Cooke Coachbuilders Carnival of Dressage Unaffiliated Championships 2024 presented by Original Equestrian

Unaffiliated Championships at the

Cooke Coachbuilders

CARNIVAL OF DRESSAGE

Aintree International, EC

July 26^th-28^th 2024

Rules

How it all works:

·         Each entry you make means you will ride the test each day at your chosen level on two separate days of the competition (two tests in total over the weekend), both test scores are then combined t

Unaffiliated Championships at the

Cooke Coachbuilders

CARNIVAL OF DRESSAGE

Aintree International, EC

July 26^th-28^th 2024

Rules

How it all works:

·         Each entry you make means you will ride the test each day at your chosen level on two separate days of the competition (two tests in total over the weekend), both test scores are then combined to produce an average score and this score will decide placings.

·         Each entry enters you across the two days, you do not need to pay twice.

·         The exception to the above is the Saturday evening Artistic Class where you only ride once.

·         Your entry also entitles you and your friends admittance to watch the Sat Evening Artistic Dressage Gala Evening. If you wish to join us for the Demo (details to TBC) you will need to buy tickets from Horse Monkey.

·         We are in the process of arranging extra unmounted activities for you to participate in during your time with us, they are all voluntary, but to get the most out of the weekend we would love you to take part. Full details will be sent out to you when available.

·         There is a dressage training camp Tues 23^rd- Thurs 25^th July at Aintree, you do not have to come to camp to take part in the competition, but of course we would love to see you there. If you book on camp then your stabling for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, if you choose to stay for the competition, is included in the cost of camp. The camp is aimed at helping you improve your test riding ready to compete. Please contact Original Equestrian for more details if you want to come to camp. Why not extend the weekend and make a real horse holiday of it? Bookings are to be made with katie@equineshoot.com

·         We reserve the right to adapt, add to or amend these rules.

Eligibility to Compete:

• Combinations must not have competed at a level two above the one they enter here (either BD or unaffiliated), so if you have competed at Elementary level on the same horse elsewhere (no matter what score you got) you may enter the Elementary and Novice classes but not the Prelim or Intro classes.

• We expect all competitors to be honest about entering the correct levels and we will ban from future years any competitors found to be in breach of these rules. This is a grass-roots, fun and friendly competition, please treat it in that way.

• Juniors are not to have attained their 16th birthday on 1st January 2024. Seniors are 16 years and above on 1st January 2024.

• Due to the rising cost of living and trying to stay as affordable as possible, we have waived minimum entry requirements for this year again. Entry is therefore on a first come first served basis. We have also held our entry fee and stabling fees the same for 2024 as they were last year to try and stay as affordable to as many as possible.

• Combinations who have competed at the BD National Championships (including freestyle classes) in any year upto and including the Winter National Championships of this year must compete at a higher level here.

• Combinations placed 1-6^th at a BD Regional (including freestyle) in any year upto and including the Winter Regionals this year must compete at a higher level here.

• Combinations placed 1st – 10th at the Pet Plan Area Festival Championships (final rounds) in any year up to and including the Winter Area Festival Championships this year, must compete at a higher level here.

• Combinations placed 1^st-3^rd at any first round of Pet Plan Area Festivals any year upto and including the Winter Area Festivals this year must compete at a higher level here.

• Combinations placed 1^st at any years Carnival of Dressage must compete at a higher level this year. The exception to this is the Advanced Medium Class for 2024, where the winner from last years AM section in the 2023 PYO Medium/AM class may enter.

• This competition is run under BD Rules.

• Horses and riders may compete at a maximum of 2 consecutive levels subject to meeting the rules for those levels.

• A horse may only be ridden in up to two Intro- Advanced Medium tests per day, and can enter the Artisic Class if wished.

• All horses must be aged 4 or over.

• All combinations entered will be required to complete the relevant tests on both days, the combined score across both tests will be used to decide the final placings.

• We are a Championship, but to make it less stressful we will allow callers for your tests, whips are also allowed. You will ride the same test each day to help with learning it as well. We want you to have fun and be as stress free as possible.

• Welfare stewards may be in place at this event and have the right to speak to riders about possible welfare issues such as the overuse of spurs or whips, tight nosebands, lameness, rollkur etc.. these are just examples and not the only issues that may be addressed.

