ANRC NATIONAL EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIPS RULES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Revised August 2019 Overview:

The ANRC National Equitation Championships are an invitational competition for collegiate, junior, adult amateur, and ANRC alumni teams that pay an annual ANRC team membership fee. There is no need to qualify. Everyone is welcome to join us in 2020. Membership opens September 1, 2019.

The ANRC National Equitation Championships are traditionally held on the second or third week in April. The championship for each group is held on the same weekend and judged separately. In each championship, teams may compete in a 3′ National Division or a 2’6 Novice Division. Participants may compete on a school-owned , a leased horse, or a privately-owned horse.

The competition is judged and scored on equitation skills and sound horsemanship practices. The highest score in each phase will be awarded to the rider who demonstrates excellence in equitation and produces a smooth, cooperative performance exemplifying quality hunter movement both on the flat and over fences. The scores are added to produce an both individual and team standings. The four phases are described below:

• Written test based on riding theory and a selected management topic worth 5% of the total score • Flat Phase (includes USEF Hunter Equitation Tests) worth 35% of the total score • Equitation Derby Course (natural jumps in a field) worth 30% of the total score • Hunter Seat Medal Course worth 30% of the total score

Teams:

A college or high school/organization that pays a team membership fee may field one team in each division. Each team can have a minimum of two riders or a maximum of three riders. (when there is a team of three riders, the lowest score is dropped in each competition phase). If approved by management, a college or high school/organization may enter up to eight individual entries.

An organization that enters an adult amateur team or an ANRC alumni team must pay a membership fee for each team and may field more than one team in each division under the organization’s name. For example: Shady Oak Farm Gold Team; Shady Oak Farm Silver Team. Each team can have a minimum of two riders or a maximum of three riders (when there is a team of three riders, the lowest score is dropped in each competition phase). If an organization cannot field a team of two riders, they may pay a membership fee for an individual entry, or ask to be on a team with another organization.

Annual Membership (September 1 through August 31)

ANRC Collegiate Team Membership (may have one team in each division – minimum of two riders and maximum of three riders per team and up to 8 individuals) $250; One individual rider (no team entries) $125

ANRC High School/Organization Team Membership (may have one team in each division – minimum of two riders and maximum of three riders per team and up to 8 individuals) $250; One individual rider (no team entries) $125

Adult Amateur Team Membership (one organization may join and can have multiple teams in each division named under that organization—minimum of two riders and maximum of three riders per team) $150 per team; One individual rider (no team) $125

ANRC Alumni Team Membership (one organization may join and can have multiple teams in each division named under that organization—minimum of two alumni riders and maximum of three alumni riders per team) $150 per team; One individual rider (no team) $125 2020 National Equitation Championships Tentative Schedule:

April 9-11, 2020 – Swan Lake , Littlestown, PA

The championships begin with stabling open and teams arriving on Monday, April 6 or Tuesday, April 7. Prior to arrival, entered teams have been assigned scheduled schooling sessions in each competition area. This practice time gives coaches, riders, and a chance to become familiar with each venue. Informal gatherings are held in the evenings to promote camaraderie among teams. Regular coaches’ meetings are held to ask questions, review competition rules, and declare team riders for each division. The tentative schedule is as

• April 6-7 (Monday/Tuesday) – Arrival • April 7-9 (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday) – assigned schooling sessions • April 8 (Wednesday) assigned schooling continues followed by the Written Test Phase for all competitors • April 9 (Thursday) – Novice Flat Phase followed by the Novice Hunter Seat Medal Phase • April 10 (Friday) – National Flat Phase followed by the National Equitation Derby Phase and awards dinner • April 11 (Saturday) – Novice Equitation Derby Phase followed by the National Hunter Seat Medal Phase and the final awards ceremony

Eligibility:

• A collegiate rider must be a full-time undergraduate student or part-time senior who has completed all requirements for graduation at the time of the Championships. The registrar must sign entries from each competing college. • College students have four years of eligibility, not necessarily in succession. • Riders who have completed college and competed in an ANRC National Championship are eligible to compete on an ANRC Alumni team. • A junior rider must be enrolled in a high school or an equivalent education entity in grades 9-12. • An entered adult amateur rider must be an amateur under USEF rules. • The entered organization must be a current ANRC member. • Riders are eligible to compete in the Novice Division if they have never completed the National Division in any prior ANRC National Championships. A competitor who competed in the Novice Division in any prior ANRC National Championships and placed 1- 5 in the overall Novice Individual Standings for any two years is prohibited from entering the Novice Division, and is eligible to enter in the National Division. This rule will be retroactive to include the past two Championships in 2017 and 2018.

