1.1 These Rules apply to all Owners, Producers, Riders and other Participants so that they may compete against each other in Ex-Racehorse Classes subject to these Rules. The Owner, Producer and Rider may be (but will not necessarily be) the same person. RoR haswide powers to discipline Owners, Riders and other persons in the event of failure to observe any provisions of the Rules of RoR from time to time in force.
1.2 Every Owner, Producer and Rider must electronically submit the RoR form of application to be registered as an Owner and/or Producer and/or Rider and must agree to be bound by the Rules from time to time in force. Every Participant shall also be bound by the Rules from time to time in force. Every Affiliated Show holding an RoR class must register with RoR and agree to be bound by the Rules from time to time in force.
1.3 Every horse competing in an Ex-Racehorse Class and every Owner, Producer and Rider must be registered with RoR. If any horse competes in an Ex-Racehorse Class when either the horse or its Owner or Producer or Rider are not registered with RoR it shall be disqualified.
1.4 Neither RoR nor its appointed show officials and judges accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind whatsoever in respect of any horse or Participant or other person associated with the horse how so ever arising at a show or other event held under these Rules and liability for any such loss or damage is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.
1.5 Owners should ensure that they and those in any way involved with their horses at any show are aware of these Rules and that they comply with them, and that they also have adequate third party insurance cover. In the event of any conflict between the rules of an Affiliated Show and these Rules then these Rules shall prevail.
1.6 RoR may deal with any matter relating to these Rules. In particular, RoR may:
1.6.1 impose a Disciplinary Penalty or Penalties on any person who contravenes a requirement imposed on him by or under these Rules and apply such other award, order or sanction as it has power to apply under these Rules
1.6.2 disqualify horses in relation to shows that have already taken place, and
1.6.3 suspend horses from participating in future shows.
1.7 Where a person has failed to comply with a requirement imposed on him by or under these Rules, orhas engaged in any other conduct in respect of which RoR has power to take disciplinary action under these Rules, RoR may decide not to take any disciplinary action against the person if he satisfies RoR that, in all the circumstances, there was good cause for the failure or conduct.
1.8 RoR may at any time investigate and make enquiry into any matter relating to these Rules or any potential breach or non-observance thereof, and any person subject to these Rules shall co-operate with any such investigation or enquiry and provide to RoR any information, documentation or other records which RoR reasonably believes to be relevant to any investigation or enquiry.
1.9 Except where expressly stated, RoR's powers to take disciplinary action under these Rules are not limited or excluded by reason of the fact that some Rules do while others do not prescribe specific sanctions for their contravention.
In these Rules the following words shall have the following meanings:
Affiliated Show means a horse show at which an Ex-Racehorse Class takes place, including every Championship Show, and the terms show and shows shall be construed accordingly
Analysis in relation to a sample from a horse, means any analysis carried out on the Sample, including an analysis undertaken on a stored sample and a counter analysis carried out under these Rules
Appeals Committee means the committee appointed by RoR to consider appeals from decisions of the Disciplinary Panel
Appeals Committee Procedures means the procedures of the Appeals Committee from time to time in force
Certificate of Analysis in relation to a Sample from a horse, means a written statement of the result of an Analysis of the Sample which is issued by Testing Laboratory or by any laboratory which is for the time being approved by RoR for the testing of Samples
Championship Show means each of the following namely the RoR Tattersalls Championship at Hickstead, the RoR Jockey Club Novice Show Series Final, the Retained Racehorse Challenge Show Series Final, RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series Final and the RoR Open In-Hand Show Series Final at the RoR Championships Aintree and the Scottish Championship at the Royal Highland Show and/or such other competitions at such other venues as RoR shall from time to time determine, and each such event shall be referred to herein as a Championship
Conformation Judge means the judge appointed by RoR to judge the conformation of horses at a show
Disciplinary Panel means the panel appointed by RoR to enquire into and adjudicate upon breaches of these Rules
