The EA Dressage Rule Book is available at no charge from Equestrian Australia. Click here to view/print a copy.
Grounds Rules
No person is permitted to ride on our grounds any horse which is not entered for the current competition. No person is permitted to ride any horse on the grounds unless they are a member of Equestrian Australia or Southern Vales Dressage Club.
On club days only, permission may be sought to ride horses other than those entered but this permission must be sought prior to the event and from the Convenors on the day.
Horses must be under control at all times.
Coaching of Riders
For the safety of all concerned, coaching must be conducted outside of the fenced warm-up arena and sanded area to the east of the arenas. Coaches are not permitted inside these areas. For a map of all warm-up areas on the grounds, please click here to view the map.
Gear Check
As from 1st January 2012 gear check became compulsory in SA.
It is the responsibility of the rider at ALL Official competitions to undergo a gear check either before or straight after each test.
Any rider failing to undergo a gear check will have their Official test relegated to Unofficial.
Clear details are set out in the rule book.
Click here to view/print a copy.
Click here to view the list of equipment allowed/disallowed for dressage
Warming Up
Horses may not be lunged on the arenas or in the work in arena. There is an area at the rear of the grounds for this purpose.
Horses are not to be warmed up outside of designated areas. The designated warm-up areas at the grounds are the large fenced warm-up arena, the lunging yard at the rear of the grounds, the grassed area behind the float parking and the *sanded area on the eastern side of the arenas *provided that this area is not being utilised as a fourth arena.
During warm-up, only one lunge rein and/or two single side reins may be used. Check EA full Rules. Download National EA Website
Competitors must not warm up or ride near the competition arenas whilst a test is in progress.
It is important that all competitors familiarise themselves with the warm-up arena etiquette (read)
Parking
All parking on the grounds is past the wash bay on the left.
Yards
The club has a limited number of yards. If you require a yard, you must specify and pay for this on your entry form.
Please pick up manure before you leave.
Bridle/Saddle Numbers Bridle/saddle numbers must be displayed in all competitions. When riding in an official competition, the numbers must be displayed on both sides (EA Rules). The EA issues a bridle number for all registered horses holding a current EA Dressage Performance Card. SVDC will issue a bridle number to non EA/Associate horses. This number is unique to SVDC and is not to be used at other clubs. SVDC members who are not registered with the EA will be issued with a permanent SVDC bridle number. Visiting riders who are not members of SVDC or EA will be issued with a temporary SVDC bridle number.
Dress Code Protective hats meeting Australian Standards must be worn at all times when mounted. Current numbers: AS/NZS3838, EN1384, ASTMF1163.
Gloves are required to be worn (preferably white) when riding, in accordance with EA Rules.
Attire for all official events/classes, including championships, is formal. If jackets are permitted to be removed, shirts must have short or long sleeves. No sleeveless shirts are allowed.
Riders competing in an unofficial/associate class are permitted to wear casual attire, ie, SVDC polo shirts or own shirt with collar and sleeves in plain navy or white. This includes unofficial/associate championships.
Plaiting Plaiting is compulsory for all official classes. Plaiting is not compulsory in Associate/Unofficial classes.
Hors Concors (HC) Official Riders wishing to ride HC must elect to do so before the class commences. There is no provision for HC in unofficial classes.
Competition Entry Horses may be entered in Official OR Associate tests only on any day. One person only may ride the horse. Horse may only be (ridden) worked by the competing rider on the day. Grooms may ride the horse at walk on a loose rein.
Two tests per horse only (effective from March 2012)
Only two consecutive dressage levels to be ridden on the day per horse.
Use of voice during Tests may be penalised.
Running reins, martingales, boots or bandages are disallowed in tests. Bearing/Running or balancing reins may NOT be used at any time.
If only one rider in a class, must obtain 55% to be eligible for a ribbon. If only one junior entrant, may elect to compete with seniors. Please inform Convenor of the day before competing.
Calling of Tests All tests may be called up to and including Advanced except Championship Events and as determined by OC. (EA Sec1.8).
Presenting to the Judge Ensure the Judge identifies your number as you present, (if the judge is still writing please ride around the Arena once more). The judge will indicate starting signal of whistle or car horn etc. You may then proceed to letter A and await their signal to commence (within 45 seconds).
Championship Events - Results Results are displayed prior to presentations. Riders to be present in competition attire-unmounted. These Events are often sponsored and Representatives of the Companies involved may be attending, hence the competitors' appreciation must be demonstrated by their presence at the award ceremony.
Pony Dressage Classes offered for Official & Associate. Riders are not split between Senior or Junior. If competing in an official competition, ponies must be EA Registered, owners and riders must be financial EA members and hold Performance Card & Height Certificate. There are no EA requirements for ponies competing in associate/unofficial events. Ponies may compete in all competitions.
Late Entries / Scratching from a competition Late entries or telephone calls requiring information for allocated times not accepted. Entrants must forward a stamped self addressed envelope if they wish to receive a copy of the draw in the post. The draw is also posted on this website.
If withdrawing or scratching please advise the Convenors' as soon as possible using the telephone numbers on The Draw.
Refund policy for cancelled competition entry fees As from 10th March 2011, SVDC will be issuing credit notes for entry fees paid when a competition is cancelled.
Competitors will receive a credit note in the mail to the value of the fees paid which can be used at future competitions.
If you scratch before the close of entries, SVDC will refund your entry fee in full.
Prohibited Substances List - effective 4/4/11
Download the summary of changes
Upgrading of horses for associate riders
Please note from 1st August 2010 horse and rider combinations having placed 1st in a walk/trot test (two wins over 65% for Seniors, three wins over 65% for Juniors – exemptions can be made in writing) are asked to either upgrade to Preliminary competition or compete HC in Walk/Trot tests. After five wins at Preliminary level, horse/rider combinations are asked to upgrade to Novice competition or to compete HC.
1. Safety is paramount and a collision should be avoided at all times.
2. Before entering the warm-up area make sure the gateway and immediate track are clear
3. Riders should pass left shoulder to left shoulder when on the track
4. When not on the outside track, eg on a diagonal line, riders should give way to horses on their left
5. The more progressive gait has priority on the track
6. Halt should not be on the track
7. Walk should not be on the track and does not have right of way
8. Trot has priority over the walk
9. Canter has priority over the trot
10. Lateral work has priority over ALL paces
11. When circling, anticipate your return to the track so as to not stop the flow of other riders
12. Mounting, dismounting and gear adjustment should be done off the track
13. Consideration should be given to behaviour of other horses in the arena that may upset your horse
14. It may be necessary if your horse is upsetting others to leave the area
15. If a horse is upsetting the majority, an Official should be sought with a view to requesting that horse’s removal for safety’s sake.
Pencillers' shortcut symbols
If you would like to familiarise yourself with the shortcuts used by pencillers, you can download and/or print the attached form.
