Post by Admin on Dec 19, 2014 20:32:24 GMT 2
The Dressage Society
THE GENUS-EQUUS CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE WELFARE OF THE HORSE
General Welfare:
a) Good Horse management: Stabling and feeding must be compatible with the best Horse management practices. Clean and good quality hay, feed and water must always be available.
b) Training methods: Horses must only undergo training that matches their physical capabilities and level of maturity for their respective disciplines. They must not be subjected to methods which are abusive or cause fear.
c) Farriery and tack: Foot care and shoeing must be of a high standard. Tack must be designed and fitted to avoid the risk of pain or injury.
Fitness to compete:
a) Fitness and competence: Participation in Competition must be restricted to fit Horses and Athletes of proven competence. Horses must be allowed suitable rest period between training and competitions; additional rest periods should be allowed following travelling.
b) Health status: No Horse deemed unfit to compete may compete or continue to compete, veterinary advice must be sought whenever there is any doubt.
c) Surgical procedures: Any surgical procedures that threaten a competing Horse’s welfare or the safety of other Horses and/or Athletes must not be allowed.
d) Pregnant/recently foaled mares: Mares must not compete after their fourth month of pregnancy or with foal at foot.
e) Misuse of aids: Abuse of a Horse using natural riding aids or artificial aids (e.g. whips, spurs, etc.) will not be tolerated.
Events must not prejudice Horse welfare:
a) Competition areas: Horses must be trained and compete on suitable and safe surfaces. All obstacles and competition conditions must be designed with the safety of the Horse in mind.
b) Ground surfaces: All ground surfaces on which Horses walk, train or compete must be designed and maintained to reduce factors that could lead to injury. Sand, rubber chipping, grass are all safe.
OBJECT AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF DRESSAGE WITH GENUS-EQUUS
The object of Dressage is the development of the Horse into a happy Athlete through harmonious education. As a result, it makes the Horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with the Athlete. These qualities are demonstrated by:
•The freedom and regularity of the paces.
•The harmony, lightness and ease of the movements.
•The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originatingfrom a lively impulsion.
•The acceptance of the bit, with submissiveness/throughness (Durchlässigkeit) withoutany tension or resistance.
The Horse thus gives the impression of doing, of its own accord, what is required. Confidentand attentive, submitting generously to the control of the Athlete, remaining absolutely straight in any movement on a straight line and bending accordingly when moving on curved lines. The walk is regular, free and unconstrained. The trot is free, supple, regular and active. The canter is united, light and balanced. The hindquarters are never inactive or sluggish. The Horse responds to the slightest indication of the Athlete and thereby gives life and spirit to all the rest of its body. By virtue of a lively impulsion and the suppleness of the joints, free from the paralysing effects of resistance, the Horse obeys willingly and without hesitation and responds to the various aids calmly and with precision, displaying a natural and harmonious balance both physically and mentally. In all the work, even at the halt, the Horse must be “on the bit”. A Horse is said to be “on the bit” when the neck is more or less raised and arched according to the stage of training and the extension or collection of the pace, accepting the bridle with a light and consistent soft submissive contact. The head should remain in a steady position, as a rule slightly in front of the vertical, with a supple poll as the highest point of the neck, and no resistance should be offered to the Athlete. Cadence is shown in trot and canter and is the result of the proper harmony that a Horse shows when it moves with well marked regularity, impulsion and balance. Cadence must be maintained in all the different trot or canter exercises and in all the variations of these paces. The regularity of the paces is fundamental to Dressage.
THE MOVES AND GAITS OF DRESSAGE
The Hault: At the halt the Horse should stand attentive, engaged, motionless, straight and square with the weight evenly distributed over all four (4) legs. The neck should be raised with the poll as the highest point and the noseline slightly in front of the vertical. While remaining “on the bit” and maintaining a light and soft contact with the Athlete’s hand, the Horse may quietly chew the bit and should be ready to move off at the slightest indication of the Athlete. The halt must be shown for at least 3 seconds. The halt should be shown throughout the salute.
