Dalmatian Club Of America
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(updated March 30, 2013)
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Definition and Purpose
CHAPTER 1 - General Regulations
CHAPTER 2 - Overall Regulations for Performance
CHAPTER 3 - Course Set-Up CHAPTER 4 - Awards and Prizes
CHAPTER 5 - Regulations for Road Trial Rest Periods CHAPTER 6 - Regulations for Performance and Judging
CHAPTER 7 - Road Trial Classes CHAPTER 8 - Exercises, Tests, and Scoring
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Definition and Purpose

A Dalmatian Road Trial is a performance event designed to evaluate the Dalmatian's ability to "coach", or follow the horses. Exhibitors compete as handler on horseback or in a horse-drawn cart or carriage, with dog(s) off leash. The Dalmatian Standard of the American Kennel Club states that the Dalmatian "should be capable of great endurance, combined with a fair amount of speed", qualities essential to his successful use as a horse/rider and horse/coach escort. The purpose of a Road Trial is to demonstrate the use of purebred Dalmatians as a companion of man in the role that they have been bred to perform.

There are three levels of Road Trial Competition. The "Coaching Certificate" test evaluates the Dalmatian's ability to coach. The "Road Dog" class evaluates coaching ability and moderate endurance. The "Road Dog Excellent" class evaluates coaching ability and extended endurance. Road Trials demonstrate Dalmatians' ability to behave in public places, such as riding trails, in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport and on purebred dogs. The performance of dog and handler over the Road Trial course must be accurate and correct, and must conform to the requirements of these Regulations. It is also essential, however, that the dog demonstrates willingness and enjoyment of his work throughout.

Road Trials are sport, and all participants should be guided by the principles of good sportsmanship at all times. Dalmatian Road Trials are sanctioned by, and titles awarded by, the Dalmatian Club of America.

CHAPTER 1 - General Regulations

SECTION 1. Compliance with Regulations and Standards.
In accordance with the certification on the entry form, the handler of each dog and the person signing each entry form must be familiar with these Road Trial Regulations, and, by entering the Road Trial, agrees to comply with said Regulations.

SECTION 2. Risk.
The owner or agent entering any dog and/or horse in a Road Trial does so at his own risk and agrees to abide by the rules of The American Kennel Club, the Dalmatian Club of America, and these Road Trial Regulations. Activities involving horses and/or dogs involve an inherent risk, which is acknowledged by each participant by signing the entry form. The host club, group, or individual, its Road Trial Committee and any/all of its members or officers, the owner(s) of the site, the Dalmatian Club of America and its members, shall not be responsible for or assume any liability in the event of any accident or misfortune to either dogs, horses, exhibitors, escorts, stewards, helpers, or spectators participating in any DCA sanctioned Road Trial. All participants and attendees, including exhibitors, escorts, judges, stewards, rental horse suppliers, and spectators will be required to sign a liability release form.

The host club, individual, or group shall reserve the right to determine an exhibitor's riding ability before allowing him to compete in their Road Trial. Should it be determined by the Host that a rider might present a safety hazard to himself, his horse, or to others, the rider may be excused from competition, and his entry fee shall be refunded.

It shall be the exhibitor's responsibility to determine which medical inoculations are deemed necessary for his dog(s) and horse(s) for the geographic area of a particular Road Trial. The exhibitor may be required to show veterinary certificates of certain inoculations, as specified in each Road Trial's premium list.

SECTION 3. Equipment.
Exhibitors, escorts, and the Mounted Judge shall be required to wear ASTM approved safety riding helmets and riding boots or shoes with at least a ½ inch heel. Exhibitors, escorts, and the Mounted Judge shall also be required to carry a medical information card on their person during the Road Trial.

SECTION 4. Use of Collar and Leash.
Dogs should be kept on a leash when not competing. Dogs may be brought to the starting line on a leash if the handler chooses. The handler will remove the leash before crossing the starting line. There shall be collars and leashes available at the Mid-Point Rest Area(s) for exhibitors to use if needed.

No dogs shall be allowed to run on the course wearing a choke, prong, shock, or any other type of training collar. A plain buckle collar may be worn at the handler’s discretion. At the discretion of the handler, a bell will be permitted on the collar of any entered dog. If wide, color-coded collars are used as the means of identifying each dog, the fabric should be lightweight and breathable, or may be made of a cooling material, and should be fastened with Velcro™ or other such fastener that would yield should the dog become entangled on the course. It is advisable that each dog wears some means of identification, such as a tattoo, tags, or microchip.

SECTION 5. Road Trial Hosts.
An all-breed dog show club may be granted permission to hold a Licensed or Member Road Trial in conjunction with its Dog Show; and a Dalmatian specialty club, any other group of Dalmatian fanciers, or individual may also be granted permission to hold a Licensed or Member Road Trial if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Dalmatian Club of America, such club, group, or individual is qualified to do so. Such a group or individual may apply to host a Road Trial by writing to the Dalmatian Club of America Board of Directors.

A club may hold a Road Trial on the same day as its AKC Show and/or Performance Event, and the Road Trial may be announced in the premium list for the Show and/or Trial, and the Road Trial entries may be included in the Show and/or Performance Event catalog. If the entries are not listed in the catalog for the Show and/or Performance Event, the club must provide at the Road Trial several copies of a typewritten sheet or sheets (the Road Trial Pamphlet), giving all the information that would be contained in the catalog for each dog.

If the Road Trial is to be held within 7 days of the Show and/or Performance Event, the entries may be sent to the same person designated to receive the Show and/or Performance Event entries, and the same closing date may apply. If the Road Trial is not to be held within 7 days of a Show and/or Performance Event, or if the host club chooses a different organization/person to receive entries, the club will name the person/organization to receive the entries in the premium list, and may specify a different closing date for entries.

SECTION 6. Host Road Trial Committee.
The Trial Host must appoint a Road Trial Committee, and this committee shall exercise all the authority vested in a Dog Show's Bench Show Committee. If the Host holds its Road Trial in conjunction with a dog show and/or other performance event, then the host Road Trial Committee shall have sole jurisdiction only over those dogs entered in the Road Trial and their handlers and owners and only on the day of the Road Trial.

SECTION 7. DCA Sanction.
Dalmatian Club of America sanction must be obtained by any club/host that holds a Road Trial in order for entrants in that trial to be eligible for existing challenge trophies and or DCA Certificates of Participation and DCA Certificates of Title.

SECTION 8. Dog Show Rules.
All of the American Kennel Club Dog Show Rules, where applicable, shall govern the conduct of Road Trials, and shall apply to all persons and dogs participating in them, except as these Road Trial Regulations may provide otherwise.

SECTION 9. Un-entered Dogs.
Only dogs entered in the Road Trial, or being used for the Road Trial, shall be allowed within the show precincts. This shall include dogs being used for the Distraction exercise and dogs acting as official mascots, such as to escort the carriage or vehicle carrying judges and stewards to points along the course. The Host may designate a specific crating area for un-entered dogs, away from the judged exercises.

There shall be no benching, offering for sale, breeding, or displaying of un-entered dogs. If a Host wishes to allow the presence of un-entered dogs in a designated crating area, these dogs shall be subject to all rules relating to health and conduct. The owners or agents shall be responsible for the care and safety of such dogs.

SECTION 10. Escorts.
For his safety and enjoyment, an exhibitor entered in the RD or the RDX classes is encouraged to choose an un-entered companion to ride on horseback or in the carriage/cart with him on the course. This escort may not at any time give commands or signals to any of the entered dogs, and must ride and behave in such a way as to not interfere with the exhibitor, his dog(s), the cart or carriage, the Mounted Judge or the Mounted Judge's line of vision; or the Course Judge or the Course Judge’s line of vision during any portion of the Road Trial. In the RD and RDX classes, a passenger or escort riding in the carriage/cart may not drive the carriage/cart or control the horse or dog(s) at any time. It is preferable that any mounted escort or passenger escort remains at a predetermined waiting area during the judging of the Exercises. The escort may join the exhibitor team after the judging of the Exercises has been completed. Except in extenuating circumstances, or when a waiting area is not available, any mounted escort for a particular handler shall remain at least twenty feet behind the Judge, and shall make certain not to interfere with any dog, exhibitor, Judge, or Judge's line of vision during any exercise.

This escort shall be subject to act in accordance with these Regulations and the AKC Rules and Regulations governing Dog Shows. If rental horses are offered, the needs of the exhibitors shall be met regarding rental horses before such horses are made available to escort riders. In the event of a shortage of rental horses, an escort rider using a rental horse may be required to forfeit the use of such rental horse to an exhibitor if an exhibitor needs it.

If a rented carriage/cart and driver are available for the Coaching Certificate Test, the driver shall not at any time give commands and/or signals to any of the entered dogs, and must drive and behave in such a way as to not interfere with the exhibitor, his dog(s), and/or the Judge.

SECTION 11. Identification.
No badges, club jackets, coats with kennel names, or other identifying logos, markings, names, or ribbon prizes may be worn or displayed by an individual when exhibiting a dog at a Road Trial. Multiple dogs on a team shall be identified on the course solely by either color-coded lightweight jackets, or wide, color-coded collars. Handlers shall be identified by a large number worn on their backs. Identification worn by dogs and handlers shall be clearly visible to the Judges.

The catalog or Road Trial Pamphlet shall indicate both handler numbers and colors assigned to each of the dogs on a team. The numbers or colors assigned by the Road Trial Committee for each member of each team shall be printed in the Show Catalog or Road Trial Pamphlet. In the case of an exhibitor handling a single dog, the number displayed on the exhibitor may serve as sufficient identification for the dog. If wide, color-coded collars are used, the host may provide Cool™ Collars, or collars made of a cooling material for all dogs entered.