Entries:

• Each college or high/school organization may enter one team at each level and will designate a maximum of three riders on each team who will represent the organization. The top two scores from each phase will count toward team overall points. Team riders must be designated at the coach’s meeting that is held after schooling but prior to the start of the competition. After that time, changes will be allowed only with a doctor's/vet's certificate stating horse or rider’s inability to compete prior to the commencement of the first riding phase. • Each organization fielding an adult amateur team or an ANRC alumni team may enter more than one team at each level. Each team may have a minimum of two riders or a maximum of three riders on each team representing the organization. The top two scores from each phase will count toward team overall points. Team riders must be designated at the coach’s meeting that is held after schooling but prior to the start of the competition. After that time, changes will be allowed only with a doctor's/vet's certificate stating horse or rider’s inability to compete prior to the commencement of the first riding phase. • Entries may be limited. Priority will be given to entries received by the closing deadline that have all completed paperwork and payment in full for entry fees and stabling. The Meet Director will make the final decision on the acceptance of entries. Entry forms and fees must be sent in by the deadline set by the host organization and include any required signatures and biographical information requested by management.

Draw Procedure:

• A Steward shall perform an independent draw for each mounted phase. • The team name of each organization competing will be drawn randomly to determine the organization’s order of go. The draw is conducted for each mounted phase so teams are not likely to go in the same order in every phase. • The coach will designate the order of go for their team riders. The riders will compete in that order for each phase, although the team order may vary in each phase. • The coach will designate the order of go for their team riders. The riders will compete in that order for each phase, although the team order may vary in each phase. • In the order of go, individual riders will compete before designated team riders.

General Rules for Coaches and Riders:

• All competition rules are in effect upon the arrival of an entered organization, coach, and/or competitors, and/or horses. • There will be a minimum of one coaches’ meeting prior to each competition phase. Attendance at all coaches’ meetings is mandatory. • The meetings will be conducted by the Meet Director, Steward; and/or an ANRC board member that is not representing a team. Any adjustments, technical corrections, additions, or the like, must be approved by a majority vote with the participating coaches present. There will be no exceptions. • The purpose of the meetings is to provide a forum to: o exchange information relevant to the competition facility o ask questions o review competition rules or protocol o resolve any issues that arise o meet with judges for clarification o declare teams • ANRC is a USEF Education Partner and requires Safe Sport Training under USEF Guidelines. ANRC Championship coaches, trainers, and participants must comply with the USEF Safe Sport Policy and the new USEF Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies effective June 1, 2019. These USEF policies and U.S. Center for SafeSport Code are aimed at protecting all participants in our sport. Required SafeSport Training is available free to all members the USEF Member Dashboard. Instructions are available here. (As of Jan 1, 2019, every USEF adult member (18 years of age or older) with a Competing Membership must complete the U.S. Center for Safe Sport Training). SafeSport Training for non-USEF members is available for $20. • USEF Safe Sport Parents Training Course for equestrian athletes of all ages helps parents ensure their children have a positive and safe sport experience and is free. • It is recommended that coaches/trainers have taken an up-to-date course in concussion training.

Championship Performance Expectations:

In each phase, competitors will be expected to demonstrate a strong intermediate level of riding based on the American System of Forward Riding as outline in “Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse: A Modern American Hunter/Jumper System” by Paul Cronin. Competitors will be judged on their ability to demonstrate a secure, working position using intermediate control techniques. Soft, precise control is required at all gaits, transitions, and jumps. Performances should exemplify cooperation between horse and rider. Each phase should be performed on soft contact throughout.

