Irish Long Distance Riding Association
Rules 3rd Ed
Approved by the Board of Directors
Contents
1. Objectives 2
2. Code of Conduct 2
3. Types of Rides and Status of Horse and Rider 2
4. Vetting 4
5. Conduct of Riders 6
6. Tack 6
7. Shoeing 6
8. Dress 7
9. Juniors 7
10. Fitness of Rider 7
11. Additives and Drugs 8
12. Crews and Crewing 8
13. Conduct and Behaviour 8
14. Appeals 9
15. Sub Committees 10
16. Awards and Trophies 10
17. Definitions 12
Notice : Amendments 2008 - 2009
Section 1 : Objectives
The objective of these rules is to lay down a framework for the standardised administration and safe conduct of endurance riding promoted and authorised by ILDRA and its regions. They are not intended in any way to supersede, or replace, the individuals responsibility for their own, their mount’s and the safety of others, before, during and after the ride.
The sport of endurance riding is designed to encourage safe and effective enjoyment of horse riding while testing the horse’s speed and endurance ability over various distances and terrain. Every eventuality cannot be provided for in these rules. In any unforeseen, or exceptional, circumstances it is the duty of the Ride Organiser / Ground Jury / Officiating Veterinary Surgeon to make a decision in a sporting spirit and approaching as nearly as possible, the intention / spirit of these rules.
2.1 Riders must
2.1.1 Be polite at all times
2.1.2 Make any complaints in writing to the Ride Organiser, preferably on the day in writing
2.1.3 Give consideration to other riders, landowners and the general public, particularly when riding through private and state lands and when overtaking or passing .
2.1.4 All horses will pass on the right when overtaking and right shoulder to right shoulder when passing in opposite direction
2.1.5 Pay attention to any special instructions given by the organiser
2.1.6 Be in control of their horse, or not compete
2.1.7 Make sure crews are properly briefed on these rules as well as the route
2.1.8 Ensure that they and their horse are adequately crewed taking into account the type of ride
2.1.9 Dogs must be kept on a leash and not go near the vetting area
2.1.10 Not leave any litter (including equine litter from the trailer / lorry)
2.2 Horses
2.2.1 Should be prepared and educated to ensure a reasonable standard of behaviour
2.2.2 Riders should take particular care in vetting area, especially when crowded. Stallions do compete and mares do kick.
2.2.3 Stallions must be bridled at all times and must carry blue ribbons on tail and bridle(both sides)
2.2.4 Tail ribbons are recommended for novice horses (Green) and horses with a propensity to kick (Red)
2.2.5 Save when safely enclosed in a stable, coral, lorry or trailer, a horse must not be left unattended at a ride.
2.3 Crews
2.3.1 Do not obstruct roads, other riders, houses, gateways or the route
2.3.2 Do not obscure rider vision of check point location
2.3.3 Do not race around roads – rallying strictly forbidden
2.3.4 Do not precede or follow your rider on the route
2.3.5 Do not crew from a vehicle
2.3.6 Do not use a lorry for mobile crewing
2.3.7 Do leave any litter (including equine litter from the trailer / lorry)
2.3.8 Refer to Sec 12 for fuller guidance
Section 3 : Types of Rides and Horse and Rider Status
3.1 There will be a compulsory annual re-registration fee for horse’s.
3.2 Pleasure Rides (PR’s)
3.2.1 Horse will be aged 4 yrs or over (1st Jan)
3.2.2 Rider will be aged 6 yrs or over (accompanied as required by Sec 9)
3.2.3 Log Book not essential
3.2.4 Membership not essential
3.2.5 Speed 8 KPH – 13KPH (5 MPH – 8MPH)
3.2.6 Distances : Up to and including 32 Km
3.2.7 Vetting : Not compulsory, but horse may be required to trot up, as per section 4.1.2 and the rider may request a vetting at the veterinary surgeons convenience.
3.2 Competitive Trail Rides (CTR’s)
3.2.1 Age of Horse
3.2.1.1 5 yrs and over (1st Jan) Bronze Shamrock (may not compete on consecutive days)
3.2.1.2 5 yrs and over (1st Jan) Silver Shamrock
3.2.1.3 6 yrs and over (1st Jan) Gold Shamrock
3.2.1.4 7 yrs and over (1st Jan) 88 Km (55 Miles) and over in one day.
