Eventers - who's fault is this.

TarrSteps said:
Oh, absolutely! But if people are obviously stressed and inexperienced most judges/officials are more on the lookout. I've actually had "discussions" with the parent's of kids where the kid knew the rules better and the parents were encouraging them to do/wear the wrong thing!
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Yes, and yes- because mum organises a PC ODE (and Al's been doing PC since she was 6...) we know the rules almost verbatim. But the parents who come up to the desk on the day of the event and argue the toss about why little darling wasn't allowed to do dressage in the gag is astonishing!

The current white breeches with tweed rule is one which confuses me- is it allowed, or is it at the judges discretion for docking points or something? A girl in the class I was writing for was wearing this combination so the judge made a note on it saying essentially saying watch out... The girl was later complaining on FB about this warning (no penalties or anything!). Was the judge right?
 
Lolo said:
If someone tore into me for not noticing, they'd be a steward short for the rest of my shift... I will do my best to notice (I managed to spot someone had a copper roller snaffle in once!) but it is NOT my job- I get them to the right arena at the right time, and will remind them of any obvious rule breakers... It is 100% the rider's responsibility.

That makes me almost unnecessarily angry :O
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Me too I thought it was bang out of order even in the stress of the moment it's not acceptable, but I was working in at the time and felt unable to intervene I felt really bad later like I had turned a blind eye to something wrong.
 
How were the stewards to know that the rider didnt like to warm up in them and just put them on for the test? Nothing to do with the steward.
 
Judges at all levels will help if they can - at the Barcelona Olympics a Polish rider came in with plastic spurs. He was given the 2 minutes he had before his start time to go and change them. He was lucky that the judge at C looked up at the right moment and the previous competitor had not gone far away!
At 2* CCI level the riders must have done a CIC at the same level to qualify so would have had to have worn spurs. The minimum age is 16 and the course is strong intermediate level so they are not beginners. If they are not capable of reading the rule book then they are surely up to asking someone to help them. Riders have to take responsibility for themselves in all phases. It is an adult competition and should be run as such, not a nursery party.
 
In a WEG qualifier, on a borrowed horse I'd only known for a couple of days I managed to come in 1st.
An was then eliminated :( We warmed up, as was recommended by his owners, using a flash, which is allowed in able-bodied FEI but not Para FEI – it was an unfortunate mistake but a lesson well learned and no ones fault but my own. As a rider it is your own responsibility to know the rules.
 
Gamebird said:
I've also pointed out bit rings to people who were completely oblivious.
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I once had to remove remove bit rings (biscuits) before a BE dressage, so the steward very helpfully held the pony while I removed them in front of her, it was only about 3 months later I found out that that bit itself wasn't actually dressage legal! Entirely an assumption on my part but nobody had told me otherwise to that point!
 
Why? Vs wearing a heavy dark coat or using a bit? ;) There has been discussion about it at various times and it's stood. There are tiny sours to be had and no rule that says the rider has to actually use them. :)
 
ldlp111 said:
Why do you 'have' to wear spurs? :)
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Because of some ridiculous rule that says you have to wear them at a specific level. I dont understand it at all. Surely its better if you DONT have to wear spurs...! I guess its the same as them demanding you wear a double bridle too though, which IMO should be optional.

I think in this case it is the riders fault. TBF who says that the steward even knows the rules to that degree?
 
MagicMelon said:
Because of some ridiculous rule that says you have to wear them at a specific level. I dont understand it at all. Surely its better if you DONT have to wear spurs...! I guess its the same as them demanding you wear a double bridle too though, which IMO should be optional.

I think in this case it is the riders fault. TBF who says that the steward even knows the rules to that degree?
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It shows acceptance of the lighter aids. Only horses that tend go be in a snaffle a high levels are the ones that WONT go in a double. Training issue.

David Hunt has lots to say on the issue.
 
Spurs are refining aids, traditionally used AFTER the horse accepts the broader aid of the leg alone, as the work gets more precise and reactions need to be quicker and sharper. They are supposed to be the sign of an educated horse and rider, not a red flag the horse won't go without them.

Hence the genesis of the term ' to earn your spurs'.
 
Yes, spurs are not a goad, they are a super-refined aid, to give a pin-point accurate aid.
Also, having ridden a horse at higher levels who was super-sensitive and absolutely did not need (or want!) them, it is perfectly possible to fit your short spurs low, keep your heels turned a little out, and never have the spurs come into contact with the horse's sides... ;) ;) ;) ways and means...
 
CalllyH said:
Agree it's the riders responsibility but what an absolutely stupid rule
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MagicMelon said:
Because of some ridiculous rule that says you have to wear them at a specific level. I dont understand it at all. Surely its better if you DONT have to wear spurs...! I guess its the same as them demanding you wear a double bridle too though, which IMO should be optional.

I think in this case it is the riders fault. TBF who says that the steward even knows the rules to that degree?
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All the rules are assessed and looked at on a regular basis by a panel of very experienced and knowledgable people in consultation with all the officials and riders. If they think the rule is there for good reason then I would suggest that it is neither stupid or ridiculous!
 
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