Competition Rules
The following is a summary of the rules that apply to events organised by Chester Horse Driving Trials Group. We follow the National rules of the British Horse Driving Trials Association but there are one or two differences, which we consider to be more appropriate to the scale of our organisation or to make matters simpler for newcomers.
All motorised vehicles at any event should be suitable for purpose.
Please note: The Committee/Organisers reserve the right to cancel or amalgamate classes where necessary.
It is strongly recommended that all members,
competitors, grooms and helpers are familiar with the rules used for National Competitions
This should not however be relied upon for any substitute for studying the National rules before competing.
- An event usually consists of three phases, as follows;
Competition ‘A’ – Presentation (A1) and Dressage (A2)
Competition ‘B’ – Marathon
Competition ‘C’ – Cone DrivingIt is not necessary for competitors to enter all 3 sections.
Unless stated to the contrary in the schedule an event will run in the sequence ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘B’. Prize giving is dismounted. Only competitors who enter all 3 sections will be eligible for points on the league table. - Presentation will be at the halt for the Novice classes and will be 30 minutes before Dressage times.
- Vehicles fitted with pneumatic tyres are permitted only in the Pre - Novice class.
- Safety checks will be carried out for all classes 10 minutes before your individual start times on the marathon. Any safety problems that cannot be rectified before your start time will mean that you will not be allowed to start. It is advisable to carry spares.
- Membership of the BHDTA is not necessary. However, any competitor who is NOT a member of the BHDTA must ensure that he/she has adequate third party insurance cover and will be liable to be required to produce evidence of such cover. Production of a current BHDTA membership card is acceptable. Failure to produce evidence of cover will incur disqualification, and you will have to leave.
- A competent groom (two people in the case of teams) must be carried in all competitions at all times.
- Junior whips up to the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an experienced adult. Minimum age allowed for drivers and grooms will be 12 years.
- All members of the crew must wear a properly secured hard hat in competition ‘B’. Anyone exercising a horse/pony at an event should wear a hard hat that complies with BSI 4472 or 6473 or BS EN 1384. This applies to BOTH riding and driving.
- Before being allowed to compete in an Open class, drivers must have completed three, three section competitions, without retirement or elimination, as a single OR been assessed as competent by two approved Club assessors.
- If you have competed and won a National Event you have to compete in an Open class at CHDTG events. There are exceptions for the intermediate class.
- Classes will be combined if there are less than two competitors in any class.
- Horses and ponies must be at least four years old. Any animal that is more than 148 cm high unshod or 149cm shod is classed as a horse.
- Ponies 10.2 and under will be allowed an extra 2 minutes on the walk section. Competitors must state pony size on their entry form if they wish to be given extra time.
- Timing will reflect the prevailing ground conditions.
- Electric fences may be allowed at the discretion of the organisers, by agreement prior to the event.
- Cones: Speed – all open and multiple classes will compete at the speed currently being driven at National events unless the terrain deems it unsafe when a slower speed will be applied.
Intermediates will be allowed an extra 30 metres per minute. The speed for the course will be clearly posted on the Notice Board prior to the start of the event. Cantering in the cones for all classes at all events, is left to the discretion of the organiser. This must either be declared in the event schedule and/or posted at the event.All classes except pre novice will have their axles measured after completing the cones course.The cones must be run by the Technical Delegate, the Organiser, the Chairman, the Secretary, the Judge or other committee Appointed responsible and knowledgeable person. - Dogs must be kept on a lead AT ALL TIMES AT ALL EVENTS. A penalty of £5 will be served on the owner of any dog that is found off the lead at any event.
- The Committee have the power to warn and then if necessary expel any driver who is deemed to be incompetent and a danger to others.
- The Committee has the right to refuse membership and/or event entry at its discretion, and without explanation.
- The Committee/Organisers of each event will reserve the right to alter the rules, as conditions dictate, but any alterations will be posted by the event secretary, if they have not previously been notified in the event schedule.
- Any member not competing at but attending an event will, if requested by a committee member, be expected to help.
- All living accommodation and Horseboxes on site are required to have a fire extinguisher (powder recommended) in line with Health & Safety regulations. Periodically committee members will check fire extinguishers.
- All members to take responsibility for cleaning up their area before leaving an event site.
- Competitors wishing to object or complain about the marathon course at an event must submit their objection, in writing, to the Secretary by 6pm on Saturday. The Committee and T.D will then deal with the complaint and their decision is final.
- Objections or appeals to results must be lodged, with £20 cash, within 1/2 hour of the results being posted.
- Reflectors must be fitted to the rear of all carriages that go onto the public highway.
- Cones are to be walked without horse/pony in attendance.
All motorised vehicles at any event should be suitable for purpose.
Please note: The Committee/Organisers reserve the right to cancel or amalgamate classes where necessary.
It is strongly recommended that all members,
competitors, grooms and helpers are familiar with the rules used for National Competitions