EquiMind Rules & Info

Please take a moment and read all you should know before competing online

All competitions are based on the current rules of:

Any circumstance not covered by any of these rules will be handled at the discretion of EquiMind.

We kindly ask for fairness among all competitors. EquiMind is a place which offers all equestrians the opportunity to compete, regardless of the riders’ or horse’s age. We don’t require any affiliations or copies of passports but everybody’s commitment to treat their equine partner with respect and kindness. Equally, we expect every competitor to show respect towards other competitors.

2a. „Pro Horse“
We are here to enable every rider/handler to compete in their safe environment in their own arena. We stand for fair and ethical behaviour towards the horse as a partner at all times.

2b. Code of conduct
We expect from our riders/handlers respectful interaction on Social Media. Every rider/handler deserves the same respect and appreciation, regardless of the level of experience. EquiMind is a safe place for anyone enjoying the horse as a partner.

All competitors must keep the horse’s welfare at heart when competing online. Should we feel that a horse showing signs of pain, we will contact the competitor and offer our support but reserve the right to eliminate the competitor on welfare grounds.

2c: Arenas

  • Dressage: 20x40m or 20x60m
  • Driving: 40x80m
  • Groundwork: 20x40m
  • Showing, Western: undefined
  • Vaulting: at least 20mx20m

We are well aware that riders may not have access to ideal training areas, and we allow smaller arenas/paddocks as competition arenas, as long as competitors display correctly adjusted arena markers in their video.

We deem any safe, soft and and level area as suitable for our competition classes.

Riders need to wear suitable riding clothes or competition gear, and a correctly fitted riding helmet. We also require helmets for riders under 18 years of age in western classes. Adult western riders may wear a suitable western hat.

We also require a riding helmet for all of our photo classes, unless the rider is working from the ground.

For in hand classes, riding helmets are not required but appreciated.

EquiMind reserves the right to eliminate riders, who fail to adhere to these rules.

All tack needs to be correctly fitted. We allow all types of saddles, inclusive bareback saddle pads. Under no circumstances will we permit bareback riding in any of our video classes.

We permit all commonly used bridles for ridden classes. Flash straps are not required (and we appreciate riders who ride without).

Video classes:
All additionally permitted equipment is listed with the respective discipline. Should I rider use any equipment EquiMind has not mentioned by name, it would be advisable to contact [email protected] to confirm its use for any of the competition classes. Any horse in need of protective gear for eye, ear or nose, or any form of leg protection should notify EquiMind since we will allow the use only for horse welfare reasons.

4a. Side reins, Draw reins & other similar aids
The use of such aids is strictly forbidden – for adults, as well as children. The only permitted types are martingales for jumping classes. Should an inexperienced rider require assistance, EquiMind permits help from the ground such as loose lead ropes, or an assistant walking next to the horse.

4b. Use of whips, spurs, treats & Co
The use of training whips is permitted as long as (1.) of the rules id kept in mind. Spurs are permitted, as long as these are round and no longer than 1-2 cm. Advanced western riders my use spurs with small wheels. The use of treats, clicker and voice for in hand classes is permitted, as long as it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the test.

4c. Bits
Permitted are loose ring snaffle, snaffle with jointed mouthpiece where the middle piece should be rounded, egg-butt snaffle, D-ring or racing snaffle, loose ring snaffle with cheeks (Fulmer), snaffle with upper cheeks only, hanging cheek snaffle, straight bar snaffle (must be straight with no ports or raised bumps), snaffle with rotating mouthpiece, snaffle with rotating middle piece, rotary bit with rotating middle piece. Bombers Equestrian’s Flexible Mullen and Loose Ring Ultra Comfy, Myler bits, as well as the Happy Mouth Bit. EquiMind does not permit bit guards or tongue straps, or any other form of bit considered to be pain-inflicting.

4d. Bitless riding
EquiMind permits and encourages bitless riding. The following types of bitless bridles are permitted:  Equizaum (www.equifitness.co.uk), sidepull, Hackamore, Cavesal, Bovecon, Glücksrad, as well as neck rings. Rope halters are only permitted for in hand classes. All riders competing bitless or at liberty with a neck ring in any of the EquiMind classes will be placed in a separate section. This requires a written noted from the competitor at the time of video/photo submission. EquiMind reserves the right to place riders, who haven’t send any notification, in the main section of the class.

4e. Bandages, boots & overreach boots
The use of protective leg gear is only permitted for jumping classes. Should a competitor use protective leg gear for any other discipline, we require a written notice stating the reason for the use. EquiMind reserves the right to eliminate riders/handlers using such gear without prior authorisation.

If you are in any doubt about the equipment you are using, contact us vial email.

