence of a prohibited substance. Such member shall be in breach of this rule ifthe analysis of a sample taken from the said horse or pony shows the presence in itsbody fluids of any quantity of any substance, which is either a prohibited substanceor one of its metabolites or a substance which cannot be traced to normal andordinary feeding and which by its nature is likely to affect the performance of thehorse or pony in competition.

g) Unreasonably refuse to allow a horse or pony which has competed or is about tocompete in a dressage competition to undergo any properly authorised test orexamination if requested to do so by an officer of British Dressage or the showorganising committee. Refusal to allow a test for a forbidden substance constitutes aviolation of the prohibition on forbidden substances and as such is of equal gravity tothe finding of a forbidden substance under rule 96f.

h) Conduct himself/herself in a manner which is or may be in breach of theMemorandum and Articles of Association or any rule, regulation or bylaw of theAssociation. A member shall be in breach of this rule in the event that any personwho assists, represents, or acts on behalf of or in the employment of such memberduring the course of a show affiliated to British Dressage, to the FEI or to any foreignnational federation, conducts himself in such a manner that were he/she a memberof British Dressage he/she would himself/herself be in breach of any of the provisionof any rules.

i) Conduct himself/herself in a manner detrimental to the character and/or prejudicialto the interests of British Dressage.

j) Make, either orally or in writing, to an officer of British Dressage or of an affiliatedshow or a third party, a statement on any matter covered by the rules which heknows to be untrue.

k) Compete as owner or rider in a competition for which the horse or pony and therider are not fully eligible.

l) Having indicated his availability for selection for an official British National team,unreasonably fail or refuse to compete in such team if selected.

m) Exercise any of the rights or privileges of membership while suspended there from,nor assist represent or act on behalf of any other member of British Dressage at ashow affiliated to British Dressage, to the FEI or to any foreign national federationwhile suspended from all rights and privileges of membership.

n) Compete as a rider in any competition while under the influence of a prohibitedsubstance.


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o) Unreasonably refuse to give a sample of his or her body fluids for the purpose ofcontrol of prohibited substances.

p) Allow a stallion for which he/she is responsible as owner, lessee, authorised agent, orrider to compete or be prepared to compete, in any dressage competition withouttaking adequate precautions to ensure other members of the public are not put atrisk of injury.

q) Paragraphs a, c, d, e, h, i, j, m, n, p and q of this rule shall apply in any circumstancewhether or not the offence or offences occur at a show.

r) Members shall not behave in a way which may be considered inappropriate tomembers of BD staff. Inappropriate behaviour includes the use of foul language oracting in an intimidating or threatening way.

s) Members shall not unfairly discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion orbelief, disability, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation, nationality and ethnic ornational origins.

Complaints of misconduct

Any person wishing to make a complaint of misconduct by a member must do so in writing tothe Chief Executive who will refer it to the Disciplinary Sub Committee, if after preliminaryinvestigation he/she considers that a prima facie case of misconduct exists.

Anyone seeing an incident which they may wish to report, where possible, should note thetime, place, names etc. and try and find additional witnesses. They should approach theSteward, Organiser or Senior Judges on site who should inform the individual concerned ofthe complaint. Every effort should be made to ascertain the condition of the horse andwhether it has been marked by bit, spur or whip. All evidence should be written down andsubmitted to the Chief Executive.

A decision to prosecute a complaint against a member will be in the sole discretion of theChief Executive and/or Disciplinary Sub Committee. The complainant will be required to giveevidence on behalf of British Dressage if such decision is taken but shall take no further partin the proceedings other than as a witness.

Notice of complaint

As soon as practically possible after receipt of a complaint against a member, and the ChiefExecutive considering it appropriate to refer the complaint to the member, a letteridentifying the date, venue, and nature of the complaint shall be sent to the member withany other supporting evidence as the Chief Executive deems appropriate.

The accused member shall be given opportunity by the Chief Executive to respond to suchcomplaint. Upon receipt of such response the Chief Executive shall decide whether toproceed with the complaint pursuant to summary powers or refer the complaint to theDisciplinary SubCommittee for a hearing.

In the event that the Chief Executive decides to proceed with a Disciplinary SubCommitteehearing copies of all the evidence gathered by British Dressage in support of the complaintshall be delivered to the accused member in advance of the hearing.

Notice of the time and place of the Disciplinary SubCommittee meeting will be sent to themember against whom a complaint has been made at least three weeks before the date ofsuch hearing unless in exceptional circumstances it is not possible to give notice less than 3weeks when a shorter period of notice shall be given.

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Annex 4 - Disciplinary Procedure

Rights of Members at Disciplinary SubCommittee (DSC) hearings

1. A member whose conduct is referred to the DSC may appear in person to answer thecomplaint against him/her at the hearing and may present oral or written evidence andmay call and examine witnesses. He/she may also submit written evidence and statementsfor consideration in his/her absence this must be submitted to the DSC at least 7 clearworking days prior to the hearing. If a member fails to appear before the DSC they mayreach a decision and impose a penalty in his/her absence. All witness statements must beendorsed with a statement of truth failing which they shall be inadmissible as evidence inthe event that the maker of that statement does not attend to give evidence at thedisciplinary hearing.

2. A member may also request that the matter be dealt with in his/her absence and submitwritten evidence and statements for consideration, which documentation must bereceived by the DSC at least 10 clear days prior to the hearing. In the event that the DSCrequire the member’s attendance at the hearing he will be notified that his/her request forthe matter to be dealt with in his/her absence has been refused no less than 3 clear daysprior to the hearing. If a member fails to appear before DSC after being informed thathe/she is required to do so, this will be considered to be a further disciplinary offence of themember and shall be dealt with accordingly.

3. If a member fails to appear before the DSC either by failing to make a request for thematter to be dealt with in his/her absence or by failing to comply with the direction by theDSC that he/she must attend, the DSC will consider the offences in the absence of themember and impose a penalty as they shall think fit.

4. A member is entitled to be represented by a third party before the DSC. A member underthe age of 18 must always be accompanied by an adult. The name and address of such thirdparty or adult must be notified to the DSC for their reasonable approval at least 7 clear daysprior to the hearing. British Dressage, the Company and the DSC reserve the right to refuseattendance of any named third party whose approval for attendance has not previouslybeen obtained from the DSC.

Powers of the DSC to impose penalties

If after considering all the evidence at a hearing of the DSC it decides that the complaint ofmisconduct by a member is sustained they are empowered to impose on such member anyone or more of the following penalties:

1. That such member be reprimanded and cautioned as to his/her future conduct.

2. That such member be suspended from all or any of the rights and privileges ofmembership for a period not exceeding 5 years.

3. That any horse or pony belonging to and/or ridden by such member at the time of themisconduct be debarred from competing in any competition at shows affiliated to BritishDressage; to a foreign federation, or to the FEI for a period not exceeding 12 monthsand/or be disqualified from the result of any competition or competitions directlyassociated with the misconduct.

4. That such member pay a fine of such sum as the DSC shall in their absolute discretiondirect, giving due regard to the gravity of the misconduct.

Immediate suspension

A member may be suspended from all rights and privileges of British Dressage followingconviction in a British Court of Law of any equestrian related offence, or any offence which, inthe reasonable opinion of the Chief Executive, shall bring British Dressage or equestrian sportinto disrepute, pending a full investigation by the DSC at an enquiry called under the terms of


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Rule 95. In the event that the DSC confirms that the suspension shall stand following approvalby no fewer than 3 members of the DSC panel, such suspension will be confirmed in writing,and may take effect from the date of conviction.

Notice of findings, penalties and appeals

1. The Chief Executive will, within seven days of the DSC’s decision, notify the accused, inwriting, of the findings of the DSC and of any penalties imposed.

2. The findings of and penalties imposed by the DSC shall be final and binding on all parties inevery case.

3. Any member whose conduct has been referred to the DSC and who is dissatisfied with theDSC’s decision may, within 7 days of a decision (or where relevant of receipt by theindividual of the Respondent’s written clarification for the decision) appeal to the BritishEquestrian Federations Appeal Panel subject to the BEF’s terms of reference.

The Notice of Appeal must be in writing and clearly state the decision that the appellant wishesto appeal and the grounds for the appeal. The Notice of Appeal must be signed by theAppellant.

Terms of Reference of the British Equestrian Federation Appeal Panel can be obtained fromBritish Dressage by sending in an SAE to the office at Stoneleigh or see BEF website.

The Notice of Appeal must be accompanied by a cheque for a fee of £300 not subject to VAT,made payable to the ‘British Equestrian Federation’. This sum is to cover the costs and expensesof appointing the Appeal Panel and will be retained by the BEF in the event that the Appellant isunsuccessful but will be refunded in the event that the Appellant is successful and in that casethe Respondent will pay the fee of £300 to the BEF.

Pending the outcome of the appeal the Appeal Panel, once appointed, has the discretion toorder that the decision of the Respondent stands and that the Appellant is bound by thatdecision until such time as the Appeal Panel issues their finding to the contrary.

Any member who has been penalised by the DSC and who has appealed such decision to theBEF’s Appeal Panel and is dissatisfied with such Panel’s decision, may appeal to SportsResolution UK whose terms of reference may be obtained from British Dressage or the BEF.

Powers of British Dressage Officials to issue cautions and reprimands

Any British Dressage Official may issue a caution or reprimand, either in writing or orally, at anytime to any Member where they are of the reasonable opinion that a Member has breached anyrule or, whether by act or omission, may result in harm to the reputation of the sport ofdressage or affect the welfare of the horse. Such caution or reprimand will be notified to theChief Executive who shall retain a record of such caution or reprimand. All cautions andreprimands shall expire 2 years after the date that such caution or reprimand was given.

A Member may appeal against any such caution or reprimand by writing to the Chief Executivewithin 14 days. The Chief Executive shall reconsider the issue of such caution or reprimand andmay either deal with the matter under the Summary Powers of the Chief Executive set belowand/or may refer the matter to the Disciplinary SubCommittee.

In the event that a Member receives 2 or more cautions or reprimands the matter shall be dealtwith by the Chief Executive.

For the purposes of this section a British Dressage Official shall include the Chief Executive, anymember of the Board of British Dressage, a Judge, any member of the Disciplinary SubCommittee, a Team Manager, any official delegate or steward appointed by British Dressage toofficiate at any affiliated competition or training event.

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Summary powers of the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive may impose penalties on members and/or officials of fines not exceeding£250. In respect of any infringement of the Rules where the Chief Executive considers theinfringement of the rules to be a minor infringement. In such event the Chief Executive shallgive notice to the Member of the intention to treat the matter as a minor infringement and thepenalty it is intended to impose. The Member may within 21 days object to the treatment ofthe complaint as a minor infringement and/or object to the proposed penalty and request thatthe matter be referred to the Disciplinary SubCommittee.

