RULES

CARIBBEAN MINI DRESSAGE CHALLENGE
THESE RULES WILL BE IN EFFECT IN 2009

The Competition is held from January to December in accordance with the FEI Rules for Dressage Events, 23rd edition, effective 1st January 2009 (please consult www.fei.org > Dressage > Rules) and FEI General Regulations, Pony Regulations and Veterinary Regulations currently in force.

With the following exceptions/amendments/additions.

ARTICLE 1 - PRINCIPLES

1.1               The event is open to a maximum of 40 starters in total. The event consists of:

a)      The CEA Mini Dressage Challenge/Team and Individual Competition

·         Grand Prix - 2009

·         FEI Intermediate II - 2009

·         FEI Intermediate I - 2009

·         FEI Prix St-Georges – edition 2009

·         FEI Challenge Advanced Test – edition 2007

·         FEI Challenge Medium Test – edition 2007

·         FEI Challenge Elementary Test – edition 2007

·         FEI Challenge Preliminary Test - 2007

·         USEF/USDF First Level Test 1 - 2007

b)      The additional Classes – Not part of the Challenge Competition

These additional classes are subject to the same rules, open to competitors at the following levels:

·                     FEI & USEF/USDF 4 Year old Tests – 2009

·         USEF/USDF Introductory Test B - 2007

·         Grand Prix Freestyle – 2009 Not open to Children

·         Intermediate I Freestyle – 2009 Not open to Children

·         Prix St G – FEI Young Riders Freestyle, 2009 Not open to Children

·         Advanced Level – FEI Junior Freestyle – 2009

·         Novice Level – CEA Freestyle Novice Test - 2008

·         Preliminary Level – CEA Freestyle Preliminary Test – 2008

The Freestyle Test are still being run as trials and guidelines may be found at: http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Dressage/Documents/Guideline%20for%20judges%20Freestyle%20test%20.doc.pdf

http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Dressage/Documents/Directives%20for%20Degree%20of%20Difficulty%2020092.pdf

Guidelines / Directives for the Young Horse Classes may be found at: http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Dressage/Documents/Directives_for_International_Dressage_Competitions_for_5_and_6_2009_2.pdf

FORMULA

1.2

Day 1: Judges’ arrival and Horse Inspection * Please refer to Article

Day 2: Challenge Competition Classes followed by the additional Classes

Day 3: Clinic, video session, general discussion or similar educational session

*The Competition/Clinic may also be held on travel days or the same day if absolutely necessary but only in the above order of; competition then clinic.

ARTICLE 2 – PARTICIPATION
This competition is open to all CEA affiliated National Federations. It is open to all Adult competitors 17 Years & Over from the 1^st of January of the year of the competition and it is open to all Children competitors - 16 Years and Under who may compete, from the 1^st of January of the year of the competition. Tests will be separated into Adults competition and the Children’s competition. Adults may not compete ponies.

Horse (or pony) / Rider combinations:

2.1 That has competed in either/both of the CEA MC/FEI WDC at a Senior level of FEI Advanced and above cannot compete at a lower level of below FEI Advanced and be a member of their host country’s team. 

2.2 That has competed in either/both of the CEA Mini Challenge/FEI WDC at any level and received 57% or more may not compete at a lower level than which the 57% or more was received and be a member of the TEAM.

2.3 Notwithstanding Article 2.12 A) - A Rider that has competed at PSG or above and wishes to compete in this competition at FEI Medium level and below may only do so, on a green or medium level horse and may also be eligible for team selection. However, should a horse (or pony) /rider combination re-enter the competition after more than 1 annual absence (missed 1 year) of both the CEA MC and FEI WDC competitions, they will be permitted to participate at the level deemed suitable by the country NF’s Organizing Committee.

Such combinations will not be eligible for the Team Competition until they have been re-classified i.e. competing at a particular level so that scores can be assessed whether they are below or above the 57 %. It is the responsibility of the National Federation to select participants (horse/riders) for this competition.  NF’s are free to set qualification limits and may also hold selection trials in the case of too many riders. 

2.4 The Adult Competition is open to the following age group from the 1^st  January of the year in which they reach their 17^th birthday:

·         Grand Prix - 2009

·         FEI Intermediate II - 2009

·         FEI Intermediate I - 2009

·         FEI Prix St-Georges – edition 2009

·         FEI Challenge Advanced Test – edition 2008

·         FEI Challenge Medium Test – edition 2008

·         FEI Challenge Elementary Test – edition 2008

·         FEI Challenge Preliminary Test – 2009

2.5 The Children’s Competition is open to the following age group from the 1^st  January of the year of which they reach their 16^th birthday and Under:

·         FEI Challenge Advanced Test – edition 2008

·         FEI Challenge Medium Test – edition 2008

·         FEI Challenge Elementary Test – edition 2008

·         FEI Challenge Preliminary Test - 2009

·         USEF/USDF First Level Test 1

Notwithstanding what is said in Art. 430.1, the Test must be carried out entirely from memory and all movements must follow in the order laid down in the Tests.

For the Preliminary, Elementary, Medium and Advanced Tests, two rankings will be produced – 1 for Adults and 1 for Children as per 2.3 & 2.4 of the rules.

