As we approach the new year and the opening of the full qualification season for the 2025 Sunshine Tour Championships, we thought it might be useful to clarify the qualification codes and what they all mean to you, as the excited potential competitor

Qualification codes are specific to BOTH the discipline AND the qualifying height, level or type: Height = height of jumps in show jumping or eventers challenge; Level = dressage at intro, prelim, novice or elementary; Type = showing in-hand, ridden (without assistance), ridden (assisted or lead rein) or working hunter.

For Jumping, remember “20cm”

• Qualification codes can be used for the same height OR up to 20cm higher than qualification. So, if you qualify at 60cm, you can use that code for any height from 60cm up to 80cm but not 85cm or above.

• Championship classes – you can enter championship classes up to 20cm apart. So, for example you can enter 50cm and up to 70cm, but not 75cm and above.

Remember! You cannot go down a height and the 5cm tolerance has been scrapped.

For Dressage, just remember “2 levels”

• Qualification codes can be used for the same level OR up to 2 levels higher than qualification.

• Championship classes – you can enter championships 2 levels apart. So, you can enter Intro and Prelim but not Intro and Novice.

For Showing, (there’s no nifty catch phrase)

• Qualification codes are specific to the type of class and cannot be exchanged for a different type. But you do get a choice of the class within that type of class, so for example if you qualify in the in-hand coloured class, you could enter the in-hand cob class instead.

• Special note about ridden classes: When registering for showing, please be clear if the qualification was gained unassisted, led or with assistance. If you qualify unassisted (i.e. ride on your own in the class without a leader or helper on foot), then you cannot change to a class restricted to assisted or led.

Good luck and happy competing!