About D Rally

D Rally is a one day combined training event for Pony Clubbers who are at D, D1, and D2 levels. Riders compete in Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country. This is a challenging competition where the competitors are expected to handle their own horse or pony with little or no adult help. They can get help from other Pony Club members from their own or other branches.

The dressage test is completed in an area with only a small barrier about 1ft high. The D test involves halt, walk and trot. The D1 and D2 tests also require canter.

The show jumping phases uses stadium know down jumps similar to those used by most instructors, however the course is often longer and more complex than most stadium rounds.

The cross country phase is quite challenging and should not be underestimated. It is based on fox hunting and for D1 and D2 levels is held in an open field with no enclosures. The course usually includes hills, paths through wooded areas and open fields. At the D level, the cross country test is set up in a large enclosed field with hills, hollows and possibly some brush areas. At all levels, obstacles are very solid (rock fences, fallen trees, ditches, etc. ) and are not at all similar to the show jumping phase.

D riders are expected to jump a total about 18 obstacles (about 10 in a large field) at heights of up to 2 ft with a top spread of 2 ft and a bottom spread of 2ft 6in. Although cantering is not required, most mounds will go into a canter when on a jumping course and the rider should be able to handle that sort of situation.

D1 riders are expected to jump about 20 obstacles (about 12 in an open field) up to 2ft 6in in height with a top spread of 2ft 6in and a bottom spread of 3ft.

D2 riders are expected to jump about 24 obstacles (about 14 in an open field) up to 2ft 9in high with a top spread of 2ft 9in and a bottom spread of 3ft 9in.

(From CPC Website)

It is a Westover Pony Club recommendation that members groom at D Rally prior to competing. The Caledon Hunt Club is a huge facility and can be overwhelming for young individuals. A previous knowledge of the “lay of the land”, and of the competition as a whole is beneficial to competitors, which is why we encourage young riders to attend their first rally as a groom. Grooming is fun as well as educational and will provide a better understanding of what is expected as a rider.

There is usually food available to purchase, so those who may not have time to pack a lunch can relay knowing that temporary starvation can be avoided!