Disciplinary Panel Procedures means the procedures of the Disciplinary Panel from time to time in force
Disciplinary Penalty means any one or more of the penalties mentioned in paragraphs 7 and 8 below
Ex-Racehorse Class means each and any class or competition in which RoR in any way directly or indirectly contributes a prize or prize money including (without limitation) classes for showing, team chasing, endurance, show jumping, dressage, eventing, hunting, trailblazers, polo, polocrosse, horseball and Le Trec. This list is illustrative and is not exhaustive
Testing Laboratory means the laboratory known as LGC (the present address is Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5WW) or such other laboratory as RoR shall use from time to time for the Analysis of Samples
Owner means the person whose details appear as the owner of a horse on the RoR form of application to register an ex-racehorse with RoR
Participant means every Owner, Producer, Rider, exhibitor or other competitor in any Ex-Racehorse Class
Producer means the person who trains, produces or prepares any horse for competition in any Ex- Racehorse Class
Prohibited Substance means any substance, or class of substances, so described on the Prohibited List as defined in the Rules of Racing, and shall include a finding of the substance itself, a metabolite of the substance, an isomer of the substance, an isomer of a metabolite and a pro-drug of the substance
Qualifying Classes means classes in which horses can qualify to participate in a Championship Show
Rider means every rider of a horse competing in an Ex-Racehorse Class
RoR means Retraining of Racehorses (company number 04089376)
Rules means the Retraining of Racehorses Rules and Regulations and Disciplinary Panel Procedures and Appeals Committee Procedures and Show Rules from time to time in force, and the phrases ‘the Rules’ and ‘these Rules’ shall be construed accordingly
Rules of Racing means the Rules of Racing of the British Horseracing Authority from time to time in force
Sample in relation to a horse examined under these Rules means a quantity of any body fluid, tissue, excreta, hair or skin scrapings, or any items in contact with any part of the horse, which are taken at the discretion of the person conducting the examination (and which may involve the removal of implants), and includes samples which have been stored after having previously been reported as negative
Senior Judge means in the event of any dispute between the appointed judges it is the Conformation Judge whose opinion shall prevail
Show Rules, means the rules of any Affiliated Show in which a Participant enters a horse in an Ex- Racehorse Class
Throughout these Rules the masculine shall include the feminine and the singular shall include the plural and vice versa
3. HORSES
The eligibility criteria for horses entering Ex-Racehorse Classes and the judging criteria shall be determined from time to time by RoR and published on its website
4. DISCIPLINARY POWERS
4.1 RoR may take disciplinary action against a person under these Rules if RoR considers that he is guilty of misconduct, and is satisfied that it is appropriate in all the circumstances to take action against him
4.2 A person is guilty of misconduct if, while he is subject to these Rules, he contravenes a requirement imposed on him by or under these Rules, any provision of these Rules states that he is taken to have contravened any such requirement, or any provision of these Rules states that he is liable to disciplinary action
4.3 If RoR is entitled to take disciplinary action against a person it may impose on him any of the Disciplinary Penalties, and more than one penalty may be imposed in respect of each contravention of a Rule, including a continuing contravention
4.4 Any person wishing to complain of any breach of these Rules must do so in writing addressed to and received by the Chief Executive of RoR at 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS within 14 days of the date of the alleged breach. A complaint shall be accompanied by a deposit of £100 or such other sum as RoR shall from time to time decide, which will be forfeited if the complaint should be considered by the Disciplinary Panel to be frivolous
5. DISCIPLINARY PANEL
5.1 RoR appoints the Disciplinary Panel and any potential breach of these Rules may be referred by RoR to the Disciplinary Panel which shall determine whether there has been a breach of these Rules using such procedure as it shall in its discretion deem appropriate and impose such Disciplinary Penalties as it shall deem fit
5.2 The Disciplinary Panel may in its absolute discretion order the person against whom an allegation has been made, or the person making an allegation, to pay all or part of the costs incurred by RoR and the Disciplinary Panel in investigating and determining whether or not there has been a breach of these Rules