SECTION 12. Multiple Entries.
Each handler may enter up to three dogs on a single team in a Road Trial, and may enter up to two teams. If a handler enters two separate teams, each team must be submitted as a separate entry and drawn by lot in accordance with Chapter 1, Sections 13 and 15. All dogs on a single team must be judged in the exercises as a team.

SECTION 13. Limitation of Entries.
The number of entries in a Road Trial shall be limited according to the starting time of the Trial, and the number of hours of daylight during the Trial, with teams leaving at approximately 15 - 30 minute intervals. This number shall be calculated by figuring the maximum number of teams which the Host can accommodate, with the last RD team leaving the starting line at least 3 hours before the expected time of dusk, or the last RDX team leaving the starting line at least 6 hours before the expected time of dusk, and the last CC team to be judged at least 30 minutes before dusk. In a Road Trial, RDX teams are judged first, then RD teams, then CC teams. Dusk is defined as 1 hour after sunset.

After determining the maximum number of entries, this number shall be designated in the premium list. After the closing date has passed, the Host shall count the number of eligible entries. If this number exceeds the maximum number of entries allowed, as designated in the premium list, the following protocol will be followed:

Priority will be given to dogs entered in RDX classes that have not yet earned the title RDX, and to dogs entered in RD classes that have not yet earned the title RD. A drawing will be held, if necessary, to determine which entries shall be eligible to compete, plus five alternates. Dogs that have not yet earned an RDX or RD title in their respective classes will be drawn first. If there are any remaining time slots available, another drawing shall be held to determine which of the "titled" dogs shall be eligible to compete, and which dogs shall be named as alternates. If there are any CC entries, these will be judged after the last RD team has been judged. This will be at least 3 hours before dusk. If there are more CC teams entered than can be accommodated during that time, a drawing will be held to determine which CC teams may compete, plus 5 alternates. Alternates shall be eligible to compete in the Road Trial should any entrant cancel or fail to appear by 7 AM on the day of the Trial.

Those entrants selected to compete, and the alternates shall be notified by mail or phone within 5 days of the closing date for entries, and entry fees for all other entries shall be refunded. Entrants are encouraged to notify the Road Trial Committee as soon as possible if they cannot compete so that an alternate can be notified as far in advance as possible. If an entrant should cancel after the closing date, no entry fees shall be refunded, except where an alternate has been selected and shall compete in their place, in which case one-half of the entry fees shall be refunded to the original entrant. Entry fees shall be postmarked as return to the alternates within 5 days of the Trial should the alternates not have the opportunity to compete.

SECTION 14. Change in Judges.
If for any reason an announced Road Trial judge is unable to complete his assignment, an alternate judge shall be named. Notification of this change shall be promptly made to the owner of each entry. The owner shall be permitted to withdraw such entry within seven days prior to the day of the show, and the entry fee shall then be refunded. Should the change occur any time within 7 days of the Trial, withdrawn entries shall also be allowed, and the entry fee(s) refunded.

SECTION 15. Order of Running.
After the closing date for entries has passed and the entries and alternates have been chosen, and prior to the printing of the Show Catalog or Road Trial Pamphlet, the Road Trial Committee shall draw by lot the order in which handlers shall begin the Trial with their dog(s). Numbers, colors, and judging times shall be assigned accordingly, as much as practical, with the following considerations:

Each handler wishing to run two separate teams of dogs shall have submitted two separate entry forms indicating the grouping of dogs as he plans to run them. The order of running shall allow him sufficient time to complete each course before being required to start with a subsequent group.

Carriage entrants competing on the 25-mile course shall be run first, followed by horseback entrants competing on the 25-mile course, followed by carriage entrants on the 12 1/2 mile course, followed by horseback entrants on the 12 1/2 mile course, followed by Coaching Certificate entrants. The Coaching Certificate Test shall be conducted after all entries for RDX and RD have completed the judged exercises. At the discretion of the Host, the Mounted Judge or the Course Judge may serve as the judge for the CC Test, or another judge with the same minimum qualifications as provided in the Regulations (Chapter 6, Sec. 1A & B) for a Judge may be used. Judges must be named in the premium list.

Bitches in season, whether competing in the RDX or the RD class, shall be run last, and in keeping with Chapter 1, Section 19 of these Regulations.

SECTION 16. Catalog Order.
Dogs should be judged in catalog or Road Trial Pamphlet order. At a team's appointed official starting time, it is the responsibility of each exhibitor to be ready with his dog(s) and horse and await instructions from the Mounted Judge or the Start/Finish Steward. At the Mounted Judge's or the Start/Finish Steward's discretion, and if agreeable to the Exhibitor, the Judge or Steward may request that an exhibitor who is ready and waiting at the starting line be judged ahead of an exhibitor who has delayed proceeding to the starting line. At the Mounted Judge's or the Start/Finish Steward's discretion, and if agreeable to the Exhibitor, a team may start out on the course before the approximate fifteen minute to half-hour interval from the departure of the preceding team has elapsed. Such early departure by a team shall not necessitate subsequent teams' being at the starting line before their scheduled start times.

SECTION 17. Purebred Dalmatians only.
As used in these Regulations, the word "dog" refers to either sex but only to Dalmatians that are purebred, and eligible for registration in the American Kennel Club studbook, or a limited registration. An eligible unregistered dog for which the American Kennel Club has issued an ILP number may also be entered. Any dog that is registered in the official registry of another country as a purebred Dalmatian or that holds a United Kennel Club registration may also be entered in a Dalmatian Club of America Road Trial. All Dalmatians entered in a Dalmatian Club of America Road Trial as described in these Regulations will be eligible for any prizes or titles offered at said trial.

SECTION 18. Dogs That May Not Compete.
For each individual Trial, no dog belonging wholly or in part to a Trial judge, on-call veterinarian, the Road Trial Secretary, Show Superintendent, or to any member of such a person's immediate family or household, shall be entered in that Road Trial, nor may any of these officials handle or act as agent for any dog entered in the Road Trial at which such person officiates or is scheduled to officiate.

No dogs shall be entered or shown under a judge at a Road Trial if the dog has been owned, sold, held under lease, handled in the ring, boarded, or has been regularly trained or instructed, whether professionally or as amateurs, by the judge or by any member of his immediate family or household within six months prior to the date of the Road Trial, and no such dog shall be eligible to compete.

If the Road Trial is held within 7 days of a Dog Show or other Performance Event given by the same Dog Show or Performance Club as gave the Road Trial, the Road Trial Judges, on-call veterinarians, and officials shall be eligible to compete in such Dog Show and/or Performance events.

No dog less than 6 months of age on the day of the Trial may compete at any Road Trial. No dog less than 12 months of age may compete in the RD classes. No dog less than 18 months of age may compete in the RDX classes.

SECTION 19. Disqualification and Ineligibility.
A dog that is blind or deaf or that has been changed in appearance by artificial means other than neutering may not compete in any Road Trial, and must be disqualified. Blind means without useful vision. "Deaf" is defined as without useful hearing.

When a Judge finds any of these conditions in any dog s/he is judging, s/he shall disqualify the dog, marking the Judge's Book "Disqualified", and stating the reason. The dog shall then be excused from further competition.

A Judge or must disqualify any dog that attempts to attack any person or horse on the grounds, and the dog shall be immediately removed from the course. It is the handler's responsibility to immediately remove his excused dog from the course, and he must do so before continuing to compete with any other dog(s) on his team. A judge may excuse a dog that attacks another dog or that appears dangerous to other dogs on the course and require that this dog be immediately removed from the course. S/he shall mark the dog "Excused", and state the reason in the Judge's Book, and shall give the Superintendent or Show or Trial Secretary a brief report of the dog's actions which shall be submitted to the DCA with the report of the Trial.

All awards made to any disqualified or excused dog at the Road Trial shall be canceled by the Dalmatian Club of America and the dog may not again compete in DCA sponsored events unless and until, following application by the owner to the DCA Road Trial Committee, the owner has received official notification from the Committee that the dog's eligibility has been reinstated. Dogs that have been excused because they are lame or unsound do not need such reinstatement of eligibility.

Spayed bitches, castrated dogs, monorchid or cryptorchid males, and dogs that have faults which would disqualify them under the breed standard for Dalmatians may compete in Road Trials if otherwise eligible under these Regulations.

A dog or a horse that is lame or otherwise unsound may not compete in a Road Trial. If, in the opinion of the Mounted Judge or Course judge, a dog or horse is lame or otherwise unsound, the animal shall not be allowed to compete or to continue to compete, and the official judge's book shall be marked "Excused-lame".

Bitches in season shall be allowed to compete if scheduling permits them to be run last, but they must be run last, and at the owner's risk. It shall be the handler’s responsibility to notify the Road Trial Committee by 7 AM on the day of the Road Trial if his bitch is in season. If, in the opinion of either Judge, any bitch is in season whose handler has not notified the Road Trial Committee by 7 AM on the day of the trial, that handler and dog shall be barred from the competition, and the Official Judge's Book shall be marked, "Excused, in season, not reported."

No dog less than 6 months old may compete in the Coaching Certificate test. No dog less than one year of age may compete in a Road Dog class. No dog less than one and one-half years of age may compete in a Road Dog Excellent class at a Road Trial.

SECTION 20. Disturbances.
Either of the judges of a Road Trial must remove from competition any dog or horse which its handler cannot control, and may excuse from competition any dog or horse which the judge considers unfit to compete. The handler shall be immediately advised verbally that his dog or horse has been excused, and that the dog or horse shall not be allowed to continue to compete. If a dog or horse has been excused, the reason shall be stated on the judge's score sheet and on the aggregate score sheet.

If a horse has been excused or removed from competition, the exhibitor shall be allowed to substitute another mount if such substitute mount is available within a reasonable time frame. The clocking of the exhibitor’s time shall stop and be re-started when a substitute mount has been obtained. It is not the responsibility of the Host to provide substitute mounts, however, and exhibitors should be advised that if their mount is excused, they might not be able to finish the course.

