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EC Gold/Bronze Competition #2
with Scotia Series Classes

August 31st & September 1st, 2024
Judge: Beth Murray

Hants County Exhibition, 221 Wentworth Road, Windsor, NS
Click here for Entry Form 
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Entries for the Aug 31/Sep 1 competition are now closed and the competition is FULL! We will be starting a wait list in case there are any scratches. Please submit your entry form as normal to join the wait list - DO NOT SEND PAYMENT until you are notified that there is a spot for you. Entries will be held in the order received. 
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OFFICIALS AND MANAGEMENT
Judges:                                                              Beth Murray
Steward:                                                          Gail Veinot
Competition Manager:                           Sharon Helynck
Competition Secretary:                         Deanne Hemphill - (902) 462-4375
                                                                                #103 – 194 Basswood Run
                                                                               Dartmouth, NS  B2W 0M3 
Organizing Committee:                         Sharon Helynck, Deanne Hemphill,  Mai Riives, Dianne Lifset
Ambulance on call:                                    911
First Aid:                                                          TBA - check with Competition Office
Veterinary Services on call:                Dr. Damita Hansen, Cornwallis Veterinarians Ltd., (902) 798-5502
Farrier Services on call:                         Morgan Davison (902) 220-2562​    

  • The RIDERS Seahorse Bronze and Gold Competition #1 and #2 is sanctioned as a Bronze & Gold competition member of Equestrian Canada, c/o House of Sport 2451 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 7X7 and is governed by the rules of EC (A602.1)
  • Scotia Series classes are sanctioned through Equestrian Nova Scotia and will follow Scotia Series rules.
  • Any horse (except Scotia Series horses) entered in any class at a competition may be selected for equine medication control while at the event location (A602.5)
  • Per Article A801, every entry at an EC sanctioned competition shall constitute an agreement by the persons responsible that the owner, lessee, trainer, manager, agent, coach, driver or rider and horse shall be subject to the EC constitution and all rules of EC and any additional rules set by the competition. It is the responsibility of all individuals participating in any capacity in EC sanctioned competitions to be knowledgeable regarding the EC constitution and the applicable rules of EC and the additional rules, if any, imposed by the competition. Do not participate in this EC sanctioned competition in any capacity if you do not consent to be bound by the constitution and rules of EC and any additional rules imposed by the competition. (A602.7)

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES
Equestrian Canada (EC), the national equestrian federation of Canada, supports adherence to the humane treatment of horses in all activities under its jurisdiction.
EC is committed to:
  • Upholding the welfare of the horses, regardless of value, as a primary consideration in all activities;
  • Requiring that horses be treated with kindness, respect and the compassion that they deserve, and that they never be subjected to mistreatment;
  • Ensuring that owners, trainers and exhibitors or their agents, use responsible care in the handling, treatment and transportation of their horses as well as horses placed in their care for any purpose;
  • Providing for the continuous well-being of horses by encouraging routine inspection and consultation with health care professionals and competition officials to achieve the highest possible standards of nutrition, health, comfort and safety as a matter of standard operating procedure;
  • Continuing to support scientific studies on equine health and welfare;
  • Requiring owners, trainers and exhibitors to know and follow their sanctioning organization’s rules, and to work within industry regulations in all equestrian competitions;
  • Reviewing, revising and developing competition rules and regulations that protect the welfare of the horses.
 
The standard by which conduct or treatment will be measured is that which a person who is informed and experienced in generally accepted equine training and exhibition procedures would determine to be neither cruel, abusive, nor inhumane.

