CCEA - Did You Know?

Additional Rounds

CCE rules permit riding additional rounds, subject to equine welfare limits and organizer schedules. Additional Rounds create many more opportunities for everyone and reduce unhelpful pressure or anxiety. For competitors, a second round could be a chance to challenge themselves, concentrate on certain obstacles, regroup after an unwanted upset, or in some cases attain another qualifying score at the same competition. For organizers, Additional Rounds can have significant advantages to the success or viability of their competition, which might otherwise not exist for competitors. Additional Rounds can be at the same or different Levels.

Arena Setting

This is a defined area where show jumping type (SJ-type) obstacles are permitted. It may be an actual arena with a physical perimeter fence, or it may be a simple demarcated area. The arena setting has special course-design and competition rules that differ from the open setting. Most commonly, the arena setting is used for the first section of a Jump Off Ride (JOR) course, but it can be included in the Endurance-cross Ride (EXR) or in specific phases of the Expanded Cross Country Ride (ECCR).

Attempt

When a competitor continues an approach toward an obstacle on a path that could reasonably result in jumping the obstacle, it is considered an attempt. The competitor can decide to abort the attempt and avoid a penalty provided it was clearly the rider’s choice and it is a sufficient distance from the obstacle.

Challenge Obstacle

A Challenge (CH) obstacle is typically one that would be a Regular (RG) obstacle for the next higher Level. Challenge obstacles score more points than Regular (RG) obstacles because they are more difficult than is standard for the Level. Penalties for errors at CH obstacles are no different than RG obstacles. Challenge (CH) obstacles are marked with a triangle symbol. In normal circumstances a CH obstacle can be attempted only once before a Mandatory Pass is required.

Chicane

This is an innovative feature unique to CCE that improves safety and incentivizes better training and riding. A chicane is formed by two flags marked with “Chicane” or chicane symbol, positioned a short distance in front of an obstacle. The red flag is on the left side when approaching the obstacle and the white flag is on the right side. Similar to jumping a flagged obstacle, the competitor keep the red flag on their left side or the white flag on their right side. Passing through the middle incurs a heavy penalty. Typically the chicane is angled so the shortest route to the obstacle requires the tightest approach or jumping the obstacle on an angle thereby giving an advantage to those with greater ability. Taking the longer, more time consuming route allows for a long straight approach for the less capable competitor.

Circling or Crossing Tracks

There is no penalty for circling or crossing your tracks in CCE, other the additional time taken.  If want to take a route that is better or safer for you and your horse, or have to suddenly change your plans, you can, and it will only cost you the extra time to navigate that route.

This includes riding behind an obstacle, which you may want to do to show your horse that it is safe on the other side of the jump - see Familiarizing.

Class

This refers to the format and complexity of a competition. Class indicates the Stages included and whether it is a Training or Accredited competition. Sometimes qualifying is required for a horse and rider to Class Up - this demonstrates they are capable of a simpler format before entering a complex multi-Stage competition.

Competition Formats

A CCE competition can have one, two or three Stages, comprised of the Endurance Cross Ride (EXR), the Cross Country Ride (CCR) and the Jump Off Ride (JOR). This flexibility means different venues can run CCE and optimally scale the competition to suit their facilities and resources. The majority of CCEs are single Stage competitions, which are the easiest to organize and very convenient for competitors, taking minimal time to complete and not requiring overnight stays. The most intensive format runs over several days and has all three Stages including a multi-phase format of CCR - the Expanded Cross Country Ride (ECCR). This class of competition is the focal point of the season for competitors and requires the most preparation.

Connected Obstacles

These are two or more consecutive obstacles that when any one obstacle is not successfully jumped will result in penalties for a run-out or refusal. This means all obstacles must either be jumped or passed to avoid a penalty. Obstacles are ‘connected’ when they are in close proximity (relative to the Level) such that it would be overly difficult or unsafe to pass one of the obstacles. Typically, all but the first Connected obstacle can be attempted only once.

Cross Country Type & Show Jumping Type Obstacles

CC-type obstacles score more points than SJ-type obstacles.

SJ-type obstacles incur fewer penalties than CC-type obstacles.

Only CC-type obstacles are allowed in the CCR stage.  

SJ-type obstacles are only allowed in an ‘arena setting’ - typically in the JOR stage.

Endurance Cross Ride (EXR)

The Endurance Cross Ride (EXR) is based on a course of moderate to long distance. The simplest EXR includes nothing more than a start, finish and checkpoints with a suggested optimum time. Other EXR courses will incorporate a variety of features including sub-sections with different pace parameters, obstacles to jump including abridged special phases of ECCR and JOR, other forms of non-jumped obstacles to be negotiated such that might be found in competitive trail competitions, and in some cases vetting and recovery holds.  The EXR is a great entrance point to CCE for horses, riders and venues. The competition aspect is typically minimal, so it is very relaxed. The format is very inviting and friendly for green or unfit horses and inexperienced riders, and the facility requirements for the venue are minimal.

Familiarizing

This is introducing or accustoming a horse with an obstacle usually before an attempt is made without incurring penalties. The competitor may stand beside or move around the obstacle, and allow the horse to investigate it. Familiarizing may be followed by an attempt or a pass. No penalties for a refusal or run-out are incurred if the competitor never makes an attempt. Similar to Passing, it is the competitor’s responsibility to convince the obstacle judge that no attempt is being made. Any competitor familiarizing must yield to any approaching competitor.

Group Riding

Riding in groups of 2 or more is one of the Allowances available in Training Competitions and Workshops. This means you can have a friend or coach ride along with you, give instruction or a lead over obstacle. Group riding is perfect for nervous riders or horses, and makes CCE more fun and friendly.

