Rules of Equestrian Sports

HVR Sports   equestrian 123 1 899x285 Rules of Equestrian Sports
HVR Sports   equestrian 123 1 Rules of Equestrian Sports

Equestrian athletes are not separated by male-female or by age. All athletes compete according to ability.

  • All riders must have had at least 10 riding training sessions within the six months prior to competition.
  • Entries must be received by the event management on or before the entry deadline. No post entries will be allowed.
  • No dogs will be permitted on the show grounds, except Seeing Eye dogs or assistance dogs.
  • There will be a safety inspection of tack and equipment before riders mount.
  • In cases of broken equipment or loss of a shoe during competition, the rider may continue or be excused from the ring at the request of his/her coach.
  • Spotters, appointed by the event director, will remain in strategic places in the competition area to act in case of emergency for unassisted riders. Other attendants are not allowed in the competition ring except at the request of the judge(s) or when specified in the event requirements.
  • Outside assistance (rail side coaching) will be penalized at the judge’s discretion. Electronic communication devices used for the purpose of communicating between riders and individuals outside the ring are prohibited.
  • Cue cards may be used for hearing impaired athletes. In order for the cues to be universal, they should be designated as follows:
    1=Walk, 2=Sitting Trot/Jog, 3=Posting Trot, 4=Canter/Lope, 0=Reverse, Universal Stop Sign=Halt
  • During the World Games, all tasks assigned by a judge must be translated into a rider’s native language. Commands are given by a coach or a person authorized by a coach.
  • During World Games, all athletes will compete on horses provided by the organizing committee.
  • In competitions where riders do not bring their own horses, adequate time must be set aside to determine suitability of the rider to the horse.
  • In competitions where riders provide their own horses, the event director may require proof of a negative Coggins test.
  • A rider must use the same horse in all events during the entire competition.
  • Only two riders are allowed to compete on one horse. If two riders share one horse only one of them can be A level.
  • Change of horse is only allowed for safety reasons or if a horse is sick or unsound.
  • The official veterinarian’s decision, if called by the judge, as to the serviceable soundness of a horse will be final for the purpose of a warding medals and ribbons in the class for which the vet was called. Otherwise, the judge(s) and the equine director will make the final decision regarding a horse’s ability to compete.
  • Unsoundness does not penalize a competitor unless it is sufficiently severe to impair the required performance. In such cases, the imposition of a penalty is at the judge’s discretion.
  • In case of a grievance, the event director will consult the judge(s), competition steward and/or the Equestrian Sports Rules Committee. Their decision will be final.
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