Essex Union Autumn 2024 Hunter Trial

• Each horse / pony can only be entered in TWO classes and they must be different classes.

• Drawn Order – There will be a drawn order for every class please check the www.ponyclubresults.co.uk for times.

• Course Walking – The course will be available to walk from 3pm-5pm on Saturday 5th October. In the event of adverse weather conditions, please check website https://branches.pcuk.org/essexunion/

• Number Bibs – You will also be required to print your own bib numbers and bring them with you to the event. A template will be made available to you. Competitors can write their number on an A4 piece of paper, but it must be clearly legible. Remember to print one for each side of your number bib and one for your lorry or car. You will need 3 copies.

• Warm Up – The warm up area will be clearly marked to show the number of horses allowable in each area. A steward will be managing this. You will not be able to enter if it creates overcrowding. Riders & Horses only in all warm-up areas – no helpers / parents on foot please – you may watch your competitor from the adjacent area.

• Refreshments – On-event catering “The Tin Canteen” will be provided in line with current government guidance.

• Kiln saddlery https://kskilnsaddlery.uk/ will be on site with a stall

• Photographer – There will be a Photographer on site with online sales post event. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO RIDE ON YOUR ALLOCATED TIMES. IF YOU DO NOT DO SO, YOU RISK BEING UNABLE TO COMPETE. Please ensure you read rules and Conditions of Entry. Pony Club rules can be found on PC website www.pcuk.org

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. The most recent vaccine must not be more than 12 months ago.

Prize giving will take place on the day and results will be posted on www.ponyclubresults.co.uk Placings 1-6 will get Rosettes on the day. You will need to print and bring your own A4 Paper numbers.Classes will be very strictly limited and will close when full.

Fence Judges – If you know someone who would be keen to fence judge please let us know. Please supply their name and number to the secretary. In the event of too many entries priority will be given to those who can offer a volunteer for fence judging.

The organisers reserve the right to refuse any entries. Passports, Back Protectors and Hats will be spot checked in trailer park. Spot checks will be made to ensure Passport matches Pony, we are interested in the safety of all entrants. The Pony Club Eventing 2024 Rules will apply throughout. For dress and tack rules see  www.pcuk.org . In classes 60cm and higher any outside assistance or interference by anyone other than an OFFICIAL will incur elimination. The Judges’ decision is final No horses/ponies under 5 years of age allowed to compete. NEW WHIP RULE a whip, if carried, must be held in the hand by the handle with the handle at the top.  The whip must be ‘padded.’  The maximum length of the whip is 70cm and must be no less than 45cm. a.        The ‘contact area’ is considered to be two-fifths of the overall length of the whip and must be covered with a ‘pad.’ b.        There must be no ‘binding’ within 17cm of the end of the ‘pad.’ c.        The ‘pad’ must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and be made of shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm. d.        There is to be no wording, advertising or personalisation of any kind on the ‘pad.’ HAT REGULATIONS – Hats MUST be tagged with this year’s pink tag either PC, BE or BRC. It is mandatory to wear a protective helmet manufactured to one of the minimum standards listed here.  PAS 015:2011, Snell E2016, with the official Snell label and number, AS/NZS 3838  2006  onwards, VG1 with BSI symbol, ASTM-F1163 2004a with SEI mark.   The CE symbol on its own is not sufficient. Hats must be worn when mounted, with chin strap fastened at all times.  No fixed peaks for XC (see PC Rules 2023). Riders must wear an effective Body Protector regulations have changed this year meaning they need to meet 2018 (Black and Blue) Level 3 standard however this year only we will still accept  BETA 2009 (Purple) Hair must be restrained and in a hair net if long.  NO HAIR below the collar. No jewellery. Fly hood, nets & ear covers allowed. Ear plugs not permitted Stopwatches not allowed. No electronic devices, Go Pro or jewellery allowed. Horse/Pony may only be entered in two classes. No horse or pony to be ridden more than once in any single class on any course. Dogs welcome however must be kept on short leads (not extended) at all times. Classes may be divided on the day according to number of entries. Please Note: this is a Fun competition not the Olympics, we are all volunteers and rely on volunteers to steward the fences on the day. We provide briefing before the classes, and the judge’s decision is final. The committee hope that all competitors will compete and accept decisions in a sporting manner.