How are the classes judged?
Emphasis is on safety and control. Riders will be judged on their turn-out, (clean & tidy with proper helmets and footwear, jackets optional) position, and ability to control the horse. Straight lines and good corners with medium to light contact with the horse's mouth are recommended. Riders will not be penalized for doing extra strides in the lines if it is appropriate for their horse. Extreme speed will be penalized. Braiding is optional.

Who Can Ride On This Circuit?
Riders of any age who have not jumped higher than 2'9" at shows. All riders except lead liners must be a member of the Alberta Equestrian Federation.

Why Should I Join the AEF?
Members of the AEF are automatically protected with a 5 million dollar liability insurance policy for horse sport.  The AEF supports provincial coaching and riding certification programs that are the foundation of our system.  BRAVE shows are sanctioned by the AEF and this allows us to use the Equine Canada Rules for competition as well as qualified Equine Canada judges and course designers that are not available to non-sanctioned events. AEF memberships are $40 annually or $85 for families and are good for the whole year.  You can join at the show, purchase your membership online, or through your local AEF office.  For more information visit their website at www.albertaequestrian.com.

What Are The Safety Rules?
1) No more than 10 horses may school in the competition ring at one time and only three jumps at one time will be open for schooling.
2) Trainers who wish to school student's horses over the course must do so in a designated time period prior to the show.  Horses that require a tune-up ride during the show may go hors concours at the end of the class for the normal entry fee, time and schedule permitting. Trainers are invited to bring green horses that may compete but not be judged in any event, time and schedule permitting.
3) A paramedic will be on hand from one hour before the show until 15 minutes after the completion of the last class.

How Many Times Can Each Horse Compete?
The number of times a horse can compete over fences will be limited to 3 times in each class (with different riders) and a total of 12 times in total for the day.  This does not include flat classes or trot pole classes.

What are the Prizes and Awards?
Each show may vary in its types of awards and prizes. However, at all shows, ribbons will be awarded to 6th place. Classes with more than 20 entries will be split by age groups. Shows reserve the right to restrict entries after a certain number to prevent the day from being too long.

How are the Divisions Structured?
Each division will have a flat equitation, two hunter over fences classes and one equitation over fences class. The judging emphasis in all classes will be on the rider's ability to safely control the horse/pony and to negotiate the course in good form. Entry fees will be $18/class.

What Happens at the BRAVE Finals?
All riders that have competed in at least two shows (not including the finals show) on the BRAVE Circuit are eligible. The year-end/finals show will feature all of the BRAVE Divisions and more!  Look forward to a fun show, great competition and lots of prizes. Ribbons will be handed out in each class, and ribbons and prizes will be awarded to division champions and reserve champions.  The year-end/finals show will be double POINTS!

BRAVE Level Awards for Champions and Reserve Champions will be awarded to the high-point riders in each BRAVE Level at the year-end wrap-up.  This event may or may not be held in conjunction with the year-end/finals show.