EquiMind Rules & Info

Please take a moment and read all you should know before getting support from us

Here are all the rule book you might want to check before competing in the UK, AU, or US:

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

We kindly ask to treat your equine partner with respect and kindness.

EquiMind is a place which offers all equestrians the opportunity to receive professional feedback, regardless of the rider’s or horse’s age.

2a. „Pro Horse“
We stand for fair and ethical behaviour towards the horse as a partner at all times, and the feedback you will receive will always highlight any issues – don’t worry, though, we only want to help you to improve!

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.

2c: Arenas

  • Dressage: 20×40 m or 20×60 m
  • Groundwork: 20×40 m
  • Showing, Western: undefined
  • Vaulting: at least 20×20 m

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 the area displays correctly adjusted arena markers in the video.

We deem any safe, soft and and level area as suitable.

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.

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 the videos.

We permit all commonly used bridles for ridden classes. We don’t tolerate tight flash straps (and we appreciate riders who ride without).

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 videos. 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
Depending on the discipline, the use of humane riding aids is permitted. The sensible use of a training whip in ridden and groundwork classes is permitted. The use of 1-2 cm rounded spurs is restricted to Novice, Elementary & Medium dressage, and Western spurs are permitted as per the relevant rule book. EquiMind, its trainers & judges reserve the right, though, to refuse providing feedback on any video that shows incorrect or incorrectly used riding aids.

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 provide feedback for riders using bit guards or tongue straps, or any other form of bit considered to be pain-inflicting.

4d. Bitless riding
EquiMind loves and encourages bitless riding. The following types of bitless bridles are permitted:  Equizaum (Equimero website), sidepull, Hackamore, Cavesal, Bovecon, Glücksrad, as well as neck rings. Rope halters are only permitted for in hand classes.

4e. Bandages, boots & overreach boots
Horses may wear bandages or boots as well as eye and ear covers as long as it serves their safety and well-being.

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.

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 photos and videos are to be provided/uploaded with a link from We Transfer, or YouTube.

We are unable to provide accurate feedback to heavily edited videos, or videos with low resolution.

All submitted videos/photos will receive professional feedback from on of our friendly judges or trainers – all aiming to help you improve

If you would like to get assessed before a specific date (e.g. as preparation for another competition), please get in touch via email.

8a. 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, make sure that the arena’s markers have been adjusted accordingly.

8b. 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.

8c. 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”.

8d. Groundwork
All groundwork classes expect methods of training which aim at the horses wellbeing. EquiMind supports the use of training whips (as an extension of the handler’s hand), clicker and treats.

Competitors have the choice of leading their horse on the loose rope with a training halter or at liberty.

8e. Vaulting
All videos need to be filmed from the outside of the lunging circle. All vaulters may send two videos – one for the compulsory & one for the freestyle.

8f. 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.

All children between 3 and 12 years may send videos 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.

8h. 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 disability and grade with your video.

8i. Photos
Photos can only provide a snapshot. Hence, our professionals can only evaluate what they can see.

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 become an annual high scorer. Obviously, we love showing your fabulous achievements. Please let us know if you want us to show your photo on our Social Media pages.

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.

As much as we want to help you improve, we love a little competition…

If you want your video or photo to be included with our annual high scores, here is what you need to do:

  • Send as many videos or photos for a free feedback in as many disciplines as you wish.
  • Pay a prize fee ONCE for every level/discipline
  • All high score participants will receive a rosette according to their placing or a “Placed” rosette.

EquiMind is working with sponsors who may sponsor disciplines with additional prizes of their choice.

EquiMind reserves the right to refuse feedback. This includes:

  • use of equipment which may be detrimental to the horse’s well being
  • treatment which may be detrimental to  the horse’s well being
  • working with a visibly unwell or lame horse
  • editing of photo & video material

We love Concordia Equestrians!

Please have a look at their amazing free magazine…

With regards to their rules, please make sure that the following are not permitted:

  • Whips
  • Spurs
  • Bridles with Flash