2.6 The Competition is open to competitors domiciled abroad. ‘Competitor Living Abroad’ (Ref. Art 123.10 of the FEI GR) – A competitor is considered to be living abroad if he spends more than six months of a year in a foreign country (in this case, the host country). These riders may be members of their host country’s team.

2.7 The Challenge Competition is open to all horses and ponies of any origin provided they have successfully passed the Veterinary Inspection. From this point forth, both horses and ponies will be referred to as ‘horses’ where applicable.

Horses may compete if they are a minimum of:

·         4–5 years of age – USEF Intro Test, The FEI & USEF/USDF 4 Year old Tests

·         5 years of age - tests below Elementary level

·         6 years of age - test below PSG

·         7 years of age - tests below Inter II

·         8 years of age - all tests.

The age is counted from 1st January of the year of birth in the Northern hemisphere and 1st August for Southern Hemisphere.

2.8 The CEA Mini Dressage Challenge competition must take precedence over any other competition organized in its framework but, if necessary, horses entered may take part in additional classes of the national competition organized in the framework of the Challenge, as per the rules.

2.9 It is the responsibility of the National Federation to select the participants (horses/riders) for this Competition in strict accordance with the participation rules above and make sure that riders and horses comply with these rules. NF’s are free to set qualification limits or hold selection trials consistent with the principals of the CEA Rules.

2.10 A rider is allowed to start any number of times in the Competition, but can enter no more than:

A.            With the same horse twice but in two different classes within two consecutive levels (e.g.: Preliminary-Elementary or PSG-Inter I).

B.            In the same class but with no more than with two different horses.

2.11 A horse is allowed to start no more than twice in the competition (consistent with article 2.12)

In addition:

A.            A horse can only be ridden once in each of the following classes: GP, Inter I, Inter II, PSG, Advanced or Medium tests.

2.12 NFs have the choice to either enter all riders into one class or to divide them among all levels including the additional classes. NF’s are completely free in their choice. However, the maximum number (40) of competitors overall must be respected.

ARTICLE 3 – CLINIC

The Clinic is not compulsory. Each NF is free to organize an educational event on Day 2 to suit their specific needs within limits and providing that the Judge is willing to tutor. However, the DC must be dually informed so that proper arrangements may be made with the Judge. The DC will inform all NF’s of any fees relating to the Judge.

ARTICLE 4 - GROUND JURY

4.1 As an exception Art 437.1 only one Judge will judge the competition within the CEA and is appointed on an annual basis, by the CEA Dressage Committee.  The Judge must be placed on the short side of the arena at letter “C”. A bell must be provided for the President of the Ground Jury.

If there is a need for a Judges-fee to be paid to the judge then this also must be agreed on by the majority of member countries. The timetable for judging must be agreed on bearing in mind shared cost of airline tickets as much as possible.

4.2 The same Judge will travel from country to country until the tour is completed and all competitions have taken place. The Ground Jury shall consist of the Judge (President of the GJ) and 2 additional members from each NF being the Show Secretary and a CEA Country Rep.

4.3 After each competition in the respective countries, the President of Ground Jury is responsible for establishing and signing a running record of the results and placing of the individual competitors within the CEA as well as the starting lists in the exact order of go.  This running record must be sent to the CEA Secretary by the Organizing Committee (OC) and all NF’s immediately following the last competition.  NFs are requested to either fax or e-mail full PRINTED results signed by the Judge within 3 days of the competition to the Secretary and all countries in their group.

ARTICLE 5 - DRESS & SADDLERY

5.1 Dress: according to Art. 427. A black or dark blue tail coat, with top hat, white or

off white breeches, stock or tie, gloves, black riding boots and spurs must be worn.

For classes below Prix St-Georges, a black or dark blue jacket with a bowler hat or

hunting cap is also permitted. However, in extreme heat, judges may give the option not to wear a jacket. A white shirt is however compulsory. The spurs being used must be in accordance with Art.427.3, FEI Dressage Regulations.

Black Gaiters or half leather chaps will be allowed for both adults and children in classes below Prix St Georges. Likewise, Hunting Caps or Jockey Skulls with a black silk cover will also be allowed for both adults and children.

Reference also to Art. 428.3 – Whips.

5.2 For riders in the Children’s Competition: Dress according to FEI Rules for Pony

Riders, Art. P-18: Dark riding jacket, white or fawn breeches or johdpurs, white shirt

with tie or hunting stock, hunting cap. Gloves must be worn. Riding boots. Neither top

hat nor bowler is allowed. No whip of any kind may be used whilst competing. However, one whip of maximum length 1.10 m is allowed in the warm-up. Spurs are optional but if used, only blunt metal spurs no longer than 1.5 cm are allowed. Rowels on spurs are not allowed.

When mounted protective headgear secured by a three point retention harness is

compulsory.

5.3 The saddlery must be as laid down in Art. 428. For Prix St-Georges level and above, a double bridle is compulsory. For Advanced Level the double bridle is allowed. For Medium, Elementary and Preliminary levels and tests lower, (including those being part of the Additional Competition), an ordinary snaffle must be used (see permitted snaffles and nose-bands in FEI Dressage Rules). This applies in the practice and competition arenas. For all levels, the whip must be dropped before entering the space around the competition arena.

