Spruce Lodge Bursary Awards FAQ
What is the format of the competition?
All riders will ride two of the preselected tests at Elementary, Medium or Advanced Medium.There will be a test judge at C and a rider judge on the long side. The test judge will judge in the usual way but will not give rider marks in the collectives. The Rider judge will be watching closely and will give marks for Position and Effectiveness – similar to the Silver Spurs Rider judge. The three marks – Test, Position and Effectiveness – will be totalled and the top 6 riders will go through to a (mounted) trainability assessment later in the day.
What happens in the trainability assessment?
Each rider will be assessed individually for approximately ten minutes. During this time they will be guided through their work by the Rider Judge. They will be expected to discuss this work with the judge and will also be asked some theory questions to assess their understanding of the scales of training.
What are the tests to be used?
- Elementary – BD 43 (2006) and BD 57 (2007)
- Medium – BD 64 (2006) and BD 73 (2007)
- Advanced Medium – BD 84 (2008) and BD 94 (2002)
Tests can be found on dressagediagrams.com or copies can be obtained from the D.I. office by sending a S.A.E. to:
The Secretary,
Dove House,
Killemond,
Borris, via Kilkenny,
Co.Carlow
Who can enter this competition?
Anyone under the age of 25. You don't have to be a member of anything, but you should be capable of riding a dressage test at Elementary level or above.
Is there any limit on the horses?
No, you can be mounted on any horse. However, you must do the test level for which your horse is currently graded – i.e. if your horse is graded Medium, you must do the Medium tests. Horses graded higher than Advanced Medium will do the Advanced Medium tests. For Eventers, 1 * is equivalent to Elementary, 2 ** is equivalent to Medium. Pony Eventers may enter the Elementary section.
Can I carry a whip and can tests be commanded in this competition?
No, we consider this to be a championship type competition and as such whips and commanding are not allowed.
Are there any restrictions on tack?
We are following Dressage Ireland rules with respect to horse and rider equipment. We suggest that people from a non-dressage background double check the DI rulebook to make sure that they comply.
When and where will this be held?
August 13th at Marlton Stud, Co Wicklow.
Do I have to qualify?
No, send your entry to Martine Greenlee (see form for address) – before the closing date – 06/08/2010.
Submission Guidelines