Rules of Higher Farm Riding Club

• All riders and handlers on the showground must wear protective headgear with a permanently fitted, non-detachable retaining harness, securely fastened. This includes leaders in Lead Rein jumping classes.
   
• It is strongly recommended that hats conform to PAS015 and bear the BSI Kitemark. However, HFRC accepts no responsibility for ensuring these standards are met.
   

• Only BRC-approved bat-style whips are permitted in jumping competitions.
   
• Judges may disqualify any competitor for inappropriate use of the whip.
   

Competitors must wear correct attire, including:

• Light-coloured jodhpurs
   
• A fastened riding or hacking jacket
   
• Stock or tie
   
• Plain black or brown long or short riding boots with a suitable heel and no side laces
   

Note: Yard-style boots are not permitted in competitions.
 

• Long hair must be tied back or secured in a hairnet.
   
• No rider may enter a ring without a clearly visible, legible number.
   

• Any competitor who ill-treats a horse/pony or rides dangerously will be disqualified and asked to leave the showground immediately—no refunds will be given.
   
• The committee reserves the right to disqualify any competitor for acts of discourtesy towards officials or committee members and may ban such individuals from future events.
   

• Horses/ponies may only be ridden at a walk unless in a ring or designated warm-up area.
   
• Riders may compete with more than one horse, but no horse may enter the same class more than once.
   
• Stallions and colts must:
   
  • Be bitted at all times
     
  • Be handled by an adult (18+ years)
     
  • Wear a Stallion Disc at all times
     
• Horses/ponies must not be left unattended when tied outside vehicles.
   

• Competitors entering a Lead Rein class must remain on the Lead Rein for the entire show, unless the committee grants special permission to come off.
   
• Lead Rein competitors may not return to the Lead Rein once off, except at committee discretion.
   
• Leaders must wear a hard hat while leading.
   

• Rider age is determined as of January 1st of the competition year.
   
• Age categories cannot be changed during the season.
   
• Minimum age of equines:
   
  • Ridden: 3 years
     
  • Jumping: 4 years
     
  • One Day Event: 5 years
     

Horses are considered to change age as of January 1st, in accordance with breed society rules.
 

• Must be submitted in writing within 30 minutes of the result, with a £10 deposit, refundable only if the objection is upheld at the next committee meeting.
   
• The judge’s decision is final. Competitors/spectators must not approach judges regarding decisions.
   

• The committee reserves the right to divide or combine classes or reduce the number of prizes based on entry numbers.
   
• BRC rules apply in Show Jumping classes.
   
• BHS rules apply in Showing classes.
   

• No bikes may be ridden on the showground.
   
• Dogs must be on a short lead at all times and, where possible, prevented from barking near the rings.
   
• Please take all litter home. Ensure your trailer/horsebox area is left clean.
   
• Entry fees will only be refunded upon production of a valid doctor’s or vet’s certificate.
   
• Proof of posting is not proof of receipt. If your name is missing from a class, you must re-enter.
   
• Errors/enquiries should be addressed at the office. Riders may not enter a ring unless listed.
   

• Only leather or synthetic bridles are allowed.
   
• Spurs:
   
  • Not permitted in absolute beginners, pre-novice, or junior novice classes.
     
  • Must not exceed 2cm in length, must be correctly fitted. Rowel spurs are not allowed.
     
• Hair must be neatly secured and must not hang lower than the shoulder line when standing upright.
   
• All jewellery and alternative medical wristbands must be covered or removed. If this isn’t possible, they must be covered (e.g., plasters) and are worn at the rider’s own risk.
   

• HFRC has a Health & Safety policy. Competitors are encouraged to review it (available from the office).
   
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
   

Unaccompanied children will not be allowed to compete. An adult signature is required on all entry forms.
 

• If a rider chooses to compete HC (Hors Concours) in a class, they must remain HC in that specific ring for the remainder of the show.
   
• A maximum of 3 Jumping Classes or 6 rounds (including jump-offs) is recommended per horse per day to ensure welfare and fitness.
   

• Judges or committee members may challenge the entry of any horse if welfare concerns arise.
   
• When riding or handling horses on the showground, suitable headwear and attire must be worn.
   

• Posting or sharing content that could damage the reputation of HFRC, its competitors, judges, or organisers is a breach of club rules.
   

Any individual found guilty of such actions may be banned from HFRC and could face legal consequences.