Unaffiliated Dressage

Hastingwood Dressage Group has been delivering high‑quality unaffiliated dressage events for many years, offering a welcoming and professionally run environment for riders at all stages of their dressage journey. Whether you are newly inspired or an experienced competitor, our classes are designed to support steady progression and confidence for both horse and rider.

We proudly support equestrian sport within our local community and operate in accordance with British Dressage standards to ensure fairness, consistency, and a high‑quality competition experience.

Our unaffiliated schedule includes the following levels:

• Introductory (Int)
• Preliminary (Pre)
• Novice (Nov)
• Elementary (Ele)

Hastingwood Dressage Group is an Official Sunshine Tour regional qualifying venue.

• Class times are published on our website after 7pm on the Thursday before each event.
• Pick Your Own (PYO) classes allow riders to choose from the tests available.
• Entry limits:
• Maximum 15 riders per class
• Maximum 60 entries per event day (at organiser discretion)
• Warm‑up takes place on the outdoor cushion‑compound arena.
• All tests are ridden and judged on outdoor competition arenas.
• Hors Concours (HC) combinations receive a bridle number and are judged privately but not included in placings.
• Riders requiring a Caller (Clr) should select this option when booking.
• HDG can provide a Caller for a £1 charitable donation, or riders may bring their own.

 Combination (Horse & Rider) Rules

• Each combination must be mutually eligible for the class entered.
• Organisers may suspend or disqualify any entrant found to be in breach of the rules.

Rider Rules

• Riders may enter up to three classes per horse/pony.
• Riders may compete with multiple horses/ponies.
• Hors Concours (HC) status must be declared before the class begins.
• Lunging is permitted at the organisers’ discretion.
• Riders attending alone must provide an emergency contact on their entry form or upon arrival.
• All riders must wear PAS015/EN1384 compliant hats with the British Standard Kite Mark, securely fastened while mounted.

Horse/Pony Rules

• Horses/ponies may enter up to three classes per event.
• Bridle numbers must be displayed on both sides of the bridle while in the arenas.

Event Rules

• Entry fees must be paid in full by the Monday before the event.
• Riders who are delayed or unable to compete must inform the event secretary as soon as possible.
• Entries close on the Monday before the event or when classes are full.
• Late entries may be accepted at the organisers’ discretion and may incur a £1.50 administration fee per class.
• Classes may be combined if entry numbers are low.
• Events may be cancelled due to poor weather, as all judging takes place outdoors.

Junior (Jnr) – Riders under 16 on 1 January

Senior (Snr) – Riders 16 and over on 1 January

Veteran (Vtn) – Horses/ponies aged 15+ on 1 January

Open (Opn)

Restricted (Res)

Hors Concours (HC)

Caller (Clr)

Any combination may enter classes conditionally.

• Combinations who have won first place in a class at an HDG event in the current year cannot re‑enter that same class again that year.
• Exceptions may be made for inexperienced horses or low class numbers at the organisers’ discretion.
• Entry limits:
  
• Riders: up to three classes per horse/pony
• Horses/ponies: up to three classes per event
• HC entries: Any combination may enter.
• Open entries: Any Int, Pre, Nov, or Ele combination may enter.
• Restricted entries: Combinations who have already won first place in that category at an HDG event in the current year may not re‑enter that category again.

 When will class times be available?   After 7pm on the Thursday before each event.

Can I enter more than one horse?   Yes — riders may enter multiple horses or ponies.

What does Hors Concours (HC) mean?   HC riders are judged privately and receive a score but are not included in placings.

Can I bring my own Caller?   Yes — or HDG can provide one for a £1 charitable donation.

What if I’m attending alone?   You must provide an emergency contact on your entry form or upon arrival.

Can events be cancelled?   Yes — only in cases of poor weather, as all judging is outdoors.

Can I get a refund if I cannot attend?   A: No, refunds are not eligible.