ABOUT R.I.D.E.R.S.R.I.D.E.R.S. came to be in 2002, when the five founding directors decided that Nova Scotia needed more activities for dressage enthusiasts. We have been providing competitions and clinic experiences since then. In 2005, R.I.D.E.R.S. introduced the Seahorse Dressage Circuit, with the support of the Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation. The Seahorse Dressage Circuit is an EC provincial circuit governed by the Rules of EC, but administered within the province of Nova Scotia through the Board of Directors of R.I.D.E.R.S. The Seahorse Dressage Circuit is intended to provide recognized dressage competitions below the National level, at which competitors can earn provincially recognized year end awards, in the form of beautiful lapel pins. The awards bridge the gap between competitions where competitors have been ineligible for awards and national awards programs, encouraging more riders to compete and to develop the skills and confidence necessary to move to nationally ranked competitions. The Seahorse Circuit rules were updated in 2011 and are available for download at http://www.dressageridersns.ca

RIDERS is pleased to announce a partnership with Equestrian Nova Scotia to further develop    entry-level dressage in our province and to build capacity for future Equestrian Canada sanctioned competitions. We are excited to offer Scotia Series classes at our two EC Bronze and Gold competitions, held at Hants County Exhibition , securing at least two Scotia Series dressage competitions to be held indoors.  The pilot will serve as an opportunity to qualify more athletes for Scotia Series Provincial Championships and Equestrian NS Year-end Awards for designated dressage levels.  Points from eligible Scotia Series  classes will count towards qualifications for the Scotia Series Provincial Championships typically held in October of each year. In addition, athletes competing for their first time will be exposed to a higher level of competition, learning from more experienced athletes competing at the Bronze and Gold levels.  We look forward to welcoming all dressage athletes to our competitions and watching our wonderful sport grow stronger and stronger.

​COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
  1. All Canadian entries in the Bronze Competition must have:
    1. A current EC Sport License at least at the Bronze level. The rider, horse owner/lessee, and the Person Responsible for the horse, if not the same person, must all have a current EC Sport License AND a current PTSO membership (Eg. ENS, NBEA, etc.) See the EC and/or PTSO website for purchase information.
    2. A current vaccination for Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes.
 
  1. All Canadian entries in the Gold Competition must have:
    1. A current EC Sport License at least at the Gold level. The rider, horse owner/lessee, and the person responsible for the horse, if not the same person, must all have a current EC Sport License AND a current PTSO membership (Eg. ENS,NBEA, etc.). EC Sport Licenses must list amateur status for riders competing as amateurs.
    2. See the EC website and/or your local PTSO website for purchase information.
    3. The horse must have a valid Horse Recording and have paid the EC Recording annual Activation Fee to compete. (A602.4) Foreign entries must sign an affidavit (see A404.2.a.b) See the EC website for purchase of all of the above requirements.
    4. A current vaccination for Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes.
 
  1. All Canadian entries in the Equestrian Canada Para-Equestrian Competition must have:
    1. A valid EC Sport License at the appropriate level. The rider, owner /lessee, and the Person Responsible for the horse, if not the same person, must all have a current EC Sport License AND a current PTSO membership (Eg ENS, NBEA,etc.) See the EC and/ or PTSO websites for purchase information.
    2. For Gold level the horse must have a valid Horse Recording and have paid the EC Recording annual Activation Fee to compete. (A602.4) Foreign entries must sign an affidavit (see A 402.2.a.b). See the EC website for purchase information for all of the above.
    3. Rider must be on the EC national classification Master List.
    4. It is the responsibility of each competitor and coach to ensure all compensating aids used in competition are listed on the FEI Para-Dressage acceptable compensating aid list or have been documented correctly on their EC Classification Profile or Para-Dressage Dispensation Certificate.
    5. A current vaccination for Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes.
 
  1. All Canadian entries in the Scotia Series Competition must have:
    1. A valid Equestrian Nova Scotia membership.  The rider, owner/lessee and the Person Responsible for the horse, if not the same person, must all have a current PTSO membership.
    2. A current vaccination for Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes.
    3. If competing in Para-Dressage, athletes do not need to be classified. However, it is the responsibility of each competitor and coach to ensure all compensating aids used in competition are listed on the FEI Para-Dressage acceptable compensating aid list or have been documented correctly on their EC Classification Profile or Para-Dressage Dispensation Certificate.
MEMBERSHIP
A Current EC Sport License is required to be eligible to participate as a rider, owner, lessee, agent or anyone schooling (EC Rules Article E7.11.12) at National Dressage Competitions. Competitors will require a 2024 EC Gold Competitive Sport License OR a 2024 EC Bronze Competitive Sport License. A photocopy of current EC Sport License MUST BE ATTACHED to the ENTRY FORM. Temporary Sport Licenses are no longer available for purchase. Single Event upgrades are available for purchase directly through the competitors MyEC portal. There is a flat rate of $50 per upgrade, regardless of levels being upgraded. All competitors/owners/coaches who do not have the appropriate level of license must purchase the upgrade before competing at the event. All competitors, owners, lessees, coaches are required to have a valid PTSO (eg. Equestrian Nova Scotia) membership.