• Juniors who wish to wear spurs must submit a letter from their trainer in advance of the competition to katie@equineshoot to confirm they have an independent seat and can use spurs without causing undue stress to their horse/pony. No spurs are allowed to be worn by anyone who is 10 years or under on 1^st Jan 2024.

• We want to promote riders being correctly mounted on a horse suitable for their weight and height. If we suspect that you plus your tack are over 20% of the weight of your horse at a correct body condition score, you may be asked to dismount and not take part unless it can be proven otherwise. Equally if it is considered you are too tall for your horse you may be asked to dismount. In either case no refund will be given. To prevent this being a problem at the competition we strongly advise that you check this before booking and attending the event.

• We want to promote healthy body condition of horses, if your horse is deemed to be too overweight, underweight or unfit to take part you may be asked to dismount and no refund will be given.

• Entries will be accepted on a first come first served basis. The Organiser reserves the right to close classes prior to the closing date in the event that we are full.

• Refunds for entries are only possible up until two weeks before the event, it may be possible to switch entries to another combination after this date but this is at The Organiser’s discretion.  Tickets for the Evening Demo are non-refundable. Stabling and associated costs may be refundable, but only upto 4 weeks before the event. Any entries, tickets, stabling or other bookings can only be switched to another person with permission from the event organiser, they cannot be sold on direct, switches will be subject to an admin fee. Any refunds made will be subject to a reduction for admin fees.

• In the event classes are oversubscribed, waiting lists for classes will be held, if you wish to cancel an entry contact us and we will offer these to the waiting list. Any refunds due to transfer of places will be subject to a reduction for admin costs.

• All riders are to hold their own public liability insurance to attend and compete.

Placings and Prizes for Intro through to Advanced Medium level classes:

·         Each combination will ride one test per day on two separate days at each level entered and the combined scores from each test will be used to decide the overall placings, all rosettes/prizes will be given out to the placings decided from these combined scores only.

·         In the event of a draw the highest collective scores will be placed higher. If this produces another draw the highest score on the second day shall be placed higher.

·         For Intro-Novice classes there are separate Junior and Senior sections with rosettes and prizes for each section. Elementary , Medium and Advanced Medium, Team Competition and the Artistic Dressage is not split in this way, juniors and seniors compete in the same class.

·         Rosettes will be awarded to 6^th Place.

·         Prize money will be awarded as such: more than 10 entries, 1^st = £60, 2^nd = £25, 3^rd = £20. 6-10 entries, 1^st = £60, 2^nd = £25. 5 or fewer entries, 1^st = £60.

·         Each winner will be awarded a sash and a ‘dinner plate’ sized rosette.

·         Every entrant will be awarded a commemorative plaque.

·         Others special prizes may become available, and competitors will be notified as soon as possible if this is the case.

·         Anyone found to be in breach of any rules may forfeit their entry and eligibility to any prizes.

Artistic Class

·         Back again this year and taking place on Saturday evening we are pleased to announce our Artistic Dressage class.

·         This is a freestyle class with a bit of a difference. We want you to use your imagination to entertain and wow our judge and the crowd. You can ride to music, ride on your own or as a combination of upto four horses and riders as one entry, you can wear fancy dress (though hard hats upto current safety regulations must still be worn), you can even do it in-hand if you like. Each entry is limited to upto four horses, one rider per horse and upto 8 people may be on foot with you.

·         If you are unsure if something will be acceptable, please contact us. Horses are not to be loose or at liberty during your performance. Saddle and bridle must be worn at all times when mounted, as must hard hats upto current standards whilst riding or handling horses in the class.

·         Entries are very limited in number so enter early to not miss out and all ages compete in one class. Judging criteria can be obtained on request.

·         Please be aware this event will run in the evening and times maybe late.

·         Prize money will not be awarded for this class, there will be a ‘dinner plate’ size rosette and sash to the winner and rosettes to 6^th place.

·         Your performance must last between 4-5 mins, any time over this will be cut off or penalised. There is a 30 second allowance for music over this whilst you enter the arena before you salute the judge.

·         Any music to be played must be provided in digital format before the event.

