EA Dressage Rule Book
If you compete you are expected to know and abide by the rules. We will help teach you the rules but the final responsibility is yours.
Full dressage rules are available for download from the EA National website. These rules are updated every six months.
Rule Excerpts
Dressage Event Information
THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OR OC RUNS THE COMPETITION. IF THE COMPETITION IS A
1 STAR OR HIGHER A TECHNICAL DELEGATE - TD - WILL RUN THE EVENT. THE OC AND TD’S WORD IS FINAL. IF THERE IS A DISPUTE AGAINST ANY DECISION MADE, ALL OBJECTIONS MUST BE PUT IN WRITING. THERE IS NO PLACE AT THIS CLUB FOR ABUSIVE OR AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR
The committee and organisers do not hold themselves responsible for any accident, loss or damage to competitors, spectators, animals, vehicles or property, for any reason whatsoever.
All riders nominated for an event, will do so under the proviso that they will complete a minimum of one hour of volunteer work on the day of competition. If the rider is unable to help out on the day of the event, then they will be expected to be available prior for set up of the competition or have someone available on the day to perform their allocated job on their behalf. Let the competition boss know ASAP if you are unable to complete your allocated job on the day.
If withdrawing or scratching please advise the Club’s nomination officer as soon as possible.
The EA issues a bridle number for all registered horses holding a current EA Performance Card.
When nominating and competing a registered horse, at any SEG run event, please use this number.
Only two consecutive dressage levels are to be ridden on the day per horse. No more than 3 tests will be allowed to be ridden, and this will depend on competitor numbers.
Horses are to be competed on by only one rider on the day.
Late entries or calls/messages requesting for allocated times on the draw are not accepted. The draw will be posted on the website and Face book page. If there is only one rider in a class, they must obtain 55% to be eligible for a ribbon. If there is only one junior entrant, they may elect to compete with seniors. Please inform the OC on the day before competing.
Bridle/saddle numbers must be displayed at all competitions. When riding in an official competition, the numbers must be displayed on both sides (EA Rules).
Horses must be under control at all times. If a horse is being disruptive to the other competitors, then the OC or TD may exclude the horse from the event.
All horses are to be signed in; they must have horse health declaration and non competing horses are to have a horse health declaration form, which is to be handed in as soon as they arrive.
SEG members only are allowed to bring a non competing horse onto the grounds at club event days; however, this does exclude official competitions.
Non-competing horses are to be kept away from warm up and competition areas. Horse may be ridden at the end of the competition on the arenas, or in the warm up areas if approved by the comp boss of the day.
If the rider is unable to stay for the duration of the competition to receive tests/ribbons, then a stamped, addressed A4 envelope can be left at the gear check station. Prizes will be forfeited if rider is unable to be available for presentation.
Dress Code
PROTECTIVE HATS meeting current Australian Standards must be worn at all times when mounted. Current numbers: AS/NZ 3838 (current Australian Standard), VG1 (interim European Standard, ASTM F1163 (current US Standard) and EN/1384 (current outgoing European Standard) during 2016 only, not permitted from 2017.
Gloves are required to be worn when riding, in accordance with EA Rules. White gloves are preferable over black gloves. If you do not wear gloves you will lose marks.
Formal attire for Official/Championship Events. On Club days and associate events – pale coloured riding top with white jodhpurs. No sleeveless shirts allowed.
Plaiting is not required at SEG Club events. However, the horse is to look neat and tidy
On The Day
Horse and rider combinations must present to gear check a minimum of 10 minutes before allocated ride times. If for any reason the rider wishes to scratch from a class on the day, it is imperative that they let gear check or OC know ASAP, so other participants and judges can know as soon as possible.
The Gear Check Steward will inform riders when they present, if the class is running early or late, so that riders can decide on their course of action.
Running reins, martingales, boots or bandages are disallowed in tests. Bearing/Running or balancing reins may NOT be used at anytime. Only one lunge rein, two single side reins may be used in warm-up. Check EA full Rules. Download National EA Website.
Ensure the Judge or Writer identifies your number as you present, the judge will indicate starting with signal of bell or car horn etc. You may then proceed to enter the arena within the time allowed of 45 seconds.
Test sheets will not become available until the judge has signed off on the results, and results have been posted.
It is forbidden to access anyone else’s test sheets without permission.
It is expected that all riders are to help pack away the arenas at the end of the competition day.
Warmup Etiquette
Separate warmup area and lunging areas will be provided for competition days. For the consideration of other riders and to prevent accidents, please follow these guidelines in the warmup area.
Give way to the horse at the higher gait (faster horse)
Pass approaching riders on your left
Make tack adjustments outside the arena if possible or near the middle of the arena but without obstructing the diagonal or centre lines
Do not halt or walk in the outside track but always leave room for other riders to pass
Do not lunge in the warm-up riding area only in the provided round yard. Lunging your horse in the float and car park is strictly forbidden.
Coaches or other pedestrians are not permitted to stand in the warm-up areas.
Need Help? Please email your questions - dressage@samfordequestriangroup.com.au