Horse

1. TYPE OF HORSE AND HEIGHT
Horses and Ponies, any height commensurate with rider and whose conformation will not cause stress or trauma during competition for which they have been prepared or conditioned.

See Age parameters for each division of ride.

2. HORSE LOG BOOK
a.
The Log Book is to be presented to the Ride Secretary before the start of every competitive ride on collection of the rider number. Horses will not be allowed to start if the complete Log Book (including a copy of the horse’s identification document) is not presented.
b.
The current and previous (if applicable) Mastercards should be presented to the Ride Secretary in a plastic wallet and with the first four columns completed for the Ride concerned. It will then be retained by the Secretary during the ride and must be collected by the rider on return of their rider number. The Mastercard details must be completed and signed by the designated ride official (TA ) before collection. If not collected at the end of the ride. the rider is responsible for its safe return. Novice and or first season horses must have a GREEN Mastercard, WHICH MUST BE RETURNED TO THE ISSUING OFFICE AT THE END OF THE SEASON.
c.
The Log Book must be available for vets to see, if required. at the pre ride vetting.
d.
A horse/pony may only have one Log Book, registered with either the EHPS of G.B., the British Endurance Riding Association. the Scottish Endurance Riding Club or the Irish Long Distance Riding Association. Any horse/rider found to have/use duplicate Log Books will face an automatic 90 day ban from competition.
e.
Continuation Mastercards should be obtained from the Membership Secretary, a copy of the original or preceding Mastercard being sent with the application. Continuation Mastercards will be stamped with an Issue Number and date of Issue. You are strongly recommended to keep a photocopy of the Mastercard
f.
Alterations to the Mastercard may be made only by designated ride official (TA ) and must be printed in block letters and signed with the name clearly printed beneath. Should alterations be necessary, a single line through the wrong entry is sufficient. No correcting fluid is to be used. When signing the Mastercard the TA will enter any placings/ gradings or a reason for elimination. In the case of any lameness, when the vet identifies a particular leg, this will be recorded. In cases of doubt the recording will read “Failed - lame”. Where the Mastercard and Vet Sheet do not tally, the mistake should be pointed out to TA on THE DAY. Only the TA may alter and countersign it If the error is found later then the Mastercard should be returned by the competitor to Rides Committee Chairman, with an explanation of the circumstances.
Log Book (cont)
g.
The Mastercard must not be defaced or amended by any other person. UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. The penalty for falsification is that the rider will be suspended from riding for a minimum of two months. More serious transgressions will be referred to the disciplinary officials of the Society. Any Mastercard which has been defaced must be returned to Rides Committee Chairman immediately and will be dealt with on individual merits. Ride Organisers finding defaced cards should inform Rides Committee Chairman immediately and instruct the Competitor to return the card to Rides Committee Chairman.
h.
After each ride. riders must put their copy of the vet sheet into the plastic folders provided in the Log Book. in date order. There must be a copy of a Vet Sheet in the Log Book for every entry on the Mastercard. It is only necessary to keep the last two seasons Vet Sheets in the Log Book.
i.
Replacement of a lost Log Book will incur a basic charge 25.00 pounds plus 1 pound per sheet for replacement of lost documentation. It is therefore recommended that members keep photocopies of their own vet sheets to save time and expense in case of loss. The horse will not be permitted to compete again until a complete new Log Book has been obtained.
j.
In exceptional cases, where there is evidence from a horse’s Log Book that it has been eliminated due to a recurrent problem during the current season in the interest of the welfare of the horse, the Technical Adviser ON THE ADVICE OF THE SENIOR VETERINARY SURGEON, may prohibit further competition by that horse for a period of 30 days or more. An entry to this effect being made on the Horse’s Log Book Mastercard.
k.
On return of their Mastercard riders should check that the information tallies with the Vet Sheet.
l.
A Horse arriving at a Venue without a Log Book MAY be able to start on production of a £25 deposit plus £5 administration charge. Mastercard MUST be forwarded to the Ride Secretary to be completed WITHIN ONE WEEK of the event. Failure to produce the Mastercard in this time will result in forfeiting the deposit, and possibly incurring
3. FIRST COMPETITIVE SEASON

Any horse competing in its first competitive season may only compete a total of l0 competitive rides in any division or combination or divisions during that season and are NOT allowed to compete more than 260 miles in their first season, nor may they compete a distance over 50 miles, or compete on consequetive days.