The rider should demonstrate the four fundamentals of a good working position: • security of the rider • unity of the rider and horse • non-abuse of the horse • effective and efficient use of the aids and controls

The horse will be judged on quality of movement and performance. The horse should be relaxed, yet alert, and move forward with impulse. The horse must should travel at even speeds; demonstrate connected, ground covering strides; accept the with the head and neck extended and mouth closed. The horse should not appear forced, over-flexed, or anxious. While jumping, the horse should maintain an even pace; jump out of stride; jump with a consistent arc; and fold evenly.

TACK AND EQUIPMENT

A hunter-type must be used in all phases. Specific rules for tack and equipment in each phase are outlined below. Boots and exercise bandages are permitted in all the phases during schooling and competition. A competitor may be eliminated for improper tack or equipment. Any questions on the acceptability of tack must be directed to the Steward(s) who will make an immediate decision. An appeal must be made no later than 30 minutes before the starting time of the first horse in that phase of the competition.

• Flat Phase - a leather with a snaffle is required with the exception of the Baucher labeled number 7 which is prohibited. (see USEF Rule Book, DR 26, pictured below). Martingales are prohibited.

• Equitation Derby and Hunter Seat Medal Phases – the rider may use a (including twisted metal and Dr. Bristol), a Tom Thumb pelham (straight or jointed), and a standing ; however, the judges may penalize an excessively tight martingale. • The following are prohibited at all times and in all phases and schooling: o Side o Draw reins o Champbon o German martingale o Bitting rig o Dropped o Abrasive noseband o Figure of eight noseband o Flash noseband o o Hoods/ o Any bit that is overly severe (e.g. twisted wire, , elevators, or any bit with a similar action • A over 30" in length is permitted ONLY during schooling

Rider Appointments:

• Hunting attire or hunter horse show attire must be worn for all mounted phases. • Shadbellies are permissible in the Equitation Derby Phase. • All riders must wear ASTM approved protective headgear with secured harness at all times when mounted. • Boots and breeches, or chaps and riding boots when schooling, must be worn at all times when mounted. • Blunted (Prince of Wales or Hammerhead or Impuls) and/or a crop less than 30" long may be used in all phases of the competition.

Schooling and Horses:

• Schooling will normally be allowed in all three riding phases. • An officially designated coach must be present with their team during all mounted schooling sessions and riding phases. If the organization does not send a coach with the team, then either a rider or someone accompanying the team must be designated in writing by an authorized agent of the organization to act as coach for the riders and assume the coach's responsibilities. • Schooling times will be provided and scheduled on the two days prior to the competition by the Steward or Meet Director. Earlier schooling must be requested in writing or by phone from the Meet Director prior to that date. • Once the competition areas have been approved by the designated Stewards(s) and/or Meet Director, jumps may be adjusted during scheduled schooling, but no permanent alterations may be made to any part of the jumping courses, schooling areas or arenas. • No schooling in a phase is allowed once that phase has started. Practice fences and a warm-up area meeting USEF specifications for hunter shows will be provided for each phase. • Poling and rapping are prohibited. • Only entered riders may ride entered horses on the grounds. • Coaches, trainers, and others may not ride/school entered horses on the grounds. • Entered horses must be declared at check-in. Another horse may be substituted if an entered horse is unable to compete. The back-up horse may not be schooled in the competition area until it has been declared. A back-up horse may not be substituted after the entered horse has competed in any phase.

During the Competition:

• A written program will be provided at the competition. All entries will be listed in the program and will include the rider’s organization that they are representing. • ASTM approved protective headgear with a secured harness is required for all competitors while mounted. • Exhibitors' numbers will be provided at the competition and must be worn in such a way as to be clearly visible to the judges during the competition. • No person will be allowed in the competition area during the time of judging, except riders and those with official duties to perform. • An ambulance or emergency service provider (EMT) will be present at all riding phases. • Competitors may not hold official positions during the competition. • Horses will have a mandatory trot area as part of the two jumping phases (Derby and Medal) to be evaluated for soundness by the judge(s). The decision of the judge(s) regarding soundness and/or fitness to compete shall be final. No veterinarian is required. • Questions or disputes that arise, and are not addressed in the ANRC Championships Rules as posted on www.anrc.org will be the decision of the Steward(s). The Stewards may refer to the ANRC Championship Rules Committee (ANRC Director-at-Large, ANRC Chair, ANRC Co-Chair, ANRC Executive Secretary) for clarification regarding any dispute or infraction of the rules. Any infraction of the rules by a coach or competitor on the competition grounds could result in elimination. • Neither the host of the Championships nor the ANRC will be responsible for any accident which may occur to or be caused by any person or animal at the show; neither will the riding teams or the stable be responsible. Each team will be responsible for the health and safety of its own members.

