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.

Handy Hunter

Choosing your class 

Instructors or persons responsible for competing riders are to carefully assess the abilities of students to ride in any of classes. Instructors are to keep in mind the safety of their 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.  

Sportsmanship must in all instances be displayed. Competitors who display lack of such may be disqualified at the discretion of the judges. Any person or competitor who wishes  to lodge a complaint must do so by means of an email on maltaequestrianfederation@gmail.com. No complaints will be taken into consideration on competition day.  

Class I -  Leading rein

 This class is performed entirely on the lead. 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 and are not allowed to attempt any jumps that may form part of the course. Riders must provide their own helper to lead the horse. This should be their coach or guardian.

Class II - Walk & Trot 

 This class is performed entirely off the lead, without any assistance from the coach. Riders competing in this class must have full control of the horse at all times. Competitors  taking part in this class are disallowed from pursuing any jumps that may form part of the course. Canter is not allowed in this class.

Class III - Walk, Trot & Canter  

 This class is performed entirely off the lead, without any assistance from the coach. Riders competing in this class should be confident in riding in all gaits and may pursue any jumps forming part of the handy hunter course. Competitors who do not feel confident to ride certain obstacles or performing specific tasks in canter, may pursue them in trot or walk. Jumps featuring in this class will not be higher than 30cm.

 Class IV - Open Class

The open class is aimed at those riders who have already competed in official MEF dressage or jumping competitions. Riders competing in this class may pursue the obstacles in walk, trot or canter. Competitors in this class may attempt any jumps forming part of the course. Jumps included in this class will not be higher than 60cm. Riders opting to take part in this class will not be awarded Equestrian Games points.

Dress & Training Aids 

Competitors are to wear a smart white shirt, jodhpurs, boots and helmets. Jacket or smart dark sweater is optional.

Competitors under the age of 14 must also wear a back protector. Children competing who are under the age of 12 are prohibited from using spurs.

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 leading their students must wear boots, jodhpurs and a smart shirt.  

Riders or coaches who are not dressed accordingly will not be allowed to into the arena. 

Warm-up arena  

Competitors in the warm up arena are to be familiar with the rules of riding in an arena with other competitors. Riders are to be aware of their start time and must be in competition attire at all times. Officials appointed by MEF will be conducting a tack check in the warm up arena. Riders will be asked to remove any tack which is prohibited. Only instructors may enter the warm up arena with their students.  

Parents or friends are prohibited from entering arenas and must watch from the viewers area. 

Officials present in the warm up arena will be asking competitors five basic questions for which they may be awarded one point each in case of correct answers.  

A list of the questions that may be asked are provided hereunder. Instructors leading competitors are disallowed from giving hints or helping riders.  

Questions

Before entering the arena, riders will be asked a few questions about general horse care.

Competitors may be asked to identify the following tack/objects:

·      Curry combs

·      Hoof picks

·      Hoof Oil

·      Mane and Tail combs

·      Body brushed

·      Sweat/Water scrapers

·      Bridles

·      Saddles

·      Stirrups

·      Boots

·      Bits

·      Reins

·      Girths

Competitors may also be asked the following questions:

·      What colour is the horse you are riding?

·      What is a baby horse called?

·      How do horses show that they are angry?

·      What are the three main horse gaits?

·      What side do you mount and dismount a horse?

·      How can you estimate a horses age ?

·      What is a leg up?

• Which part of the saddle does a rider put their feet in?

• Name the gaits of a horse - from slowest to fastest.

• How can we protect a horse’s legs?

• How can we protect our horses against the cold?

Competition Arena

Competitors shall introduce themselves to the Judges by clearly stating their name, surname, the name of the pony/horse they are riding and the name of the riding school they are affiliated with. Competitors are then to salute the Judges and wait for the Judges instruction to proceed to the course. Judges score sheets have been provided beforehand to better aid instructors  and students in preparing for this handy hunter.

Horse welfare  

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

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

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.  

Team Event  

In view of our ever-growing sport, a team event will be organised combining all classes. Subject to the number of entries, teams will consist of four riders. Individual scores will contribute to both Equestrian Games points as well as team points.

Teams will be randomly chosen, combining riders of varied experience, age and riding schools. The team with the highest score will be announced on the day. 

Progression throughout the season 

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

It is up to the coaches to determine in which class their riders will compete. Riders who have ridden competitively in one particular class, will be allowed to drop down a class if they wish but 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

Riders may not use tack or aids which are not allowed in BD rules.

Riders must be dressed in show/club gear and have adequate footwear and a helmet. The use of back protectors is mandatory for riders under 14.

In Riding Class, Jumping and Gymkhana/Handy Hunter athletes will be awarded points individually and not based on horse combinations.

In the event of riders entering Riding Classes and Jumping on multiple horses, their highest score will be awarded points.

In the event of riders entering Gymkhana/Handy Hunter event, riders will be awarded points based on their .

Instructors are responsible for allocating riders into appropriate classes.

Organisers can stop participants at any time if they are a safety risk.

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.