The Walk: The walk is a marching pace in a regular and well marked four (4) times beat with equal intervals between each beat. This regularity combined with full relaxation must be maintained throughout all walk movements.
Medium walk: A clear, regular and unconstrained walk of moderate lengthening. The Horse, remaining “on the bit”, walks energetically but relaxed with even and determined steps, the hind feet touching the ground in front of the hoof prints of the fore feet. The Athlete maintains a light, soft and steady contact with the mouth, allowing the natural movement of the Horse’s head and neck.
Collected walk: The Horse, remains “on the bit”, moves resolutely forward, with its neck raised and arched and showing a clear self carriage. The head approaches the vertical position and a light contact is maintained with the mouth. The hind legs are engaged with good hock action. The pace should remain marching and vigorous, the feet being placed in regular sequence. The steps cover less ground and are higher than at the medium walk, because all the joints bend more markedly. The Collected walk is shorter than the Medium
walk, although showing greater activity.
Extended walk: The Horse covers as much ground as possible, without haste and without losing the regularity of the steps. The hind feet touch the ground clearly infront of the hoof prints of the fore feet. The Athlete allows the Horse to stretch out the head and neck forward and downwards) without losing contact with the mouth and control of the poll. The nose must be clearly in front of the vertical.
Free Walk: The free walk is a pace of relaxation in which the Horse is allowed complete freedom to lower and stretch out his head and neck. The degree of ground cover and length of strides, with hind feet stepping clearly in front of the footprints of the front feet, are essential to the quality of the free walk.
The Trot: The trot is a two (2) beat pace of alternate diagonal legs (left fore and right hind leg and vice versa) separated by a moment of suspension.
Working trot: This is a pace between the Collected and the Medium trot, in which a Horse’s training is not yet developed enough and ready for collected movements. The Horse shows proper balance and, remaining “on the bit”, goes forward with even, elastic steps and good hock action. The expression “good hock action” underlines the importance of an impulsion originating from the activity of the hindquarters.
Collected trot: The Horse, remaining “on the bit”, moves forward with the neck raised and arched. The hocks, being well engaged and flexed, must maintain an energetic impulsion, enabling the shoulders to move with greater mobility, thus demonstrating complete self carriage. Although the Horse’s steps are shorter than in the other trots, elasticity and cadence are not lessened.
Medium trot: This is a pace of moderate lengthening compared to the Extended trot, but “rounder” than the latter. Without hurrying, the Horse goes forward with clearly lengthened steps and with impulsion from the hindquarters. The Athlete allows the Horse to carry the head a little more in front of the vertical than at the Collected and the Working trot, and to lower the head and neck slightly. The steps should be even, and the whole movement balanced and unconstrained.
Extended trot: The Horse covers as much ground as possible. Without hurrying, the steps are lengthened to the utmost as a result of great impulsion from the hindquarters. The Athlete allows the Horse to lengthen the frame and to gain ground whilst controlling the poll. The fore feet should touch the ground on the spot towards which they are pointing. The movement of the fore and hind legs should reach equally forward in the moment of extension. The whole movement should be well balanced and the transition to Collected trot should be smoothly executed by taking more weight on the hindquarters.
The Canter: The canter is a three (3) beat pace where, in canter to the right, for example, the footfall is as follows: left hind, left diagonal (simultaneously left fore and right hind), right fore, followed by a moment of suspension with all four (4) feet in the air before the next stride begins.
Working canter: This is a pace between the Collected and the Medium canter, in which a Horse’s training is not yet developed enough and ready for collected movements. The Horse shows natural balance while remaining “on the bit”, and goes forward with even, light and active strides and good hock action. The expression “good hock action” underlines the importance of an impulsion originating from the activity of the hindquarters.
