Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce that the 2022 EC Rules are now available online at www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/rules.
For the 2022 Rules, the EC Sport Operations Department and National Rules Committee (NRC) adopted an adapted rule amendment process due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Changes to the EC Rules for 2022 were made through a condensed process similar to that of the Extraordinary Rule Amendment Process. As part of the adapted process, Rule Change Proposals (RCP) were limited to only those deemed essential.
The EC Board has approved the final 2022 EC Rules, which are now available online in a clean digital version, as well as a version with changes from 2021 visible. Hardcopy rule books will be printed in 2022.
Highlights on new rules for 2022:
Section A, General Regulations
- Requirement for Sport License holders (18 yrs+) to complete EC’s safe sport training before March 31, 2022 (or if renewing after March 31, within 30 days of sport license purchase)
- Requirement to hold EC Coach Status to engage in coaching activities at EC sanctioned events
- Statement on trimming of sensory hairs has been added to Article A517 to clarify that whiskers may remain unclipped or unshaven (although removal will not be penalized).
- Update to Article A1501 which outlines that EC’s National Rankings shall be used to determine points for EC awards and qualification for national finals and championships.
Section B, Breeds – Updates have been made in the Arabian chapter of Section B regarding rules for ranch horse competition, Ranch horse is growing in popularity and measures the ability of the horse to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a means of conveyance from one ranch task to another and should reflect the versatility, attitude, and movement of a working horse.
Section E, Dressage – EC will follow suit with the United States Equestrian regarding dress rules. These changes are shown in Chapter 4 Dress, Saddlery and Equipment. There are also some noteworthy changes for competitors and officials in Article E 9.3 Execution of the Tests – Errors And Penalties, Article E 9.5 Elimination From A Class, Chapter 14 Masters Test Of Choice.
Section F, General Performance & Western – A single noteworthy change for Section F in Article F1901 which states that it is “optional to trim the sensory hairs around the eyes and muzzle, hair inside the ears, or feathers on the lower legs”.
Section G, Hunter/Jumper – Key changes for Section G include a re-write with updates to Chapter 11 Medal Classes, JC medal regional and national finals.
No rule changes have been made the following rule book sections: Section C (Driving), Section D (Eventing), Section J (Endurance), Section K (Reining), Section L (Vaulting)
All changes are effective Jan. 1, 2022.
Questions? Comments?
For more information on the Rule Change process, visit www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/rules.
Questions and comments regarding the EC Rules can be directed to:
Rachel Huebert
Director, Sport Operations
343-308-5024
rhuebert@equestrian.ca
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