Either judge may excuse from competition any handler who interferes willfully with another competitor or his dog or horse on the course, or any exhibitor who displays behavior contrary to the principles of good sportsmanship. Foul or abusive language by any exhibitor or exhibitor’s escort in a Road Trial shall not be tolerated. Any Judge, in cases where a dog has been excused during the Road Trial as described in Chapter 1, Section 19 or Chapter 1, Section 20, shall immediately advise an exhibitor and his escort that the exhibitor, escort, dog(s) and/or horse has been excused, and, in these cases, the dog(s) and/or exhibitor and/or escort shall be immediately removed from the course.

If a handler is expelled or excused by a Judge, the reason shall be stated in the Judge's Book or in a separate report, and the exhibitor shall be prohibited from competing in future Road Trials until the matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of the DCA Road Trial Committee.

SECTION 21. Misbehavior. Any unusual display of fear or nervousness by the dog, or any uncontrolled behavior of the dog such as snapping, barking (excepting for a bark that warns of an impending danger), or running away (excepting if a dog starts after game encountered on the course but willingly returns on command), whether it occurs during a specific exercise or anywhere on the course, must be penalized according to the seriousness of the misbehavior. The Judge may subtract points from the dog's total score or may excuse the dog from further competition. If such behavior occurs during an exercise, the penalty must first be applied to the score for that exercise. Should the penalty be greater than the value of the exercise during which it is incurred, the additional points shall be deducted from the total score under Misbehavior. If such behavior occurs before or after the judging or between Exercises, the entire penalty shall be deducted from the total score.

Exhibitors are expected to remain mounted and maintain forward progress except when necessary to do otherwise, as described in Chapter 2 Section 9. Misbehavior on the part of the exhibitor regarding these issues will be penalized by the judge with a substantial deduction to the overall score according to the seriousness of the misbehavior. The judge will subtract points from the score of all dogs on the team as described above.

SECTION 22. Training On the Grounds.
There shall be no drilling nor intensive or abusive training of dogs on the grounds or premises at a Road Trial. Special training collars shall not be allowed on the grounds or premises at a Road Trial. The judge shall not permit any handler to train his dog by excessive verbal commands or by moving toward the dog to correct it in any way, except in the case of aggression, and shall excuse from further competition in the Road Trial any dog whose handler does either. Exhibitors shall be allowed and encouraged to ride/drive their horse on the course the day before the Trial without dogs. Exhibitors shall be allowed to ride/drive their horse with dog(s) at hock in an area away from the judged Exercise area, if such an area is available. These requirements shall not be interpreted as preventing a handler from moving normally about the grounds or premises with his dog at heel on leash or at hock, nor from giving such commands or signals in a normal manner as would be necessary and usual in everyday life. Physical or abusive verbal disciplining of dogs shall not be permitted, except in the case of an attack on a person or another dog. Likewise, physical abuse of a horse shall not be permitted. A dog whose handler disciplines it on the course must be immediately reported by the Judge to the Host Road Trial Committee for action under Chapter 1, Section 26. The Superintendent, Road Trial Secretary, and the members of the Host Road Trial Committee shall be responsible for compliance with this section, and shall investigate any reports of infractions.

SECTION 23. Abuse of Dogs or Horses.
The Host Road Trial Committee shall investigate any reports of abuse of dogs or horses or severe disciplining of dogs or horses on the grounds or premises of a show. Any person who, at a Road Trial, conducts himself in such manner or in any other manner prejudicial against the best interest of the sport, or who fails to comply with the requirements of Chapter 1, Sec. 21, shall be dealt with promptly, during the Trial if possible, after the offender has been notified of the specific charges against him, and has been given an opportunity to be heard in his own defense in accordance with Chapter 1, Section 26. Any abuse of a dog or horse on the course must be immediately reported by the Judge to the Road Trial Committee for action under Chapter 1, Section 26, and the exhibitor shall be excused from competition.

SECTION 24. Decisions.
At the Road Trial, the decisions of a judge shall be final in all matters affecting the scoring and the working of the dogs and their handlers. The Host Road Trial Committee shall decide all other matters arising at the Trial, including protests against dogs made under Chapter 19 of the AKC Dog Show Rules, subject, however, to the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club.

SECTION 25. Stewards.
The Judges are in sole charge of their particular area of judging. Stewards shall be provided to assist each, but they may act only on the Judge’s instructions. Stewards shall not give information or instructions to owners and handlers except as specifically instructed by the Judge, and then only in such a manner that it is clear that the instructions are those of the Judge.

25A. Start/Finish Steward. A Start/Finish Steward shall be provided who will, acting on the Mounted Judge's instructions, be responsible for maintaining an orderly flow of teams onto the course. The Start/Finish Steward shall also record the time each team crosses the starting line and the finish line, and, if possible, the time each team leaves for the endurance portion of the course. The official start time of the endurance portion of each team shall be recorded by the judge as defined in Chapter 2, Sec. 1, and shall be marked on the judge's score sheet and reported to the Start/Finish Steward. It is the responsibility of the Start/Finish Steward to record the time each team crosses the Finish Line, and transfer that record into the Official Judge's Book. After the Judge(s) have entered their scores into the Official Judge's Book, the Start/Finish Steward will verify the addition of scores.

SECTION 26. Discipline.
The Dalmatian Club of America shall have the right to suspend any person from the privileges of DCA for conduct prejudicial to the best interests of pure-bred dogs, Road Trials, or the Dalmatian Club of America, alleged to have occurred in connection with or during the progress of its Road Trial, after the alleged offender has been given an opportunity to be heard.

Notice in writing must be sent promptly by registered mail or hand delivered by the Road Trial Committee to the person charged, and a duplicate notice giving the name and address of the person charged, and full details as to the reasons for the charges, must be forwarded to the Dalmatian Club of America within seven days.

An appeal may be taken from a decision of the DCA Board of Directors. Notice in writing claiming such appeal together with a deposit of twenty five dollars ($25US) must be sent to the DCA within thirty days after the date of suspension. The DCA Board of Directors may itself hear said appeal or may refer it to a committee of the Board, or to a Trial Board to be heard. The $25 deposit shall become the property of the DCA if the decision is confirmed, or shall be returned to the appellant if the decision is not confirmed.

SECTION 27. Official Judges' Book.
The Official Judges' Book shall be kept by the Road Trial Chairman and shall contain an aggregate score sheet for each team entered in the Road Trial. The aggregate score sheet for each team shall indicate each dog's score for each exercise, the official start time of the endurance portion of each team, the official finish time of each team, and the time required for the Mid-Point Rest Period or On-Course Rest Periods. The time required for the Rest Period(s) shall be deducted from the total time for each team. This Official Judge's Book shall be made available for each Judge to transfer their scores once they have completed their area of jurisdiction. The Judge(s) shall also copy the official start time of the endurance portion of the course of each team into the Judges' Book, and shall copy the official finish time of each team from the Start/Finish Steward's sheets into the Judge's Book, and shall deduct the Rest Period(s) time from the total time, and enter this Total Time on Course on each team's aggregate score sheet. The entries and computations will then be verified by the Start/Finish Steward, and re-verified by the Judge(s) before prizes are awarded.

No person other than one of the Judges may make any entry in the Official Judges' Book. Officials may enter into the Judges' Book only the information assigned to them by these Regulations. All final scores must be entered in the Official Judges' Book by the Judge(s), checked by the Start/Finish Steward, and verified by the Judge(s) before prizes are awarded.

Copies of the aggregate score sheets in the Official Judges' Book shall be made available through the Road Trial Secretary for examination by owners, handlers, and spectators after the completion of the Trial. If scorecards are distributed by the Host after the prizes are awarded, they must contain no more information than is shown in the Official Judges' Book, and must be marked "Unofficial Score".

SECTION 28. Veterinarian On-Call.
The Host Club shall be required to designate a local veterinarian and/or veterinary hospital/clinic that will be on-call during the Road Trial. Such veterinarian/clinic shall be listed in the Premium List, and directions to the veterinary clinic will be available on site on the day of the Trial. The exhibitor assumes all responsibility for the health & well-being of the dog(s) they are exhibiting, and for any exhibitor-owned horses. The rental-horse supplier assumes all responsibility for the health & well-being of any rental horses provided.

CHAPTER 2 - Overall Regulations for Performance

SECTION 1. Time Limits and Official Start Time.
In the RD and RDX classes, the timing of the endurance portion shall begin immediately after the Judged Exercises have been completed. If the Speed Exercise must be held farther along the trail with a separate judge, then the recorded time shall begin immediately after the Mounted Judge has completed judging his four Exercises. At the discretion of the judge or judges, endurance portion start times may be delayed to allow exhibitors to ride together for safety. The official start time of the endurance portion of each team shall be recorded by the Judge, and shall be marked on the Judge's score sheet and reported to the Start/Finish Steward. RD teams shall be required to complete the endurance portion of the 12-½ mile course, excluding the Rest Period, within a time limit of three hours. RDX teams shall be required to complete the endurance portion of the 25-mile course, excluding the Rest Periods, within a time limit of 6 hours. The official finish time of each team shall be recorded as the team crosses the finish line. The Finish Time shall be recorded by the Start/Finish Steward, and transferred to the Official Judges' Book by the Mounted Judge. Faster times do not produce higher scores; a Road Trial is not a race.

SECTION 2. Qualifying Score.
. In the RD and RDX classes, a qualifying score shall be required to earn a title. A Qualifying Score shall be comprised of Pass Ratings (51 - 100) on each of the exercises (Recall, Hock, Hock With Distraction, Long Sit or Down, Speed); PLUS the dog's having completed the endurance portion of the Trial within the designated time limit. In the Coaching Certificate Test, no scores shall be recorded, but a Pass Rating must be received from the judge in each of the exercises for the dog to be awarded the CC title.

