Competition Draw

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2025 COMPETITION RULES

All AHDC competitions are conducted under the 2025 EA National Dressage Rules. It is each rider’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with the rules, including approved gear and equipment: www.equestrian.org.au/dressage-rules. Click on EA National Dressage Rules CLEAN at the top of the page. Refer to Section 5 in the Rules for permitted dress and equipment (including permitted saddles, bridles etc).
You may have your tests called at all competitions unless you are an Interschool rider. Interschool riders please: check with Interschool regarding calling of tests and other Interschool specific information. In the event that AHDC runs the two day Spring Festival in the future, test calling will not be permitted at this event.
Gear Checking is compulsory AFTER EACH TEST for ALL riders (Competitive, Participant, Closed Restricted and Interschool).
The EA Concussion Rule applies if a Rider has a fall.
HOT WEATHER POLICY: AHDC will automatically CANCEL events if:

- The forecast for the Strathalbyn area on the BOM app on the Friday before an event is for a temperature of 35⁰ C or above, OR
- The CFS advises there will be Catastrophic fire conditions in the Mt Lofty Ranges for the day of an event, OR
- At AHDC's discretion after a sudden increase in temperature on Saturday night's forecast after a suitable Friday night forecast.

DRESS CODES / PLAITING

In Competitive classes riders must wear dressage attire as per Section 5 of the 2025 EA Dressage Rules. If worn, jackets may be removed if a rider feels overheated.
Participant and Closed Restricted classes (including Club Championships) - riders can wear either formal attire, an AHDC shirt or neat, coloured dressage shirt. Light, white or coloured breeches and any colour saddlecloth.
Refer to Rule 5.2 of the 2025 Dressage Rules for current helmet standards. All helmets must be tagged with a yellow EA “Helmet Tag”, indicating that they meet the current helmet standards.
Gloves are to be worn when riding in all classes— white or off-white preferred, dark colour or same colour as jacket.
Plaiting is encouraged for Competitive classes and is optional for Participant and Closed Restricted classes.
Horses must have their bridle number displayed on both sides of a halter, saddle blanket or bridle at all times - except when in a stable. Bridle numbers are displayed next to your name on the Draw - please use the bridle number allocated to you if your horse does not have an EA allocated bridle number. These allocated numbers will change at each competition.

ENTRIES

Entries for all AHDC events are to be done via Nominate.
Entries must be submitted before the Entry Closing Date (for most competitions this will be midnight on the Wednesday 11 days before the competition). Late entries are usually available until midnight on the Friday 9 days before the competition, but will incur a $20 fee per horse. After the late closing date, entries will only be accepted at the Committee’s discretion, but will incur a $20 fee per horse. Stables and camping are to be booked via Nominate.
One rider per horse. Maximum of two tests per horse per day, maximum of 3 horses per rider.
The Committee reserves the right to ballot entries when necessary.
Please check that your entries are correct before submitting them. Nominate will send an invoice via email when the entry process is complete. A $20 Change Fee will apply if you request a change to the Draw after the closing date (if it is possible to accommodate your change). Any change will only be made at our discretion but we will do our best to adjust the draw in the case of a suitable scratching.

SCRATCHINGS / REFUNDS

Scratchings via Nominate or by text to Cathy (Draw Secretary): 0400 289 481.
Vet or medical certificates are required for refunds (email to Lesley (Treasurer): priceles9@gmail.com. A full refund of entry fees applies if the scratching is done before the late closing date. After that date, reduced entry refunds apply in accordance with the 2025 EA Dressage Rules. A vet or medical certificate must be provided within 3 days of the completion of the Event.
All entries will be refunded if the event is cancelled before the event start date. If after an event has started there is a situation requiring cancellation (eg. sudden onset of bad weather, lightning etc), refunds will be issued at the discretion of the Committee.

GENERAL INFORMATION

On arrival Check in at the Desk so we know you intend to ride.
The use of hats, sunscreen and protective clothing is strongly encouraged.
All riders must be members of either AHDC or EA and must sign in at the desk on arrival at the grounds.
Dangerous / harmful riding will not be tolerated.
Disruptive / offensive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and any droppings must be collected and appropriately disposed of. Nuisance dogs will be asked to leave the grounds. Dogs are not permitted in the Clubhouse or within 20 m of the arenas.
Stables are to be cleaned out of all manure and scrap hay after use. Holes are also to be filled in. Please ensure the stable gates are secured closed upon your departure.
All manure is to be deposited to one of the three small manure trailers at the end of each stable block.
All gates into the grounds must be shut at all times during any AHDC event.
If you have a grievance or dispute please raise it with a Committee member in a calm and diplomatic manner.
Stallions - EA compliant green Stallion Identification must be worn at all times in accordance with EA Rules. Riders and handlers must adhere to the Stallion Safe Practice Policy effective 1 July 2018 as amended. Riders and/or handlers of colts/stallions must be over the age of 18 years.
Ribbons to sixth place or 8th place if there are more than 15 competitors in a class.
Lunging is not permitted near or within arenas. Please lunge in or adjacent to the Pony Club sand arena, or near the front roadway.
Do not congregate near arena entrances in the way of other Competitors about to start their test when you have finished yours.
Only riders who have booked the Practice Arena sessions may ride in the Practice Arena (or sessions).
Your results will be available on Nominate's Scoreboard as soon as they are calculated. Overall class results will be uploaded to our website later in the evening.
If you wish to have your test emailed, please email Sally (Secretary): pretzel308@gmail.com.