6. APPEALS COMMITTEE
6.1 Any Participant who is aggrieved by a decision of the Disciplinary Panel shall be entitled to appeal to the Appeals Committee. The appellant shall lodge a written notice of appeal with RoR within 7 days of the decision of the Disciplinary Panel, together with a deposit of £750 or such sum as RoR shall decide, which shall be forfeited unless the Appeals Committee shall decide that there were good and reasonable grounds for the appeal. The Appeals Committee shall consider any appeal using such procedure as it shall in its discretion deem appropriate
6.2 The only grounds for bringing an appeal to the Appeals Committee shall be that that the reasons given are insufficient to support the decision, that the hearing was conducted in a way which was substantially unfair and prejudicial to the appellant, that there was insufficient material on the basis of which a reasonable decision maker could have made the decision in question, that the decision maker misconstrued, failed to apply, or wrongly applied these Rules, that any Disciplinary Penalty or any award, order or other sanction is so disproportionate that no reasonable decision maker could have decided upon it, or that there is evidence available for the appeal which, had it been available at the original hearing, would have caused the decision maker to reach a materially different decision
7. DISCIPLINARY PENALTIES
7.1 RoR through the Disciplinary Panel and the Appeals Committee has power to impose upon any person bound by these Rules any one or more of the following penalties, namely:
7.1.1 a fine not exceeding £5,000
7.1.2 a declaration that they will not accept entries for Ex-Racehorse Classes for the horse that is connected with the enquiry or for horses within a persons ownership or control for a specified period or periods, and/or until any fine that has been imposed has been paid
7.1.3 a caution as to future conduct
7.1.4 disqualification of a horse from any Ex-Racehorse Class in which it has participated and any subsequent class for which it has qualified
7.1.5 forfeiture of any placings, awards and prize money won by any horse
7.1.6 suspension of the registration of any horse with RoR for a specified period or periods. If suspended then RoR may also impose such requirements or conditions as it deems appropriate prior to considering any further application for registration of the horse
7.1.7 suspension of any Participant from taking part in any Ex-Racehorse Class for a specified period or periods
7.2 RoR has power to make and publish such guidelines and requirements or regulations for the conduct of enquiries into possible breaches of these Rules (by both the Disciplinary Panel and the Appeal Committee) as it in its discretion deems fit
7.3 Where a fine is imposed, the Owner will be suspended from entering the horse in any Ex- Racehorse Class until such time as the fine has been paid, unless the Disciplinary Panel in their absolute discretion order otherwise
8. PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES, SAMPLING AND TESTING
8.1 In common with other similar bodies, RoR takes a very serious view of the administration of Prohibited Substances, whether intentional or unintentional. Owners should be aware that many proprietary feeds and preparations contain Prohibited Substances as do many foods such as chocolate. The presence in any form, in a horse that has participated or is participating in an Ex-Racehorse Class, of a Prohibited Substance is forbidden and a breach of these Rules
8.2 RoR may order or otherwise cause Samples to be collected from horses at any Affiliated Show on a random basis and Participants consent to the collection of Samples for Analysis. All Samples collected shall be the property of RoR
Strict Liability
8.3 These requirements apply to any Owner and Producer and Rider of a horse that has been entered to compete or has competed in any Ex-Racehorse Class
8.4 Each Owner and Producer and Rider is strictly liable for ensuring that Prohibited Substances are not administered to horses in their care or control by any person. It is irrelevant whether the person who administers a Prohibited Substance is or is not in any way connected with the Owner or Producer or Rider
8.5 On each occasion that a Sample taken from a horse tests positive for a Prohibited Substance the Owner and Producer and Rider shall be taken to have contravened a requirement imposed on him by these Rules
Testing positive for a prohibited substance
8.6 For the purposes of these Rules, any reference to a Sample testing positive for a Prohibited Substance is to where a Certificate of Analysis for the Sample reports
8.6.1 in the case of a Prohibited Substance for which a threshold level is specified in the Rules of Racing, that the concentration of the substance present in the Sample is at, or in excess of, the concentration specified in that Paragraph
