Rule Amendments for 2025
Friday 20 December 2024
As part of our Rule revisions for 2025 we are implementing the following changes from 1st January 2025. As everyone will be aware there is a strong focus on equine welfare and it is the responsibility of everyone who rides, trains or cares for horses to ensure that they are always treated correctly. We equally have a similar responsibility to the young and vulnerable people who enjoy taking part in our competitions and training and as part of this British Showjumping have commissioned a Safeguarding review across the sport and the report is due with us in the Spring of next year.
Changes for 2025
Use of the Padded Baton
- The Padded Baton may only be used as an aid to support the natural aids in encouraging the horse forward, the Padded Baton may be used to support the shoulder to encourage the horse in the desired direction.
- The Padded Baton must not be used to discipline or punish the horse/pony nor to vent an Athlete’s temper. Such use is always excessive.
- If a Horse’s skin is broken or marked, as a result of the use of the Padded Baton, this is always considered excessive.
- The Padded Baton must not be used more than 3 times in total whilst in the arena.
- The Padded Baton is not to be used immediately after Refusal, Run Out or Elimination in either the competition or practice arena.
- The arm must not come above the shoulder and the Padded Baton should contact behind the riders leg to reinforce the leg aid.
- Where the Padded Baton is used to support the shoulder. The rider must retain both hands on the reins and apply contact and or direct pressure with the Padded Baton down the shoulder. No more than three contacts are allowed on the shoulder whilst in the arena.
- Misuse of the Padded Baton in the arena, practice arena or anywhere on the show ground will result in disciplinary action being taken.
From the 1st January members will only be permitted to use the tack and equipment in the practice arena (with jumps) which is permitted in the competition arena for all levels of national classes.
Draw reins will be permitted to be worn for presentations if needed.
One area which was highlighted by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group was an increased provision for people with Hidden Disabilities and we are pleased to confirm that it has been agreed to allow members to have a caller at Club and Just for Schools competitions/ classes if the athlete dispensation panel have granted dispensation that this member has sufficient medical needs to permit the use of a caller in competition.
The caller will stand with the course designer in the arena, and they would only be able to give directions to the rider, no other guidance or instructions will be allowed.
It has been agreed that a British Showjumping yellow ribbon in the horses tail will be offered for those who have been granted a dispensation, this should alert other riders to give the horse/rider more space in the Practice arena.
