- 2014 RCP #
- 3
- Summary
- Decrease minimum clearance in Cones
- Date Received
- 01Jun13
- Proponent
- Marc Johnson
- Change Date
- Next Rulebook
- Status
- Closed for comments: 01Sep13
Recommended for Approval: 15Sep13 - Activity
- Initial Posting: 01Jun13
Current Wording – Appendix B.3.2a Arena Driving Trials:Obstacles-Cones
952.1.6 At ADS-recognized events, minimum clearance between pairs of cones shall be:

| HORSES AND PONIES | VSE | |
| Training division | 40 cm + track width * | 35 cm. + track width * |
| Preliminary division | 35 cm. + track width * | 30 cm. + track width * |
| Intermediate division | 30 cm. + track width * | 20 cm. + track width * |
| ADS-Advanced division | 20 cm. + track width * | 15 cm. + track width |
* Increase settings by 10cm for tandems, unicorns and four-in-hands hands.
Suggested Wording – Appendix B.3.2a

| HORSES AND PONIES | VSE | |
| Training division | 35 cm + track width * | 30 cm. + track width * |
| Preliminary division | 30 cm. + track width * | 25 cm. + track width * |
| Intermediate division | 25 cm. + track width * | 20 cm. + track width * |
| ADS-Advanced division | 20 cm. + track width * | 15 cm. + track width * |
* Increase settings by 10cm for tandems, unicorns and four-in-hands hands.
Reason for change
Without changing the maximum speeds, the drivers in these divisions would have a similar percentage of knockdowns to those of Advanced. The skill level does not currently match the speed requirement. VSE Intermediate changes by 10cm currently.
shadowbrook says :
August 4, 2013Please leave Training Level as is for the newbies of the sport.
nlindley says :
August 5, 2013prefer to see no change to Training Level… not sure you will accomplish anything by trimming minimums down for any level, but hope that at least no change to TR
Ted Campbell says :
August 6, 2013I agree with the changes as presented.
hoofnit says :
August 6, 2013Make this consistent with the decision for RCS2014#01.
keithy says :
August 6, 2013I support this change.
My comments on RCS2014#01 apply here.
RCS2014#01 and RCS2014#03 need to be consistent.
Amanda Lehning says :
August 11, 2013Same as changing the cones for CDE – training level should not be changed to make it harder. Please bear in mind the many people who want to come try the sport out! Make it inviting for them ! Challenging, but not so difficult they don’t want to come back. The sport should be made to grow.
dannabe33 says :
August 13, 2013I don’t think the distance should be changed. Why make it more difficult? Going double clean is already challenging enough. Why make it easier for people to fail. I vote, leave it alone.
Price says :
August 13, 2013Same comments as CDE cones. Please leave it alone.
Iris says :
August 13, 2013I disagree with this change for Training division for the same reasons as RCS2014#01
love2083 says :
August 13, 2013Same as RCS2014#01. I think training should be decreased as now it is so much just your dressage score on how you place. The other divisions are fine as is because the marathon score is factored in.
Also, that wide a clearance in training does not foster proper cones driving.
Laurel says :
August 19, 2013Are ADT’s not for training? We all go as fast as we can, while trying to not knock balls down. Why make it harder for folks just starting out?
I do not think this rule change is a good idea.
Thank you.
Zantke says :
August 20, 2013Agreed, same as 2014#1
hardy
tommcintire says :
August 22, 2013I more strongly disagree with this one than I do with the one for HDTs & CDEs. In an indoor, in New England, we are VERY tight on space for getting through the cones. There are times when dropping to a walk is virtually mandatory at training.
The devil’s advocate side is that I could see why you would want it the same indoors or out… (ie: ADT vs HDT/CDE).
cepinwv says :
August 26, 2013I disagree for most of the same reasons as RCS2014#01.
CaroleSweet says :
August 26, 2013Strongly disagree to changes at Training and Preliminary levels. Reference to Advanced Level is unwarranted…..Training Level is not Advanced Level, but three levels below that. No more than there should be Advanced Level dressage movements at Training Level…..Training Level is for allowance of less schooling than at levels above that, and it should be obvious. Making drivers and horses/ponies/mules/donkeys have to have more precision at the lowest level is not appropriate for “young” minds. Less skilled competitors would make more mistakes, making things uncomfortable for their equines. Possibility exists for participants at Training to become discouraged and less likely to compete.
ohiohorses says :
August 28, 2013Should be the same across the board.
wgallen says :
August 28, 2013I think the proposed reduction in cones clearance by 5 cm is OK —
PROVIDED that 1) course designers “lighten up” a bit and not
require so many tight turns and 2) judges
and TDs measure the courses ACCURATELY (no more reducing the
measured distance by 10% to make things “more interesting”).
It’s interesting — the Training level dressage tests specify
a 40 m circle on the theory that Training level horses can’t and
shouldn’t be asked to do a tighter circle. Yet most shows have
only one cones course and it routinely requires turns of 10-15 m.
Yes, sometimes such turns are required, if the course is set inside
a dressage ring or fenced area.
Pam Biggi says :
August 30, 2013I agree with this proposal.
rules says :
August 30, 2013On behalf of Ann McClure:
Cones width – I concur with all changes except Training. When Training was originally started it was designed for a starting out place for the young driver¬† or horse. [Perhaps Into would have been a better label]. It was never considered as a place drivers would remain. I realize that experienced drivers are in that division with young horses and should easily be able to go double clean, but for the inexperienced driver it is much more of a challenge. In the heat of competition and lack of experience 40 cm clearance is still a challenge and I think should remain. The idea was for the driver to gain experience and confidence so that they could progress.¬† I also realize that it’s up to the organizer and it’s a suggested minimum, but organizers have enough to do without taking on that responsibility.