Safety and Rules

Rules & Regulations

Local Division Guidelines

Under Equestrian Canada rules, organizers may hold one or more divisions under EC Bronze sanctioning as “Local Divisions” provided that the specifications for these divisions do not exceed that of the “Entry” division.
For BC, these local divisions are Pre-Entry and Starter.
The aim of the Pre-Entry and Starter levels is to make introductory eventing simple, encouraging, and enjoyable for both horse and rider.

Link to Local Division Guidelines

Equestrian Canada
Rules & Regulations

EC Eventing Rules and Regulations cover sanctioned Horse Trials from Entry through Advanced divisions. Every competitor should be familiar with the rules of their sport and know how to look up information for themselves.

Two Sections of the Rule Book pertain to Eventing:

Section A: General Regulations
www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/rules

Section D: Eventing
www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/rules

FEI Rules & Regulations

FEI Eventing Rules and Regulations cover international eventing competitions from CCI* through CCI5* both Long and Short formats.

Link to FEI Eventing rules:

inside.fei.org/fei/disc/eventing/rules

Link to FEI Eventing Ranking rules:

inside.fei.org/fei/disc/eventing/rules

Do you have an idea for a new rule or would like to see a rule changed or clarified?

Rule changes are accepted between Jan 1 and May 31 each year. All current EC Sport License holders may submit rule changes.

EC Rule Ammendment

Did You Know…?

Some highlighted rule changes for 2021. Full summary is here

French Links are allowed. The center link may be a flat link but it must lie in the same plane as the rest of the bit. (Not to be confused with Dr Bristol )

For XC a Throat latch is compulsory. Micklems are still allowed.

The whip is not to be used more than TWO times (previously 3) in any one incident. Visible whip marks on a horse are ALWAYS considered excessive.

    Blood on horses must be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Ground Jury. Not all cases of blood will lead to elimination and an Eventing Recorded Warning or a Warning Red Card.

      For Cross Country, any addition to cheek pieces are forbidden. (sheepskin or other material)

        For Show Jumping only, Leather sheepskin or other material, may be used on cheek pieces of the bridle, providing the material does not exceed three centimeters in diameter measured from the horse’s cheek.

          A competitor after having knocked down a flag at an obstacle as a consequence of a run out, may ask the fence judge for the flag to be repositioned, but no time will be deducted.

            Any competitor who leaves the event site after a fall without submitting to the examination required will automatically be issued and Eventing Recorded Warning for Incorrect Behavior.

              Modifications to the Eventing Recorded Warning /Warning Red Card System for 2021.

              Safety & Rules Topics

              Frangible Devices

               

              In the interest of safety, we will start to see more and more frangible devices like MIM Clips on cross country courses at EV105 and up. The types of fences using these devices will include verticals, gates, open corners, and all open oxers.

              What is a MIM clip and how does it work? 1 minute video

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFuk6b0-cns

              How to Install the MIM Clip to Post & Rail and Oxer Fences - Safety in Eventing 4:49 min video

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F4MBIyjtSw&t=11s

              Activating a frangible device during competition may result in 11 penalties (Art D 311.1.3)

              For detailed information on frangible devices, please check out the Deformable and Frangible Devices page on the FEI website.https://inside.fei.org/fei/disc/eventing/risk-management/devices

              EC’s Accidents & Return to Sport Rule

              EC’s concussion-related Accidents & Return to Sport Rule came into effect Jan. 1, 2017 for all EC sanctioned competitions in Canada.

              The full rule can be found in the EC Rules, Section A, General Regulations, Article 101 page 1.

              Key components of the rule include the following:

              • In the event of a fall/accident where a concussion can be reasonably suspected, the competitors must receive medical clearance by qualified medical personnel onsite before continuing to compete.
              • The competitor is solely responsible for ensuring the onsite medical assessment takes place. Should a competitor refuse to be evaluated, they will be disqualified from the competition.
              • If onsite qualified medical personnel suspect a concussion or believe the competitor may be at risk of concussion due to the nature of the fall or impact, the competitor will be suspended from competition and placed on a Medical Suspension List until medically released.
              • Competitors will remain on the EC Medical Suspension List until they submit an EC Return-to-Sport Form, signed by a licensed physician, to EC.
              • No competitor shall compete at EC sanctioned competitions while on the EC Medical Suspension List and competition organizers may refuse entry to anyone currently on the list.

              For much more information go to Equestrian Canada’s Concussion Awareness page and scroll down. https://www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/rules/concussion-awareness

              After a suspected concussion, when can you start riding again? You can find general guidance on the Equestrian Return to Sport Strategy https://www.parachutecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Equestrian-Return-to-Sport-Strategy.pdf but always consult with your doctor first.