EVENTING

RULES 2020
£3.50
 CONTENTS
Page
SECTION A GENERAL RULES FOR ALL PONY CLUB EVENTING
Objectives 7
The Pony Club Eventing Committee 8
Rule
1 Explanation of competition 9
2 Levels of Competition (tables) 10
3 Scoring and Classification 11
4 Equality 11
5 Protests or Objections 12
6 Jury of Appeal 12
7 Age and Height of Horses 13
8 Dress 13
a) Dressage, SJ and XC 13
b) Dressage only 18
c) Show Jumping only 18
d) Cross Country only 18
e) Electronic Devices 18
9 Saddlery 18
a) Dressage, SJ and XC 19
b) Dressage only 21
c) SJ and XC only 23
10 Action after a Fall 24
11 Head Injury and Concussion 24
12 Suspension from Competing for Medical Reasons 27
13 Unseemly Behaviour 27
14 Performance-Enhancing Drugs 27
15 Disqualification 28
16 Compulsory Retirement 28
17 Directions from Officials 28
18 Sponsorship 28
19 Insurance 29
20 Health and Safety 29
21 Lone Competitors 29
22 Destruction of Severely Injured Horses 29
23 Vaccinations 30
24 Legal Liability 31
25 Order of Starting 31
26 Interval Between Phases 31
27 Exercise 31

pcuk.org 3
28 Rapping 32
29 Stallions 32
30 Dressage
a) The Test 32
b) Execution of the Test 33
c) Entering the Arena 33
d)
Salute 33
e) Dismounting and/or Fall of Rider 33
f) Resistance 34
g) Grinding of teeth and tail swishing 34
h)
Assistance 34
i) Leaving the Arena 34
j) Errors of Course or Test 34
k) Penalties for Errors of Course or Test 35
l) Riding the Wrong Test 35
m) Penalties for Contravening the Rules 35
n) Time 36
o) Lameness 36
p) Dressage scoresheets 36
q) Scale of Marks 36
r)
Scoring 37
s) Dressage Judges 37
31 Show jumping
a) The Test 37
b) The Warm-up 37
c) The Course 39
d) Safety Cups 40
e)
Poles 40
f) Penalties 40
g) Timing 41
h) Adjustment of Saddlery or Dress or Outside Assistance 41
i) Falls 42
j) Inspection of the Course 42
k) Plan of the Course 42
l) Scoring 42
32 Cross Country
a) The Course 43
b) Inspection of the Course 43
c) Modification of the Course 43
d) Marking the Course 44
e) Starting 45
f) Timekeeping 45
g) Speed and Pace 46
h) Penalties 47
i) Definition of Faults 48

4 pcuk.org
 j) Competitor in Difficulty at an Obstacle 51
k) Stopping Competitors 51
l) Forbidden Assistance 51
m) Elimination and Retiring 52
n) Obstacles 52
o) Dimensions 53
p) Alternative ‘L’ Obstacles 54
q) Adjacent Obstacles 55
r) Combination Fences 55
s) Banks 56
t) Bounces 56
u) Bullfinches 56
v) Drops 56
w) Open Ditches 56
x) Water Obstacles 56
y) Hazards 57
z) Practice Fence 57
aa) Scoring 57
bb)Emergency Flags 57

SECTION B ADMINISTRATIVE RULES FOR AREA QUALIFYING
COMPETITIONS AND THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
33 Eligibility – Area Competitions and Championships 58
34 PC 110, PC100+, PC100, PC90 and Grassroots Regional
Area Competitions and Championships qualification 62
35 Sections 64
36 Entries – Area Competition 65
37 Entries – Championships 65
38 Withdrawals 66
39 Abandonment 66
40 Substitution – Area Competitions 66
41 Substitutions – Championships 66
42 Branch Representatives 67

pcuk.org 5
APPENDICES
Appendix A Metric Conversion Table 68

Appendix B Pony Club Dressage Tests used in Eventing

PC 90 Eventing Test 2013 69
PC 100 Eventing Test 2015 70
PC 110 Eventing Test 2010 71
PC 90 Eventing Championship Test 2015 72
PC 100 Eventing Championship Test 2013 73
PC 110 Eventing Championship Test 2015 74
Introduction to Dressage Test 2019 76
Grassroots Dressage Test 2018 77

Appendix C Diagrams of Dressage Arenas 78

Appendix D Rules for Two-Day Events 80

Appendix E Head Injuries and Concussion Flow Chart 84

INDEX 85

6 pcuk.org
 THE PONY CLUB
EVENTING OBJECTIVES
Eventing provides The Pony Club with a competition requiring courage,
determination and all-round riding ability on the part of the rider and careful
and systematic training of the horse.

Its object is to encourage a higher standard of riding throughout The Pony

Club and to stimulate among the future generation a greater interest in
riding as a sport and as a recreation.

Every eventuality cannot be provided for in these Rules, and where a rule is
not covered, the British Eventing Rule Book should be consulted. In any
unforeseen or exceptional circumstances or any other issue in connection
with Pony Club Eventing it is the duty of the relevant officials to make
a decision in a sporting spirit and to approach as nearly as possible the
intention of these Rules. It is the competitors’ responsibility to ensure that
they are complying with the Rules of the competition.

Where a rule states District Commissioner, Centre Proprietor also applies,

and where Branch is stated, Centre applies.

As a Member of The Pony Club, I stand for the best

in sportsmanship as well as in horsemanship.
I shall compete for the enjoyment of the game well
played and take winning or losing in my stride, remembering
that without good manners and good temper,
sport loses its cause for being. I shall at all times
treat my horse with due consideration.

RULES
These Rules are based on British Eventing’s current rules for Affiliated
Eventing, amended where applicable. The term ‘horse’ in these Rules covers
ponies as well.

This Rule Book is a guide for Competitors. Organisers should refer to the
Eventing Organisers’ Handbook in conjunction with these rules.

NOTE: Rules that differ from those of 2019 or requiring special emphasis
appear in bold type (as this note) and changes are side-lined.

pcuk.org 7
 THE PONY CLUB
EVENTING COMMITTEE
Chairman Charlotte Rowell
Tel: 07973 797321
Email: [email protected]

Members Catie Baird

Patrick Campbell
Charlie Lane
David Merrett
Darrell Scaife (co-opted)
Christina Thompson
Sarah Verney
Nicky Morrison (Area Representative)
Catriona Willison (Area Representative)

The Pony Club

Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2RW
Telephone: 02476 698300
pcuk.org

All Rules are made by The Pony Club Volunteer Committees

including consultation with others.

The Pony Club Office provides administrative support and

any queries or questions relating to these rules must be directed
to the Chairman of the relevant sport and copied to [email protected].

© 2020 The Pony Club

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise
without the prior permission of The Pony Club.

8 pcuk.org
 GENERAL RULES FOR ALL
PONY CLUB EVENTING
1. EVENTING is a three phase competition - Dressage, Show Jumping and
Cross Country, each of which must be completed mounted. The Dressage
Test will be ridden first, followed by Show Jumping and then Cross Country.
This order will be adhered to at all Levels. Pony Club Eventing is graded
from PC70, PC80, PC90, PC100, PC100+ and PC110. PC110 (Pony Club Open)
is the equivalent of British Eventing’s Novice standard, PC100 (Pony Club
Intermediate) is BE100 and PC90 (Pony Club Novice) is BE90. Please refer to
the following tables. All competitors in the same class must complete the
three phases in the same order. Each horse must be ridden by the same
rider throughout. A horse may only compete once on any given day.

2. LEVELS OF COMPETITION (Metric Conversion Table – Appendix A)

The maximum dimensions at each Level must NOT be exceeded in either
Show Jumping or Cross Country.

SHOW PC70 PC80 PC90 PC100 PC100+ PC110

JUMPING

Max length of 350m 350m 450m 450m 450m 450m

course

Speed 300mpm 300mpm 325mpm 325mpm 325mpm 325mpm

Obstacles 0.75m 0.85m 0.95m 1.05m 1.15m 1.15m

Max height

Max spread 0.65m 0.80m 1.00m 1.10m 1.20m 1.20m

- highest point

Max spread 0.90m 1.05m 1.40m 1.55m 1.90m 1.90m

- base

Note: Only one upright and one ascending spread obstacle may be
included up to the maximum height. All other obstacles must be 0.05m
below maximum height.

The limits on the height and spread of obstacles laid down in the rules
must be observed with the greatest of care. However, if it should happen
that a maximum dimension has been marginally exceeded as a result of
the material used for construction and/or by the position of the obstacle on
the ground, the maximum dimensions laid down will not be considered as
having been exceeded, but the permitted tolerance is 5cms maximum in the
ring or practice area.

pcuk.org 9
COURSE DESIGN – SHOW JUMPING
PC70, 80 and 90: It is recommended that the first three obstacles should
be inviting to allow horses to gain confidence. Neither water jumps nor water
trays are permitted. The course must include only one double combination
(not treble).
PC100: Neither water jumps nor water trays are permitted. The course must
include one double combination and may include a further double but not a
treble. There should be one square parallel.
PC100+ and PC110: Water jumps are not permitted except at the
Championships. The course must include at least one double combination
and there should be another double or treble. There should be not less
than one related distance of 4 or 5 strides and the course must include one
square parallel.
PC100, PC100+ and PC110: It is recommended that a BS Course Builder’s
advice is sought on course plans.
At all Levels: When the second or third element of a double or treble
combination is a spread, the distances must be as for two non-jumping strides.

CROSS PC70 PC80 PC90 PC100 PC100+ PC110
COUNTRY

Length of course Up to 1,600 – 1,600 - 1,600 - 1,600 - 1,600 -

1,800m 2,800m 2,800m* 2,800m* 2,800m* 2,800m*

Speed 435mpm 435mpm 450mpm 475mpm 475mpm 520mpm

Obstacles Up to 25 16-25 18-25* 18-25* 18-25* 18-25*

No. of Jumping efforts

Max height 0.70m 0.80m 0.90m 1.00m 1.00m 1.10m

With height and 0.75m 0.90m 1.00m 1.10m 1.10m 1.40m**

spread
(Max spread - highest
point)

With height and 1.00m 1.25m 1.50m 1.80m 1.80m 2.10m

spread
(Max spread - base)

With spread only 0.90m 1.00m 1.20m 1.40m 1.40m 1.60m

(Max spread without
height)

Drop fences 0.80m 0.95m 1.20m 1.40m 1.40m 1.60m

Max drop

Jump into and out of 0.20m 0.20m 0.20m 0.20m 0.20m 0.30m
water
Max depth of water

*At the Eventing Championships, the length of the course may be increased to
2,500-3,500m and the number of jumping efforts may be increased to 25-30.

10 pcuk.org
**If building a new spread fence, it is recommended that the overall
maximum spread does not exceed 1.25m

Below PC90, Organisers may reduce distances, speeds, heights and number
of obstacles.

At PC70 and PC80 there will be no penalties for going too slowly, but reverse
time penalties will be applied for going too fast – Rule 32 g).

3. SCORING AND CLASSIFICATION

The competition is scored on a penalty basis.
a. Individuals
The penalty points incurred by a competitor in each of the three phases
are added together to give his final score for the whole competition, the
competitor with the least points being the winner. A competitor disqualified
or eliminated in one phase is eliminated from the whole competition.

b. Teams
Only the lowest three scores of each team are counted. These are added
together to give the team’s final score, the team with the least penalties
being the winner. If fewer than three members of a team complete the
competition there is no team score.

4. EQUALITY
If the total penalty score for the three phases gives equality of marks to two
or more competitors, the classification is decided by the best Cross Country
score, that is the competitor with the lowest total of jumping and/or time
penalties. At PC80, PC90, PC100, PC100+ and PC110, if there is still equality,
the best will be the competitor whose Cross Country time is closest to the
optimum time. If there is still equality the best show jumping score
(including penalties at obstacles and time penalties) will be taken
into consideration. If there is still equality the best Dressage score will
decide. If the scores are still equal the result shall be a tie. If the total
scores of two or more teams in a qualifying position for the Championships
are equal, all teams concerned will qualify. If the scores are equal for an
individual qualifying place at the Championships, all parties concerned shall
qualify. At PC70, where the lowest total of cross-country jumping penalties is
equal and there are no time penalties for going too fast, then the marks for
Show Jumping and Dressage as outlined above, will be the deciding factor.

pcuk.org 11
5. PROTESTS OR OBJECTIONS
Any query about a competitor’s score must be made only at the Secretary’s
Office. No approach may be made to the Judge, Time Keeper, Fence Judge
or Official concerned. Protests or objections must be made in writing and
addressed to the Official Steward, or at the Championships to the Secretary.
At Area Competitions and the Championships, only District Commissioners
or their Appointed Representatives are entitled to lodge a protest or
objection. Protests must be accompanied by a deposit of £10 at Branch
Competitions and £50 at Area Competitions and the Championships, which
is forfeit unless the Official Steward or, at the Championships, the Official
Steward / Jury of Appeal, decides that there were good and reasonable
grounds for it. Protests or objections must be made not later than half an
hour after the incident that gave rise to them, or half an hour after the scores
have been published. Objections to Dressage scores must be made not later
than one hour after the scoresheets have been released.
At Branch competitions the Official Steward shall give his decision which
shall be final. At Area Competitions and the Championships, if the decision
of the Official Steward is not accepted then the Jury of Appeal, after
investigation, shall give its decision and this decision shall be final.
Should a breach of eligibility subsequently be discovered, then the
Eventing Committee may disqualify the offending team or individual.

If said individual was a Member of a qualifying team and their score

contributed to the qualification the team will be disqualified unless the
qualification holds up using the discard score.

6. JURY OF APPEAL
The following people constitute the Jury of Appeal:
a. The Official Steward or Assistant Official Steward
b. A Dressage Judge
c. The Chief Show Jumping Judge
d. The Cross Country Steward
e. Any member of The Pony Club Eventing Committee present.

The Official Steward may appoint a replacement for any member of

the Jury if the need arises. Any three members from the above shall
form a quorum.

At the Championships the Jury of Appeal shall consist of those members

of The Pony Club Eventing Committee who are present, and three of
whom shall form a quorum. At both the Area Competitions and the
Championships at least three members of the Jury of Appeal must remain
on the ground until half an hour after the scores have been published.

12 pcuk.org
7. AGE AND HEIGHT OF HORSES
No horse under 5 years of age is eligible. There are no height restrictions.

8. DRESS
New equipment is not expected, but what is worn must be clean, neat, tidy
and safe.

It is the competitors’ responsibility to ensure that their dress is in accordance

with the rules. Contravention may incur elimination. Apart from XC colours
and silks, brightly coloured accessories must not be worn.

a. The following rules apply to all three phases:

i) Hats – It is mandatory for all Members to wear a protective helmet
at all times when mounted with a chinstrap fastened and adjusted
so as to prevent movement of the hat in the event of a fall. This rule
defines the quality of manufacture that is required. The individual
sports also have additional requirements with regard to colour and
type. It is strongly recommended that second hand hats are not
purchased.

The hat standards accepted as of 1st January 2020 are detailed in the table
below:

Allowed
Safety at the
Hat Standard
Mark following
activities:

PAS 015:1998 or 2011* with BSI Kitemark All activities

VG1 with BSI Kitemark All activities

Snell E2001* onwards with the official Snell label and number All activities

ASTM-F1163 2004a onwards with the SEI mark All activities

AS/NZS 3838, 2006 onwards All activities

∙ For cross-country riding (over 80cm) including Eventing,

Tetrathlon, Horse Trials, Pony Racing (whether it be tests, rallies,
competition or training) and Mounted Games competitions,
a jockey skull cap must be worn with no fixed peak, peak type
extensions or noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the

pcuk.org 13
 front, and should have an even round or elliptical shape with a
smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type
extensions. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the
front not greater than 5mm, smooth and rounded in nature are
permitted. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be
used if required.
∙ It is strongly recommended that a jockey skull cap is worn for
cross-country riding over lower fences (less than 80cm) as there is
research evidence that a fall onto the fixed peak can result in an over
extension of the neck backwards with the potential for serious injury.
∙ No recording device is permitted (e.g. hat cameras) as they may
have a negative effect on the performance of the hat in the event
of a fall.
∙ The fit of the hat and the adjustment of the harness are as crucial
as the quality. Members are advised to try several makes to find the
best fit. The hat should not move on the head when the head is
tipped forward. Most helmet manufacturers recommend you visit a
qualified BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) fitter.
∙ Hats must be replaced after a severe impact as subsequent
protection will be significantly reduced. Hats deteriorate with age
and should be replaced after three to five years depending upon
the amount of use.
∙ Hats, must be worn at all times (including at prize-giving) when
mounted with a chinstrap fastened and adjusted so as to prevent
movement of the hat in the event of a fall.
∙ For Show Jumping and Mounted Games the cover, if applicable,
shall be dark blue, black or brown only. 
∙ For Dressage, hats and hat covers must be predominately black,
navy blue or a conservative dark colour that matches the rider’s
jacket for Area competitions or above. The Pony Club Hat silk is also
acceptable.
∙ The Official Steward / Organiser may, at his discretion, eliminate a
competitor riding in the area of the competition without a hat or
with the chinstrap unfastened or with a hat that does not comply
with these standards.
 