Collected canter: The Horse, remaining “on the bit”, moves forward with the neck raised and arched. The hocks, being well engaged, maintain an energetic impulsion, enabling the shoulders to move with greater mobility thus demonstrating self carriage and an uphill tendency. The Horse’s strides are shorter than in the other canters, without losing elasticity and cadence.
Medium canter: This is a pace between the Working and the Extended canter. Without hurrying, the Horse goes forward with clearly lengthened strides and impulsion from the hindquarters. The Athlete allows the Horse to carry the head a little more in front of the vertical than in the Collected and Working canter, and at the same time allows the Horse, to lower the head and neck slightly. The strides should be balanced and unconstrained.
Extended canter: The Horse covers as much ground as possible. Without hurrying, the strides are lengthened to the utmost. The Horse remains calm, light and straight as a result of great impulsion from the hindquarters. The Athlete allows the Horse to lengthen the frame with a controlled pol l and to gain ground. The whole movement should be well balanced and the transition to Collected canter should be smoothly executed by taking more weight on the hindquarters.
Counter canter: The Counter canter is a balancing and straightening movement that must be executed in collection. The Horse canters in correct sequence with the outside foreleg leading with positioning to the side of the leading leg. The foreleg should be aligned to the same track as the hind leg.
Simple change of leg at the canter: This is a movement in which, after a direct transition out of the canter into a walk, with three (3) to five (5) clearly defined steps, an immediate
transition is made into the other canter lead.
Flying change of leg: The flying change is performed in one (1) stride with the front and hind legs changing at the same moment. The change of the leading front and hind leg takes place during the moment of suspension. The aids should be precise and unobtrusive. Flying changes of leg can also be executed in series at every 4th, 3rd, 2nd or at every stride. The Horse, even in the series, remains light, calm and straight with lively impulsion, maintaining the same rhythm and balance throughout the series concerned. In order not to
restrict or restrain the lightness, fluency and groundcover of the flying changes in series, enough impulsion must be maintained. Aims of flying changes: To show the reaction, sensitivity and obedience of the Horse to the aids for the change of leg.
The Passage: Passage is a measured, very collected, elevated and cadenced trot. It is characterised by a pronounced engagement of the hindquarters, a more accentuated flexion of the knees and hocks, and the graceful elasticity of the movement. Each diagonal pair of legs is raised and returned to the ground alternately, with cadence and a prolonged suspension. In principle, the height of the toe of the raised forefoot should be level with the middle of the cannon bone of the other supporting foreleg. The toe of the raised hind foot should be slightly above the fetlock joint of the other supporting hind leg. The neck should be raised and gracefully arched with the poll as the highest point and the nose line close to the vertical. The Horse should remain light, and soft “on the bit” without altering the cadence. The impulsion remains lively and pronounced. Irregular steps with the hind or front legs, swinging the forehand or the hindquarters from one (1) side to the other, as well as jerky movements of the forelegs or the hind legs, dragging the hind legs or double beat in the moment of suspension are serious faults. The aim of passage is too demonstrate the highest degree of collection, cadence and suspension in the trot.
The Piaffe: Piaffe is a highly collected, cadenced, elevated diagonal movement giving the impression of remaining in place. The Horse’s back is supple and elastic. The hindquarters are lowered; the haunches with active hocks are well engaged, giving great freedom, lightness and mobility to the shoulders and forehand. Each diagonal pair of legs is raised and returned to the ground alternately, with spring and an even cadence. In principle, the height of the toe of the raised forefoot should be level with the middle of the cannon bone of the other supporting foreleg. The toe of the raised hind foot should reach just above the fetlock joint of the other supporting hind leg. The neck should be raised and gracefully arched, with the poll as the highest point. The Horse should remain “on the bit” with a supple poll, maintaining soft contact. The body of the Horse should move in a supple, cadenced and harmonious movement. Piaffe must always be animated by a lively impulsion and characterised by perfect balance. While giving the impression of remaining in place, there may be a visible inclination to advance, this being displayed by the Horse’s eager acceptance to move forward as soon as it is asked. Moving even slightly backwards, irregular or jerky steps with the hind or front legs, no clear
diagonal steps, crossing either the fore or hind legs, or swinging either the forehand or the hindquarters from one (1) side to the other, getting wide behind or in front, moving too much forward or double beat rhythm are all serious faults. The aim of piaffe is to demonstrate the highest degree of collection while giving the impression of remaining in place.
