Rider Regulations & Code of Conduct

These regulations are in place to ensure the safety, enjoyment and smooth running of Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches for everyone involved. By taking part you are agreeing to the following.

Rider responsibility

Riders must:

• Ensure their horse or pony is fit, suitable and capable of taking part in a public procession. (this includes responsibility for tack and shoes)
• Only take part if they are confident in their ability to safely control their horse in a public environment. participation is at their own risk.
• Have adequate insurance.
• Only take part in the ‘Canter’ section if both rider and horse are capable.
• Wear appropriate riding attire, including a hard hat that meets current safety standards.
• Be aware of traffic, noise, spectators, dogs and other distractions.
• Display a red ribbon if the horse is known to kick out.

Riders acknowledge:

• They are responsible for deciding whether to continue at any point
• The procession must continue, even if a rider cannot, stewards will assist where possible.

Behaviour and Conduct

Riders are expected to behave in a safe, respectful, and cooperative manner.

Riders must:

• Follow instructions given by stewards, committee members and safety personnel.
• Report any issue, concern, fall or injury to the nearest steward.
• Treat other participants, volunteers and members of the public with respect.

Junior Riders (under 16)

• Must be accompanied by a responsible and capable adult
• Are advised to complete rider information cards and wear these in a safety band.
• Lead rein participants must always be led by a responsible adult.
• Lead rein participants may leave and rejoin the procession if needed, we ask that you notify a steward of this so they can pass on to relevant safety personnel.

Failure to comply may result in removal from the procession for safety reasons.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the success, safety, and growth of Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches. Volunteers may assist in a wide range of areas, including event operations, stewarding support, fundraising activities, community engagement, committee support, and representing the event at local functions.

Volunteers are expected to:

• Follow guidance and instructions given by the committee, event leads, and safety personnel
• Attend any relevant briefings and ensure they understand their role or area of support
• Carry out their duties to the best of their ability and ask for clarification where needed
• Communicate in a calm, polite, and respectful manner with riders, the public, and fellow volunteers
• Support the smooth running of events, including assisting with organisation, setup, stewarding, or public engagement as required
• Represent Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches positively when attending community events, fundraising activities, or formal functions
• Work collaboratively as part of a team and support fellow volunteers where appropriate

Volunteers must not:

• Act in a way that could compromise the safety of riders, the public, or other volunteers
• Take unnecessary risks or act outside of agreed guidance
• Leave an assigned role or responsibility without notifying the appropriate lead
• Engage in confrontational, disrespectful, or inappropriate behaviour
• Represent themselves as speaking on behalf of the committee unless authorised to do so

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches, we would love to hear from you. Please use the form below to register your interest.

Role of a steward

You are responsible for:

• Supporting rider and public safety
• Managing spectators along the route
• Observing and reporting issues quickly and calmly
• Helping ensure the procession continues safely

Stewards are not expected to manage horses directly as a primary role; however, stewards may require to assist temporarily – within their own capability – until appropriate help is available.

Stewards should not place themselves at risk and should escalate concerns promptly.

• Stewards will be positioned at key points along the route
• Please remain at your assigned position unless instructed to do so
• Hi-viz must be worn at all times
• Be alert, calm and approachable

Issues, incidents & concerns

Common issues may include:

• Rider confidence or fatigue
• Horse behaviour
• Equipment concerns
• Spectator safety concerns
• A fall or injury
  • A first aid vehicle will be following the procession but can be contacted on: 07884274641 if required urgently.

 Steward should not attempt to manage serious incidents alone. They may assist, within their capability, until appropriate help arrives.

Riders Under 16

• Young or inexperienced riders have been encouraged to wear a rider information card within a safety armband
• If a young rider appears distressed or unsafe, report immediately to a lead stewards and contact their appropriate adult.

Spectator management

Politely ask spectators to:

• Stand well back from horses
• Keep dogs on leads

This is especially important if you are placed in the forest part of the ride as horses are cantering this route some at great speed and do not have the ability to stop suddenly.

Things to remember:

• Horses are animals and may react unpredictably
• Do not place yourself between horses
• Do not touch horses unless necessary
• Follow instructions given by safety personnel
• Be calm, respectful and clear
• Avoid confrontation
• Represent Dalbeattie ROM positively
• If you are unsure of anything please just ask!

Your role helps to ensure that Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches runs safely and smoothly.

To become a steward please use the form below to submit interest.

The safety of riders, volunteers, and members of the public is the highest priority at Dalbeattie Riding of the Marches. A full emergency procedure plan is in place for the event, with trained stewards and safety personnel positioned along the entire route.

Stewards are briefed in advance and are responsible for providing initial assistance and maintaining safe crowd and rider management until further support arrives if required. Clear communication systems will be in place throughout the event between stewards, safety personnel, and the event control team.

In the event of an incident

Should an incident occur, stewards will act quickly to secure the area, ensure the safety of the public, and assess the situation. Emergency services will be contacted where necessary, and appropriate first aid support will be requested.

Riders and volunteers are expected to immediately notify the nearest steward of any concerns, accidents, or emergencies so that appropriate action can be taken without delay.

Where safe to do so, the procession may continue under direction, or be temporarily paused while the situation is managed.

Additional safety measures

• Stewards will be stationed throughout the route to assist participants and manage public safety
• Communication will be maintained between stewards and event leads throughout the procession
• Weather and ground conditions will be monitored, and the event may be adjusted, paused, or cancelled if conditions are deemed unsafe
• Special consideration will be given to junior participants, with appropriate adults contacted in any incident involving young riders

Post-event review

All incidents requiring attention will be recorded and reviewed by the organising committee following the event. This ensures continuous improvement of safety procedures for future years.