Such requests shall be made in writing to the Chief Executive. Such fines may be imposed onan owner, rider or authorised agent with or without disqualification of the horse or ponyconcerned from any competition. If the horse or pony is not disqualified, any points gained inthese circumstances will remain on its grading record. In the event of a horse or ponycompeting in a class for which it is not eligible it will be disqualified from that competition andall points and prize money won will be forfeited.

If a competitor, horse or pony qualifies for a further competition as a result of a competition forwhich he, she or it was not eligible for any reason, the qualification will be cancelled, whether ornot a fine or penalty has been imposed. Provided the cancellation of such qualification has beenconfirmed by the Chief Executive before the normal closing date for the next round of thecompetition or championship, the qualification will pass to the next eligible competitor, horseor pony, if any.

Summary powers of a Team Manager

The Chef d’Equipe or Team Manager or his/her duly authorised deputy whilst accompanyingmembers on a course of training or on a tour or team visit (whether or not such course oftraining or tour or team visit takes place in Great Britain) shall have power in his/her absolutediscretion to regulate, control and/or adjudicate upon the conduct of members on such courseof training, tour or team visit and shall have the power to direct that a member shall besuspended from competing or taking part in such course of training or in any competitiontaking place on such tour or team visit.

Indebtedness to British Dressage

Any member who fails to pay a fine imposed by the DSC, or the FEI, or who fails to pay forgoods or services supplied by British Dressage, including the processing of memberships,registrations, etc. or by making such payments by means of a cheque or other instrument,including Variable Amount Direct Debit mandate, which is subsequently dishonoured, may benotified by the Chief Executive of his/her indebtedness by 1st class letter. If such indebtedness isnot fully settled within 30 days of the despatch of such notification, the member shallautomatically be suspended from all rights and privileges of membership of British Dressageuntil such time as payment is received. In the case of company membership liability for suchdebts incurred will be the responsibility of the registered company agent and/or the rider. TheChief Executive shall notify the member accordingly and promulgate the suspension in BritishDressage magazine. Should the member concerned dispute the facts of such indebtedness andthe Chief Executive fail to resolve such dispute the matter may be reported to the DSC ofBritish Dressage who will investigate it as a complaint of breach of rules by the member.

Indebtedness to affiliated shows

If a member fails to make payment or makes payment to an affiliated show in respect of entryfees or stabling by cheque or other instrument which is subsequently dishonoured, the show


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secretary may report the name and address of such person, together with the names of thehorses and the names and addresses of the owners whose fees the dishonoured instrumentswere intended to cover. The report must be made in writing to the Chief Executive and mustitemise the amount of outstanding fees. On receipt of such notice the Chief Executive shallnotify the said member of his indebtedness by 1st class mail. If such indebtedness is not fullysettled through the British Dressage Office within 30 days of the date of despatch of the ChiefExecutive’s notification, the member shall automatically be suspended from all rights andprivileges of membership of the Association until such time as payment is received. The ChiefExecutive shall notify the member accordingly and promulgate the suspension in BritishDressage Magazine. Should the member concerned dispute the facts of his indebtedness andthe Chief Executive fail to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of those concerned, the mattermay be reported to the DSC who will investigate it as a complaint of a breach of rules.

Publication of findings and penalties

The DSC, a Chef d’Equipe or the Chief Executive may at their/his/her absolute discretion publishany disciplinary decision, ruling or direction made concerning any person or matter in suchmanner as they/he/she shall think fit whether in the public press circulating throughout or inany part of the United Kingdom, or abroad and/or on television or sound broadcasting, and/orto and through any news or broadcasting agency or agent, or otherwise and every member ofBritish Dressage shall be deemed to have consented thereto, always providing that suchpublication shall not be made until the expiry of 28 days after notification of the decision to themember .

Disciplinary stewards

Disciplinary Stewards or Judges may be employed by the Chief Executive on behalf of theBoard. Their duties are to attend shows in order to observe and regulate the conduct ofmembers. A Disciplinary Steward or Judge will normally in the first instance caution anymember whose conduct he/she has occasion to take note of and will explain to such member inwhat manner his/her conduct falls short of that required by the rules. In flagrant or repeatedinstances of misconduct the Disciplinary Steward or Judge will report the circumstances to theChief Executive.

FEI Suspensions

In the event that a rider/owner receives an FEI suspension such rider/owner will automaticallybe suspended from all rights and privileges of membership of British Dressage for the sameperiod of time as the FEI suspension.

Disciplinary reciprocity

In the event that a rider/owner receives a suspension from another member body of theBEF such rider/owner will automatically be suspended from all rights and privileges ofmembership of BD for the same period of time as the suspension.

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Annex 5 - Judge Complaints Procedure

Complaints relating to Judges; a Judges conduct; behaviour or performance or the judging of aparticular class or competition will be considered according to the following procedure:

Requirements

All complaints must be made in writing and be signed by the complainant who shall also givetheir full name and address either by letter or email addressed to the Chief Executive.

Complaints not made in accordance with this rule will not be accepted.

Complaints will only be accepted in relation to the conduct or performance of BD Judges inconnection with affiliated competition. Complaints relating to unaffiliated competitions will notbe considered unless BD has provided judging services to a related organisation (includingBritish Eventing, The British Riding Clubs and The Pony Club).

Complaints regarding scores will not be accepted, (a Judge’s decision is final in relation toscores). Complaints or challenges to scores should be dealt with under the rule relating toObjections.

Complaints should where possible, be supported by evidence or statements from independentwitnesses.

Confidentiality

Complaints will be dealt with in a confidential manner.

Process

1. As soon as possible after an incident anyone wishing to complain should send a writtencomplaint to the CEO giving as much information as possible about the incidentconcerned including where possible details of any independent witnesses and anyvideo/DVD and or copies of any test sheets of other documents. The complaint shouldbe sent to the CEO to either:

Email: [email protected] or

Post: Chief Executive, British Dressage, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warks, CV8 2RJ

If a complaint is made more than 14 days after the incident complained of the ChiefExecutive may in his/her sole discretion refuse to investigate the complaint.

2. The CEO will acknowledge receipt of the complaint as soon as reasonably possible.The CEO may at this stage request further evidence such as video/DVD, copies of testsheets or names of witnesses.

3. The CEO will review the complaint and supporting evidence to consider whether or notit requires further investigation. Complaints not supported by evidence are unlikely tobe considered or investigated. In this respect the decision of the CEO is final.

4. If the CEO considers that the complaint should be investigated, the Judge detailed inthe complaint will be asked to respond to the complaint. Such response should bereceived by the CEO within 14 days of the request for a response being made. In theabsence of a response the CEO will be entitled to consider the complaint in any event.The CEO will also make any further enquiries he or she considers to be appropriate.

5. If having made further enquiries the CEO considers that the complaint should bepursued further the complainant will be informed and a copy of the complaint may beprovided to the Judge who is the subject of the complaint.


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Complaints for poor conduct

Following investigation the CEO may take one or more of the following courses of action.

(i) The CEO may decide to take no further action.

(ii) The CEO may issue cautions or reprimands.

(iii) The CEO may refer any complaint to the Disciplinary SubCommittee for considerationand a full hearing. In this instance, the Judge will be suspended from judging until theoutcome of the hearing.

Judges receiving two or more cautions or reprimands in any 12 month period will be referred tothe full Judges Committee. In such event the Judges Committee will consider the previouscomplaints and may take such action as it considers appropriate in the circumstances. For theavoidance of doubt the Judges Committee will also give an opportunity to the Judgecomplained of to make representations.

Judging complaints

Complaints of poor judging will be reviewed by the CEO and at least one member of the JudgeComplaints Committee who may take one or more of the following courses of action.

(i) To take no further action

(ii) To issue a warning letter to the Judge. Such a letter will be in the form of a letterguiding the Judge concerned how the matter should or could have been dealt withmore effectively.

(iii) To refer the matter to the full Judge Complaints Committee.

In the event that a warning letter is issued the judge may either accept the letter or may requestthe CEO to refer the matter to the full Judge Complaints Committee. Such request shall bemade within 21 days of the issue of the letter of concern.

Judges receiving more than two warning letters in any 12 month period will be referred to theJudges Committee. In such event the Judges Committee will consider the previous complaintsand may take such action as it considers appropriate in the circumstances. For the avoidance ofdoubt the Judges Committee will give an opportunity to the Judge complained of to makerepresentations.

Any appeal from a decision of the Judges Committee or the Judge Complaints Committee willbe in accordance with the BD Rules from time to time.

The Chief Executive may in their sole discretion provide the complainant with informationconcerning the outcome of the complaint.

The decision as to how a complaint is dealt with in this procedure is a matter for the CEO inhis/her absolute discretion.

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Annex 6 - Equine and Human Anti doping

Equine AntiDoping and Controlled Medication

Each person who becomes a member of British Dressage agrees to be bound by the BEFEquine AntiDoping and Controlled Medication Rules ( “BEFAR”) which are specificallyincorporated by reference in, and form part of, the British Dressage Rule Book. Copies ofBEFAR can be found on the British Equestrian Federation website at www.bef.co.uk and willbe supplied to a member in paper format on request. The Equine Prohibited Substances Listcan be viewed at www.bef.co.uk.

Accordingly, by becoming a member, such person shall be deemed to have agreed, amongstother things:

a) to be bound by, and to comply strictly with, BEFAR;

b) to submit to the authority of the BEF and/or of British Dressage to apply, police andenforce BEFAR;

c) to provide all requested assistance to the BEF and British Dressage (as applicable) inthe application, policing and enforcement of BEFAR, including (without limitation)cooperating fully with any testing, results management exercise, and/or proceedingsbeing conducted pursuant to BEFAR in relation to any potential AntiDoping orControlled Medication Rule Violation(s);

And except where the FEI has jurisdiction over the potential AntiDoping orControlled Medication Violation:

d) to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any BEF first instance Hearing Bodyconvened under BEFAR to hear and determine charges and related issues arisingunder BEFAR;

e) to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Sports Resolution UK Panel convenedunder BEFAR to hear and determine appeals made pursuant to BEFAR; and

f) not to bring any proceedings in any court or other forum that are inconsistent withthe foregoing submission to the jurisdiction of the BEF first instance tribunal, andSports Resolution UK.

