CHERWELL COMPETITION CENTRE – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

These terms apply to all shows, arena hire and stabling at Cherwell Competition Centre. They may be updated from time to time, so please check this page before entering or booking. CCTV is in operation on the premises.

 

 

1.  SHOWS

 

1.1  Entry closing dates and payments

 

1. Shows are pre-entry only, via My Riding Life. Please contact us directly at laura@cherwellcompetition.co.uk for late entry availability.

2. Entries for unaffiliated showjumping close at 9am on the day before the event.

3. Entries for unaffiliated dressage and combined training close at 9am two days before the event.

4. BD events close as per the schedule, but we advise entering early to avoid disappointment, as spaces due to cancellations and late entries may not always be available.

5. Payments are made securely via PayPal to Cherwell Competition Centre, and you should receive a payment confirmation by email.

6. Entries will not be accepted, under any circumstances, without payment. Late entries will incur fees.

 

1.2  Start times

 

1. Start times for showjumping and combined training will be available before 12 noon on the day before the event.

2. Start times for unaffiliated dressage will be available before 5pm two days before the event.

 

1.3  Withdrawals and refunds

 

1. Entries are not eligible for a refund unless you can produce a letter from your vet. For any other reason for withdrawal, please contact us and we will consider a refund or transfer on a case-by-case basis. Situations such as lorries not starting or horses not loading will not be considered.

2. Regardless of the above, no refund will be given after the times have been finalised.

 

1.4  Weather and cancellations

 

1. If frozen conditions, snow, wind or extreme heat mean the organisers decide to cancel a show, our decision will be based on the BBC Weather forecast for our area.

2. Entries will automatically be transferred to a future event or arena hire slot of your choice. No refunds will be given for weather cancellations.

 

1.5  Eligibility, rules and courses

 

1. All horses competing at Cherwell in ridden classes must be 4 years old or over.

2. Classes are run under British Showjumping rules, but we allow 3 refusals. We do not operate the BS tack rules, but we ask that all whips comply with their guidelines.

3. All courses are built on horse distances, and there will be a course walk for each class. The course stays the same throughout the day.

4. In the 40cm and 50cm classes, competitors may have help in the arena, including a lead rein.

5. Please warm up in the designated area and be aware of collecting ring etiquette.

6. Combined training competitors MUST jump within 30 minutes of their listed dressage time. Please tell us if you do not intend to take part in the jumping phase.

 

1.6  Dress

 

1. Competition wear for unaffiliated events. Those taking part in clear rounds do not need to wear a riding jacket and pale breeches.

 

1.7  Prize money

 

1. Prize money is awarded in each class for every five entries overall, or every five entries in each section if split: 5 entries for 1st prize, 10 entries for 2nd prize, 15 entries for 3rd prize.

2. For each showjumping class, one set of prize money will be awarded from 1st to 3rd across both horse and pony sections if there are fewer than 30 entries. If a class reaches 30 or more entries, prize money will be awarded from 1st to 3rd in both the horse and pony sections.

3. Rosettes are given from 1st to 6th in both sections, regardless of entry numbers. Placings are decided on penalties, followed by the fastest time in the jump-off.

4. The prize money rule also applies to combined training, with placings decided using the usual combined training rules and scoring.

5. Prize money is paid by PayPal to the account the entries were paid from, within 7 to 10 days. We will try to make this quicker where possible.

 

1.8  Qualifiers

 

1. All unaffiliated showjumping classes are qualifiers for Cricklands, Trailblazers and the Sunshine Tour if they fall within the qualifying period.

2. All combined training and unaffiliated dressage classes are qualifiers for Trailblazers if they fall within the qualifying period. Please check the individual qualifier websites for qualifying periods and criteria.

 

1.9  British Dressage

 

1. BD rules apply to all BD competitions at Cherwell and override these terms in relation to entries, prize money, start times, withdrawals, refunds and payments.

 

 

2.  ARENA HIRE

 

Equestrian pursuits are inherently dangerous and can result in serious injury, so using Cherwell Competition Centre and its facilities is entirely at your own risk. CCTV is in use at all times on the arena.

When hiring Cherwell Competition Centre, you are agreeing to the following terms:

 

2.1  Bookings

 

1. All arena hire bookings are non-refundable, but can be transferred to another date if at least 48 hours’ notice is given.

