Depending on entries Class 8 (Dressage to Christmas music) maybe split into Restricted & Open Sections as well as pairs & Individuals. Previous winners of the class and BHS stage 4 Coaches or above may be split into an Open Section.

Class 8 Dressage to music information

Music to be sent by email in advance of the competition date please (there will NOT be a CD player available) to heatherlewissrc@gmail.com

This is a freestyle class where you will receive marks for the content of the test, plus extra marks for artistic impression.

Marks will be awarded for the following:

Technical content (each out of 10)

·         Entrance and first halt

·         Medium walk – show minimum of 20m continuous walk

·         Free walk OR extended walk – show minimum of 20m continuous walk

·         Trot on right rein

·         Trot on left rein – any acceptable trot is allowed i.e. collected, working, medium, extended

·         Canter on right rein

·         Canter on left rein – any acceptable canter is allowed i.e. collected, working, medium, extended

·         Final halt

·         Fluency and balance of transitions

Total available for technical content = 90

Note: if you are performing an Intro level freestyle and will not be cantering, this is fine. The requirement for canter will be removed from the sheet with the total marks possible now being 70

Artistic Marks (each carrying a co-efficient of x2)

·         Rhythm, energy & elasticity – this is similar to the paces and impulsion marks in regular tests.

·         Harmony between horse and rider – similar to the co-operation and rider results marks in regular tests.

·         Choreography – i.e. was there good use of the arena and an easy to follow pattern? Were the movements roughly symmetrical?

·         Inventiveness – i.e. was the pattern interesting, with different lines used from regular tests? Did the partnership show complex movements relevant to the level? Were the centre line or threequarter lines utilised?

·         Music and interpretation of the music – was the music suitable for the horse? Did the tempo match the footfalls of the paces? Were highlights in the phrasing of the music used to show off the movements?

·         Decorations / Outfit – this is a fancy dress class. The judge will deduct marks if only one of rider/horse is dressed up. For full marks, the Christmas fancy dress should be on both horse and rider. A current standard hard hat MUST be worn and footwear should be safe and acceptable for riding. Boots or bandages worn by the horse are allowed for this class.

·         Overall enjoyment factor by the judge

Total available for artistic marks = 140

You are allowed to show any movements in your freestyle from any dressage level. Be inventive and show off your horse’s strengths! Done well, dressage to music is a performance with horse and rider looking like they are dancing to the music.

Entries in advance only. You can book using our Secure Online Entry System.
Payment is secure and it goes directly to Solent Riding Club.
You will receive an email confirmation of your booking and payment.

Rules and Conditions of Entry

1. All persons entering the show ground shall be bound by these rules and regulations.

2. The Organising Committee do not accept liability for damage, any accident or injury of any kind to any person, animal or property whatsoever.

3. The Judge’s decision is final.

4. The Committee reserves the right to refuse an entry/entries without reason, alter the time, date and schedule and allocation of prizes.

5. Any competitor who, in the eyes of the judges ill-treats or causes unnecessary suffering to any horse or pony will be asked to leave the showground.

6. No horse or pony may be entered in the same class more than once with the same rider. An exception is class 7 where you can make two entries and ride at two levels if you wish.

7. It is regretted that no entry fees can be refunded.

8. Objections must be made in writing and given to the Secretary within 15 minutes of the incident, with a deposit of £5.00, which will be returned if the objection is upheld.

9. A current standard hard hat MUST be worn for all classes along with safe and appropriate footwear. 

10. Christmas outfits or jumpers are allowed in all classes, however, tack and equipment used on horses must adhere to BD rules for classes 1-7. No boots or bandages allowed in these classes. For class 8 full fancy dress is allowed with any tack acceptable. If not wearing a Christmas outfit/jumper riders can wear normal competition dress or a smart polo shirt/jumper.

11. Judging will be run under current British Dressage rules, or British Riding Club rules, where different. Under BRC rules, rising trot is allowed at all levels. All tests are available from the BD website.

12. Lorries/trailer parking in the carpark. No hay nets to be tied to the outside of lorries or trailers and all droppings and litter MUST be removed from the lorry/trailer park. Please do not leave horses tied up unattended to the outside of your lorry/trailer.

13. First aiders are on site – contact the secretary if required. In an emergency dial 999.