The document summarizes new rule changes for the 2013 American Driving Society (ADS) Rulebook. Several rule changes were made to clarify existing rules around officials required at pleasure driving shows, how ties are resolved, and safety procedures for certain classes. A new appendix was also added that specifies the officials required for different types of pleasure driving events. The document encourages members to read the full 2013 ADS Rulebook for all rule changes and updates.

1. 2013 Rule Changes
Presented by
Merridy Hance
CDE Committee Chair
&
Jeff Morse
Pleasure Driving Committee Chair

2. 2013 Rules in Short
 ADS rules live and breathe with us. With members’
involvement, the Rulebook continues to be as
timely, useful, and accurate as humanly possible. On
January 1st of each year, any changes or updates to the
rules become effective. Here, in short, is what’s new in
the 2013 Rulebook. This is just a quick glimpse! For
more complete information, and to read, download, or
purchase a hard copy of the ADS 2013 Rulebook, go to
www.americandrivingsociety.org/ADS_Rulebook.asp

3. Why Change the Rules?
 Combined Driving rules stem from those of the international
governing body, the FEI, and from our national federation, the USEF.
The ADS makes adjustments to those rules of sport to accommodate
newer and developing horses and drivers, different sizes of horses, and
less-specialized vehicles. These changes follow the evolution of the
national and international sport as closely as is practicable.
 ADS Pleasure Driving Rules govern virtually all formally
recognized pleasure driving shows in the USA. Although not
always 100% in synch due to differing rule approval
schedules, USEF basically adopts the ADS Pleasure Driving
Rules.
 Please note that the following is not a comprehensive list, and you
should read your 2013 ADS Rulebook for the full text of the rules.
Knowledge of the rules is your best preparation for competition.

4. Pleasure Driving
ARTICLE 22A
JUDGES’ DECISIONS JUDGES AND TECHNICAL DELEGATES
At least one Pleasure Driving Judge and one Pleasure Driving Technical Delegate are
required for Pleasure Shows. In addition to the duties and responsibilities specified in the General Rules
and the Rules for Pleasure Driving, Pleasure Driving Judges and Technical Delegates are bound by the
ADS Rules for Competition Officials - CHAPTER 25 REGULATIONS AND DUTIES. Judges’ decisions
representing their individual preferences are not protestable. Inquiries concerning irregularities or
incidents during the Event/Show and the outcome of Pleasure classes for technical reasons may be made
at any time during the competition. Objections must be made to the Technical Delegate no more than
one hour after the posting of class results.
This rule change was added simply because nowhere in the rules
was it stated what officials were required for a Pleasure Driving
Show.

5. Pleasure Driving
Article 31
5. Wins in ADS and/or USEF Carriage Pleasure Driving classes and high-point championship awards of
fewer than three entries are not to affect Driver or Horse status.
This rule change was added to
clarify the effect of high point
championship wins on the limit
and novice status of horses and
drivers. It is possible to win a High
Point Championship without ever
winning a blue ribbon.

6. Pleasure Driving
Article 49
1. The course may consist of Start and Finish markers, decorative materials and driveable obstacles
consisting of number markers and individual ( paired cones) or other type markers materials such as
(rails, fence panels, barrels, etc.). Cone pairs may be numbered with red and white markers placed on the
cones themselves.
This rule change was added to allow
the use of number sleeves on cones.

7. Pleasure Driving
Article 53
5. Course time must be recorded manually or electronically to the hundredths of a second.
This rule change was added to ensure consistency of timing
from show to show and to clarify that timing should be to 100
th’s of a second

8. Pleasure Driving
Article 55
2. For a Start or Finish line or an obstacle to be completed, the entire turnout (all horses and all wheels of
the vehicle) must pass through the obstacle or the start/finish markers. If the entire turnout passes
outside of the markers, the competitor will be judged off course.
This rule change was added because circling in obstacle courses is now allowed.
So, you can pass obstacle markers while circling and not be judged ‘off course’.
Circling carries the inherent penalty of adding time penalties to your score.

