A New Pathway for Jumping in Australia

Grading of Jumping horses – the 2011 Australian system The Decision It was resolved at the August 2010 meeting of the National Jumping Committee to replace the National Grading System by 1 January A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING  Vicki Roycroft Chair of NJC and NSW representative  Peter CookeChair of Selectors and WA representative  Anne GarnerFEI Judge, WC Committee and VIC representative  John VallanceFEI Level IV Course Designer and Event Convenor  Graeme WattsLevel III Course Designer and QLD representative  Colleen BrookLevel 3 Jumping Coach and Rider’s representative  Mandy StephensEA Sport Consultant The National Jumping Committee Working Group

What is the purpose of a Jumping System A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING Create a competition pathway for horses and riders Develop horses and riders to reach their own personal goals Allow horses and riders to compete at a similar standard.

The Current Grading System

Grading of Jumping horses – the 2011 Australian system Current Grading System Under the Australian Jumping Rules – Article 238 Grading of Horses, the National Jumping Grading system is based on an allocation of points to the top three places in competitions which count for grading. A horse commences with 0 points and is known as a D Grade horse. On accumulation of points the horse will move through the grades until becoming an A grade horse. There are rules for which competitions do and do not count for grading There is provision for upgrading and downgrading by request. Responsibility to manage grading is using a self monitored Performance Card for each horse. A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING

The Current System – time to change A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING  Based on the analysis, the discussion and the opportunity to introduce a new IT system, the NJC has indicated the imperative for change.  The NJC Working Group’s task is outline a Proposition for a new way forward, making sure the best aspects from the current system are retained.

The Current System – identify the good features A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING Grading creates recognised standards and keeps these standards higher. Similar standard combinations competing against each other. Forces combinations to move up the grades. Performance cards creates the system for horse registration. Capacity to measure and record performance. Performance cards generates revenue for EA (State). Older horses can compete against younger horses. There is voluntary upgrading. Individual lower Grade Championships are well regarded. Royal Shows and some classes use grading performances for selection. There is a well integrated Young and Junior Rider system. Imported horse have a system to integrate immediately. Allows Amateur riders to participate with their own non graded classes.

The Current System – what is not working so well A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING  Poor management and inaccuracy of recording results and grading points.  No flexibility for developing horses or horses needing to step back.  Amateur riders and Juniors are penalised when buying a ‘good’ horse.  A horse can reach A Grade without jumping a 1.40m track.  Poor integration for other bodies like Pony Club and Interschools.  Hors Concour is discouraged by Organising Committees.  The heights of grading classes is quite varied. Course Designers build to the standard, not the height.  B Grade horses are not accommodated well.  The evolving mix of height and grading is confusing to many.  Few options for those who cannot move up the grades.  Young horses get caught up in the inflexible grading system.  Not in sync with other countries.  Imported horses have to be graded.

The Current Environment – what are the limitations with events A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING  The most important factor for successful jumping is the footing – awareness and understanding of good footing is limited.  Some equipment is in needs of upgrade. eg brakaways & pole weights.  Not enough rings for jumping  Poor program structures  Practice arenas require more attention by organisers and riders.  Constant professional development of Course Designers is required.  Stabling – requires a minimum standard.  There are very few adequate or good Commentators in the system.  Volunteers are becoming a scarce commodity.  Parking facilities for trucks.

Review Other Grading Systems Each member of the working group was requested to research a specified country and its grading system:  Canada  New Zealand  France  Belgium  Germany

Review of systems in other countries A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING Canada  All height classes  Mainly Provincial shows due to distances  Shows are graded into gold, silver and bronze - based on prizemoney  Jumper classification at a show is based on the first competiton entered  Then is unlimited movement upwards but downward restricted.  Young horse competitions 5-8yo  Series or hi-point awards over a few shows, and end of year awards. New Zealand  Shows are star rated based on prizemoney.  No results are recorded in competitions below 1.10m  All breeding and ownership details are provided on programs  Technical Delegates are appointed for the more significant events.  Speed is determined for young horse classes  Series or hi-point awards over a few shows or season.