Hat Checks and Tagging
The Pony Club and its Branches and Linked Centres will appoint Officials,
who are familiar with The Pony Club hat rule, to carry out hat checks and
tag each hat that complies with the requirements set out in the hat rule
with an aquamarine Pony Club hat tag. Hats fitted with an aquamarine
Pony Club, British Eventing (BE) or British Riding Club (BRC) hat tag will
not need to be checked on subsequent occasions. However, The Pony Club
reserves the right to randomly spot check any hat regardless of whether
it is already tagged. 

14 pcuk.org
Tagging indicates that a hat meets the accepted standards, NO check of the
fit and condition of the hat is implied. It is considered to be the responsibility
of the Member’s parent(s) / guardian(s) to ensure that their hat complies
with the required standards and is tagged before they go to any Pony
Club event. Also, they are responsible for ensuring that the manufacturer’s
guidelines with regard to fit and replacement are followed.

ii) Hair – In the interests of safety, long hair must be secured
appropriately in a hairnet. Hair must not obscure the competitor’s
number at any time.

iii) Jackets (Dressage and Show Jumping only) – A traditional style of

riding jacket must be worn with a Pony Club Tie or hunting stock. It
is permitted to wear a Pony Club stock with any jacket. Jackets may
be removed during riding in, provided the competitor is wearing a
shirt that at a minimum covers the shoulders. During hot weather
the Judges may give permission for competitors to ride
without jackets, but shirts must cover the shoulders. Shirts
should be white or cream. Numbers should be worn at all times.
The metal membership badge should be worn on the left lapel of
the jacket.

iv) Gloves – Gloves are compulsory for the Dressage phase and
optional for Show Jumping and Cross Country.

v) Breeches – Breeches or jodhpurs must be white, cream or beige.

vi) Footwear – Only standard riding or jodhpur boots with a well

defined square cut heel may be worn. Plain black or brown half
chaps may be worn with jodhpur boots of the same colour. Tassels
and fringes are not allowed. No other footwear will be permitted,
including wellington boots, yard boots, country boots, “muckers” or
trainers.

Boots with interlocking treads are not permitted, nor are the boots
or treads individually.

Stirrups should be of the correct size to suit the riders boots (see
the Stirrup rule). Laces on boots must be taped for Mounted
Games only.

vii) Spurs – Spurs may be worn at Rallies and other events.  Any
misuse of spurs will be reported to the DC/Centre Proprietor, Area
Representative and Training Chairman. Any reported riders will be
recorded and monitored.

pcuk.org 15
 Sharp spurs are not permitted.  Only blunt spurs, without rowels
or sharp edges, and spurs that have a smooth rotating ball on the
shank may be worn. If the spurs are curved, the curve must be
downwards and the shank must point straight to the back and not
exceed 4cm in length.  The measurement is taken from the boot to
the end of the shank. 

viii) Body Protector

The Pony Club does not make the use of body
protectors compulsory, except for all Cross
Country riding and Pony Racing whether it be
training or competing.  If a Body protector is
worn for any Pony Club activity it must meet
BETA 2009 Level 3 standard (purple label)
or BETA 2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black
label) – see right.

For general use, the responsibility for choosing body protectors

and the decision as to their use must rest with Members and their
parents. It is recommended that a rider’s body protector should
not be more than 2% of their body weight.  When worn, body
protectors must fit correctly, be comfortable and must not restrict
movement. BETA recommend body protectors are replaced at
least every three to five years, after which the impact absorption
properties of the foam may have started to decline.
 
BETA 2009 Level 3 (purple label) body protectors will continue to
be accepted by The Pony Club until 31st December 2024.
 
Riders who choose to use the Woof Wear Body Cage EXO must
lodge a key with the Event Organiser when they collect their
number.
 
Air Jackets
When an air jacket inflates the sudden noise startles horses in
the immediate vicinity thereby causing difficulties for the other
members of a ride if used in a group ride in a confined area, e.g.
an indoor school or outdoor manège. Air jackets are therefore not
encouraged for group rides.
 
If a rider chooses to wear an air jacket in Cross Country or Pony
Racing, it must only be used in addition to a normal body protector
which meets the BETA 2009 Level 3 standard (purple label) or BETA
2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black label). Parents and Members
must be aware that riders may be permitted to continue after a

16 pcuk.org
 fall in both competition and training rides for Cross Country and/or
Pony Racing, provided the rider has been passed as fit to continue
by First Aid Providers. In the event of a fall, it must be fully deflated
or removed before continuing, after which, the conventional body
protector will continue to give protection. Air jackets must not be
worn under a jacket and number bibs should be fitted loosely or
with elasticised fastenings over the air jacket.

ix) Medical Armbands – It is the competitor’s responsibility to

wear a PC/BE medical armband during the cross-country
phase if they have a medical condition that may impact
on their care in the case of an emergency. Conditions that
are relevant includes serious past injuries/surgery, chronic
health problems such as diabetes, long-term medications and
allergies. If in doubt competitors should consult with their own
treating physician. Cards must contain the competitor’s details
where indicated and must be worn on the competitor’s arm
or shoulder in such a way as to be visible at all times. It is not
compulsory for competitors without any medical conditions to
wear a medical armband.

x) Jewellery – No jewellery is allowed for safety reasons, other than

medical jewellery, a wristwatch, a wedding ring, a stock pin worn
horizontally or a tie clip. It is recommended that stock pins are
removed for cross country. Members who are contemplating
piercing their ears or any other part of their body should be
aware that they will not be allowed to compete until such a time as
the “sleepers” can safely be removed. The reason for this is
that sleepers have in the past caused injuries following falls.
This rule will be strictly enforced.

In the event of a person being unable to remove permanent
jewellery, it must be adequately protected by being covered
by a sticking plaster or other appropriate material prior to
presenting at tack check. The wearing of such jewellery while
competing is at the risk of the member / parent / guardian.

xi) Buttonholes may not be worn.

xii) Prize giving

Competitors must be correctly dressed in their competition
riding clothes (jackets etc) for Prize givings, either mounted
or dismounted. Only Saddlery that falls within the rules of the
competition will be allowed.

pcuk.org 17
 xiii) Collecting ring / Course walking
Whilst dismounted in the collecting area, or course walking (both
Show Jumping or Cross Country) Competitors must be tidily
dressed but not necessarily in riding clothes. Competitors should
however be dressed in their riding clothes when walking the show
jumping course at the Championships after 9am on the day of
competition.

b. Dressage only
Whips – A whip of any length may be carried at PC70, PC80, PC90, but
no whips are allowed at PC100, PC100+ and PC110.
Gloves - Must be worn.

c. Show Jumping only

Whips – No rider may carry or use a whip greater than 75cm or less
than 45cm in length overall.

d. Cross Country only

Whips – No rider may carry or use a whip greater than 75cm or less
than 45cm in length overall.
Body Protectors are compulsory for training and competing.

A self-tied stock is strongly recommended.

As a minimum shoulders must be covered while competing.

e. Electronic Devices
Electronic devices (i.e. headphones, mobile phones etc. enabling
another person to communicate with the rider) are not allowed whilst
the rider is competing.
No recording device is permitted (e.g. head / bridle cameras etc.)
Stopwatches may be worn at PC90, PC100, PC100+ and PC110 Levels.

9. SADDLERY
New equipment is not expected, but what is worn must be clean, neat,
tidy and safe.

It is the competitors’ responsibility to ensure that their tack is in accordance

with the rules and that they present themselves for inspection. Any
competitor who presents to compete in the wrong saddlery/equipment will
not be allowed to compete until they decide to re-present in the correct
saddlery/equipment.

Any competitor who then changes their tack in any discipline after the Tack
Inspection will be disqualified from the competition.

18 pcuk.org
The Official Steward has absolute discretion to forbid the use of any bit,
gadget, spur or boot which he considers cruel or misused.
Any misuse of a bit / bridle will be reported to the DC / Centre Proprietor,
Area Representative and Training Chairman. Any reported riders will be
recorded and monitored.

Any equipment not covered in these Rules must be referred at least two
weeks in advance of the competition to The Pony Club Office to allow time
for the Chairman of the Eventing Committee to be consulted. All tack must
be correctly fitted. Disabled riders are welcome to apply to The Pony Club
Office to use special equipment.

Any unusual decoration of the horse with unnatural things, such as ribbons,
flowers, glitter etc. in the mane/tail or applied to the coat is forbidden. Red
bows in the tail are permitted for horses that kick.

a. The following rules apply to all three phases:

i) Bridles – Plain black or brown bridles only may be used. For safety
reasons, leather bridles are recommended. The Micklem Multibridle
is permitted without bit clips.

ii) Nosebands - Must not incorporate chain.

iii) Bits - All synthetic bits must be black, brown or white.

iv) Tongue Straps and Tongue Grids are not allowed. Tongue guards
are permitted for Show Jumping and Cross Country only.

v) Reins – Split reins, Ernest Dillon reins, Market Harboroughs and

balancing, running, draw, check or bridge reins of any kind are
forbidden. (A running, draw or check rein is one that is attached to
the saddle, girth, martingale or breastplate on the horse.)

Grass and Balanced Support Reins

Grass reins and balanced support reins are permitted at Pony Club
rallies and competitions jumping up to 50cm or in the Walk and Trot
Test subject to the following:
• only those reins shown in diagrams 1 and 2 (and 5) are permitted.
• the reins must be fitted to allow and not restrict the normal head
position of the pony. The rein length must be sufficient to allow the
pony to stretch over a small fence
• reins may be leather or synthetic material, if synthetic then a break
point of leather or other suitable material must be included

pcuk.org 19
 vi) Neckstraps may be worn in all phases at all levels.

vii) Saddles – Black or brown saddles of plain English type with

white, brown, dark blue or black girths. Competitors wishing to
ride side-saddle must notify the Organiser of the competition at
the time of entry.

viii) Stirrups
Stirrups should be of the correct size to suit the rider’s boots. They
must have 7mm (¼”) clearance on either side of the boot. To find
this measurement, tack checkers should move the foot across to
one side of the stirrup, with the widest part of the foot on the tread.
From the side of the foot to the edge of the stirrup should be
14mm.

Note: There are now many types of stirrups marketed as ‘safety
stirrups’. All riders must ensure that their stirrups are suitable for
their type of footwear, the activities in which they take part and
that the stirrup leathers are also in good condition.

There are no prescribed weight limits on metal stirrups, however
with the advent of stirrups of other materials, weight limits are

20 pcuk.org
 seen to be given by manufacturers. Any person buying these
stirrups, should, take particular notice if weight limits are on the
box or attached information leaflets.

Neither the feet or the stirrup leathers or irons, may be attached
to the girth, nor the feet attached to the stirrup irons.

ix) Weighted Boots – are not allowed.

x) Fly hoods, nose nets and ear covers – are permitted for all
competitions. The ear cover/fly fringe must not cover the horse’s
eyes.
Ear plugs are not permitted and spot checks may be carried out.

Nose nets are permitted. Nose nets must cover the nose only
leaving the mouth and bit visible.

xi) Hoof Boots – are not allowed.

xii) Humane Girths – are not allowed. Humane Girths have non-
independent straps that will loosen if one of the straps were to break.

xiii) Saddle Cloths/Numnahs – Any solid colour is permitted.

Contrasting piping is permitted. Branch logos are allowed when
competing for the Branch; logos must not exceed 200 sq. cm.
This does not preclude the wearing of clothing for horses or riders
that has been presented by sponsors of the Championships in the
current or previous years.

b. Dressage only
i) Bits
Only snaffle bits that follow the configuration of those pictured on
page 22 are permitted. They may be used with any of the cheeks or
rings illustrated BUT any normal riding bit is permitted when riding
the Introductory Dressage Test.

Mouthpieces may only be used in their manufactured form
without any additional covering to or on any part.
Different combinations of metal are allowed in one bit.
‘Rainbow bits’ are not permitted.
Unless bits follow the configuration of those illustrated on page 22,
they are not permitted for Dressage.

pcuk.org 21
 not permitted for Dressage.

1. Loose ring snaffle

2. Egg-butt snaffle
3. Racing snaffle D-ring
4. Egg-butt snaffle with cheeks
5. Snaffle with upper cheeks only
6. Straight bar snaffle. Permitted also with mullen mouth and egg-butt rings,
these must be straight and have no ports or raised bumps.
7. Snaffle with rotating middle piece
8a, b, c Snaffle with jointed mouthpiece where middle piece is rounded
(including French link)
9. Loose ring snaffle with cheeks (Fulmer)
10. Hanging cheek snaffle
11. Snaffle with rotating mouthpiece
a - d Rotary bit

ii) Bit guards are not allowed.

iii) Nosebands – One only of either cavesson, drop, flash, grakle or

Mexican are permitted. Nosebands should be correctly fitted and
should not cause discomfort. Nosebands must not incorporate
chain or rope.

22 pcuk.org
 iv) Martingales and bearing, side, check or running reins are
not permitted. Breastplates and cruppers are allowed.

v) Boots and Bandages may be worn whilst riding-in, but not

during a Test.

vi) Neckstraps may be worn at all Levels.

vii) Blinkers or cheek pieces of any kind are forbidden.

c. Show Jumping and Cross Country only

i) Martingales – The only martingales permitted are Irish, Standing,
Running or Bib, only one of which may be worn at the same time.
Standing martingales may be attached only to the cavesson
portion of the noseband fitted above the bit.

ii) Over girths – Correctly fitted over girths are recommended

for Cross Country riding with a double flapped saddle and a
martingale/hunting breastplate.

iii) Nosebands – Only one may be worn unless using a standing

martingale with a combination, kineton or drop noseband or
similar, in which case the addition of a cavesson is allowed.
Nosebands should be correctly fitted and should not cause
discomfort. Nosebands must not incorporate chain. Sheepskin
nosebands are permitted.

iv) Blinkers, leather cheek pieces or any attachment to the horse or

bridle which may affect the animal’s field of vision are prohibited.
Sheepskin may be used on the cheek pieces of the bridle providing
the sheepskin does not exceed 3cm in diameter measured from
the animal’s face.

v) Bit guards made entirely of rubber and smooth on both sides are
permitted.

vi) Tongue Guards are permitted. The use of tongue straps, tongue
grids, or the addition of string, twine or cord in or round the horse’s
mouth is forbidden.

vii) In the Cross-Country and Show Jumping phases any normal
riding bit is accepted, hackamore or any bitless bridle. Bits
should be in their original manufactured state.

pcuk.org 23
10. ACTION AFTER A FALL
Any competitor who has a fall or sustains a serious injury anywhere at the
competition site MUST see the medical personnel on the day and be passed
fit to ride before riding that horse in a further test or before riding any other
horse.

11. HEAD INJURY AND CONCUSSION

a. General Advice
Head injuries and concussion are life threatening and potentially life
changing incidents. Serious head injuries are usually obvious, but
concussion can be very subtle and not always immediately apparent.

Head injuries result from a mechanical insult to the head, and can cause
traumatic brain injury, possibly leading to permanent disability or death.

Concussion is a disturbance in brain function caused by a direct or

indirect blow to the head. Some people describe concussion as mild
traumatic brain injury. Concussion should be seen as part of a spectrum
of brain injury with traumatic brain injury at one extreme and no injury
at the other. Typically concussion cannot be seen on standard brain
scans, which makes it difficult to diagnose objectively. Repeated injury
to the head can worsen an already pre-existing concussion, even if the
time between injuries is counted in days or weeks.

