Following are our general rules for attending any of our shows/events – please note that these will differ according to the event taking place and the rules will be included in every schedule:
RULES & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
All events will be run using guidelines from British Riding Club rules (http://www.bhs.org.uk/enjoy-riding/british-riding-clubs/brc-handbook). Some events will include Mercian Rules/Eligibility and BDRC Regulations.
It should be noted that any events run by BDRC are not BHS qualifiers unless stated and therefore BDRC runs the rules at their own discretion.
- The same horse/pony can only have a maximum of three classes, however for show jumping, rider/horse combinations can only compete in two heights.
- Classes will be split using an Open and Restricted sections rather than juniors and seniors (subject to there being more than 5 in a class at the clubs discretion).
- If you are winning the class on a regular basis we ask that you either move up a level or go HC.
- Show Jumping Events – Competitors may not walk the course when a class is underway.
- Tack and dress will be checked by the judge.
- All riders and competitors MUST wear appropriate riding attire/footwear/hats that comply with the current BRC guidelines. Skull caps must be worn with silk.
- Body protectors are recommended but optional apart from Cross Country. Anyone wearing a body cage must report to the secretary before competing.
- No horse or pony under the age of four may compete.
- It is recommended that horses/ponies are up to date with their influenza vaccinations in line with the BRC Rule Book.
- Any horse & rider combinations that are BS/BD registered may only compete at their BS/BD level or higher, and MUST be in the Open section of their BS/BD level.
- All entries must be accompanied by the correct remittance within 2 days of booking. Failure to do so may result in the booking being rejected.
- The judges’ decision is final. Objections must be handed to the secretary in writing with a £20.00 deposit within half an hour of any incident.
- In the case of bad weather a refund may be given should the event be cancelled however this will be based on a percentage once the venue/instructors have been compensated.
- Any fallers must be assessed by the First Aider present. The Club reserves the right to allow the rider to return to the arena to complete the course.
- The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry ,without giving reason ,or to send away from the show ground anyone using unreasonable behaviour.
- We run a no refund policy. If anyone withdraws prior to the closing date, a credit will be held by the club but it is the rider’s responsibility to keep track of this credit. No credit will be given for withdrawals once the times have been released. Credit/refunds will only be given in exceptional circumstances.
- The Committee reserve the right to restrict or close entries in any class once an acceptable number of entries have been received.
- Stop watches are not permitted.
- Photographs that are taken at BDRC events by our attending photography company, it is taken that permission has been given by attendees/parents/ guardians for BDRC to use such material for publication/promotional purposes.
- The organisers do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or injury, etc which may be sustained by persons, horses or ponies, vehicles or property, servants in connection with, or arising out of the event. It shall be deemed a condition of entry that each competitor shall agree to indemnify the organisers against any such accident.
- The organisers reserve the right to cancel the event, or amend any of the conditions as they think fit.
- Excessive use of whips and spurs will result in disqualification.
- Everyone must follow the instructions of the stewards and committee.
- All competitors must “warm up” their own horses. Any exceptions must have the permission of the BDRC secretary.
- Please note that where possible, the Committee will organise the classes in the best order for the riders.
ELIGIBILITY:
It is the team’s responsibility to ensure that all participants are eligible to take part. Any participants found to be ineligible will be disqualified. Please send any queries with regard to eligibility to the Mercian Secretary prior to this event.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
- The organiser has overall responsibility for Health and Safety. The event is organised in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and all who have (to any extent) control of premises or site at the event are responsible for ensuring that:
- Everything reasonably practicable is done to ensure the Health and Safety welfare, of those attending the event.
- They conduct themselves so that they do not put themselves or anyone else at risk.
- Access to, and egress from, the site is safe.
- Emergency services must have access to all parts of the site at all times and members of the public must not park vehicles so as to obstruct access.
- In the case of an emergency, members of the public should contact the Show Secretary or dial 999 on the nearest telephone.
- Emergency/Next of Kin information must be provided when booking a Class if travelling alone. Mobile numbers only must be given.
ENTRIES FOR MERCIAN TEAMS:
- Teams are made up of 4 (four) riders and the top 3 (three) scores will count towards placing.
- Two Juniors only per team.
- For Mercian teams, the same horse/pony can only have one entry per event. If a Mercian team member wishes to also enter individually, they can do so, however, they must complete their Mercian class prior to their individual class, and the individual class must be of a higher height (not lower or the same). They will only be allowed one entry in an individual class.
INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES:
Emergency contact details are only required if you are attending the event alone.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Please park sensibly and considerably on the car park.
- Do not leave your horse/pony unattended outside the lorry. No hay is allowed on the car park.
- Dogs must be kept on leads at all times. If travelling alone and bringing a dog, your dog must NOT be a danger to any person/animal should the need arise for someone to retrieve them. Should a dog be found to be dangerous, they will be banned from attending any further events.
- Please leave the lorry park as you find it and take rubbish home with you where possible.
- Riders will be allocated numbers but no bibs will be provided.
- Horses can easily be frightened and can be dangerous. Members of the public are requested to keep clear from the edge of the arenas/horse lanes and avoid behaviour which might alarm the horses.
- No galloping/lunging on the show site.
- If you have any Covid symptoms, please do not attend.