The combination of the horse and rider must compete at a “participation event” on the Interschool calendar between April of the previous year and the end of February in the year of entry. This excludes the Australian Championships. Riders do not technically need to “qualify” in a certain discipline.

Please Note: Due to the extenuating circumstances and difficulties COVID-19 has provided competitors in the 2020 early 2021 season the participant qualification requirement has been removed from the 2021 Victorian Interschool Equestrian Championships.

Yes, every competitor at the Equestrian Victorian Interschool State Championships needs to be a current financial competitive member of Equestrian Australia. Membership is renewable every year through Equestrian Victoria, either online or by contacting the office. Without a current EV Competitive Membership riders will not be allowed to compete.

Interschool events are in set year levels groups and have classes within this levels. Primary Prep-Year 6 and  Secondary Year 7-12 with Dressage divisions- Senior Year 10, 11, 12 and Intermediate Year 7, 8, 9.

In most competitions the rider selects a level that is suitable for their horse and themselves. This may be based on prior experience, a coach’s advice, a school coordinator’s assistance. It is best to commence at a safe and sometimes lower level than practised at home.  If the horse carries a performance card, has points or has competed at high levels this may set rules for entry. Equestrian Victoria would have further information available through the horse’s registration details.

• Refunds for scratching’s prior to the close of entries:
  Withdrawal of entries prior to the close of entries will have a refund of entry fees less a $25 administration fee.
• Refunds for scratchings after the close of entries:
  There will be no refund of entry fees after close of entry, a substitution can only be made within 3 weeks of close of entry subject to conditions.
  Facility fees will be refunded on production of a veterinary or medical certificate (certificates must be received by 5pm Friday 16th April 2021. Requests for refunds of camping and stabling costs will be at their discretion of the Organising Committee.
• Refunds for scratching after the commencement of the event:
  There will be no refund of any events fees after the commencement of the event.

Scratching’s will only be accepted in writing to isv@equestrianvictoria.com.au

The running of equestrian events rely heavily on volunteers. As part of the terms and conditions of entering the competition we asked each rider to supply a volunteer at the event for a minimum 2.5 hour job.

In 2021 we will offer the option for entrants to pay a $50, PER RIDER, non-volunteering fee at the time of entry for parents who do not wish to perform a volunteer job.

This fee will allow us to employ appropriate persons to fill the roles of volunteers.

Entrants that have not paid the volunteer fee or sign-up for a job 7 days prior to the start of the competition will need to pay the $50 non-volunteer fee prior to competing. You cannot wait until the event.

If you do not report to the volunteer office to confirm your completion of your job your rider’s points and prizes, qualifications may be withheld, you will be deemed to be in breach of the conditions of entry.

Yes, each horse MUST wear a bridle or saddle number on each side of the horse. This must be worn at all times outside of the stable or yard.

Competitors will be designated a specific event number by the organising committee. Competitors are to print and provide their own number/number holders.

Yes, whips are permitted in the dressage championship classes. Whips must not exceed 1.2m including the tassel for horses and 1.0m including the tassel for ponies.

No – As this is a State Championship event, Dressage test cannot be called.

Exception Preparatory Dressage Tests can be called, see special conditions on the schedule for competitors looking to compete in the primary preparatory championships.

Yes, riders are permitted to enter two consecutive levels per horse. A maximum of three dressage tests per horse per day can be ridden.

Yes, under the current EA Eventing Rules, all competitors competing in the combined training must have their helmet tagged.

Helmet tagging is available at Equestrian Victoria Affiliated Eventing Competitions and on the day of the competition at the State Championships. Keep an eye on the State Championships website and Interschool Victoria Facebook page for helmet tagging hours at the Victorian Interschool Equestrian State Championships.

No, the same horse and rider combination must complete both phases of the competition.

Article 238.2.1 also known as One Round Table A.

Athletes with equality penalties for any place are placed in accordance with the time taken to complete the round. In the event of equality of penalties and time for first place, there may be a jump-off over a shortened course over obstacles, which may be increased in height and/or spread in accordance with the provisions of the schedule.

Please Note: this is only if faults and times are exactly the same so is very rare that this second round jump off is ever run.

Article 274.5.3 also known as Two-Phase
This competition comprises two phases run without interruption, each at an identical or different speed, the finishing line for the first phase being identical with the starting line for the second phase.

This first phase is a course of 7 to 9 obstacles with or without combinations (Table A against the clock). The second phase takes place over 4 to 6 obstacles, which may include one combination (Table A against the clock).

Athletes penalised in the first phase are halted by the judge ringing the bell after they have jumped the last obstacle or when the time allowed for the first phase has been exceed ed, after crossing the finishing line of the first phase. They must stop after crossing the first finishing line.

Placing in according to the penalties and time in the second phase and, if necessary, to the penalties and time in the first phase. Athletes stopped after the first phase may only be placed after athletes who have taken part in both phases. In the event of equality for first place, the tied athletes will be placed equal first.

This is a competition not against the clock, but in the event of equality of penalties for first place, there will be one jump-off against the clock.

Other athletes are placed according to their penalties and time in the first round.

All riders who jump clear in the first round will be invited back to complete the second round at a raised height (approx. 5cm).

No, riders are only permitted to compete in one jumping height class per horse.

After the start of competition if riders wish to change height classes, this must be communicated to the committee by 7am on the day of competition. The rider will then compete HC in subsequent classes and be ineligible for points or placing.

Course plans will be posted at the entry gate. The course will be opened for walking 20 minutes prior to class start time. Riders are to listen for announcements that their class is running to schedule, early or late and present when required.