The Pony Club wants to ensure members / riders attending Pony Club
activities enjoy themselves and get the most out of riding. At the same
time, they must also balance that enjoyment with members’ / riders’
safety. This may mean on occasion that members / riders are asked not
to ride by officials who believe they may have sustained a concussion
either at the time of injury or from a previous injury (which may not
have been sustained whilst riding). Parents / guardians, members,
officials and other riders must respect this decision. It is a decision
sometimes made without having objective evidence, but it is made in
good faith and in the pursuance of avoiding further harm.

b. Incidents that could cause head injuries or concussion

Any member / rider who, at a Pony Club activity, suffers an incident that
could cause head injury or concussion (for example, a fall from their
horse / pony) should be assessed.

24 pcuk.org
 The person who does this assessment will depend on the first aid
cover that is in place for that activity. Depending on the level of first aid
cover then the exact process of diagnosing whether the member has
suffered:
• No head injury / concussion
• A suspected head injury / concussion
• Confirmed head injury / concussion.
Each option is talked through in more detail below.

From the assessment being carried out it may be immediately
obvious that there is no cause for concern. In the course of Pony Club
activities, The Pony Club is well aware that there are different kinds
of falls and that assuming every fall leads to a head injury would
be counterproductive to the aims of the organisation. We ask that
reasonable care is taken to ensure members / riders have not sustained
a serious head injury or concussion.

c. Unconsciousness
If a member / rider is unconscious following an incident they should
be treated as if they are suffering with a confirmed concussion and the
steps in point f. below should be followed.

d. Who can diagnose head injury or concussion?

Diagnosis of a head injury or concussion (both confirmed and
suspected) can be carried out by any level of first aid cover officiating
at a Pony Club activity. These could be a trained or qualified first aider
(including a coach), a paramedic or a doctor. If there is any doubt as to
the diagnosis the member / rider should see the highest level of first aid
cover that is present and they should make the diagnosis. If the first aid
cover at the activity cannot reach a definite diagnosis then they should
refer the member / rider to a hospital or a doctor off site for them to
make a diagnosis.

It would be more usual for a trained or qualified first aider to say they
suspect a head injury or concussion than to diagnose it themselves. If
they are the highest level of first aid cover available at the activity that
will mean the member / rider has to go off site to have the diagnosis
made by a doctor.

The member / rider should not ride again until they have been seen by
a doctor. This may mean that the rider will miss part of an activity or
competition.

pcuk.org 25
e. Actions to be taken in the event of a suspected head injury
or suspected concussion diagnosis
If a diagnosis of a suspected concussion or head injury is made by a first
aider, they should advise the parents / guardians to take the member /
rider to hospital.

Any member / rider who has been diagnosed with a suspected or

confirmed head injury or concussion should not be left alone and must
be returned to the care of their parents / guardians where appropriate.

Once a diagnosis of suspected head injury or concussion is made by

the highest level of official first aid cover present at the activity, then
that decision is final. No one may overrule that decision on the day if
it is made in good faith. If a member / rider is advised to see a doctor
because of suspected head injury or concussion and the parents /
guardians decide not to allow the member to be examined (either at
the activity or in hospital), the member will not be allowed to ride again
on the day and will be treated as if they have sustained a confirmed
head injury / concussion. Depending on the circumstances, the decision
not to allow further examination may be considered a safeguarding
issue.

Where a member / rider is diagnosed with a suspected concussion by

a first aider or paramedic and that member / rider subsequently sees a
doctor who is sure that they do not have a concussion and did not suffer
a concussion and will provide evidence that they are satisfied that the
member / rider is well, that member / rider will be treated as if they did
not sustain a concussion.

f. Actions to be taken in the event of a confirmed head injury

or confirmed concussion
In the event of a diagnosis of a confirmed head injury or confirmed
concussion, the doctor will advise the member not to ride or take
part in any activity that potentially involves hard contact for three
weeks. They will advise the member that they could, after 10 days, ask
a doctor, who is experienced in assessing concussion (including in
children where appropriate), whether they have any concerns about any
ongoing concussion problems. If that doctor is happy to certify that the
member is not suffering with a concussion, the member may ride again,
providing evidence regarding that decision is provided. If no evidence
that such an assessment has been made, the member should not take
part in any Pony Club riding activity and/or any unmounted activity that
may involve any hard contact for at least three weeks after the initial
injury.

26 pcuk.org
g. Actions to be taken in the event of a diagnosis of a confirmed
or suspected head injuries/ concussions outside of Pony Club
activities
The Pony Club has no official way of automatically knowing about
members who sustain a confirmed or suspected head injury /
concussion outside of Pony Club activities. A concussion may be
sustained outside Pony Club activities, for example at riding activities
organised by other BEF member bodies or at school football / rugby
/ hockey matches. It is for parents / guardians ultimately to make a
decision about the welfare of their child.
However, if a Pony Club official in charge of any Pony Club activity
becomes aware that a member has sustained a suspected or confirmed
head injury / concussion and has been advised not to take part in
any potentially hard contact activities for three weeks, they should
not allow the member to take part in any mounted activities and/or
any unmounted activities that could potentially involve hard contact
for three weeks, unless the member or their parents / guardians can
produce appropriate medical evidence of fitness to ride dated at least 10
days after the initial injury,

SEE APPENDIX E FOR THE HEAD INJURY AND CONCUSSION FLOW

CHART

12. SUSPENSION FROM COMPETING FOR MEDICAL REASONS

If a rider is banned/suspended from competing in any sport for
medical reasons, they should not compete at any Pony Club event until
passed fit for the sport in which they are banned/suspended. It is the
responsibility of the rider or parent/guardian to ensure that this rule is
adhered to.

13. UNSEEMLY BEHAVIOUR

Unseemly behaviour on the part of riders, parents, team officials or team
supporters will be reported as soon as possible by the Official Steward to
The Pony Club Office. Offenders may be penalised by disqualification of
the Branch or Branches concerned for a period of up to three years. Any
competitor who, in the opinion of the Official Steward, has been rude or
aggressive towards any officials at a competition, or who has behaved in
an aggressive or unfair manner to their horse, may be disqualified.

14. PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS

a. Equine
Controlled Medication
It is clearly essential for the welfare of the horse that it is given
appropriate veterinary treatment if and when required and that this
should include appropriate medication. Medication however may mask

pcuk.org 27
 an underlying health problem and horses should not compete when
taking medication where such medication may have a detrimental
effect on the horse’s welfare.

b. Human
Performance-enhancing drugs are forbidden.

c. All competitors should be aware that random samples may be taken for
testing from both themselves and/or their horse. The protocol used will
be that of the relevant senior discipline.

15. DISQUALIFICATION
The Official Steward or Chief Judge may disqualify a competitor at any stage
of the competition
a. for dangerous riding, or
b. if, in his opinion, the horse is lame, sick or exhausted, or
c. for misuse of whip, spur or bit, or ill-treatment of the horse, or
d. for any breach of the rules, or
e. for unseemly behaviour, including bad language.

16. COMPULSORY RETIREMENT
At PC90, PC100, PC100+ and PC110 competitors incurring more than 24
jumping penalties in the Show Jumping phase will incur Compulsory
Retirement and will not be allowed to go Cross Country, but competitors
eliminated for technical reasons (starting before the bell, error of course
etc) may do so at the discretion of the Official Steward. At PC70 and PC80,
competitors may continue at the discretion of the Official Steward. An
accumulation of four refusals on the Cross Country course at PC90, PC100
and PC110 incurs Elimination, but at PC70 and PC80, competitors may be
allowed to continue their Cross Country round at the discretion of the
Official Steward.

17. DIRECTIONS FROM OFFICIALS

Competitors and their supporters must, under penalty of elimination or
disqualification, obey any order or direction given to them by any official
and they must, in particular, be careful not to do anything liable to upset or
hinder the undisturbed progress of the competition.

18. SPONSORSHIP
In the case of competitors and horses, no form of advertising, and this
includes a sponsor’s name, may appear on the competitor’s or horse’s
clothing and equipment at any Pony Club competition.

This does not preclude the wearing of clothing for horses or riders that has
been presented by sponsors of the Championships in the current or previous

28 pcuk.org
years. Sponsors at Area Competitions must not be business competitors of
the main sponsors of the discipline, and must be approved by The Pony Club
Office.

Any advertising material that is used by sponsors, whether it be in the
form of display banners or programme material, must be tasteful, and not
inappropriate to the image of The Pony Club.

19. INSURANCE
The Pony Club Third Party Legal Liability Insurance Policy is extended to give
cover for all the official Area Competitions and the Championships. Details of
this insurance are given in the “Administrative Notes” in the current issue of
The Pony Club Handbook.
In the event of any accident, loss or damage occurring to a Third Party or to
the property of a Third Party (including the general public and competitors)
no liability should be admitted, and full details should be sent at once to The
Pony Club Office.

20. HEALTH AND SAFETY

Organisers of this event have taken reasonable precautions to ensure the
Health and Safety of everyone present. For these measures to be effective,
everyone must take all reasonable precautions to avoid and prevent
accidents occurring and must obey the instructions of the Organisers and all
the officials and stewards.

21. LONE COMPETITORS

Competitors attending a competition on their own must inform the
Secretary and provide Emergency Contact Details and location and details
of their horsebox.

22. DESTRUCTION OF SEVERELY INJURED HORSES

If in the opinion of the Official Veterinary Surgeon a horse is so severely
injured that on humanitarian grounds it ought to be destroyed, the following
procedure will apply.
If the owner or his authorised representative is present, the Official
Veterinary Surgeon will first obtain his agreement. If the owner or his
representative is not available, the Official Steward, acting on the advice of
the Official Veterinary Surgeon, may order the destruction of a horse.

NB: Owners should be aware that this Rule is slightly at variance with The
Protection of Animals Act 1911 Section 11, which states that, in the absence of
the owner, a Police Constable acting on the advice of a registered Veterinary
Surgeon may order the destruction of a horse. This Rule is framed to avoid
unnecessary suffering to a severely injured horse.

pcuk.org 29
23. VACCINATION
EVENTS THAT ARE HELD AT SOME VENUES MAY BE SUBJECT TO
ADDITIONAL RULES.
E.G. ANY HORSE / PONY ENTERING A LICENSED RACECOURSE
PROPERTY MUST COMPLY WITH THE VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AS
SET BY THE BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY.
SIMILAR RESTRICTIONS APPLY IN THE CASES OF POLO VENUES.

IN ADDITION, IF YOU ARE INTENDING TO COMPETE UNDER FEI, BRITISH

EVENTING, BRITISH SHOW JUMPING OR BRITISH DRESSAGE RULES YOU
WILL NEED TO ENSURE YOU ARE COMPLIANT WITH THEIR RULES.

To protect the health of other competing horses and the biosecurity of

the venue, the following rules will apply to all Pony Club Competitions:

a) Passports
A valid passport and vaccination record:
• must accompany the horse / pony to all events
• must be available for inspection by the event officials
• must be produced on request at any other time during
the event

b) No horse / pony may compete (or be present at the event

as a companion) unless it has a Record of Vaccination
against equine influenza completed by the veterinary
surgeon who gave the vaccination, signed and stamped
line by line, which complies with the Minimum Vaccination
Requirements.

c) The Minimum Vaccination Requirements for a horse / pony

are that it has received:
• a Primary Vaccination followed by a Secondary
Vaccination given not less than 21 days and not more
than 92 days after the Primary Vaccination; and
• if sufficient time has elapsed, a booster vaccination
given not less than 150 days and not more than 215
days after the Secondary Vaccination and further booster
vaccinations at intervals of not more than a year apart

d) At competitions at Area level and above including

Grassroots Regional Championships and the finals of
the Winter Series competitions, the most recent booster
injection must have been given within the six calendar
months prior to the date of the competition.

30 pcuk.org
 e) No horse / pony may compete on the same day as a
relevant injection is given or on any of the 6 days following
such an injection.

NOTE: We also remind owners of the importance of vaccinations

and to ensure that their vaccination records are up to
date. The vast majority of confirmed cases reported by
the Animal Health Trust are in unvaccinated horses. We
continue to recommend that if it has been longer than six
months since the last vaccination, owners should discuss a
booster with their veterinary surgeon.

24. LEGAL LIABILITY

Save for the death or personal injury caused by the negligence of the
Organisers, or anyone for whom they are in law responsible, neither the
Organisers of this event or The Pony Club nor any agent, employee or
representative of these bodies, nor the landlord or his tenant, accepts any
liability for any accident, loss, damage, injury or illness to horses, owners,
riders, spectators, land, cars, their contents and accessories, or any other
person or property whatsoever, whether caused by their negligence
breach of contract or in any other way whatsoever. Entries are only
accepted on this basis.

25. ORDER OF STARTING

The order of starting shall be drawn after entries have been received. This
order shall be maintained throughout each part of the competition. The
timetable should be regarded as a guide only and competitors who are
not ready to start any phase in their turn may be eliminated.

26. INTERVAL BETWEEN PHASES

No horse shall be required to start the next phase less than 30 minutes
after completing the previous phase.

27. EXERCISE
a. Competitors may exercise their horses only in the areas provided. They
must not exercise in the car or horsebox park or among spectators.
They must not enter or practise in the Competition Dressage arenas,
the Show Jumping arena or on the Cross Country course on penalty of
elimination.

b. On the day of the competition, horses competing may be ridden only by

their designated riders or, in exceptional circumstances and only with
the permission of the Official Steward, by another member of the same
team.

pcuk.org 31
c. Lungeing of a horse is only permitted in areas designated by the
organiser who may also prohibit it completely at their discretion.
If allowed, lungeing may be carried out by either the rider or other
persons. Lungeing of a horse and rider is prohibited.

d. Whether competing or not, whilst exercising any horse at a Pony Club

competition it is permissible to use only the saddlery allowed under the
Rules.
e. When riding-in, especially in restricted areas, riders should pass left
hand to left hand; they should not pass so close as to upset another
horse.

f. Tack adjustments should be made in a safe area without causing an

obstruction.

g. Trainers and other pedestrians should endeavour to stand out of the

way of competitors.

28. RAPPING
Rapping at or anywhere in the vicinity of the event is strictly prohibited.
Definition of Rapping: Raising, throwing or moving a pole, stick, rope or
other object against one or more of the legs of a horse while it is jumping an
obstacle, so that the horse in either case is induced to raise such leg or legs
higher in order to clear the obstacle.

29. STALLIONS
Stallions may only be ridden with the written permission of the District
Commissioner and must wear identifying discs on their bridles in the
interest of safety.

30. DRESSAGE
a. The Test
i) For Area Qualifiers and the Championships please refer
to the table below.

Level Area Championships

Grassroots Grassroots Test 2018 Grassroots Test 2018

Regional
Championships

PC90 PC90 Eventing Test 2013 PC90 Eventing Championship Test 2015

PC100 PC100 Eventing Test 2015 PC100 Eventing Championship Test 2013

PC100+ PC110 Eventing Test 2010 PC110 Eventing Championship Test 2015

PC110 PC110 Eventing Test 2010 PC110 Eventing Championship Test 2015

32 pcuk.org
 ii) Where competitions are running in conjunction with BE events
the relevant BE dressage test may be used with permission
from The Pony Club Eventing Chairman.

iii) For all Branch and local Events The Pony Club Introduction to
Dressage Test 2019 or the Grassroots Test 2018 may also be used.

iv) The Pony Club Tests are all shown in Appendix B.

v) The arenas shall be either wholly or partly boarded at the discretion

of the Organiser.

vi) The tests are to be ridden from memory. At PC80, PC90, PC100,
PC100+ and PC110, commanders are not allowed, but tests may be
commanded at PC70. There are no time limits.

b. Execution of the Test

All movements must follow in the order laid down in the Test. In a
movement that must be carried out at a certain point of the arena, it
is at the moment when the rider’s body is above this point that the
movement must be executed. All tests should be ridden with both
hands except where stated otherwise on the Test Sheet.
All trot work may be executed sitting or rising at the discretion
of the rider.

c. Entering the arena

No horse either ridden or led may enter any arena, other than the
practice arena, except when actually competing, on penalty of
elimination. Competitors must not enter the arena until the Judge has
sounded the horn, rung the bell or signified in some other way that he
may start. Entering before the Judge’s signal may lead to elimination.
Should the construction of the arena make it impossible for the
competitor to ride round the outside before the Judge’s signal to enter
is sounded, he may, on the instruction of the Organiser and/or Judge,
ride inside the arena.

d. Salute All riders must take the reins and whip, if carried, in one hand
when saluting and drop the other hand down by the side and bow with
their head only.

e. Dismounting and fall of Horse and/or Rider

If, after the rider has entered the arena, he dismounts without a reason
acceptable to the Judges, no marks will be given for the movement.
In the case of a fall of horse and/or rider, the competitor will not
be eliminated, but will be penalised by the effect of the fall on the

pcuk.org 33
 execution of the movement concerned and in the collective marks. At
Area and Championship level a fall of horse and/or rider in the arena will
result in the competitor being eliminated from the competition.

