El Raid BlogOn May 1-3, 2015, the Copa de los Pueblos - Cup of Nations - will be held in Malaga, Spain, a 160-km ride over 24 hours in the Genal valley.
Sign up begins January 1st. Places are limited, and will be allocated by the pre-registration. For more information, see
https://www.facebook.com/events/287510484764749/permalink/326769964172134/
COPA DE LOS PUEBLOS - REGULATIONS 2015
The philosophy of the COPA DE LOS PUEBLOS (CLP) is based on the roots and tradition of endurance; To Finish is To Win. To ride with good sportsmanship, good horsemanship, and to complete with a mount that is “fit to continue”. CLP is a sporting event and there will be prizes to acknowledge placements in the various categories and the horses elegible for Best Condition trophies. Participants who complete the CLP within the time allotted receive a momento of completion (to be confirmed). For a safe and successful ride we strongly recommends that each rider be thoroughly familiar with their equine, including it´s regular physiology and behavior, especially in crowded conditions and on narrow trails at night. The CLP is sanctioned by FAH, but the rules of the CLP govern. No abuse or inhumane treatment of equines, accidental or deliberate, will be tolerated, nor will violations of the CLP’s Medication Policy. In both instances, the penalty is immediate disqualification from the CLP. In extreme cases, a rider may be barred from competing in the CLP in future years.
Please read carefully.
1. Receipt of the entry for CLP event does not guarantee acceptance to participate. 2. When the quota of participants is reached, further entries will be placed on a waiting list. 3. Participants must be insured for civil responsibility, as must their horse. It is strongly recommended both rider and horse have experience of endurance competition, consider the high technicalities of this event when preparing both themselves and their horse, and tailor their training accordingly. 4. If official notice is received 10 days or more before the date of the event and a substitute rider can be appointed the cost of inscription will be refunded. If no substitute can be organised 50% of the inscription will be refunded. No shows will not receive a refund.
ENTRY RULES 1a. Equines: All horses, mules, donkeys and ponies, except lactating mares and mares in foal, are eligible to enter the CLP provided they are shod or wearing protective footwear (unless exempted under 1e. below), are at least 72 months old on the day of the ride, are in compliance with the CLP drug and medications policy, and in the sole opinion of the CLP Veterinary staff are in fit condition to compete. References in these rules to horses include other equines as well. b. Riders: The CLP is open to all riders 12 years of age and older on the day of the CLP who have paid their entry fees. c. Juniors: Junior riders under age 18 must be accompanied by one or more responsible adults, 21 years old or older, who are entered contestants and have agreed in writing to sponsor that Junior throughout the ride. If the sponsor is pulled or unable or unwilling to continue sponsoring the Junior, the Junior may proceed, but only if a new sponsor can be found willing to sponsor, in writing, the Junior rider for the rest of the ride. The new sponsor must be recorded by the CLP Director or the Head Volunteer at the CLP checkpoint nearest to where the former sponsor is pulled. d. Safety: All Riders are required to wear Homologated/BSEN/BS/ASTM/SEI certified safety helmets. e. Barefoot horses: Riding a barefoot horse/mule 160 kilometers over rocky ground is not recommended. We recommend the horse has some type of protection. 2. START - Riders must assemble with their horses for the start of the CLP as specifically directed by CLP Management at the pre-ride meeting. All riders must attend the pre-ride meeting to get the specific start instructions. All riders must leave the starting line no later than fifteen minutes after the official starting time of the CLP. 3. CIRCUIT - The route is well marked. Riders must stay on the circuit at all times throughout the CLP and meet the cut-off times established for each checkpoint. Riders must reach the Timed Finish line within 24 hours elapsed total time from the official starting time to be eligible for a completion. CLP Management may change the circuit if necessary due to weather or circuit conditions. If possible, a written description of any circuit changes will be given to riders prior to the ride and such changes will be posted on the CLP website. Any circuit changes made too late for written handouts or posting on the website will be announced at the mandatory pre-ride meeting. 4. VETERINARY INSPECTIONS. a. The care, comfort and health of the equines are of concern to the CLP Veterinarians from the time of arrival until horses are in their vehicles heading home. Riders are required to comply with veterinary instructions with regard to the care of their horses before, during and after the CLP until released by a CLP Veterinarian. b. Horses shall be considered to have begun competition in the CLP when initially presented to the CLP Veterinarians for the Pre-Ride Examination. A horse that does not pass the Pre-Ride Examination may be rechecked by CLP veterinarians no later than one-half hour before the close of the control or when the veterinarian see´s is opportune. The horse may not be removed from the vet check area. Only one recheck will be allowed. It is the responsibility of the rider to present the horse for examination only after the rider is satisfied that the equine is loosened up and in sound condition to enter and complete the ride. c.Ea ch rider, in all cases, must be present with his or her horse at every vet examination (a crew member can trot out the horse in the presence of the rider and the veterinarian). Each rider is responsible for informing the veterinarian of any problems his or her horse may be having. d. Any conflicts or disputes involving the veterinary judging of an equine shall be resolved on the spot by the Lead Veterinarian at that stop, whose decision is final. e. All horses are subject to saliva, urine, and blood tests at any time. Test samples may be drawn by a CLP Veterinarian or a Department of Agriculture and Fisheries approved Veterinarian.
5. CREW RULES. A crew member is defined as anyone who provides material support for an equine or rider during the CLP Competition. Cooperation by crew members is essential to the safety of the riders, horses, and other crew members, and to the efficient running of the CLP, including limiting congestion in vet checks and in traffic flow.
a. Riders will be held responsible for the actions of their crews. Crew members must comply with all event rules and with all regulations and instructions issued by CLP Management. They must also comply with all parking, traffic and access instructions. Failure to do so may result in sanctions to the individuals involved and/or the rider, up to and including disqualification of the crew’s rider. b. Crews are to help the rider and horse only at the checkpoints listed below*. Crews must not meet riders at isolated, out-of-the-way spots or follow the rider along the circuit. This kind of extra help is contrary to the fair competition spirit of the CLP and may result in sanctions to the individuals involved and/or the rider, up to and including disqualification of the crew’s rider. c. No pacing on horseback, on foot, or on any type of vehicle is allowed. d. Dogs must be leashed at all times. e. Crews are only allowed at the following points on the Ride:
*Details to be provided
6. MISCELLANEOUS RULES Common courtesy and good sportsmanship by riders, crews, and spectators govern all aspects of the CLP including the use of the trail.
a. Riders must, at the first safe opportunity, give passing room to an overtaking rider who asks. b. If a horse kicks, it should have a red tail marking. If it is a stallion it should have a blue tail marking. If it is a mare in season it should have a yellow tail marking c. Watch out for hikers and mountain bikes. d. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by participants and crew members is discouraged e. Because of extreme fire danger, smoking is strongly discouraged. f. Apparel - Riders must wear appropriate riding clothes, a safety helmet, shoes with a heel or caged stirrups. g. Insurance: Any rider or horse owner is personally liable for any damage caused to third parties by himself, his employees and assistants or their horses. h. Equipment - Draw reins, whips and spurs are forbidden. Heavyweight Western-type and Vaquero saddles, also Vaquero stirrups, are forbidden.
Full list of rules that include sanction, drug violation and medication policies will be made available to participants nearer the date.