Human Anti Doping & Medication

By becoming a member of British Dressage a person shall be deemed to have agreed:

a) to be bound by and to comply strictly with the BEF AntiDoping rules for HumanAthletes (without prejudice to any other antidoping rules applicable to him/her);

b) to submit to the authority of the BEF and/or of the UK AntiDoping organisation(“UKAD”) to apply, police and enforce those rules;

c) to provide all requested assistance to the BEF and UKAD (as applicable) in theapplication, policing and enforcement of those rules, including (without limitation)cooperating fully with any testing, results management exercise, and/or proceedingsbeing conducted pursuant to those Rules in relation to any potential Anti Dopingrule Violation(s);

And except where the FEI has jurisdiction over the potential AntiDoping Violation

d) to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any first instance tribunal convened underthose rules to hear and determine charges and related issues arising under thoserules;


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e) to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any appeal tribunal and/or CAS Panelconvened under those rules to hear and determine appeals made pursuant to thoserules; and

f) not to bring any proceedings in any court or other forum that are inconsistent withthe foregoing submission to the jurisdiction of the first instance tribunal, the appealtribunal and CAS.

A copy of the rules can be found on the BEF website at www.bef.co.uk

The status of all medication can be checked using the Global Drug Reference Online atwww.globaldro.com

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Annex 7 - Dressage Definitions

The scales of training

The way of going

Dressage is about retaining and developing each horse’s natural athleticism. We want him todo the movements but not dourly and subserviently. We want him to be willing andgymnastic, and the way of going is just as important as achieving the technical requirements(such as halting four square). More and more emphasis is being put on the way of going, thequality of the work, and it is no longer sufficient to simply do the movements.

For the shoulderin it is not just a matter of checking the angle and positioning but alsowhether the horse has rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection.Similarly for lengthened strides the Judge should ask not just: “was there lengthening?” butalso: “was there rhythm, suppleness, contact, straightness?”

The most tried and tested ways of understanding the way of going are the German Scales ofTraining. These are what the riders in the most successful dressage nation in the world learnin their early years of riding and what the leading international judges talk about at theseminars they give.

Those Scales of Training are:

• Rhythm

• Suppleness

• Contact

• Impulsion

• Straightness

• and eventually, Collection

As a rule the training scales are approached in that order but there are times when one isskipped over to work on another. However, until the horse works with rhythm, it will bedifficult to make him supple, and until supple, contact will be spasmodic and until the contactis true, impulsion will be illusive.

Also the scales should improve and be of a higher standard the more advanced the training.Therefore the suppleness accepted in a young novice horse as being good enough to startworking more on the contact and impulsion will be much less than that expected in a horsethat is advanced enough to learn flying changes.

Rhythm

Rhythm should be both:

1. Regular, that is correct for each pace.

In the walk there should be four hoof beats – in a marching time.

In the trot two hoof beats – the legs move in diagonal pairs plus a moment of suspensionwhen all legs are off the ground.

In the canter three hoof beats – only one diagonal pair move together and there is amoment of suspension.

2. The same tempo (speed of the rhythm) and this should have a pronounced beat to it. Thehorse should not speed up or slow down whether he is going around a corner or on astraight line, whether he is lengthening his strides or shortening them.


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Suppleness

The aim is that the horse’s muscles have tone and are free from resistance, his joints areloose and he does not tighten against the rider’s aids. The muscles that are really importantare those over the top line from the hind legs over the quarters, loins, in front of the witherand up to the poll.

The test of whether a horse is supple and working ‘through’ the back and neck is that whenthe rein contact is eased (as in a free walk) the horse wants to stretch forward and down andnot try to hollow and lift his head.

Contact

The ideal contact is a light, even, elastic feel in both reins and this is achieved by aids fromthe legs and seat, not the hands. The legs are applied as a driving aid, the horse steps undermore and works ‘through’ those muscles along his top line – over the back, neck, through thepoll and the rider feels the energy thus created in the reins. When the contact is establishedin this way his outline and steps will be ‘round’ not hollow, and in the trot and canter springyand not flat. The horse’s hindquarters and forehand are connected by that band of musclesover the top line and the rider can feel this in his hands as there will be a lively forwardtendency in the reins. The horse is then said to be ‘connected’.

Impulsion

This is the contained power of the horse. It is created in the hindquarters by getting him totake more energetic steps, to place his hind legs further under his body, and it is contained bythe rein contact that stops him from using up this extra energy to simply go faster. Anyresistance, tightening of muscles, ligaments and joints, will block this energy getting throughso he must be supple and connected to be able to build up real impulsion.

Riders aim to create enough impulsion to develop the horse’s ability and to show off hisathleticism but not so much that it cannot be controlled. The skill of the rider is to create asmuch energy as can be contained without the horse starting to pull and speed up.

Straightness

Horses, like humans, are born one sided and will tend to move forward with their bodiesslightly curved. This crookedness can get worse if a rider sits to one side and/or keeps astronger contact in one rein than the other.

When a horse is crooked it will be more difficult for him to stay balanced and develop impulsion.

The aim is that the hind legs step into the tracks of the forelegs both on a straight line and ona circle, and that the rider has an even feel in his reins.

Collection

Dressage makes the horse a better ride, more manoeuvrable, more powerful and easier tocontrol. To achieve this, his balance has to be changed as he has to adjust to carry the weightof the rider in the most efficient way. When he is first ridden he will carry most of the rider’sweight on his forehand. This is cumbersome; he will tend to run faster when asked tolengthen his strides, he will find it difficult to stop quickly and will often lean on the rider’shands to keep his balance.

Through training the necessary muscles are built up and he is taught how to carry more andmore weight on his hindquarters. This lightens his forehand, gives more freedom to move hisshoulders and he will become an easier and more athletic ride.

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Over time the horse is asked for more and more collection so his hind legs step furtherforward under his body and as he does this, the weight will be transferred backwards, he willbe developing the carrying power of the hindquarters.

In Grand Prix this collection is such a high level that the horse can trot on the spot in piaffe or turnaround practically on the spot in the canter pirouette. In Pony Club and Novice tests no collectionis asked for but there are movements that start to develop the collection. These include whenthe horse comes into a halt or changes from lengthened strides to a working trot. As he stops orshortens his steps he should step more under his body with his hind legs and transfer a littlemore of his weight onto his hindquarters, this is the beginning of collection.

Summary

The Scales of Training can be used as helpful checks on the way of going for the rider whendoing a movement, for the Judge when marking a movement, and the spectator whenlooking at a movement. When there is rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightnessand in the more advanced tests collection, the way of going is good.

Definitions of movements ridden in National tests

Turns and circles

A rider in movement along the outer track will continue along it on the same rein, withoutalteration of pace or manner of riding, until instructed to do otherwise. If required to leavethis track and return to it (e.g. when circling), the rider will continue along the track in thesame manner of going as he left it and on the same rein unless instructed to do otherwise.For a simple ‘Turn right (or left)’ the rider will change direction through 90° by riding a quarterof a small circle (as at a corner) beginning before reaching the marker and finishing on a lineat right angles to the track and directly opposite the marker.

For ‘Turn right (or left)’ at any marker the rider will turn in a similar manner but will finish onthe outer track. (N.B. – the horse must not begin by swinging out in the opposite directionand then cross the line of approach).

Change of pace at a given marker

The horse should make the first step in the new pace as the rider passes the marker. (Whenthe transitions are progressive they must begin before reaching the marker). Where amovement requires medium or extended canter followed by a transition to collected trot,some collection should be shown just before the transition.

Simple change

Simple change of the leg at canter. This is a change of leg where the horse is brought backimmediately into walk and, after approx. one horse’s length, is restarted immediately into acanter with the other leg leading. The walk steps should be clearly shown. A simple change isalways through the walk. If walk steps are not required the movement should be described asa ‘change of leg/lead through trot’ and NOT as a simple change.

Give and retake the reins

The rider pushes forward one or both hands as stated on the test sheet to clearly release thecontact and then retake it. The movement of the hands/hand should be continuous andachieved over two or three strides. As this is a test of self carriage the horse should stay inbalance, keeping the same rhythm, level of engagement, suppleness of the back, and acceptthe restoration of contact without any loss of submission.


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Leave the arena

After the final salute the rider should move off from the halt at a walk on a long rein and leavethe arena at an appropriate place.

Work on a long rein

a) Free walk on a long rein

Free walk on a long rein is a pace in which the horse is allowed complete freedom tolower and stretch out his head and neck while the rider maintains a light contactthrough the rein. The horse covers as much ground as possible, without haste andwithout losing the regularity of his steps, the hind feet touching the ground clearly infront of the foot prints of the forefeet.

b) Trot/canter on a long rein

The horse is allowed the freedom to lower and stretch his head and neck forwardand down while the rider maintains a light contact through the reins. The horseshould continue to trot/canter in the same rhythm, with suppleness of the back andself carriage.

Large walk half pirouette

The principles are as in the walk pirouette but are performed with less collection. They areapproached out of a medium walk although the rider can shorten the walk just before them.The hind legs are permitted to make a half circle of 1 metre in diameter and the horse returnsto the track on a straight line without taking sideways steps.

FEI Object and General Principles of Dressage, by kind permission of the FEI

1. The object of Dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete throughharmonious education. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible,but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with theathlete.

These qualities are demonstrated by:

• The freedom and regularity of the paces.

• The harmony, lightness and ease of the movements.

• The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originatingfrom a lively impulsion.

• The acceptance of the bit, with submissiveness/throughness (Durchlässigkeit)without any tension or resistance.

2. The horse thus gives the impression of doing, of its own accord, what is required.Confident and attentive, submitting generously to the control of the athlete, remainingabsolutely straight in any movement on a straight line and bending accordingly whenmoving on curved lines.

3. The walk is regular, free and unconstrained. The trot is free, supple, regular and active.The canter is united, light and balanced. The hindquarters are never inactive or sluggish.The horse responds to the slightest indication of the Athlete and thereby gives life andspirit to all the rest of its body.

4. By virtue of a lively impulsion and the suppleness of the joints, free from the paralysingeffects of resistance, the horse obeys willingly and without hesitation and responds tothe various aids calmly and with precision, displaying a natural and harmonious balanceboth physically and mentally.

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5. In all the work, even at the halt, the horse must be “on the bit”. A horse is said to be “onthe bit” when the neck is more or less raised and arched according to the stage oftraining and the extension or collection of the pace, accepting the bridle with a light andconsistent soft submissive contact. The head should remain in a steady position, as a ruleslightly in front of the vertical, with a supple poll as the highest point of the neck, and noresistance should be offered to the athlete.

