OnCentreLine Dressage
Rules + T&Cs
To ensure a smooth and fair competition experience for everyone, please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines. Your participation signifies your agreement to these terms.
General Entry & Competition Rules
Acceptance of Terms
By submitting an entry to any OnCentreLine Dressage class, you are confirming your understanding and acceptance of all rules and our full Terms & Conditions outlined here.
​Rule Alignment
Our competitions generally follow the principles of Equestrian Australia (EA) National Dressage Rules, with specific exceptions detailed below regarding dress and saddlery.
Junior Riders
Riders under the age of 18 must obtain parental or guardian consent to participate.
Entry Restrictions
​For each monthly competition, a horse and rider combination may only enter a specific class once. While you're welcome to enter as many classes as you wish within a monthly competition, you cannot enter a class that's more than one level below your highest entered class for that competition; for example, if your highest entry is at Novice level, you may still enter Preliminary classes, but Prep level entries are not permitted. A single rider may enter multiple horses in the same class, and a horse may be ridden by different riders in the same class. However, a horse cannot be ridden more than one level below its highest test level that month, regardless of the rider. For horse welfare factors, a maximum of two tests may be videoed per horse on any single day.
Eventing Test Levels
For the purpose of fair and appropriate classification within our online pure dressage competitions, eventing test levels are formally aligned with the following pure dressage levels: riders competing at 45cm to 80cm eventing classes will enter at the Preliminary pure dressage level. Those participating in 95cm to 1* eventing classes are classified under the Novice pure dressage level. Furthermore, 2* to 3* eventing classes correspond to the Elementary pure dressage level, and 4* eventing classes are designated as Medium pure dressage.
Entry Fees
Once your entry has been completed via Nominate, entry fees are non-refundable
Video Submissions
Videos must be set to 'Unlisted' or 'Public' on YouTube, as judges will not be able to view 'Private' videos. After your entry has been submitted with your YouTube link, it is considered final. You may not delete or re-upload a new video.
If you believe you've made an error in your submission, please contact us via email as soon as possible, and we will endeavour to assist.
​Monthly Deadline
All entries, including video submissions, must be finalised by midnight on the 25th of each month. Submissions received after this deadline cannot be accepted.
Video Introduction
It is mandatory to verbally introduce your video at the beginning. Clearly state your name, your horse's name, the test you are performing, and the specific month of the competition you are entering. Failure to include this verbal introduction or the competition month will result in a 2-mark deduction from your total score.
Riding at Your Own Risk
Participants acknowledge that they are riding at their own risk. OnCentreLine Dressage bears no responsibility for any injury incurred by either horse or rider during the recording of their video entry. For your safety, correct riding attire and appropriate protective wear are compulsory.
Saddlery, Dress & Equipment
Our rules primarily align with the EA National Dressage Rules (refer to Section 5 for full details), with the following specific allowances for OnCentreLine Dressage:
Attire Flexibility
Full show attire and plaiting are not required (unless you want to!). However, riders must be dressed smartly, and correctly fitted riding helmets, gloves, and appropriate riding boots are mandatory.
Horses are permitted to wear protective boots during their test
Saddle Types
We accommodate various saddle types, including Dressage, General Purpose, Stock, and Jumping saddles. Our main priority is that the saddle fits your horse comfortably and correctly.
How To Video Your Test
Capturing your test correctly is key to ensuring our judges can accurately assess your performance. Please follow these essential guidelines
Camera Position
Your camera person MUST stand behind C.​
Video Format
Always record in LANDSCAPE orientation
Keep Centered
The camera should smoothly zoom to keep the horse and rider in the centre of the screen at all times. If you disappear, the movements can't be scored!
Arena Setup
Your test must be in a clearly marked 60x20m arena (Prep and Prelim tests may be in a 40x20m arena) with all letter markers clearly displayed.
Sound
The video MUST HAVE SOUND. A caller is fine, but no training instruction is allowed.
No Edits
Your video must be ONE CONTINUOUS TAKE with NO CUTS or EDITS. Start recording at least 2 seconds before entering at A, and end at least 4 seconds after the final salute.
Verbal Intro
Either you or the person filming MUST verbally introduce the video at the start, stating: your name, the test you are riding, "OnCentreLine Dressage," and the competition month. Failure to do so can result in a 2 mark deduction from your final score.
Safety
You ride at your own risk. Wear correct attire and protective gear.
Section Eligibility
Highest Placed Riding School Rider Award
This award is specifically designed to encourage and recognise riders who participate in the sport without the privilege of owning or leasing their own horse. Eligibility for this special award is strictly defined as follows:
Rider Status: The competitor must be a currently enrolled client of a registered riding school. Coaches, instructors, or staff of the riding school are not eligible to compete for this award.
Horse Status: The horse used for the submitted test must be an officially designated lesson horse owned and used by the riding school. The horse must not be owned or leased by the competing rider or the rider's immediate family.
