News Flash

The Dressage Technical Committee would like to share the following information with all equestrian enthusiasts in South Africa. The new rule book will come into effect on 1 August 2009 (except for the pass-left-to-left guideline which comes into effect immediately), but the Committee would like to make everyone aware of the changes already now.

The things bound to have the biggest impact on riders on a national scale are the following :

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

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

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

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

ETIQUETTE FOR RIDING ARENA & WARMING UP AT SHOWS

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

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

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

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

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

· Be aware of your fellow riders and ride considerately:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regards
Jaco Fourie
Dressage Technical Committee Member

Equestrian is open to men and women with a physical or visually impaired disability. Its classification system puts riders into four grades. Grade 1 incorporates severely disabled riders with poor trunk balance and/or impairment of balance in all four limbs or no trunk balance and good upper limb function. Grade 2 incorporates riders, mainly wheelchair users or those with severe locomotive impairment involving the trunk, with reasonable balance and abdominal control or severe unilateral impairment, Grade 3 riders are mainly able to walk without support, with moderate unilateral impairment in four limbs or severe arm impairment. This group also includes athletes with a total loss of vision in both eyes. Grade 4 comprises riders with impairment in one or two limbs or some degree of visual impairment.

Riders compete in individual and team dressage. There is a Championship test in which competitors perform set movements, a Freestyle test which, although comprising some compulsory movements, allows the rider to ride to music and to choose much of the test programme and a team event consisting of three or four riders, at least one of whom must be a grade 1 or 2.

The team’s final score is based on the sum from the best three performances in the Team test and the Championship test. If the team comprises four riders the least successful score is excluded.

The sport is practiced in 40 countries