2. Hirers must stick to their allocated time slot so as not to interfere with other bookings.

3. Clients hosting an event are responsible for full compliance with the relevant health and safety policies. Cherwell Competition Centre reserves the right to stop any activity we consider unsafe or contrary to our Health and Safety Policy.

 

2.2  Safety

 

1. All riders MUST wear a hat to the standard of EN1384, ASTM F1163 or PAS 015 at all times when mounted. All riders must wear suitable footwear with a defined heel.

2. Body protectors are highly recommended when using the portable arena XC fences, and you must wear a hat with a non-fixed peak.

3. Cross-country hire: no rider under 8 may use the cross-country course.

4. Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult in the arena at all times.

5. An adult with a working mobile phone must always be in attendance when the course is in use. All lone riders must carry a working mobile phone.

6. Courses are set, but it is your responsibility to make sure heights and distances suit your own requirements and abilities.

7. No grids.

8. Spectators are asked not to enter the arena when it is in use.

9. Gates must be shut at all times.

 

2.3  Care of the arena and equipment

 

1. All fences MUST be left at approximately 1m. No equipment is to be left on the ground.

2. All droppings must be removed from the arenas, holding area and parking areas.

3. Please report any damaged or broken jumps immediately. Riders will be charged for a replacement, plus carriage. The arena and equipment are inspected after each hire.

 

 

3.  STABLING AND HOOK-UP

 

3.1  Overnight stables

 

1. Stables are 12 x 12ft, with 3 rubber mats in each. Please note they do not have electricity or automatic drinkers.

2. Prices are £60 for one night, £90 for two nights and £100 for three nights.

3. Electric hook-up is available at £20 per night.

4. Stables are not confirmed until payment has been received.

5. A clean stable deposit of £25 is payable in advance. It will only be refunded if the stable is fully emptied and swept out.

6. Regardless of the reason for cancellation, refunds for stable bookings will only be made if we are able to rebook your stable.

 

3.2  Day stables on show days

 

1. Day stables are available for hire at £15, plus a £15 clean stable deposit. Please speak to us before the event, or to the collecting ring steward on the day.

2. Stables must be left swept, clean and tidy.

 

3.3  Unarranged use

 

1. If hook-up or stables are used without prior arrangement, we reserve the right to charge £100 for each.

 

 

4.  GENERAL (ALL VISITORS)

 

4.1  Safety on site

 

1. If you are competing or riding at Cherwell Competition Centre and have travelled alone, you must notify the ring steward and leave contact details in case of an emergency.

2. Children must not be left unattended anywhere on the premises, including the clubhouse.

3. Horses and ponies must never be left tied up to a lorry or trailer unattended.

4. No lunging anywhere on site.

5. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.

6. Please drive at a sensible speed into and out of the venue, and close all gates behind you when asked.

 

4.2  Respecting the venue and our staff

 

1. Please do not try to force any electric gates. If you are seen pushing or forcing any gates or equipment, we reserve the right to charge for repairs.

2. Please pick up any droppings and do not muck out lorries into the car park or hedge line. Please use the bins around the premises for litter.

3. Please be courteous to our staff at all times. Anyone who does not observe this may be asked to leave and may not be given entries or access to future events.

 

4.3  Liability

 

1. Cherwell Competition Centre and its owners, tenants and anyone acting on their behalf accept no liability for any loss, damage, accident, injury or illness to horses, riders, spectators or any other person or their property.

2. The cost of any veterinary services, at or after an event, must be met by the competitor or owner.

3. We recommend keeping all valuables locked away at all times.

 

4.4  Photography and filming

 

1. Photography and video recording may take place on the premises for promotional, marketing and social media purposes. By entering or booking, you acknowledge that you may appear in photos or video.

2. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please let a member of our team know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

 

 

5.  CLUBHOUSE CAFÉ

 

1. Our clubhouse serves snacks and drinks on show days.

2. Please do not eat food that wasn’t bought from the clubhouse anywhere on the premises or in the clubhouse garden. This includes buying from the café and eating your own food at the table.

3. Please eat your own lunch and snacks at your lorry. Picnics are not allowed on the viewing bank.

 

 

If you have any questions about these terms, please contact Laura at laura@cherwellcompetition.co.uk or on 07976 288329.