RULES FOR "FIRST TIME COMPETITORS"

Entering a One Day Event

A First Time Competitor is a Driver who has never competed in a One-Day Event, which includes the three phases: Dressage, Marathon and a Cone Driving Competition.

Qualification for competing at a Grassroots Event

Before being allowed to compete at a Grassroots One-Day Event, the First Time Competitor must have attended:

Either - One Instruction Day organised or approved by the BDS or SCDA Ltd
Or - Have passed BDS Proficiency Test Level 1

A photocopy of a Competence Form signed by the Training Day Instructor, or a BDS test certificate must be submitted with entry.

Qualification for competing at a Scottish Points League Event

Before being allowed to compete at a Scottish Points League Event the First Time Competitor must:

Either - Have passed BDS Proficiency Test Level 1
Or - Have attended an Instruction Day organised or approved by the BDS or SCDA Ltd.

And

Either - Have taken part in a public outing organised or approved by the BDS or SCDA Ltd,
Or - Completed, without elimination or retirement, one Grassroots Once Day Event.

The same horse or pony entered in a proposed event must be used for both qualifying outings. A photocopy of a Competence Form signed by two of the following officials at the qualifying outings must be submitted with the entry.

The Organiser, The Technical Delegate, The Driving Judge at an event or Approved Outing, The Driving Instructor at an Approved Training day, BDS Area or Assistant Area Commissioner, An Open National Competitor nominated for the event by the SCDA Ltd or BDS.

Safety Inspection

All First Time Competitors, and Competitors entering a competition for the first time with a different format of turnout, will be asked to present themselves for a safety and competence inspection before the dressage at their first event, at a time specified by the Organiser.

Tandems

A Competitor wishing to compete with a Tandem or Team at any event, must first have completed, without elimination or retirement, three (3) Scottish Points League Qualifying Events with a single or a pair, and present themselves for a safety and competence inspection before the dressage at their first event with the Team/Tandem, at a time specified by the Organiser.

Hard Hats

It is compulsory that hard hats are worn at all times by the Driver, Groom and any Passengers when driving, especially on the Marathon.

At Scottish Club Events, no one will be penalised on presentation for wearing a hard hat for dressage and cones.

Insurance

To enter any Grassroots or Scottish Points League Event, the competitor must send proof of Third Party Liability Insurance or membership or associate membership of the British Horse Driving Trials Association Ltd or membership of the British Horse Society at a level which confers insurance cover, with the entry.

Additional Notes for the First Time Competitor

Any First Time Competitor who has complied with the qualifying conditions may enter the Newcomers, Small Pony, Single Horse/Pony or Horse/Pony Pairs Class.

A One-Day Event has a Marathon with an average length of 8-15 km, often over hilly terrain. Ponies must be fit enough to complete this distance at a trot.

Don't substitute fitness with over feeding concentrates. Your pony will be excited enough at his first event without extra oats!

The Rules and Time Keeping of a ODE are quite complex and need to be studied carefully before entering. Ask an experienced driver if in doubt.