9. Pleasure Driving
Article 56
1. Ties may remain or be decided at the discretion of the judge by a coin-flip or a drive-off. Unless otherwise
specified in individual class rules:
Low total time basis - For classes determined on a low total time basis, the competitor with the lowest course
fault total will be placed ahead of competitor with higher course fault totals.
Low fault basis - For classes determined on a low fault basis, the competitor with the fastest time will be
placed ahead of the competitor with a slower time.
In either case, if ties still remain, ties may remain or be resolved by the flip of a coin or a drive-off at the
discretion of the judge in consultation with the organizer.
Article 58
3. Course faults are assessed as penalty seconds and are added to the driver’s elapsed time. Placings are
determined on a low total time basis. Ties for first will be decided by a drive-off (unless otherwise stated in the
Prize List).
Article 59
4. Time will decide ties. If a tie remains with equal points and time, the winner may be decided by a coin-flip.
These rule changes were added to clarify how ties are to be
resolved. It is not always necessary to break a tie.

10. Pleasure Driving
Article 58A
C Double Jeopardy
2. After passing through the Start markers, the first driver shall proceed through each obstacle and
through the designated Finish markers for the first course and come to a halt. The time is stopped until
the second driver then takes the reins and whip. Only after there is complete control of the reins and
whip may the second driver proceed,. bBeginning with the designated Start markers, the time is
continued for the reverse course, continuing through the obstacles in reverse order and in the reverse
direction and through the designated Finish markers for the reverse course. It is recommended that a
different colored set of numbers be placed to indicate the required "reverse" course.
This rule change was added to improve safety in a Double
Jeopardy Class while drivers exchange reins.

11. Pleasure Driving
Article 58A
F. Your Route My Route
4. My route: After completing the #10 obstacle, and beginning with any obstacle ( the competitor will
continue, without passing through the Start/Finish markers), the driver shall, beginning with any
obstacle, by driveing all obstacles again, a second time in any order sequence and in either direction.
Upon completion of My Route, the driver must pass through the finish markers from either
direction, where t Time will be taken when passing through the Finish markers in either
direction.
{without strikeouts}
My route: After completing the #10 obstacle, the competitor will continue, without passing through the
Start/Finish markers, by driving all obstacles a second time in any sequence and in either direction. Time
will be taken when passing through the Finish markers in either
direction.
This rule change was added to clarify the routine of the Your
Route/My Route Obstacle Class.

12. Pleasure Driving
Article 59A
6. For the purposes of scoring, Aa disobedience (refer to Article 28A: refusal, runout, circle or a break to a
canter) is considered a dislodgement of the attempted
{without strikeouts}
For the purposes of scoring, a disobedience (refer to Article 28A) is considered a dislodgement of the
attempted obstacle.
This rule change was added to
clarify the penalty of a
disobedience. It is no longer a
disobedience to circle in an
obstacle class.

13. Pleasure Driving
Article 60
A. Cross Country Obstacles
2. The suggested length of course is approximately 1 kilometer or .6 miles. Should the course design not
allow judges to be able to see the entire course while judging, organizers may position spotters to observe
and record course violations to be submitted to an event official for final scoring and spotters will also
serve as observers for safety during this class. Spotters should be able to communicate with an event
official during the class.
This rule change was
added primarily to add an
element of safety.

14. Pleasure Driving
 New Appendix CP-1: Table of officials required for Pleasure events
 Pleasure Driving Officials Requirements
 Pleasure Driving Judge Technical Delegate
 Pleasure Show
 "r" or "R" PDJ is required. "R"
 PDJ who is also licensed as
 "R" PD TD may serve in both
 capacities at the same show if
 that show offers no more than
 15 classes with no more than 2
 obstacle courses.
 "r" or "R" PD TD is required.
 "R" PDJ who is also licensed
 as "R" PD TD may serve in
 both capacities at the same
 show if that show offers no
 more than 15 classes with no
 more than 2 obstacle courses.
 All Classes "r" and "R" PDJ may officiate
 alone
 "r" and "R" PD TD may
 officiate alone
 Sleigh Rally Judge recommended, not
 required TD recommended, not required
 Continuous Drive PDJ or CDJ is required PD TD or CD TD is required
 for 30+ entries
 Obstacles
 PDJ or CDJ; PD TD or CD TD who is NOT the event TD may
 judge obstacles; Technically qualified horseman may judge
 obstacle for events with fewer than 30 entries.

15. New Stuff
 Athlete.” Throughout the world of equine competition now, the
rider/vaulter/driver is referred to as the “athlete.” Many of us consider
the horse to be the true athlete, and it’s hard for us to think of
ourselves that way. Here at the ADS, we’ve decided that for now we
prefer to stay “drivers,” or “competitors,” so we’ve annotated the
Combined Driving section of the Rulebook that way.

16. Drivers May
Compete Twice
Drivers and grooms may
participate more than once in a
competition unless it has been
stipulated otherwise in an
event’s Omnibus or prize list.
It is not required that a second
“go” be hors concours. (HC)

17. New Dressage Scoring
 Half Marks may be
given in
Dressage

18. Groom Down
When a groom goes down
inside a Marathon
obstacle, he may rejoin the
turnout just outside the
obstacle. (The “groom-down”
penalty still applies.)

19. ADS Advanced
 For full CDEs there is a new
division in town. We now
have “ADS Advanced.” It’s a
hybrid that consists of FEI-
Advanced Dressage and
Obstacle / Cones (FEI
rules, Dressage tests, vehicle
requirements, speeds) and
ADS Intermediate Marathon
(ADS rules, Marathon speeds
and obstacles with five gates.)
Note that VSEs are included
in ADS Advanced., and
speeds and clearances have
been established for them.

20. Walk Section (D)
Around the world, Combined
Driving has a new format at
upper levels. This is for the full
CDEs. At the national and
international level, the “walk
section (D)” on Marathon has
been changed to “Transfer,” and
required speeds and penalties
removed. At this time, the ADS
has decided not to adopt those
changes, and we’ll proceed with
the three-section Marathon with
which you are familiar.

21. Clarifications
 The new ADS-Advanced notwithstanding, traditional Driving Trials and Arena
Trials may still run all divisions including Advanced with six gates in Marathon
obstacles as always.
 At an event that hosts USEF and ADS competitions together at the same
event, ADS rules govern ADS divisions. As a sidelight, you might want to know
that we send out a handy list of ADS rule differences as an aid to the officials of
those events.
 Grooms are still optional for ADS single turnouts while on competition
grounds EXCEPT: large ponies and horses on Marathon (See preceding note
about ADS and USEF competitions held at the same event.. Also please note
that this does not change groom requirements for juniors. ADS-Advanced
requires grooms per FEI requirements.)
 In Combined Driving Dressage, at least two judges are required for Prelim and
Intermediate divisions; Training may have one or more.
 VSEs and Small Ponies may compete in all pony classes. If they go in combined
classes for placings, the VSEs and ponies still go at speeds stipulated by their
sizes.

22. General Regulations
 8.2 b - References clarified
 12.1 and .2 - Further clarifies groom requirements for
single turnouts
 New Appendix GR-2: Table of officials required for
different events

23. Competition
 Competition Guidelines
 Parts I and II: Clarifications and updates

 Competition Officials
 132 - 135 – Clarifications and updates
 138.2 and .7 - Further clarifies that any complaint
against an official must be sent to the ADS office
where it is kept on file.