Competition Phase Specifications and Requirements:

Flat Phase: • The required ring size is 100' x 175' minimum and 200' x 300' maximum. • There is one trotting fence between 2’ and 2’6". • There is one cantering fence at 3’ for Nationals riders and 2’6” for Novice riders. • The Meet Director will provide demonstration ride(s) for the judges to observe and confer on prior to the first competitor. The number of demonstration rides will be determined by the Meet Director, but the maximum is three. • The Flat Phase tests will be included in the prize list and can also be found on the ANRC website: www.anrc.org. Equitation Derby Phase (10-12 Fences) • The course may include any of the following when terrain permits: o Downhill fence o Uphill fence o Vertical fence o Spread o Bank - maximum height 2’3” o Ditch – maximum width 2 ft., maximum depth 12” o Trakehner – maximum height 3 ft., maximum width 2’6 • Fences, except for banks, will be 3' maximum in height for Nationals riders and 2’6” for Novice riders. • USEF Hunter Seat Equitation rules will be used where applicable. Hunter Seat Medal Phase: • The course will consist of 8-10 fences or not more than 12 jumping efforts with at least two changes of direction and one combination. • Fences will be 3’ maximum in height for Nationals riders and 2’6” for Novice riders. • USEF rules for Hunter Seat Equitation will be used where applicable. Written Phase: • A written theory examination provided by the ANRC will consist of questions relating to the theory of forward riding taken from “Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse: A Modern Hunter/Jumper System: by Paul Cronin; questions from a designated topic on horse science and/or stable management taken from the USHJA Study Guide; and questions regarding ANRC rules taken form the ANRC National Equitation Championship Rule Book. • The test questions may be true/false, multiple choice, short answer, or matching.

Judging and Scoring:

Flat Phase (35%) • Flat phase rides will be furnished by the ANRC. • Judges may sit wherever they choose but the location must be the same for all competitors. Each judge must have a separate vantage point. • Each movement will be given a score from 0-10 with 10 being the highest. (a movement not performed receives a score of 0; a fall of horse or a fall of rider will result in elimination) • The scribe for the senior judge will sound a whistle or a bell to give the rider a one-minute warning to start his/her test and begin timing with a stopwatch. If the rider does not start his/her test after 40 seconds, the scribe will call out a 20 second warning. If the rider has not started the test within 60 seconds after the initial bell or whistle has sounded, he/she will be eliminated. • If the rider forgets a movement, it is considered an error and a whistle will be blown. The rider should stop immediately and return to a point indicated by the judge. Penalties for errors on the test are assigned as follows: 1st error = 3 points; 2nd error = 6 points; 3rd error = elimination) • The score given for each part of the general impressions will be multiplied by the appropriate coefficient indicated on the scoring sheet. The scores for each movement and general impressions will be added together for the total score, a maximum of 250 points. The two judges' scores are averaged, and then multiplied by .14 to convert the score to 35% and ranked in descending order. Scores will be computed and then posted. • Ties will be resolved by the scores given under general impressions: first by (1) position of rider, then (2) effective and efficient use of the aids, then (3) contact and impulse, then (4) quality of performance, then (5) stabilization of the horse. If a tie still exists, it must be broken by the designated tie-breaker judge for the Flat Phase. • The rider’s use of voice will not be penalized. • The ride may not be called. • Score sheets will be available for one hour after the last Flat Phase score has been posted. • Coaches may read and return score sheets. • No protests on the Flat Phase scoring will be considered after this one-hour viewing. • The score sheets will be held by the Show Secretary during the competition. A team representative may pick up the score sheets and official results from the Show Secretary when the entire competition is completed. • The judge(s) decision regarding soundness and/or fitness to compete shall be final. No veterinarian is required.

