Have Your Say - Yarding at Events...

In the January 2010 National E-news, (then) CEO Franz Venhaus wrote: Equestrian Australia General Regulation (first published in 2007 to become effective on 2008) state in Article 109.3: "Stabling and yards should be of solid construction. From 01 January 2010, the use of electrified tape, strings, ropes or chains, will not be permitted at EA Events."

A yard will be considered as a rigid enclosed area in which a horse is confined but in which it may be loose to freely move around.

The rule will not apply to a situation where a horse remains tied to a float or truck on a short tether and is not free to move around.

For 2010 this yard rule will not be enforced at events where the event organisers have published in the event rules or conditions that the rule will not apply. Responsibility for non-compliance with the yard rule will rest with the event organising committees. All other EA rules must be met.

Event organisers are reminded that applying this exception to the yard rule will not relieve them from responsibility for complying with any National Sport Rule, Branch Rule or venue rule or condition relating to stabling and yards, and it remains the responsibility of the event organisers to ensure that they comply with all applicable occupational health and safety laws.

A working group has now been formed to develop the standards for yarding at events and we would appreciate input. This policy will be developed in conjunction with the National Discipline Committees,the Branches and affiliated clubs.

You may wish to have a look at a discussion paper for suggested guidelines.

Please submit all recommendations to tracey.lesslie@equestrian.org.au before 30 April 2011.