8.6.2 otherwise, that the Prohibited Substance is present in the Sample
8.7 The result of an Analysis shall be invalidated if the Owner or Producer or Rider of the horse satisfies RoR that there has been a material departure from the procedures set out in this Part relating to the taking and Analysis of Samples and that this departure casts reasonable doubt on the reliability of the result of the Analysis, or the opinion expressed as to the nature of the substance is wrong
Consequences of positive test
8.8 If a Sample tests positive for any Prohibited Substance, RoR
8.8.1 will impose a financial penalty on the Owner and/or Producer and/or Rider,
8.8.2 may withdraw or suspend the Owner's and/or Producer’s and/or Rider’s registration as an Owner, Producer or Rider respectively and the registration with RoR of any horses owned or under the control of the Owner and/or Producer and/or Rider, and
8.8.3 may impose such other Disciplinary Penalties as it deems appropriate
8.9 Any disciplinary action taken against an Owner or Producer or Rider under Paragraph 8.8 is additional to any disqualification or suspension of the horse that may be ordered and without prejudice to any other disciplinary action that may be taken against any person for contravention of the prohibition on administering a prohibited substance to a horse
Sampling at an Affiliated Show
8.10 These Rules apply where, in the course of examination by order of the Chief Executive of RoR, Samples are to be taken from any horse which has been entered to participate in any Ex-Racehorse Class and is at the show
8.11 The sampling must in all cases be carried out at the show
8.12 The Analysis will be undertaken at such times and in such manner as RoR may from time to time determine
8.13 RoR may direct that the sampling is to include the taking and storage of Samples for subsequent Analysis
8.14 For the purposes of sampling under this Rule, the Owner or Producer or Rider of the horse must ensure that the horse's passport, or if it does not have one, an equivalent document certifying the horse's identity, is available for inspection at the time of the examination
Procedure for sampling
8.15 The Owner or Producer or Rider may (but is not obliged to) witness the Sample collection procedure, either in person or by a representative
8.16 The Sample will be divided and placed into forensic bottles (the ‘A sample’ and the ‘B sample’), and sealed and labelled with an appropriate coded label
8.17 If the Owner or Producer or Rider or their representative has witnessed the Sample collection procedure and is not satisfied with it he shall within 24 hours provide a written summary of any alleged irregularity in the Sample collection procedure
8.18 If an Owner or Producer or Rider or their representative chooses not to witness the Sample collection procedure he must sign a declaration in which he agrees that the integrity of the sampling procedure will not be questioned at a later date
8.19 Any failure by an Owner or Producer or Rider to comply with paragraph 8.18 shall be a breach of the Rules. Where the sampling procedure is not observed for any reason and an unsuccessful challenge is made to the integrity of the procedure, RoR may order the Owner or Producer or Rider to pay some or all of the costs of the challenge incurred by RoR
8.20 The A sample will be analysed by the Testing Laboratory
Report of a Prohibited Substance
8.21 Where an A sample is reported by the Testing Laboratory as containing a Prohibited Substance, RoR shall inform the Owner and/or Producer and/or Rider of the horse by letter of the positive finding
8.22 The Owner and Producer and Rider have the right to have the B sample analysed by the Testing Laboratory at their own cost, save that RoR will reimburse the cost of the B sample analysis if it does not confirm the presence of the Prohibited Substance detected in the A sample 5
8.23 Any request by the Owner or Producer under paragraph 8.22 to have the B sample analysed must be made in writing to RoR within 7 days of receiving the letter of positive finding in respect of the A sample and such request shall include an agreement that the party requesting the B sample analysis will pay to RoR all costs incurred in connection with the same. Time shall be of the essence. If so requested the B sample shall be analysed by the same Testing Laboratory that analysed the A sample save that the party requesting B sample analysis may elect to have the B sample analysed at Laboratorie des Courses Hippiques ('LCH') in which case that party will also be responsible to pay RoR for all costs associated with the transportation of the Sample to that laboratory
8.24 If neither the Owner nor the Producer request that the B sample be analysed pursuant to paragraph 8.23 they shall be deemed to have accepted the result of the A sample analysis as reported by the Testing Laboratory.
