Open Level Riders and Ride Rules

The minimum age for a horse to take part in a Competitive Ride (CR) at Open Level is 6 years.  The age of a horse is deemed to change on 1^st January of the current year irrespective of the actual birth date during that year.

 

 

 

A first season horse, which has completed qualification to Open, may not enter CRs exceeding a total distance of 450km during the qualification season.  Rides available to Open Horse/Rider combinations are from 30-80km and should be ridden at speeds between 10-18kph.  However, an Open Level horse/rider combination may, if they wish enter a Novice class.  When an Open level horse and rider enter a Novice class this MUST be stated clearly at the top of the vet sheet prior to presenting for vetting.  Failure to do so may result in the horse being classified as Open/Advanced.  The speed parameters in a Novice class are 8-15kph.  If entering a Non Competitive Ride (NCR) the speed parameters are 8-12kph.

 

Minimum Requirements for Open Level Horse or Rider to Progress to Advanced

 

Minimum age of horse	Ride Types	Minimum No of Successful Completions	Distance km +/-5%	Conditions
6	CR	2	65-80km	At least one must be 80km in one day

 

1. Riders require the same series of ride qualifications to upgrade.
2. Horses may not compete in ERs until they are 7 years old and at Advanced Level.
3. Competitors may choose to compete at or below the qualification level of the horse and rider combination.  For example, an Open Level rider with a Novice Level horse may only compete at Novice Level, whereas an Advanced Level rider with an Advanced Level horse may compete at Novice, Open or Advanced.

 

Upgrading of horse or rider is not mandatory once qualification criteria have been fulfilled, but riders or horses may not enter rides above their registered level, regardless of the level of experience attained.

·        The Technical Steward may upgrade the horse or rider on the day of the ride if requested by the rider/registered owner.

·        A rider Log Card will be used to upgrade the rider.  The Mastercard will be used to upgrade the horse.

·         In circumstances where a horse and/or rider complete the necessary qualification in order to enable them to upgrade, but have not been formally upgraded by a TS, and they then compete in a class which distance necessitates that they have upgraded, the horse and/or rider shall be automatically upgraded by the Results Secretary.  The Results Secretary shall send notice to this effect.

·        If a horse or rider qualifies for the next level at a multi day event they may compete in one further class at that event at the next level.  Exceptions being First Season horses who have already reached the maximum 450km distance allowed for the year.

 

Grading System

The grading system in CRs is designed to reward horse fitness and good horsemanship.

Horses passing the final vetting shall be awarded a Grade based on the horse’s finishing heart rate which shall be taken over a full 60 seconds.  Grading Parameters will apply.

 

Link to Download 30-55km grading chart (pdf)

Link to Download 30-55km grading chart (Excel Spreadsheet)

 

Link to Download 56km and above grading chart (pdf)

Link to Download 56km and above grading chart (Excel Spreadsheet)