6. Cadence is shown in trot and canter and is the result of the proper harmony that a Horseshows when it moves with wellmarked regularity, impulsion and balance. Cadence mustbe maintained in all the different trot or canter exercises and in all the variations of thesepaces.

7. The regularity of the paces is fundamental to Dressage.

The Halt

1. At the halt the horse should stand attentive, engaged, motionless, straight and squarewith the weight evenly distributed over all four (4) legs. The neck should be raised withthe poll as the highest point and the noseline slightly in front of the vertical. Whileremaining “on the bit” and maintaining a light and soft contact with the athlete’s hand,the horse may quietly chew the bit and should be ready to move off at the slightestindication of the athlete. The halt must be shown for at least 3 seconds. The halt shouldbe shown throughout the salute.

2. The halt is obtained by the displacement of the horse’s weight to the hindquarters by aproperly increased action of the seat and legs of the athlete, driving the horse towards asoftly closed hand, causing an almost instantaneous but not abrupt halt at a previouslyfixed place. The halt is prepared by a series of halfhalts (see transitions).

3. The quality of the paces before and after the halt is an integral part of the assessment.


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The Walk

1. The walk is a marching pace in a regular and wellmarked four (4) times beat with equalintervals between each beat. This regularity combined with full relaxation must bemaintained throughout all walk movements.

2. When the foreleg and the hind leg on the same side move almost on the same beat, thewalk tends to become an almost lateral movement. This irregularity, which might becomean ambling movement, is a serious deterioration of the pace.

3. The following walks are recognised: Medium walk, Collected walk, Extended walk and Freewalk. There should always be a clear difference in the attitude and overtracking in thesevariations.

3.1. Medium walk. A clear, regular and unconstrained walk of moderate lengthening. Thehorse, remaining “on the bit”, walks energetically but relaxed with even anddetermined steps, the hind feet touching the ground in front of the hoof prints of thefore feet. The athlete maintains a light, soft and steady contact with the mouth,allowing the natural movement of the horse’s head and neck.

3.2. Collected walk. The horse, remains “on the bit”, moves resolutely forward, with itsneck raised and arched and showing a clear selfcarriage. The head approaches thevertical position and a light contact is maintained with the mouth. The hind legs areengaged with good hock action. The pace should remain marching and vigorous, thefeet being placed in regular sequence. The steps cover less ground and are higher thanat the medium walk, because all the joints bend more markedly. The Collected walk isshorter than the Medium walk, although showing greater activity.

3.3. Extended walk. The horse covers as much ground as possible, without haste andwithout losing the regularity of the steps. The hind feet touch the ground clearly infront of the hoof prints of the fore feet. The athlete allows the horse to stretch out thehead and neck (forward and downwards) without losing contact with the mouth andcontrol of the poll. The nose must be clearly in front of the vertical.

3.4. Free Walk. The free walk is a pace of relaxation in which the horse is allowed completefreedom to lower and stretch out his head and neck. The degree of ground cover andlength of strides, with hind feet stepping clearly in front of the footprints of the frontfeet, are essential to the quality of the free walk.

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3.5. Stretching on a long rein. This exercise gives a clear impression of the"throughness" of the horse and proves its balance, suppleness, obedience andrelaxation. In order to execute the exercise "stretching on a long rein" correctly,the athlete must lengthen the reins as the horse stretches gradually forward anddownward. As the neck stretches forwards and downwards, the mouth shouldreach more or less to the horizontal line corresponding with the point of theshoulder. An elastic and consistent contact with the athlete's hands must bemaintained. The pace must maintain its rhythm, and the horse should remain lightin the shoulders with the hindlegs well engaged. During the retake of the reins thehorse must accept the contact without resistance in the mouth or poll.

The Trot

1. The trot is a two (2)beat pace of alternate diagonal legs (left fore and right hind leg andvice versa) separated by a moment of suspension.

2. The trot should show free, active and regular steps.

3. The quality of the trot is judged by general impression, i.e. the regularity and elasticity ofthe steps, the cadence and impulsion in both collection and extension. This qualityoriginates from a supple back and wellengaged hindquarters, and by the ability tomaintain the same rhythm and natural balance with all variations of the trot.

4. The following trots are recognised: Working trot, Lengthening of steps, Collected trot,Medium trot and Extended trot.

4.1. Working trot. This is a pace between the Collected and the Medium trot, in which ahorse’s training is not yet developed enough and ready for collected movements. TheHorse shows proper balance and, remaining “on the bit”, goes forward with even,elastic steps and good hock action. The expression “good hock action” underlines theimportance of an impulsion originating from the activity of the hindquarters.

4.2. Lengthening of steps. In the test for four (4)yearold horses "lengthening of steps" isrequired. This is a variation between the Working and Medium trot in which a Horse’straining is not developed enough for Medium trot.

4.3. Collected trot. The horse, remaining “on the bit”, moves forward with the neck raisedand arched. The hocks, being wellengaged and flexed, must maintain an energeticimpulsion, enabling the shoulders to move with greater mobility, thus demonstratingcomplete selfcarriage. Although the horse’s steps are shorter than in the other trots,elasticity and cadence are not lessened.

4.4. Medium trot. This is a pace of moderate lengthening compared to the Extended trot,but “rounder” than the latter. Without hurrying, the horse goes forward with clearlylengthened steps and with impulsion from the hindquarters. The athlete allows thehorse to carry the head a little more in front of the vertical than at the Collected andthe Working trot, and to lower the head and neck slightly. The steps should be even,and the whole movement balanced and unconstrained.

4.5. Extended trot. The horse covers as much ground as possible. Without hurrying, thesteps are lengthened to the utmost as a result of great impulsion from thehindquarters. The athlete allows the horse to lengthen the frame and to gain groundwhilst controlling the poll. The fore feet should touch the ground on the spot towardswhich they are pointing. The movement of the fore and hind legs should reach equallyforward in the moment of extension. The whole movement should be wellbalancedand the transition to Collected trot should be smoothly executed by taking moreweight on the hindquarters.


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5. All trot work is executed “sitting”, unless otherwise indicated in the test.

The Canter

1. The canter is a three (3)beat pace where, in canter to the right, for example, the footfall isas follows: left hind, left diagonal (simultaneously left fore and right hind), right fore,followed by a moment of suspension with all four (4) feet in the air before the next stridebegins.

2. The canter, always with light, cadenced and regular strides, should be moved into withouthesitation.

3. The quality of the canter is judged by the general impression, i.e. the regularity andlightness of the steps and the uphill tendency and cadence originating from the acceptanceof the bridle with a supple poll and in the engagement of the hindquarters with an activehock action – and by the ability of maintaining the same rhythm and a natural balance,even after a transition from one (1) canter to another. The horse should always remainstraight on straight lines and correctly bent on curved lines.

4. The following canters are recognised: Working canter, Lengthening of strides, Collectedcanter, Medium canter and Extended canter.

4.1. Working canter. This is a pace between the Collected and the Medium canter, in whicha horse’s training is not yet developed enough and ready for collected movements. Thehorse shows natural balance while remaining “on the bit”, and goes forward with even,light and active strides and good hock action. The expression “good hock action”underlines the importance of an impulsion originating from the activity of thehindquarters.

4.2. Lengthening of strides. In the test for four (4)yearold horses "lengthening of strides"is required. This is a variation between the Working and Medium canter in which ahorse’s training is not developed enough for Medium canter.

4.3. Collected canter. The horse, remaining “on the bit”, moves forward with the neckraised and arched. The hocks, being wellengaged, maintain an energetic impulsion,enabling the shoulders to move with greater mobility thus demonstrating self carriageand an uphill tendency. The horse’s strides are shorter than in the other canters,without losing elasticity and cadence.

4.4. Medium canter. This is a pace between the Working and the Extended canter. Withouthurrying, the horse goes forward with clearly lengthened strides and impulsion fromthe hindquarters. The athlete allows the horse to carry the head a little more in front ofthe vertical than in the Collected and Working canter, and at the same time allows thehorse, to lower the head and neck slightly. The strides should be balanced andunconstrained.

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4.5. Extended canter. The horse covers as much ground as possible. Without hurrying, thestrides are lengthened to the utmost. The horse remains calm, light and straight as aresult of great impulsion from the hindquarters. The athlete allows the horse tolengthen the frame with a controlled poll and to gain ground. The whole movementshould be wellbalanced and the transition to Collected canter should be smoothlyexecuted by taking more weight on the hindquarters.

4.6. Counter–canter. The Counter canter is a balancing and straightening movement thatmust be executed in collection. The horse canters in correct sequence with the outsideforeleg leading with positioning to the side of the leading leg. The foreleg should bealigned to the same track as the hind leg.

4.7. Simple change of leg at the canter. This is a movement in which, after a directtransition out of the canter into a walk, with three (3) to five (5) clearly defined steps,an immediate transition is made into the other canter lead.

4.8. Flying change of leg. The flying change is performed in one (1) stride with the front andhind legs changing at the same moment. The change of the leading front and hind legtakes place during the moment of suspension. The aids should be precise andunobtrusive.

Flying changes of leg can also be executed in series at every 4th, 3rd, 2nd or at every stride. Thehorse, even in the series, remains light, calm and straight with lively impulsion, maintaining thesame rhythm and balance throughout the series concerned. In order not to restrict or restrainthe lightness, fluency and groundcover of the flying changes in series, enough impulsion mustbe maintained.

Aims of flying changes: To show the reaction, sensitivity and obedience of the horse to the aidsfor the change of leg.

Reinback

1. Reinback is a rearward diagonal movement with a two (2)beat rhythm but without amoment of suspension. Each diagonal pair of legs is raised and returned to the groundalternatively, with the forelegs aligned on the same track as the hindlegs.

2. During the entire exercise, the horse should remain “on the bit”, maintaining its desire tomove forward.


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3. Anticipation or precipitation of the movement, resistance to or evasion of the contact,deviation of the hindquarters from the straight line, spreading or inactive hind legs anddragging forefeet are serious faults.

4. The steps are counted as each foreleg moves back. After completing the required numberof steps backward, the horse should show a square halt or move forward in the requiredpace immediately. In tests where a Reinback of one (1) Horse’s length is required, it shouldbe executed with three (3) or four (4) steps.

5. Reinback series (Schaukel) is a combination of two (2) reinbacks with walk steps inbetween. It should be executed with fluent transitions and the required number of steps.

Transitions

The changes of pace and variations within the paces should be exactly performed at theprescribed marker. The cadence (except in walk) should be maintained up to the momentwhen the pace or movement is changed or the horse halts. The transitions within the pacesmust be clearly defined while maintaining the same rhythm and cadence throughout. Thehorse should remain light in hand, calm, and maintain a correct position.