All videos must be taken without interruptions from the letter “C” of the arena (if not requested otherwise on the test sheet) in landscape format.

Horse and rider/handler should be fully visible at all times. Please ensure that the sound is switched on. We cannot accept edited videos unless these videos are submitted for training purposes. Any attempt to send in edited material for a competition my lead to the immediate elimination.

You may use your zoom function, as long as the video material retains a good  quality level (e.g. unsteady frame at the time of zooming in/out).

Riders/handler may also use a tripod for your video if help is not available to take a video. Make sure to add 2-3 m distance to letter “C” to ensure that the corners closest to the camera are in the frame. Our judges are unable to score an element if is not visible in the video, which may lead to loss of points.

Freestyle classes need to be ridden with the music playing in the background. We cannot accept edited videos where a sound file has been added after the ride. With your entry, you assume full responsibility for the rights to play your freestyle music in public.
PLEASE NOTE: We will not check on any of your existing memberships but you need to be a music/full BD member, or have a music licence to play copied music in public. There is lovely license-free music on the market as an alternative.To register with BD, please follow this link:
http://www.britishdressage.co.uk/competitions/dressage_to_music

All videos may be submitted directly or as a link to YouTube, Dropbox, or weTransfer via email.

Videos/Photos must be submitted with the highest possible resolution, and EquiMind reserves the right to disqualify photo/video material of insufficient quality. Participants will be noticed of the quality issue and have the right to remedy the submitted material within 24 hours after acknowledging the receipt of the EquiMind notification if the monthly deadline has passed. Always remember, if you can’t really see yourself and the horse in the video/photo, the judge won’t see you either. Check all photos/videos for quality issues before submitting.

All submitted videos/photos are judged after the given deadline unless the entry fee haven’t been paid. Every competitor has the right to enter a class multiple times and submit more than one video whereby EquiMind cannot guarantee that multi-entries will be placed in separate groups.

Judge’s decisions are final. If a competitor feels that he/she has been incorrectly scored, EquiMind will accept written requests for a second assessment within 24 hours after the receipt of the score sheet/publication of the photo scores.

All training videos are assessed by our trainers & judges, and training sheets are mailed to the rider/handler. If you would like to get assessed before a specific date (e.g. as preparation for another competition), please get in touch via email.

If a competitor fails to submit his entry video/photo to EquiMind on time and before the given deadline, the entry fee will not get refunded. EquiMind may include a late/missing submission in the relevant competition class if the competitor has stated the reason for the late/missing entry.

If a horse/competitor has been injures or fallen ill, EquiMind will accept a doctor’s/veterinary’s letter to postpone the participation in the show. In such case, EquiMind will provide the competitor with a coupon code which may be used for any horse/competitor before expiration of the coupon.

ATTENTION:
EVERY photo or video may only get submitted once. Any duplication will not get judged and may lead to a disqualification of the competitor.

We all get sick at times, and we are happy to keep your entry for a future training or show. If you or your horse are unable to compete or send a training video, we need to know before the expiration of a given show deadline. If we hear from you after the given deadline, your entry can’t get credited any longer. EquiMind is unable to refund any entry but will send a credit in form of a voucher code. This code may be used for any horse/rider combination.

9a. Dressage
All classes need to be ridden on a suitable surface with correct measurements of a 20 x 40 or 20 x 60 arena. Should the available arena provide insufficient space, competitors may still enter, provided that the arena’s markers have been adjusted accordingly.

9b. Showing
All ridden/in hand shows have to be performed on a suitable surface. First, the camera person needs to show the standing horse from all sides. Horse & handler/rider will then walk away from the camera (about 20 m), turn to the right and trot back at and past the camera. For the individual in hand show, the competitor will highlight the quality of the trot in a large circle, followed by a transition to walk. The individual ridden show may contain any element highlighting the horse’s talent but not exceed 4 minutes. In hand/ridden shows have to be finished with a correct halt and salute to the judge.

9c. Western
Western classes may be ridden with English tack in the lower levels. If the given pattern shows the position of the camera/judge, this will overrule the camera position at “C”. EquiMind does not promote the use of spurs, but Western spurs are permitted for “Open” classes, as long as these are used with consideration of the horses welfare.

9d. Bodenarbeit
All groundwork classes expect methods of training which aim at the horses wellbeing. EquiMind permits the use of training whips (as an extension of the handler’s hand), clicker and treats.

Performances should be shown in a 24 x 40 m arena with dressage arena markers.

Competitors have the choice of leading their horse on the loose rope with a training halter or at liberty. EquiMind will place all handlers accordingly in different groups. ATTENTION: Only use fenced arenas for your liberty show!