If the fall of horse and/or rider occurs in the warm up area the horse and/
or rider must be checked by the paramedic/doctor at the events before
being allowed to continue.

f. Resistance
i) Any horse failing to enter the arena within 60 seconds of the bell
being sounded will be eliminated.
ii) Any horse refusing to continue the test for a period of 20
consecutive seconds during the course of a test will be eliminated.

g. Grinding of teeth and tail swishing

Grinding the teeth and swishing the tail are signs of nervousness,
tenseness, or resistance on the part of the horse and can be taken into
account by the Judges in their marks for the movements concerned, as
well as in the appropriate collective mark at the end.

h. Assistance
i) The Voice – The use of the voice is prohibited and will be penalised
by the loss of two marks from those that would have been awarded
for the movement in which this occurs.
ii) Outside – Any outside assistance by voice, signs, etc., is considered
as assistance to a rider or to his horse. A rider or horse receiving
assistance will be eliminated.

i. Leaving the Arena

A horse is eliminated if, during a Test, it leaves the arena when the
surround is 23cm (9”) high or more. Where the surround is less than
23cm (9”) and is marked by boards or similar, no marks shall be given
for the movement when the horse places all four feet outside the arena.
Where the arena is marked only by a line or intermittent boards, it is left
to the discretion of the Judge(s) as to the marks deducted. Any horse
leaving the arena not under control will be eliminated and, for this
purpose, the Test begins when the horse enters at ‘A’ and finishes with
the final halt. Competitors should leave the arena at a convenient place
in free walk on a long rein.

j. Errors of Course or Test

When a competitor makes an ‘error of course’ (takes a wrong turn,
omits a movement etc) the Judge warns him by sounding the bell. The
Judge shows him, if necessary, the point at which he must take up the
test again and the next movement to be executed, then leaves him

34 pcuk.org
 to continue by himself. However, in some cases when, although the
competitor makes an ‘error of course’, the sounding of the bell would
unnecessarily impede the fluency of the performance, it is up to the
Judge to decide whether or not to sound the bell. In fairness to the
competitor, it is recommended that the bell should be rung when
a movement is executed at the wrong marker if there is the possibility
of a similar mistake when the movement is to be repeated on the
other rein.

If the Judge for any reason does not realise that one or more
movements have been omitted until the competitor has left the arena
he must: -
i) Adjust as necessary the position of his marks and comments on
his sheet to accord with the movements actually performed.
ii) Give to each of the movements not executed a mark equal to the
average of the collective marks entered at the bottom of his sheet
(averaged to the nearest whole number, 0.5 to be rounded up).
iii) Record the penalty for error of course. When the rider makes an
“error of the Test” (e.g. does not take the reins in one hand at the
salute, etc) they must be penalised as for an “error of course”. The
Judge should put a star against the movement concerned and
mark for an error at the bottom of the sheet.

k. Penalties for Error of Course or Test

Every “error of the course”, whether the bell is sounded or not, must be
penalised:
First Error 2 marks
Second Error 4 marks
Third Error 8 marks
The points deducted are cumulative; after three errors of course 14
points are deducted.
Fourth Error Elimination
After the fourth error the competitor may continue his performance to
the end, the marks being awarded in the ordinary way.

l. Riding the Wrong Test

A rider who starts the wrong test for the class may be allowed to restart
the test (at the Judge’s discretion) subject to time at the end of the
class. They will be penalised for a first error of course.

m. Penalties for Contravening the Rules

Contravention of the rules will incur elimination. Under certain
circumstances, instead of elimination, a 2 point penalty may be
deducted at the discretion of the Dressage Judge, in collaboration with

pcuk.org 35
 the Official Steward. (If there is no Official Steward, then the Organiser
may be consulted). The 2 point penalty would only apply to minor
infringements that do not affect the performance of the horse i.e. rider
not wearing gloves, horse entering arena with a tail bandage in place.

n. Time
The approximate time given on each Test Sheet is for guidance only;
there are no penalties for exceeding it.

o. Lameness
In the case of marked lameness, the Judge informs the rider that he
is eliminated. There is no appeal against this decision. If there are any
doubts as to the soundness of a horse, the competitor will be allowed
to complete the test and any unevenness of pace will be severely
penalised. The competitor will then be referred to the Official Steward.

p. Dressage Scoresheets
Dressage scoresheets may be handed out once the dressage penalties
for all competitors in the class have been calculated. It is important
that this is done in good time so that any errors can be rectified before
prizegiving.

q. Scale of Marks
The scale of marks is as follows:
10 Excellent
9 Very good
8 Good
7 Fairly good
6 Satisfactory
5 Sufficient
4 Insufficient
3 Fairly bad
2 Bad
1 Very bad
0 Not executed*

* ‘Not executed’ means nothing that is required has been performed.
The marks 10 and 0 must be awarded where the performance warrants their
use. Half marks are allowed.

36 pcuk.org
r. Scoring
i) The Judge’s ‘good marks’ (from 0 to 10) are added together, then
penalties for any error are deducted to give a final total of good
marks.
ii) The percentage of maximum possible good marks available is
then calculated. This value is shown as the individual mark for
that Judge. In order to convert the percentage into penalty points,
it must be subtracted from 100 with the resulting figure being
rounded to one decimal digit. The result is the score in penalty
points for the test.

iii) When there is more than one Judge, the resulting totals are then
averaged.

s. Dressage Judges
At PC110 and PC100+ Area competitions Dressage Judges will be taken
from Lists 1 – 5. At PC100 Area Competitions Dressage Judges will be
taken from Lists 1 – 6. At PC90 and PC80 (Grassroots Regional) Area
Competitions Dressage Judges will be taken from Lists 1 – 6, or may be
British Eventing Accredited Trainers or riders who have competed at
British Dressage Medium or BE Advanced/FEI*** levels and above, and
who have had experience of judging at Pony Club. BD Trainee Judges
are also acceptable at PC90 level and PC80 Grassroots Regional level.

31. SHOW JUMPING

a. The Test
The test consists of one round of the course, judged under the Rules of
The Pony Club Show Jumping, amended where applicable. There is no
jump-off.

b. The Warm-Up
i) The Course Builder is responsible for ensuring that a minimum
of one upright and one spread obstacle is provided in each
practice area. If space allows, there should also be a cross pole.
These obstacles are intended for warming up purposes prior
to competing. They are not to be used for prolonged schooling
by competitors or others immediately before, during or after a
competition.

ii) All elements of practice obstacles must be capable of being

knocked down in the normal manner and must not be fixed,
jammed or positioned in a manner which prevents or hinders
them from falling. One pole only may be laid flat on the ground at
the ground line vertically below the front edge of the first element

pcuk.org 37
 of the obstacle or up to 1m (3’ 3”) in front and parallel to it on the
take off side. At least one end of any other pole or plank forming
part of a practice obstacle must be supported by a standard cup
or fitting. Sloping poles are permitted on straight obstacles and on
the front element only of spread obstacles but the unsupported
end of this sloping pole must rest at or in front of the ground line.
False ground lines are not allowed. Alternate sloping top poles are
not to be used.

38 pcuk.org
 iii) Safety Cups are compulsory for all Pony Club Jumping
Competitions on the back rails of spread fences and middle
and back rails of triple bars. This includes practice fences in the
collecting ring. These cups must be in use at all times and must
NOT be removed from the wing stands.

iv) Practice spread obstacles must not be jumped with a front pole
higher than the rear pole.

v) No pole or obstacle of any kind is to be held by hand for a horse to

jump.

vi) Practice obstacles are to be jumped in one direction only. The

direction in which the obstacle is to be jumped must be indicated
with red and white flags or by red and white supports. The red flag
or support must always be passed on the rider’s right hand side
and the white flag or support on his left.

vii) The height of practice obstacles must not exceed the maximum
height of obstacles allowed by the Rules for the competition in
progress.

c. The Course
The course shall consist of not less than 7 nor more than 10 numbered
obstacles, at least three of which shall be spreads. A combination must
be included. The dimensions for the various Levels are given in the Table
on page 9.

PC110 and PC100+ Area Competitions: A Water Tray may be included in
one fence. There will not be an open water.

PC110 and PC100+ Championships: no obstacle shall exceed 1.15m (3’
9”) in height or spread at the highest point and 1.80m (6’) at the base
except for a jump incorporating water which will have a least two rails
over it and may have up to 2.15m (7’) of spread. The course will include
one double and one treble combination.

pcuk.org 39
d. Safety Cups
Safety Cups are now compulsory for all Pony Club Jumping
Competitions on the back rails of spread fences and middle and back
rails of triple bars. This includes practice fences in the collecting ring.
These cups must be in use at all times and must NOT be removed from
the wing stands.

e. All plastic covered poles must have a wooden core to ensure that they
are the same weight as a painted timber pole.

f. Penalties
Knocking down obstacle 4 penalties
First disobedience of horse 4 penalties
Second disobedience of horse in whole course 8 penalties
Third disobedience of horse in whole course Elimination
(Each circle or crossing tracks between fences
counts as one disobedience)
First fall of rider 8 penalties
Second fall of rider Elimination
(First fall of rider (at Area and Championships only,
inc. Grassroots Regionals)) ELIMINATION
Fall of Horse Elimination
Error of course not rectified Elimination
Failure to jump next fence within 60 seconds Elimination
Failure to cross the finish line mounted Elimination
Starting before the Bell Elimination
Every commenced second in excess of Time Allowed 1 penalty
Exceeding the Time Limit (twice the Time Allowed) Elimination
Exceeding 24 penalties (not including time) Compulsory retirement
(Enforced at end of round)

At PC90, PC100, PC100+ and PC110, competitors incurring more than

24 Show Jumping penalties will not be allowed to go Cross Country.
Competitors at PC70 and PC80 may be allowed to do so only at the
discretion of the Official Steward.

At all Levels, competitors eliminated for technical reasons (e.g. starting
before the bell or an error of course) may be allowed to go Cross Country
at the discretion of the Official Steward.

40 pcuk.org
 Time Penalties
When an obstacle is displaced as the result of a disobedience or fall:
6 seconds.

The bell is rung and the clock is stopped immediately, except in the
case of a first fall of rider when the bell is rung immediately but the
clock is not stopped until the rider has remounted. The rider may not
continue until the bell is rung a second time. The clock is restarted at
the moment when the horse takes off or attempts to take off at the
obstacle where the refusal occurred. If a disobedience occurs at the
second or subsequent part of a combination the clock is restarted when
the horse takes off or attempts to take off at the first element of the
combination.

Time penalties are added to the time taken to complete the round
before the calculation of any time faults.

g. Timing
If the timing equipment permits, the 45 second count-down may be
used according to BS Rules. It should however be explained over the
public address before starting and at intervals during the first round.

h. Adjustment of Saddlery or Dress and Outside Assistance

Jumping or attempting to jump any obstacle or passing through the
finish without a hat, or with the chin strap incorrectly fastened incurs
elimination unless the Judge decides that the competitor was so far
committed to jumping the obstacle at the moment when the chin
strap came undone that he could not be expected to pull up before
attempting the obstacle. In the case of adjustment to hat, chin strap,
or saddlery becoming necessary during the round, for safety reasons
outside assistance may be given. The clock will NOT be stopped and
faults will be given as for a resistance (ceasing to go forward). If it
becomes necessary for the rider to dismount, faults will be given
as for a fall.
A rider may be given a ‘leg up’ after a fall without being eliminated.

pcuk.org 41
i. Falls
i) A horse is considered to have fallen when the shoulder and
quarters on the same side touch the ground or touch the obstacle
and the ground simultaneously.

ii) A rider is considered to have fallen when there is separation

between him and his horse that necessitates remounting or
vaulting into the saddle.

iii) The first fall of a rider during each round anywhere on the course,
including a fall prior to starting and during interrupted time, incurs
8 penalties. At Area and Championships, including Grassroots
Regional competitions, the first fall of a rider anywhere on the
course incurs elimination.

iv)
Following a fall, continuing the course from a position that is
nearer to the next obstacle or to the finishing line than the point at
which the fall occurred incurs elimination.

v) If following a fall the obstacle has been re-erected and checked

and the bell has been rung the second time before the rider has
remounted, the clock is left running throughout and no time
penalty is incurred.

vi) A rider may be given a ‘leg up’ after a fall without being eliminated.

j. Inspection of the Course

The course must be ready for inspection by competitors at least one
hour before the commencement of the Show Jumping.

k. Plan of the Course

A plan of the course must be displayed by the time the course is ready
for inspection, showing:
i) The course to be followed and its length
ii) The Time Allowed and the Time Limit.

l. Scoring
Any jumping and time penalties will be added together to give the
competitor’s penalty points for this phase.

42 pcuk.org
32. CROSS COUNTRY
a. The Course
The length of the course and number of jumping efforts will vary
according to the Level. Please refer to the Table on page 10 for further
details.

b. Inspection of The Course

i) All Branch and Area Competitions – The Cross Country course must
be completed and ready for inspection by competitors, on foot
only, by 2pm on the day preceding the Cross Country Test.

ii) The Championships – The Cross Country course will be ready

for inspection by competitors, on foot only, by 2pm on the day
preceding the Cross Country Test. The Cross Country course may
be open before this time but competitors must be aware that
alterations may still be made.

iii) Unauthorised alteration to or tampering with obstacles, direction

flags or stringing and foliage on the course is strictly forbidden and
will be penalised by elimination.

iv) Plan or Map of the Course - A plan of the course must be displayed
by the time it is open for inspection. It must include:
The course to be followed and its length
The Time Allowed and the Time Limit
The numbering of the obstacles
Obstacles having ‘L’ or black line Alternatives
Any compulsory turning points
Any hazards

c. Modification of the Course

i) Before the Test Starts – After the course is opened for inspection
by competitors at 2pm on the day before the Cross Country
Test, no alteration may be made, except that, where exceptional
circumstances (such as heavy rain) make one or more obstacles
unfair or dangerous, the Official Steward is authorised to reduce
the severity of or to by-pass such obstacles. In such a case the
Cross Country Steward and every competitor must be officially
and personally informed of the proposed alteration before the
start of the Test. An official may be stationed at the place where an
alteration has been made, in order to warn the competitors.

pcuk.org 43
 ii) During the Test – NO modification to the obstacles is allowed but,
if it is necessary in the interests of safety to order an obstacle to be
by-passed during the competition, all jumping faults previously
incurred at that obstacle shall be cancelled with the exception
of eliminations. A time allowance may be made at the discretion
of the Official Steward. A competitor who has been eliminated
shall NOT be re-instated in the competition. Once taken out, the
obstacle shall NOT be re-introduced.

d. Marking the Course

Boundary Flags – Red and white boundary flags or indicators are used
to mark the start and finish and compulsory sections of the course,
to define obstacles and to indicate compulsory changes of direction.
They are placed in such a way that a rider must leave a red flag on his
right and a white flag on his left. Such red or white flags or indicators
must be respected, under penalty of elimination, wherever they may
occur on the course, whether singly or in pairs. Only obstacles which are
numbered and marked by two boundary flags are judged as obstacles.
All boundary and turning flags must be in position prior to 2pm on the
day preceding the Cross Country phase.

All fences immediately adjacent to those that are included in the
course should be crossed flagged to ensure the safety of Members and
Spectators.

Direction Markers (Yellow or Orange) are placed so as to mark the

route and help the rider in keeping to the course. They may be passed
on either side and keeping close to them is not necessary. Boundary
flags and direction markers shall be large and placed in conspicuous
positions. Compulsory Turning Flags may be used only if absolutely
necessary and will have the Red Flag on the right and the White on the
left. They should be marked on the Plan of the Course.