3.2.2 Age of rider
3.2.2.1 9 yrs and over (accompanied as required by section 9) Bronze Shamrock
3.2.2.2 10 yrs and over (accompanied as required by section 9) Silver & Gold Shamrock
3.2.2.3 12 yrs and over Platinum & Diamond Shamrock
3.2.3 Log Card
3.2.3.1 Mandatory
3.2.3.2 Master Log Card must be produced to Ride Organiser on entry
3.2.4 Vetting Mandatory
3.2.5. Membership Mandatory
3.2.6. Distances
3.2.6.1 32 Km – 40 Km (20 M – 25 M) in one day Bronze Shamrock Qualifiers X 2
3.2.6.2 48 Km (30 M) in one day Bronze Shamrock Final (3.2 Km deviation allowed)
3.2.6.3 64 Km (40 M) in one day Silver Shamrock Qualifier and Final (4.8 Km deviation allowed)
3.2.6.4 80 Km (50 M) in one day Gold Shamrock and Final (4.8 Km deviation allowed)
3.2.6.5 100 Km (62.5 M) in one day Platinum Shamrock Final
3.2.6.6 120 Km (75 M) in one day Diamond Shamrock Final
3.2.6.7 5 Km deviation allowed in Platinum and Diamond Shamrock Finals.
3.2.6.8 Distances above Bronze Shamrock Final must be pre-entered.
3.2.7 First Season
3.2.7.1 A horse may not compete at Gold Shamrock level in its first competitive season irrespective of age.
3.2.7.2 A rider may go Gold in a first season on a suitably qualified horse.
3.2.8 Speed
3.2.8.1 10 – 13 KPH Bronze Qualifiers and Final
3.2.8.2 10 - 13 KPH Silver Qualifier
3.2.8.3 10 - 16 KPH Silver Final
3.2.8.4 10 - 16 KPH Gold Qualifier
3.2.8.5 11 KPH Min Gold Final No upper speed limit
3.2.8.6 10 KPH Min Platinum Final
3.2.8.7 10 KPH Min Diamond Final
3.2.9 Horse and rider may qualify separately, must progress sequentially through the qualification system, and in combination must compete at the level of the less qualified of the pair.
3.2.10 Gold Shamrock qualifier and final may not be ridden over the same course or at the same event.
3.2.11 Where a Gold qualified horse has not successfully completed a Gold final or equivalent, or higher standard ride in the previous 24 months, it is automatically reclassified to Silver, and it must retake a Gold final to regain Gold status.
3.3 Training Rides (TR’s)
3.3.1 Competitors both Horse and Rider must be Gold Qualified
3.3.2 Speed is set at a minimum of 10 KPH no upper limit
3.3.3 Membership is mandatory
3.3.4 Log Card is mandatory and must be produced to Ride Organiser on entry
3.3.5 Must declare to the organiser that one is entering as a training ride, especially in distances under 80 Km
3.3.6 Distances will be as available on the day. Min of 32 Km
3.3.7 Vetting is mandatory
3.4 Endurance Races including Marathons (ER’s)
3.4.1 Horse
3.4.1.1 Must be aged 6 yrs and over (1st Jan) up to and including 80 Km
3.4.1.2 Must be aged 7 yrs and over (1st Jan) over 88 Km
3.4.2 Rider
3.4.2.1 Must be over 12 Yrs of age
3.4.3 Status
3.4.3.1 Rider must be Gold Qualified
3.4.3.2 Horse must be Gold Qualified
3.4.3.3 Race cannot be used to regain Gold status.
3.4.4 Distances
3.4.4.1 From 34 Km – 160 Km in one day
3.4.4.2 From 80 Km - 192 Km over two days
3.4.5 Speed
3.4.5.1 Minimum 10 KPH but organiser may set a higher speed
3.5 Other Rides
3.5.1 Other rides may be approved by the Directors of ILDRA on submission of a request from an organiser
3.6 FEI Rides
3.6.1 Irish riders must obtain prior written authority from the Directors to compete in any FEI ride. They must hold appropriate documentation and qualification as required by under current ILDRA requirements and FEI as advised by the EFI. Current requirements can be got from the Sec ILDRA. Only the Sec of ILDRA will make contact with the EFI and FEI on these matters
3.6.2 An FEI ride is a competition run under the auspices of the FEI and under FEI rules.
3.7 Non FEI Rides outside Ireland
3.7.1 Riders must notify the Secretary of ILDRA of their intention to take part in any rides outside Ireland. The notification must be in writing, at least 14 days before the event. The horse will not be accredited with the mileage unless the distance is compatible with its current ILDRA grading.