Review of systems in other countries(continued) A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING France  Regional, national and international levels of show.  Professional and amateur grading for riders.  Young horse competitions – 4,5,6 & 7yo.  4yo restricted to starts but must achieve set clear rounds to qualify for championship finals.  Separate classes for mares, geldings and stallions  Nominated shows where National Selectors will be watching. Belgium  Riders registers at Regional, National or International levels.  Regional competitions up to 1.30m and national competitions m.  Type of competitions – age classes for horses and regional events.  No/little prizemoney for lower levels of competition.  50% of classes at every show must comprise style or young horse events.  Dealers ‘manage’ the system.

Review of systems in other countries(continued) A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING Germany  Grades horses by their age  License the riders at different levels. (Amateur, Professional)  Regional, national and international level shows.  Breeding drives the young horse competitions.  Shows free to set programs.  Set combination distances and number of obstacles for each age class.

Summary of systems in other countries A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING Country Rate shows according to money Rate riders Rate horses for age and hold height classes Australia xx occasional Canada... New Zealand. x. France... Belgium... Germany...

Factors to carry forward to the new Pathway A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING  All countries grade shows according to prizemoney and most their riders.  Horses are managed by age and the height, width and speed they jump.  Riders are graded by amateur or regional and open or professional.  Shows have multiple rings for competition.  Technical delegates used for better shows.  There is a limit of the number of starts per day.  There is a range of the type of competition.  A high level of importance on recognising the breeding and owners.  Less focus on 4yo for young horse classes – more the 5-7yo.  Graduation process from Regional (State) to National to International.  Regulated management of course management.  Ease of administration through the recording of results and no measurement.  Linked series of competitions – young horses, hi points and qualify for finals  Nothing recorded under 1.10m  Beware of ‘Dealers’ and keep things ‘uncomplicated’.

The Performance Pathway for Australian Jumping The Proposition

The Proposed System – Performance Pathway A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING As from January 2012:  All shows and events will be classified according to their prizemoney on offer. Consideration was given to other qualities like surface, equipment, facilities etc, however it was agreed that the money will drive improvement.  Events will be classified according to a star rating system.  All competitions will be based on the height, width and speed.  The change to a New Performance Pathway is predicated on the newly commissioned IT project and database being established by EA. Aimed to be commissioned by August 2011 and ready for jumping management by Jan  Competitions under 1.10m will not be recorded.

The Proposed System – Performance Pathway A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING ClassificationRegional1*2*3*4* Total show prizemoney N/A$3,000$6,000$15,000$30,000 Minimum money on Grand Prix N/A$1,000$2,500$5,000$10,000 Max height for GP 1.30m1.40m1.45m 1.50m or FEI 1.60m & FEI Min Height for GP N/A1.30m1.35m1.40m1.45m Course Designer level National 1 & up National 2 & up FEI 1 & up FEI 3 or 4 Judge level National 1 & up National 2 & up National 3 or FEI C or I FEI C or I

The Proposed System – Height class parameters A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING HeightWidthSpeed Conversion from old grades Age classOthers < 90cmOrganiser ’ s discretion 90cm1.05m300mpm 1.00m1.15m325mpm4yo 1.10m1.25m350mpmD Grade5yo 1.20m1.35m350mpmC Grade6yoJunior 1.30m1.45m350mpmB Grade7yo Young Rider 1.40m1.55m350mpmA Grade 1.55mopen mpm arena size and condition open

The Proposed System – general conditions A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING Prizemoney is encouraged to be invested in the top end of the program and less funds for lower heights. This will discourage ‘trophy’ hunting. Starting criteria:  No more than 2 class starts per horse on any day.  Horses may only enter higher height classes than the height of their first competition at that show, unless obtaining permission from the Ground Jury.  Organisers may adjust to suit specific programs. Futurity competitions will be for 6-9yo horses (based on 1 Aug birthday)  Horses 5 yrs and below are not permitted to compete in any competition with a starting height of 1.25m and above in the 1 st rd or Futurity classes. Amateur competitions will stay with the current rules i.e Article 255 – 21 yrs and over, never competed in an Olympic, World Games, World Cup Qualifying round, section 1 or 2 at a major Royal Show or a 4* 3DE.