Black Line Flags (a black line on red and white boundary flags) are used
to show that an obstacle, either single or made up of several elements,
has an alternative route which may be jumped without penalty. Both
sets of flags will be marked with a black line. A competitor is permitted
to change without penalty from one black line flagged route to another
(e.g. jumping 9A left hand route then 9B right hand route) provided
he has not presented his horse at the next element of the original line.
After having negotiated all other elements, passing around the last
element to be jumped will not be penalised.

44 pcuk.org
 The use of ‘L’ fence alternatives at PC110 is not encouraged at Area
Competitions and the Championships, with instead more appropriate
use of Black Flag / Long Route alternatives. Black flag alternatives
should be sufficient in length to affect the time.

‘L’ markers are used to denote an easier alternative to the ‘Main’

obstacle, to help the less experienced to complete the Cross Country
phase. All ‘L’ obstacles will be marked with red and white boundary flags
and with a marker having a red ‘L’ on a white background beneath the
fence number. Jumping an ‘L’ fence incurs 15 penalties. See rule 32 p)
Alternative ‘L’ Obstacles.

e. Starting
At Area Competitions and the Championships, competitors must
start from within a simple enclosure erected at the start and made of
wooden posts and wooden or plastic rails measuring approximately 5m
(16ft) square, with an open front marked with a red and a white flag. If
this enclosure has an entrance at the side, this must be approximately
2m wide and should be padded or constructed in such a way that
neither horse nor rider entering through the side can be injured. At
Branch events red and white boundary flags on their own may be used
at the discretion of the Organiser. A competitor may only start when
given the signal to do so by the starter. The starter will count down
from five before giving the signal to start and the competitor may
move around the enclosure as he pleases. A competitor who starts early
will have his time recorded from the moment he starts. Deliberately
starting early or cantering through the start may incur elimination
at the discretion of the Official Steward. If the horse fails to cross the
start line within 2 minutes of the signal being given, the competitor
is eliminated. Assistance within the starting enclosure is permitted,
provided it ceases immediately the signal to start is given. From that
instant, the competitor is considered to be on the course and any
subsequent assistance is forbidden.

f. Timekeeping
Time is counted from the signal to start until the instant when the
horse’s nose passes the finishing post. It is counted in whole seconds,
fractions being taken to the next second above, e.g. 30.2secs. is recorded
as 31secs. When it is necessary for an official to stop a competitor on the
course while an obstacle is being repaired or because of an accident,
the period during which a competitor is held up will be recorded by the
Fence Judge and deducted from his overall time to give his correct time
for completing the course.

pcuk.org 45
g. Speed and Pace
Throughout the event, competitors are free to choose the pace at
which they ride. They should, however, always take account of the
requirements of each phase, the prevailing conditions and terrain, the
fitness and ability of themselves and their horse and all other factors
which may be relevant to the welfare of both Horse and rider. On the
cross country course, they must also have regard to and respect the
class speed, the optimum and ‘too fast’ times.

Deliberately slowing down near the end of the course to avoid time
penalties is likely to incur a disciplinary sanction

At PC90 the Optimum Time for completing the course is calculated on
a speed of 450mpm, at PC100 and PC100+it is calculated on a speed
of 475mpm, at PC110 it is 520mpm. Exceeding the Optimum Time in
PC90, PC100, PC100+ and PC110 incurs 0.4 penalty points for every
commenced second over the Optimum Time up to the Time Limit,
which is twice the Optimum Time.

At PC70 and PC80 competitions an Optimum Time based on a speed of
435mpm will be used. No time penalties will be awarded for going too
slowly.

Penalties will also be awarded in each case for going too fast. At all levels
(PC70, PC80, PC90, PC100, PC100+ and PC110) completing the course in
more than 15 seconds under the Optimum Time incurs 0.4 penalties for
every second commenced.

46 pcuk.org
h. Penalties
First refusal, run-out or circle of horse at obstacle 20 penalties
Second refusal, run-out or circle at same obstacle 40 penalties
Third refusal, run-out or circle at same obstacle Elimination
Jumping the Alternative ‘L’ Obstacle 15 penalties
(The above penalty points are cumulative)
Four refusals around the course* Elimination
Fall of horse Elimination
First Fall of rider 65 penalties
Second fall of rider Elimination
(First fall of rider (at Area and Championships only,
inc. Grassroots Regionals)) ELIMINATION
Error of Course not rectified Elimination
Omission of obstacle or boundary flag Elimination
Horse trapped in obstacle Elimination
Jumping obstacle in wrong order Elimination
Re-taking, in whatever direction, an obstacle already jumped
Elimination
Jumping fence marked with crossed flags Elimination
Horse resisting rider for 2 consecutive minutes anywhere on
the course, including after being given the signal to start Elimination
Every commenced period of 1 sec in excess of the
Optimum Time (PC90, PC100, PC100+ and PC 110) 0.4 penalties
For every second in excess of 15 seconds under the
Optimum Time (PC70, PC80, PC90, PC100,
PC100+ and PC 110) 0.4 penalties
Exceeding the Time Limit (twice the Optimum Time) Elimination
Deliberately slowing down near the end of the course 10 penalties
Continuing the course without a hat, or with chinstrap undone
Elimination

A competitor who deliberately starts before the Starter’s signal or who
canters through the Start will be subject to Discretionary Elimination by
the Official Steward.

*Competitors at PC70 and PC80 only may sometimes be allowed to
continue after the fourth cumulative refusal at the discretion of the
Official Steward.
PC70 and PC80 competitors receive no time penalties for being too
slow. Competitors will be eliminated for exceeding the time limit of the
course.

pcuk.org 47
i. Definition of Faults
Faults (refusals, run-outs, circling and falls) will be penalised only if, in
the opinion of the Fence Judge concerned, they are connected with
the negotiation or attempted negotiation of a numbered or lettered
obstacle. Penalties incurred at an obstacle are cumulative (i.e. two
refusals and a fall of rider incurs 20 + 40 + 65 = 125 penalties).

i) Refusal – At obstacles or elements exceeding 30cms in height:

A horse is considered to have refused if it stops in front of the
obstacle or element to be jumped. If a horse then jumps from a
standstill this is considered a refusal and incurs 20 penalties. After
a refusal, if the competitor redoubles or changes his efforts without
success, or if the horse is re-presented at the obstacle and stops
or steps back again, this is a second refusal (40 penalties). A third
refusal at the same obstacle incurs elimination.

ii) Refusal – At all other obstacles or elements less than 30cm in

height:
A horse is considered to have refused if it stops in front of the
obstacle or element to be jumped. A stop followed immediately by
a standing jump is not penalised, but if the halt is sustained or in
any way prolonged, this constitutes a refusal. The horse may step
sideways but if he steps back with even one foot, this is a refusal.
After a refusal, if the competitor redoubles or changes his efforts
without success, or if the horse is re-presented at the obstacle
after stepping back and stops or steps back again, this is a second
refusal and so on.

iii) Run-out – A horse is considered to have run out if it avoids an

obstacle to be jumped and runs out to one side or the other. A
horse will be considered to have cleared a fence when the head,
neck and both shoulders of the horse pass between the extremities
of the element or obstacle as flagged.

48 pcuk.org


pcuk.org 49
 iv) Circle – A horse is considered to have circled if it crosses its original
track from whichever direction while negotiating or attempting
to negotiate the obstacle, or any part thereof. If after completing
the negotiation of all elements of an obstacle, a horse’s exit track
from that obstacle crosses its approach track to that obstacle, the
horse is not considered to have circled, and will not be penalised. If
a horse completes a circle while being re-presented at the obstacle
after a refusal, run-out or fall, it is penalised only for the refusal,
run-out or fall. A competitor may circle without penalty between
two separately numbered obstacles even if they are quite close
together, provided he clearly does not present his horse in an
attempt to negotiate the second obstacle after jumping the first.
However, if two or more elements of an obstacle are lettered A, B
or C, (i.e. are designed as one integral test) any circling between
these elements will be penalised. Except, at an obstacle where any
of the elements is black flagged, after having negotiated all other
elements passing around the last element to be jumped will not be
penalised.

v) Fall of Rider – A rider is considered to have fallen when he is

separated from his horse in relation to a fence in such a way as to
necessitate remounting or vaulting into the saddle.

vi) Fall of Horse – A horse is considered to have fallen when the

shoulder and quarters at the same time have touched either the
ground or the obstacle and the ground, or when it is trapped in a
fence in such a way that it is unable to proceed without assistance
or is liable to injure itself.

vii) Knocking down a fence flag – There is no penalty for knocking
down a fence (boundary) flag. But if in the process the horse’s
head and shoulders pass the wrong side of the flag, i.e. to the
left of the white or to the right of the red, the competitor must
retake the fence and shall be debited the penalties for the run-
out(s). Competitors may ask if they have to re-take the fence, and
the fence Judge is obliged to tell them. This is not considered
‘forbidden assistance’. Flags do not have to be replaced by Fence
Judges but riders may request that flags are replaced. The time will
not be stopped for competitors during replacement of a flag.

viii)
There is no penalty for jumping a fence not on the course but
the penalty for jumping a fence marked with crossed flags is
elimination.

50 pcuk.org
 ix) Overtaking
Any competitor who is about to be overtaken by a following
competitor must quickly clear the way. Any competitor overtaking
another competitor must do so only at a safe and suitable place.
When the leading competitor is before an obstacle and about to be
overtaken, he must follow the directions of the Fence Judge. When
the leading competitor is committed to jumping an obstacle, the
following competitor may only jump that obstacle in such a way
that will cause no inconvenience or danger for either.

The penalty for wilful obstruction of an overtaking
competitor, or failure to follow the instructions of the
Fence Judge, or causing danger to another competitor, is
elimination at the discretion of the Official Steward.

j. Competitor in Difficulty at an Obstacle

A competitor in difficulty or likely to cause an obstruction must give
way to the following horse by quickly moving away from the front of
the obstacle. If, in attempting to negotiate an obstacle, a horse should
be trapped in such a way that it is liable to injure itself or be unable
to proceed without assistance, the competitor will be instructed to
dismount and will be eliminated.

k. Stopping Competitors
If any part of an obstacle is obstructed by a competitor in difficulty,
or if any obstacle has been dismantled to release a fallen horse, or
if an obstacle has been broken and is not yet rebuilt, or in any other
similar circumstances, any competitor approaching the jump, and any
subsequent competitors, must be prepared to stop on the instructions
of the Fence Judge, who will wave a flag at waist height in the path of
the oncoming competitor. The time during which the competitor is
stopped will be noted by the Fence Judge and will be deducted from
the time taken to give his correct time for completing the course.
Failure to stop is penalised by disqualification at the discretion of the
Official Steward.

l. Forbidden Assistance
Outside assistance is forbidden under penalty of elimination. Any
intervention by a third party, whether solicited or not, with the object
of facilitating the task of the competitor or of helping his horse, is
considered forbidden assistance. If, in the opinion of the Official
Steward, the assistance was unsolicited and the competitor gained no
advantage then no penalty will apply.
In particular the following are forbidden:–

pcuk.org 51
 i) to intentionally join another competitor and to continue the course
in company with him.
ii) to post friends at certain points to call directions or make signals in
passing.
iii) for anyone at an obstacle actively to encourage the horse or rider
by any means whatsoever.
iv) to be followed, preceded or accompanied on any part of the course
by any other person
v) to receive any information, by any means whatsoever, about the
course before it is officially open to the competitors.
vi) for a fence Judge or official to call back or assist a competitor by
directions to rectify an error of course.

EXCEPTIONS: After a fall, or if a competitor dismounts, he may be assisted

to catch his horse, to adjust his saddlery, to remount or be handed any
part of his equipment while he is dismounted, or after he has remounted.
Whips, headgear or spectacles may be handed to a competitor without his
dismounting. Fence Judges are allowed to call 1st Refusal, 2nd Refusal etc.

m. Elimination and Retiring

Competitors eliminated or retiring from any part of the Cross Country
course for any reason whatsoever must leave the course at a walk and
take every precaution to avoid disturbing other competitors. They may
not jump any obstacles after elimination or retiring.

n. Obstacles
i) Obstacles must be solid, fixed and imposing. Where natural
obstacles are used, they must be reinforced if necessary, so that
they present, as far as possible, the same problem throughout the
competition.

ii) Obstacles will be numbered and flagged and must be jumped in

numerical and/or alphabetical order. For Area and Championship
level courses number colours must be in line with BE (or EI)
colours:
BE80/PC80 – Purple
BE90/PC90 – Orange
BE100/PC100, PC100+ – Pink or for PC100+ Black if adding
additional elements to the PC100 course; Yellow may be
used if no PC110 class.
BE Novice/PC110 – Yellow

52 pcuk.org
 iii) Obstacles should be designed within the limits of the different
Levels to prepare competitors for the Championships, using ‘L’
Fences or Black Line alternatives to avoid eliminating the less
experienced.
All obstacles must be sited so that a vehicle can get to them to
evacuate casualties.

iv)
All portable fences must be securely fixed with appropriate fixings
to ensure the fence cannot move if hit by a horse.

o. Dimensions

i) Obstacles are measured from the point from which the average
horse would normally take off.

ii) When measuring the height of an obstacle it does not mean that
obstacles must always be of uniform height or spread throughout
their length, or that these dimensions may never be exceeded
anywhere between the Red and White flags marking the extent
of an obstacle. It is sufficient if that part of the obstacle, where
the average horse and rider could reasonably and conveniently
be expected to jump, does not exceed the maximum permitted
dimensions.

iii) Obstacles with spread only (stream, ditch, etc) must not exceed
the dimensions given in the Table on page 9. A low rail or hedge,
provided that it merely facilitates the jumping of the obstacle is not
considered to give height to this type of obstacle.

pcuk.org 53
 iv) Obstacles with both height and spread (oxer, open ditch, etc.) are
measured both at the base from the outside of the relevant rails
or other material making up the obstacle, and at the top from
the outside of the relevant rails or other material making up the
highest points (see diagram). The spread of an obstacle at its top
is measured from both the outside of the relevant rails or other
material making up the obstacle and the highest points.

v) In the case of an obstacle where the height cannot be clearly

defined (natural hedge, brush fence) the measurement is taken
to the fixed and solid part of the obstacle through which a horse
cannot pass with impunity and which must be visible from the
front. The overall height of a natural hedge or brush fence may not
exceed the maximum height by more than 20cm.

vi)
Poles used for timber obstacles must be not less than 10cm in
diameter at their narrower end.

vii) In PC100+ competitions it is permitted to add additional

cross-country elements or fences to the PC100 course
provided these abide by the dimensions given in Rule 2
(page 10).

p. Alternative ‘L’ Obstacles

The primary purpose of alternative ‘L’ Obstacles is to enable the course-
builder to build a course at the right standard but which the less
experienced competitor can complete. ‘L’ Signs are used as they are
easily obtainable.

i) At Area Competitions and Branch Events ‘L’ obstacles will be

provided as alternatives to some of the more difficult ‘Main’
obstacles and will be separate from them. ‘L’ fences and Black
Line flags will be used at both Area Competitions and the
Championships. See Rule 32 d) Marking the Course.

ii) An ‘L’ Obstacle may be an alternative to either a single or a multiple

‘main’ obstacle, but need not have the same number of elements.

iii) In a multiple obstacle, after jumping one or more elements of the

‘Main’ obstacle, a competitor may change to the ‘L’ element of the
alternative obstacle that is next in sequence and vice versa.

54 pcuk.org
 iv) It is NOT necessary for a competitor to go back and jump any of
the ‘L’ elements of an obstacle when he has already jumped the
corresponding ‘Main’ elements, but he is at liberty to do so if he
wishes in accordance with Rule 32 r) Combination Fences.

Marking
v) ‘L’ Obstacles and all ‘L’ Elements in a multiple obstacle will be
marked with Red and White boundary flags, and with a marker
having a red ‘L’ on a white background beneath the fence number.

vi) Each ‘L’ Obstacle will also be marked with the same number as the
corresponding ‘Main’ obstacle. In the case of a multiple obstacle,
each ‘L’ element will have the same letter as the corresponding
element of the ‘Main’ obstacle. However, when the ‘L’ obstacle has
fewer elements than the ‘Main’ obstacle, its last element will be
marked with all the remaining corresponding letters.

