ADR Ride Rules
It is important to know the relevance of ribbons in tails so that when approaching or passing another horse you can see if there is a need for extra caution! It is also essential that you put a ribbon (or coloured tape works well as it doesn’t fall off!) in the tail of your horse if you have a young or novice horse, a horse that kicks/is unpredictable or a stallion. This is for the safety of you and your horse as well as to warn others!
1. MEMBERSHIP
Riders’ ages are deemed to change on 1st January irrespective of actual birthday – as horses. Adult members are 18 years or over as of 1st January.
Junior riders are aged 8-18 years. A responsible adult rider for the whole of the duration of the ride must accompany riders under 13 (as of 1st Jan).
No more than 2 juniors may ride with an adult escort.
2.RIDERS
Insurance:
All riders must have third party liability insurance to the sum of £10,000,000 (10 million pounds). Fully paid up members of ADR (and EGB) are covered for third party liability to this level. It is the responsibility of every rider to ensure that they have such other insurance as is adequate to their needs.
Hats:
Riders must wear a hard hat meeting the following standards:
- PAS015 (1998 or 2011) provided it has a BSI Kitemark OR an Inspec IC Mark
- VGI 01.040 (2014-12) provided it has a BSI Kitemark or an Inspec IC Mark
- SEI ASTM 95
- SEI ASTM F1163 (2004a or 04a onwards) providing it has an SEI mark
- SNELL E2001 or E2016, providing it has a SNELL label and number
- AS/NZS 3838 (2006 onwards) providing it has an SAI global mark
Chin straps must be securely fastened at all times when mounted.
Footwear:
Riders must use footwear with at least 1/2″ of heel unless a caged stirrup is used. Wellington boots are not permitted.
Artificial aids:
Whips to the length of 30″ (75cm )are permitted. Spurs are not allowed.
Etiquette:
Be polite at all times. Give consideration to other riders and the general public. Keep to ride instructions given by the organiser. Riders must be in control of their horses at all times. Riders shall keep strictly to the ride route when passing crops in fields, and shall not ride more than 2 abreast if this might lead to crop damage.
Overtaking:
Riders approaching another rider from behind must slow down and ask clearly for permission to pass. They should not pass unless permission is given. The front rider without undue delay should always give such permission, unless safety considerations indicate otherwise: e.g. a narrow track, side ditch or a young horse. Or temporary difficulties, in which case the overtaking rider must wait until it is safe to pass and permission has been given.
Gates:
Unless otherwise indicated, gates should be closed after use.
Outside assistance:
Cyclists may not accompany riders.
3. HORSE
Age:
Horses/Ponies must be 4 years or over. 4 year olds may not take part in rides of more than 16km.
Tack:
It is the Rider’s responsibility to make sure his/her tack is safe and fits correctly. Horses must be ridden in a recognised form of bridle with or without a bit. Riding in a head collar or draw reins (or something similar) are not permitted.
Shoes:
Horses may be ridden with or with out shoes, but if shod they must be adequately shod at the start of a ride. In special circumstances equi-boots or equivalent may be used.
Tail ribbons:
Riders with a young horse which is inexperienced in Endurance riding are strongly advised to ride with a green tail ribbon for their own and others safety. Horses, which have shown a tendency to kick out, MUST ride with a red ribbon for safety reasons. Stallions should wear a blue ribbon.
Welfare:
If a Ride Organiser deems a horse to be unfit to undertake the ride, or to be a danger to others, the rider may be asked to withdraw from the ride. The Ride Organiser’s decision is final.
4. ON THE RIDE
On arrival:
Riders must report to the secretary to book in, collect their numbers and to check for any route changes.
At the start/finish:
All riders must report to the starter/timekeeper before starting and on completion. On vetted training rides, riders must present their horse, in a bridle only, to the vet before starting and 20-30 minutes after finishing the ride.
Dogs:
All dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times.
