Event Guidelines

Event
Guidelines

Edited: 06/03/04

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Introduction.

The contents of this page provide guidance to members contemplating organising a drive or other event where driven equines are to be involved. Furthermore, the Code of Practice should be observed by members at all times irrespective of whether they are driving in company or not.

The two documents that follow may be copied to your computer and used in your documentation. It is recommended that the "Code of Practice" is printed on the back of entry forms and that it should be made a condition of entry that all participants observe the disciplines.

The B.D.S. Health & Safety Check List (sometimes referred to as the Risk Assessment Form) should be completed in advance. Members have been known to wrongly consider it to be a mere a formality but it is, in fact, a useful Aide Memoir to assist you in preparing for the event. Any comments recorded against note N^o 13 should be factual observations and not opinions e.g. a busy road junction should not be noted as "This is a dangerous spot" but comments such as: "Visibility limited to 100m in either direction" or "Vehicles travel at high speed along this stretch of road" etc. would be more appropriate. Do not discard the form after the event but keep it in case a claim is made.

Please consult the AC or AAC about your intentions. We can help with advertising and may be able to round up some volunteer stewards for you.

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Code of Practice for Members Taking Part in Area Drives.
(Exceptions to this code of practice may only be made as the discretion of the Area Commissioner).

1.	All horses/ponies must be shod and aged 4 years or over.
2.	Every turnout must have an able-bodied groom (who can be a non-member).
3.	Junior whips must be accompanied by a competent adult groom.
4.	Whips are responsible for ensuring horse/pony is fit enough for the work it is expected to do.
5.	Whips should ensure horse/pony is happy driving in company.
6.	Whips are responsible for ensuring the vehicle/harness/spares are in good condition, adjusted to fit horse/pony and suitable for the terrain to be covered.
7.	Basic first aid for humans and equines should be carried at all times.
8.	Basic spares, including headcollar and rope should be carried at all times.
9.	Show courtesy and consideration to motorists and acknowledge them.
10.	Approach ridden horses with extreme care and pass pedestrians and horses carefully, not too close nor fast.
11.	Your whip is an aid and should be in your hand, not the whip socket.
12.	Clear hand signals should be used by the whip and/or groom as necessary.
13.	Look behind before moving off or turning.
14.	At least the length of one horse should be maintained between each turnout.
15.	After descending a slope remember all turnouts must be clear of that slope before anyone increases pace.
16.	Overtaking should not be necessary and only undertaken with the knowledge and agreement of the turnout in front. Exercise extreme caution.
17.	Look well ahead and remember what you miss but your horse sees, could be the start of a problem.
18.	Racing is not allowed at any time.
19.	If any whip is in difficulties or has an accident stop if asked to do so.
20.	The whip should never mount or alight from a vehicle without a groom at the horse's head.
21.	The whip should be the first to mount the vehicle and the last to alight.
22.	Horses must be removed from a vehicle before un-harnessing. NB never remove the bridle before the horse is free of the vehicle.
23.	At no time may a horse/pony in full harness and attached to a vehicle be left unattended.
24.	No horses/ponies to be tied to any horse drawn vehicle at any time.
25.	Members should contact the host or drive organizer during the week before the drive with their name, membership number and contact telephone number.
26.	All participants should be harnessed and put to by the time for departure stated in the programme to avoid unnecessary frustration for the other whips and their horses. Top of page.

The British Driving Society
PATRON: THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH KG KT
President: Lieut. Col. Sir John Miller GCVO DSO MC Chairman; John A. Parker Esq.
Treasurer: J.A.K. Curtis Esq.

Executive Secretary: Mrs. J. Dillon
27 Dugard Place, Barford, Warwick Cv3S 8DX Telephone: 01926 624420' Fax: 01926 624633

B.D.S. HEALTH & SAFETY CHECK LIST.
(To be completed by Area Commissioner or Member appointed by Area Commissioner)

The following check list is recommended to BDS Area Commissioners and Organizers of BDS Drives & Events. It demonstrates to outside officials that the organizer has a Health & Safety policy and has assessed any potential risks. It would prove very helpful in the event of an accident.

Meet details: (e.g. Drive from A to B with stop at C).

......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................

1.	Are names and addresses of all participants recorded?		Yes	No	N/A
2.	Have membership cards been checked?		Yes	No	N/A
3.	Have all insurance details been checked if non members participating?		Yes	No	N/A
4.	Is emergency telephone number available and manned? (record number)		Yes	No	N/A
5.	Have emergency services been informed?	Police	Yes	No	N/A
		Vet	Yes	No	N/A
		Farrier	Yes	No	N/A
6.	Have land owners over whose property you will drive been informed?		Yes	No	N/A
7.	Has drive route been checked and any hazards noted (see 13 below)?		Yes	No	N/A
8.	Has route been marked?		Yes	No	N/A
9.	Have stewards been appointed?		Yes	No	N/A
10.	Do stewards wear fluorescent tabards or similar?		Yes	No	N/A
11.	Are lead and following vehicles being used?		Yes	No	N/A
12.	Is horsebox parking adequate and secure?		Yes	No	N/A

13.	NOTE ANY HAZARDS OVERLEAF PLUS ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION TAKEN.		(circle as appropriate)
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