Source:  News Release

Equitation Pilot Approved for 2014

Several of you have asked for the program to include amateurs and so it will be expanded in the second year.  Taking into account the other suggestions and requests, the rules have been revised as outlined below. 

For the 2014 competition season, it is proposed that there be a separate division for these age groups who compete in an equitation class AND either Training OR First level dressage tests.  These will be Bronze level classes.

This division can be offered at all types of competitions (Development or club, Bronze, Silver and Gold).  In prize lists, it should be called "Equitation Pilot".  The prize list should also specify which Training or First Level dressage test is to be used in the equitation pilot.  E.g. Training Level test 1, Equitation Pilot (13 and under); First Level test 1, Equitation Pilot (14 to 18yrs).  It is hoped that organizers will offer championship ribbons for the Equitation Pilot.

The rules are as follows for the Equitation Pilot in 2014:

1. Level of EC membership required:  Bronze License (at EC competitions), no passport, no Dressage Canada Membership required;

2. DC levy:None

3. Age groupings: 13 and under; 14 to 18

4. Dress and Saddlery as per Section E dressage rules.

5. The Athlete: The athlete's position, seat, and use and effect of aids will be judged as described in section 1.20 (FEI 418).

6. Movements shall be performed by the athletes simultaneously;

however, the judges may ask for independent execution of certain

tests.

7. Athletes must be judged at the medium walk, working trot (sitting and rising), and working canter in both directions.

8. Training Level: in judging the position, seat, and use of aids, judges may include the following movements and exercises:

 Free walk

 Progressive transitions from one gait to the next in both directions

 Transitions from walk to halt and vice versa

 Change of direction across the diagonal, down the center line,

  across the arena, and/or by making a half-circle at the walk or trot

9. First Level: additional movements from which judges may choose:  to be ridden in small groups or independently:

 Progressive transitions

 Leg yield

 Changes of lead through trot

 Serpentine at the trot

 Shallow loop serpentine with counter canter

 Trot lengthening and/or canter lengthening

 Riding without stirrups

10. Number of horses required to work at the same time shall be limited to a maximum of 8. For safety and convenience, groups may be divided into smaller sections. Judges may also limit the number of horses required to canter at the same time.

11. Scoring: scores from the equitation class will be added to the test score to determine the champion and reserve champion.

12. Score sheets: The EC Dressage Seat Medal class score sheets available from the DC website www.equinecanada.ca/dressage must be used. The final score for each athlete must be posted at the conclusion of the class.

13. Rider scores and placings will be determined by averaging the total scores from each judge.

14. Competition Ring: classes may be held in an enclosed ring that is

larger than a standard dressage arena. If such a space is not available, an open schooling area is permitted. Classes may be held in either the small or regular dressage arena.  If the class is held in a dressage arena, no more than 4 horses shall be asked to canter at the same time.

15. Officials: One or more judges may officiate.

MISCELLANEOUS RULES

 Unauthorized Assistance is prohibited.

 Use of voice will be penalized.

 Horses will be disqualified for lameness.

 Pertinent Elimination as outlined in 9.5

 Disqualification as outlined in 9.6

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