COMPETEING IN DRESSAGE WITH GENUS-EQUUS
- Competitions may be run by members, or associations freely unless they breech the Rules & Regulations of Genus-Equus.
- Competitions must be fair for all Athletes.
- The arena must be enclosed.
- An indoor Competition arena must have minimum size of 1’200 m² with a minimum width on the short side of 20metres.
- An outdoor Competition arena must have a minimum size of 4’000 m² with a minimum width on the short side of 50metres.
- The Course Designer must show Members how the Dressage arena is set up depending on level. Please see Image below for guide.
GENUS-EQUUS GENERAL DRESSAGE RULE AND GUIDE ATTIRE, POINTS, PRIZES
General Prizes and Points:
If you do money or cash prize as they say, you must make sure you are prepared to host for the working out of distribution to each placed member who will earn cash prizes. There must be a 25% entry fee to the oeverall cash prize. Example £15,000 is cash prize this means the entry fee must be £3,750. IF you have difficulties working out go to google and enter in "25% of "cash prize" this will then show you an answer of the entry fee. To give even distribution to the top 3 who have placed you must hand it out like this:
Total Prize: £15,000
1st - £10,000
2nd - £3,000
3rd - £2,000
To distribute points must be as follows.
First : Competitors should show the horse has true natural paces, is obedient, calm and relaxed - Max Total Points - 5
Second: The horse should now be able to show some lengthened strides in the trot and canter and perform some 10 or 15 meter circles in the trot or canter. - Max Total Points - 8
Third: Level demands the trot (normal and collected), canter (normal and collected), counter-canter, rein-back and 180 degree pirouette. - Max Total Points - 10
Fourth: The movements at this level should be executed without tension. Adding on to the moves from the previous level are the walking 180 degree pirouettes and flying changes. - Max Total Points - 12
International Competition: The horse at this level should be in perfect harmony with the rider. 180 and 360 degree pirouettes in the canter, counter-canter and flying changes at every fourth stride are expected. - Max Total Points - 15
Prix St-Georges - Max Total Points - 18
Intermediate 1 (relatively advanced) - Max Total Points - 20
Intermediate 2 (advanced) - Max Total Points - 22
Grand Prix (highly advanced) Max Total Points - 25
International Championships - Max Total Points - 28
To distribute Points to the placed horse and the others please look at how to do this below:
Dressage (International Championships Level 10.) 30pts.
1st - 15pts
2nd - 10pts
3rd - 3pts
4th - 1pts
5th - 1pts
^^Just an Example^^
Horses that have freshly registered with Genus-Equus Show Dressage Society and are only 4 Years of Age are always restricted to begin at First level. Horses that have either placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in at least every single competition ranging from level First - Intermediate 2 (advanced) may advance to Grand Prix (highly advanced) - International Championships. There are no breed restrictions, or Level restrictions IF your horse has a secondary or third Discpline. Although some restrictions may be in place for obvious reasons. For example Shetland ponies may not compete against warmbloods, Although they may compete against other shetland ponies. Renaiming of shows just like Show jumping is too allowed, like Novice junior Champions or Novice Dressage event, it can be of anything you choose of.
General Attire:
- Riders Attire must be formal, white or cream Jodhupers or breeches are to be worn, along with black knee high rubber or leather boots. Gloves of black, brown or white are optional but highly reccomended. Blunt straight spurs are optional but not reccomeded. A black hunt Coat is reccomended. HELMETS OR A TOP HAT MUST BE WORN DEPENDING ON LEVEL.