Team Competition

Team up with your friends (4 per team) and use your best scores from the first day of your championship tests to take part in the Team competition.

     If you need want to join a team contact us, as we will put some teams together for individuals who want to take part but need team members, do not enter a team until it is complete. Teams can be made up of any mix of test levels and junior and senior competitors can compete on the same team. The three best % scores from the first day of your tests at the championships will be combined to produce an average % and this will decide the placings. There is no need to ride another test to enter the team competition, the scores come from the test you are already riding, but you do get another chance at a placing and a winners sash.  If the team is placed all 4 teams members will get a rosette (upto 4th place) and if the team is the overall winner all 4 team members will get a sash. In the event of a tie the highest collective scores will be used to decide the winners. If another tie is produced, then the highest discounted 4th score will decide the winner.  Only one entry and one fee of £30 per team is required (so it's just £7.50 each).

Expected Timetable

For 2024 the CARNIVAL OF DRESSAGE has been extended to take place over three days, Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July. This has enabled us to increase entry numbers, add another class and allow all championship tests to take place in the main arena with warm up indoors.

Each Championship class consists of the same test ridden once each day for two days. Please see below for the tests for each level and which classes will be ridden on which days.

1) Intro B (2009) Friday 26th and Sunday 28th

2) Prelim 13 (2006) Friday 26th and Saturday 27th

3) Novice 22 (2007) Friday 26th and Sunday 28th

4) Elementary 43 (2006) Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th

5) Medium 61 (2002) Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th

6) Advanced Medium 91 (2016) Friday 26th and Saturday 27th

7) Artistic Dressage Gala Saturday 27th (only one test)

Onsite overnight stabling will be available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. An outdoor exercise area is available for competitors on the days they are not competing. 

Timings will not be confirmed until times are released before the show, but please see the expected running order for classes each day below:

Friday 26th July - Intro, Prelim, Novice then Advanced Medium. The day will start at 8am and may continue until 9.30pm depending on entry numbers

Saturday 27th July - Prelim, Elementary, Medium, Advanced Medium then Artistic Dressage. The day will start at 8am and may continue until 10pm depending on entry numbers.

Sunday 28th July - Intro, Novice, Elementary then Medium. The day will start at 8am and may continue until 8.40pm depending on entry numbers.

All times and class orders are given as a guide only and may be subject to change.

Vaccinations and Health Issues:

·         All horses attending must be fully up to date with annual vaccinations against equine influenza. No vaccination can be administered in the 6 days prior to arrival, admittance is allowed on the 7th day. These rules may be subject to change and any changes will be notified. Any horse stabling on site must have had a booster in the last 6 months.

·         Other health declaration forms or procedures may need to be put in place due to changing circumstances and this will be declared as they become available.

·         Whilst we hope to run all events publicised, it may be necessary to curtail some activities at short notice due to ongoing human or equine health reasons, the curtailment of any of these activities does not entitle competitors to a refund.

Stabling:

·         All horses stabling must be fully up to date with annual vaccinations against equine influenza and must have had a booster in the previous 6 months due to racing regulations. No vaccination can be administered in the 6 days prior to arrival, admittance is allowed on the 7th day. These rules may be subject to change and any change will be notified.

·         All stabling is to be booked in advance through Horse Monkey, overnight stabling will be available for Thurs, Friday and Saturday nights. All stabling is to be vacated an hour after close of events on Sunday.

·         A £30 cash deposit must be paid to the Stable Manager on arrival and will be returned once the stable has been inspected and has been fully emptied of bedding and hay.

·         You do not have to stable overnight to participate in the competition, but we do encourage it so you can join us for the evenings and to have a fun weekend away with your horse.

Aintree General Terms & Conditions:

·         These Terms and Conditions apply to all competitors and spectators and must be adhered to at all times. Entry into any competition, including the hire of the Centre, shall be deemed an acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

·         Please also refer to the Aintree Racecourse Terms and Conditions which can be found at http://aintree.thejockeyclub.co.uk/pr-policies/terms-conditions.

·         All persons entering onto the Racecourse, by virtue of admission, agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and the General Rules of the Competition.