Knock Down Obstacle

A Knock Down (KD) obstacle has an upper element that can be dislodged, incurring penalties. A KD obstacle may be a Regular or Challenge obstacle which will determine the score value. Knock down penalties are deducted from the points scored by jumping the obstacle.

Only one attempt is allowed at cross country type (CC-type) obstacles, but two attempts are allowed at show jumping type (SJ-type) obstacles.

Levels

This refers to the grade of competition from the Level 1 (lowest) to Level 10 (highest). Level 1 through 4 are grouped as Lower Levels, Level 5, 6 and 7 are considered Middle Levels and Level 8, 9 and 10 and Upper Levels. Generally qualifying is needed by both horse and rider to gain eligibility to Level Up.  Horses and riders are referred to by their Level and Ranking.

Mandatory Pass

After the maximum number of unsuccessful attempts at an obstacle, the competitor is required to Pass that obstacle and continue to the next. In Training Competitions the maximum number of attempts allowed for a Regular (RG) Cross Country type (CC-type) obstacle is three, which is one more than is permitted in Accredited Competitions. A maximum of two attempts are allowed for a Knock Down Show Jumping type (SJ-type) obstacles that are in the arena setting. Any Challenge (CH) obstacle is only allowed one attempt.

Obstacle Category

Every obstacle is classified under at least one category. These currently include Regular (RG), Challenge (CH), Connected (CO), Knock Down (KD), and Supplemental (SU). Additional categories will be introduced soon. The category of an obstacle determines the rules and scoring value. All restrictive rules apply when an obstacle has more than one categorization.

Obstacle category is different to obstacle type.

Obstacle Type

Type refers to whether the obstacle is a cross country type (CC-type) obstacle, a show jumping type (SJ-type) obstacle, or another special type obstacle. Each type has different scoring value and type specific rules which determine where they can be used on a course and how a competitor may jump them. For instance, SJ-type obstacles are only permitted in the arena setting and generally can be attempted twice. Obstacle type is different to obstacle category.

Open Setting

This is any area on a course that is not designated an arena setting. The open setting is the primary environment for CCE competitions and is typically countryside and wooded areas with trails. The entire course for CCR, most if not all of an EXR course and substantial portions of JOR are in an open setting. Only cross country type (CC-type) obstacles are permitted in the open setting. Show jumping type (SJ-type) obstacles are only allowed in an arena setting.

Passing

In CCE you can PASS any obstacle on the course without penalty.  This means that scary jump is not going to ruin your day. This also means you can complete a CCE course without jumping a single obstacle. At higher Levels and on longer courses, Passing becomes a tactical choice.

Pass Side

Most obstacles will have an arrow symbol indicating the correct side to Pass, which is the longer route to the next obstacles so there is no time-saving advantage. Passing incorrectly (on the wrong side) incurs 50 penalties. When no symbol is present the competitor can Pass on either side. After a refusal or run-out, the competitor may Pass on either side regardless of any arrow symbol.

Proficiency Test

This is a mechanism for competitors with a proven competition record in another discipline or sufficient competence to reduce qualification requirements. This is only for Levels 1 through 5  and is conducted before the competition begins. The test is a short course of obstacles that represents the Level entered. The competitor must adequately pass the test or their entry will be relegated to a lower Level.

Qualifying Scores

A Qualifying Score or Q-Score is one that meets or exceeds the Qualifying Score Threshold, which indicates the competitor has reached an objective level of competence. The threshold is equal to the points that could be scored by successfully jumping every Regular obstacle on course, less a deduction (currently 30 points) that allows the competitor to incur time penalties. Scoring additional points from Challenge obstacles will create a larger cushion or could off-set error penalties. Q-Scores from competitions contribute to qualification and eligibility to Level-Up and Class-Up.

Ranking

This is a quantitative measure of horse or rider experience based on the number of Qualifying Scores they have attained at each Level. Rank is divided into Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. Rank classification is used in determining competition Divisions, catch-ride or new partnership allowances, and eligibility adjustments.

Regular Obstacles

These are standard for the Level with regard to dimensions and technical difficulty. They have Regular scoring value. Simple Regular obstacles are not marked with a special symbol and more than one attempt is permitted before a Mandatory Pass is required. Three attempts are allowed at Training Competitions while only two are allowed at Accredited Competitions.

Relegation

This is a Level-Down action applied to horse or rider that can be voluntary, mandatory, or sanctioned. Voluntary relegation is when a competitor chooses to Level-Down. Mandatory relegation is required when a competitor fails to attain a Qualifying Score at a new Level. Sanctioned relegation is removal of qualifications due to a serious rules infraction. Other than when voluntary, competitors must fully re-qualify at the lower relegated Level.

Settings

There are two settings (arena and open) in CCE that determine the course design and applicable rules. The open setting is the primary environment for CCE competitions, typically countryside and wooded areas with trails. An arena setting is a designated area where SJ-type obstacles may be used.

Special Obstacles

These are all obstacles that are NOT classified as simple Regular obstacles. Special obstacles include Challenge, Knock Down, Connected and several other classifications that have not yet been introduced. Some Special obstacles may have regular scoring value - such as a Knock Down obstacle that is within standard dimensions or technicality for the Level. Usually only one attempt is permitted at Special obstacles.

Stages

These are the distinct components of competitions, with a defined course and defined start and finish points. They include Endurance-cross Ride (EXR), Cross Country Ride (CCR) and the Expanded ECCR format with multiple phases, and Jump Off Ride (JOR). A competition may have one two or three Stages.