- Horse Attire must be safe, along with a Dressage saddle, or a standard English Saddle, simple O-ring, D-ring snaffle bridle is aslo reccomended, those at a higher level may wear a double reined flash bridle. Please see Image below for a breif Example of all tack used.
^^^General Dressage Attire^^^
General Prizes and Points:
- Points and prizes are awarded by placing. 1st - 3rd.
- Points are still awarded to those who come in 4th, 5th, and 6th.
- Prizes may vary between, money, rossets, trophies, saches and ribbons. Certificates are also an option. Along with Stamps to place on websites.
- Prize money may be awarded but under strict terms. Prize money must not exceed £20,000 for the winner per horse, per competition.
If you do money or cash prize as they say, you must make sure you are prepared to host for the working out of distribution to each placed member who will earn cash prizes. There must be a 25% entry fee to the oeverall cash prize. Example £15,000 is cash prize this means the entry fee must be £3,750. IF you have difficulties working out go to google and enter in "25% of "cash prize" this will then show you an answer of the entry fee. To give even distribution to the top 3 who have placed you must hand it out like this:
Total Prize: £15,000
1st - £10,000
2nd - £3,000
3rd - £2,000
To distribute points must be as follows.
First : Competitors should show the horse has true natural paces, is obedient, calm and relaxed - Max Total Points - 5
Second: The horse should now be able to show some lengthened strides in the trot and canter and perform some 10 or 15 meter circles in the trot or canter. - Max Total Points - 8
Third: Level demands the trot (normal and collected), canter (normal and collected), counter-canter, rein-back and 180 degree pirouette. - Max Total Points - 10
Fourth: The movements at this level should be executed without tension. Adding on to the moves from the previous level are the walking 180 degree pirouettes and flying changes. - Max Total Points - 12
International Competition: The horse at this level should be in perfect harmony with the rider. 180 and 360 degree pirouettes in the canter, counter-canter and flying changes at every fourth stride are expected. - Max Total Points - 15
Prix St-Georges - Max Total Points - 18
Intermediate 1 (relatively advanced) - Max Total Points - 20
Intermediate 2 (advanced) - Max Total Points - 22
Grand Prix (highly advanced) Max Total Points - 25
International Championships - Max Total Points - 28
To distribute Points to the placed horse and the others please look at how to do this below:
Dressage (International Championships Level 10.) 30pts.
1st - 15pts
2nd - 10pts
3rd - 3pts
4th - 1pts
5th - 1pts
^^Just an Example^^
Horses that have freshly registered with Genus-Equus Show Dressage Society and are only 4 Years of Age are always restricted to begin at First level. Horses that have either placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in at least every single competition ranging from level First - Intermediate 2 (advanced) may advance to Grand Prix (highly advanced) - International Championships. There are no breed restrictions, or Level restrictions IF your horse has a secondary or third Discpline. Although some restrictions may be in place for obvious reasons. For example Shetland ponies may not compete against warmbloods, Although they may compete against other shetland ponies. Renaiming of shows just like Show jumping is too allowed, like Novice junior Champions or Novice Dressage event, it can be of anything you choose of.
Thankyou for Reading.
IF YOU HAVE ANY ENQUIREES PLEASE DO PM THE GESDS OR THE ADMIN.
How to become a member of the dressage society
In order to get approval to become registered with the GEDS you must fillout the following application and PM a member of staff. This can be either Sapphire, Izel, Cha Do Hwi or Admin.
The registration fee is £50.00
[b]Show Name[/b]
[b]Breed[/b]
[b]Age[/b]
[b]D/O/B[/b]
[b]Current Points in D[/b]
[b]Previous Shows Entered[/b]
[b]Image of equine[/b] (this must be an image of either the equine trotting or cantering, this shows us how they move along flat level to help ensure the equine is sound, do not edit the image, and please get a clear side veiw if possible, no rider.)
Registration Fee is to be paid directly to Genus-Equus Bank found here > genus-equus.freeforums.net/user/14