3.8 Non ILDRA qualified horse and riders
3.8.1 Any member resident in Ireland whose horse does not hold ILDRA status under Section 3, may apply to the directors, forwarding a copy of Log Book, Master Card and Vet Sheets, for determination of appropriate status. In making such a determination, the directors may exercise their discretion in accordance with the principles set out in these rules. Until such a determination is made the member must qualify under Sec 3.2
3.8.2 Any member resident in Ireland who does not hold ILDRA status under Section 3, may apply to the directors, forwarding a copy of Rider Card, Log Book, Master Card and Vet Sheets, for determination of appropriate status. In making such a determination, the directors may exercise their discretion in accordance with the principles set out in these rules. Until such a determination is made the member must qualify under Sec 3.2
3.8.3 Members of endurance organisations from outside Ireland Can participate in CTR’s and ER’s subject to the discretion of the directors for clarification status.
Section 4 : Vetting
4.1 Pre-Ride
4.1.1 Horses which the veterinary surgeon considers unfit to take part due to, for example, generally poor condition, saddle-sores, girth galls, severe brushing marks, or any condition unacceptable to the veterinary surgeon will not be allowed to start.
4.1.2 Pleasure riders may be requested to trot up before and after riding
4.1.3 The information required from the competitor must be accurately completed on the sheet before presenting for inspection
4.1.4 The purpose of the pre-ride veterinary inspection is:
4.1.4.1 To make sure that the animal is fit to start and carry its rider
4.1.4.2 Establish base line parameters, for heart rate etc.
4.1.4.3 Check gait, action, current lesions, trauma and behaviour
4.1.4.4 Check shoes in the absence of a farrier inspection
4.1.5 Bad manners at the Veterinary Inspection on the part of the horse or rider may result in disqualification
4.1.6 The horses must be presented to the veterinary surgeon unsaddled, with its hooves unoiled and well under control with either a head collar or bridle, except in the case of a stallion who must be presented in a bridle
4.1.7 A whip may be carried at the trot up, but the horse may not be struck
4.1.8 The horse will be examined for heart rate, action, hydration, mucous membrane, capillary refill, general condition, lacerations and wounds, tenderness and any other matter which the veterinary surgeon considers relevant
4.1.9 The veterinary surgeons decision is final, there is no appeal process.
4.2 Inspections during the ride
4.2.1 During ride inspections will be held in all distances above 48 Km
4.2.2 Formal mid-ride inspections (Vet Gate) should be situated not more than 40 Km apart, but this distance can be extended by the organiser in the case of practical difficulties in locating a Vet Gate on course
4.2.3 In addition to the formal mid-ride inspections, additional inspections may be held at the discretion of the Organiser and /or the veterinary surgeon taking into account the length of the ride, the terrain of the course and the prevailing weather conditions. The rules set out in para 4.1 shall apply to these inspections. They may be held at the start of compulsory compulsory halts on the course and CTR and ER horses must be presented within 30 Mins of arrival at a vet gate.
4.2.4 Spot checks may be carried out on horses during the ride and riders must comply with the veterinary recommendations arising from such inspections. Any time lost arising from these inspections will not be allowed. A horse may be eliminated as a result of such an inspection.
4.2.5 Vet Gate Veterinary Inspections precede the compulsory halt.
4.2.6 The duration of the halt will normally be 30 Mins but may be extended or decreased by the organiser in conjunction with the attending Veterinary Surgeon
4.2.7 On arrival at the vet gate, a card with the arrival time including seconds will be given to each rider and must be carried with the horse at all times until leaving the vet gate
4.2.8 The horse must be presented for vetting within 30 Mins of arrival at the vet gate or it will automatically be eliminated. FEI rides are according to the ride schedule for the ride.
4.2.9 Crews may attend to the horse and rider during this period.
4.2.10 When the horse is presented for inspection the time will be noted by the vet gate time keeper
4.2.11 If the horse passes the pulse parameters it will normally be subjected to a one minute Ridgeway test i.e. CRI (Cardiac Recovery Index) The horse’s heart rate must be 60 BPM or below to proceed to the Ridgeway test. The horse is trotted away for 30 Mtrs and back for 30 Mtrs. Exactly 60 Secs after the commencement of the trot the horses pulse is retaken and it must be 64 BPM or below.
4.2.12 If the horse fails the veterinary inspection on pulse parameters, it may be represented at any time provided this is still within 30 minutes of the arrival time. Only one representation is allowed. If a horse fails the inspection for any other reason, it cannot be represented.