9e. Vaulting
All videos need to be filmed from the outside of the lunging circle. All vaulting entries may send two videos – one for the compulsory & one for the freestyle. All entries filmed as a barrel competition will get judged in a separate section.

9f. My first Pony
ATTENTION: Under no circumstances will EquiMind allow the use of side reins. Please walk with your child and use a lead rope if necessary. We will not deduct any points but place aided young riders in a separate group.

We don’t expect pony riders to ride their ponies in a dressage contact. EquiMind judges are instructed to judge the seat, soft aids and correctly ridden test elements. All children between 3 and 12 years (year of birth) may compete in the pony classes.

9g. Para Horses
We promote the stimulation of physically challenged horses. This included blind/partially blind/deaf horses. Any necessary UV-masks or ear protection are permitted. For ridden classes, we welcome the additional support by a person walking next to the horse. Please state the type of the horse’s disability in your entry. EquiMind reserves the right to ask for a veterinary certificate at any time.

9h. Para Rider
Para riders are welcome to ride in designated Para classes AND together with able bodied riders in other disciplines. Please state the type of diability with your entry.

9i. Driving
We expect suitable and safe driving equipment for all classes since the welfare of the horse always comes first. Unless tests are shown in a driving arena with correct measurements, we expect markers in the open space used to perform the test.

9j. Photo Classes
All EquiMind photo competitions are judged according to the standards of the chosen discipline. Our judges  will judge all visible/relevant elements. Photos don’t have to be current, and EquiMind is happy to accept entries with your “rainbow-horse”.

IMPORTANT: With the submission of the photo, you give EquiMind the permission to publish your photo on the website and Social Media pages should your entry get placed in the class.

Therefore, it is crucial that you have the rights to your photograph. If you are entering a photograph other than the one taken by yourself or friend, you need get the written permission. EquiMind reserves the right to ask for such written permission at any time. Never edit any professionally taken photo by removing the photographer’s name. Remember, this is advertising for their fabulous work!

EquiMind cannot be held responsible for any copyright violations. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for further information.

EquiMind offers special discounts and show packages for riding schools, clubs and larger groups of competitors (5+ competitors).

Get in touch for more info on prices and details of show packages via email

EquiMind loves celebrating riders/handlers, and we are happy to help with all your Championship requirements.

11a. The Championship 
Each discipline has its own Champion and Reserve.

All riders/handlers will start with a clean palate and with the same chance to win a championship title.

How are the Championship places calculated?
50% -Score for the class (A+B score)
+ 25% – Correct executions of all elements in the test
+ 25 % – Overall harmony (at judge’s digression)

11b. Prizes
Every champion should receive a very special rosette, a sash, an engraved trophy & and a prize – but, we leave that entirely up to you. We can supply you with (almost) everything.

We offer rosettes, sashes, trophies and a wide selection on possible prizes for your show. Please contact us for any special requirements.

All EquiMind photo competitions:

  • Places 1-6 will receive a rosette according to their placing, all other competitors will receive a “Placed” rosette.

EquiMind is working with sponsors who may sponsor specific photo classes with prizes of their choice.

EquiMind reserves the right to exclude riders/handlers on special grounds from the participation in EquiMind competitions. This includes:

  • contacting judges privately
  • use of equipment which may be detrimental to the horse’s well being
  • treatment which may be detrimental to  the horse’s well being
  • competing with a visibly unwell or lame horse
  • any form of misrepresentation (for example, stating an incorrect age)
  • editing of photo & video material

EquiMind also doesn’t tolerate any form of disrespect towards EquiMind representatives or fellow riders/handlers and reserves the right to disqualify/exclude those competitors from future competitions.

Fine Contact Competitions reward correct training, lightness, partnership and trust, and are designed for those who seek the most respectful ways to communicate our requests, and for ridden horses, the most comfortable ways to carry us.

All of those striving for such partnership in a competition are rewarded with rosettes and/or prizes but more importantly, Concordia promotes friendliness among contestants, harmony between horses and humans, personal accomplishment and the enjoyment of being able to take part. The use of spurs and flash straps is not permitted in any Concordia class.

The Concordia Equestrians, in collaboration with EQUIMIND and 4Dimension Fundamental Training, are excited to host all International Fine Contact Competitions.

To keep up to date with  all progress and support the Concordia movement please register as a Friend or Professional.

PLEASE NOTES: EquiMind will run Fine Contact classes under Concordia rules and criteria which may supersede existing EquiMind rules.

EquiMind also works with organisers who want to hold competitions where riders video their own tests at their own yard but wish to only compete with each other, for instance within their own club or inter-club. Please contact us for more information: [email protected]