8.25 Where the B sample analysis does not confirm the presence of the Prohibited Substance detected in the A sample the analysis will be reported as being negative and no disciplinary action will be taken unless there are reasonable grounds to believe that the integrity of the B sample may have been deliberately violated or other evidence of a non-forensic nature is available, in which case RoR may proceed on the basis of the A sample alone
Evidential provisions applying to a positive test
8.26 Facts related to the reporting of positive Samples may be established by any reliable means, including admissions
8.27 The Testing Laboratory shall be presumed to have conducted Sample Analysis and custodial procedures in accordance with Laboratory Standards as defined in the Rules of Racing
8.28 The Owner or Producer or Rider may rebut this presumption by establishing that there was a material departure from the applicable requirements. If the Owner or Producer or Rider rebut this presumption, RoR has the burden of establishing that the departure from the requirements did not cause the finding of a Prohibited Substance. If RoR discharges that burden, the departure from the requirements shall not invalidate the Certificate of Analysis
No money to be credited before sample analysis completed
8.29 Any money to which a person would otherwise be entitled in respect of a horse from which a Sample has been taken does not become payable until the outcome of the Analysis of the Sample is known
8.30 Where any such money has already been credited to a person, the recipient must return it to RoR immediately if requested by RoR to do so
9. NOTICES
9.1 A document shall be considered to be properly served if at the time of service if it is served personally or posted to the address of the person as set out in the RoR’s list of persons or on a particular show's completed entry form or to the registered office of RoR as the case may be
9.2 A document shall be deemed served (unless the contrary can be shown) 24 hours after it is posted (excluding the hours of any day which is not a working day) if served by first class post at the address referred to in paragraph 9.1 above or at the time of transmission if it is served by facsimile transmission
10. OWNERSHIP
Once a horse is registered with RoR the Owner must notify RoR of the death of the horse or any change in ownership. If ownership changes the new Owner must re-register the horse and agree to be bound by these Rules. It shall be a breach of these Rules for anyone other than the Owner (in person or through an authorised agent) of the relevant horse to submit (electronically or otherwise) the RoR form of application to register an ex-racehorse and any person submitting that form in contravention of this rule shall be liable to a Disciplinary Penalty and the horse shall be liable to disqualification from any Ex- Racehorse Class in which it has participated and any subsequent class for which it has qualified and the forfeiture of any placings, awards and prize money won
11. COMPLIANCE WITH THE RULES
11.1 Any Owner, Rider and Producer of a horse and any Participant participating in any Ex-Racehorse Class at any show agrees to be bound by these Rules
11.2 The person in whose name the horse is entered at an Affiliated Show shall abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Show and these Rules and indemnify the show and RoR against any claims for loss or damage that may arise should he fail to do so
11.3 If a horse changes ownership after the closing date of entries, it must be re-registered with RoR in the name of the new owner before it is eligible to participate in an Ex-Racehorse Class, although it may not be possible to change the details printed in the catalogue. Horses registered with RoR must be shown with their registered RACING name, age and description
11.4 Where a horse is also registered with another society or body, this must be disclosed to RoR, together with details of name, age and description on that particular register. A change of name is not allowed. It shall be a breach of these Rules to conceal a previously registered name
11.5 The person whose details appear on the RoR registration form for a horse will be taken to be the Owner. On being made aware of any dispute over the ownership of a horse RoR will send a notice to the last registered owner who shall confirm whether ownership is in dispute and provide details of it in writing within 14 days of receipt of the notice. If no confirmation is received by the RoR within the 14 day period RoR will amend its records and register the name of the new owner. If ownership remains in dispute RoR may in its discretion refuse to accept entries for the horse until the dispute is resolved or accept entries on such conditions as RoR shall deem fit
11.6 No change of rider or tack will be allowed once a horse has entered the show ring
12. DESCRIPTIONS
12.1 It is the responsibility of the Owner and the Participant in the relevant class to ensure that the information given on show entry forms is accurate and that the horse entered for an Ex-Racehorse Class is the horse that actually participates in that Ex-Racehorse Class
12.2 At no time should an Owner or Participant attempt to influence a judge by offering any information, regarding any horse
13. QUALIFYING CLASSES FOR CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS
13.1 Only horses registered with RoR showing registration are eligible to enter in Qualifying Classes
13.2 The show registration number must be quoted on all entry forms. Any horse that is entered for a Qualifying Class without first being on the show register cannot qualify and must register immediately to compete in further qualifying classes
13.3 RoR shall determine from year to year at which show(s) their Championships shall be held and which shows will carry qualification for such.
14. JUDGES AND JUDGING
14.1 RoR shall appoint judges to a panel of Ex-Racehorse Classes and shows shall only select judges from that panel. The decision of a judge on matters at a show shall be final
14.2 The practice of any Owner or their immediate family taking advice on the schooling of any horse, from someone and then exhibiting in a class which the advisor is judging is prohibited. The Owner will know who is judging from the schedule, whereas the judge will not know which animals are coming before him until he arrives in the ring. If there is an unforeseen change of judge then the Participant should stand down from the class
14.3 A judge must never judge a horse that is in their ownership or their immediate family. Judges must wear a safety/kite mark hard hat with a chinstrap.