SECTION 3. Hands.
In all exercises on the course, the handler's arms and hands shall be in a natural riding or driving position.

SECTION 4. Commands.
Whenever a command is mentioned in these Regulations, a single verbal command by the handler is preferable, although extra commands may be permissible. Any extra commands, if needed to keep the dog(s) under control, will be scored accordingly. A handler may praise his dog(s) during an exercise, or use a voice correction, but this should not be excessive. Delay in following a judge's order to give a command must be penalized, unless the judge, because of some distraction or interference, directs the delay. Any unusual noise or motion may be considered a correction.

Each dog's name may be used once immediately before any verbal command. Excessively loud or gruff commands by handlers to their dogs create a poor impression and should be avoided. Commands, which in the judge's opinion are excessively loud or gruff, will be penalized.

SECTION 5. Praise and Food.
Verbal praise is allowed during, between, and after exercises. A handler may not carry or offer food for his dogs on the course, but may arrange in advance for a snack for his dog(s) to be at the Rest Area, or the Host may offer a snack for dogs at the Rest Area(s).

SECTION 6. Hock Position.
Hock Position as used in these Regulations for a Horse/Rider team means that the dog shall be straight in line with the direction in which the handler and horse are facing, within one horse's length of the horse, at any point in a semi-circle behind the horse's head, as close as practicable without crowding or obstructing the horse's motion.

Hock Position for a Carriage/Cart team shall mean that the dog shall be straight in line with the direction in which the carriage and driver are facing, either directly behind the horse(s)’ heels and under the carriage/cart, as close as practicable without crowding or obstruction the horse(s)' or carriage/cart's motion, OR within on horse's length of the horse or carriage/cart at any point in a semi-circle behind the horse(s)' head. For either a Horse/Rider team or a Carriage/Cart team, the dog(s) shall not go ahead of the horse(s)' head during the Hock or Distraction exercises.

Dogs on a team with multiple entries shall not be penalized for allowing space for other dogs in Hock Position.

SECTION 7. Orders and Minimum Penalties. The orders for the exercises and the standards for judging are set forth in Chapter 8. The list of faults is not intended to be complete, but the more common and serious faults are specified. There is no maximum limit on penalties. A dog that makes none of the errors listed may still fail to qualify or may be scored zero for other reasons that were not specifically stated in Chapter 8, but these faults shall be described on the Judges' score sheets.

SECTION 8. Mode of Transportation.
In these Regulations, "horse" shall be defined as a horse, pony, or mule. Exhibitors in the RD and RDX classes shall compete while mounted on horseback, or shall compete while driving a horse or horses and carriage/cart. Exhibitors competing in the CC Test may be mounted on horseback, may drive a horse(s) and carriage/cart, or may ride in a carriage/cart that is driven by someone else. If a CC exhibitor chooses to ride in a carriage/cart driven by someone else, the driver of the carriage/cart may not give commands to the dog(s) or interfere in any way with the proceedings of the Trial, as described in Chapter 1, Section 10.

In all classes, the exhibitor may own the horse(s), or the horse(s) may be borrowed or rented at the exhibitor's expense and liability. The Dalmatian Club of America and the Host assume no responsibility for the financial arrangements of rental horses. The DCA and the Host also assume no liability for the use of any horse(s) at any Road Trial, or for any damage that may be caused by such horses.

In all classes, each team shall complete the judged exercises on the same course. The requirements shall be the same, as defined by these Regulations, for each team within each class, regardless of whether the exhibitor is mounted on horseback, driving a carriage/cart, or driven in a carriage/cart. Exhibitors who begin the Trial driving a carriage/cart must complete the course in a carriage/cart, and may not switch to horse under saddle.

SECTION 9. Mounted /Driving Competition and Forward Progress
Exhibitor must remain mounted or seated in cart during and between judged exercises, except in the case of an emergency or as specified in these Regulations. Exhibitor may dismount/disembark during the Stay Exercise as described by these Regulations. Exhibitor may dismount/disembark during the Trial for the Rest Period(s). Exhibitor may dismount/disembark briefly during the endurance portion of the Trial only if tack needs adjustment, if the exhibitor must dismount/disembark to negotiate an unsafe passage, or in an emergency.

Teams are expected to make forward progress at the normal hacking pace required to finish within the time limit on the trail during the endurance portion. Except for brief tack adjustments, brief watering stops, brief adjustments when meeting other teams on the trail, or for emergencies, exhibitors are required to make forward progress on the trail during the endurance portion.

If either judge is a witness to an un-mounted/disembarked exhibitor on the trail, or a team that is not making forward progress on the trail, or if a lack of forward progress/unmounted exhibitor is reported to the judge(s), the judge(s) shall take the necessary steps to determine the validity of such a report and reason for such behavior. If the judge determines the behavior to fall under “misbehavior”, the score of each dog on the team will be penalized with a substantial deduction to the overall score according to the seriousness of the misbehavior as described in Chapter 1, Section 21.

SECTION 10. RD and RDX Exhibitors who Cannot Complete the Course
To earn the title of RD or RDX, the dog must complete the entire course, as described in this document, handled by the same exhibitor who handled the dog in the judged exercises. Any dog that qualifies in the RD or RDX exercises, but whose handler is unable to complete the course for any reason, shall be considered as qualifying in the CC test, and shall be awarded the title of CC. Any dog that qualifies in the RDX exercises and has completed 12.5 miles of the course but is unable to complete the remainder of the RDX course or whose handler is unable to complete the remaining distance of the 25 mile course, shall be considered as qualifying in the appropriate RD-B class. Such dog will be eligible for an RDCH leg if the score so warrants.

CHAPTER 3 - Course Set-Up.

SECTION 1. SECTION 1. Rest Area for Rest Periods.
The Mid-Point Rest Period for the RD course shall be conducted at the approximate mid-point of the course, as much as is practicable. The Rest Periods for the RDX course will be conducted at the approximate 1/4 point (6 miles), mid-point (12.5 miles), and 3/4 point (18 3/4 miles) of the course. If the course consists of an approximate 6 mile loop, one Rest Area may serve for all Rest Periods. The judge and the Host Club Committee will designate the location of the Rest Area(s). The Host will provide a steward at each Rest Area to record the time in & time out. The Host will provide leashes and water for dogs and horses at each of the Rest Areas.

SECTION 2. Warm-Up.
A starting line and a finish line shall be designated. After leaving the starting line and before beginning the Judged Exercises, each team shall be allowed approximately a one-quarter mile warm-up stretch to allow the dog(s) and horse(s) to settle. This warm-up distance shall be measured as part of the overall distance.

SECTION 3. Overall Course Layout.
The length of the CC course shall equal the length of the judged exercises for the RD and RDX course. The length of the course for the RD classes shall cover a total distance of 12 1/2 miles. The length of the course for the RDX classes shall cover a total distance of 25 miles.

The course trail must be marked with trail markers that are bright, legible, and tamper and weather resistant. The course must be marked with a minimum of one directional marker per mile, and two directional markers per every crossroad, fork, or path. The course must also be marked with distance markers (i.e. "Mile 1", "Mile 2", "Mile 3", etc.) a minimum of every 2 miles. Water must be available for dogs at a minimum of every 2 miles.

Course layout is at the host's discretion, and any portion of the course may be repeated in order for exhibitors to fulfill the required distances. It shall be the responsibility of the Host to attempt to secure a site that is appropriate for both horse under saddle and carriages/carts. A separate course for the endurance portion of the Trial may be provided for carriages/carts if the available horse trail will not accommodate carriages/carts and an appropriate carriage/cart course is available. All entries will still be required to perform the same judged exercises, in the same designated area, and to complete the required distance for their respective classes. If, in the opinion of the Host Road Trial Committee, an appropriate trail or alternate trail for carriages/carts cannot be secured, the Host may suggest that exhibitors ride horse under saddle. Such a suggestion must be printed in the Premium List for the Road Trial.

SECTION 4. Course Layout, Mounted Judge Exercises.
A specific area shall be designated by the Road Trial Host for the Mounted Judge to conduct the exercises under his jurisdiction. It is preferable, but not required, that the portion of the Road Trial under jurisdiction of the Mounted Judge be as close to the starting line as possible to still allow for the required ÂĽ mile warm-up.

For the CC and RD classes: for the HOCK exercise, there shall be brightly colored course markers on either side of the trail indicating the measured distance is near, followed by brightly colored course markers indicating the start of the two-hundred yard distance, followed by brightly colored course markers indicating the completion of the HOCK distance. The Hock Exercise for the CC and the RD classes shall follow an approximate straight line, as much is practicable, if the terrain permits. These markers shall serve as a general guide, and the Mounted Judge’s orders shall in all cases take precedence over the location of the course markers.

For the RDX classes: for the RDX HOCK exercise, the exercise shall consist of a figure 8 for a total distance of 200 yards, when practicable, or a 200 yard distance with at least two turns. The RDX HOCK exercise shall be marked and flagged at the start, turns, and Finish, at the discretion of the Host. These markers shall serve as a general guide, and the Mounted Judge's orders shall in all cases take precedence over the location of the course markers.

For all classes: In the DISTRACTION exercise, each team must continue past the distraction for about 20 yards. The start and finish of the RECALL, DISTRACTION, and STAY exercises shall be at the discretion of the mounted judge.

SECTION 5. Course Layout, Speed Exercise.