Penalties
vii)
Jumping (as opposed to attempting) an ‘L’ obstacle or any part of it
will incur 15 penalties only (regardless of the number of elements)
in addition to any penalties for Refusals, Falls, etc.

viii) Penalties incurred at the ‘Main’ obstacle and those at its alternative
‘L’ obstacle are cumulative. THREE refusals entail elimination.

q. Adjacent Obstacles
If two or more obstacles, although sited close together, are designed as
separate problems, each will be numbered and judged independently.
A competitor may circle between them without penalty, provided that
this is not as a result of attempting to negotiate the next obstacle. He
must not, under penalty of elimination, retake any obstacle that he has
already jumped.

r. Combination Fences
If an obstacle is formed of several elements, each part will be flagged
and marked with a different letter (A, B, C, etc) but only the first element
will be numbered and all elements will be judged as one obstacle. They
must be jumped in the correct sequence. A competitor who circles
between two lettered elements incurs penalties. He may refuse, run out
or circle only twice in all without incurring elimination. The third refusal
within the obstacle as a whole eliminates. If a competitor refuses or
falls off at any element he is permitted to retake any elements already
jumped, although he will be penalised for any new fault even if he has
previously jumped an element successfully. They may pass the wrong

pcuk.org 55
 way through the flags of any element without penalty in order to retake
an element.

s. Banks on to the top of which a horse is intended to jump may not

exceed the maximum height for the relevant Level given in the Table on
Page 10. If the slope is sufficient to allow a horse to land on the face of it
and scramble up, there is no limit to the height or spread.

t. Bounces – Double bounces are NOT allowed, except at steps. Single

bounces, if included, must have an easier alternative that may or may
not be an ‘L’. If there is an alternative route, as opposed to an ‘L’ option,
both sets of flags must be marked with a black line. (See rule 32 d).

Judging of bounce obstacles
At any obstacle where the distance between elements is 5 metres
or less (i.e. a bounce) when a horse has negotiated the first element
without penalty, it will be deemed to have been presented at the
second element – and similarly if the bounce is for example the second
and third elements of a combination. Thus if a rider changes his mind
while negotiating the first element of a bounce, and for example, then
goes a longer route, he will still be penalised 20 penalties for a run-out.

u. Bullfinches are allowed, if it is possible to maintain them to the same

standard throughout the day.

v. Drops
Drops should be measured from the highest point of the obstacle to
where the average horse would normally land.

w. Open Ditches (i.e. ditches on the take-off side of the fence) must be
clearly defined. If they have no guard rail they should be revetted on the
take-off side.

x. Water Obstacles
i) At PC 110, water obstacles which require a horse to jump over a
fence into water may be included provided there is an ‘L’ alternative
obstacle and the underwater surface is sound.

ii) At PC70, PC80, PC90, PC100 and PC100+, if there is no alternative,

the entrance into the water must be a gradual slope with no fence
or vertical drop involved.

56 pcuk.org
 iii) In both cases the water must be at least 6m wide to ensure that
a bold horse does not attempt to jump it and not deeper than
20cm for PC70, PC80, PC90, PC100 and PC100+ and 30cm for PC110
measured at the point at which the average horse would land.
Likewise the water must not exceed this depth at the point where
the average horse would take off. Elsewhere the water should not
greatly exceed the maximum depth.

y. Hazards
Certain natural features such as ditches and ‘drops’ which, although
not regarded as obstacles and therefore not numbered, might cause
some horses to refuse may be classified as hazards. Their dimensions
must not exceed the maximum allowed for other obstacles. Refusals,
run-outs, circles and falls are not penalised at hazards. The only penalty
is elimination if the horse resists its rider for 2 consecutive minutes.
Riders may not dismount and lead through or over a hazard on penalty
of elimination.

z. Practice Fence
There will be a simple practice fence for warming up near the start,
marked with red and white flags, which must be jumped with the red
flag on the right. Only fences that are marked with red and white flags
may be jumped in the warm-up area. Practice fences must not exceed
the maximum dimensions allowed for the class.

aa. Scoring
The penalties incurred for faults at the obstacles and any time penalties
for going too fast, or for exceeding the Optimum Time at PC90, PC100,
PC100+ and PC110, are added together to give the competitor’s total
penalty points for the Cross Country phase.

bb. Emergency Flags

Flags used by Fence Judges are as follows:
Red – Doctor and Ambulance
Blue – Veterinary Surgeon
White – Fence Repair
Orange – Course is blocked

Any flag being waved at waist height in the path of an oncoming
competitor means that the competitor must stop.

NB The orange flag will only be used if a set of four British Eventing
flags is available. If a set of Pony Club flags is being used, the Fence
Judge will wave all three flags (red, white and blue) together towards
Cross Country Control to indicate the course is blocked.

pcuk.org 57
SECTION B – ADMINISTRATIVE
RULES FOR AREA
QUALIFYING COMPETITIONS
AND THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
To be used in conjunction with all general rules. Some of these rules can also
be used for Branch/Centre competitions.

Area Qualifying Competitions are to be held annually in each Area, from

which those who qualify will go forward to compete at The Pony Club
Eventing Championships. If an Area competition is over-subscribed, entries
may be limited at the discretion of the Area Representative.
Where an Area has insufficient entries to enable it to run a PC110 Area
Competition it may, with the agreement of The Pony Club and British
Eventing, incorporate their Competition into a suitable British Eventing
fixture. To comply with Rule 33 below this must be held in an “Open”
Section(s) at the relevant level with no restriction on age of rider or
grade of horse (other than those in Rule 33 below). Preparations must
be made well in advance to enable arrangements to be made for those
members who are not members of British Eventing, unregistered
horses and/or those not complying with the current BE MER Rule for
that level. (Organisers can obtain further details from The Pony Club
Office re-entry procedure etc.).
An Area may also combine with another Area to run a joint competition.
Please note that the new PC100+ does NOT run under the same heights
as the BE100+ so the Area Competition cannot be incorporated into a
BE event.
Areas organising a PC110 Individual Area Competition may, if they wish,
include a “friendly” inter-Branch team competition, but these teams
will not qualify for the PC110 Championships at Gatcombe.

Proprietors of Pony Club Centres may enter teams and individuals under the
same rules as apply to Branch entries.

33. ELIGIBILITY FOR AREA COMPETITIONS AND THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The District Commissioner or Centre Proprietor is required to certify the
eligibility of horse and rider as follows. Should a breach of eligibility
subsequently be discovered, then the Eventing Committee may disqualify
the offending competitor.

58 pcuk.org
Area – Members must fulfil all the following eligibility rules on the day of
their Area Competition.

Championships – Between the Area Competition and the Championships,

combinations who qualify for the Championships are permitted to compete
in BE (or EI) competitions at a higher level than they are allowed to for the
level at which they are qualified but not more than one level higher. Please
see below.
 
PC110, PC100+, PC100, PC90, GRASSROOTS REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
AND OPEN PC90
1. All horses graded British Eventing Advanced (Grade 1) (or Eventing
Ireland Advanced) which have completed an AI/A level during the
current year are ineligible at all levels.
2. All horses must be 5 years of age or over and there is no height limit.
3. No horse may compete at more than one level of Eventing at Area or
above (PC80, PC90, PC100, or PC110) in any one year nor may any horse
be ridden more than once in any one year in any of the qualifying
competitions or at the Eventing Championships. Combination of Horse
and Rider cannot compete at two different levels of the same Sport at
the Area Competitions. Except any combination of horse and rider
may qualify and compete at both the PC110 Championship, and the
PC100+ Championships.
4. Stallions may only be ridden by Members if written permission is
obtained from their District Commissioner and they must wear
identifying discs on their bridles in the interests of safety.
5. Riders or horses who have ‘schooled’ over the Area or Championship
Cross Country courses during the previous two weeks are not eligible
to compete. Competing over the course is permissible and does not
render the competitor ineligible.
6. All horses and ponies must have genuinely participated at a
minimum of 3 working rallies of this or their previous branch or
centre since 1st July in the previous year, one of which must have
been in the current year, with the current rider as a combination.
7. All competitors entered must be active members of the stated
Branch or Centre and must have genuinely participated at a
minimum of three working rallies of this or their previous Branch
or Centre since 1st July in the previous year.
8. To count for the purposes of this rule a working rally must
have been organised by the Branch Committee the District
Commissioner or Centre Proprietor and advertised as open to all
members of the Branch or Centre at least seven days prior to the
date of the rally.

pcuk.org 59
9. Team practices and coaching do not count as a working rally for
the purposes of this rule.
10. Attendance at camp counts as one working rally.
11. The District Commissioner or Centre Proprietor has discretion, in
the case of competitors who are working or in further education,
exempt a member or horse/pony from having to comply with this
rule.
12. All competitors must be Members of The Pony Club both at the
closing date for entries to the competition and at the date of the
relevant competition to be eligible to compete at Area qualifying
competitions and at the Championships (including the Grassroots
Regional Championships).
13. In the case of a transfer of Branch since the previous year’s competition,
the Transfer Rule in the current Pony Club Handbook will be enforced.
This does not apply to the Regional Championships and their qualifiers.

PC100+
Area Competitions: Combination of Horse and Rider are NOT eligible if
they have:
i. Completed a British Eventing (or EI) Intermediate or above.
ii. Previously ever finished 1st to 3rd as an individual at the Pony Club
Eventing Championships on two occasions at PC100+ level or above.
(This applies from 2020 onwards).

PC 100
Area Competitions: Combination of Horse and Rider are NOT eligible if they
have:
i. Completed a PC110 Area Eventing competition or above in the current
or previous years.
ii. Completed a British Eventing (or EI) Intermediate or above.
iii. Achieved more than three clear cross country rounds at British Eventing
(or EI) Novice, (or Pony Trials, Open Novice)
iv. Previously ever finished 1st to 3rd as an individual at the Pony Club
Eventing Championships on two occasions at PC100 level or above
(this applies from 2020 onwards)

Championships: as for Area Competitions except that the combination of

Horse and Rider are permitted to have:
i. Completed more than three cross country rounds at British Eventing (or
EI Novice, (or Pony Trials, Open Novice)
 

60 pcuk.org
PC90
Area Competitions:
Riders are NOT eligible if they have:
i. Completed a PC110 Area Level or above competition or British Eventing
(or EI) Novice in Eventing in the current year or have done so in previous
years.
 
Combination of Horse and Rider are NOT eligible if they have:
i. Completed a British Eventing (or EI) Novice (or Pony Trial) or above.
ii. Achieved more than three clear cross country rounds at BE (or EI)100
iii. Completed a PC100 Area or PC110 Area level or above competition in
Eventing in the current year or have done so in previous years.
iv. Previously ever finished 1st to 3rd as an individual at the Pony Club
Eventing Championships on two occasions at PC90 level or above
(this applies to 2020 onwards)
 
Championships: as for Area Competitions except that the combination of
Horse and Rider are permitted to have:
i. Completed achieved more than three clear cross country rounds at
BE (or EI) 100
 
OPEN PC90
1. Open to all Members who are not eligible for the Novice.
2. Open to any Horse.
3. Eligibility is subject to points 1 – 9 at the beginning of this Rule.

This class is open to Individuals only.

 
GRASSROOTS REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Area Competitions:
Riders are NOT eligible if they have:–
Previously represented their Branch or Centre at PC90 or above in any
Eventing Area Competitions.
 
Combination of Horse and Rider are NOT eligible if they have:
Completed at PC90 or above Eventing at Area or Championship level, or
BE90 (or EI) competition.
 
Championships: as for Area Competitions except that the combination of
Horse and Rider are permitted to have:
Completed at BE90 (or EI) competitions
 

pcuk.org 61
34. PC110, PC100+, PC100, PC90 AND GRASSROOTS REGIONAL AREA
COMPETITIONS AND CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATION
a. Each Pony Club Area will organise a qualifying competition. Branches
will compete within their own Areas. The Following Qualify for the
Championships

Teams Individuals

PC110 All entries will be put in Must have either:

(held their relevant PC Area and • Been placed in the top 10% at any
at The the top three scores at the BE110 competition; OR
Festival of competition will count. • Obtained double clears twice at any
Eventing two BE110 or PC110 (including Area)
at If a Branch has three or competitions; OR
Gatcombe) four qualified members at • Been placed first at their PC110 Area
the Championships, then Competition in 2019 or 2020 with no
a Branch team can be jumping penalties; OR
declared. • Gained 4 Minimum Eligibility
Requirement Points (MERs) since 1st
July 2019

A MER can be gained by completing a

BE110 or PC110 Area Competition or PC110
competition with:
• No more than 45 dressage penalty
points
• A clear cross-country round with no
more than 30 time penalties; AND
• A show jumping round with no more
than 12 jumping penalties

With the exception of a MER gained at a

PC110 Area Competition, the MER must
have been gained no later than 30th June
2020.

PC100 & Winning team qualifies The winner of each section qualifies
PC100+ automatically automatically

2nd team qualifies if 6 or more 2nd in section qualifies if 12 or more

teams compete competed in that section

3rd team qualifies if 12 or 3rd in section qualifies if 18 or more

more teams compete competed in that section

4th in section qualifies if 25 or more

competed in that section

62 pcuk.org
 PC90 Winning team qualifies The winner of each section qualifies
automatically automatically

2nd team qualifies if 12-24 The second qualifies if more than 18

teams compete competed in that section.

3rd team qualifies if 25 or

more teams compete

4th team qualifies if 30 or

more teams compete

OPEN TEAMS NOT ELIGIBLE If two sections are run the 1st place in each
PC90 section qualifies.

If one section is run 1st and 2nd places qualify.

Grassroots Top 6 teams qualify. The first 4 individuals in each section qualify.
Regional
(PC80)

Team competitions are open to teams that must consist of three or four
members from each Branch/Centre of The Pony Club.

If the individual qualifiers are also part of a qualifying team the individual
qualifying place shall pass down the line.

Individual Competitions are open to all competitors in the Team
Competitions, whose scores are automatically counted for this competition.
In addition, all Branches are entitled to enter extra individual Members
regardless of the number of teams they enter.

There will be no extra invitations to the Championships.

All team members qualifying for the PC100+, PC100, PC90 and Grassroots
Regional Championships must have completed the Cross Country phase at
the Area Competition. If a rider is technically eliminated in the Dressage or
Show Jumping phases, they should be allowed to complete the competition
with the approval of the Official Steward.

All individual qualifiers for the PC100+, PC100, PC90 and Grassroots
Regional Championships must have achieved a Cross Country round with
no jumping penalties at the Area competition.

In the case of equality in qualifying for the Championships, all parties
concerned shall qualify. (See Rule 4).

pcuk.org 63
b. COMBINED TEAMS
If a Branch has a Member(s) who are not included in a team, they may
combine with another Branch(es) in a similar situation to compete
at the Area Competitions. These teams will affect the number to
qualify for the Championships, but cannot themselves qualify for the
Championships. Combined Teams at the Area Competition can only
be put together by the Area Representative and/or Area Organiser
via a draw and all teams must be declared before the start of the
competition or they will not count towards the number to qualify. but
cannot themselves qualify for the Championships.

c) PC110 EVENTING – TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Members are not required to qualify through the Area Competitions but
ALL PC110 entries would have to be verified by the Branch DC/Centre
Proprietor providing the members meets the criteria listed in rule
34a.

Qualifying members will be put into their respective Area team

at the Championship and the top three scores from that team
will count. If a Branch has three or four qualified members at the
Championships then a Branch team can be declared.

35. SECTIONS
a. Competitions should be run with four dressage arenas, A, B, C and D.
The first rider in each Team shall be judged in Arena A, the second in
Arena B, the third in Arena C and the fourth in Arena D. Individuals can
be placed into sections to even out numbers in each Arena and stagger
the times of team members.
If it is possible to provide only two arenas for such a number of
individuals, there shall be two sections in each arena, one after the
other, with four dressage Judges.

b. If a competition has less than 72 competitors it is possible to run with

only two Arenas, A and B. The first two riders of each team shall be
judged in Arena A and the third and fourth in Arena B. Alternatively
even numbered riders compete in Arena A and odd numbered riders in
Arena B.

c. Where there are less than 20 competitors on the day it is permissible to

run only one arena.
d. It is not permissible to run 3 Sections.

e. The Team Competition shall be judged as one with one winning team
and one runner-up, etc.