The Proposed System – general conditions A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING Specific Young Horse competition details will be released in March. Young horse classes will be encouraged at all levels however they will be expected to 3* and 4* events Organisers will be encouraged to initiate Series competitions. A Regional to State to National pathway.  For example the World Cup in Australia, the Tekna National Young Riders Series and introduce State based young horse competitions with best placed earning rights to National Finals or national Squads.

The Proposed System – Recording and measuring A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING  A show management system including entries, judging and reporting will be part of the new system. Similar to European countries.  The performance will be tracked and monitored via the database. Shows can check registration status on line.  Results will be captured against each horse for it’s lifetime – this will assist with personal records, sales and selection processes.  Proof of age will be at EA registration.  Performance Cards will no longer be required.  An annual license fee for the jumping discipline will be charged at annual renewal of membership.  Points will no longer be required and so the workload at offices, competitors carrying cards and having them signed by officials at show will be obsolete.

The Proposed System – What will be recorded? A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING The integrated National Database will provide the following details: GenderSireDam Foal dateHeightColour Owner/sBreedBreeder The database will show results recorded for 1.10m classes and above: EventDateState Show * ratingRiderClass No of startersFaultsPlacing (to prizes) Prizemoney wonand in the future…. Rider rankings. Potentially, there will be wireless access for show organisers and Apps developed for i-phones linking riders to the system and their information, results etc.

The Performance Pathway for Australian Jumping Next Steps

The Proposed System – further information A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING  Discussion is required to look at increasing ‘affiliation’ of shows – in particular the Agricultural Societies – by providing incentives, information and assistance.  Review the financial impacts on State Branches, Organising Committees and Riders. – given the database is functioning.  Develop a guide for Organisers and some sample programs to assist in conversion from the Old Grading System to the New Jumping Pathway.  Develop a Frequently Asked Questions sheet: see over

EQUESTRIAN AUSTRALIA POWERPOINT PRESENTATION Frequently asked questions - sample Q How and when does a horse get registered? Q Who and when determines the heights for each age group? Q Are there rules about how much a horse can move up and down a height? Q How do events manage the height and age parameters? Q Where do the Junior and Young Rider competitions fit in? Q Is there room for specialty classes such as a Futurity? Q Are there any conditions regarding show affiliation to the Federation? Q How do Event Organisers manage their programs? Q What obligations are there to maintain the records of performance? Q How does a show work from regional to state to national levels? Q What are the standards of Judge and CD to work at different types of shows? Q Are shows graded in any way – like CSI*

The next steps A PROPOSED PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN JUMPING The Jumping Pathway Group will be responsible for consultation and modification. March 2011 The Young Horse Working group will add their contribution to the Pathway. The Draft Pathway will be presented to each of the State Committee for feedback. Draft Pathway will be forwarded to the National Board for information and feedback. April 2011 Feedback integrated into an updated draft developed and on the Nat. website. July Conduct a survey on the draft Pathway and sent out to the jumping community. Continuing work with the IT system and integration of requirements. August 2011 Final Proposal submitted to the NJC August meeting for ratification. September 2011 Implementation process commences. Presented to the National Board for their approval. January 2012 New system commences

The Performance Pathway for Australian Jumping Your Feedback is welcome Please provide feedback to: Mandy Stephens on Or contact your State Committee NJC representative. Or contact any member of the NJC Pathway Working Group.