EC HORSE RECORDING
In competitions that require Horse Recording numbers (Gold and FEI entries), all Canadian entries are required to hold an EC Horse Recording and have paid the EC Horse Recording annual Activation Fee to compete, and must be submitted with entry. (A402)

VACCINATIONS
“All horses attending Equestrian Canada sanctioned competitions must have met the requirements of Article A519, Vaccinations. See Rules of Equestrian Canada, Section A, General Regulations, Article A519, Vaccinations.”

All horses attending Equestrian Canada sanctioned competitions must have been administered Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes Virus (1&4) vaccinations within 6 months (+21 days grace period) before arrival at the event. No horse shall receive vaccination within 10 days prior to arrival at the event. Horses not in compliance with this rule may be asked to leave event site at the discretion of Competition Management.

Supporting documentation confirming a horse’s compliance with mandatory vaccination requirements must be submitted with Entry Form.

In the case of a horse that is unable to receive either of the vaccines, a letter from a veterinarian on official letterhead must be provided with the entry form, stating the horse cannot be vaccinated due to medical concerns. (A519)

ENTRIES
Entries will not be accepted until complete and all entry fees have been paid. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT AN ENTRY UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO SUBMIT FEES. SUBMITING AN ENTRY WITHOUT FEES PAID WILL NOT HOLD YOUR PLACE.
  1. Completed entries are to be sent to the Competition Secretary. Entries can be completed and submitted online at dressageridersns.ca; by e-mail to Deanne Hemphill ([email protected]); or mailed to Deanne Hemphill, 194 Basswood Run #103, Dartmouth, N.S. B2W 0M3. All entries must be received no later than the date posted as the deadline for entries. The appropriate dates are listed under each competition. Late entries, if accepted, will be charged $30.00 per entry. Late entries will not be accepted after 6:00 P.M. the Thursday before the first day of the competition.
  2. Entries may have to be limited. In this case, completed entries will be prioritized initially by the earliest date received. Please note that many classes are small and, consequently, riders may not have much time between rides.
  3. No horse may be entered in more than two levels at the same competition and these levels must be consecutive. Sorry, no cross entries between Gold and Bronze.
  4. Athletes may ride both EC and Scotia Series tests, but must ride Scotia Series tests higher than the highest EC test ridden.
  5. The entry form for all sanctioned competitions shall be signed by the Person Responsible for the care, training, custody, and performance of the horse. The Person Responsible (with the exception of a Parent or Guardian. See item #6) must hold an EC Sport License (A203).
  6. A Parent or Guardian must sign the entry form in the case of a junior competitor and may sign as a Person Responsible without holding an EC Sport License (A213).
  7. All entry fees must be paid by e-transfer (payment info contained on Entry Form), cash, cheque or money order, payable to R.I.D.E.R.S.
TESTS OFFERED
  • USDF Introductory Tests A, B, C (EC and Scotia Series)
  • EC Training Level Tests 1, 2, 3 (EC and Scotia Series)
  • EC First Level Tests 1, 2, 3 (EC and Scotia Series)
  • EC Second Level Tests 1, 2, 3 (EC only)
  • EC Third Level Tests 1, 2, 3 (EC only)
  • EC Fourth Level Tests 1, 2, 3 (EC only)
  • USDF Freestyle L1, L2, L3, L4 (EC only)
  • FEI Test of Choice (EC only)
  • Para-Equestrian Test of Choice (EC and Scotia Series)
 
The tentative schedule for both days is to have lower level tests ridden earlier, progressing to higher level tests each morning and through the afternoon. 
 
