The purpose of these tests is to bridge the gap between the Eventers, Show Hunters, Field Hunters and Jumpers; to demonstrate a Sporting Horse's ability to perform accurately and willingly for the rider; to be a platform of basic training for any Jumping horse and rider; to educate in a natural progression of experience; to give large and small horses and ponies a more equal playing field; to eliminate straight jumping lines and increase pace requirements; to encourage disciplined riding style and technique; to help the horse and rider combination assess their training and progress as they move towards other disciplines and competitions of their choice; to have a retrievable score sheet with numerical scoring.

Entering All tests must be entered and paid for two weeks prior to the Tests. A time schedule will be posted on the Internet and will be strictly adhered to. Refunds minus a processing fee if slot can be filled from a Waiting list or Stand by list the day of the show. There will be some form of a Vet, Blacksmith, Insurance, Portolet and/or EMT grounds fee for all horse entering the premises. All horses on the grounds will have a number which must be worn at all times. Non competing horses will have the right to use a designated schooling area and other Competitor Schooling areas when they represent only 20% of that areas’ population. Since a full dressage test can cost anywhere from $12.00-$25.00 and a Hunter class can cost $15.00-$50.00. The proposed cost of entering should be $15.00 - $30.00 per test and $25.00 per head 'Services and EMT' Fee.

Lunging should only be permitted in designated areas and any whip cracking or excessive noise will result in removal of the horses number and all privileges of competing or schooling. The purpose of this rule is to create a quiet atmosphere where young riders and horses can feel serene and safe.

Scoring will be similar to a dressage test and done by one or more Judges using Scribes following the movements of a prescribed Test Sheet for one of the 15 levels of Testing and receiving a score between 1 and 10 points. More Tests will be offered after the first test shows take place and we have feedback from competitors and coaches.

Penalty Points/Errors will be in red ink and deducted from the total score. The competitor will receive a copy of their test after their Level has competed and been posted. Entries must be pre-entered for assigned riding times.

Elimination will occur: Upon failure to enter the ring after 30 Seconds from the Judges signal, visible or audible bell, whistle or horn. Upon the 3rd error of course. Upon Coaching or queuing from any persons during competition. Upon the 5^th Refusal Novice and below and 3^rd Refusal to move forward or jump Training and above. Refusing to enter the ring 3 minutes ahead of scheduled ride, note the Starter will the right to advance the start time by no more than 3 minutes (an effort to regain the time schedule) and upon any excessive abuse observed inside or outside the ring.

Starting: One enters the ring at a signal from the judge, visible or audible and at a pace of choice proceeding directly to A where the judging will commence.

Competing: All trotting in the Flat phase is rising unless otherwise noted. All Trot indications mean working trot (approximately 6-7 mph) on light/loose contact, horses head and neck should be at its natural comfort level demonstrating balance and harmony, but not below 6" above the withers.

Timing The Jumping course will be measured, Start and Finish Timing flags will be in the ring and time allowed will be posted. Penalties of .25 points will begin after a 10 second window for any partial seconds over/under the time limit/allowed. Watches will not be allowed.

Error of Course: If there is an error in course there will be an audible sound at which point the rider must pull up and approach the judge/ringmaster and be instructed as to where to go before resuming the Tests.

It is recommended that the competitor has the opportunity to perform at least twice at the same height and no more than 3 times at one level and no more than 5 tests per day.

Championships can be awarded to competitors with the highest average of two or three tests using the Following system of points, 10,8,6,5,4,3,2,1.

Divisions can be further divided by riders previous history of competing levels and horses, thus generating the Evergreen Horses and Evergreen Riders. Until this form of competition has been in use for a year or more. Levels will be at the riders word. After record keeping is established, riders will then be qualified by a number of clear completions or placings/percentiles before going up to the next higher level. 

Submitted by: Joannah Hall Glass, USEF Life Member, 3549 Charleston Hwy, Aiken SC 29801