A specific area of the course shall be designated for the SPEED exercise. If the Mounted Judge is to be the only judge, as provided for in Chapter 6, Section 1A & 1B, the SPEED exercise must be located within or directly adjacent to the area provided for the other exercises. If a second Judge (Course Judge) is provided, it is preferable, but not required, that the portion of the Road Trial course designated for the SPEED exercise be as close to the section of the course that was used for completion of the Mounted Judge exercises as possible.

For the SPEED exercise, there shall be brightly colored course markers indicating the start and brightly colored course markers indicating the finish of the one hundred-yard distance that the exhibitors are required to traverse. This 100-yard stretch shall not go downhill, but shall be flat, or cover a gentle upward slope. The ground shall be as smooth as possible, and free of holes or other hazards.

The Judge of the SPEED exercise shall be situated in such a way as to not frighten the horse, preferably at a mid-way, elevated point, and his steward(s) shall be instructed to remain quiet and still during this exercise.

SECTION 6. Spectator Area.
The Host must designate and mark an area for spectators that will allow the spectators to watch without enabling them to distract or interfere in any way with the performance of the exhibitors or their dogs or horses while they are being judged.

SECTION 7. Course Check Point(s).

There shall be at least one steward or sign-in sheet posted along the course at whatever point(s) deemed necessary by the Trial Host in order to verify each team’s completion of the required distance.

SECTION 8. Review of Course.
Whenever possible, the Host shall conduct a review of the course with the exhibitors & judge(s) on the day before the Road Trial, and shall notify the exhibitors of the time and date of this Course Review within two weeks of the date. It shall be the exhibitor’s responsibility to arrive at the Road Trial site in time to attend this Course Review, and the Host shall not be required to conduct subsequent reviews for exhibitors who fail to attend the scheduled review.

Exhibitors are encouraged to ride their horses (personal or rental) in the judging area without dogs on the day before the Trial. Exhibitors are encouraged to warm up their dogs with horses in an area away from the judged exercises the day before the Trial, and the morning of the Trial if an area is available. If rental horses are available, the supplier of the rental horses should be requested to make the horses available to ride with dogs on the day before the Trial, at the expense and liability of the exhibitor(s). As per these Regulations (Chapter 1, Sec. 22), no intensive training methods, special collars, etc., will be allowed during this pre-Trial Review of Course.

CHAPTER 4 - Awards and Prizes.

SECTION 1. DCA Certificates of Title and Certificates of Participation.
The Dalmatian Club of America shall offer Certificates of Participation, prepared by the Host, to each exhibitor who competes in a Board-approved Dalmatian Road Trial. The Dalmatian Club of America shall award Certificates of Title to the owner(s) of each dog that earns a title in a Board-approved Dalmatian Road Trial as provided in Chapter 7, Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12. It shall be the responsibility of the Host to prepare such Certificates, under the direction of the DCA Road Trial Committee.

SECTION 2. DCA Road Trial Trophies and Awards.
For Road Trials held in conjunction with the Dalmatian Club of America's National Specialty Show, the same trophies shall be awarded for class placements in the Road Trial as are offered for regular classes held at the National Specialty Show. For Road Trials held at locations and dates other than the annual DCA National Specialty, the host shall provide any trophies or awards to be awarded.

SECTION 3. Challenge Trophies.
For Road Trials held in conjunction with the Dalmatian Club of America’s National Specialty Show, challenge trophies may be offered as approved by the DCA Road Trial Committee. These challenge trophies shall be displayed during DCA week on the trophy table, and shall be held for safekeeping by the DCA Permanent Trophy Chairman during the period between Road Trials held in conjunction with DCA Specialty Shows, until the time such challenge trophy shall be won for permanent possession.

For Road Trials held at locations and dates other than the annual DCA National Specialty, the Host, at the discretion of each Host Road Trial Committee, may choose to offer or approve any challenge trophies.

Parties who offer challenge trophies are encouraged to provide the trophy's yearly winner at each Road Trial with a memento of the award that shall be for the winner's permanent and immediate possession.

SECTION 4. Road Trial Ribbons.
Ribbons or rosette ribbons shall be offered for first through fourth place in each RD and RDX class at any Road Trial. Qualifying ribbons or rosette ribbons shall be offered for each dog that passes the CC Test and each dog that qualifies in RD or RDX at any Road Trial. Each ribbon or rosette ribbon shall be at least two inches wide and at least eight inches long, and shall bear on its face a facsimile of the seal of the Dalmatian Club of America or the logo of the Host Club, and the words "Dalmatian Road Trial".

At Licensed or Member Road Trials, the Host may choose the colors of ribbons, or the following colors may be used for prize ribbons or rosettes:

First PrizeBlue
Second PrizeRed
Third PrizeYellow
Fourth PrizeWhite
Qualifying PrizeDark Green
Highest Scoring DogBlue & Gold

SECTION 5. Prizes and Awards.
All official ribbons, DCA trophies, and DCA challenge trophies shall be awarded only to dogs that earn a Pass rating in the CC Test or a Qualifying Score in an RD or RDX class in a Road Trial. Awards for the four placements in each RD and RDX class shall be based solely on the number of points earned.

At the Trial Host's discretion, a certificate, ribbon of participation, or other form of recognition or prize may be awarded to dogs and/or handlers who competed in the Road Trial but who did not receive Pass Rating or a Qualifying Score. At the Discretion of the Trial Host, non-regular awards may also be offered.

SECTION 6. Highest Scoring Dog in Road Trial.
The dog receiving the highest Qualifying score overall from the RD or RDX classes at a Road Trial shall be awarded the ribbon and any awards and prizes offered for this placement, after announcement of final scores of the last class to be judged and any run-offs have been conducted.

CHAPTER 5 - Regulations for Road Trial Rest Periods.

SECTION 1. Rest Period for the Road Dog Course.
The Mid-Point Rest Period for the RD course shall be conducted at the approximate mid-point of the course, as much as is practicable, according to Chapter 3, Section 1. RD teams will be required to rest a minimum of 20 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes at a mid-point rest area, unless otherwise directed by the judge. The RD Mid-point Rest Period time will be recorded by the judge's steward and will be subtracted from overall time on course.

SECTION 2. Rest Periods for the Road Dog Excellent Course.
The Rest Periods for the RDX course will be conducted at the approximate 1/4 point (6 miles), mid-point (12.5 miles), and 3/4 point (18 3/4 miles) of the course, as described in Chapter 3, Section 1. RDX teams will be required to rest a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes at approximately 6 miles (the 1/4 point), 12.5 miles (the mid-point), & 18.75 miles (the 3/4 point), unless otherwise directed by the judge. The RDX Rest Period times will be recorded by the judge's steward and will be subtracted from overall time on course.

CHAPTER 6 - Regulations for Performance and Judging

SECTION 1. Requirements for Judges.
The Host of any Road Trial must secure a Judge or Judges, as provided in Chapter 6, Sections 1, 1A, and 1B, and list an on-call veterinarian as provided in Chapter 5, Section 3. A Course Judge shall not be required. At the option of the Host Club, the Club may provide both a Mounted judge and a Course Judge; or, if the terrain permits, the Mounted Judge may judge all exercises (Hock, Distraction, Stay, Recall, and Speed). If the layout of the course does not permit all exercises to be held in succession and in a timely manner, the Host must provide a second judge, as provided in Chapter 6, Section 1B. At the discretion of the Host, the Mounted Judge or the Course Judge may serve as the judge for the CC Test, or another judge with the same minimum qualifications. Persons considered for an assignment to judge a Road Trial should have the following minimum experience:

SECTION 1A. Mounted Judge. 1) Must be an experienced equestrian. 2) Must have earned an AKC obedience title or other AKC Performance title on a dog. 3) Must have competed with a dog in a Dalmatian Road Trial (Grandfathered-in under requirement #3 only [Chapter 6 Section 1A #3]: all former Road Trial judges who judged a DCA sanctioned Road Trial before December, 2005. 'Grandfathered-in' judges must meet all other judging requirements stipulated in these Regulations). 4) Must have a complete working knowledge of the Road Trial Regulations and must first pass an open-book certification test administered by the Road Trial Committee. 5) Must have experience with Dalmatians, either in owning, breeding, showing (conformation or performance), or having been a member of a Dalmatian Specialty Club for at least two years. The Mounted Judge will judge the Hock, Distraction, Recall, and Stay exercises, and may judge the Speed exercise as denoted in Chapter 6, Section 1. At the National Specialty Road Trial, a judge may serve as the mounted judge only once in a five year period.

SECTION 1B. Course Judge. 1) Must have earned an AKC obedience title or other AKC performance title on a dog. 2) Must have competed with a dog in a Dalmatian Road Trial (Grandfathered-in under requirement #2 only [Chapter 6 Section 1B #2]: all former Road Trial judges who judged a DCA sanctioned Road Trial before December, 2005. 'Grandfathered-in' judges must meet all other judging requirements stipulated in these Regulations). 3) Must have a complete working knowledge of the Road Trial Regulations and must first pass an open-book certification test administered by the Road Trial Committee. 4) Must have experience with Dalmatians, either in owning, breeding, showing (conformation or performance), or having been a member of a Dalmatian Specialty Club for at least two years. If a Course Judge is assigned, the Course Judge will judge the Speed exercise, and will announce the scores and prizewinners at the close of the Trial. At the National Specialty Road Trial, a judge may serve as the course judge only once in a five year period.

SECTION 2. Standardized Judging.
Standardized Judging is of paramount importance. Judges are not permitted to inject their own variations into the exercises, but must see that each handler and dog executes the various exercises exactly as described in these Regulations. A handler familiar with these Regulations should be able to enter the course under any judge without having to inquire how the particular judge wishes to have any exercise performed, and without being confronted with some unexpected requirement.