“Every class herein is covered by the rules and specifications of the current rules of EC and will be held and judged in accordance with the EC Rule Book.”
 
FREESTYLE
  1. A horse/rider combination may compete in a maximum of two consecutive EC freestyle levels per day. These must correspond to the technical levels at which the horse/rider combination are competing on the same day (E10.6.4). Riders wishing to compete in Freestyle classes are asked to consult the current EC Dressage Rules for class requirements.
  2. Freestyle Eligibility (EC Article E 10.6.1) -- Freestyle eligibility for athletes in Gold and Silver competitions (all EC levels and FEI freestyle levels): A horse/ athlete combination must have obtained a minimum score of 60% in a dressage test at the same technical level, or higher, as the freestyle they wish to enter (e.g. 60% in First or Second technical Level to compete in either First or Second Level Freestyle or both first and second level Freestyles. Proof of eligibility may be requested with the entry. The dressage score may have been obtained at an EC Gold/Silver dressage competition prior to the competition or may be obtained at the same competition in which they wish to enter the freestyle.
  3. Music for Freestyles is to be given to the Competition Secretary when collecting the entry number. Format for music can be on a laptop or Smart phone with a headphone adapter.  System is bluetooth compatible. The Competition Committee does not accept responsibility for problems arising through the playing of the music. An opportunity for each competitor to play their music prior to show time will be arranged on each day of the show.

HORS CONCOURS (Article E 7.11.11)
With permission of the organizing committee and time permitting, horses may be entered hors concours (non-competitive). Hors concours entries are not eligible for prizes, placings, ribbons or awards.
Such entries must pay the full entry fee and provide all required documentation, and are subject to all EC rules, including having EC horse identification where required. Competitive entries will be given priority.

COACHING
  1. When registering for EC sanctioned competitions, athletes must indicate the name of their coach on the entry form or specify that they are self-coached. Coaches from other countries must be in good standing with their home Federation and must declare/have proof of insurance. Starting July 1, 2023, there will be a recognized minimum status requirement to coach athletes at EC sanctioned events and competitions.
  2. For Scotia Series, athletes must indicate the name of their coach on the entry form or specify that they are self-coached. Coaches are required to be Equestrian Nova Scotia Safe-Sport compliant.
  3. For the purpose of participation in EC-sanctioned competitions and meeting EC minimum requirements for Safe Sport coaching eligibility, there are two recognized EC Coach Status designations (A103):
    1. Licensed Coach Status: Coaches with knowledge and expertise achieved through formal certification, education, or validated practical experience.    
    2. Registered Coach Status: Self-declared coaches and instructors, and those working towards recognized coaching certificate/license.
  4. EC Coach Status is required for all Canadian residents coaching athletes at EC-sanctioned competitions.
  5. EC Coach Status must be renewed annually, and it is the responsibility of the individual holding EC Coach Status to ensure all component requirements for Coach Status are current and valid.
  6. For Coaches who do not meet minimum Coach Status requirements at the time of competition, Temporary EC Coach Status is available and may be purchased from EC via the MyEC  portal.. The fees for Temporary EC Coach Status are listed in the EC Schedule of Fees.

REFUND POLICY
Competitors withdrawing an entry after the official closing date but earlier than 48 hours prior to the commencement of competition will be refunded entry fees minus an administration fee of $50, upon the receipt of a veterinarian certificate of disability or a doctor’s certificate. Competitors withdrawing later than 48 hours prior to the commencement of competition will forfeit all fees, no exceptions.

Horse substitution is allowed providing the Competition Secretary is informed well in advance of their first  class entered.

COMPETITION GUIDELINES
Per Article A801, “Every entry at an EC-sanctioned competition shall constitute an agreement by the person(s) responsible that the owner, lessee, trainer, manager, agent, coach, driver or rider, and horse shall be subject to the EC constitution and all rules of EC and any additional rules set by the competition.”

