GENERAL RULES

1. Everybody mounted on the show ground must wear protective headgear that includes a permanently fitted, non-detachable retaining harness that must be securely fastened, including leaders in Lead Rein jumping classes. It is strongly recommended that hats conform to the new standards PAS015 and BSI kite marked, but the club has no responsibility for ensuring these standards are met.
    

2. Regulation whips specific BRC approved bat style whips for all jumping competitions. A judge may exclude any competitor from any class if, in his or her opinion, for inappropriate use of the whip.
    

3. Competitors should ensure that the correct attire is worn.

   1. Light coloured jodhpurs

   2. Riding/hacking jacket (fastened)

   3. Stock/tie

   4. Plain black or brown long or short riding boots with a suitable heel and no side laces.
      PLEASE BE AWARE YARD STYLE BOOTS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR COMPETITIONS

   5. Long hair should be tied or netted securely back.
       

4. No competitor will be permitted to enter a ring unless wearing a legible number.
    

5. Any person ill-treating any horse or pony, or riding in a dangerous manner will be disqualified and told to leave the show ground without refunds.
    

6. The committee reserve the right to disqualify the owner or rider for any act of discourtesy to the committee or officials and to ban the offender from future events.
    

7. When not in a ring or warm up area, horses and ponies must only be ridden at a walk
    

8. A rider may enter more than one horse in any event, where suitable, but no horse can be entered in the same class more than once.
    

9. Stallions and colts are allowed but must be bitted at all times and handled by an adult over 18 years of age. Stallion Discs MUST be worn at all times.
    

10. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO LEAVE HORSE/PONIES UNATTENDED WHEN TIED UP OUTSIDE VEHICLES.
     

11. Riders age as of 1st January of the year of entry. Members cannot change age sections during the season.
     

12. Competitors entering a show on the Lead Rein are confined to it throughout the show and must remain on it whilst on the show ground. Those competitors wishing to come off the Lead Rein during the show may do so, but they can only return to it at the committee’s discretion. Rules apply with the exception for Lead Rein Jumping (see SJ schedule rules). Leaders must wear hard hat whilst leading.
     

13. All protests and objections must be made in writing, stating the grounds for such objection, within 30 minutes of the result being declared and must be accompanied by a £10.00 deposit only refundable if the objection is upheld at the next committee meeting.
     

14. The decision of the judge is final and no competitor or spectator may approach the judge on the field over the decision.
     

15. The committee reserve the right to divide or combine any class, or reduce the number of prizes, due to the number of entries.
     

16. In all Show Jumping classes BRC rules apply.
     

17. In all Showing classes BHS rules apply.
     

18. No bikes to be ridden on the show ground.
     

19. All dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times and, if possible, restrained from barking at the ring side.
     

20. Please take all your litter home and ensure g trailer/horse box is left tidy.
     

21. Entry fees will only be refunded on the production of a valid doctors/vets certificate.
     

22. Proof of posting does not mean proof of receipt. If your entries do not appear in any class we must assume that your entries have been lost in the post and it will be necessary for you to re-enter.
     

23. Errors and enquires must be dealt with at the office as no rider will be allowed to enter a ring unless their name appears on the sheet.
     

24. Minimum age of equines: Ridden 3 years, jumping 4 years, one day event 5 years old. Note – horses will be deemed to change age as of 01/01, as per breed society rules.
     

25. Macclesfield and District Riding Club and the committee disclaim any responsibility for loss, injury or damage to persons, animals or property howsoever caused.
     

26. The club has a Health & Safety policy. We recommend that members and competitors make themselves aware of this policy (available from the office)
     

27. Competitors in absolute beginners, pre-novice and junior novice classes cannot wear spurs.
     

28. Length of spurs not to exceed 2cm and must be fitted correctly. No rowel spurs allowed.
     

29. Only leather or synthetic bridles allowed.
     

30. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied at the showground by an adult at all times to comply with our Health and Safety policy. Any unaccompanied children will NOT be allowed to compete as the adult will be responsible for their entries. (adult signature required on entry form)
     

31. If a competitor competes HC (non-competitive) in a class, they must remain HC for the remainder of the show in that specific ring.
     

32. Hair must be neatly secured and MUST not hang lower than the shoulder line when standing normally. Any item of jewellery or alternative medical treatment wrist bands must be covered up by clothing or gloves, (or in the case of piercings, covered by plasters) if they cannot be removed, and are worn at the riders own risk.
     

33. SAFETY RECOMMENDATION - When riding or handling horses/ponies on the showground, suitable attire/headwear should be worn.
     

34. It is the responsibility of the rider to ensure they are aware of the rules that may apply to any class they enter.
     

35. If any member of the committee or judge has concerns about the welfare of a horse, they have the right to challenge entry to a class.
     

36. The welfare/fitness of the horses/ponies must be taken into account if you are considering doing numerous jumping classes. We advise that NO MORE than 3 Jumping Classes (or 6 rounds, including jump offs) should be completed in one day.
     

37. You must not post or transmit any material which could damage the name or reputation of MDRC, its competitors, organisers or judges.  Any person found guilty of this would constitute a breach of MDRC rules and could result in the person being banned from the club and could also result in civil/criminal proceedings being brought against you.