·         Aintree International Equestrian Centre and Aintree Racecourse reserve the right to refuse entry/hire without stating the reason, and to cancel the competition and all rights of admission.

·         Any person causing any damage, disruption or unwanted behaviour will be asked to leave the premises and will not be permitted to participate any further in the show.

·         Aintree International Equestrian Centre and Aintree Racecourse do not accept any responsibility or liability for any injury, accident, damage or illness to any person, property or animal whatsoever, or for any loss whatsoever, arising out of, or occurring at any competition, show or event. It shall be a condition of entry/hire of the Centre that each entrant shall indemnify the organisers against any legal action whatsoever arising from any accident.

·         All competitors and attendees must take all reasonable precautions to avoid and prevent accidents occurring and must obey the instructions of the officials and stewards.

·         Parents or guardians are deemed responsible for their children and they must be supervised at all times.

·         Please also note that the Collecting Ring area is for the purpose of warming up. It is strictly not a viewing or standing area, nor is it to be used by anyone other than those entered in the current class.

·         BRITISH STANDARD APPROVED HARD HATS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN MOUNTED. Full and correct attire must be worn by all competitors when competing or hiring the Centre. For show jumping all competitors and grooms, when mounted, must wear a British Standard skull/hard hat, which must be fastened. Failure to do so will incur elimination.

·         Any individual seen to be causing distress or suffering to any animal will be asked to leave the Racecourse and may be reported to the appropriate authorities.

·         No horse or pony under the age of 4 years shall be ridden at any competition.

·         Any persons responsible for a stallion must ensure that they are secure at all times including within the stables and the collecting ring, and correctly displaying the appropriate FEI approved ribbons and discs.

·         All horses and ponies competing or using the Centre must be fully vaccinated against equine flu, and must not have had any vaccination in the 6 days prior to attending.

·         Vaccination requirements for stabling may vary from time to time, as dictated by the British Horseracing Authority. Please see individual event page for details. Important updates will be published on our website and on our social media pages.

·         Horses and/or ponies must not be left unattended at any time when tied outside Horseboxes or trailers.

·         No horse and/or pony may be lunged in any area of the Racecourse. Strictly no lunging in the arena or collecting ring.

·         Competitors are requested, prior to leaving, to clean up any droppings, hay, straw or shavings from around their horsebox/trailer and to dispose of these at home.

·         Dogs must be kept on leads AT ALL TIMES and must be cleaned up after. Failure to do this will result in you being asked to leave the Racecourse. No dogs are allowed on the Racecourse track or in the stable yards AT ANY TIME.

·         It is recommended that all vehicles are fitted with a fire extinguisher.

·         Aintree International Equestrian Centre reserves the right to alter any schedule at any time without prior notice. Closing dates for all shows may be altered if the classes are full.

·         All entry and hire fees include VAT@20%. All entries and hire fees must be paid for in full prior to leaving the Centre. A £15 administration fee will be payable on any outstanding accounts or dishonoured cheques, plus interest.

·         No entry or stable fees will be refunded.

·         Prize money not collected on the day will be forfeited.

·         A £30 cash deposit must be paid to the Stable Manager on arrival and will be returned once the stable has been inspected and has been fully emptied of bedding and hay.

·         Smoking is strictly forbidden in the stable area and in all buildings. Cigarette butts must be disposed of safely and in the bins provided.

·         All vehicles should be parked sensibly and enough room must be left for emergency access.

·         Any competitor who is considered by the organisers, stewards, judges to have received outside assistance without prior permission, will be eliminated from their Class.

·         It is the owners/riders responsibility to ensure that horses/ponies are the correct height for their Class.

·         The decision of the Judge on the day in all classes will be final.

·         Photographs and videos will be taken at Equestrian and Racecourse events by a professional, licenced photographer who has been approved by ARDL. Aintree and Original Equestrian reserve the right to use these photographs and videos for advertising purposes to promote future events. No other photographers are permitted to photograph the event.

·         Aintree Racecourse Developments Ltd  and Original Equestrian use Horse Monkey as their chosen event administration system.  Entry form details will be added to this system to inform competitors that their entries have been received. If competitors do not wish for this information to be shared with our chosen entry system, then we will not be able to process and accept your entry.

·         Please also refer to our Privacy Policy.