4.2.13 Any horse which is either not presented, or not represented for a second inspection within 30 minutes of arrival at a vet gate, must be examined by a veterinary surgeon before leaving the vet gate area.
4.2.14 When the horse passes the veterinary inspection it moves into the timed hold (rest period) which starts at the time at which the horse was presented for the veterinary inspection, which was successful. This time will be recorded on the vet card. The timed hold period will be recorded on the vet card and the horse will be allowed to continue at any time after the expiry of the timed hold period.
4.3 Inspections at conclusion of the ride
4.3.1 All competitors and pleasure riders must report back to the timekeeper on return
4.3.2 The veterinary procedure used for examinations will take place in the same sequence as a mid a mid ride inspection, save that a horse cannot be represented under any circumstances
4.3.3 If a horse fails to arrive within the specified time it will be eliminated.
4.3.4 All horses eliminated, retired, out of time or other will report to the vet for a post ride inspection.
4.4 General
4.4.1 All decisions made by a veterinary surgeon are final and are not subject to any appeal or debate.
4.4.2 A rider will be responsible for the cost of any veterinary treatment incurred in relation to his or her horse
5.1 Only those horse which have successfully passed a pre-ride veterinary inspection will be allowed to start a CTR, TR or ER
5.2 In CTR’s and TR’s the time commences on crossing the start line. In ER’s the time commences at the time designated for the horse and rider to commence, whether or not the the horse and rider cross the the start line at that time, and if they do not cross the start line within 15 mins of the designated time they shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the race. In all rides the time finishes on crossing the finish line. Speeds are calculated excluding all compulsory hold times.
5.3 Riders must cross the start and finish lines of all rides mounted.
5.4 Riders must ride the route as indicated on the map provided and approach all checkpoints / vet gates in the correct direction and in the correction sequence. Any rider who deviates from the route may be eliminated
5.5 Rider must familiarise themselves with the route as per the map. ILDRA does not accept any responsibility for lost, misplaced, or vandalised markers.
5.6 Any horse or rider disqualified, eliminated or retiring on course must leave the route of the course as soon as possible and inform the time-keeper forthwith.
5.7 The organiser can refuse any entry without giving a reason
5.8 The organiser may not ride at their own ride
5.9 In competitive rides the rider must ensure that the result is correctly recorded in the Log Book and the Rider Log Card
5.10 In multiple day rides, horse and rider combinations must successfully complete the ride in full, to be awarded a pass.
5.11 CTR ,TR and ER riders must present membership cards to the Organiser on the day of the event.
6.1 It is the riders responsibility (or the supervising adults, in the case of an accompanied junior) to ensure that the tack fits the horse, in a safe condition and enables the rider to exercise control without imposing undue restrictions on the horse.
6.2 Boots and bandages are permitted but must be removed for veterinary inspections
6.3 Tail ribbons are recommended. Red in the case of a horse with a propensity to kick, Green for a novice horse or not accustomed to company. Blue tail and bridle ribbons are compulsory for stallions
6.4 Prohibited items include blinkers, hoods, bearing, running, side or check reins, spurs, electronic or mechanical equipment excluding pulse and temperature monitors. Whips in excess of 30 Inches and any other items judged by the ride organiser / veterinary surgeon to be potentially harmful to the welfare of the horse.
7.1 It is the riders responsibility ( or supervising adult) to ensure that the horse is adequately shod
7.2 Any horse not properly shod for the ride will not be allowed to start
7.3 Horses may participate without shoes. But given the nature of a course the organiser / veterinary surgeon may not allow the horse to start
7.4 Equiboots or their equivalent are permitted, except on horses which start without shoes
7.5 A rider will be responsible for the cost of any farrier expenses incurred in relation to his / her horse
8.1 Riders must wear properly secured hats / crash helmets at all times when mounted. The head gear must comply with the safety as are approved from time to time by the Directors.
8.2 Riders must use footwear with at least half an inch heel unless a stirrup cage is used, to prevent the foot slipping through the stirrup.
