Rules made Easy
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The SMC would like to remind members about the rules and policy for having dogs at rides. Under Section 1 Clause 26.5 of the AERA Rulebook it states: Dogs must be secured in a structure or on a leash at all times when on the ride base.
From 1st January 2020 the rule will be modified to read: Dogs must be secured in a structure or on a leash that is attached to a solid structure or a human handler when at an endurance event.
Attached is the VERA Dog Policy. The SMC is keen for everyone to read and understand these rules/policy to ensure adherence is achieved.
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The SMC have reviewed and updated the Rider Identification Bib policy. This document is now available under the Policies page on the VERA website. Please take the time to read the document and understand the requirements. This is being posted as a reminder to all members that it is MANDATORY to have your own ride bib once you upgrade to Endurance Rider status. The SMC thanks all riders for their assistance in adhering to this rule.
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How does a rider up grade to Endurance/ Open status.
How does a rider up grade from NOVICE status to OPEN status
1, The rider must have successfully complete 2 x 40km training rides, then 3 x 80km - 120km, Novice horses and / or riders cannot compete in any ride longer than 120km.
2. Once you achieve this, you apply to be “Up graded" and your membership card will change over to Open rider status. (No fee is charged for this. However you must be a financial member at the time for you to upgrade your rider status) You will be issued with a YELLOW membership card. (VERA Membership Registrar is Beck Williamson)
3. Even if you complete your qualifying rides, don’t be fooled to think you can now ride at any speed in your next ride, because in theory you are still a NOVICE rider. The responsibility for the upgrading is up to the rider not the committee.
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One of the responses from the recent Member Survey was in relation to Best Conditioned only being for those horses who completed the ride in the top 5 places of each division. The respondee felt that this should be available to all horses who finished the ride successfully rather than just the fastest horses.
The SMC has put together the following information for members on the awarding of the Best Conditioned award as per the current rules.
There is a Best Managed award but it hasn't traditionally been awarded in shorter rides - it is usually awarded for the marathon events.
Probably the best way to see the Best Managed award presented at rides would be to organise a sponsor for the award and pass this onto the Ride Organiser. There are quite a few awards presented at rides now and sponsorship of another award would be very much appreciated.
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As our first ride for the year looks like it is the 40km training weekend at Glengarry. I have seen people ask about memberships etc.
1: you do not have to be a financial member of VERA to compete in any 40km or less training, or social ride.
2: However all non VERA members will be required to pay a "day membership" as well as the entry fee.
3: NEW RULE states that all horses with logbooks must have all training / social rides entered in them (previously you could put training rides on a vet card and not in the logbook)
For those VERA members ready to compete in an 80km and already have a logbook.
If your a VERA member, and paid your membership, make sure you have done your logbook returns REQUIRED BY ALL HORSES, NOVICE & QUALIFIED HORSES.
If your horse is a qualified horse [YELLOW BOOK] you also have to pay a annual fee prior to competing in anything of 80km plus, or if your horse has a lifetime registration then no other fee required) a sticker inside the book will tell you if it's lifetime registered or just annually registered.
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