“It is the responsibility of all individuals participating in any capacity in EC-sanctioned competitions to be knowledgeable regarding the EC constitution and the applicable rules of EC and the additional rules, if any, imposed by the competition.” Do not participate in this EC sanctioned competition in any capacity if you do not consent to be bound by the constitution and rules of EC and any additional rules imposed by the competition.

CLASS CATEGORY - ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE

Open (O) - Open to all athletes (regardless of age and/or amateur/professional status)
Adult Amateur (AA) - Open to all athletes who are no longer Juniors under rule E 3.4.3 (except as outlined in E 3.4.2)
Junior (J) - Open to all athletes until the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 18.
Scotia Series (Not rated for EC awards) - Open to all athletes who are ENS members, but do not wish to compete as EC members.
 
The Amateur category is for athletes over the age of 18 who are not earning remuneration from teaching or training horses or riders in the horse industry.
  1. Competition Management reserves the right to limit, refuse entries, split, combine, cancel or adjust any classes, to govern all conditions of the show, and make rulings upon any matters not specified by the current EC rules and prize list specifications. Competitors will be notified as early as possible of any changes. The onus is on the competitor to be familiar with such changes after notification.
  2. A rider may approach the steward prior to each test to ensure that dress and equipment are in accordance with the rules. The rider must report directly to the Steward after completion of each test and before dismounting for a tack check. 
  3. Introductory and Para-Equestrian tests will be ridden in a 20m X 40m ring. All other tests will be ridden in a 20m X 60m ring.
  4. Scotia Series tests will be covered by and judged in accordance with Scotia Series rules.
  5. Riders are responsible for finding their own test reader if required.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
  1. Questions not answered by this Prize List may be directed to the Competition Secretary, Deanne Hemphill,  [email protected],  (902) 462- 0996 or (902) 462-4375 (cell)
  2. Space permitting, horses will be allowed to attend without competing. Applicants must fill out an entry form, include appropriate fees and submit entry with a signed Liability waiver. Non-competing horses may use warm-up areas as outlined in Warm-Up Information. Any horse arriving on the competition grounds but not competing will be subject to all EC and competition rules and must be assigned a number that must be worn when the horse is outside the stall. (E7.11.3) Horse recording Number is not required.
  3. Bridle numbers must be worn, and be visible, at all times when horses are outside of the stall on the show grounds, in the schooling and exercising areas as well as in the competition ring. (A814)
  4. All riders while mounted anywhere on the competition grounds must wear ASTM, SEI or BSI/BS EN approved protective headgear with the safety harness correctly secured at all times. Please note at R.I.D.E.R.S. competitions this rule also applies to riders while mounted on a non-competing horse. Approved headgear must be certified by SEI or another testing body to meet the American Society for Testing Material (“ASTM”) or BSI standard. Note: At the tack check following the test, the steward may ask the rider to dismount so that the helmet may be inspected for the ASTM/SEI or BSI/BS EN label.
  5. Stabling will be available for horses between 11:00 AM on Friday, the day before the competition begins, until 6:00PM on Sunday of that weekend.
  6. The Competition Committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitor for unsportsmanlike behaviour or breach of the EC or Equestrian Nova Scotia Code of Ethics.
  7. Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times.
  8. Lungeing (unmounted) and work in hand may only be done in the Mary Henry arena by the athlete, owner, coach, groom or Person Responsible , other than during warm-up times for classes.
  9. The rules for the Seahorse Circuit are available at http://www.dressageridersns.ca
  10. Miscellaneous classes are not rated for EC awards.
  11. Horses are permitted to leave the show grounds during the competition.
  12. For any emergency Veterinary and/or farrier service provided while at the show venue, RIDERS will require a copy of a valid credit card from the owner/person responsible for the horse in question to be delivered to the show office prior to the service provider’s arrival. This information will be given to the service provider to pay for services rendered once an invoice is processed.  Failure to do so will result in exclusion from the next two  R.I.D.E.R.S. show seasons. (Four shows).
  13. Daily and overnight parking is available for vehicles and trailers on the exhibition grounds. Anyone staying overnight on the Windsor Exhibition grounds must pay a fee depending on services required. Payment must be made at the Office (brick building at the far end of the parking lot). See the Hants County Exhibition website for rates.
  14. ENTRIES CLOSE at 6:00 P.M. on the Monday before show weekend. Entries received after the closing date may not be accepted. If accepted, late entries will be subject to a charge of $30 per entry. There will be no post-entries. E-mail, Mail, courier or deliver to COMPETITION SECRETARY (see ENTRIES info). If paying by cheque, make payable to R.I.D.E.R.S.
  15. RIDE TIMES:  Will be emailed to competitors who have provided email addresses by the Thursday @6:00 PM, prior to the first day of the competition.  Do not phone for ride times. Final ride times will be posted daily at the competition office during the competition.