14.4 Once a judge has commenced judging a class, a horse or rider may not leave the ring without the permission of the Judge, nor shall there be any change of rider. In the event of the judge falling from ahorse, they must not remount that horse in that class. In the event of a horse falling during a class, that horse must be asked to leave the ring and will not be allowed to compete further in that class. In the event of a judge falling from a horse it is at that judge’s discretion as to whether they feel fit to continue judging. Participants and Owners will not be allowed to enter the ring after the horses have commenced trotting as a class.
15. UNSOUNDNESS AND MANNERS
15.1 If, in the opinion of the judge, a horse is unsound, the horse must be withdrawn from the show by the Participant and/or Owner and leave the ring.
15.2 A judge may ask a Participant and/or Owner to remove his horse from the ring, if in his/her opinion the horse or the Participant or Owner is ill-mannered. If in the opinion of the judge the behaviour of a horse is deemed unacceptable, it will be reported to RoR and will be reassessed at its next show by a person appointed by RoR.
16. DRESS AND TURNOUT
It is the responsibility of Participants and Owners to ensure that grooms entering the show ring are smartly and professionally turned out. Grooms must wear a hat when in the ring. The attention of all Participants is drawn to the guidance on dress and turnout in these Rules. Competitors must wear a safety/kite mark hard hat with a chinstrap.
17. OBJECTIONS AT SHOWS
Any objection or complaint relating to the rules of a particular show shall be made to that show's executive in accordance with the procedures set out in that show's rules
18. SHOW RULES
The Show Rules and all entry forms should clearly state that the show is affiliated to RoR and being run subject to and in accordance with these Rules, that copies of these Rules can be obtained from RoR on request, and that all those applying to enter an Ex-Racehorse Class at the show agree to be bound by the Rules.
19. SCHEDULES AND ENTRIES
19.1 The proof of the show schedule must be sent to RoR for approval before printing
19.2 Show schedules must be sent to RoR as soon as they are available
19.3 All entries must include details of the horse, Owner, Rider and any other Participant. A complete list of the entries must be sent to RoR for checking before the catalogue goes to print or where late entries are taken the show secretary must have sight of the horse's registration document and take a note of the horses name and RoR registration number and this information must be forwarded to RoR with the results after the show. In the case where the show produces a catalogue it should not be printed until the corrected proofs have been received and appropriate amendments made. Any horse found not to be correctly registered with RoR will be disqualified.
20. MARKED CATALOGUES
Show secretaries are required to send a marked catalogue or results sheet to RoR giving details of the prizes awarded in all the Ex-Racehorse Classes within 10 days of the date of the show.
21. PEDIGREES
In all Ex-Racehorse Classes, the horse's name and, if possible, the name of its sire, must be printed in the show schedule.
22. AGE
All ages date from 1st January, e.g. a rider must be 15 years old on the 1st January of the calendar year holding the classes; a foal becomes a yearling on the first day of January following the date of its birth.
23. IDENTIFICATION AND MARKINGS
All horses entered in Ex-Racehorses Classes must be in the Weatherby’s Stud Book. ROR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SCAN HORSES FROM TIME TO TIME TO ESTABLISH TRUE IDENTITY. This will be carried out by a representative of RoR at Affiliated Shows. There must be no alteration to the natural markings of a horse.
24. SUBSTITUTES
No substitution of a horse is allowed in any Ex-Racehorse Class.
25. SAFETY/INSURANCE
25.1 Affiliated Shows are required to ensure that they have adequate third party liability insurance and insurance cover for judges
25.2 The following words shall be included in show schedules:
"The organisers of this show have taken reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of everyone present. For these measures to be effective, everyone must take all reasonable precautions to avoid and prevent accidents occurring and must obey the instructions of the Organisers and all the Officials and Stewards"
26. SCORE SHEETS AND JUDGING
It is essential that judges have an efficient marking steward, but they are solely responsible for the accuracy of the results. Score sheets will be supplied by RoR for the challenge classes. All judges are requested to explain to the score sheet steward the correct method for filling in the sheets and to check the correct sheet is being used. It is suggested that all judges should carry some spare score sheets with them in case the show has mislaid those sent by RoR.
27. CHANGE OF JUDGE
If it becomes necessary, due to accident or illness, etc., to bring in a judge as substitute for the person named in the show schedule, shows must try and inform all Participants before the show takes place and refund the entry fees of any Participants who may be prevented from showing due to the substitute judge having had an interest in their horse. Everything reasonably possible should be done to avoid Participants getting to the show and then finding out that they are not eligible to be judged.