The required ring size for the Flat Phase is 100' x 175' minimum and 200' x 300' maximum. (Note: The flat phase competition arena exceeds the dimensions of a small arena)

Equitation Derby Phase: (30%) • USEF rules for hunter seat equitation over fences will be used in this phase. • A score from 1-100 will be awarded for the rider's hunter seat equitation over an outside course. Two scores will be given for each round and announced after each round. • The two scores are averaged then multiplied by 30% and ranked in descending order. • Ties will be resolved by using the highest score of the designated tie-breaker judge (must be a different judge than the judge used as the tie-breaker for the Flat Phase).

Hunter Seat Medal Phase: (30%) • USEF rules for hunter seat equitation over fences will be used in this phase. • A score from 1-100 will be awarded for the rider's hunter seat equitation performance over a Medal type course and will follow the rules for that class. One score will be given for each round and announced after each round. • The judges' score is multiplied by 30% and ranked in descending order. • Ties will be resolved by agreement of the judges.

Written Test Phase: (5%) • The Meet Director will be responsible for having someone available to administer the written test. The test is taken electronically with an allowed time for completion. If a competitor requires a test-taking exception, such as extra time, or a written test on paper, the request must be submitted with the rider’s entry and state the requirement with verification by the participant’s academic institution or licensed professional. • A score from 1-100 will be given, multiplied by 5%, and ranked in descending order. • Designated questions within the test will serve as tiebreakers. If a tie still remains, the individual with the highest total score on the Flat Phase will be granted the higher written test placing. • Written tests will be sent to competitors electronically after the Flat Phase scores have been posted. The answers marked incorrectly are revealed and the correct answer(s) are given. Coaches have an opportunity to review the test with the competitor. • No protests on the written test phase scoring will be considered after a designated time is determined and announced.

Overall Scoring:

• The top two scores in each phase are used to determine the overall team score. • Ties for Overall Team Champion or Reserve Champion will be broken by taking the highest team score in the Derby Phase. If there is still a tie, it is broken by taking the highest team score in the Flat Phase. The judges will break any tie thereafter. • Ties for Overall Individual Champion or Reserve Champion will be broken in the same manner as for Overall Team Champion or Reserve Champion by using the highest individual score in the Derby phase. If there is still a tie, it is broken by using the highest score in the Flat Phase. The judges will break any tie thereafter. • Ties for team placings in each phase will be broken by using the highest individual scores of the two team members from each team that are tied. If the teams are still tied, ties would be broken as follows: o Flat Phase: use the highest raw score given by the designated tie-breaker judge for that phase. o Written Test Phase: use the score from the tie-breaker questions. If a tie still remains, the team with the highest total score on the Flat Phase will be granted the higher written test placing. o Derby Phase: use the highest score from the designated tie-breaker judge for that phase. o Medal Phase: broken by agreement of the judges. Team and Individual Awards:

Collegiate: • Overall High Point Collegiate Nationals Team receives the Betty Belser Memorial Trophy and a ribbon for each team member and coach. Teams placing 2-6 receive a ribbon and/or medal for each team member and coach. • Overall High Point Collegiate Nationals Individual receives the Jon Conyers Memorial Trophy, a championship ribbon. Individuals placing 1-10 receive a ribbon. • Overall High Point Collegiate Novice Team receives a perpetual trophy courtesy of USEF and a ribbon for each team member and coach. Teams placing 2-6 receive a ribbon and/or medal for each team member and coach. • Overall High Point Collegiate Novice Individual receives a championship ribbon. Individuals placing 1-10 receive a ribbon. • Teams ranked 1-6 in each phase of the National Division and Novice Division receive ribbons and/or medals for each team member and coach. • Individuals ranked 1-8 in each phase of the National Division and Novice Division receive a ribbon.

