General Rules and Competitor Information

1. Scoring:: All scores from each team member will be counted. No scores will be dropped. Eliminated ride will be counted as 25%. Total percentage from each team member will be added together and divided by the number of team members to compute team placing. Three and four member teams may be in the same division. Only warm-up, freestyle and Dressage Seat Equitation classes will be pinned individually. Tests (and ribbons for individual classes) may be picked up at the Show Office once the class is completed.
2. Awards:: USDF Team medals on neck ribbons will be awarded for first through sixth place in each division. Placing will be determined by the average of the team's total score. VADA/Nova neck ribbons will also be awarded. USDF rosettes will be awarded to the Individual High Score Champion and Reserve in each division. Other awards will be presented throughout the weekend. NOTE: Riders will be expected to participate in the mounted awards ceremonies dressed in safe riding attire (costuming permitted).
3. Awards Ceremonies:: The time and order of the various awards ceremonies is listed in the show program. Awards ceremonies will be held in the Swiss American (Indoor)Arena. Teams will line up in reverse order (6th thru 1st) along the side of the large arena and enter as directed through the side door. Medals and ribbons will be distributed at this time. One team at a time will enter the arena and complete the victory lap. That team will exit through the small warm up arena and the next team will enter. All others should wait outside, well off the main road, until their division is called. The Chefs D'Equipe are responsible for ensuring that riders are ready and proceeding to the awards area 10 to 15 minutes before their awards are to be presented. Beginning with the last placed team, riders will enter (one team in the arena at a time) at a walk. The team should form a line facing the seating area. After the announcer finishes, the team should turn left and continue on the centerline to C, where they split to the left and right and trot or canter to the end of the arena, walking by the end of the ring. That team must be allowed to exit the arena before the next placed team enters. After leaving the arena, each team should immediately move out of the indoor area and proceed to the "Photograph Area" for pictures. At all times during the awards ceremonies, safety is of utmost importance. If a horse is unruly or upset, the rider may either lead it into the arena, taking care to stay clear of other horses and leaving before the victory lap, or attend unmounted but in show attire or team costume. Young children should have an adult available to hold/lead their horse or pony.
4. Stable Management Awards and Stall Decorating Awards:: Awards for the safest and neatest stable area will be presented. A special stall and/or trailer decorating contest will also be held. Judging for these awards will begin on Friday evening and continue throughout the day on Saturday. Since tack stalls are limited at Morven Park, decoration of tack stalls is not required, and stall fronts may be SAFELY decorated (no fire hazards please!) ALL DECORATIONS MUST BE REMOVED ENTIRELY BEFORE YOU LEAVE OR WE WILL LOSE THE PRIVILEGE TO DECORATE THE BARNS. In addition, a variety of fun "special awards" will be decided during the show and announced on Sunday.
5. Stall cleaning.: Morven Park has, effective January 1, 2008, done away with the Muck Fee and the requirement that stalls be cleaned before leaving.
6. Cleanup of stall areas and show office.: All competitors are requested to leave their stall areas clean of trash and decorations used for the stall decorating contest. Additional trash bags can be obtained in the show office. In addition, competitors should make an effort to keep the show office area clean and free of trash. Please make every effort to leave the Morven Park grounds as clean as you found them!
7. General Rules:: The following rules apply to the Team Competition:

During the competition, while on the grounds, the horse or pony may only be ridden by the Junior or Young Rider that is competing it.
Morven Park REQUIRES that helmets be worn at all times while mounted. Refusal to comply shall result in elimination. It is recommended that proper safety helmets be worn and chin straps remain fastened. Proper footwear should also be worn while working around the horses and when mounted. At all times, safety is paramount.
ALL DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES. Failure to comply will result in fines and impoundment. County leash laws apply.
This competition is not recognized by US Equestrian, but, except as otherwise noted, shall be run in accordance with US Equestrian rules. The decisions of Management are final.
One whip is allowed and must be 43.3Ó long or less, lash included (per new USEF rules). Dress shall be in accordance with USEF Art. 1920. Bits and saddlery shall be in accordance with USEF Art. 1921. Whips are permitted in all classes.
Horses and ponies must be braided unless roached.
Parents are urged to participate! This competition is NOT governed by Pony Club rally rules.
Test readers are permitted, but riders are encouraged to memorize their tests.
Food will be available on the show grounds.
NO SMOKING IN BARNS. All rules of Morven Park including parking restrictions must be observed.
Per USEF rules, no unlicensed drivers may operate scooters, golf carts or other motorized vehicles on the show grounds.
Trash must be kept in bags and stall areas must be kept clean and left in reasonable condition. Please try to empty drink containers before placing them in the trash. Please help us continue to run this show at Morven Park!