NEWS, RULE CHANGES & POLICIES FOR 2010
NEW DRESSAGE TESTS FOR 2010!
The USEA has new tests for Beginner Novice for 2010. We use these tests for our Modified Beginner Novice and Beginner Novice divisions.
TEAM PIPESTAVE
The Management Team has been reorganized to divide up the many jobs of running our events into more manageable chunks. We welcome everyone and look forward to a great year.
EVENT CO-ORDINATORS
CROSS COUNTRY
Sarah Robinson from W. Newbury, MA and the Pentucket Pony Club will be reprising their roles again for a second year, creating creative courses and maintaining the jumps with the help of our Jump Adopters.
ADOPT-A-JUMP CO-ORDINATORKathy Feehery of W. Newbury, MA (and a WNRDC Board member) is co-ordinating this in addition to her other volunteer assistance with the event. She will be the go-to person if you would like to adopt a jump and will give adopters guidance on how to best maintain and decorate their fence. Click here for more information about the Adopt-A-Jump program.
STADIUM JUMPING
Our Team of Kathryn West-McLeod and Kathy Feehery, all of W. Newbury, MA, certainly proved themselves again last year, with beautifully decorated and appropriately challenging courses. We are so pleased they are returning for a fifith year!
DRESSAGE RING SET-UP QUEEN
Felicity Beech, of W. Newbury, MA, (and a WNRDC Board member) has graciously agreed to take on this position which happens on Saturday before each event. The Queen will make sure all the dressage rings get set up and assist setting up the secretary's tent, etc. It's one of those important behind-the scenes jobs that people don't even realize is needed!
YEAR-END AWARDS ADMINISTRATOR
Verne Sullivan, of W. Newbury, MA, has stepped up to take care of the Year-End Awards for the Horse Trials series. She will make sure the points are properly calculated, so riders can get their well-deserved championship ribbons, photos and picture frames.
ELIMINATION RULES
We follow USEA (United States Eventing Association) rules for our events even though we are unrecognized. Be sure to read "How To Avoid Elimination at Our Horse Trials" for more information.
RIDERS MAY COMPETE MORE THAN ONE HORSE
In the past, riders have been limited to one horse in each event because of the limited numbers we can take. The policy which started in 2007 allows riders to compete more than one horse only if the event has not filled by the closing date. If you wish to compete more than one horse, send in separate entries (and checks) for each horse and write on each entry the order in which you wish your horses accepted. The additional horse's entry will be held until the closing date and you will be notified if the horse is accepted.
ENTRY FORMS
Because of the increased cost of postage, entry forms are no longer being mailed unless you request them. All our information and forms are available here at this website.
AFFILIATION FOR YEAR END AWARDS
We are pleased to announce that we are including the ABC/BTA Benefit Horse Trials in Boxford, MA for Year-End Awards. It will be held in September 13, 2010 and will offer the same divisions as the Pipestave Series, plus their other divisions.
WEB POSTING OF RIDE TIMES
Ride times will generally be posted on the Friday 10 days before each event. We will no longer be mailing ride times. These lists will only be posted once and will not reflect later changes due to scratches, which we will handle by telephone.
CANCELLATION REFUNDS
To keep our events financially viable, if an event needs to be canceled because of weather and/or footing issues, instead of a full refund, we will issue each rider a credit for half the cost which will be usable any time and will be transferable to any other person. We thank you in advance for your understanding and think sunny!
RIDER WARDROBE OPTIONS
DRESSAGE: Appropriate attire is a dark helmet with chin strap, a dark riding coat, white shirt with stock tie or choker, light colored or white breeches, gloves (usually black but white is allowed) and black tall boots. USEA rules, which we follow, now allows riders to
wear leather leggings in all three phases. This does not mean suede half
chaps but smooth leather leggings with leather paddock boots. Jackets may be waived by management if the weather warrants.
CROSS COUNTRY: Dressage attire without jacket is fine, or rider may wear a collared polo shirt (no sleeveless shirts, T-shirts or tank tops). Safety vests and medical armbands are required.
STADIUM JUMPING: Pipestave policy is that jackets are always waived for stadium jumping, so riders do not need to change wardrobe between the last two phases. Correct attire is short or longsleeve shirts with collars (no sleeveless shirts, T-shirts or tank tops). Protective vests may be worn if desired and armbands are required.
PROTECTIVE VESTS
Riders are now required to wear a body protecting vest when schooling for and riding the cross-country phase. It is optional to wear it during the stadium phase of the event.
IDENTIFICATION ARMBANDS
A completed identification armband is now required to be worn when jumping at the events. USEA sells armbands for $10 (website: eventingusa.com, then go to USEA Store) or you can make your own by completing an identification form, putting it in a plastic bag and securing it to your arm with tape. Armbands are to be worn around the upper part of the arm and must be on top of any articles of clothing. Armbands must be worn for both Cross Country and Stadium Jumping phases.
The Identification Form can be downloaded here using Adobe Acrobat. Click here then print the form.
WHIPS
Whips not exceeding 43" including lash may now be used for the dressage phase and crops may be used for the cross-country and/or stadium phases. Please read "How to Avoid Elimination at our Horse Trials" for more information on the correct use.
SCHOOLING POLICY
If you are found schooling on the course when it is closed (signs are posted at the top and bottom of the fields), you will not be allowed to enter our events for the remainder of the year. Unfortunately, we must institute such a strong measure because inconsiderate riders have done serious damage to the course in the past. With spring wetness, it is especially important to save the course. If you are leaving a hoofprint, then you should not be riding in that area. Please obey the posted signs.
SEPARATE CHECKS FOR EACH ENTRANT
Please include a separate check for each entrant. This allows both you ad us to make changes more easily. For example, if a family or farm has two entries, separate checks make the bookkeeping much easier if one has to scratch. |