8.3 Riders should be appropriately and safely dressed. Competitive riders must wear the number bib allocated to them at all times during the ride. The person presenting a horse for a veterinary inspection must wear the numbered bib allocated to their rider
9.1 A rider is a Junior rider until 1st Jan following their 18th birthday. Other references to ages in this section shall refer to the age at the time of the ride
9.2 Junior riders aged 6 yrs and older may take part in a PR
9.3 Junior riders aged 9 yrs and older may take part in CTR ( under ten restricted to Bronze)
9.4 Junior riders aged 12 yrs and older may take part in an ER (if qualified)
9.5 Junior riders under 14 yrs of age, who have not passed their Bronze final must be accompanied by a supervising adult on all rides. It is the responsibility of the junior riders parent/ guardian to arrange adequate supervision, up to a maximum of two junior riders per adult
9.6 Junior riders aged 12 yrs and upwards who have passed their Bronze Final may ride unaccompanied with parental consent ( to be produced to the organiser)
10.1 Riders should not attempt a ride unless they have attained a level of fitness and health commensurate with the nature of the ride and the prevailing weather conditions.
10.2 Riders considered by the organiser to be unfit or injured, before or during a ride may be excluded or eliminated.
10.3 Riders found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be excluded from the ride and subjected to disciplinary action.
10.4 Any rider who uses , posses, supply, or deal’s in or any rider or member who assists others to use, posses, supply, or deal in any prohibited substance or method shall be subject to disciplinary action.
10.5 Any rider who obstructs or avoids, or any rider or member who assists others to obstruct or avoid any doping control process shall be subjected to disciplinary action
10.6 All riders must comply with any doping control process. They must at all times, whether in or out of competition, comply with any request made by an ILDRA Official, or by an Official duly appointed by the Irish Sports Council, pursuant to a doping control process, including providing a blood or urine sample. Any rider who unreasonably refuses to provide such a sample shall be subject to disciplinary action
10.7 Any rider, who is found to found to have failed any doping control process, shall be subject to disciplinary action. The validity of a doping control process shall be preserved not withstanding a technical omission or variation in the rules or procedures, provided such omission or variation does not materially undermine the finding or decision
10.8 “Prohibited substance or method” and “Doping control process” shall mean any prohibited substance or method or doping control process as defined from time to time by the FEI or adopted by them with reference to other sporting bodies such as the International Olympic Committee and the Irish Sports Council. ILDRA has signed up to WADA
10.9 “Rider” shall mean any member of ILDRA who has competed in any CTR, TR or ER at any time and any non-member of ILDRA who is competing in such a ride.
11.1 Fly sprays and wound dressings may be used, but must be declared on first presentation after administration
11.2 ILDRA reserves the right at any time, whether in or out of competition, to request any rider to make available an equine urine or blood sample. Any rider who unreasonably refuses to provide such a sample may be eliminated from a ride (in the case of a refusal before, during or after a ride) and may be subjected to disciplinary action. If such a sample, after proper laboratory examination, is found to contain a substance which is banned by the directors, EFI, FEI etc or by the laws of the country in which the rider resides. Or the ride is taking place, the rider may be subjected to disciplinary action. The Directors will also comply with their obligations to report such a result to the appropriate equestrian and police authorities.
11.3 Common salt, electrolyte solutions, glucose and any other normal nutrients may be given orally but not by injection, intubation or rectal infusion during the period of the ride
11.4 The use of inhalation oxygen is forbidden
11.5 If it is found necessary to administer a drug, either orally, externally or by injection, the Organiser and the Veterinary Surgeon (if applicable) must be informed forthwith. The Organiser or Vet may deem it necessary to eliminate the horse at their discretion after considering the circumstances surrounding the administration of the drug.
11.6 No drug, or substance, can be administered to a horse if it is in breach of any law of the country in which the ride is taking place, or if it is in breach of any rule or regulation issued by the directors, Irish Sports Council, FEI and WADA. This rule shall apply both in relation to the content of the drug, or substance, and to the method of administration.
11.7 Any rider in breach of the rules contained in this section may be eliminated from the ride by the Organiser and / or the Veterinary surgeon, and be subject to disciplinary action.
12.1 Riders may receive help in tending their horse, before, during and after the ride, while on course (except in prohibited areas), at compulsory halts and veterinary inspections.
12.2 Riders may receive assistance in recovering their horse, if separated, in adjusting equipment, replacing lost or loose shoes and may be handed food or equipment.
12.3 In the case of a ride of 64 Km (40 Miles) or over riders must have a crew of sufficient number and sufficient mobility to enable the rider and the horse to be properly cared for before, during and after the ride, and for the horse to be recovered within a reasonable time in the event of a mid-ride retirement or elimination. The Organiser may refuse to allow to compete, or eliminate, a rider for breach of this rule.
12.4 Intervention by a third party with the objective of giving an unfair advantage, will result in elimination of the rider. This includes leading the horse, encouraging the horse at a hazard and accompanying the rider on foot, by vehicle or on horseback ( except as in Junior Riders).