The same applies to transitions from one (1) movement to another, for instance frompassage to piaffe or vice versa.

Half Halts

Every movement or transition should be invisibly prepared by barely perceptible half halts.The half halt is an almost simultaneous, coordinated action of the seat, the legs and thehands of the athlete, with the object of increasing the attention and balance of the horsebefore the execution of the movements or transitions to lower and higher paces. Byshifting slightly more weight onto the Horse’s hindquarters, the engagement of the hindlegs and the balance on the haunches are improved for the benefit of the lightness of theforehand and the horse’s balance as a whole.

Changes of Directions

1. At changes of direction, the horse should adjust the bend of his body to the curvatureof the line it follows, remaining supple and following the indications of the athlete,without any resistance or change of pace, rhythm or speed.

2. Changes of directions can be executed in the following ways:

a. Rightangled turn including riding through the corner (one 1 quarter of a volte ofapprox. six 6 metres).

b. Short and long diagonal.

c. Half voltes and half circles with change of rein.

d. Half pirouettes and turn on the haunches.

e. Serpentine loops.

f. Counterchanges of hand (in zigzag)*. The horse should be straight for a momentbefore changing direction.

*Zigzag: A movement containing more than two (2) halfpasses with changes of direction.

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The Figures

The figures asked in Dressage tests are the voltes, the serpentines and the figures of eight.

1. Volte

The volte is a circle of six (6), eight (8) or ten (10) metres in diameter. If larger than ten (10)metres it is a circle.

2. Serpentine

The serpentine with several loops touching the long side of the arena consists of half circlesconnected by a straight line. When crossing the centreline, the horse should be parallel to theshort side (a). Depending on the size of the half circles, the straight connection varies in length.Serpentines with one (1) loop on the long side of the arena are executed with five (5) metres orten (10) metres distance from the track (b). Serpentines around the centre line are executedbetween the quarter lines (c).

3. Figure of eight

This figure consists of two (2) voltes or circles of equal size as prescribed in the test, joined atthe centre of the eight (8). The athlete should make his horse straight an instant beforechanging direction at the centre of the figure.


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Leg Yielding

1. The aim of leg yielding: To demonstrate the suppleness and lateral responsiveness of thehorse.

2. Legyielding is performed in Working trot in FEI Competitions. The horse is almost straight,except for a slight flexion at the poll away from the direction in which it moves, so that theAthlete is just able to see the eyebrow and nostril on the inside. The inside legs pass andcross in front of the outside legs.

Legyielding should be included in the training of the horse before it is ready for Collectedwork. Later on, together with the more advanced shoulderin movement, it is the bestmeans of making a horse supple, loose and unconstrained for the benefit of the freedom,elasticity and regularity of its paces and the harmony, lightness and ease of its movements.

Leg yielding can be performed “on the diagonal” in which case the horse should be asnearly as possible parallel to the long sides of the arena, although the forehand should beslightly in advance of the hindquarters. It can also be performed “along the wall” in whichcase the horse should be at an angle of about thirty five (35) degrees to the direction inwhich he is moving.

Lateral Movements

1. The main aim of lateral movements – except legyielding is to develop and increase theengagement of the hindquarters and thereby also the collection.

2. In all lateral movements shoulderin, travers, renvers, and halfpass, the horse is slightlybent and moves on different tracks.

3. The bend or flexion must never be exaggerated so that it does not impair the rhythm, thebalance and fluency of the movement.

4. In the lateral movements, the pace should remain free and regular, maintaining a constantimpulsion, yet it must be supple, cadenced and balanced. The impulsion is often lostbecause of the athlete’s preoccupation with bending the horse and pushing it sideways.

5. Shoulderin. The shoulderin is performed in Collected trot. The horse is ridden with a slightbut uniform bend around the inside leg of the athlete maintaining engagement andcadence and a constant angle of approx. thirty (30) degrees. The horse’s inside forelegpasses and crosses in front of the outside foreleg; the inside hind leg steps forward underthe horse’s body weight following the same track of the outside foreleg, with the loweringof the inside hip. The horse is bent away from the direction in which it is moving.

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6. Travers. Travers can be performed in Collected trot or Collected canter. The horse is slightlybent round the inside leg of the athlete but with a greater degree of bend than in shoulderin. A constant angle of approximately thirty five (35) degrees should be shown (from thefront and from behind one 1 sees four 4 tracks). The forehand remains on the track andthe quarters are moved inwards. The horse’s outside legs pass and cross in front of theinside legs. The horse is bent in the direction in which it is moving.

To start the travers, the quarters must leave the track or, after a corner or circle, are notbrought back onto the track. At the end of the travers, the quarters are brought back onthe track (without any counterflexion of the poll/neck) as one (1) would finish a circle.

Aims of travers: To show a fluent Collected trot movement on a straight line and a correctbend. Front and hind legs are crossing, balance and cadence are maintained.

7. Renvers. Renvers is the inverse movement in relation to travers. The hindquarters remainon the track while the forehand is moved inward. To finish the renvers the forehand isaligned with the quarters on the track. Otherwise, the same principles and conditions thatapply to the travers are applicable to the renvers.

The horse is slightly bent around the inside leg of the athlete. The horse’s outside legs passand cross in front of the inside legs. The horse is bent in the direction in which it is moving.

Aims of renvers: To show a fluent Collected trot movement on a straight line with a greaterdegree of bend than in shoulderin. Fore and hind legs cross, balance and cadence aremaintained.

8. Half pass. Halfpass is a variation of travers, executed on a diagonal line instead of alongthe wall. It can be performed in Collected trot (and in passage in a freestyle) or Collectedcanter. The horse should be slightly bent around the inside leg of the athlete and in thedirection in which it is moving. The horse should maintain the same cadence and balancethroughout the whole movement. In order to give more freedom and mobility to theshoulders, it is of great importance that the impulsion be maintained, especially theengagement of the inside hind leg. The horse’s body is nearly parallel to the long side of thearena with the forehand slightly in advance of the hindquarters.

In the trot, the outside legs pass and cross in front of the inside legs. In the canter, themovement is performed in a series of forward/sideways strides.

Aims of halfpass in trot: To show a fluent collected trot movement on a diagonal line witha greater degree of bend than in shoulderin. Fore and hind legs cross, balance and cadenceare maintained.

Aims of the halfpass in canter: To both demonstrate and develop the collection andsuppleness of the canter by moving fluently forwards and sideways without any loss ofrhythm, balance or softness and submission to the bend.


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The Pirouette, Half Pirouette and turn on the haunches

1. The Pirouette (halfpirouette) is a turn of three hundred and sixty (360) degrees (hundredand eighty 180 degrees) executed on two (2) tracks, with a radius equal to the length ofthe horse and the forehand moving around the haunches.

2. Pirouettes (halfpirouettes) are usually carried out at Collected walk or canter, but can alsobe executed at piaffe.

3. At the pirouette (halfpirouette) the forefeet and the outside hind foot move around theinside hind foot. The inside hind leg describes a circle as small as possible.

4. At whatever pace the pirouette (halfpirouette) is executed, the horse, slightly bent in thedirection in which it is turning, remains “on the bit” with light contact, turning smoothlyaround, and maintaining sequence and timing of footfalls of that pace. The poll remainsthe highest point during the entire movement.

5. During the pirouettes (halfpirouettes), the horse should maintain its activity (walk alsoincluded) and never move backwards or sideways.

6. In executing the pirouette or the halfpirouette in canter, the athlete should maintainlightness of the horse while accentuating the collection. The horse’s hindquarters are wellengaged and lowered and show a good flexion of the joints. An integral part of themovement is the quality of the canter strides before and after the pirouette. The stridesshould show an increased activity and collection before the pirouette and the balanceshould be maintained at the end of the pirouette.

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Aims of the pirouette and halfpirouette in canter: To demonstrate the willingness of thehorse to turn around the inside hind leg on a small radius, slightly bent in the direction ofthe turn while maintaining the activity and the clarity of the canter, the straightness andthe balance before and after the figure and clear canter strides during the turn. In thepirouette or halfpirouette in canter, the Judges should be able to recognize a real canterstride although the feet of the diagonal – inside hind leg, outside front leg – are nottouching the ground simultaneously.

7. The quality of the pirouettes (halfpirouettes) is judged according to the suppleness,lightness and regularity, and the precision and smoothness of the entrance and exit.Pirouettes (halfpirouettes) in canter should be executed in six (6) to eight (8) strides – fullpirouettes – and three to four (4) strides – halfpirouette.

8. Halfpirouettes in walk (180 degrees) are executed out of Collected walk with the collectionbeing maintained throughout the exercise. When the horse exits the halfpirouette itreturns to the initial track without crossing the hind legs.

9. Turn on the haunches from walk. For younger horses that are still not able to showCollected walk the “turn on the haunches” is an exercise to prepare the horse for collection.The “turn on the haunches” is executed out of Medium walk prepared by half halts toshorten the steps a little and to improve the ability to bend the joints of the hindquarters.The horse does not halt before or after the turn. The “turn on the haunches” can beexecuted on a larger radius (approx. ½m) than the pirouette in walk, but the demands ofthe training scale concerning rhythm, contact, activity and straightness are the same.

10. Turn on the haunches from halt to halt (180 degrees). To maintain the forward tendency ofthe movement one (1) or two (2) forward steps at the beginning of the turn are permitted.The same criteria apply as for the turn on the haunches from walk.


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Passage

1. Passage is a measured, very collected, elevated and cadenced trot. It is characterised by apronounced engagement of the hindquarters, a more accentuated flexion of the knees andhocks, and the graceful elasticity of the movement. Each diagonal pair of legs is raised andreturned to the ground alternately, with cadence and a prolonged suspension.

2. In principle, the height of the toe of the raised forefoot should be level with the middle ofthe cannon bone of the other supporting foreleg. The toe of the raised hind foot should beslightly above the fetlock joint of the other supporting hind leg.

3. The neck should be raised and gracefully arched with the poll as the highest point and thenose line close to the vertical. The horse should remain light, and soft “on the bit” withoutaltering the cadence. The impulsion remains lively and pronounced.

4. Irregular steps with the hind or front legs, swinging the forehand or the hindquarters fromone (1) side to the other, as well as jerky movements of the forelegs or the hind legs,dragging the hind legs or double beat in the moment of suspension are serious faults.

The aim of passage is too demonstrate the highest degree of collection, cadence andsuspension in the trot.

