OVERALL RULES: 

1.   Riders must check in at official table at the entrance to xc course and pick up one pinnie number for each horse/rider combination. Each horse/rider combination will keep the same pinney throughout the day.  Each horse/rider combination may compete in multiple rounds and at multiple levels.  For placings, only the best score for each combination will count at each level.  A rider may enter more than 1 horse.

2.   Start times will be provided prior to Sunday, Dec 7. Course maps, optimum times, and maximum allowable times will be available on Saturday, Dec 6.

3.  Trainers may offer assistance to riders on course.

4.   Riders must jump all numbered fences for their level, in numerical order.  If a rider misses a fence, they may back track and jump that fence if they have not yet jumped the next numbered fence.  If a rider misses a fence and does not back track, they may continue on and complete their course, but they will be eliminated. 

5.   Riders are eliminated on their 4th refusal on course.  They must leave the course at that time.  Riders will be permitted to ride additional derby rounds they have signed up for, and they can add additional rounds if time slots are available.

6.   A refusal occurs when a horse fails to jump a numbered fence or obstacle due to stopping or running-out.  At a water obstacle, ditch, or bank, a refusal occurs if a horse stops and steps backwards away from the obstacle. A horse may move laterally at one of these obstacles and then proceed forward over the obstacle, as long as it does not step backwards.  If the rider turns and re-presents, it is considered a refusal.

7.   Falls: There will be NO safety/medical team on site. After a fall, riders are eliminated for that round and must leave the course following a fall.  Riders can ride additional rounds at their own discretion. All participants are required to acknowledge the SAzEA waiver/release when signing up.

8.   Scoring:  Placings will be based on the horse/rider combination with the lowest number of faults, and closest to the optimum time without going over.  See scoring information listed below. Riders are asked to adhere to the honor system if no jump judge is available at a specific jump.

9.   An official or SAzEA Board Member may eliminate a rider on course or in the warm-up area for excessive whipping, dangerous riding, excessive speed, injury to the horse or unsoundness, or improper/dangerous equipment (draw reins, etc).  There are no refunds for riders eliminated for these reasons. 

10. Dress: Casual riding attire is appropriate.  Paddock boots and half- or full-chaps are allowed. Tack, crops, and spurs must adhere to USEA requirements.  All riders participating in schooling, pace course, and derby must wear XC Safety equipment including safety vest and ASTM approved helmet.  An air vest is highly recommended.

11. General schooling will be allowed for 1 hour after the derby, ONLY FOR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE DERBY.  Please note that work crews will be removing flags and numbers at this time.  The cost for schooling is $45. Register in the shop under the appropriate item.

SCORING/FAULTS:

1st Refusal on course – 4 faults

2nd or 3rd Refusal on course – 8 faults

4th Refusal on course – Elimination, must leave course at a walk.

Rail – 4 faults

Time – 1 fault per second or portion of second over optimum time.

Fall of rider and/or horse – elimination

Exceeding maximum time allowed - elimination

Pairs Pace Class Rules. The SAzEA Derby Rules apply to the Pairs Pace Class, with the following clarifications: 

1.   The time will begin when the first rider passes the start line, and the 2nd rider passes the finish line. 

2.   Both horse/rider combinations must finish in order to count in the placings.  However, if one pair is eliminated, the other may finish the course if they want to, for schooling purposes.

3.   Riders will ride the same level (Starter, Beg Novice, or Novice) and follow the same course.  

4.   No watches will be allowed in the Pairs Pace Class.

  5.   Horse/Rider combinations must jump every jump, one horse/rider combination at a time, maintaining a safe distance between horse/rider combinations.

6.   If one horse/rider combination has a refusal or runout, only that combination must re-present the question.  The horse/rider combination that jumped successfully can wait for their partner or proceed on course.

7.   Placings will be based on the pair with the lowest number of faults, and closest to the optimum time without going over.  We are asking for riders to adhere to the honor system if jump judges are not available at every jump.

Lead Line Class – Rider must be led by an experienced handler on a safe horse with saddle. Horse must have halter and lead rope.  Bridle is optional under the halter.  Course will be 2-3 minutes and will include 4-5 obstacles that can be stepped over.  Obstacles will be less than one foot, with an optional SJ rail place on the ground next to the obstacles.  Water obstacle will be optional.  Rider must wear ATSM approved helmet, and safety vest is recommended.  The class will not be timed.

Fun Run – runners will cover a 3-5 kilometer course, with several “jumps” and a water option.  All runners will start at the same time.

Canine XC Challenge – a dog (on a leash) and handler will cover a 3-5 kilometer course, with several obstacles and a water option. All pairs will start at the same time.