Happy to tell you the rules and requirements…
Require 2 ponies (OF RELATIVELY EQUAL SIZE) PULLING A VEHICLE AROUND A COURSE OF HAZARDS AT SPEED. THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN BY A “DRIVER” AND BALANCED BY A “GROOM” POSITIONED BEHIND THE DRIVER. COMPETITORS ARE TIMED AROUND THE COURSE, AND TIME PENALTIES ARE IMPOSED FOR CONTACT WITH THE HAZARDS AND OTHER RULE INFRINGEMENTS. THE WINNER IS THE COMPETITOR WITH THE LOWEST OVERALL TIME.
All ponies must:
A) Be no greater than 148cm in height;
B) Not be less than 4 years old; and
C) Be vaccinated as per current FEI and Horse Of The Year Show Rules. (Owners must be prepared to verify this and produce their pony passports to a member of the Steering Committee.)
D) Be clean, well presented, healthy and competition fit.
There are two categories for ordinary events based upon the height of the ponies. Category (A) is for ponies who are both equal to or less than 122cm. Category (B) is for all other ponies (subject to meeting the requirements set out above). These height categories do not apply to championships and special events.
All vehicles must:
A) Be equipped with four wheels;
B) Be fitted with a working brake;
C) Not use wire-spoked wheels;
D) Not use pneumatic tyres;
E) Not have delayed steering;
F) Have a minimum front axle track of 130cm;
G) Have a rear axle. This may be shorter than the front axle, but not by more than 50cm; and
H) Be clean and safe.
Competitors must have a different vehicle for each pair of ponies entered into a competition
An appropriate harness must be used. It should be in good working condition, clean and safe.
A suitable whip must be carried by competitors.
Vehicles, equipment and ponies may be inspected by show stewards at any time, whether before, during or after competition. The show stewards may impose a penalty for non-compliance with the rules, which may include disqualification from the show.
A standard course should include twelve hazards
The course will be a combination of simple cone hazards, complex hazards and a serpentine
The width between the cones of a simple hazard will be approximately 170cm
A bell or suitable audible signal shall indicate that a competitor may start the course. Once the start bell has been rung competitors must pass through the starting gate and commence their round within one minute.
Hand controlled brakes may not be applied selectively whilst competing.
The course hazards must be completed in the specified order.
Once at least one wheel has passed between the boundaries of a hazard it will be seen as having been attempted.
If there is no set route for a complex hazard the driver may cross their tracks to complete their chosen route.
If a competitor takes an incorrect route during a complex hazard, they may either re-start the hazard from the point where the error occurred or re-attempt the hazard from the original entry point.
If a fallen hazard prevents the progress of the pony pair (or the hazard is otherwise undriveable) the Judge has the discretion to ring the bell and stop the clock. Once the hazard has been rebuilt the bell will be sounded for a second time, the clock will continue from the previous point. The entire hazard must then be re-attempted by the competitor.
If a Judge should accidentally ring the bell whilst a round is being driven and it is found to be to the detriment of the competitor, said competitor has the right to attempt the whole course again after the other competitors have completed their rounds.
Once a competitor has completed their round, or has retired, they must exit the arena in a safe manner at no more than a walk or a trot.
TIME PENALTIES
Time penalties will be imposed for rule infringements as set out below. Some rule infringements will result in disqualification.
Dislodging any part of a cone hazard 4 secs
Driver leaving the vehicle 20 secs
Groom leaving the vehicle: 1st time 8 secs 2nd time Disqualification
Dislodging any of a complex hazard’s parts other than a ball and cone 1st time No penalty
2nd time Disqualification
For disturbing either the Start or Finish timing equipment or flags Disqualification
Starting before the bell has sounded Judge’s discretion – maximum penalty is disqualification
Neglecting to pass through either the Start or Finish Disqualification
Not complying with the rules of substitution Disqualification
Passing through a hazard already driven without first obtaining the Judge’s approval Disqualification
Passing through a hazard in advance of the one being driven Disqualification
Passing through a hazard backwards Disqualification
Dislodging a hazard that has not yet been attempted 8 secs
Misuse of whip Official warning
All competitors and grooms must be smartly dressed for a County Show (regardless of the level of the Show). They need not, however, be “traditionally” dressed. This is for the duration of the competition, including walking the course and presentation of awards. Blue denim jeans or jodhpurs may not be worn.
All drivers must wear the following whilst competing: Hat, jacket, gloves, and driving apron. If wet weather garments are required they must be of a presentable nature.
Skull caps must be approved in advance by a show steward. They will not normally be approved if the silk is multi-coloured.
Advertising is permitted on vehicles but not on drivers’ or grooms’ competition clothing.
When waiting in the collecting ring each pair of ponies must be attended and held by their own competent groom.
When driving each driver must be accompanied by a groom sitting at the rear of the vehicle for balance. For the duration of the competition the groom must remain sitting at all times. The driver has sole responsibility for the safety and competence of their groom.
The Judge or show executive will have the responsibility for drawing the starting order. In the Championship Class starting order will be determined by the qualifying times, slowest first, fastest last.
Competitors who have entered a show but are no longer able to attend (for whatever reason) must use their best endeavors to contact the Show Secretary as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in sanctions for other shows in the series at the discretion of the Steering Committee.
A driver may graduate to Open Standard by completing three rounds in one season in any Scurry Driving Association’s Open Competition in which there are at least ten starters, with a time not more than 10% slower than the winner’s time (i.e. If the winning total time is 60 seconds, a qualifying driver must achieve a total time of no greater than 66 seconds to count.).
The winner of each class and height of a competition will qualify for the preliminary round at the Horse of the Year Show. If the winner has already qualified, the qualification will pass down the line to the next qualified pair. Drivers must complete five classes at qualifying height to be eligible for HOYS (ie without elimination or retirement)
If more than one competitor achieves the same score in a qualifying round (know as a dead heat) the one who first gains this score will be deemed to have won the dead heat and will be place higher.
Only one pair of ponies may be qualified per driver in each class
But the Caspians were still awesome. Hope you and Bob had fun.
I think we’d have to- we don’t have bunches of small island ponies over here to make adorable teams out of.
