Dressage Rally Rules Summary

Riders cannot be required to ride before their stated time, but have 45 secs. to enter the arena once the judge rings the bell - will be eliminated for tardiness from that test only.

First “error of course” is a 2 pt. penalty, second error is an additional 4 pts. (total 6 pts.), and third error is elimination.

D1s and D2s may have their tests read with no penalty, except for Musicals and Pas de Deux.

No coaching allowed, except that team members may warm each other up.

Ds only may use Kimberwickes & Pelhams in addition to snaffle bits.Ds can also can use standing martingales, grass reins & bit converters.   Ds do not have to follow the dress code.

All riders are allowed to carry a whip in the ring; may be no longer than 3˝ ft.

No bit guards, boots, bandages, earplugs or seat covers are allowed, except that bandages ARE allowed in Pas de Deux and Quadrille.

White or light-colored saddle pads only.

May wear short coat of conservative color, smooth-leather leg piece, jodhpurs and black or brown boots through 4th Level.  May be eliminated at discretion of Ground Jury for dress code violations.

Spurs & gloves are optional through 4th Level.  Spurs may not be longer than 1” 3/8.

Bit keepers on full-cheeks are optional.

Braiding is allowed but is never required. Remove before turnbacks.

NEW: 4th Level tests & up may be ridden in a double bridle, if desired; required for FEI tests.

“Collective marks” are for gaits, impulsion, submission and rider’s seat.

Transition should take place when the rider’s body is above the letter.

Fall of horse or rider does not result in elimination – get a zero score for that movement.

Horses leaving the arena with all four feet before the final halt results in elimination.

Resistance that stops the test for longer than 20 seconds may result in elimination.

At the salute, rider must take the reins on one hand and drop his other arm by his side, or it is an error of course.

Use of the voice or clicking of the tongue is a 2 pt. deduction for each occurrence.

May be eliminated for schooling in the arena or being mounted without a helmet.

Through Training Level Two, unless stated, either rising or sitting trot is allowed.  Above that, sitting trot is required unless stated otherwise.

Tests are not timed except for Freestyle and Pas de Deux.

Freestyle has a 5 min. time limit, with a 2 pt. penalty for going over.

Standard (Large) Arena required:  all Musicals and Pas de Deux, 1st & 2nd Level that are written for a large arena.

Small Arena required:  Quadrilles. 

Small Arena allowed:  Intro tests, Training Level plus First Level Test One (which is also written for a small arena).

Championships:  all tests ridden in large arenas.  C1 and up; 12 yrs. old and up.

*Entire USPC Dressage Rulebook may be downloaded from www.ponyclub.org> Publications> Rulebooks

 

        For problems or questions regarding this web contact Peggi Bindner

Last updated: 11/17/09.