ERC Class Information – In alphabetical order
AGES: Juniors are 3 –17 years on 1 January of the current year. Seniors are 18 and above on 1 January of the current year. Calculate a horse’s age from 1 January of the year in which it was born. Horses must be 4 or over to compete under saddle. ERC does not allow stallions or colts on the showground.
BITS: Only snaffles are allowed in lead rein, novice ridden showing and novice equitation classes. In other ridden showing classes, snaffles, pelhams or double bits are allowed.
BODY PROTECTORS: All juniors must wear a body protector when riding in any classes with jumps and in the jumping warm up ring. Body protectors should comply with the current British Riding Club standard.
BRIDLES: Flash and drop nosebands are permitted in equitation classes. In classes for hunters, cobs and M&M, competitors should consider using plain leather bridles. The definition of an “acceptable” or “correct” bridle in any class is a matter for the judge. Some judges may decide to mark down a competitor with a bridle they consider to be less than “absolutely correct”. In classes for ridden horses or ridden ponies, competitors should consider using a coloured brow band and stitched noseband.
COLOURED CLASSES: Includes roan, dun, palomino, spotted, skewbald and piebald.
DOING A SHOW: Always listen carefully to what a Judge asks you to do. If the Judge asks for a short show, do just that. You may have a show prepared and the Judge may ask you to do something completely different. If you don’t understand what the Judge wants, ask her/him again!
EQUITATION : Only one equitation class may be entered at each show. The judge may require sitting trot. You will never be asked to ride without stirrups.
Fall of horse or rider: For health & safety reasons, in ALL classes, the fall of animal or rider shall result in immediate elimination and the rider must not remount (or attempt another fence in classes with jumps) but must leave the ring immediately on foot. All falls must be reported to the cabin and an accident report form completed.
FIRST RIDDEN CLASSES These are intended to provide a transition from lead rein to other classes. First ridden competitors cannot also compete on the lead rein in any class. There will be no group canter in First Ridden classes.
HARD HATS: It is compulsory for all competitors to wear a hard hat that complies with the current standard required by British Riding Clubs, with the chin strap securely fastened when mounted. In addition, juniors must also wear a hard hat for in-hand classes. Senior members are strongly advised to do this.
HORSE: Over 148cm INTRO WORKING HUNTER: For horses and/or riders new to Working Hunter and the combination cannot enter any other Working Hunter class. Lead reins may not enter this class.
JUNIOR HANDLER: No adult help may be given. The junior should be able to show the animal at halt/rest as well as trotting away and towards the judge; and move the animal backwards and to the side if asked to do so. Judges will want someone who looks in control of their pony, and who shows it to their best ability.
LEAD REIN: Riders 8 years and under. Pony must be of suitable size. Judges’ decision about suitability is final. BSPS rules say lead rein pony should be max 117cm (11.2 hands) which may influence judging. Riders cannot enter any class off the lead rein. Lead reins must be attached to the noseband and never the bit. Snaffles only.
MOUNTAIN & MOORLAND: Includes pure and part-bred and both small and large breeds. Pure-breds should not be plaited. Be prepared to answer question on your animal’s breeding. Do not enter the class just because your pony is hairy! Ridden classes include a short individual show containing walk, trot and canter on both reins and a halt for which up to 60 marks are awarded. The judge will then inspect your animal and award up to 40 marks for confirmation and type.
NOVICE EQUITATION: Rider must not to have been placed 1st in any equitation class, prior to the year of competition. Snaffle bits only. Only one equitation class may be entered at each show.
NOVICE CLASSES: With exception of the Novice Equitation class, all Novice classes are only open to combinations who have not been placed first in that specific class prior to the current season.
PONY: 148cm and under
RIDING CLUB CLASS: To include a small jump. The judge may ask that this be jumped in both directions. Juniors must wear a body protector. Riders may not wear spurs.
SPURS: Juniors may not wear spurs in any class with exception of WH A3 & A4 and SJ CLASS 3 & 4.
VETERAN: Horse/pony 15 years and over
WHIPS/CANES: Show whips/canes must not exceed 75cm (30”). Plain or leather-covered canes only for lead-rein classes. No long or dressage whips in SJ or WH classes.
WORKING HUNTER CLASSES: First phase is six or seven jumps. You start with 50 jumping points and lose 10 for each knockdown, 15 for a first refusal and 20 for a second. Crossing tracks on approach to a fence, turning quarters to a fence or completely turning round counts as a refusal. Third refusal, fall of animal or rider, taking wrong course, missing or adding a jump all result in elimination. There are 10 marks available for jumping style. Those with a clear round go through to the next round (the Judge may allow some with jumping faults to go through if there are less than six clear) where competitors do a short show. Competitors may be asked to include a short gallop but only if weather conditions permit. Up to 10 marks are awarded for manners while performing the show and 30 for conformation and type. If scores are tied, phase one total marks take precedence followed by manners then conformation/type. If there is still a tie, the Judge makes a decision which is final.