24. Combined Driving
 Global change: In Combined Driving section only: the FEI term
“athlete” equates with ADS term “driver” or “competitor.”
 Preamble, Articles 901.12 and 904.3.4 - Several articles moved to
other areas in the section for clarity; references updated
 900 - Address change for FEI
 901 - Penalties for contravening any rules for harness and carriage:
second offenses at same event may entail elimination or
disqualification.
 904.5 - Clarification of term “Combined Test”
 904.5.1- Does away with five-section marathons
 905.15 - Introduces new division: ADS Advanced
 906.1 - Clarification: Minimum of two judges are required for each
Dressage arena, except Training, which may have just one
 906.3.1 - Clarification: ADS rules apply to ADS events, USEF rules
apply to USEF events

25. Combined Driving (Cont)
 914.2.2 - Clarification: VSEs and Small Ponies may compete in all pony
classes. They go at speeds stipulated by size regardless of combining of
classes.
 917.2.7 – Competitors and grooms may participate more than once
unless otherwise stated in the Omnibus/prize list. See Art 940.1.
 917.2.9 - Clarification: Grooms are optional for all single turnouts
except for horses and large ponies while competing in Marathon. Note
specific rules for juniors. ADS-Advanced turnouts require grooms per
FEI rules.
 918 - Tables added to clarify paces and speeds on Marathon, including
new ADS-Advanced division
 918 - Tables added to clarify vehicle weights, dimensions, groom
requirements in each CDE competition
 918.2 - Clarification: Lamps are not required in Dressage and Cones in
Training, Prelim, or Intermediate. ADS-Advanced follows FEI rules.

26. Combined Driving (Cont)
 919 - references to moved articles.
 924.2 - First Inspection vet check: no change for ADS
 931.1 – Clarification of Dressage tests:
 ADS-Advanced uses FEI Dressage tests in CDEs
 Training, Prelim, Intermediate use ADS tests.
 Arena Driving Trials use ADS ADT tests for T, P, I; and
 ADS-Advanced may use ADS ADT Advanced tests.
 936.1 – Half-marks may be awarded in dressage scoring.
 940.1.1 - Drivers and grooms may compete with more than one
entry unless stated otherwise in the Omnibus/Prize List.
 941.1 - New tables to clarify distances, paces, and speeds on
marathon. Advanced division now has “Transfer Section,”
whereas ADS events have retained “Section D.” Actual distance
and time allowed to be confirmed by TD. Times and penalties

27. Combined Driving (Cont)
 942.5.2 – The number of dislodgeable elements in an ADS marathon
obstacle is not limited to 24, as it is with FEI.
 945.2.2 - Clarification of proper course using Compulsory Turning
Flags on Marathon. Return to pick up a missed CTF only allowed if
next course element has not been driven.
 945.4 – Incorrect pace penalties clarified. At ADS events, an
intentional break of pace is still penalized by elimination, even on
Section D.
 946.3.2 - Clarification that a groom down in a marathon obstacle can
rejoin the carriage outside the obstacle.
 952.1.6, 956.8.5 and Appendix F - Clarification of speeds and
clearances for VSEs at ADS-Advanced
 952.5.1 - In Obstacle-Cones – clarification that the entire turnout must
pass between the markers
 953 - Removes redundant table

28. Combined Driving (Cont)
 956.7.6 and .8.6 - In Obstacle-Cones – clarification of
penalties
 For multiple obstacles: If part of an obstacle is knocked
down, the driver may continue unless the bell rings for a
rebuild. (I assume the time stops when the whistle is blown.)
The driver waits until the element is rebuilt and begins the
obstacle again from Gate A. Time starts when the nose of the
first horse passes Gate A.
 In a drive-off, the penalty for exceeding time allowed: total
time multiplied by 0.5, figured to 1/100th of a second
 958.1.2 and .3 - In a drive-off, Cones clearance is
reduced by maximum of 10 cm., driven in same order
as initial round.

29. Combined Driving (Cont)
 Appendices A and B: In Arena Trials and Driving
Trials (ADS events), there may be up to six obstacle
gates in Marathon obstacles
 Revised Appendix E – Quick Reference Guide for
CDEs – Adds ADS-Advanced and clarifies references
 Several FEI Annexes removed, those remaining are
renumbered

30. In Conclusion
 As our sport continues to evolve worldwide, so do the rules. We do our best to minimize rule changes
so that we don’t drive ourselves nuts, but we do keep pace with the growth of the sport. It is our
sport, and we love it.