Piaffe

1. Piaffe is a highly collected, cadenced, elevated diagonal movement giving the impressionof remaining in place. The horse’s back is supple and elastic. The hindquarters are lowered;the haunches with active hocks are well engaged, giving great freedom, lightness andmobility to the shoulders and forehand. Each diagonal pair of legs is raised and returned tothe ground alternately, with spring and an even cadence.

1.1. In principle, the height of the toe of the raised forefoot should be level with the middleof the cannon bone of the other supporting foreleg. The toe of the raised hind footshould reach just above the fetlock joint of the other supporting hind leg.

1.2. The neck should be raised and gracefully arched, with the poll as the highest point. Thehorse should remain “on the bit” with a supple poll, maintaining soft contact. The bodyof the horse should move in a supple, cadenced and harmonious movement.

1.3. Piaffe must always be animated by a lively impulsion and characterised by perfectbalance. While giving the impression of remaining in place, there may be a visibleinclination to advance, this being displayed by the horse’s eager acceptance to moveforward as soon as it is asked.

1.4. Moving even slightly backwards, irregular or jerky steps with the hind or front legs, noclear diagonal steps, crossing either the fore or hind legs, or swinging either theforehand or the hindquarters from one (1) side to the other, getting wide behind or infront, moving too much forward or doublebeat rhythm are all serious faults.

The aim of piaffe is to demonstrate the highest degree of collection while giving theimpression of remaining in place.

Impulsion and Submission

1. Impulsion is the term used to describe the transmission of an eager and energetic, yetcontrolled, propulsive energy generated from the hind quarters into the athleticmovement of the horse. Its ultimate expression can be shown only through the horse's softand swinging back guided by gentle contact with the athlete's hand.

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1.1. Speed, of itself, has little to do with impulsion; the result is more often a flattening of thepaces. A visible characteristic is a more pronounced articulation of the hind leg, in acontinuous rather than staccato action. The hock, as the hind foot leaves the ground,should first move forward rather than being pulled upwards, but certainly not backwards. Aprime ingredient of impulsion is the time the horse spends in the air rather than on theground. Impulsion is, therefore, seen only in those paces that have a period of suspension.

1.2. Impulsion is a precondition for a good collection in trot and canter. If there is no impulsion,then there is nothing to collect.

2. Submission does not mean subordination, but an obedience revealing its presence by aconstant attention, willingness and confidence in the whole behaviour of the horse as wellas by the harmony, lightness and ease it is displaying in the execution of the differentmovements.

The degree of the submission is also demonstrated by the way the horse accepts the bit,with light and soft contact and a supple poll. Resistance to or evasion of the athlete’s hand,being either “above the bit” or “behind the bit” demonstrate lack of submission. The maincontact with the horse’s mouth must be through the snaffle bit.

2.1. Putting out the tongue, keeping it above the bit or drawing it up altogether, as well asgrinding the teeth or agitation of the tail, are mostly signs of nervousness, tension orresistance on the part of the horse and must be taken into account by the Judges intheir marks for every movement concerned, as well as in the collective mark for“submission”.

2.2. The first thought when considering submission is willingness, that the horseunderstands what is being asked of it and is confident enough in the athlete to react tothe aids without fear or tension.

2.3. The horse’s straightness, uphill tendency and balance enable it to stay in front of theathlete’s legs and go forward into an accepting and selfcarrying contact with the bit.This is what really produces the picture of harmony and lightness.

The fulfilling of the main requirements/movements of a Dressage test is the main criterionfor submission.

Collection

The aim of the collection of the horse is:

a) To further develop and improve the balance and equilibrium of the horse, which has beenmore or less displaced by the additional weight of the athlete.

b) To develop and increase the horse's ability to lower and engage its hindquarters for thebenefit of the lightness and mobility of its forehand.

c) To add to the “ease and carriage” of the horse and to make it more pleasurable to ride.

Collection is developed through the use of halfhalts and the use of lateral movementsshoulderin, travers, renvers and half pass.

Collection is improved and achieved by the use of the seat and legs and containing hands toengage the hind legs. The joints bend and are supple so that the hind legs can step forwardunder the horse’s body.

However, the hind legs should not be engaged so far forward under the horse, that theyshorten the base of support excessively, thereby impeding the movement. In such a case, theline of the back would be lengthened and raised too much in relation to the supporting base ofthe legs, the stability would be impaired and the horse would have difficulty in finding aharmonious and correct balance.


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The Position and aids of the athlete

1. All the movements should be obtained with imperceptible aids and without apparent effortof the athlete. The athlete should be wellbalanced, elastic, sitting deep in the centre of thesaddle, smoothly absorbing the movement of the horse with his loins and hips, supplethighs with the legs steady and stretched well down. The heels should be the lowest point.The upper part of the body should be tall and supple. The contact should be independentfrom the athlete’s seat. The hands should be carried steadily close together, with thethumb as the highest point and a straight line from the supple elbow through the hand tothe horse’s mouth. The elbows should be close to the body. All of these criteria enable theathlete to follow the movements of the horse smoothly and freely.

2. The effectiveness of the athlete’s aids determines the precise fulfilment of the requiredmovements of the tests. There shall always be the impression of a harmonious cooperation between horse and athlete.

3. Riding with both hands is obligatory at FEI Dressage Events. When leaving the arena at awalk on long rein, after having finished the test the athlete may, at his own discretion, ridewith only one (1) hand. For Freestyle tests, see also Directives for Judges – Freestyle testsand Directives for assessing the degree of difficulty in a Freestyle test available atwww.fei.org.

4. The use of the voice or clicking the tongue repeatedly is a serious fault. Refer tosanctions/penalties.

On the other hand, a horse with an overlong base of support, which is unable or unwilling toengage its hind legs forward under its body, will never achieve acceptable collection,characterised by “ease and carriage” as well as a lively impulsion originating from the activity ofthe hindquarters.

The position of the head and neck of a horse at the collected paces is naturally dependent onthe stage of training and, to some degree, on its conformation. It is distinguished by the neckbeing raised without restraint, forming a harmonious curve from the withers to the poll, whichis the highest point, with the nose slightly in front of the vertical. At the moment the athleteapplies his aids to obtain a momentary and passing collecting effect, the head may becomemore or less vertical. The arch of the neck is directly related to the degree of collection.

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Annex 8 - Child Protection and Equal Opportunities

Child protection policy

Policy statement

BD fully accepts its legal (The Children Act 1989) and moral obligation to provide a duty of care,to protect all children (and vulnerable adults) and safeguard their welfare, irrespective of age,any disability they have, gender, racial origin, religious belief and sexual orientation. Achild/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18 years.

BD is committed to encouraging all those connected with horse sports to be aware of thedifferent types of abuse which exist, emphasising the responsibility that all adults working withchildren have and ensuring that all Officials, Coaches, Volunteers and Assistants do not putthemselves in situations where their own behaviour could be called into question.

The leaflet ‘Information and Guidance for Children in Equestrianism’ can be downloaded fromthe BD website: www.britishdressage.co.uk.

Policy aims

The aim of the BD Child Protection Policy is to promote good practice:

• Providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst atBD events;

• Allow all staff, officials, competitors and volunteers to make informed and confidentresponses to specific child protection issues.

Code of conduct

To ensure that all forms of abuse are prevented and to help protect people who work withchildren and young riders, the following guidelines must be followed by all staff, officials,competitors and volunteers:

• Always work in an open environment (eg avoid situations where you and an individualchild are completely unobserved);

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all competitors and treat everyone withequality;

• Ensure the welfare of each child in the context of winning or achieving goals;

• Always promote the positive aspects of equestrianism and never condone ruleviolations or the use of prohibited substances;

• Ensure that if any form of manual/physical support is required, it should be providedopenly. Children should always be consulted and their agreement gained. Someparents are becoming increasingly sensitive about manual support and their viewsshould always be carefully considered;

• Recognise the developmental needs and capacity of children – avoid excessive trainingor competition and do not push them against their will.

The following should be avoided except in emergencies. If cases arise where these situationsare unavoidable it should be with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge at anevent or the child’s parents. For example, if a child sustains an injury and needs to go tohospital, or a parent fails to arrive to pick a child up at the end of an event:

• Avoid spending excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others;

• Avoid taking or dropping off a child to an event;


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• Do not allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or notacted upon;

• Do not do things of a personal nature for children or disabled adults that they can dofor themselves. However, it may sometimes be necessary for adults to do things of apersonal nature for children particularly if they are young or are disabled. These tasksshould only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of parents/carers. Ifa person is fully dependent on you, talk with him/her about what you are doing andgive choices where possible;

• Do not invite or allow children to stay with you at your home unsupervised.

Officials, competitors and volunteers should never:

• Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games;

• Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching;

• Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged;

• Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun.

If any of the following occur you should report this immediately to another colleague andrecord the incident.

You should also ensure the parents of the child are informed:

• If you accidentally hurt a child or young person;

• If he/she seems distressed in any manner;

• If a child misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done.

Use of photographic/filming equipment at sporting events

There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as an opportunity to takeinappropriate photographs or film footage of young and disabled sportspeople in vulnerablepositions. All event officials and volunteers should be vigilant and any concerns should bereported to the Lead Welfare Officer at British Dressage.

There is no intention to prevent coaches and teachers using video equipment as a legitimatecoaching aid. However, performers and their parents/carers should be made aware that this ispart of the coaching programme and such films should be:

• stored securely;

• used only by the trainer/coach for training purposes;

• destroyed when the film is of no more value for training purposes or when requestedto do so by the parent or carer.

Child abuse

There are four recognised forms of child abuse:

• Physical (deliberately injuring a child or doing nothing to prevent it; also includesgiving children alcohol or drugs);

• Neglect (failing to meet a child’s basic needs for food, warmth, clothing or medicalattention);

• Sexual (any sexual act between an adult and a child);

• Emotional (continuously failing to show love and affection to a child, including verbalabuse such as sarcasm, threats, criticism, yelling and taunting).

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Your responsibility

• To recognise signs of abuse and take any necessary action to help the child;

• To act on your concerns and do something about it;

• To protect children in every way from abuse;

• To protect yourself from allegations of child abuse.

Further information

For confidential assistance or advice with any queries, concerns or incidents, please contact:Karen Ryder, Lead Welfare Officer, on 02476 698840 or [email protected],Ann Morton and Sharon Weir, Assistant Lead Welfare Officers on 02476 698834 [email protected].

