Horse Sport Ireland and Dressage Ireland

Silver Spurs

What is the Silver Spurs?

This is a scheme organized by Dressage Ireland with the aim of identifying and developing young dressage riders. It encourages their progress by awarding training bursaries and by giving direction and advice. The goal is to provide a pathway to help young dressage riders achieve an international standard.

Do I have to be a member of Dressage Ireland to enter?

No. This scheme is open to everyone between the ages of 12 and 21 years. Non-members will be required to pay the appropriate temporary registration fee with each show entry.

There are three sections, which are identical to the categories used by the international governing body, the FEI.

Level	Riders Age	Horse criteria	Test Level	Notes
Pony	12-16	Pony (Max 149cms) 5 y.o. and over	Preliminary Tests
Junior	14-18	Horse or pony 5 y.o. and over	Novice Tests	Ponies may be ridden only up to the riders 16th birthday.
Young Rider	16-21	Horse only 5 y.o. and over	Elementary Tests

What is a Silver Spurs qualifier day and how do I enter?

This year we are not running formal qualifier days. Instead each affiliated show in DI’s Summer season will count as a qualifier.

The Horse Sport Ireland and Dressage Ireland websites will have the details of the shows in each region. For copies of the Dressage tests contact the secretary of Dressage Ireland

Gerd Liekens-Schurmans Phone/Fax 059 977 1728

Silver Spurs candidates must compete in a test at the appropriate level (i.e. Preliminary, Novice or Elementary) at a show scoring over 62% once to be eligible to enter the finals. The percentage scored will still count if you are riding HC due to your horse/pony being of a higher grade.

If you qualify for the finals you will enter the appropriate class and mark your entry “SS” to indicate Silver Spurs. As with all classes at the National Championships you will need to show your qualifying score. Details of how to enter for the National championships is in the Dressage Ireland Summer Schedule on the website. As with all championships you will need to bring the passport for your horse/pony and have vaccinations up to date

What happens at the finals?

The finals of Silver Spurs 2008 will be held at the National Dressage Championships and will consist of two phases.

Stage I

The first stage will be run as part of the Preliminary, Novice & Elementary qualifier classes on the first day of the Championships. Silver Spurs candidates need to score in excess of 62% to be considered for a place in the final judging. These classes will be judged as normal.

Stage II

Up to 12 riders at each level (scoring at least 62% in Stage I) will be brought forward to a Silver Spurs Final Class on the second day of the championships. Here they will ride another test at the appropriate level. This test will be judged by two judges with marks given in the normal way by one judge and there will be separate marks awarded for the rider’s position and effectiveness for each movement awarded by the second judge.

The test mark is decimalized e.g.

62% = 6.2

And the rider’s marks for Effectiveness and Position are each out of 10

Test	Position	Effectiveness	Total
6.2	7	7	20.2

Can I ride more than one horse or pony?

You can compete at as many qualifying shows as you like and ride a different horse/pony at each one, however at the finals, you can only ride one horse/pony.

Can I compete for more than year?

Yes, as long as you are eligible by age, you may come back each year and try for a new personal best.

What are the benefits of this scheme?

All riders will

Gain valuable exposure and experience

Be able to use the scheme as a positive assessment of their work

Be able to question and discuss any aspect with the judges

Be given score sheets from all sections to take home

Be given training bursaries and awards if finishing in the finals as one of the leading riders

Get publicity and recognition in the equestrian press

Why have a Silver Spurs scheme?

Participation in the scheme will help you to assess your talent and tell you in which areas you need to work hardest. The contacts with the other riders and the judges, as well as the knowledge gained, will all help you to make your own luck.

Good Luck

Please note

Tests may not be commanded at the Finals.

Silver Spurs are run under the rules of Dressage Ireland.

Rules regarding saddlery, whips and spurs will be as appropriate for the level of test being ridden.

Check the Dressage Ireland rule book on www.dressageireland.ie

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