1

To be held in an arena not less than 50 x 20 metres.

2

The competition will consist of three phases as follows.

Phase 1 - Precision & Paces.

2.1

The arena will be restricted to 50 x 20 metres and the markers will be equally spaced apart.

2.2

Only approved IHDT Precision and Paces Tests shall be used.

2.3

All judges scores will be indicated to, and recorded by, the scorer at the end of each movement.

2.4

Two judges are used, one judge assesses and marks the paces of the competitor while the other assesses and marks the precision of the movement executed.

2.5

Errors of course or instances of rule breaking will be indicated, recorded and reported to the scorer by the judge responsible for marking the movement.

2.6

The judges for this section do NOT need to be BHDTA panel judges but must be competent and suitably experienced.

Phase 2 - Obstacle Driving ( Cones ).

2.7

Competitors will NOT be made aware of either the length of the course or the target time which they are aiming to equal.

The Course.

2.8

There will be a maximum of ten gates.

2.9

Obstacle gate markers shall be numbered sequentially. Official BHDTA type cones need not be used but all obstacle gates must have a dislodgeable element.

2.10

The course may include one multiple obstacle.

2.11

The starting line may not be less than 5 metres from the first obstacle.

2.12

The finishing line may not be less than 5 metres from the final obstacle.

2.13

There is no set minimum or maximum distance between obstacles but the design, should enable drivers to maintain an even pace throughout.

2.14

Drivers may take whatever line they wish but must take each obstacle in sequence.

2.15

Drivers may cross their own line between obstacles without penalty.

2.16

Knocking down a previously driven obstacle will incur penalties.

Speed.

2.17

The target time will be calculated from a speed of 220 metres per minute.

2.18

A competitor will incur one penalty point for each second either above or below the target time.

Phase 3 - Marathon Obstacles.

2.19

Each competitor will drive four (4) marathon type obstacles.

2.20

Two (2) obstacles will be erected in the arena at any one time and will have a maximum of 5 flagged gates. (If two arenas are available at the same venue, two obstacles may be erected in each to give a total of four).

2.21

Obstacles 1 & 2 shall be driven by each competitor from all classes.

2.22

Obstacles 1 & 2 are then reflagged or totally replaced to form obstacles 3 & 4, which are then driven by each competitor.

Where two arenas are available all obstacles can be driven consecutively but organisers should consider carefully the effect that this can make to the character of, and the build up of interest in, the competition.

2.23

Obstacles may have any number of knockdown elements.

2.24

Start and finish gates will be positioned in the centre of the ring and will be common to both obstacles.

Scoring.

2.25

One penalty point will be awarded for each commenced second spent in each obstacle. Each obstacle being timed individually.

2.25a

Where suitable timing equipment and displays are available timing will be made exact, to 1/100th of a second.

2.26

Each knock down incurs five (5) penalty points.

2.27

Obstacles 1 & 2 will be driven in reverse order of combined scores after phases 1 & 2 ( Precision & Paces, & Cones) the best going last.

2.28

Obstacles 3 & 4 will be driven in reverse order of combined scores after phases 1 & 2 plus obstacles 1 & 2, the best going last.

3: Classes.

(1) Novice single pony (under 14.2hh).
(2) Open single pony (under 14.2hh).
(3) Novice single horse (14.2hh & over).
(4) Open single horse (14.2hh & over).
(5) Multiples - Pairs.
(6) Multiples - Tandems.

Classes may be amalgamated according to entries.

Tandems competing in multiple classes at regional level will qualify to their own class at the National Championships.

3.2

Other classes may be introduced at a later time.

4: Competitors.

4.1

All competitors must be members of the Indoor Horse Driving Trials Club.

This membership affords competitors personal liability insurance for the duration of the event but not personal accident insurance cover. It is strongly recommended that drivers have further insurance cover for all driving activities they undertake, the BHDTA offers insurance via membership.

4.3

OPEN: Competitors, who have competed in open classes in BHDTA national horse driving trials competitions or that have qualified for a National Indoor Horse Driving Trials Final or any driver who has won two or more novice indoor classes during the two previous season’s indoor championship events.

N.B. Juniors drivers qualifying for a National Indoor Final that have not had two novice wins will remain novice competitors for the following season.

5: Grooms.

5.1

Grooms may stand on the back step for all phases.

5.2

Grooms giving assistance, including verbal or physical directions; sliding, lifting or moving the vehicle in any way during phases 1 & 2 will incur 20 penalties for their competitor for each incidence.

5.3

Grooms need not be members of the BHDTA.

5.4

Grooms may ride on more than one vehicle providing each turnout is in a different class

6: Horse - Pony - Donkey

6.1

Animals need not be registered with the BHDTA

7: Dress

7.1

Marathon dress to be worn throughout all phases of the competition.

7.2

BHDTA approved protective hard hats are required in all phases and body protectors are strongly recommended.

8: Vehicles

8.1

The competitor will use the same vehicle for all three phases.

8.2

Vehicles will be of a marathon type, pneumatic tyres are permitted but scurry vehicles are NOT permitted. Minimum weights do not apply but all vehicles must be of a construction suitable for the competition.
Widths for all phases of the competition as follows:
Horse vehicles = 125cm
Pony vehicles = 120cm

8.3

Vehicles may be measured at any stage during the competition.

9: National Finals Qualification System

9.1

Each competitor, in each event, in each region, will gain points on the scale shown below. These points reflect the position in which the competitor finishes within their class each time they compete.

Each competitor completing an event outside these positions will gain 1 (one) point.

9.2

Each event will be allocated to a region by the Indoor Carriage Driving Company Ltd.

Competitors may not transfer points between regions.

A competitor will be able to total their best scores gained in a maximum of 50% of the events plus one further event of the regions qualifying rounds.

For example: