Special Olympics Equestrian Events

Competition rules

The competition will be run under 2026 RDA Rule Book

Horses/ponies

Horse Usage

The classes each individual horse takes part in must not exceed 8 points based on the following:

• Walk only classes = 1 point

• Walk & Trot Classes = 2 points

• Walk, Trot & Canter Classes = 3 points

 A horse is only permitted to be entered in the same class a maximum of 3 times. 

All equines travelling to this event must have a valid passport from which the equines identification can be verified. The passport must contain all vaccinations details which must be up to date, completely and clearly recorded, signed and stamped by a veterinary surgeon, who is not the owner of the animal. Passports with missing, altered, unclear or incomplete vaccine records will not be accepted and entry to events may be refused. The passport must travel with the equine at all times.

• All primary courses of injections and subsequent booster injections must fall within the timescales specified in the RDA rule book

• Equines competing in this competition must have been vaccinated within the last 12 months.

• None of these injections can be given within the seven days before the day of competing

• Only the first two injections need to have been given before the horse may compete.

Evidence of compliance may be requested prior to the event. Passports must be brought to the event for all horses and may be checked on the day.

Horse/rider combinations

• Please consult the RDA weight guidance to ensure horse/rider, horse / driver combination is suitable: 

https://my-rda.org.uk/equine/looking-after-your-equines/guidance-for-usage/rider-and-driver-weight-guidelines/

(You will need to be logged in to MyRDA for this link to work)

• RDA reserves the right to check any rider/horse combination considered not to comply with the limits set out on the weight chart.  If a combination is found to be outside the parameters, action may be taken.

• The weight chart should be used for any rider, whether a participant, volunteer or coach.

For riders qualifying for the National Championship, they should be intending to compete at the Championships on the horse with which they qualify. If this is not possible they will need to contact the National Championship secretary with a horse substitution form as soon as possible.

Coaches

Riders must be supervised by an appropriate coach at all times when mounted. An appropriate coach is:

• An RDA Coach with an in-date RDA coach certificate

• A Group Coach with dispensation from the North Midlands RDA Regional Team https://my-rda.org.uk/search?s=CERTIFICATE+OF+COMPETENCE+FOR+EXTERNAL+EVENTS

(You will need to be logged in to MyRDA for this link to work)

Additional Rules:

1. All competitors requiring their horses being worked in by an AB rider must declare this on the entry form so that time can be allocated for this.

2. There will be arena walks on the day

3. All competitors must declare to the ring steward 15 mins before their start time and be ready to compete 5 mins before their start time. Failure to do this may result in elimination.

4. Horses must not be left unattended if tied to the horsebox/trailer.

5. Horses may be borrowed from other Groups. Both Groups concerned must be happy that the horse /rider combination is suitable, and this must be arranged prior to competition. Each Group must be present at competitions. 

Riding Hats

All hats to be worn at this regional qualifier will be checked and tagged to show that they meet the required safety standards. Further information is available at https://my-rda.org.uk/support/running-a-safe-group/health-safety/safe-working-ppe/

(You will need to be logged in to MyRDA for this link to work)

Please note that leaders are required to wear gloves and a riding hat at this event. If a leader has opted not to wear gloves, the risk assessment for this needs to be shown to the event organiser.

Safeguarding

RDA North Midlands Region is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of everyone involved and wants to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for all. 

Code of Conduct

When attending competitions, you are expected to abide by the following code of conduct: 

• All riders and drivers and/or their carers must take responsibility for ensuring they are up to date with the rules, understand and adhere to them. 

• All riders, drivers, carers and supporters should recognise the valuable contribution made by all officials, who are usually volunteers. They give their time and resources to enable the event to happen. 

• All riders, drivers, carers and supporters must respect officials and their decisions. 

• All those attending the event should treat others with the same level of respect that they would expect to be shown to themselves. 

• Everyone must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all; regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity. 

Neither the Organiser nor any person acting on their behalf, accept any liability for any loss, damage, accident, injury or illness to horses, riders, spectators or any other persons or property whatsoever.