United States Eventing Association

To All Competitors entering FEI Competitions in 2009 and All Organizers of FEI Competitions in 2009

There have been several FEI rule changes pertaining to the Show Jumping phase of all FEI Competitions beginning January 1st, 2009.

As you know, Eventing’s Dressage and Show Jumping phases are run under the rules of each of these specific FEI disciplines and it is in the interests of all organizers and competitors to familiarize themselves with these rules on a regular basis. We will make every attempt to keep you up-to-date with all rule changes as they occur. Here are those specifically related to the Show Jumping phase:

FEI RULE FOR SHOW JUMPING EVENTING COURSE DESIGNER
On January 1st, a new F.E.I. rule became effective regarding the design of show jumping courses at certain International Three Day Events:

Article 549.3.3 of the F.E.I. Eventing rule book now reads as follows:

The Eventing Course Designer is responsible for the layout, design and construction of the Jumping course and he/she must ensure that the course complies with all the current Eventing rules and guidelines. For One Star events, a nationally recognised Course Designer is recommended. The duty of building the Jumping course will be delegated to a national Jumping Course Designer for Two & Three Star events and One & Two Star Championships. For Four Star events and Four/Three Star Championships, they must be delegated to a FEI “International” Jumping Course Designer.

While the cross-country course designer is still the ‘responsible person’ for the show jumping track, organisers of Two Star and Three Star Events will need to retain the services of a qualified show jumping course designer to actually design these tracks, unless the cross-country course designer has these necessary qualifications and carriers out this duty.

While anyone currently holding a United States Equestrian Federation JCD ‘r’ or ‘R’ licence or a F.E.I. show jumping course designer licence is qualified for this position, the United States Equestrian Federation has created a new licence called the Eventing jumping course designer (EvntJCD). This position will satisfy the F.E.I. rule for Two and Three Star Events.

To obtain this licence any show jumping course designer who has been part of the show jumping course advisory scheme, over the past two calendar years, can be ‘Grandfathered’ into this position, providing they can meet certain criteria’s as listed in the details below.

Additionally anyone who does not fall into this category, but would like to become an EvntJCD, can follow the second criteria.

STEPS TO BECOME AN “R” EVENTING JUMPING COURSE DESIGNER
GRANDFATHERING EXISTING EVENTING JUMPING COURSE DESIGNER

• Must have submitted courses under the current Eventing Jumper Course Advisory Program during the 2007/8 competition year.

• Must have attended a United States Equestrian Federation jumping course design clinic, or a clinic given by the Eventing Jumping Course Advisor, during the two years preceding the application.

• Must receive a minimum of 15 evaluations including from 2 Technical Delegates and 2 riders who have worked with/ridden over courses at a minimum of two Intermediate or higher divisions at two separate events

• Recommendations from the Eventing Jumper Course Advisor will be taken into advisement

• Complete your “R” application (available on the USEF website www.usef.org/contentPage2.aspx?id=natlic or through the USEF LOC Department, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Kentucky, 40511 (859) 225 6971) and submit it with the appropriate fee.

STEPS TO BECOME AN “R” EVENTING JUMPING COURSE DESIGNER

• Must have designed the jumping phase at a minimum of two Intermediate or higher divisions at two separate events over a two year period.

• Must have attended a United States Equestrian Federation jumping course design clinic, or a clinic given by the Eventing Jumping Course Advisor, during the past two years.

• The applicant must have assisted with 2 different (non Eventing) jumping course designers, who hold a USEF ‘R’ or F.E.I. Course Designer licence for Jumping, for two or more consecutive days of competition at a recognised (non Eventing) jumping competition, during the past two years, with all aspects of course design and building.

• Receive a minimum of 15 evaluations including from 2 Technical Delegates and 2 riders who have worked with/ridden over courses at a minimum of two Intermediate or higher divisions at two separate events

• Recommendations from the Eventing Jumper Course Advisor will be taken into advisement

• Complete your “R” application (available on the USEF website www.usef.org/contentPage2.aspx?id=natlic or through the USEF LOC Department, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Kentucky, 40511 (859) 225 6971) and submit it with the appropriate fee.

While in due course the F.E.I. may extend this rule for One Star events the United States Eventing Association does not have any current plans to include this within their National rules. However, obtaining this licence will give additional credibility to jumper course designers, who design show jumping tracks at National events, and will extend their knowledge of this discipline. Equally important, by becoming a licensed official, that person automatically qualifies for the Professional Liability Insurance provided by the United States Equestrian Federation.

Anyone who needs more information should contact Shealagh Costello at [email protected] or Sharon Gallagher at [email protected]. Richard Jeffery is also available to answer any questions you may have at [email protected])”

Below is a summary of the rule changes the F.E.I. introduced for eventing jumping on the 1st January 2009:

Art 536 SIZE OF ARENA
This rule was amended to allow the speeds of various levels to be reduced when arenas were below a certain size (this is now the same rule as in the United States Equestrian Federation rule book).

Art 537.3 DIMENSIONS (and reference to Appendix 4)
The reference to the spread at the ‘highest point’ and ‘base’ of an oxer was removed and re-placed with the word ‘overall’ therefore giving only one measurement for the spread of an oxer. This means that any projection of a wall, or ground line, in front of the front rail of an oxer or triple bar, has to be taken into account when measuring the maximum spread of that obstacle.

The table referred to in Appendix 4 was amended so that the ‘overall’ spread of an oxer can be no wider than 20cm (reduced from 30cm), or the ‘overall’ spread of a triple bar can be no wider than 40cm, then the maximum height of the fence in that division.

Also, the maximum and minimum distance of course for each level was amended to a maximum of 600 metres for ALL levels. (The United States Eventing Association has proposed an extraordinary rule change that the length of the show jumping tracks at ALL National divisions also be amended to a maximum of 600 metres in line with this rule).

Art 537.4 TYPE OF OBSTACLE
Wording was added as to where safety cups are to be used (i.e. back of oxers and all poles in the centre and back of triple bars). This is now the same rule as in the United States Equestrian Federation rulebook.

Art 539.1.1 KNOCK-DOWN WITH DISOBEDIENCE
The reference to stopping the competitor and replacing a flag, if that was all that was dislodged during disobedience was removed. This acts as a time saver and again follows the United States Equestrian Federation rule and the regular F.E.I. jumping rules.

Art 549.3.3 COURSE DESIGNER
This now lists when a recognised jumping course designer has to be used.

NEW IN 2008:

JUMPING - Rules Art. 257.2.3 14/02/2008

2.3 The total maximum weight of equipment allowed to be added to a horse’s leg allowed for a horse’s boot, front or hind (single or multiple boots, fetlock rings etc), is 500g (shoe excluded). Failure to comply with this paragraph will incur disqualification (Art. 241.2.9).

With reference to the maximum weight allowed for a horse’s boot (500g front or hind) as established under Art. 257.2.3 of the Jumping Rules, NFs are asked to inform their Chief Stewards that it is their responsibility to check the weight of horses’ boots. Should a doubt arise regarding the weight of a boot during the boot/bandage control, the boot must be weighed by the Chief Steward. The Chief Steward may also carry out random checks at any time during the event. NFs are also requested to inform their Organizing Committees that a scale must be available for this purpose.