1. Pleasure Rides (PR’s) or Hacking out Riding
10-20 miles
non-competitive
trot-up in front of Veterinary Surgeon before Start and after Finish (when held in conjunction with a CTR)
5mph - 8mph
2. Non-Competitive Trail Rides (NCTR’s)
Log Book required
non-competitive
21-27 miles
trot-up in front of Veterinary Surgeon together with heart rat check before Start and after Finish (to be held in conjunction with a CTR)
5mph - 8mph
To compete in the following classes, all MEMBERS’ horses must be registered with EHPS or in the case of non-members, horses must be registered with one of the other recognised Endurance Bodies.
3. Competitive Trail Rides (CTRs)
Registered horses only
Log Book required
competitive
specified speed range
vetted
Novice: 20-25 miles 6-7mph
Junior: 20-45 miles 6-8mph
Open/YR: 25-60 miles 7-12 mph

4. Progressive Trail Rides (PTR’s)
Registered horses only
Log Book required
Competitive
Vetted
Placing on a time/position basis
Distance 25-60 miles
Speed 7-12 mph
Novice and first competitive season horses ineligible

5. Endurance Rides (ER’s)
Registered horses only
Log Book required
competitive
vetted
placings on a time/position basis
Distance 40-100 miles in one day, up to 150 miles over multiple days
Minimum speed 6mph (except Summer Solstice 100 mile/day - 5mph)

CODE OF CONDUCT

RIDERS

• Be polite at all times
• Make any complaints in writing to the Organiser, preferably on the day.
• Give consideration to other riders and the general public, particularly when overtaking or passing.
• Pay attention to any special instructions given by the Organiser.
• Must be in control of horse, or not compete.
• Make sure Crews are properly briefed on general rules as well as route.

HORSES

• Should be prepared and educated to ensure a reasonable standard of behaviour.
• Riders should take particular care in vetting and farrier inspection areas, especially when crowded. Stallions do compete.

CREWS

• Do not obstruct roads, other riders, houses, gateways or the route.
• Do not obscure riders vision of Check Point location.
• Do not race around roads - rallying strictly prohibited!
• Do not precede or follow your rider on the route.
• Do not use a lorry for crowing.
• Do not leave any litter (this includes horse droppings from the trailer/lorry)

LONG DISTANCE RIDING

The sport is designed to encourage riders to use their horses effectively, safely and enjoyably while developing their Trail and Endurance rides.

By its nature the sport involves riding across some of the most beautiful areas in the British Isles (and abroad) with the permission and goodwill of landowners and rural communities.

The rules and guidance contained in this reference book reflect the competitive nature of the sport, and the desire to protect horses, riders and the good name of both the E.H.P.S of G. B. and horse riders generally.

FOLLOW THE COUNTRY CODE

• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
• Guard against all risk of fire
• Fasten all gates
• Keep your dogs under close control
• Keep to public paths across farmland
• Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls
• Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
• Take your litter home
• Help to keep all water clean
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees
• Take special care on country roads
• Make no unnecessary noise

The waymark is used in plaque or stencil form by the Countryside Commission on long-distance routes.

Taking the Pulse
The first thing the vet will usually do is take the pulse by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. The pulse is taken over a full minute, so it is important you train your horse to stand still while this is being done. At every vetting the pulse must be under 64 beats per minute (bpm) or you will be eliminated.
It is a good idea to practice taking the pulse at home. Stethoscopes can be obtained quite cheaply.

Lumps and Bumps
The vet will then check your horse over for any ‘lumps and bumps’. If it has any recent injuries, you should note these down on your vet sheet before the vetting. At the start of the ride the vet is just making sure any current marks or injuries are noted, and that the horse is fit to start the ride. At the final vetting, he will be looking for any new marks, for example saddle sores, brushing marks, bruised mouth.
Again, make sure your horse is used to be handled all over before the ride, will allow you to check inside his mouth, and pick his feet up when asked.

When a Vet asked for the Trot Up
Finally you will be asked to trot away a certain distance, normally marked with a cone, and then trot back, to see if your horse is sound. When you trot up, make sure you give your horse plenty of lead rope. Run along side the horse, so you do not obstruct the vet’s view. At the turn stay on the outside of the horse, again so you do not obstruct the vet’s view.
You will need to practice trotting up at home. Make sure your horse will trot out smartly alongside you and does not trail behind you.

If the vet thinks the horse may be lame, he will ask you to trot up again, and if he is still not sure a third time, with one of the other vets watching again. If they cannot decide whether he is lame or not after three trot ups you will be given the benefit of the doubt.

Assessing Weight

To calculate your horses weight you will need to measure (in inches):

• The length of your horse from point of shoulder to point of buttocks.
• The girth.

You will also need to asses your horses condition.Assessing your horses condition

To asses your horses condition accurately it is necessary to look at three places on the horse:

1. rump, looked at from behind.
2. back, saddle region and flanks below saddle.
3. neck, base of neck, only just in front of withers.

and give a condition score from the table below:-