For more information relating to Working with Children in Horse Sports, including the fullSafeguarding and Protecting Children Policy, please see the British Dressage website:www.britishdressage.co.uk (25’s & under, Child Protection) or the British Equestrian Federationwebsite: www.bef.co.uk (Legal and Ethical, Child Protection)

Equity and equal opportunities

With regard to equity, British Dressage:

a) aims to ensure that all people, irrespective of race, gender, ability, ethnic origin, socialstatus or sexual orientation, have equal opportunities to take part in equestrianism atall levels and roles;

b) seeks to educate and guide the BD’s members, their employees and volunteers on theownership, adoption and implementation of its equity plan;

c) intends to raise awareness of Equity through the implementation of this policy and theadoption of an Equity Action Plan; and, as a result of this process;

d) aims to monitor, review and evaluate progress in achieving the stated aims andobjectives and to feed back to member bodies on progress made.

British Dressage will ensure that its recruitment and selection procedures are fair andtransparent, and meet the appropriate legal requirements. Each member body will ensure it’sown procedures meet these requirements.

A shortened version of the safeguarding and protecting children policy can be found on theBritish Dressage website, a full version is available on the BEF website.

BEF Equality Statement

The BEF is fully committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and aims to ensurethat no individual receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender,disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, pregnancy,religious belief, class or social background, sexual orientation or political belief. This includesall those involved in whatever capacity – riders, drivers, vaulters, employees, coaches,officials, other volunteers and spectators.

The BEF will ensure wherever it is reasonable and within BEF’s direct control that there isopen access to all those who wish to participate in all aspects of equestrian activity and that


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they are treated fairly. We do this with firm belief in our mission statement of ‘More People,More Places, More Medals and More Horses’. We have at our heart our Equality policysupported by a Coaches Code of Conduct and effective communication with opportunitiessupported by fair, open and transparent recruitment and selection policies and proceduresthat follow the same principles.

All our member organisations have approved and adopted the BEF Equality Policy and areworking to the same principles thereby influencing opportunities for 250,000 individualmembers and an industry that represents 4.3 million participants. Equality in equestrianism isabout making sure everyone has a chance to be involved. It is also about encouraging andincreasing the involvement of groups at all levels of equestrian activity by recognising thatinequalities exist and taking steps to address them by creating opportunities where currentlythere are few available.

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Annex 9 - Music Licence

Dressage to Music – PPL Licence requirements

The Licence that BD have negotiated with PPL enables our members to use, according to theterms of the Licence, PPL repertoire music in affiliated Dressage to Music Competitions.However members can also use non PPL music. BD Members wishing to take part inAffiliated DTM classes must read the Licence Agreement and then read and sign the SubLicence Agreement which is attached to it. The SubLicence Agreement must then be sent toBD as soon as possible. As well as the SubLicence Agreement members will also be requiredto forward a copy of the “Music Licence Record Form”. This form records the nature andlength of tracks that are on the members CD/minidisc. You can check if your music is PPL ornot by looking on the PPL repertoire list.

To obtain a PPL repertoire please phone or email the Music Membership Officer at BD.

If the source of the music is not shown on the PPL list, it should be assumed that it is non PPLand a note should be put on the music licence record form stating this.

If the label name cannot be found, a note stating that it has not been possible to source themusic should be shown on the music licence record.

The label name that appears on the PLL repertoire list needs to be cross referenced with thelabel name that appears on your disc.

PPL will not appear on the disc anywhere.

There are always numerous pieces of information contained on a CD inlay card such as label,music publishing company, distributor etc. The label releasing the album can usually befound on either the spine of the CD or on the back cover near a P in a circle.

Once you have returned your completed forms you will be sent selfadhesive labels whichshould be applied to the case containing the CD you will use at competitions, this is a PPLlicence requirement.


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Rules for World Class Performance Squad Riders in National Competitions and thosecompeting in International Competitions.

This Rule applies to members of BD who are competing in National Competitions or any riderscompeting in International Classes in Great Britain or throughout the World. All such competitorsand horses when competing in the above categories hereby agree to do so under the jurisdictionof the BEF or in turn the FEI, BOA, IOC and the Sports Councils of Great Britain.

The BEF Rule Book will apply in all such circumstances including the rules for doping andmedication control and the BEF Rules shall take precedence over the rules of British Dressage forsuch purposes.

It is the responsibility of all members of BD affected by this rule to familiarise themselves withthe Rules of the BEF, FEI, BOA, IOC and Sports Councils of Great Britain which may be obtainedfrom BD.

International Equestrian FederationInternational Dressage Competitions are run in accordance with the FEI (Federation EquestreInternational) rules. All riders competing in FEI competitions (including Para Equestrian Dressageriders) will require an FEI riders licence (which includes adherence to the AntiDoping Rules.)

All horses and riders wishing to compete at any International event, CDI, CDIO, CDIW, CPEDIwhether living in Britain or abroad, MUST be registered with the FEI, via BD. A horse/ponypassport cannot be issued without a rider and horse being registered with the FEI and vice versa.All registrations must be completed prior to entry. Please contact the International Officer at BDfor further information.Annual International Championships are held for five categories of competitors:

a) Senior Riders, b) Young Riders, c) Junior Riders, d) Pony Riders e) Para Equestrian Dressage Riders.

Young RidersYoung Rider competitors are eligible to take part in International Young Rider competitionsfrom the beginning of the calendar year of their 16th birthday until the end of the calendaryear of their 21st birthday. Their horses must be over 14.2 h.h. (148cm) in height and at least6 years of age (horses must be 7 years of age for the Young Rider Individual test and YoungRider freestyle test as it is equivalent to PSG standard).

JuniorsJunior competitors are eligible to take part in Junior International competitions from the beginning ofthe year of their 14th birthday until the end of the year of their 18th birthday. They may ride ponies upto the end of the year of their 16th birthday. Horses and ponies must be 6 years old or over.

PoniesPony competitors are eligible to take part in Pony International competitions from the beginning ofthe year of their 12th Birthday until the end of the year of their 16th Birthday.

A Pony is a small horse whose height at the withers, having been measured on a smooth levelsurface, does not exceed 148cm without shoes or 149cm with shoes. Ponies measured atcompetition must not exceed 150cm without shoes or 151cm with shoes in order to be permitted tocompete. This tolerance is only to be considered when FEI measuring takes place at competition.

Ponies must be 6 years old or over.

N.B. Riders cannot compete in Pony and Junior or Junior and Young Rider Championships in thesame year.

SuspensionSuspensions, imposed by the FEI on any horse and/or rider will be upheld by BD and they willautomatically be suspended from National events.

Annex 10 - Specific rules relating to World Class

& FEI Competitions

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Annex 11 - British Dressage Members Insurance


As a member of British Dressage you also receive special discounts on certain classes orbusiness purchased via our brokers Shearwater Insurance Services Limited, such as:

• Horse & Pony, including Tack.

• Trainers & Grooms.

• High Value Competition Horses.

• Equestrian Yards – Competition, Training, Private Yards, Riding Schools & LiveryYards.

• Horse Box & Trailer.

• Shows & Events (including Cancellation & Abandonment).

• High Value Household.

• Motor including Vans & Fleets.

• All types of Commercial Insurance including Professional Indemnity, Public &Products Liability and many more....

Any queries about these covers should be directed to:

Shearwater Insurance Services Limited, Shearwater House, 8 Regent Gate, High Street,

Waltham Cross, Herts, EN8 7AF. Tel: 01992 718666, Fax: 01992 707310

Email: enquiries@shearwaterinsurance.co.uk www.shearwaterinsurance.co.uk

Cover Summary Personal Public Liability

As part of your membership, you automatically receive equestrian related Public LiabilityInsurance, provided you reside in the UK or Eire. The following pages give details of theautomatic insurances you receive as a member.

The primary level of Public Liability cover (£10,000,000) provided is underwritten byInternational Insurance Company of Hannover Limited. The excess layer public liability cover(£20,000,000) is provided by Novae Syndicates Limited (Syndicate No. 2007) and XL LondonMarket Limited (Syndicate No. 1209), both at Lloyds.

The primary liability policy is underwritten by International Insurance Company of HannoverLimited you can contact Inter Hannover at: Insurance Company of Hannover Limited, 1Arlington Square, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1WA. Tel: 01344 397600. Registered in EnglandNo: 1453123

Both Novae and XL Syndicates business address is Lloyds, One Lime Street, London, EC3M 7HA.

International Insurance Company of Hannover Ltd, Novae Syndicates Ltd & XL LondonMarket Ltd are all authorised and registered by the Financial Conduct Authority. You cancheck this on the FCA’s register by visiting the FCA’s website at www.fca.gov.uk/register or bycontacting the FCA on 0800 111 6785.

British Dressage’s Public Liability is an annual contract and may be renewed each yearsubject to terms and conditions.

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Annex 11 - British Dressage Members Insurance

This document provides only a summary of the main benefits under the Public Liabilitypolicy. For full terms and conditions you should read the policy document, a copy of which isavailable upon request. If you have any queries, please contact Shearwater Insurance on01992 707316.

Significant Features and Benefits.

• Members Public Personal Liability

• Member’s Public Liability insurance provides an indemnity to compensate thirdparties (not employees) for accidental injury or accidental property damage subjectto your negligence/legal liability.

The insurers will provide an indemnity for the payment of all sums awarded against youunder civil law due to accidental death or injury to third parties or damage to third partyproperty that occurs during the insurance period and arises out of and in connection withequine activities and related equine activities

The sums payable as an indemnity are limited to: £30,000,000 any one occurrence

There are a number of cover extensions including:

• Grooms Indemnity – cover for any groom engaged in working for an insuredmember in their work involving the insured horse.

• Extended Indemnity – cover for other riders when using the insured member’s horsewith their express prior permission.

The above extensions 1 & 2 shall not cover liability that arises out of the above where a feehas been charged and where such use is in connection with any business.

Significant/Unusual Exclusions or Limitations

Public Liability

The policy document contains a number of exclusions and other limitations. The moresignificant exclusions applying that will bar any payment are listed below:

1. North America – bodily injury, personal injury, damage or denial of access withinNorth America is excluded.

2. Professional and Business Activities – cover excludes bodily injury, personal injury,damage or denial of access arising out of or from equine activities or related equineactivities when undertaken as a professional or being undertaken as part of theinsured members business or occupation, irrespective of whether a fee is charged ornot including supervision of other riders.

3. Insured Members Family – cover excludes bodily injury or personal injury to anyperson who is part of the insured member’s family or household.

4. The first £500 of any claim for third party property damage.

5. If indemnity is available under any other insurance, then the insurance afforded bythis policy will be in excess of and will not contribute with such other insurance

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Your Right to Cancel

This is a group policy provided by British Dressage which forms part of your membershipbenefits, as such there are no rights of cancellation should you decide that you do not needor require this cover.