28. SELECTION OF JUDGES
Affiliated Shows must select judges from RoR’s Panel of judges and notify RoR judges for the Ex- Racehorse classes. There must always be a ride and conformation judge for Ex-Racehorse classes. Judges must be informed whether they are being invited to judge the ride or conformation sections. The names of the judges and the section in which they are officiating must be clearly stated in the show schedule. Although every effort will be made, it may not be possible for the judge to ride every horse in the class.
29. CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS
The Championship Shows shall take place at such times and at such venues as shall be determined by RoR prior to the Qualification Period or as soon as possible thereafter.
29.1 The RoR Tattersalls Ridden Show Horse Series.
RoR shall designate shows at which horses may qualify for the Championship in the current year and the following year.
The first two highest placed horses in each class will qualify to enter for the relevant Championship. Those horses qualifying at shows before the current year ‘cut off date’ will qualify for the Championship in the same year, and those qualifying after the ‘cut off date’ after will qualify for the following years Championship
29.2 The RoR Tattersalls Scottish Show Series.
RoR shall designate shows at which horses may qualify in the current and the following year.
The first three placed horses in each Qualification Class will qualify for the Championship the following year.
29.3 The RoR TBA Retrained Racehorse Challenge, the RoR Jockey Club Novice Series, the RoR AMATEUR Ridden Show Horse Series and the RoR OPEN In Hand Showing Series.
RoR shall designate shows at which horses may qualify. The three highest placed horses in each class will qualify to enter the relevant Championship. All horses qualifying from 1st August 2017 to 31st July 2018 will qualify to enter the 2018 Championship. All horses qualifying from 1st August 2018 are eligible to enter the following year’s Championship.
29.4 The RoR FLOORS CASTLE 3 Phase Challenge
All horses qualifying after the closing date of the current year’s Championship, qualify for the Final in 2019.
29.5 The RoR Ridden Veteran Championship.
The highest placed Veteran mare or gelding of 15 years and over will qualify to enter the relevant Championship. All horses qualifying from 1st August 2017 to 31st July 2018 inclusive, will qualify to enter the 2018 RoR Ridden Veteran Championship. All horses qualifying from 1st August 2018 are eligible to enter the following year’s Championship. Competitors will be e-mailed by the RoR office, to confirm eligibility to compete in the Championship. RoR will post out the £25 voucher once the results are verified.
30.REGULATIONS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE SECRETARIES OF SHOWS WITH QUALIFYING CLASSES
30.1 Entry forms must have a space provided for the current year Show Registration number.
30.2 All such shows are requested to produce a show catalogue as well as a complete list of entries. The catalogue should include the name of the Owner and rider, the name of the horse and the name of its sire and dam.
30.3 Official RoR Score Sheets (RoR TBA Retrained Racehorse Challenge and the RoR FLOORS CASTLE 3 Phase Challenge classes only) must be used and returned to the RoR office within 10 days of the show, together with a marked catalogue indicating the prize winners in all Ex-Racehorse Classes. It is essential that the judge has an efficient marking steward, but ultimately the judge is solely responsible for the accuracy of the results.
30.4 Details of current Qualifying Class headings for inclusion in the prize schedule and catalogue will be sent to you and should be printed in full.
30.5 RoR shall not be held responsible for any dispute arising from non-compliance by shows with any of the above regulations.
31. DRESS AND TURNOUT
The following dress and turnout requirements shall apply.
No change of tack or rider will be allowed once a horse has entered the show ring, except for where a ridden horse is shown under side saddle, there must be a normal saddle provided should there be a ride judge for that class.
31.1 Tack
Ridden Show Horse classes – Snaffle, Pelham or simple Double bridle (elastic or leather curb chain acceptable). The complete bridle must be plain leather.
4 yr old horses encouraged to be shown in a snaffle.
Browbands – coloured for Riding Horse and Hack types, plain leather for Hunters. Nosebands - of plain cavesson type.
No tack may be worn which in any way conceals a horse's conformation.
No rugs, clothing or item of tack that reveals the identity of a horse or Owner may be worn in the show ring.
Nose nets and earplugs are allowed.
Hoods, blinkers and bitless bridles are NOT allowed.
Any conventional English saddle with a discreet numnah.
