NEWS, RULE CHANGES & POLICIES FOR 2008
TWO EVENTS THIS YEAR INSTEAD OF THREE
We have decided to go to only two horse trials this year, instead of three. The amount of time required to organize three events was just putting too much pressure on management and it has become more difficult to find volunteers. Our volunteers are a wonderful, hard-working crew
EVENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
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 with many new faces in key positions.
EVENT CO-ORDINATOR/SECRETARY
Amy Bresky remains as Event Co-Ordinator and will be back as Secretary for 2008. "I am very excited about our new Team, as they will all bring fresh ideas and energy into our events. Their hard work will also allow me more freedom to explore other horse interests while knowing our events will maintain the high quality we always work towards."
CROSS COUNTRY
We welcome back our Team of Catherine Williams and Carol Seale, both of W. Newbury, MA, working with the Pentucket Pony Club. Involvement of the Pony Club is a great resource for our event and we hope the Pony Clubbers get to learn lots about jumps and management of a course.
ADOPT-A-JUMP CO-ORDINATOR
Kathy Feehery of W. Newbury, MA (and a WNRDC Board member) is kindly taking on this job for 2008 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 third year!
VOLUNTEER LIAISON
Melanie Jacobs, of Groveland, MA, will be in charge of this critical position of recruiting and scheduling all our faithful volunteers. It does take a village to run each event and we look forward to Melanie's skills in getting them all in the right place, at the right time and keeping them happy!
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
Nady Peters, of W. Newbury, MA, (and a WNRDC Board member) 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
New rules/clarifications for 2008 are highlighted in yellow below.
We follow USEA rules for our events even though we are unrecognized.
CROSS COUNTRY
NEW FOR 2008! Even though this rule is still pending with USEA, we are instituting it immediately.
Rider is eliminated after a FIRST fall in cross-country and must leave the course at a walk if re-mounted.
Riders are eliminated after four (4) refusals on the whole cross country course (the number used to be 5). The existing rule about elimination after three (3) refusals at any one obstacle still applies. Rider must leave the course at a walk.
STADIUM JUMPING
Riders are eliminated in Stadium Jumping if there is any fall of the rider. They may not take a courtesy fence after the fall.
If rider is eliminated for three (3) refusals on course, they may only take ONE courtesy fence and only at the discretion of the judge.
CLARIFICATION FOR 2008:
If rider is eliminated in the Cross Country phase, they may be allowed to participate in the Stadium phase at the discretion of the TD or ground jury, provided there are no safety, injury and/or lameness issues for the horse or rider.
The list above is a partial list of Elimination Rules highlighting the changes for 2008. Be sure to read "How To Avoid Elimination at Our Horse Trials" as well.
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. Contact Amy Bresky if you wish to have the information mailed.
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 on September 14, 2008 and will offer the same divisions as the Pipestave Series, plus their other divisions.
WEB POSTING OF ACCEPTED ENTRIES & RIDE TIMES
The list of all of those accepted into each Pipestave event will be posted on this website by the closing date (or as soon as the event fills). Ride times will 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
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. Also, it is Pipestave policy 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.
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.
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.
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.
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