For riders not yet ready to participate in the EquestriMalta National Championships, the MEF Equestrian Games will introduce riders to the world of competitive riding.  

The MEF Equestrian Games.

The MEF in collaboration with EquestriMalta will be hosting Equestrian Games which will run alongside the National calendar. Participants will compete in Riding Class, Handy Hunters and Gymkhanas earning points for every competition attended. Prizes will be distributed at the end of the season for overall winners in a number of categories. The MEF Equestrian Games is open to both juniors and adults who are not yet ready to participate in the EquestriMalta National Championships.

Gymkhana Games

Gymkhana Games combine a love of ponies and friends with various races. Riders and ponies take part in a series of exciting and exhilarating races that involve a mix of turns, and skills such as improving accuracy, agility, concentration, speed, hand to eye coordination, teamwork and sportsmanship whilst having lots of fun playing some imaginative games.

The MEF Christmas Gymkhana may include races such as potato race, sack race and water races. 

Riders from each class will participate in three different races, with the competitor crossing the finish line first, being the winner. In the case of ties, a quiz tie breaker will be held. Quiz questions will be based around the equestrian sport and horse care but there may be some surprise questions! 

Prizes will be given to the horse and rider combination in the best Christmas outfit.

 Competitors are to bring their own sack to participate in the sack race.  

Choosing your class  

Instructors or persons responsible for competing riders are to carefully assess the abilities of students before selecting a class, keeping in mind the safety of students and other competitors at all times.

Riders off the lead are to be familiar with the rules relating to riding in an arena with other competitors. Given that competitors and their equine partners will be competing alongside one another, instructors/owners are to give careful consideration to the behaviour of their horses in such situations.

Sportsmanship must in all instances be displayed. Competitors who behave in any way that shows a lack of sportsmanship may be disqualified at the discretion of the judge or any MEF official.

Queries or complaints may be lodged via email to maltaequestrianfederation@gmail.com. No complaints will be taken into consideration on competition day.

Class I - Leading rein

Riders competing in this class have the option of going through the given course in either walk or trot. Riders competing in this class are prohibited from cantering at any stage in the course.

Class II - Walk & Trot 

This class takes place off the lead. Riders competing in this class must have full control of the horse at all times. Competitors taking part in this class are disallowed from cantering through the course.  

Class III - Walk, Trot & Canter

 This class takes place off the lead. Riders competing in this class should be confident in riding in all three gaits. Competitors who are not confident in riding certain obstacles or performing specific tasks in canter, may pursue them in trot or walk.

Class IV - Open Class

The open class is aimed at those riders who have already competed in the EquestriMalta National Championships. Riders competing in this class may pursue the obstacles in walk, trot or canter. Riders opting to take part in this class will not be awarded Equestrian Games points.

 Instructors event  

To keep Christmas spirits high, a good laugh is mandatory. Instructors will be called at the end of the event in order to participate in an instructors race which race will be announced on the day. No entries are required for this event.

Entries

Entries are to be submitted one week before the competition. Each entry is €15 and entitles competitors to three races in the same class.

Payment of both entry and membership must be affected by the closing date. Competitors who do not pay the entry or are not fully paid up members will not feature in the start list.

The same pony or horse may be used for a maximum of four rounds, provided the combination of classes are as follows:

·       4 leading rein classes

·       3 leading rein classes + 1 entry in Class II, III or IV

·       2 leading rein classes + 2 entries in classes II, III or IV

Changes to the start list will not be allowed after the closing date, however, should there need to be a change in pony, approval from an MEF official is required. Changes are to be submitted by email before noon the day before the competition. If changes of horse need to be made on the day, instructors/guardians are to aquire approval from an MEF official at least 15 minutes before entry time.

Should instructors/owners fail to abide by this rule the competitor will be disallowed from entering the competition arena.  

Welfare

Judges may disqualify riders, or disallow certain horses from being used if they display dangerous behaviour.  

In those cases where ponies/horses have more than a 15 minute gap between one competitor and another, girths are to be loosened and bridles are to be removed and replaced by a head collar.

Water tanks and water for ponies/horses will be provided on the day.

Progression throughout the season

Competitors who enter into more than one class will only accumulate points from the more advanced class.

Riders may choose to go up and down classes throughout the year, however if they go down a class, they will not accumulate Equestrian Games points.

Photos

Photos will be taken of competitors and posted on the Malta Equestrian Federation social media pages. Riders are encouraged to re-share photos. More photos are available for purchase from the photographer at the show. Should riders wish to opt out, they should contact the MEF before the competition on maltaequestrianfederation@gmail.com.

Rules

Age Category

Classes I, II and III will be divided into age categories, eight years old and under, between 9 and 14, and 14+.

Dress & Aids  

Competitors are encouraged to wear Christmas costumes, provided that they allow the rider to move freely and safely. Should competitors not wish to wear a costume, they are to wear jodhpurs and a red top. All riders are to wear boots and a helmet in line with other Equestrian Games competitions. A prize for the best dressed competitor will be awarded at the prize giving ceremony held on the day.

Competitors under the age of 14 must wear a back protector.

Children competing who are under the age of 12 are prohibited from using spurs. Spurs are to be round edged and should not be longer than 2.5cm.

Whips up to 75cm will be allowed at all competitions. Abuse of the horse will not be tolerated. Misuse of whips as per FEI rules will result in elimination. “The whip can never be used as an anger management tool. A rider cannot use the whip more than three times in a row. The whip must never touch the horse’s head. No signs of the use of the whip may be found on the horses' body after leaving the arena.”

Instructors must wear boots and may also wear Christmas related costumes or accessories. Coaches will not be allowed into the competitive arena or warm up area if they are not dressed accordingly.

Warm-up Arena  

Competitors in the warm up arena are to be familiar with the rules of riding in an arena with other competitors.  

It is the responsibility of the coach or guardian to ensure that riders are aware of their start times, and have sufficient time to warm up beforehand.

A tack check will be conducted in the warmup arena. Any prohibited tack must be removed or altered before entry. Only one instructor/helper per rider may enter the warm up arena with their students. Parents or friends are prohibited from entering arenas and must watch from the spectators area.

Competition Arena

Instructors and riders off the lead are to give the safety of horses and other riders their utmost importance.  

Judges have the discretion to request a change of horse or disallow the use of a specific horse in those cases where unsafe behaviours are displayed.

Races will be held on a minimum of four lanes and a maximum of six lanes, depending on the number of entries.

Disclaimer

Riders participate in competitions at their own risk. Neither the Malta Equestrian Federation, sponsors nor the operators of facilities will be held liable for accident or injury.