64 pcuk.org
36. ENTRIES – AREA COMPETITIONS
a. Entries must be submitted by District Commissioners on the official
forms by the required date, together with the entry fee agreed by the
Area Organiser to the Entries Secretary / Organiser of the Organising
Branch or Committee. A start fee may be charged if necessary.

b. Declarations of Entry (Entry Form ‘B’) giving details of names and

ages of riders and the names and ownership of horses shall be sent to
the Entries Secretary of the Area Eventing Competition at least seven
days before the date of the Event. Late declarations will not normally
be accepted and Organisers are empowered to exclude those not
declaring by the due date. By prior agreement, Organisers may use their
discretion to accept a late entry, provided it arrives early enough for its
inclusion in the Programme.

c. If a Branch withdraws a team or individual before declaration, they must
contact the Organiser for the refund policy.

37. ENTRIES – CHAMPIONSHIPS
Branches whose Team or Individuals have qualified for the Championships
must declare their entries via the online entry system within seven days of
completion of their Area Qualifier, or the following day if the Area Qualifier is
held on or after the 30th July 2020.
Entries for the PC110 Championships at The Festival of Eventing at
Gatcombe Park should be made directly to Gatcombe. This competition
will count towards a BE MER.
There will be NO start fee charged.
Should a qualifying team / individual subsequently be unable to compete
at the Championships, the next highest placed team / individual could be
invited to compete, provided the substitution is made by 12 noon on Monday
10th August 2020 and that, if it is an individual, a Cross Country round with
no jumping penalties was achieved at the Area competition.

If a TEAM ceases to be eligible following withdrawals (fewer than three
Members remaining), the team place would then be passed down the line,
as long as the withdrawals are made by 12 noon on Monday 10th August
2020. The remaining individual/s from the team may retain their place/s.

District Commissioners are required to certify personally the eligibility of
their riders and horses.

In addition to those qualified above, overseas Branches may be invited
to compete, but at their own expense. They will be awarded appropriate
rosettes but are not eligible for prizes in kind or bursaries.

pcuk.org 65
38. WITHDRAWALS (ALL COMPETITIONS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS)
If a Branch or Centre withdraws a team or individual prior to the closing
date for a competition, a full refund of entry and stabling fees will be
made, less and administration charge.
Withdrawals after the closing date for a competition will not be
refunded except on production of a vet certificate or medical
certificate.

39. ABANDONMENT (ALL COMPETITIONS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS)

In the event of a competition being abandoned, for whatever reason,
a refund of 50% of the entry fee will be given. In such an instance the
refund process will be communicated and must be followed.

40. SUBSTITUTION – AREA COMPETITIONS

After the closing date for declarations no substitutions may be made of
horses or riders except in cases of illness, lameness or other unavoidable
circumstances which must be certified by the District Commissioner or his
Appointed Representative.

In such a case:
a. If a horse has to be substituted an alternative rider may be nominated.
b. If a rider has to be substituted an alternative horse may be nominated.
c. If a Branch enters more than one team a substitution may be made
from one team to another.
d. No substitution shall be allowed after the Competition has started.
e. No horse or rider replaced by a substitute may re-enter the Competition.
f. In all cases of substitution the District Commissioner or his Appointed
Representative must certify in writing that the substitute is eligible.

41. SUBSTITUTION – ALL CHAMPIONSHIPS (EXCEPT PC110)

a. Teams – the District Commissioner may substitute rider(s) and/
or horse(s) in the Branch Team before entering. If a horse has to be
substituted an alternative rider may be nominated. If a rider has to be
substituted an alternative horse may be nominated. If a Branch has
qualified more than one team, a substitution may be made from one
team to another. The substitute rider(s) / horse(s) must have completed
the Area competition.

b. If a team of three qualifies for the Championships, then a fourth team

member may be entered at the Championships, as long as both the
horse and rider are eligible and have completed the Area Competition. 

c. Individuals – A substitute horse may be entered but not a substitute

rider. The horse must have completed the Area Competition.

66 pcuk.org
d. No substitutes shall be allowed after the Competition has started.

e. No horse or rider replaced by a substitute may re-enter the Competition.

f. In all cases of substitution the District Commissioner or his Appointed

Representative must certify in writing that the substitute is eligible
under Rule 33.

g. In exceptional circumstances and upon production of a Vets certificate

a District Commissioner may request a horse substitution that falls
outside the criteria detailed above. The Chairman of the Eventing
Committee in consultation with the relevant Area Representative will
consider the matter and their decision will be final. Any substitute horse
must be qualified as per Rule 33, and horse and rider combination must
have completed a ratifiable competition at the equivalent level during
the current year.

42. BRANCH REPRESENTATIVE

If the District Commissioner of a competing team or individual is unable to
be present at the Area Competition or Championships, they must inform the
Organiser of the Competition, in writing, the name of the person appointed
to be their representative. This should preferably not be either the Team
trainer or parent of a competitor.

pcuk.org 67
APPENDIX A – METRIC CONVERSION TABLE

Metres Feet/Inches Metres Feet/Inches Metres Feet/

Inches

0.50 1’ 7” 1.30 4’ 3” 2.10 6’ 10”

0.55 1’ 9” 1.35 4’ 5” 2.15 7’ 0”

0.60 1’ 11” 1.40 4’ 7” 2.20 7’ 2”

0.65 2’ 1” 1.45 4’ 9” 2.25 7’ 4”

0.70 2’ 3” 1.50 4’ 11” 2.30 7’ 6”

0.75 2’ 5” 1.55 5’ 1” 2.35 7’ 8”

0.80 2’ 7” 1.60 5’ 3” 2.40 7’ 10”

0.85 2’ 9” 1.65 5’ 5” 2.45 8’ 0”

0.90 2’ 11” 1.70 5’ 7” 2.50 8’ 2”

0.95 3’ 1” 1.75 5’ 9” 2.55 8’ 4”

1.00 3’ 3” 1.80 5’ 11” 2.60 8’ 6”

1.05 3’ 5” 1.85 6’ 1” 2.65 8’ 8”

1.10 3’ 7” 1.90 6’ 3” 2.70 8’ 10”

1.15 3’ 9” 1.95 6’ 5” 2.75 9’ 0”

1.20 3’ 11” 2.00 6’ 6” 2.80 9’ 2”

1.25 4’ 1” 2.05 6’ 8” 2.85 9’ 4”

68 pcuk.org
APPENDIX B PONY CLUB DRESSAGE TESTS USED IN EVENTING
PC90 EVENTING TEST 2013
20m x 40m Arena
1. A Enter at working trot and proceed down the centre line
without halting.
C Turn right. 10
2. MB Working trot.
Btwn B&F Half circle right 15m diameter, returning to the
track at M.
MH Working trot. 10
3. HXF Change the rein on the diagonal, over X transition
to walk 2-5 steps then return to working trot. 10
4. FA Working trot.
A Medium walk. 10
5. KXM Change the rein in free walk on a long rein. 10x2
6. M Medium walk.
H Working trot. 10
7. Btwn E&K Half circle left 15m diameter, returning to the
track at H. 10
8. Btwn C&M Working canter.
MB Working canter. 10
9. B Circle right 20 metres diameter.
BF Working canter. 10
10. Btwn F&A Working trot.
AK Working trot. 10
11. KXM Change the rein on the diagonal, over X transition to
walk 2-5 steps then return to working trot. 10
12. Btwn C&H Working canter.
HE Working canter. 10
13. E Circle left 20 metres diameter.
EK Working canter. 10
14. Btwn K&A Working trot.
AF Working trot. 10
15. FX On the diagonal.
X Proceed on the centre line towards G. 10
16. G Halt. Immobility. Salute. 10
Leave arena at walk on a long rein at a convenient place.
17. Paces 10
18. Impulsion 10x2
19. Submission 10x2
20. Rider position and seat 10x2
240
All trot work may be executed ‘sitting’ or ‘rising’.
Approximate time 41/2 minutes.

pcuk.org 69
PC 100 EVENTING TEST 2015
20 x 40m Arena

1. A Enter at working trot and proceed down centre line

without halting. 10
2. C Track right and immediately commence a 3 loop
serpentine, with each loop going to the sides of
the arena, finishing at A on the right rein. 10
3. AKE Working trot.
E Turn right. 10
4. X Halt 3-5 seconds, proceed at medium walk. 10
5. B Turn left.
BMC Medium walk. 10
6. C Proceed in free walk on a long rein.
HB Change the rein in free walk on a long rein. 10x2
7. B Transition to medium walk and before F working
trot. 10
8. FAK Working trot.
K Transition to working canter right. 10
9. E Circle right 20 metres diameter. Give and retake
the inside rein when crossing the centre line for
the second time. 10
10. EHCMB Working canter. 10
11. Btwn B&F Transition to working trot. 10
12. A Half circle right 20 metres diameter to X. 10
13. X Half circle left 20 metres diameter to C. 10
14. H Transition to working canter left. 10
15. E Circle left 20 metres diameter. Give and retake
the inside rein when crossing the centre line for
the first time. 10
16. EKAFB Working canter. 10
17. Btwn B&M Transition to working trot.
MCHE Working trot. 10
18. E Half circle left 10 metres diameter to X.
X Proceed on the centre line.
G Halt, immobility, salute. 10
Leave the arena at walk on a long rein at a convenient place.
19. Paces 10
20. Impulsion 10x2
21. Submission 10x2
22. Rider position and seat 10x2
260
All trot work to be executed ‘sitting’ or ‘rising’.
Approximate time 41/2 minutes.

70 pcuk.org
PC 110 EVENTING TEST 2010
20 x 40m Arena

1. A Enter at working trot and proceed down the centre line

without halting. 10
C Track right. 10
2. B Circle right 15 metres diameter. Give and retake
the inside rein on the first half of the circle.
BFA Working trot. 10
3. A Serpentine 3 loops, each loop going to the long side
of the arena, finishing on the right rein at C. 10
4. Btwn C&M Transition to working canter right. 10
5. B Circle right 20 metres diameter.
BAK Working canter. 10
6. KXM Change the rein on the diagonal.
Btwn X&M Transition to working trot. 10
7. C Halt 3-5 seconds, proceed in medium walk. 10
8. HE Free walk on a long rein.
E Half circle left 20 metres diameter in free walk to B.
BM Free walk. 10x2
9. M Medium walk.
C Working trot. 10
10. E Circle left 15 metres diameter. Give and retake the
inside rein on the first half of the circle.
EKA Working trot. 10
11. A Serpentine 3 loops, each loop going to the long side
of the arena, finishing on the left rein at C. 10
12. Btwn C&H Transition to working canter left. 10
13. E Circle left 20 metres diameter.
EKF Working canter. 10
14. FXH Change the rein on the diagonal. 10
Btwn X&H Transition to working trot. 10
15. MXK Change the rein and show some medium trot strides.
KA Working trot 10
16. A Turn down the centre line. 10
17. G Halt. Salute. 10
Leave the arena at walk on a long rein at a convenient place.
18. Paces 10
19. Impulsion 10x2
20. Submission 10x2
21. Rider Position and seat 10x2

All trot work to be executed ‘sitting’ or ‘rising’. 250

Approximate time 41/2 minutes.

pcuk.org 71
PC90 EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIP TEST 2015
20 x 40m Arena

1. A Enter in working trot and proceed down the

centre line without halting
C Track left 10
2. E Circle left 20m diameter. When crossing the
centre line for the second time transition to
walk for 2-5 steps proceed in working trot
EAB Working trot 10
3. B Turn left
E Track right 10
4. B Circle right 20m diameter. When crossing
the line for the second time transition to walk
for 2-5 steps proceed in working trot 10
5. Btwn F&A Working canter right 10
6. E Circle right 20m diameter 10
7. Btwn C&M Working trot 10
8. MBAE Working trot 10
9. E Turn right
B Track left 10
10. Btwn M&C Working canter left 10
11. E Circle left 20m diameter 10
12. Btwn A&F Working trot 10
13. Before B Medium walk 10
14. B Circle left 20m diameter in free walk
on a long rein
B Medium walk 10x2
15. M Working trot 10
16. E Half circle 10m diameter to X
X Proceed down the centre line 10
17. G Halt. Immobility. Salute. 10
Leave the arena at walk on a long rein at a convenient place.
18. Paces 10
19. Impulsion 10x2
20. Submission 10x2
21. Rider position and seat 10x2
250
All trot work to be executed ‘sitting’ or ‘rising’.
Approximate time 41/2 minutes.

72 pcuk.org
PC 100 EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIP TEST 2013
20m x 60m Arena

1. A Enter in working trot and proceed down the centre

line without halting.
C Turn left.
CS Working trot. 10
2. S Circle left 15 metres diameter.
SE Working trot. 10
3. E Turn left.
B Turn right.
BP Working trot. 10
4. P Circle right 15 metres diameter.
PAV Working trot. 10
5. VXR Change the rein and show some medium trot steps.
RC Working trot. 10
6. Btwn C&H Working canter.
HS Working canter. 10
7. S Circle left 20 metres diameter. 10
8. SV Show some medium canter strides.
VAF Working canter. 10
9. FLE Change the rein on the diagonal.
Btwn L&E Transition to working trot.
ES Working trot. 10
10. Btwn S&H Transition to walk 2-5 steps then return to working trot. 10
11. Btwn C&M Working canter.
MR Working canter. 10
12. R Circle right 20 metres diameter. 10
13. RP Show some medium canter strides.
PAK Working canter. 10
14. KLB Change the rein on the diagonal.
Btwn L&B Transition to working trot.
BM Working trot. 10
15. M Medium walk. 10
16. HP Change the rein free walk on a long rein. 10x2
17. P Medium walk.
F Working trot. 10
18. A Turn down the centre line.
X Halt. Immobility. Salute 10
Leave the arena at walk on a long rein at a convenient place.
19. Paces 10
20. Impulsion 10x2
21. Submission 10x2
22. Rider position and seat 10x2
260
All trot work may be executed ‘sitting’ or ‘rising’.
Approximate time 5 minutes.
PC 110 EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIP TEST 2015
20m x 60m Arena

1. A Enter at working trot. Proceed down the centre line

Without halting.
C Turn left. 10
2. S Circle left 15 metres diameter. 10
3. SF Change the rein in medium trot.
F Working trot. 10
4. A Turn onto the centre line.
D Leg yield right to between B and R. 10
5. M Transition to working canter left.
MCH Working canter. 10
6. HV Medium canter.
VKA Working canter. 10
7. A Circle left 20 metres diameter. Give and retake the
reins when crossing the centre line.
AFP Working canter. 10
8. PXS Change the rein.
SH Counter canter.
H Transition to working trot. 10
9. HCMR Working trot.
R Circle right 15 metres diameter. 10
10. RK Change the rein in medium trot.
K Working trot. 10
11. A Turn onto the centre line.
D Leg yield left to between E and S. 10
12. H Transition to working canter right.
HCM Working canter. 10
13. MP Medium canter.
PFA Working canter. 10
14. A Circle right 20 metres diameter. Give and retake the
reins when crossing the centre line.
AKV Working canter. 10
15. VXR Change the rein.
RM Counter canter.
M Transition to working trot. 10
16. C Halt, immobility 3-5 seconds. Proceed in medium
walk. 10
17. HSXPF Change the rein in free walk on a long rein. 10x2
18. F Medium walk.
A Transition to working trot.
AKV Working trot. 10

74 pcuk.org
19. VP Half circle right 20 metres diameter, allow the horse
to seek the rein and stretch.
P Continue stretching. 10
20. Before F Retake the reins.
A Turn onto the centre line. 10
21. X Halt, immobility, salute. 10
Leave the arena at walk on a long rein at a convenient place.
22. Paces 10
23. Impulsion 10x2
24. Submission 10x2
25. Riders position and seat 10x2
290
All trot work may be executed ‘sitting’ or ‘rising’.
Approximate time 51/2 minutes.

pcuk.org 75
THE PONY CLUB INTRODUCTION TO DRESSAGE TEST 2019
20 x 40m Arena

1. A Enter in working trot and proceed down the centre

line without halting. 10
2. C Turn right in working trot.
B Turn right, between X and E transition to medium
walk. 10
3. E Turn left in medium walk.
K Transition to working trot. 10
4. B Circle left 20m diameter.
After X and before B working canter left. 10
5. MCH Working canter, between E and K transition to
working trot. 10
6. A Medium walk 10
7. FX Free walk on a long rein 10x2
8. Btwn X&H Medium walk.
C Working trot. 10
9. B Circle right 20m diameter, between X and B
transition to working canter. 10
10. FAK Working canter.
Btwn E&H Transition to working trot. 10
11. MXK Change the rein in working trot.
A Down centre line. 10
12. Btwn X&G Halt and Salute 10
Leave the arena at walk on a long rein at a convenient place.
13. Paces 10
14. Impulsion 10x2
15. Submission 10x2
16. Rider position and seat 10x2
200
All trot work may be executed ‘sitting’ or ‘rising’.
Approximate time 41/2 minutes.