SECTION 3. Standard of Perfection.
The Road Trial Judge(s) must carry a mental picture of the theoretically perfect performance in each exercise and score each dog/handler/horse team against this visualized standard which shall combine the utmost in willingness, enjoyment, and precision on the part of the dog, and naturalness, gentleness, and smoothness in handling. Lack of willingness or enjoyment on the part of the dog must be penalized, as must lack of precision in the dog’s performance, aggression by the dog, and/or roughness in handling or commands by the handler.

SECTION 4. Qualifying Performance.
The Judges' certification in the Judge's Book of a Qualifying Score for any particular dog constitutes his certification to the Dalmatian Club of America that the dog has performed all of the required exercises at least in accordance with the minimum standards, and that this performance would justify the awarding of a Coaching Certificate title, Road Dog title, Road Dog Excellent title, or Championship Leg. A qualifying score must never be awarded to a dog whose performance has not met the minimum requirements, not to a dog that attacks any other dog, person, or horse met along the course, nor to a dog whose handler abuses the dog on the course, nor to a dog whose handler offers food to the dog on the course, except food that has been arranged at the Rest Area(s).

In deciding whether a faulty performance of a particular exercise by a particular dog warrants a Qualifying Score, the Judge shall consider whether the awarding of a Road Trial Title would be justified if all dogs in the class performed the exercise in a similar manner. The Judge must not give a Qualifying Score for the exercise if he decides that it would be contrary to the best interests of the sport if all dogs in the class were to perform in the same way.

SECTION 5. Judge's Directions.
The Judges' orders and signals should be given to the handlers in a clear and understandable manner, but in such a way that the work of the dog is not disturbed. The Mounted Judge shall take care that his horse does not come so close to any of the dogs as to interfere with any Exercise. Before starting the Recall, Hock, Long Sit or Down, and Distraction exercises, the Judge shall state, "This will be the (particular) exercise, are you ready?" The exhibitor should then respond, "Yes," or "No." If the exhibitor is not ready, the Judge will give the exhibitor a reasonable amount of time to prepare, and then ask the question again.

For the Speed exercise, an official Course Steward shall, on signal from the Judge, state, "This will be the Speed exercise, are you ready?" The exhibitor will then respond. If the exhibitor is not ready, the Judge will give the exhibitor a reasonable amount of time to prepare, and then proceed.

At the end of each exercise, the Judge shall say, "Exercise finished." At the end of the Speed exercise, there shall be a trail marker, which indicates the end of the Exercise. After each Exercise, the Judge shall advise the exhibitor if any dog on the team has failed the Exercise, and the exhibitor shall be given the option of continuing on the course. The Judge is not required to explain his scoring and need not enter into any discussion with any exhibitor who appears dissatisfied. (See also Sec. 12)

The judging of an Exercise will begin when the Judge, or official Course Steward in the case of the Speed exercise, gives the first order, not before.

SECTION 6. No Added Requirements. No Judge shall require any dog or handler to do anything, nor penalize a dog or handler for failing to do anything, that is not required by these Regulations.

SECTION 7. Standardized Judging. The same methods and standards must be used for judging and scoring dogs in the RD and RDX classes. The Judge must also standardize judging within the CC test.

SECTION 8. Interference and Double Handling.
Any Judge who is aware of any assistance, interference, or attempt to control a dog by anyone other than the handler, must act promptly to stop such double handling, and shall penalize the dog substantially, or, if in the Judge's opinion the circumstances warrant, shall give the dog a score of zero or "Fail" for the exercise during which the aid was received.

SECTION 9. Re-judging. If a dog has failed in a particular part of an exercise, it shall not ordinarily be re-judged nor given a second chance. If, in the Judge's opinion, however, the dog's performance was prejudiced by peculiar and unusual conditions, the Judge may, at his own discretion, re-judge the dog on the entire exercise.

SECTION 10. Ties and Run-offs.
In case of a tie for any prize in the RD or RDX classes, or for the Highest Scoring Dog in the Road Trial, the dogs involved in the tie shall be tested by being required to individually perform the “Hock” exercise in a straight line for 200 yards. The Mounted Judge shall judge any such run-off. The original scores shall not be changed.

SECTION 11. Official Judges' Book and Judges' Score Sheets.
The Judge(s) must enter each dog's scores on their score sheets immediately after judging each team, and before starting to judge the next team. The Judge(s) shall transfer these scores into the Official Judges' Book after they have finished judging all teams. The Mounted Judge shall also copy the official endurance portion start time of each team into the Judges' Book, and shall copy the official finish time of each team from the Start/Finish Steward's sheets into the Judge's Book, and shall deduct the Rest Period(s) time(s) from the total time, and enter this on each team's aggregate score sheet.

No person other than one of the Judges may make any entry in the Official Judges' Book. The Judge(s) must enter all final scores in the Official Judges’ Book. The entries and computations will then be verified by the Start/Finish Steward, and re-verified by the Judge(s) before prizes are awarded.

Judges may use separate score sheets or a tape recorder for their own purposes, but shall not give out or allow exhibitors to see such sheets or hear such recordings, nor give out any other written scores, nor permit anyone else to distribute score sheets or cards prepared by the Judge. If the Host distributes scorecards, they must contain no more information than is shown in the Judges' Book and must be marked "Unofficial Score".

SECTION 12. Announcement of Scores.
No judge shall be required to disclose any score or partial score to contestants or spectators until the public announcement of scores, nor shall he permit anyone else to do so.

After all the scores are given final verification, the Start/Finish Steward, after consulting with the Judge(s), shall announce the dogs involved in any run-off, and after the run-off(s) shall call for the dogs that have won Qualifying Scores to be brought to the awards table. The Course Judge, if provided, shall announce the scores. If no course Judge is provided, the Mounted Judge shall announce the scores. If at all possible, all Judges shall be present during the announcement. Before awarding the prizes, the Judge shall inform the spectators as to the maximum number of points for a perfect score, and shall then announce the score of each prizewinner, and announce to the handler the score of each dog that has won a Qualifying Score.

No Judge is required to explain his scoring and need not enter into any discussion with any exhibitor who appears to be dissatisfied.

SECTION 13. Explanation and Errors.
No judge is required to explain his scoring, and need not enter into any discussion with any contestant who appears to be dissatisfied. At the discretion of the Judge, he is encouraged to offer comment to interested handlers as to the performance of a dog. Any interested person who thinks that there may have been an arithmetical error or an error in identifying a dog may report the facts to the Start/Finish Steward and to the Road Trial Secretary so that the matter may be checked and cleared up.

CHAPTER 7 - Road Trial Classes and Titles

SECTION 1. Coaching Certificate Test; Eligibility and General Requirements.
A Coaching Certificate Test shall be offered at all DCA sanctioned Road Trials. Any purebred Dalmatian, as defined by Chapter 1, Section 17, that is 6 months old or older on the day of the Trial may enter the CC Test. Dogs that have already earned Road Trial titles may also enter. At the discretion of the Host Club, a dog that is entered in the RD or RDX class may be entered in the CC test at the same trial. Any dog that has not yet earned the title “RD”, that is entered in an RD class, and receives a qualifying score in each of the judged exercises, but fails to complete the course, shall be awarded the CC title.

The Coaching Certificate Test shall be conducted after all entries for RDX and RD classes have completed the judged exercises, as described in Chapter 1, Section 13. At the discretion of the Host, the Mounted Judge or the Course Judge shall judge the CC Test, or another Judge with the same minimum qualifications as provided in Chapter 6, Section 1A or 1B may be provided. All exercises are to be judged Pass/Fail. Handler shall be mounted on horseback, or driving a carriage/cart, or riding in a carriage/cart with a driver, as provided in Chapter 2, Section 8. Handlers may compete with up to three dogs on a team. No veterinary checks are required, but the Judge may excuse a dog as provided in the Regulations Chapter 1, Section 19.

To earn the Coaching Certificate Title, a dog must earn a "Pass" rating in all exercises. These exercises are Hock, Distraction, Long Sit or Down, Recall, and Change of Pace. The exercises shall be performed on the same course as the RD and RDX classes, and shall be conducted in the same manner as the exercises for the RD classes.

Any dog that qualifies in the RD or RDX exercises, but whose handler is unable to complete the RD/RDX course for any reason, shall be considered as qualifying in the CC test, and shall be awarded the title of CC, as described in Chapter 2, Section 10.

SECTION 2. Road Dog-A Class; Eligibility.

The Road Dog-A Class shall be for any dog not less than 12 months of age on the day of the Trial that has not yet earned the Road Dog title, and is being handled by an exhibitor who has not previously qualified any dog for the RD title at any Road Trial.

SECTION 3. Road Dog-B Class; Eligibility.

The Road Dog-B Class shall be for any dog not less than 12 months of age on the day of the Trial that: 1) has already earned the title RD or RDX, and/or: 2) is being handled by an exhibitor who has previously qualified a dog for an RD or RDX title in a Road Trial. A dog that has already earned the title(s) RD and/or RDX may continue to compete in this class, but only if there ate time slots available, as described in Chapter 1, Section 13. Any dog that qualifies in the RDX exercises and has completed 12.5 miles of the course but is unable to complete the remainder of the RDX course or whose handler is unable to complete the remaining distance of the 25 mile course shall be considered as qualifying in the appropriate RD-B class as described in Chapter 2, Section 10. Such dog will be eligible for an RDCH leg if the score so warrants.

SECTION 4. Road Dog Excellent-A Class; Eligibility.
The Road Dog Excellent-A Class shall be for any dog not less than 18 months of age on the day of the Trial, that has earned the title "RD", but has not yet earned the title "RDX", and is being handled by an exhibitor who has not previously qualified any dog for the Road Dog Excellent title.

SECTION 5. Road Dog Excellent-B Class; Eligibility.
The Road Dog Excellent-B Class shall be for any dog not less than 18 months of age on the day of the Trial that has earned the title "RD", and: 1) has already earned the title RDX, and/or 2) is being handled by an exhibitor who has previously qualified a dog for an RDX title in a Road Trial. A dog may continue to compete in this class after it has earned the title RDX, but only if there are available time slots, as described in Chapter 1, Section 13.

