Gateway, Pre-Novice and Novice

Amendments to rules for 2023

28 March 2023

Gateway Competitors

The Rule Book allows for competitors to attend the National Championships only once in each class. This rule will be amended as follows:

• If they attend the Championships and win in Newcomers they move to Allcomers.
• If they attend and don’t win they can stay in Newcomers for a second year.
• All Newcomers can only contest at that level for 2 years, then they move to Allcomers.
• If they attend and win in Allcomers they can only attend the Championships ‘HC’ in subsequent years.

Gateway Competitors – Membership

It has been agreed that Gateway Competitors can compete at all events - Club, Regional or National (including the National Championships) - using Affiliated Club membership.

Pre-Novice and Novice Competitors

Pre-Novice competitors and competitors in the Novice class driving the Novice A dressage test:

The Rule Book does not allow the groom to speak or indicate the course to the driver during dressage. This will be amended to allow grooms to ‘call’ the test at Pre-Novice and Novice (A Test only) level.

It is not intended that a driver should not try to memorise the test, only that no penalties will be given if the groom calls the test as assistance. Electronic communication devices may not be used.

All three changes are in operation for the 2023 season, although the rule book wording will not be amended until next year.