12.5 All crews must comply with specific crewing instructions for the ride.
12.6 The rider is responsible for the actions of his or her crew members and non compliance with any rule (either in these rules or specific to the ride ) may result in elimination of the rider and disciplinary action being taken against the rider.
12.7 A rider may not use as a crew member any person who has been forbidden to act as a crew member by the Directors,
13.1 The Disciplinary Committee appointed by the Directors shall investigate conduct, behaviour and complaints arising out of a member’s membership of ILDRA, participation in activities organised by ILDRA, participation in activities organised by other equestrian organisations in Ireland and elsewhere and his or her general conduct in relation to the care and control of horses and which may be brought by any organiser, officiating veterinary surgeon, member, branch committee, director, another equestrian organisation.
13.2 Any disciplinary matter should be expedited and should not, unless in exceptional circumstances, be delayed. The Disciplinary Committee shall deliver its finding and order within three months from the instigation of the complaint to the Sec of the Directors.
13.3 It is every riders responsibility to familiarise themselves with ILDRA rules.
13.1 The disciplinary committee shall concern itself with.
13.1.1 Dangerous riding
13.1.2 Discourteous or unsporting conduct and behaviour
13.1.3 Breaches of rules of ILDRA.
13.1.4 Action which would bring ILDRA and the sport of endurance riding into disrepute.
13.1.5 Action which is not conductive to the well being of a horse, whether it is ridden in ILDRA rides or not.
13.1.6 Participation in ILDRA events while being suspended or expelled from membership
13.2 The Disciplinary Committee shall carry out its investigations in such a manner as it considers
appropriate provided that the member under investigation shall be given a statement advising of the complaint against him, or her and shall be given an opportunity, on reasonable notice, to appear before the Disciplinary Committee, with or without representation, and to address the Disciplinary Committee
13.3 The Disciplinary Committee after due consideration of all the evidence available to it and any
representations made to it by, or on behalf of, the complainant and the member, and on consideration of any previous disciplinary decisions in relation to the member, shall be empowered to make all or any of the following penalties
13.3.1 Dismiss the complaint
13.3.2 Admonish the member
13.3.3 Warn the member as to future conduct
13.3.4 Suspend the member from membership for a specified period, measured either by time, or number of rides, during which participation in ILDRA activities will not be permitted.
13.3.5 Expel the member from membership of ILDRA
13.3.6 Declare the completion of any ride, including a number of rides, to be void.
13.3.7 Order the member, or the complainant, to pay all or a contribution towards the costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Disciplinary Committee or ILDRA in relation to its investigation.
13.3.8 Make any other order deemed appropriate.
13.4 There is no appeal against a decision of the Disciplinary Committee
13.5 The Directors may publish in full or in summary form, a decision of the Disciplinary
Committee to such parties and organisations and to the membership at large as it considers appropriate in all the circumstances
14.1 There is no appeal against a decision of a veterinary surgeon
14.2 Other appeals must be lodged in writing with the ride organiser on the day of the ride of a ride, not later than one hour after the publication of the results
14.3 A fee, refundable if the appeal is successful, of €30 or £20 ( as appropriate ) must be lodged with the appeal. This may be varied / increased by the Directors from time to time.
14.4 The Organiser shall, if possible, and after consultation with the appropriate personnel, give a decision on the day and shall advise all parties who appear to the Organiser to have an interest in the result.
14.5 Any party aggrieved by the decision of the Organiser may refer the matter in writing to the Branch Committee or the Directors, as he or she shall consider appropriate, within a period of 14 days from the date of the decision. If the referring party is not the original appellant, a fee as set out in 14.3 must be lodged.
14.6 If the Organiser is unable or unwilling to give a decision on the day, he or she shall refer the appeal to the Branch Committee or the Directors, as the Organiser shall consider appropriate.
14.7 In exceptional circumstances appeals may be lodged with either the Branch Committee or the Directors provided special reasons exist as to why an appeal was not lodged on the day with the organiser. Such appeals shall be in writing, stating the special reasons and be lodged with the fess as set out above and must be lodged as soon as practicable, and not later than 7 days from the ride date.
14.8 The Directors may refer any appeal made to them to the appropriate Branch Committee for a decision.
14.9 The Branch Committee or the Directors as the case may be, after consideration of all the evidence made available to it, shall make its decision and advise all parties who appear to have an interest in the result. The decision shall be final.
14.10 The results of all appeals must be referred by the Organiser to the appropriate Branch Committee, which in turn must advise the Directors. The Direc