ARTICLE 6- HORSE INSPECTION

6.1 Any horse participating in the Challenge classes must have previously passed a horse inspection carried out by a Veterinary Delegate to be appointed by the OC in accordance with Art. 1011, point 3 of the FEI Veterinary Regulations. All references to the Inspection Panel will for the purpose of the CEA MC mean, the appointed Veterinarian and (1) member of the Ground Jury. If necessary, the Judge will be consulted and shall carry the casting vote. Article 5.5 will not be required to be adhered to. The Horse Inspection may be organized the day before and/or the morning of the competition, as the OC see fit.

6.2 Art. FEI GR 139.2 - Horses taking part in the CEA MC in their own country are not required to have an official, valid FEI Passport, or a National Passport approved by the FEI accompanied by an FEI Recognition Card, as a mean of identification and to establish ownership.

ARTICLE 7- THE CLASSIFICATION

7.1 Thirteen separate ranking lists (one for each level in the 17 yrs and above age group and one for each level in the 16 yrs and under age group) will be established and will count towards the final classification.

7.2 The Individual Classification in each country of the Zone is decided as follows:

the winner is the competitor having the highest total points converted into percentage,

the second the one with the next highest total and so on.

In case of equality of points for the first, second and/or third places in a country, the higher collective marks will be decisive for the placing. If a further tie exists, the higher collective marks for the rider (No 4. Rider’s position and seat. See test sheet) will be decisive. In case of equality of points for places other than the first three, the competitors concerned are given the same rank.

In case of equality of points for the first, second and/or third places

in the entire Competition, the higher collective marks will decide for the placing. If a further tie exists, the higher collective marks for the rider (No 4: Rider’s position and seat see test sheet) will be decisive.

7.3 The Team Classification in each country is calculated as follows:

The Team results will be the 3 best scores in the Adult competition and the 3 best scores in the Children’s competition. The first test of the horse and rider must be the one counted for the TEAM. It is of no importance whether all team members participate in the same level or whether they compete in different levels. The team members’ ultimate results, expressed in percentages, will be added to determine the Team Classification.

In case of equality of points for the first, second and/or third places in the Team Competition, the team whose third placed rider achieved the higher percentage will be placed first.

ARTICLE 8 - THE PRIZES

8.1 The OC within each NF is responsible for the distribution of prizes in the normal way (at least one prize for each four competitors). A Perpetual Trophy donated by the Bermuda Equestrian Federation for the winning Team in the Adult and Children’s Category. To be presented each year at the AGM.

ARTICLE 9 - THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE

9.1 As per article 4.3, NFs/OCs are requested to either fax or e-mail to the CEA Secretariat - jacherry@northrock.bm full printed results within 3 days of the competition to all countries participating in the competition.

ARTICLE 10 – MISCELLANEOUS

10.1 Climate: In exceptional weather conditions and with the authority of the Ground Jury and/or the FEI, the Competition may be held indoors if the competition arena has the proper measurements. The decision to move indoor must be taken at least 24 hours before the beginning of the competition in order to give the OC enough time to set the arena properly.

10.2 Horses Schooling: On no account and under penalty of elimination, may any horse take part in the Competition which has been schooled by anyone other than the competitor, mounted in the saddle, in or outside the town where the Competition is held, from 18.00 hours on the day preceding the Competition until the Competition is finished.

10.3 Copy Rights: any rider entered by his or her NF in the CEA Mini Dressage Challenge concedes the rights of any photographs of the rider and/or horse and accepts their publication in the FEI Bulletin, l'Année Hippique, FEI or other relevant websites or any other magazine or newspaper.

10.4 The CEA Mini Dressage Challenge must be organized strictly according to CEA Rules.

10.5 The CEA Dressage Committee is entitled to make reasonable amendments to the present rules. Any omissions or variations of interpretations as it relates to these rules will be concluded by the Dressage Committee and the CEA and their final ruling stands.

FEI CODE OF CONDUCT

1. In all equestrian sports the horse must be considered paramount.

2. The well being of the horse shall take precedence over the demands of all interested parties and commercial concerns.

3. All handling and veterinary treatment must ensure the health and welfare of the horse..

4. The highest standards of nutrition, health, sanitation and safety shall be encouraged and maintained at all times

5. During transportation, adequate provision must be made for ventilation, feeding, watering and maintaining a healthy environment during transportation.

6. Emphasis should be placed on increasing education and training and equestrian practices and on promoting scientific studies in equine health.

7. In the interests of the horse, the fitness and competence of the rider shall be regarded as essential.

8. All riding and training methods should take account of the horse as a living creature and must not include any technique considered by the F.E.I. to be abusive.

9. National Federations must establish adequate controls in order that all persons and bodies under their jurisdiction respect the welfare of the horse.

10. The National and International Rules and Regulations in equestrian sport regarding the health and welfare of the horse must be adhered to, not only during National and International events, but also during training: such rules shall be regularly reviewed.