76 pcuk.org
THE PONY CLUB GRASSROOTS DRESSAGE TEST 2018
20m x 40m Arena

1. A Enter in working trot and proceed down the centre

line without halting. 10
2. C Track right. 10
3. ME Change the rein. 10
4. A Circle left 20m in working trot. 10
5. FE Change the rein. 10
6. C Circle right 20m in working trot. 10
7. Btwn C&M Medium walk. 10
8. MXK Free walk on a long rein.
Just before K medium walk. 10
9. Btwn K&A Working trot. 10
10. A Circle left 20m and after crossing the centre line
and before A working canter left. 10
11. B Circle left 20m and on the second half of the circle
working trot. 10
12. MCH Working trot. 10
13. HXF Change the rein in working trot. 10
14. A Circle right 20m and after crossing the centre line
and before A working canter right.. 10
15. E Circle right 20m in working canter and on the
second half of the circle working trot. 10
16. HC Working trot. 10
17. M Medium walk. 10
18. B Half circle 10m to X. 10
19. G Halt. Immobility. Salute. 10
Leave arena at walk on a long rein at A
20. Paces 10
21 Impulsion 10x2
22. Submission 10x2
23. Rider position and seat 10x2
240

All trot work may be executed ‘sitting’ or ‘rising’.

Approximate time 41/2 minutes.

pcuk.org 77
APPENDIX C – DIAGRAMS OF DRESSAGE ARENAS

78 pcuk.org
pcuk.org 79
APPENDIX D – RULES FOR PONY CLUB TWO-DAY EVENTS
Introduction
The Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country Tests remain the same as in
a Pony Club One-Day Horse Trial, and will be conducted in accordance with
the Rules for Pony Club Eventing, but in this Competition, the Cross Country
will become a PHASE of the SPEED AND ENDURANCE TEST.
The particular OBJECT of this type of competition will be to give riders
experience in judging pace, preparing their horses before and caring for
them during a Speed and Endurance Test. The speeds and distances set are
well within the capabilities of the average pony.
Any such event will be valueless unless it is very well organised and strictly
controlled (See Notes for Organisers). It is only suitable for the more
experienced Members of The Pony Club (PC100 and PC110) who must be
properly briefed before the start of the competition.

Rules
Except where modified below, a Pony Club Two-Day Event will be conducted
in accordance with the Rules for Pony Club Eventing

The Programme
Whenever possible the programme should be:
1st Day DRESSAGE followed by SHOW JUMPING TEST
2nd Day SPEED AND ENDURANCE

The Speed and Endurance Phase

This should consist of:
PHASE A ROADS AND TRACKS
PHASE B STEEPLECHASE
PHASE C ROADS AND TRACKS
PHASE D CROSS COUNTRY

Timing
Each phase must be timed independently. Separate starts and finishes are
required for Phases A, B and D, and a separate finish for Phase C. The start
of Phase C is the same as the finish of Phase B and competitors are not
required to pause between these Phases. A competitor arriving late at the
start of Phase B should be started as soon as possible at the discretion
of the starter.

Independence of Phases
(a) The different Phases A, B, C and D are quite independent of each other.
Loss of time in one cannot be compensated for by gain of time in
another.

80 pcuk.org
(b) The gain of one minute in Phase B (Steeplechase), for instance, does not
give a competitor any more time in which to complete Phase C (Roads
and Tracks), for which the starting time is identical with the finishing
time of the Steeplechase. But if he then completes Phase C within
the optimum time he obtains, due to the gain of one minute in the
Steeplechase, one minute’s rest and any time he has saved on Phase C,
in addition to the 10 minutes compulsory halt provided for the second
inspection before Phase D (Cross Country), the starting time for which is
fixed by the timetable.

(c) If a competitor completes Phase A in less than the optimum time

and as a result arrives before the time fixed for starting Phase B
(Steeplechase), he must wait until the time he gained has elapsed. The
timekeeper starts him off on the Steeplechase at the exact time shown
on the timetable.

(d) If he finishes at exactly the right time, he immediately starts the

Steeplechase.

(e) If he has lost time during Phase A and if he finishes after the time fixed,
according to the timetable, for the start of the Steeplechase, he must
be started as soon as possible. The exact time at which he passes the
starting post of Phase B is noted and the competitor is penalised for
exceeding the optimum time for Phase A. He need not attempt to
regain the time lost, since this is lost and penalised for Phase A and
Phase A only.

(f) The rest of this competitor’s timetable will be affected by the time lost
on Phase A but this will in no way affect the reckoning of the actual
time he takes to complete the other phases.

(g) If a competitor, having started the Steeplechase (Phase B) at the correct

time, according to the timetable, exceeds the optimum time for this
phase, it does not mean that he will have any less than the optimum
time in which to complete Phase C or reduce the 10 minute compulsory
halt, but the time at which he starts Phase D (Cross Country) can no
longer correspond to the timetable laid down beforehand; it will differ
by the amount of time lost on the Steeplechase.

(h) It is possible that a competitor might exceed the optimum time for
both Phase A and the Steeplechase. In this case, his time of starting
Phase D will be delayed for as long as the two excesses of time added
together for which he has been penalised.

pcuk.org 81
10 Minute Halt
This will be between the end of Phase C and the start of Phase D and is
compulsory. A competitor who arrives early at the end of Phase C will have a
correspondingly longer halt.
A steward will inspect all horses at the end of Phase C. If he is in any doubt as
to whether a horse is fit to continue the horse must be examined by a Vet.

Roads and Tracks

(a) TOTAL distance for the two phases will be between 4,800m and
8,400m.
(b) OPTIMUM TIME for Phase A will be achieved at a speed of 220m. per
min. Phase C will be achieved at a speed of 160m. per min.
EXCEEDING the Optimum Time incurs 1 penalty for each second up to a
TIME LIMIT which is 1/5 more than the optimum time.
(c) DIRECTION MARKERS AND BOUNDARY MARKERS shall be used. Km.
Markers will be put out to assist competitors.
(d) Competitors may dismount anywhere and walk or run beside the horse,
but must be mounted to pass through the finish.

Steeplechase
(a) DISTANCE will be 1,000m
(b) THE COURSE will consist of 5 or 6 obstacles with wings.
(c) OPTIMUM TIME will be achieved at a speed of 500m per min. Exceeding
the Optimum Time incurs 1 penalty for each commenced period of 3
seconds up to a TIME LIMIT of twice the OPTIMUM TIME.
(d) Boundary/Direction Markers will be the same as for the Cross Country
and all obstacles will be numbered.
(e) Faults incurred at obstacles will be the same as for Cross Country
obstacles.
(f) Type of obstacles – Bush or Gorse covered fences of the type used in
Point-to-Point Steeplechases should be used. They must look imposing
and be very well sloped.
(g) Dimensions of obstacles will be the same as for the Cross Country
obstacles EXCEPT that the solid part of a steeplechase fence between
the boundary flags must not exceed 60cm in height, and the width
shall be at least 3.75m.

82 pcuk.org
Cross Country
The Course should conform to The Pony Club Eventing Rules.

Qualifications
(a) HORSES/PONIES There is no height limit.
All horses must have been regularly ridden at rallies by a member of the
Pony Club.
Horses that are graded British Eventing Advanced (Grade 1) that have
completed at AI/A level during the current calendar year are not eligible.
No horse under 5 years of age is eligible.

(b) District Commissioners are required to certify personally for each

individual event that all riders entered are eligible

pcuk.org 83
APPENDIX E
Head Injury and Concussion Flowchart

Start

1. Has the member been involved in an incident that could have

caused a head injury or concussion, e.g. a fall from a horse?
No Yes

No action required Member to be referred to hospital for

2. Was the rider unconscious
further assessment. Member must not ride
Yes at any point?
again that day and should be returned to
the care of their parents / guardians.
Member should not be left alone. No

3. What medical cover do

4a. Has the Doctor / Paramedic you have onsite?
Doctor or Paramedic
confirmed the member has suffered
(Route A)
from a head injury or concussion?

Trained or Qualified First Aider,

Yes including coaches (Route B)
No

Member does not

ride again for 5a. Has the Doctor / Paramedic diagnosed
three weeks at the member as suffering from a suspected Member to be assessed by first aider
any activities and head injury and / or suspected concussion? before being allowed to continue
should follow
medical No
instructions given Yes
by the medical Yes 4b. Has the member suffered a confirmed or
professional. This No action required suspected head injury / concussion?
may include
immediate
Member to be referred to hospital immediately for a
referral to No
suspected head injury for further assessment. Member
hospital
must not ride again that day and should be returned Unsure
depending on
symptoms. to the care of their parents / guardians and should not
No action required
be left alone.
Refer to a Doctor /
Hospital for further
assessment Member
must not continue
6. Has the hospital confirmed the riding until they have
member has suffered from a head been assessed.
injury or concussion?

No
Yes
Member does not ride again for
No action required
three weeks at any activities and
should follow medical instructions
given by the medical professional.
7. Do the parents / guardians want the
member to ride again before the three
week period has passed?

No Continue as planned - Member does not ride again for three

Yes weeks and should follow professional medical advice about
restarting any contact sport.

Medical evidence of member’s fitness is required before they can ride again.
Please note,
Note: This letter must be obtained from a medical professional (Doctor,
if you are
hospital consultant, etc) and dated at least ten days after the incident where
unsure at any
the injury was sustained. stage, follow
the ‘yes’
route.

84 pcuk.org
 Course 43 Electronic Devices 18
INDEX Course inspection 43 Eligibility 58-61
Crossed flags 44 Entries – Area 65
Action after a fall 24
Definition of faults 48 Entries –
Age – Horses 13
Dimensions 53 Championships 65
Air Jackets 16
Direction markers 44 Equality 11
Allocation of Individuals
Drops 56 Exercise (riding-in) 31
to sections 65
Elimination and Retiring 52 Falls – Dressage 24
Alterations to XC Course 43
Faults 48 Falls – SJ 24
Alternative ‘L’ Obstacles 54
Flags – Boundary 44 Falls – XC 24
Appointed Representative 67
Flags – Emergency 57 Faults – SJ 40
Area Competitions 58
Hazards 57 Faults – XC,
Branch Entries 63
Hedges and brush Definition of 48
Eligibility – Horses 58-61
fences 54 Flags – Boundary 44
Eligibility – Members 58-61
Knocking down Flags – Emergency 57
Sections 64
fence flags 50 Fly fringes 21
Substitutions 66
‘L’ Fences 54 Footwear 15
Area Teams, PC110 62
Modification of course 43 Forbidden Assistance 51
Bandages and Boots –
Obstacles 52 Gloves 15
Dressage 23
Obstruction by Grass Reins 19
Banks 56
competitor 51 Hair 15
Bit Guards – Dressage 22
Open ditches 56 Half chaps 15
Bit Guards – SJ and XC 23
Overtaking 51 Hats 13
Bits – Dressage 21
Penalties 47 Hazards 57
Bits – SJ and XC 23
Practice Fence 57 Head Injury 24
Black Line Flags 44
Refusals 48 Health and Safety 29
Blinkers 23
Resistance 48 Hoof Boots 21
Body Protectors 16
Speed 46 Horses – Age and Height 13
Bounces 56
Start Box 45 Humane Girth 21
Branch Logos 21
Starting 45 Insurance 29
Breastplates 23
Stopping competitors 51 Interval between phases 31
Breeches 15
Timekeeping 45 Jackets 15
Bridles 19
Water obstacles 56 Jewellery 17
Bullfinches 56
Crossed flags – XC 44 Jodhpurs 15
Championships 59
Cruppers 23 Jury of Appeal 12
Eligibility 59
Destruction of ‘L’ Fences 54
Entries 65
injured horses 29 Lameness 36
Substitution 66
Disabled riders 19 Length of SJ course 9
Combination Fences – SJ 9
Dismounting – Dressage 33 Length of XC course 10
Combination Fences – XC 10
Disqualification 28 Levels of Competition 10
Combined Teams 64
Ditches 53, 56 Logos 21
Commanders – Dressage 32
Dress – General 13 Lone competitors 29
Compulsory Retirement 28
Dressage 32 Lungeing 32
Concussion 24
Assistance 34 Market Harboroughs 19
Course – SJ 39
Entering the Arena 33 Martingales – Dressage 23
Course – XC 43
Error of Course 34 Martingales – SJ and XC 23
Course Inspection – SJ 42
Execution of the Test 33 Medical armbands 17
Course Inspection – XC 43
Judges 37 Medical Suspension 27
Cross Country 43
Leaving the Arena 34 Modification of XC course 43
Adjacent Obstacles 55
Marks 36 Neckstraps 20, 23
Alterations to Course 43
Number of Arenas 64 Nose nets 21
Banks 56
Penalties 35 Nosebands – Dressage 22
Black Line Flags 44
Resistance 34 Nosebands – SJ and XC 23
Bounces 56
Salute 33 Number of
Boundary (Fence) Flags 44
Scoresheets 36 Dressage Arenas 64
Bullfinches 56
Scoring 37 Numnahs 21
Combination Fences 55
Tests 32 Objections 12
Competitor in Difficulty 51
Drops 56 Obstacles – SJ 9
Compulsory
Ear Covers 21 Obstacles – XC 10
Turning Flags 44
Ear Plugs 21 Open PC90 59
Order of Starting 31 Show Jumping 37
Order of Tests 9 Adjustment of Saddlery 41
Outside Assistance 34, 51 Course 39
Over girths 23 Course Inspection 42
Overseas Teams 66 Dimension of fences 9
Overtaking 51 Falls 42
Pace 46 Outside Assistance 41
Passports 30 Penalties 40
PC90 9, 10 Plan of Course 42
PC100 9, 10 Practice Fence 39
PC100+ 9, 10 Refusals 40
PC110 9, 10 Speed 9, 10
PC110 Area Teams 64 Time Penalties 41
Penalties – Dressage 35 Timing 41
Penalties – SJ 55 Sidesaddle 20
Penalties – XC 47 Speed – SJ 9
Performance- Speed – XC 10
Enhancing Drugs 27 Sponsorship 28
Plan of the Course – SJ 42 Spurs 15
Plan of the Course – XC 43 Stallions 32
Practice Fences – SJ 37 Start Box 45
Practice Fences – XC 57 Stirrups 20
Protests 12 Stopwatches 18
Qualifying Individuals Substitutions – Area 66
– PC90 61 Substitutions
Qualifying Individuals – Championships 66
– PC100 60 Suspension – Medical 27
Qualifying Individuals Technical Elimination 28
– PC100+ Qualifying 60 Ties (Equality) 11
Individuals Tongue guards 19
– PC110 59 Trapped horse 47
Qualifying Teams Unseemly behaviour 27
– PC90 63 Vaccination certificates 30
Qualifying Teams Warming-up 37
– PC100 62 Weighted Boots 21
Qualifying Teams Whips – Dressage 18
– PC100+ 62 Whips – SJ 18
Qualifying Teams Whips – XC 18
– PC110 62 Withdrawals 66
Rapping 32
Refusals – SJ 40
Refusals – XC 48
Regional Championships 65
Eligibility 58, 65
Qualification 62-63
Substitution 66
Reins 19
Resistance – Dressage 34
Resistance – XC 48
Retiring – XC 52
Rider’s Legs 15
Riding-in 33
Saddlecloths 21
Saddlery – General 18
Dressage 21
SJ 23
XC 23
Safety cups 40
Scoring – Dressage 36
Sheepskin 23
The Pony Club Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2RW
Tel: 02476 698300 Fax: 02476 696919 Email: [email protected]
Incorporated as a Company Limited By Guarantee Registered in England No: 3072475

pcuk.org