35. OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
35.1 Riders and horses must not receive any assistance
a) a responsible adult(s) may (as a pedestrian) accompany a horse and rider in an introductory or micro- marathon ride.
b) assistance provided by the ROC at designated checkpoints for both riders and horses such as water, carrots or sweets.
c) the replacement or repair of lost or damaged hoof protection, tack or clothing.
d) any other assistance as deemed appropriate and approved by the chief steward.
35.2 Whilst the ride is in progress, support personnel are not permitted on the course or at course checkpoints, except for rendering assistance as permitted by Clause 35.1 (a), (c) and (d) and then, only if permission has been given by the chief steward beforehand.
35.3 Support personnel, if on course pursuant to Clause 35.1, shall not follow, precede or accompany the horse and rider on any part of the course or on any immediately adjacent access track, nor provide any form of assistance other than that authorised by the chief steward in relation to Clause 35.1 (a), (c) and (d).
35.4 The rider shall not accept any form of assistance when on course, whether solicited or not, with the objective of giving them or their horse an advantage, other than such assistance as permitted in Clause 35.1.
35.5 Should the support personnel infringe Clauses 35.2 or 35.3, or the rider infringe Clause 35.4, the chief steward may eliminate the rider depending on the nature, severity and circumstances of the infringement.