Junior Awards: • Overall High Point Junior Nationals Team receives the Cottonwood Farm Memorial Trophy and a ribbon for each team member and coach. Teams placing 2-6 receive a ribbon for each team member and coach. • Overall High Point Junior Nationals Individual receives a championship ribbon. Individuals placing 2-10 receive a ribbon. • Overall High Point Junior Novice Team receives a perpetual trophy courtesy of Cottonwood Farm and a ribbon for each team member and coach. Teams placing 2-6 receive a ribbon and/or medal for each team member and coach. • Overall High Point Junior Novice Individual receives a championship ribbon. Individuals placing 2-10 receive a ribbon. • Teams ranked 1-6 in each phase of the Junior National Division and Junior Novice Division receive ribbons and/or medals for each team member and coach. • Individuals ranked 1-8 in each phase of the Junior National Division and Junior Novice Division receive a ribbon.

Adult Amateur Awards: • Overall High Point Adult Amateur Nationals Team receives a trophy and a ribbon for each team member and coach. Teams placing 2-6 receive a ribbon for each team member and coach. • Overall High Point Adult Amateur Nationals Individual receives a championship ribbon. Individuals placing 2-10 receive a ribbon. • Overall High Point Adult Amateur Novice Team receives a trophy and a ribbon for each team member and coach. Teams placing 2-6 receive a ribbon and/or medal for each team member and coach. • Overall High Point Adult Amateur Novice Individual receives a championship ribbon. Individuals placing 2-10 receive a ribbon. • Teams ranked 1-6 in each phase of the Adult Amateur National Division and Junior Novice Division receive ribbons and/or medals for each team member and coach. • Individuals ranked 1-8 in each phase of the Adult Amateur National Division and Junior Novice Division receive a ribbon.

ANRC Alumni Awards: • Overall High Point ANRC Alumni Team receives a trophy and a ribbon for each team member and coach. Teams placing 2-6 receive a ribbon for each team member and coach. • Overall High Point ANRC Alumni Nationals Individual receives a championship ribbon. Individuals placing 2-10 receive a ribbon. • Overall High Point ANRC Alumni Novice Team receives a trophy and a ribbon for each team member and coach. Teams placing 2-6 receive a ribbon and/or medal for each team member and coach. • Overall High Point ANRC Alumni Novice Individual receives a championship ribbon. Individuals placing 2-10 receive a ribbon. • Teams ranked 1-6 in each phase of the ANRC Alumni National Division and Junior Novice Division receive ribbons and/or medals for each team member and coach. • Individuals ranked 1-8 in each phase of the ANRC Alumni National Division and Junior Novice Division receive a ribbon.

ANRC Sportsmanship Award:

The ANRC Board of Directors will present an ANRC Sportsmanship Award to a collegiate, junior, and adult amateur competitor at the ANRC National Equitation Championships. The recipient of this award will represent the best spirit of competition in all phases of the championship, and will demonstrate outstanding horsemanship and sportsmanship. An ANRC Board member or an official coach may nominate a competitor at any time during the competition, but no later than the conclusion of the final mounted phase. A designated committee consisting of at least three ANRC board members will determine the recipient of the award based on feedback received from coaches, stewards and judges. The winners will be announced at the ANRC National Championships awards ceremony.

Recognition for Performance:

ANRC Level l Rider Certification

Riders in the Novice Division are eligible to receive an ANRC Level l Certificate of Achievement for the skills they have demonstrated as outlined in the ANRC DVD Series Volume l “The American System of Forward Riding: Life Lessons Learned with Horses” found on the ANRC website. To earn this recognition, a novice division competitor must receive a score of 80% or higher in each championship phase. Riders receive a certificate and with the rider’s permission, will have their names listed on the ANRC website noting this accomplishment.

ANRC Level ll Rider Certification

Riders in the National Division are eligible to receive an ANRC Level ll Certificate of Achievement for the skills they have demonstrated as outlined in the ANRC DVD Series Volume ll “The American System of Forward Riding: Life Lessons Learned with Horses” found on the ANRC website. To earn this recognition, a national division competitor must receive a score of 80% or higher in each championship phase. Riders receive a certificate and with the rider’s permission, will have their names listed on the ANRC website noting this accomplishment.