Questions and Answers

I turn 21 on the 30th June 2005, 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

I ride a pony at your competitions and I am 14 years old, do I still receive young rider points?

Yes. Whether you are mounted on a pony, Galloway or horse you will still receive young rider points for all of the points score year, that is October 2005 to August 2006.

Why do I have to nominate whether I am riding a pony or horse as a young rider?

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.

If I accumulate a lot of points for myself as a young rider and for my horse or pony can I win both POTY or HOTY and Young Rider of the Year?

Yes. However, if you are the overall winner and your mount has more points than that ridden by an adult. As from 1st Jan. 2005 Adults may now ride ponies (we have always allowed this at our Club)

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 Scholarship at the end of the year?

The winner must demonstrate consistent winning or be placing highly in their events throughout the year. They must be available to ride for the Club, as part of a team or as an individual at State Level. They must demonstrate a preparedness to help out with club duties and events when asked, e.g. penciling or scoring or in other ways if they are old enough.

How do you choose who goes to State Dressage Y/R?

You must, as a combination be consistently winning or placing in your events. We, as a committee, are constantly monitoring the individuals’ performances. Anyone can have a run of bad luck with a sick or lame mount or may themselves be sick or injured. We take all of these factors into consideration. We also believe strongly in giving encouragement to someone who may have only the one horse or pony on which to compete. This would be the majority of you and you would definitely be considered. We also endeavour to send someone who we believe shows potential for the experience.

Why are there now Official Pony Events?

Pony events are very popular in Europe and it has been proven that children riding ponies well usually progress to riding horses well. The transition from Pony to Galloway to horse is usually progressive.

Will the club still be awarding medallions to young riders who achieve three scores over 55% on the same mount?

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 or ribbon presented.

50%

Are points awarded to horse or riders who are entered as Non- Competitive (N.C.)

Yes. Sometimes riders choose to use events as practice before a major competition or do not want to gain too many grading points. They may only compete at consecutive levels to their grading points and are still eligible for Club points . This is yet another reason results may not appear to match HOTY points.

How does a Prix Caprilli Test Work?

This is a dressage test with jumps included in it and is judged the same as a traditional dressage test but the rider has to show harmony over the jumps with their mount - like hunter equitation.

What is a rider’s choice test and who may enter?

A rider may choose any current EFA or FEI test they would like to try and a Judge graded at judging that level judges the test, BUT NO places, points 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 EFA or directly from the EFA Phone 02-9571 8777 or the EFA website: www.efanational.com

Are there standard Preparatory Tests?

Yes. These are available from the EFA 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 meters 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?

Only horses that are entered for the competition are permitted on the grounds during the event .Reserve listed horses/riders may attend on the day entered for the competition. Spectators and visitors are most welcome at all times.

May different riders ride the same horse in different competitions at the event?

A rider of a horse may not be changed if another rider has ridden the horse that day, either in warm-up area or in competition. Horses cannot be changed at any time.

© - Sugarloaf Cobbitty Equestrian Club - 2007