Does anyone here have any thoughts on the new rules for Pre-Training and lower? Do you know about them??!!
Watches are not allowed on cross anymore, and you now get 4 refusals.

I don't like the 'no watch' rule. I don't know why they came up with that...I don't think it's very fair.

I'm pretty surprised by the no watch rule. Riders competing in the pre-training levels use a watch to learn how to manage their time on course, which becomes important when the rider moves up to training level.

It is possible that the no-watch rule prevents people from 'cheating' in a way (going super fast 3/4 of the course and trotting the rest so they dont get time penalties) Though that problem could also occur at the Training and up levels.
It seems detrimental for pre-training riders to not be allowed to use a watch. They are supposed to upgrade to training and use the watch for the first time?

Yeah it seems weird to me too (the no watch rule). I can maybe see banning watches at pre-entry, so as to really emphasize a clear, safe course when you're first starting out in eventing...and not to have riders worrying about their speed. But banning them in entry and pre-training? Seems a bit odd to me.

Most riders aren't even using watches in pre-entry anyway...and some of the pre-entry events aren't even timed.

I'd be interested in hearing exactly what the reasoning was behind these rules Perhaps it would clear up some confusion?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Lizifer,

I don't understand the no watch rule either... I agree with Indira.

Maybe it would be better to have the Juniors only not use watches at the Pre-Entry level so that they can ride the course safely and allow them to take their time instead of just fast?

People were much too concerned about their time at the lower levels, and were riding fences at dangerous speeds to come in on time. Not having a watch allows the rider to concentrate on having a safe, confident, technical ride, rather than being pre-occupied with the time (which often causes jump faults anyway).

i agree fully witht he no watches rule for pre training. its a way for you to learn how to pace yourself on course. get a feel for your horses speed. figure out at home how long it takes you to do 350m in a minute. have your coach or a friend time. get to know that rythem and that speed. it helps greatly at the higher levels!

Hollyhocks...we (the OHTA) questioned the CEC as well about the rational behind this new national rules.The OHTA Safety Committee will be monitoring the effect of the No Stop Watch Rule this season to provide data-based input as to its effects...so we will keep you all posted!

the following was the response from the CEC..
THE NO STOP WATCH RULE RULE

There are some new safety rules in effect this season. It is each rider's responsibility to know the rules, so make sure you are familiar with the changes. We have pointed out the significant rule changes on our website and strongly suggest that you take some time to look at them and to read the Equine Canada Rule Book.
We know that the new No Stop Watch Rule at Entry and Pretraining is of particular interest to our members and will try to explain the rationale behind the creation of this rule.

Rule Changes - some background information:

Rules are made at the National level and apply to all sanctioned competitions in all of Canada. The Rules Committee of the Canadian Eventing Committee, which is a committee within Equine Canada, is responsible for all rule changes in the Eventing section of the Equine Canada Rulebook. Jo Young is the current chair of The Rules Committee.
When a new rule is implemented, its effect is usually monitored for one year, and then re-assessed before being finalized in the year following. Although new rules can be put into effect at any time depending on circumstances, the schedule usually requires that any input from the provincial associations be given to the Rules Committee by August of each year, and any changes are assessed and finalized by November of each year.


The Stop Watch Rule ARTICLE D114.4.2 Competitors may not use a stop watch to time their cross country rounds at PreTraining and below. Article D113.1.5 Use of the stop watch to time the cross country phase by any competitor at the PreTraining division or below will be penalized by 25 points.


Along with Eventing governing bodies around the world, the Canadian Eventing Committee is working hard to ensure that safety of horses and riders is paramount. While considering how to improve the safety record of the sport in Canada, one of the actions that the CEC took was to review the practices of other jurisdictions.
British Eventing has had a no stopwatch rule in effect since 2005 for levels up to 100cm (roughly our PT level). Their aim is to encourage riders at the early stage of their eventing careers to learn pace by feel. In Canada, the new No Stop Watch rule came about after the CEC received input that officials, TDs, coaches and organizers were observing that that some riders at lower levels were paying too much attention to their watches and thus not concentrating on their pace and riding the fences safely and properly.

The CEC's goal is to have riders learn to ride the proper pace while schooling and give their full attention to riding the fences safely in competition. As always there will be debate as to the pros and cons of rules. Understanding how and why they are in place helps us to have an informed and constructive debate.
Your OHTA board will take any written input on rule changes from our membership throughout the year. We will communicate the process on how to do this shortly.

i have a quick question: is a regular analog wrist watch allowed?

Yes, a regular analog watch is allowed, you just can't use a stopwatch.