General Terms and Conditions
1. The horse trials will be run under national guidelines unless otherwise stated.
2. It is compulsory that ALL riders wear hats/helmets up to British Standard Riding Hats confirming All VG1. These standards have changed for 2023 and the 1998 mark for PAS 015 and the 2001 SNELL is no longer compliant – (PAS 015 MUST NOW BE 2011 and SNELL MUST BE 2016.) All hats must carry a current Cotswold Cup Tag or current British Eventing/PC or RC tag.
3. Riding is a risk sport and it is compulsory that all riders wear a body protector to the latest BETA standards. You are not allowed to wear a BETA Level 3 body protector with a 2000 label. Air Jackets may be worn but in conjunction with a body protector.
All competitors must wear a body protector meeting the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) 2018 Level 3 standard (blue and black label). A body protector of this nature is also required when competitors are wearing air jackets of any make. From 1 January 2024 body protectors meeting the BETA 2009 standard will no longer be permitted for use. The BETA 2018 label will be the only accepted standard.
4. It is compulsory that every person entering the one day event under 18 years of age is accompanied by a responsible adult.
5. Event stopwatches are permitted.
6. Dogs are welcome but should remain on short leads at ALL times. In the event of very hot weather vehicles will be checked to ensure no dogs have been left inside. Please take your dog poo home with you!
7. Horseboxes must NOT be mucked out on site.
8. The Owner and Organiser of the event reserve the right to remove anyone from the event site at any time without giving a reason.
9. There will be a doctor and paramedics on site.
10. There will be a vet, horse ambulance and farrier on site.
11. Horses must be at 4 years of age. Age will be calculated from the 1st January in the year in which it was foaled.
12. The event may be cancelled without notice due to adverse weather. If there are doubts over the event running, you should contact the organiser. A £25 administration fee will be retained from entry fees in the event of cancellation.
13. The event may be cancelled without notice due to further incidence of infectious disease. A £25 administration fee will be retained from entry fees in the event of cancellation. Unfortunately, we are unable to insure against infectious diseases.
14. You accept our withdrawal and cancellation policies as stated on the schedule.
15. Any complaints or queries must be given in writing to the secretary within 30 minutes of the scores being posted with a fee of £10 which will be refunded if the objection is upheld.
16. The fall of a competitor in any phase of the event results in elimination. Any rider who falls must be checked by the doctor prior to leaving the site.
17. Outside assistance is forbidden and will result in elimination.
18. Anyone on the site must expect to have their photograph taken and we reserve the right to publish suitable photographs along with names if relevant. If you do not wish for you photograph to be taken please inform the secretary.
19. Competitors must be at least 10 years old on the day of the competition. For competitors in the under 18's sections, riders age will be taken as per the 01/01/2026e event
20. Horses with novice or above BE points cannot qualify for Cotswold Cup championships as per published rules at www.cotswoldcup.co.uk
21. Please refer to www.cotswoldcup.co.uk for qualification rules for Cotswold Cup Championships
Vaccinations:
All horses/ponies should have received a vaccination within 12 months of the date of the competition having already received their initial course of injections. There must be six clear days between the last vaccination and the date of the competition. Random checks will be taking place. This policy is non-negotiable.
Horse Name:
All horses must be entered in their passport name.
Personal Injury and Insurance
The owners of Sparright Farm and the organisers do not insure the rider, your horse, your tack or your equipment. You are strongly advised to have in place your own adequate insurance at all times.
The owners of Sparright Farm, the organisers and anyone involved in the organisation of the event will not be held responsible and will have no liability for ANY accident, injury or loss to any person or their property howsoever arising.
Riding horses is a high-risk sport and riders taking part in this event acknowledge this and do so at their own risk and that the organisers and land owners will not be accountable or responsible for any loss, damage or injury to rider, horse or equipment howsoever arising.
Health and Safety
The organisers and the owners of Sparright Farm have taken all reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of everyone present. For these measures to be effective, everyone must take all reasonable precautions to avoid and to prevent accidents occurring and must obey the rules and instructions of the organisers, stewards and officials.