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Top 5 OTTB
To be eligible to compete in the OTTB section, the horse must be a pure bred Thoroughbred
The horse must be registered on Racing Australia website or in the Australian Stud Book
The horse must be entered into the competition under it's official racing name
Top 5 Western Breeds
To be eligible to compete in the Western Breeds section, the horse must be predominantly of Australian Stock Horse or American/Australian Quarter Horse bloodlines, exhibiting the conformation, type, and temperament typical of these working breeds.
The term "predominantly" means the horse must be either purebred, or be the result of a cross where at least one parent is a purebred Stock Horse or Quarter Horse.
Your Results
Finality of Decisions
All judging decisions are considered final. Please understand that OnCentreLine Dressage, our representatives, or the judge involved will not enter into any communication or discussion regarding individual judging outcomes.
Calculation Errors
While we strive for absolute accuracy, human error can occur. If you believe there has been a mistake in the calculation of your percentages, please notify us via email within 24 hours of receiving your test sheet. We will promptly review and rectify any confirmed errors.
Prizes
We are pleased to award prizes for placements from 1st through to 3rd.
Result Publication
Official results will be emailed directly to competitors and also published on our website and social media channels by the 5th of the month following the competition.
Test Sheets & Prizes
Your individual test sheets, complete with judge's comments, and any applicable prizes will be emailed to you by the 5th of the month following the competition.
OnCentreLine Dressage – Online Participation Agreement, Waiver, and Release of Liability
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
By completing your entry, you are confirming that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions regarding your participation in any online dressage competition or activity organised, facilitated, or promoted by OnCentreLine Dressage ("OCL").
Acknowledgement of Inherent Risks of Equestrian Activities
You understand and acknowledge that horse riding and all associated equestrian activities, including handling, grooming, mounting, riding, and dismounting horses, involve inherent and significant risks of serious personal injury, disability, or death to participants, and damage to property. These risks are inherent and cannot be eliminated without altering the fundamental nature of the activity. You acknowledge that these risks include, but are not limited to:
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The unpredictable nature of horses, including their propensity to kick, bite, shy, bolt, rear, buck, stumble, fall, or otherwise act in ways that may result in injury or death.
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The possibility of falls from horses, which can result in serious head, neck, back, or other bodily injury.
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The possibility of collisions with other participants, horses, equipment, or fixed/moving objects.
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Hazards such as uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, changes in footing, obstacles, and environmental conditions (e.g., weather, lighting).
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Equipment failure, improper adjustment, or malfunction of tack.
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Your own negligent acts or omissions, or the negligent acts or omissions of other participants.
Assumption of Risk
You knowingly, voluntarily, and freely ASSUME ALL RISKS, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, inherent in your participation in OCL activities, even if arising from the negligence of OCL or others, and assume full responsibility for your participation. You understand that your participation is purely voluntary, and you choose to participate in spite of these risks.
Waiver and Release of Liability
In consideration for being permitted to participate in OCL activities, you, for yourself, your personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE OnCentreLine Dressage, its owners, officers, directors, employees, judges, agents, volunteers, successors, and assigns (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all liability, claims, demands, losses, or damages, including death or injury, that you may suffer or incur arising from your participation in OCL activities, EVEN IF CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES or otherwise
Participant Responsibilities
By proceeding, you affirm that:
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You are physically and mentally capable of participating in equestrian activities.
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The horse you are riding is suitable for the activity and your skill level, is sound, and does not pose a known safety risk.
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Your riding equipment (including helmet and tack) is safe, in good condition, properly fitted, and meets all applicable safety standards. You understand that approved safety helmets (e.g., AS/NZS 3838, EN 1384, ASTM F1163) are required when mounted.
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You will truthfully disclose any relevant medical conditions or limitations that may affect your ability to participate safely.
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You will ensure the safety and suitability of the environment/arena where you conduct your recorded test.
You will comply with all rules, instructions, and guidelines provided by OCL, including those outlined in the OCL Terms & Conditions and Competition Rules (as found on www.oncentrelinedressage.com).
Filming Consent and Use of Media
You understand that your participation in OCL activities involves recording and submitting video footage. You hereby grant OnCentreLine Dressage permission to use, reproduce, and distribute any video footage or images submitted by you for competition purposes, including for judging, promotional material, educational content, and social media, without further compensation or notification. You confirm that you have obtained all necessary permissions from any individuals featured in the footage and from the property owner where filming takes place.
Indemnification
You agree to INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, costs, expenses, and causes of action of any kind whatsoever, brought by any third party arising from your participation in OCL activities.
Severability & Governing Law
If any portion of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth of Australia.
BY PROCEEDING WITH YOUR ENTRY, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS ONLINE PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT, WAIVER, AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT BY DOING SO, YOU ARE GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS.