The Australian Light Horse Association Ltd.

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THE  ASSOCIATION   CUP

Association Cup

The Association Cup

  1. General Rules (index)
  1. Obstacle Race Rules
  2. Beersheba Charge Rules
  3. Dummy Thrust Rules
  4. Hurdles Rules
  5. Skill at Arms Rules
  6. Tentpegging Rules
  7. Dispatch Race Rules
  8. Rescue Race Rules            
  

EVENT SCORE SHEETS (Click to download PDF file)

  1. Obstacle Race
  2. Beersheba Charge
  3. Dummy Thrust
  4. Hurdles
  5. Skill at Arms
  6. Tentpegging
  7. Dispatch Race
  8. Rescue Race
  9. Score Sheet
     

APPENDIX (Click to download PDF file)

  1. Action Plan
  2. Abridged Event Rules
  3. Indemnity Form
  4. Disclaimer
  

 

  
HISTORY

The Association Cup was first suggested as an inter troop competition within the Australian Light Horse Association by Jerry Murphy in the mid 1990’s. The events were designed with input from Lighthorsemen from the militia period to keep alive the skills and horsemanship of the original Lighthorse.

It was proposed that it be conducted along similar lines to the Prince of Wales Cup
The Prince of Wales Cup was competed for by troops of about 30 mounted troopers.

The first running of the Association Cup was held in Roma, Queensland as part of the “Roma Remembers” celebration on 20th – 21st September 2003.

It is hoped that the event is run close to Beersheba Day each year so as to increase the profile of the Australian Light Horse Association. However, it may be advantageous to run the event in conjunction with a local event if that will increase public awareness

 

GENERAL

  1. The hosting of the Association Cup will alternate between Troops in New South Wales and Queensland, thus giving most of the members of the Australian Light Horse Association an opportunity to compete without excessive travelling.
  2. Other states should be considered to host the Association Cup if they can guarantee enough section for the competition.
  3. There has to be a minimum of 4 sections competing in all 8 events for it to be a valid competition.
  4. Trophies and ribbons are provided by the Australian Light Horse Association Ltd.
  5. Trophies will be awarded to each member of the winning section and could include an Association Plaque suitably inscribed or some other appropriate trophy.
  6. Ribbons will be awarded to third place in each event
  7. All relevant information to assist in the hosting of an Association Cup Competition is contained in this document.
  8. All competitors should have a thorough understanding of these rules.
  9. These rules have been designed so that inter troop competition can take place on an equal footing with all troops having the opportunity to train for the same courses. This will encourage fair and friendly competition between troops.
RIDERS
  1. The Association Cup is open to all current financial members of the Australian Light Horse Assoc. Inc.
  2. Because the basic working unit of the Lighthorse was a section of four troopers, this competition has been structured so that sections of four troopers compete in each event.
  3. Composite sections comprising members of several troops can be formed.
  4. There is only one entry per rider.
  5. Should an incomplete section be left, eg only three troopers, one member from each of the other sections will ride with the short section for only one event. Should this section win the competition, trophies are only awarded to the original three riders.
  6. The changing of a rider in a section due to injury may occur after consultation with the judge.
  7. Troopers must maintain their position within the section during an event. However, they may ride in a different position for each event.
  8. Riders should nominate in the position they will ride in for the Tentpegging and Skill at Arms events. That is because these are the only two events where individual personal scores are recorded.

 HORSES

  • Horses are to be a minimum of 14.2 hh
  • Only straight colours including Black, Brown, Bay, Chestnut and Grey are acceptable
  • One rider, one horse rule applies throughout the competition. Disqualification of that offending rider will take place if a change of horse occurs.
  • Should a horse be injured, a replacement may be used after consultation with the judge.
  • A rider deemed to be mistreating his horse, either during the competition or during intervals between events will be disqualified by the judge.
  • No stallions or rigs are to be ridden in this competition.

 EVENTS

  1. The following events were designed to test the horsemanship and skill at arms of current Lighthorsemen.
    1. Obstacle Race
    2. Beersheba Charge
    3. Dummy Thrust
    4. Hurdles
    5. Skill at Arms
    6. Tentpegging
    7. Dispatch Race
    8. Rescue Race
  2. The events have been set in this order to allow for efficient setting up of the courses
  3. Events are based on situations that may be experienced in the working day of a Lighthorseman.
  4. Event Rules and Score Sheets are available in this document

EQUIPMENT

  • Troopers are to ride in the uniform of the era which they depict.
  • Hard hats may be worn.
  • Bandoliers must be worn at all times
  • Weapons are to include rifles, swords, bayonets and lances.
  • Saddlery is to include 1902 or 1912 Patt Military Saddle, 1902 Patt Military Bridle and Universal Patt Military Bit.
  • Saddlery must be in good condition for safety reasons
  • No time off will be allowed in the event of broken gear. The competitor must either retire or replace the equipment to satisfaction of the judge before continuing the course.

COURSE DESIGN

  1. The layout for each event is in the EVENT RULES section of this document and abridged descriptions are at the start of each Score Sheet.
  2. The courses should be set up in an enclosed arena approximately
    130 m x 50 m. The enclosed fence is a safety precaution for both competitors and spectators.
  3. Courses should be set up to afford spectators as good a view as possible for each event. Try to have the start and finish line close to the spectators.

JUDGES

  1. The host troop is responsible for providing the judge.
  2. The troop commander of the host troop may liaise with the judge.
  3. No competitors are to approach the judge during the competition. If a competitor is unable to accept the ruling of a judge, they should not compete.
  4. If in the opinion of the Judge, a competitor mistreats his horse, that competitor may be disqualified from the competition.
  5. Judging will be an honorary position.
  6. No rider shall be permitted to continue if in the opinion of the judge, his riding constitutes a safety risk, or if his horse is considered to be dangerous.
  7. The judge should use a whip, loud bell or similar device to start each event. This can also be used to stop an event or eliminate a rider from an event such as the Skill at Arms.
  8. The judge should be provided with TWO pencillers to help with the the efficient running of the event.
  9. The judge should also be provided with two timekeepers

APPEALS

  1. All appeals or queries to the judge should only be made through the Troop Commander.
  2. All protests must be filed in writing within one hour of the end of the event. A fee of $100.00 cash must be paid at the time the protest is filed.

This fee will ONLY be refunded if the protest is upheld.

AMENDMENTS

These instructions were compiled by Jerry Murphy and should any amendments or improvements be suggested, please contact:

Jerry Murphy
PO Box 25
PITTSWORTH  Qld    4356
Ph/Fx       07 – 4693 7088
Email       jerry@leathergoods.com.au

 


 

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