Last Updated: February 8, 2021 by Jessica Kerschbaumer

Make Sure You Are Up On The 2021 Eventing Rule Changes!

There are a lot of new changes to our Equestrian Canada eventing rules for 2021! To help make sure everyone is aware of these we have created a list of some of the most notable changes.

For a full summary and full rules please check out the links at the bottom.

Remember! It is the rider’s responsibility to know the rules,
it’s an important part of sportsmanship!

French links now allowed. The centre link may be a flat link that lies in the same plane as the rest of the bit.
For Cross Country, a throat lash is compulsory (A TD has confirmed micklems are still allowed).
The whip is not to be used more than two times for any one incident (*was previously three). Also clarification added about excessive use of whip between fences, as well as visible whip marks always being excessive.
Blood on Horses must be reviewed case by case by the Ground Jury. Not all cases of blood will lead to elimination and an Eventing Recorded Warning or Warning Red Card.
For Cross Country – any addition to the cheekpiece is forbidden (sheepskin or additional material).
For Show Jumping only – leather sheepskin or similar material may be used on cheek pieces of the bridle providing the sheepskin does not exceed three centimetres in diameter measured from the horse’s cheek.
A Competitor, after having knocked down a flag at an obstacle as a consequence of a run out, may ask the Fence Judge for the flag to be repositioned, but no time will be deducted.
At any time during the competition, the Ground Jury in consultation with the Veterinary Official has the right and duty to eliminate any Horse which, in their opinion, is lame or is unfit to continue.
Any Competitor who leaves the event site after a fall without submitting to the examination required under this Article will automatically be issued an Eventing Recorded Warning for incorrect behaviour.
Elimination from one of the tests entails elimination from the overall competition of the Competitor and/or Horse. The Competitor and/or Horse may not continue in the competition. Disqualification from one of the tests entails disqualification from the final classification. Disqualification means that a Competitor and the Horse(s) they are competing may not take further part in the competition.
Modifications to the Eventing Recorded Warning/Warning Red Card System for 2021.