- 2014 RCS #
- 48
- Summary
- Decrease minimum clearance in Cones-2
- Date Received
- 01Jun13
- Proponent
- Marcie Quist
- Change Date
- Next Rulebook
- Status
- Closed for comments: 01Sep13
Not Recommended: 15Sep13 - Activity
- Initial Posting: 01Jun13
Current Wording – Article 952.1.6 Competition C: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 – Article 952.1.6 Competition C:Cones
52.1.6 At ADS-recognized events, minimum clearance between pairs of cones shall be:

| HORSES AND PONIES | VSE | |
| Training division | 35 cm + track width * | 25 cm. + track width * |
| Preliminary division | 30 cm. + track width * | 20 cm. + track width * |
| Intermediate division | 25 cm. + track width * | 15 cm. + track width * |
| ADS-Advanced division | 20 cm. + track width * | 10 cm. + track width * |
* Increase settings by 10cm for tandems, unicorns and four-in-hands hands.
Reason for change
This Change was first mentioned to me by Ed Young who believes that our wide clearance does not train drivers to drive cones well enough to progress up through the levels. And he is right! Our current clearance is too easy and too many drivers are driving poorly in cones. This is especially true for the VSE’s who need to have even narrower clearances.
In addition, for the lower levels many of the drivers have the same (clear) cones scores so that cones have no effect in the event and are very boring to spectators. I ask the committees to consider this proposal.
Ted Campbell says :
August 6, 2013I agree with the proposed change. I suggest a slight change, ADS-Advanced division Horses and Ponies, strike 20 cm. + track width and replace with “as per Article 953.
bridgesd says :
August 6, 2013I disagree with the proposed change – challenging cones courses are presented at the events I attend and a newer driver is left with the option of hitting multiple cones to make time or facing multiple time penalties. I am not sure how making it more difficult for new drivers (but more exciting for spectators) will encourage new entries to the sport.
shadowbrook says :
August 11, 2013I disagree.
dannabe33 says :
August 13, 2013I disagree also. This is a bad idea in my opinion. The courses seem to be getting more difficult. Why try to make people fail???? Don’t get that concept. Leave it as it is.
Iris says :
August 13, 2013Refer to comments in RCS2014#01.
Zantke says :
August 21, 2013Same as also RCS 2014#1 I support this too.
hardy
keithy says :
August 21, 2013I support this change.
Comments same as for RCS2014#01
daves says :
August 24, 2013I don’t have a problem with #1 but this one seems too severe for VSEs. Do not support this change.
cepinwv says :
August 26, 2013Disagree. Refer to comments in RCS2014#01
CaroleSweet says :
August 28, 2013Disagree with changes at Training and Preliminary levels. Reference comments in RCS2014#01. Too extreme for minis at all levels. There is enough challenge to appropriately determine placings.
wgallen says :
August 28, 2013I disagree with the proposed change. Way too narrow. I favor RCP #1 instead.
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.