Renewing your Policy

If Inter Hannover is willing to invite renewal of the policy; Inter Hannover via ShearwaterInsurance Services will advise you in good time before the expiry of the current policy term,providing the premium and terms & conditions which will apply for the following year.

Claim Notification

Should you wish to make a claim you should contact Shearwater Insurance Services as soonas possible: Shearwater Insurance Services Limited, Shearwater House, 8 Regent Gate, HighStreet, Waltham Cross, Herts EN8 7AF. Tel: 01992 707316. Fax: 01992 707310 enquiries@shearwaterinsurance.co.uk

YOU MUST NOT ADMIT LIABILITY OR OFFER OR AGREE TO SETTLE ANY CLAIM WITHOUTEXPRESS WRITTEN CONFIRMATION FROM THE INSURERS.

Complaint Procedure

If you are unhappy with the service provided for any reason or have cause for complaint youshould initially contact Shearwater Insurance Services Limited, Shearwater House, 8 RegentGate, High Street, Waltham Cross, Herts EN8 7AF. Tel: 01992 707316.

If in the unlikely event that we are unable to resolve the situation and you wish to make acomplaint you can do so at any time by referring matters to Inter Hannover’s Underwriter’sComplaint Officer at the following address: International Insurance Company of HannoverLimited, 1 Arlington Square, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1WA. Tel: 01344 397600.

If after following the above steps the matter is still unresolved then you may contact:The Financial Ombudsman Services (FOS), South Quay Plaza, 183 March Wall, London, E14 9SRTel: 0800 023 4567. Email: complaint.info@financialombudsman.org.uk. Website:www.financialombudsman.org.uk

Your rights as a customer to take legal action remain unaffected by the existence or use ofany complaints procedure referred to above. However, the Financial Ombudsman Serviceswill not adjudicate on any cases where litigation has commenced.

The law and language applicable to the policyThe law of England & Wales will apply to this contract. The language used in this policy andany communications relating to it will be English.

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Policy Summary Members Personal Accident Insurance

This is a summary of the cover and does not contain all of the terms and conditions of yourPolicy, which can be found in the policy document, a copy of which is available upon request.Please take time to make sure you understand the cover it provides. Cover is underwritten byRoyal & Sun Alliance Plc. (RSA)

Features & Benefits

PROVIDES COVER FOR ACCIDENTAL DEATH, LOSS OF LIMB OR SIGHT AND PERMANENTDISABLEMENT ONLY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF:

• Horse related accidents other than whilst attending an organised equestrian eventas defined in B below

• Horse related activities while attending any event or official practice/training sessionorganised by or affiliated to British Dressage, BHDTA, BHS, BSJA, Pony Club, BHS,Riding Clubs, BE, EGB, BEV or FEI

Up to a maximum of £5,000 in respect of A and £10,000 in respect of B.

Accidental death is limited to £5,000 in respect of persons up to the age of 16.

Significant or Unusual Exclusions or Limits

This section does not cover injury arising from:• Committing or attempting to commit suicide or as a result of self inflicted injury• Any naturally occurring condition or degenerative process• Any gradually operating process• Post traumatic stress disorder or any psychological or psychiatric condition (not

resulting from bodily injury following an accident)• Radioactive contamination whether arising directly or indirectly.• War or Terrorism occasioned by any Nuclear, Chemical or Biological cause.

Period of Insurance

The insurance cover shall apply from 1st July to 30th June until notification of change but is subjectto the renewal of the Master Insurance and any revised items that such renewal may contain.

Policy Cancellation

This policy may be cancelled by either the British Dressage or RSA by giving 30 days writtennotice to the Company or the Insured at their last known registered address.

Claim Notification

Should you wish to make a claim you should contact Shearwater Insurance Services as soonas possible.

Complaints Procedure

We aim to provide you with a first class service, if you feel that you have not received theservice you expect or you are concerned with the service provided, we would like theopportunity to put things right. Initially please raise your concerns with Shearwater InsuranceServices Ltd, Shearwater House, 8 Regent Gate, High Street, Waltham Cross, Herts EN8 7AF.Tel: 01992 707316.

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In the unlikely event that this matter is still unresolved, you can escalate your complaint toRSA’s Customer Services Relations Office who will conduct a separate investigation, senddetails of your complaint to the following address; this will be concluded with the issue of thecompany’s final decision in writing: Customer Relations Office, RSA, Bowling Mill, DeanClough Industrial Estate, Halifax, HX3 5WA.

If you are still dissatisfied, Royal Sun Alliance Insurance Plc is regulated by the FinancialServices Authority whose arbitration service is the Financial Ombudsman Service and youmay be able to refer your complaint to them: Insurance Division, The Financial OmbudsmanService, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9SR.

Your rights as a customer to take legal action remain unaffected by the existence or use ofany complaints procedures referred to above. However the Financial Ombudsman Servicewill not adjudicate on any cases where litigation has commenced.

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Department Direct telephone

Chief Executive 02476 698843

Chief Executive’s PA 02476 698844

Sport Operations Manager 02476 698827

Judges Officer 02476 698831

Fixtures Officers 02476 698845/698909

Results & Grading Officers 02476 698846/698909

Para Equestrian Officer 02476 698837

WCP/Senior International Officer 02476 698835

Training & Education Manager 02477 087809

Training & Education Officer 02476 698833

Membership U21 International/BYRDS Manager 02476 698840

BYRDS Assistant 02476 698834

Membership/Horse Registrations/Downgrading 02476 698836/698832

Finance Manager 02476 698841

Accounts Department 02476 698838/698828

Marketing & Communications Manager 02476 698842

Marketing, PR and Press 02476 698839/698819

Shop/Test & Score Sheets 02476 698830

Fax Number 02476 690390

Website: www.britishdressage.co.uk

Email: [email protected] (e.g. [email protected])

British DressageBuilding 2020 Meriden Business Park MeridenWest Midlands CV5 9RG

Annex - BD Contacts

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Index

Rule No.AAcceptance of rules 2Advanced medium freestyle 115Advanced medium qualifiers 113Age of horse/pony 7Age of members 4Agreement to be bound by rules 1Air jackets 45Anti fly Impregnated browbands and fly 61repellent discsAppointment and deselection of Judges 103Area Festivals 108, 110, 112Arena layout 70Arena markers 71Assessment of horses 21Associated competitions 27Associate horse registration 6Associate membership 3Availability of tests 31

BBalloting 35Bandages/boots 59BD Young Dressage Horse championship 119, 120Bit checking 81Bitguards 58Bits 66, 68Blinkers 59Body protectors 45Boots 49Breastplates/girths 59Breeches/jodphurs 47Bridles 56BYRDS Home International competition 124BYRDS InterRegional competition 126

CCautions 101Championships and cut off dates 111Change of pace at a given marker Annex 7Child Protection Annex 8Classification 84, 130Class Tickets 5Coats/jackets 44Commanders 78Competitors’ responsibility/declarations 74Complaints of misconduct Annex 3, 4, 5Conduct of competitors 73Conduct of members Annex 3

DDecoration 60Definitions of paces and movements Annex 7Disciplinary reciprocity Annex 4Dismounting and/or fall of horse 88Dispensation 84Double bridle 56, 68Downgrading horses 20Down grouping of riders 12Dress 43Duration of judging 109


Rule No.EEar covers 61Elementary freestyle 115Elementary qualifiers 113Eligibility to compete 14Entering arena before signal to start 82Entries 34Equine Influenza vaccination 9Equity and equal opportunities Annex 8Errors of course 92Errors of the test 94Execution of test 83

FFEI suspensions Annex 10FEI definitions of paces and movements Annex 7Fly fringes 61Foreign judges 104Foreign riders 16Free walk on a long rein Annex 7Freestyle tests 28, 29Freestyle to music 30Freestyle to music qualifiers 115

GGive and retake the reins Annex 7Gloves 48Grades of horses 17Grading of horses training abroad 22Grading of riders 11Grading points 18Grand Prix qualification 113Grinding teeth 90

HHats 46Height certificates 8Hoof boots 59Hors concours 39Horse/pony registration 6

IImported horses 19Inspection of arenas 72Insurance Annex 11Intermediate I qualification 113Intermediate II qualification 113Introductory classes 23

JJackets 44Judges’ complaints procedure Annex 5Judges’ decision final 100Judges’ sheets 99Judging restrictions 106, 107

LLameness 96Large walk half pirouette Annex 7Leaving the arena 87Limitations on competing 10Logos 54, 55Lunging 64

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Rule No.MMartingales 59Medium freestyle 115Medium qualifiers 113Membership 3Music Licence 3, Annex 7

NNational championships 110Neck straps 59Nosebands 57Nose nets 61Notice of complaint 102, Annex 4, 5Novice freestyle 115Novice qualifiers 113Numbers 76

OObjections 102Open sections 13Opening/closing dates of entries 33Organisers rights 32Outside assistance 79

PPara championships 134137Para dressage tests 139Para Equestrian horses 133Para grading 129Para Home International 138Penalties for contravening rules 80, Annex 2Penalties for errors of course 93Pick your own classes 8Pony Club membership 3Positioning of judges 105Potential International dressage horse 118Powers of the DSC to impose penalties Annex 4Preliminary classes 24Preliminary qualifiers 113Prix St Georges freestyle 115Prix St Georges qualifiers 113Prize money 40Prizegivings 42Prohibited substances – horses Annex 6Prohibited substances – riders Annex 6

QQualifiers and championships 113115Qualifiers for Para Equestrian 134137

RRefund of entry fees 38Regional championships 110Resistance 89Restricted sections 13Riding In warm up arenas 77Riding the wrong test 75Rights of members at DSC hearings Annex 4Rosettes 41

Rule No.SSaddle cloths 54, 55Saddles 53Salute 85Scale of marks 98Scoring method 97Scottish championships 127Senior Home International 123Senior InterRegional 125Side reins 59Simple change Annex 7Sitting and rising trot 86Snaffles 66Special rules for offshore islands 114Spurs 50Stallions 62Standards at which judges may officiate 107

TTack checking 81Tail swishing 90Tests in use 28The scales of training Annex 7Training sections 15Time 95Turns and circles Annex 7

UUnaffiliated Competitions 25Under 25 championships 122Union flag pocket badge 52

VVisually impaired riders 131, 132Voice 91

WWaiting lists 36Warm up 63, 65, 77Welfare of the horse Annex 1Wellington music championships 116Welsh championships 128Whips 51Wild cards 117Winter championships 110Withdrawals 37Work on a long rein Annex 7

YYoung Horse championships (Hickstead) 119, 121Young Horse rules 119

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2014 rule book - british dressage

Documents