WARM-UP INFORMATION
Supervised warm-up time slots of 30 minutes in the main arena will be available on the Friday before the first day of the competition from 1PM to 6:30 PM. To secure a reservation, riders must reserve a time slot on the entry form. Requested time cannot be guaranteed, but we will make every effort to accommodate. There will be a maximum of 7 riders per time slot. Cost per half hour reservation is $5.00. The competition arena will be closed from 7:00 PM on Friday until the start of the competition on Saturday morning.

SHOW FEES
Administration Fee $50.00
Gold Level Tests $48.00
Bronze Level Tests $31.00
Scotia Series Tests $38.00
Scotia Series Fee $3.00
Dressage Canada Levy (Gold and Bronze) $10.00
Gold Medication Control Fee/ horse $8.00
Bronze Medication Control Fee/horse $4.00
Stabling/day/night $45.00
Warm-up Reservation/half hour $5.00
Late Entry Fee $30.00

Note: R.I.D.E.R.S. Members will receive a $20 discount on entry fees for each Seahorse Competition entered!. Membership forms can be found on the R.I.D.E.R.S. website at dressageridersns.ca. and can be submitted online.

NSF cheques will be subject to a $50 charge, and must be re-submitted by e-transfer, certified cheque, money order or cash.

PRESENTATIONS
  • Ribbons will be awarded to sixth place.
  • Ribbons will be awarded at the end of the morning classes on Saturday and Sunday, and also at the end of the competition day on Saturday. Presentations will take place in the area between the office entrance door and the Mary Henry arena; no horses.
 
 CHAMPIONSHIPS/AWARDS
  • Sunday afternoon ribbons, Championship ribbons and prizes will be presented at the end of the competition on Sunday. Presentations will be in the arena, with horses (untacked) and riders in show attire. Please do not bring horses into the arena until summoned, to avoid standing around waiting for results. It takes time to get this done!
  • Either the rider or their representative must be present at the ribbon/awards presentations or they will forfeit their ribbons/awards. Everyone is anxious to get home …. But please respect the Organizing Committee and stay for the awards if at all possible.
  • Champion and Reserve Champion will be awarded for each Level (Introductory Level through Fourth Level incl.) in which there are a minimum of three eligible competitors. The Champion and Reserve Champion at each Level will be determined by adding each rider’s top score (percentage) from each day. To be eligible, competitors must have ridden a minimum of two tests in the same Level on each of two days. The highest and second highest percentages achieved will be the Champion and Reserve Champion of their Level. In the event of a tie, the rider with the highest single percentage point is declared the winner. Levels in which there are less than three competitors may be given a prize but will not be designated as Champion or Reserve Champion.
  • High Point Champion and Reserve High Point Champion will be awarded for each Division (Junior, Adult Amateur, Open). The Champion and Reserve Champion will be determined by adding each rider’s top score (percentage) from each day. The highest and second highest percentages achieved will be the Champion and Reserve Champion of their Division. To be eligible, competitors must have ridden a minimum of two tests in in the same Level on each of two days. In the event of a tie, the rider with the highest single percentage point is declared the winner.
© 2013 Pamela Levy. All rights reserved.
R.I.D.E.R.S Riders Interested in Dressage and English Riding Society