Questions and Answers
Why do I require a bridle number for an Associate Test?
At Sugarloaf this is a mandatory requirement for both associate and official tests. This enables riders to follow the same procedure whether entering associate or official tests.
It is also a quicker process for reporting to the judges. Please ensure that prior to entering that the judge is ready and has seen your number.
These bridle numbers must be attached to both sides of the bridle or saddlecloth.
Please ensure that these bridle numbers are on your entry form, or your entry could be returned.
Where do I obtain a Bridle Number from?
Bridle numbers are now being issued by Equestrian New South Wales. Enquiries please refer to Sue Birch or one of the other staff in the Office. Tel: 02 9620 2660 or go to the web page: Dressage – Application for Bridle Numbers.
I turn 21 on the 30th June 2009, am I still eligible to enter as a young rider this year?
Yes. You are considered a young rider until the end of the calendar year - Refer to rule book
Why do I have to nominate whether I am riding a pony or horse?
We need this information for Office purposes and for when we are doing the draw. It enables us to ensure we place you in the correct section for each event and that you are awarded all the points to which you are entitled.
Do I stand a better chance of winning if I ride lots of ponies or horses as a Young Rider at your events and is this allowed?
You may ride more than one horse/pony at our events. BUT you will only receive points for each combination and cannot add them all together. Quite often young riders are riding for a Stud and that stud would most likely prefer to win either HOTY or POTY than YROTY.
How do you choose the Young Rider of the Year?
SCEC awards the YROTY award at our annual presentation in October of each year. At the discretion of the committee the final decision is based on rider’s performance, results, improvement, and assistance on competition days.
How do you choose who goes to Young Rider Championships?
SCEC can sponsor up to 6 riders at the YR Champs on the criteria outlined below and at the discretion of the committee.
How: Based on the three criteria below
- Performance
- Potential, and
- Assistance given to the club
What: Contribution towards entry fees and club embroidered riding attire/equipment.
We also endeavour to send someone who we believe shows potential for the experience.
Will the club still be awarding medallions to young riders who achieve three scores over 55%?
Yes.
Do you like to see young riders on School Masters?
Yes, and by the way, a number of these School Masters are not easy rides. It is the capable young riders who make them appear so.
Do “novelty” events qualify for HOTY, POTY or YROTY Points?
No.
What is the minimum % I must score in order to be eligible for any points to be allocated ?
50%
Are points awarded to horse or riders who are entered as Hors Concours (HC)/Non- Competitive (NC)
Hors Concours (HC) is also known as Non-Competitive (NC) as defined in the Dressage Competition Rules. Points for HOTY/POTY ARE NOT awarded towards the club pointscore.
What is a rider’s choice test and who may enter?
A rider may choose any current EA or FEI test they would like to try and a Judge graded at judging that level judges the test, BUT NO places, HOTY/POTY/YROTY/YR medallions or ribbons are awarded. The Judge usually hands the score sheet directly to the rider.
What is a Protocol Day or Freshman Day?
These may be conducted several different ways. Usually the rider adheres to a time draw and rides the test of their choice. The test is marked, usually by a more senior Judge, who then gives five minutes of instruction to help the rider, and answer any questions the rider may have. These tests are often videoed. Sometimes if time permits the rider rides the same test again, hopefully showing some improvement.
How can I obtain a rule book?
Rule books and current tests are available for downloading off the Club link to the EA or directly from the EA Phone 02-8762 7777 or the EA website: www.efanational.com
Are there standard Preparatory Tests?
Yes. These are available from the EA national website. www.efanational.com
May I use a Video Camera to film my test?
Yes! This is a great idea to see exactly how you have gone on the day, Video Cameras and equipment must be kept at least 10 metres from the arena, preferably at the A end of the arena.
May I bring my young horse along and ride around even though I will not be competing on that combination?
Yes you may, but there are a few processes required you must do prior to the comp day. Firstly, you must be entered in other tests on another horse/pony. You must have filled an entry form, paying for the ground fee only (this is for insurance purposes) and MUST advise the Organising Committee prior to the competition day.
May different riders ride the same horse in different competitions at the event?
No. A rider of a horse may not be changed if another rider has ridden that horse or will be riding that horse that day, either in warm-up area or in a competition. Horses cannot be changed at any time.
Can I change my horse to another horse/pony?
Horses cannot be changed after the draw has been finalised and published for Official Competitions. Horses may be changed for an Associate test, however only by discretion of the Organising Committee.