Stirrups must be large enough and leathers long enough for a ride judge.
Side Saddle is permitted, however a normal saddle must be available if there is a riide judge. No boots or martingales to be worn in Ridden and In Hand Showing classes.
RoR TBA Retrained Racehorse Challenge and RoR FLOORS CASTLE 3 Phase Challenge classes - Front boots only of a plain colour ARE allowed and may be worn during the jumping phase, back boots are NOT allowed. Boots must be removed for Phase III of the RoR FLOORS CASTLE 3 Phase Challenge class.
No rugs, clothing or item of tack that reveals the identity of a horse or owner may be worn in the show ring.
Any suitable English bridle of plain leather. A Micklem bridle is acceptable without clips. Jumping, GP and WH saddles with a discreet numnah.
Nose nets and earplugs are allowed.
Hoods, blinkers and bitless bridles are NOT allowed.
Nosebands – plain, drop, flash, grackle or Mexican noseband may be used. Breastplates, Martingales and Irish Martingales are allowed.
RoR OPEN In Hand Showing Series
A suitable English bridle of plain leather with a Snaffle, Pelham or simple Double with reins or an In Hand bridle with a Leading Rein.
Browbands - as for the Ridden Show classes.
Shoes – In all Ridden Showing classes, a full set of ordinary shoes or showing plates must be worn.
Remedial shoes are not permitted in the RoR Tattersalls, inc Scottish series or the RoR Jockey Club Novice Series, but are allowed in the RoR TBA Retrained Racehorse Challenge, the RoR FLOORS CASTLE 3 Phase Challenge, the RoR Amateur Ridden Showing and the RoR OPEN In Hand Showing Series.
32. RIDER/HANDLER DRESS and TURNOUT
Competitors shall wear the following dress, save where stated to the contrary
32.1 It is mandatory for competitors to wear skull caps or hard hats in accordance with the current approved BSI or European Standard, in order to minimise risk of head injury. Skull caps must have a navy blue or black cover.
32.2 Tweed coat for men/ladies on Hunter and Riding Horse types, navy or black coat for Hack types. Plain fawn or buff coloured breeches, not white.
32.3 Plain black or brown boots.
32.4 Spurs may be worn by Partcipants. Spurs at all times must be of smooth metal. There must be a shank, pointing only towards the rear, which must be no more than 3.5cm long and without rowels. The end must be blunt. If the shank is curved, the spurs must be worn only with the shank directed downwards. Judges do not wear spurs.
32.5 Any form of leather or string glove.
32.6 Plain malacca or leather cane.
32.7 Collar and ordinary tie. Tie must be pinned down.
32.8 Ordinary shirt.
32.9 No earrings or visible jewellery should be worn.
33. DRESS AND TURNOUT for CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS
Competitors shall wear the following dress, save where stated to the contrary
33.1 In the morning: as for regular RoR classes.
33.2 In the evening: Evening dress may be worn. Men wear black or scarlet coat, either ordinary pattern or cut away. Plain breeches may be worn and plain black or top boots. Stock shirts with stock.
33.3 Women wear black or blue coat. Plain breeches and black boots. Stock shirt and stock.
33.4 In all Champion Show classes all competitors must wear skull caps or hats in accordance with the current approved BSI or European Standard, in order to minimise risk of head injury.
33.5 Top hats are optional for riders aged 18 and over, but entirely at the riders own risk.
34. HORSES
34.1 At all shows:
Manes should be plaited
Tails pulled or laced Heels trimmed
34.2 RoR discourages the showing of over fat horses in ALL show classes and judges will take this into consideration when making their awards.
34.3 RoR reserves the right to disqualify competitors at RoR events if in the opinion of the officials there is a mismatch between the weight and size of the rider and the horse. The official’s decision is final.
Policy Statement
There is widespread concern that the welfare of certain horses is being compromised by overweight riders. There are many other factors involved, including the skill and fitness of the rider; the weight, size and fitness of the horse; the nature of the exercise and the suitability of the tack. As a general guide the weight of the rider and saddle should not exceed 17% of the horse’s optimum weight consistent with a body condition score of 3/5. In practical terms this means that a 500kg thoroughbred can carry up to 13 1/2 stone. An overweight horse with a body condition of 4/5 (fat) or 5/5 (obese) is already carrying significant burden and the weight of the rider must be reduced accordingly.