SECTION 6. Road Dog A & B Classes; General Requirements.

Dogs entered in the Road Dog-A or Road Dog-B class shall be required to pass five Judged Exercises and complete a required distance of 12 1/2 miles within a time limit of three hours minus the time required for the Mid-Point Rest Period. The five Judged Exercises shall be Hock, Distraction, Long Sit or Down, Recall, and Speed, as described in Chapter 8.

The owner or any other person may handle each dog in these classes. A handler may handle up to three dogs on a team, using a horse or horse(s) and carriage/cart as described in Chapter 2, Section 8. It is the responsibility of each exhibitor to properly condition each dog to compete at this distance within this time frame.

SECTION 7. Road Dog Excellent A & B Classes; General Requirements.
Dogs entered in the Road Dog Excellent-A or Road Dog Excellent-B Class shall be required to pass five Judged Exercises and complete a required distance of 25 miles within a time limit of 6 hours minus the time required for the Rest Periods. The five Judged Exercises shall be the RDX Hock, Distraction, Long Sit or Down, Recall, and Speed, as described in Chapter 8.

The owner or any other person may handle each dog in these classes. A handler may handle up to three dogs on a team, using a horse or horse(s) and carriage/cart as described in Chapter 2, Section 8. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to properly condition each dog to compete at this distance within this time frame.

SECTION 8. Coaching Certificate Title.
The Dalmatian Club of America shall award the title "Coaching Certificate"(CC) to any dog that earns an overall "Pass" rating in a Coaching Certificate Test. Once earned, the letters “CC” may be used after the dog’s name in all DCA publications. A Certificate of Title shall be prepared by the Host or the DCA, and shall be issued by the DCA. The Coaching Certificate title does not qualify as one of the required “performance” titles used in awarding any DCA “versatility” title.

SECTION 9. Road Dog Title.
The Dalmatian Club of America shall award the title "Road Dog" (RD) to any dog that has been certified by the Judge(s) to have passed all of the requirements for this title. These requirements are: Completion of the Required Distance Within the Time Limit and a "Passing Score" (51-100) on each of the 5 Judged Exercises. Once earned, the letters "RD" may be used after the dog’s name in all DCA publications. A Certificate of Title shall be prepared by the Host or the DCA, and shall be issued by the DCA. This title may also be recorded by the American Kennel Club as a "Parent Club Title." It is the responsibility of the owner to notify the AKC of such title and arrange for the title to be recorded on the permanent AKC record.

SECTION 10. Road Dog Excellent Title.
The Dalmatian Club of America shall award the title "Road Dog Excellent" (RDX) to any dog that has been certified by the Judge(s) to have passed all of the requirements for this title. These requirements are: Completion of the Required Distance Within the Time Limit; and a "Passing Score" (51-100) on each of the 5 judged exercises. Once earned, the letters "RDX" may be used after the dog’s name in all DCA publications. A Certificate of Title shall be prepared by the Host or the DCA, and shall be issued by the DCA. This title may also be recorded by the American Kennel Club as a "Parent Club Title." It is the responsibility of the owner to notify the AKC of such title and arrange for the title to be recorded on the permanent AKC record.

SECTION 11. Road Dog Champion Title.
To earn the Road Dog Champion (RDCH), a dog must have earned the title Road Dog (RD). Once the dog has earned the title RD, the dog may be entered in the RD-B class to earn RDCH legs. After May, 2012, any qualifying score of 400 points or more earned in the RD-B class by an RD dog (see above) will count as an RDCH "leg" toward the Championship title. A dog must earn THREE (3) RDCH legs under at least TWO (2) different judges to earn the DCA title "Road Dog Champion".

SECTION 12. Road Dog Excellent Champion Title.
To earn the Road Dog Excellent Champion (RDXCH), a dog must have earned the title Road Dog Excellent (RDX). Once the dog has earned the title RDX, the dog may be entered in the RDX-B class to earn RDXCH "legs." After May, 2012, any qualifying score of 400 points or more earned in the RDX-B class by an RDX dog (see above) will count as an RDXCH leg toward the title. A dog must earn THREE (3) RDXCH legs under at least TWO (2) different judges to earn the DCA title "Road Dog Excellent Champion."

SECTION 13. Non-Regular Classes.
The Host Club may hold non-regular classes at their discretion. Such classes should be listed in the premium list for the Trial. No titles will be awarded for non-regular classes. The Host may offer prizes, ribbons, and awards for these classes at their discretion. At the discretion of the Host Club, non-Dalmatians may be entered in non-regular classes.

CHAPTER 8 - Exercises, Tests, and Scoring.

SECTION 1. Coaching Certificate Test: Exercises and Pass/Fail Ratings.
To earn the Coaching Certificate title, a dog must earn a “Pass” rating in all exercises. These exercises are Hock, Distraction, Long Sit or Down, Recall, and Change of Pace, as described in Chapter 8. The exercises shall be performed on the same course as the RD and RDX classes, and shall be conducted in the same manner as the exercises for the RD classes, except that they shall receive no score, and shall be Pass/Fail. Any dog that qualifies in the RD or RDX exercises that is unable to complete the course, or whose handler is unable to complete the course for any reason, shall be considered as qualifying in the CC test.

SECTION 2. Road Dog and Road Dog Excellent Exercises and Scores.
The exercises and tests for the Road Dog Classes and Road Dog Excellent Classes are as follows:

EXERCISE OR TEST QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS
2. Hock (RD or RDX) Pass (51-100)/Fail (0-50)
3. Distraction Pass (51-100)/Fail (0-50)
4. Long Sit or Down Pass (51-100)/Fail (0-50)
5. Recall Pass (51-100)/Fail (0-50)
6. Speed Pass (51-100)/Fail (0-50)
9. Completion of the Required Distance (12.5 or 25 miles) Within the Time Limit Pass/FailÂ…No Points
Qualifying Score 255-600 points + 6 Pass Ratings

At the discretion of the Mounted Judge, the Hock, Distraction, Recall, and Long Sit or Down exercises may be judged in any order. The Speed exercise shall be judged last.

SECTION 3. Hock Exercise: CC Test and RD Classes.
The principal feature of this exercise is to test the ability of the dog to stay close to the horse and handler when required. "Hock Position" is defined in Chapter 2, Section 6. The Hock Exercise for the CC Test and RD Classes shall be for 200 yards, in as straight a line as is practicable, if the terrain permits. The 200-yard required distance shall be marked as described in Chapter 3, Section 4. These markers shall serve as a general guide, and the Mounted Judge's orders shall in all cases take precedence over the location of the course markers.

Orders for the exercise are, "This will be the Hock Exercise, are you ready?" "Call your dog to hock", "Trot your horse", and "Exercise Finished". The Judge shall standardize as much as practical the place on the course that each dog is required to "Hock". When the Mounted Judge announces the exercise and asks if the handler is ready, the judge and handler shall be moving forward. When the handler replies, "Ready," or "Yes," the judge will proceed with the orders. On the Judge's order the handler shall call each dog in and then give each dog a single command to fall into the hock position, where the dog(s) shall remain while continuing forward. Once in hock position, the team may begin a brisk trot or gait with the horse, handler, and Mounted Judge. The handler may praise his dogs as the team continues forward, and may give additional commands, if necessary, recognizing that the dog(s) will be scored accordingly. The dog(s) shall remain in Hock position, as described in Chapter 2, Section 6, without swinging wide, lagging, forging, or coming so close to the horse or carriage as to interfere with forward motion. The team shall continue forward at a trot for approximately 200 yards. At the approximate completion of the required distance, the Judge shall command "Exercise Finished". At the completion of the Exercise, the Judge will inform the Handler as to whether each dog has Passed or Failed this Exercise.

The Mounted Judge shall remain at least twenty feet away from any dog.

SECTION 3B. Hock Exercise: RDX Classes.
The RDX Hock Exercise shall be conducted in the same manner as the Hock Exercise for the CC Test and the RD Classes, except for the pattern required for the completion of the 200-yard distance. For the RDX HOCK exercise, the exercise shall consist of a figure 8 for a total distance of 200 yards, when practicable, or a 200-yard distance with at least two turns. The RDX HOCK exercise shall be marked and flagged at the start, turns, and Finish, at the discretion of the Host, as described in Chapter 3, Section 4. These markers shall serve as a general guide, and the Mounted Judge's orders shall in all cases take precedence over the location of the trail markers. At the completion of the Exercise, the Judge will inform the Handler as to whether each dog has Passed or Failed this Exercise.

SECTION 4. Hock Exercise, Scoring.

If a dog is unmanageable, or refuses to hock, the dog must be scored zero on this exercise.

Substantial deductions shall be made for excessively loud or gruff commands or signals to Hock, or if a handler adapts his horse's pace to that of the dog. Substantial or minor deductions shall be made for such things as lagging, forging, interfering with the horse or carriage/cart's forward movement, and/or going wide, or excessive barking. Substantial deductions shall be made for a dog that goes ahead of the horse during this exercise, but who drops back into Hock position on command. Minor deductions may be made for repeated commands or praise during the Hock Exercise.

SECTION 5. Distraction Exercise for the CC, RD, or RDX.
The principal feature of this exercise is to demonstrate a dog's ability to remain under the handler’s voice control in the event of a distraction.

Orders are, "This will be the Distraction Exercise, are you ready?" "Continue forward," and "Exercise Finished." The Distraction Exercise may be judged at a trot, at the handler’s discretion.

