2024/2025 Competitions

RULES REGULATIONS AND CONDITION OF ENTRY

1. All Ridden horses and ponies must be 4 years old and over.
2. In lead rein classes the lead must be attached to the nose band.
3. Correct British Standard Headgear must be worn at all times when mounted. Hats with a 3 point harness up to BSI Standard are compulsory while mounted. Handlers under 14 years must wear correctly secured BSI Skull cap/Riding hats.
4. The judge’s decision is final.
5. To enter any show you need not be a member of any society.
6. Entry fees are not refundable even with a vet’s certificate.
7. In the event of the show having to be cancelled prior to the day ,50% of the entry fees will be retained for administration costs.
8. If the show has to be abandoned for any reason after it has started, no entry fees will be refunded.
9. There are no dogs allowed on the show ground. Except guide dogs. Anyone bringing dogs in hot weather to leave in their cars or lorries will be asked to vacate the show ground.
10. It is strongly recommended that all exhibitors carry adequate Public Liability Insurance. Smugglers EC its employees or assistants do not accept any liability for any injury or damage sustained by any third party whether to horse/rider spectator or property whatsoever and how so ever caused.
11. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry without any reason being given and if necessary to alter or cancel any class at anytime.
12. Any vehicles parked do so at their own risk.
13. Any pony stallion not exceeding 138cms may not be ridden by juniors who have not attained their 12th birthday by 1st January in the current year. Stallions exceeding 138cms may not be ridden by juniors who have not attained their 14th birthday by 1st January in the current year.

14.Show canes whips are not allowed to exceed 30” (75cms). In lead rein classes, plain or leather covered canes only maybe used.

15. There are no objections available at this show .
16. There is to be no skipping out of lorries or trailers on the show ground. No manure is to be placed in the bins. Please take it all home with you.
17. It is the responsibility of all competitors, exhibitors and owners to read the above rules. When entering any class/competition, you agree to abide by them.
18. Anyone found bringing a horse or pony to Smugglers EC which has knowingly been in contact with any infectious or contagious diseases or have known diseases will be asked to leave.
19. There is a strict 5mph speed limit please.

BS 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” and comply with the current British Showjumping rule (BS Members Handbook, full wording is available to view online at www.britishshowjumping.co.uk

The key points of that rule are as follows:

• The maximum length of the whip is 70cm and must be no less than 45cm.
• The contact area is considered to be 2/5s (two fifths) of the overall length of the whip and must be covered with a pad.
• There must be no binding within 17 centimetres of the end of the pad.
• 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.
• There is to be no wording, advertising or personalisation of any kind on the pad.
• Before buying any whip, please check with the retailer that it is BS compliant.

At all times, the whip must only be used:

• For a good reason, as an aid to encourage the horse forward.
• At an appropriate time, namely when the horse is reluctant to go forward under normal aids of seat and legs.
• In the right place, namely down the shoulder or behind the leg but never overarm.
• With appropriate severity.
• No more than twice for any one incident.
• Excessive or inappropriate use of the whip anywhere on the showground may result in disqualification:
• Use of the whip to vent a competitor’s anger.
• Use of a whip which causes injury e.g., broken skin or a weal, is always excessive.
• Use of the whip after entering the competition area, before the start of the round.
• Use after elimination or retirement.
• Use on a horse’s head, neck etc.
• Using the whip from the ground after a rider fall or dismount.
• If the rider’s arm comes above the shoulder when using the whip.