On signal from the Judge, a hiker with a dog on a leash shall start walking toward the approaching handler, but while remaining on the handler's right side, at least fifteen feet away, while passing. The handler shall continue forward with his dog(s) in Hock position from the previous Exercise, and shall be allowed to command each dog to "Hock" when he has noticed the approaching distraction. When the handler and his dog(s) have gone past the hiker approximately twenty yards, the Judge shall indicate that the Exercise is finished, and the handler may release his dog(s). At the completion of the Exercise, the Judge will inform the Handler as to whether each dog has Passed or Failed this Exercise.

The hiker and the Distraction dog shall remain on the down-course side of the exhibiting team until after the Mounted Judge has completed judging the remaining exercise(s) and has started back toward the Course Start.

SECTION 6. Distraction Exercise, Scoring.
A dog must receive a score of zero if it attacks the on-coming hiker or dog, or if it disregards its handler's command to hock.

Substantial or minor deductions shall be made if a dog barks repeatedly at the distraction (a single warning bark shall not be penalized), if it starts to approach the distraction but comes back to Hock on command, if it displays shyness, or if it moves out of Hock Position. Minor deductions may be made for repeated commands or praise during the Distraction Exercise.

SECTION 7. Long Sit or Down Exercise for the CC, RD, or RDX.
The principal feature of this exercise shall be to demonstrate a Dalmatian's ability to "sit" or "down" on command and to wait under his handler's control until released.

Orders are, "This will be the Long Sit or Down Exercise, are you ready?" "Call your dog(s)," "Sit or Down your dog(s)," "Command your dog(s) to Stay," and "Exercise Finished."

If more than one dog is judged at the same time for this Exercise, the handler may give a separate command to each dog. The handler may choose to remain mounted or seated in the carriage/cart, may choose to have a steward hold the horse(s)' head(s) before the exercise begins and during the exercise, or may choose to dismount or disembark after the "Stay" command has been given and hold the horse(s)' head(s) throughout the remainder of the exercise. If the handler remains mounted/seated, he may choose to move his horse(s) away from the dog(s) after the "Stay" command is given, as long as he does not interfere with the Judge's line of vision.

On order from the Judge, the handler shall call his dog(s), command each dog to Sit or Down, and command each dog to Stay. It shall be the handler's choice whether to command each dog to Sit, or to Down, and different dogs on the same team may be given different commands. After placing his dogs in a Sit or Down, the handler shall assure that his horse does not come so close to the dogs as to threaten their safety, while waiting for a period of one minute. The Mounted Judge and any exhibitor's escort must remain at least twenty feet away from the dog(s). Neither the Exhibitor nor his escort shall move in any position that might interfere with the Mounted Judge's line of vision during this Exercise.

If a dog gets up and starts to roam, or if a dog moves so as to interfere with another dog, the Judge shall promptly instruct one of the stewards to place the dog on a leash and take the dog aside and away from the other dogs on the team until the exercise is finished.

After one minute from the time the handler has given the "Stay" command, the Judge shall say, "Exercise Finished." The dog(s) should not move from the Sit or Down position until the handler has released them after the judge has said, "Exercise Finished." At the completion of the Exercise, the Judge will inform the Handler as to whether each dog has Passed or Failed this Exercise.

SECTION 8. Long Sit or Down Exercise, Scoring.
During this exercise, the Judge's horse shall stand in such position that all the dogs are in his line of vision, and where he can see the handler without having to turn around.

Scoring of this exercise shall begin as soon as the exhibitor responds "Yes," or "Ready," to the Judge's question of "Are you ready?" Timing of the exercise shall begin after all dogs on the team have responded to the handler's command to Sit or Down, and as soon as the handler has given the command to "Stay". A handler whose dog assumes a position in such a manner that it could interfere with an adjacent dog, or be too close to a horse for safety, shall be required to reposition his dog.

A score of zero is required for the following: a dog's refusing to Sit or Down, moving at any time during the Exercise a substantial distance away from the place where it was left, or going over to any other dog.

A substantial or minor deduction shall be made for a dog that moves even a minor distance away from the place where it was left; for barking or whining during the exercise; for resisting its handler's command to Sit or Down; for not remaining in the position that was commanded (sits up from a down, lies down from a sit, or stands), or for overly loud or gruff commands by the handler to Sit, Down, and/or Stay. A minor deduction may be made for commands or praise repeated during this exercise.

SECTION 9. Recall Exercise for the CC, RD, or RDX.
The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog responds promptly to the handler’s command to "Come". The horse and exhibitor will be moving forward during this exercise.

Orders are, "This will be the Recall Exercise, are you ready?" "Call your dog," and, "Exercise Finished." When the dog has run naturally to the front, or has dropped back a good distance behind the exhibitor's horse(s), on order from the Mounted Judge, the handler will give a command for each dog to come while his horse is still moving forward at a walk. If a dog will not leave when released by the handler for the recall, the judge will direct the handler to put the dog(s) on a stay, and ride/drive away from the dog(s). The judge will then continue with the orders as described. Each dog must come straight in at a brisk trot or gallop to the front of the horse or to the handler's left or right side or immediately behind the horse/cart. On the Judge’s order of "Exercise finished," the handler may again release his dog(s). At the completion of the Exercise, the Judge will inform the Handler as to whether each dog has Passed or Failed this Exercise.

The Mounted Judge shall remain at least twenty feet away from the Exhibitor's horse(s).

SECTION 10. Recall Exercise, Scoring.
A dog must be scored zero for failure to come when called.

Substantial deductions shall be made for a slow response to the Come, varying with the extent of the slowness, and for a dog that comes partially in and then runs away once again before being released by his handler.

Minor to substantial deductions shall be made for dogs whose handlers repeat the command to come, or who continue talking to the dog as he comes.

SECTION 11. Speed Exercise for the RD or RDX..
The principal feature of this exercise shall be to demonstrate a Dalmatian’s ability to exhibit a fair amount of speed, as described in the AKC Standard for the breed, sufficient to keep pace with a galloping horse. One such demonstration shall be sufficient.

Orders are, "This will be the Speed Exercise, are you ready?" "Call your dog(s)," "Extend your gait," and "Exercise Finished" (which may be indicated by trail markers).

The total distance of the Speed Exercise shall be one hundred yards. The start and finish of the 100 yards shall be marked by brightly colored course markers. At the judge's discretion, the judge may indicate the start of the exercise by verbal command or by the course "start" markers. Judging of the exercise will begin as the team moves forward on order from the judge or when the team has moved forward past the start markers. On order from the judge or at the start markers, the handler shall call their dog(s) close to his horse or carriage/cart and increase their speed to a hand gallop, allowing their dog(s) to run in any position they choose. The handler may choose to canter first and then increase to a hand gallop within the indicated 100 yard distance. When the handler has passed the "end markers" indicating the completion of this exercise, the handler shall reduce their speed. Judging of the exercise shall be finished when the team has passed the end markers. After completion of the Speed Exercise, the exhibitor shall look back to obtain a go-ahead signal from the Judge. The team may be re-judged if the Judge deems that the horse’s speed was insufficient to determine the dog's speed. At the completion of the Exercise, the Judge will inform the handler as to whether each dog has Passed or Failed this Exercise.

The Judge shall be situated in such a way as to not frighten the horse(s), preferably at a mid-way, elevated point. The Judge's steward(s) shall be instructed to remain quiet and still during this exercise.

SECTION 12. Speed Exercise, Scoring.
A dog shall be scored zero for not attempting to keep up with the horse(s) or carriage/cart, or if the handler/horse does not exhibit any increase in speed over a normal hacking pace.

Substantial or minor deductions shall be made for nipping at the horse(s) or carriage/cart; for falling increasingly behind the horse(s) or carriage/cart; for repeated barking; for an exhibitor who adjusts his horse's pace to that of the dogs; for insufficient speed; and/or if the team must be re-judged due to insufficient speed.

SECTION 13: Change of Pace Exercise for the CC test.
CC Change of Pace Exercise: The principal feature of this exercise shall be for the Dalmatians on the team to demonstrate a change of pace.

Orders are, "This will be the Change of Pace Exercise, are you ready?" "Call your dog(s)," "Extend your gait," and "Exercise Finished" (which may be indicated by trail markers).

On order from a steward acting on signal from the Judge, the handler shall call his dog(s) close to his horse(s) or carriage/cart. The total distance of the Change of Pace Exercise shall be one hundred yards. At the start of the measured distance and on order from the steward, the handler shall increase his speed sufficiently for the dog to show a change of pace, allowing his dog(s) to run in any position they choose. When the handler has passed the trail marker indicating the completion of this exercise, he shall reduce his speed. After completion of the Change of Pace Exercise, the exhibitor shall look back to obtain a go-ahead signal from the Judge. The team may be re-judged if the Judge does not deem that the horse's speed was sufficient to determine the dog(s) change of pace. At the completion of the Exercise, the Judge will inform the Handler as to whether each dog has Passed or Failed this Exercise.

The Judge shall be situated in such a way as to not frighten the horse(s), preferably at a mid-way, elevated point. The Judge's steward(s) shall be instructed to remain quiet and still during this exercise.

SECTION 14: CC Change of Pace Exercise, Scoring.
A dog shall be scored zero for not attempting to keep up with the horse(s) or carriage/cart, or if the handler/horse does not exhibit any increase in speed. Substantial or minor deductions shall be made for nipping at the horse(s) or carriage/cart; for failing increasingly behind the horse(s) or carriage/cart; for repeated barking; or for an exhibitor who adjusts his horse's pace to that of the dogs.

END

PLEASE NOTE: These Regulations were originally developed by the Dalmatian Club of America Road Trial Committee (Charles Cyopik, Linda Fulks, Meg Ipsas Hennessey, Beth White, and Linda Myers, Chair), with help from many Dalmatian fanciers, in 1988. They were updated in 1994, 2001, 2007; and 2012; and approved by the DCA Board of Directors.


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