1. sports
2. horses

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Howto start Eventing
Your complete guide to affiliated competition with British Eventing
www.britisheventing.com
Bespoke Hat Makers
BY APPOINTMENT TO
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
MANUFACTURERS OF HATS
From BE80 to 4Ž
– your Patey will be
with you all the way!
Receive a free hat bag
if you quote reference
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a new hat
Hand made, individually tailored
Tel: 01285 841250
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www.pateyhats.com
Official supplier
of Top Hats and
Hunt Caps to the
Senior British
Eventing &
Dressage Teams
1-15 How to start eventing:Layout 1
15/6/09
FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
FRONT COVER: ADAM FANTHORPE
Contents
14:16
Page 3
Welcome
What is eventing?
4
What to expect?
5
How do I become a member of BE?
6
How do I register my horse?
10
Age chart – rider
11
How do I enter?
12
What equipment do I need?
14
What can my horse
wear for each phase?
16
What can I wear for each phase?
17
Preparation for your first event
18
Training
20
The big day
22
The phases
23
Who’s who?
29
You’ve watched your idols
compete at Burghley and
Badminton and fallen in love
with the sport. Or perhaps
you’ve had a go at combined
training and hunter trials and
want to take the next step. This
booklet will tell you all you
need to know about getting
started in this exhilarating sport
Eventing is an adrenalin-pumping sport that
challenges you with every phase. You will need
to work in harmony with your horse to achieve
the control and grace needed for the Dressage test
you will need to master precision and power for
Show Jumping, and finally pace and courage for
the Cross Country.
With more than 190 affiliated events run every
year throughout Britain from March to October,
catering for all levels and abilities, you are sure to
find an event right for you. As the governing body
for the sport of Eventing in Great Britain, we can
guarantee the highest-quality competitions at some
of the most breathtaking venues in the country.
British Eventing members also benefit from the
very best standards of courses, venues, medical,
veterinary and insurance cover.
This guide gives you all the essential Eventing
info you need, including which dressage tests you
will need to learn, things you need to practice
beforehand and technical information on the
different classes. It also explains how to register
with us at British Eventing and how to enter your
first competition, along with a checklist of all the
equipment you will need. It also gives a few hints
and tips as to what to expect on the day, guidance
on how to prepare and warm-up for each phase,
as well as what you need to wear.
So what are you waiting for? Join us now to
experience the most thrilling of all the equestrian
sports. If you have any questions after reading this
booklet, please call our Customer Service Team
at British Eventing on 0845 262 3344 who will be
happy to help, or email us at
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Eventing is the equestrian equivalent of a triathlon. A breathtaking
sport which combines the three disciplines of Dressage, Show Jumping
and Cross Country. British Eventing classes range from BE80(T)
(an ideal introduction to the sport as you are helped by a BE
Accredited Coach), through to BE90, BE100, BE100 Plus, Novice,
Intermediate and Advanced level. BE90, for example, means that
90cms is the maximum height of the cross country fences, so choosing
a class is easy.
For further details on individual classes, have a look at the British
Eventing Rule Book, available from the downloads area of the BE
website: www.britisheventing.com
BE also offers competitors a number of Open classes, allowing
horses with points to compete at any level, which is especially useful
if you are wanting to try Eventing with an experienced horse, or if you
are at the start of the season and want to ease yourself and your horse
back into competition.
ADAM FANTHORPE
What is eventing?
Grading of horses
To ensure fair competition, horses are graded according to the number
of British Eventing points won (if any) and are eligible for different
classes depending on these points. Points are not awarded at BE80,
BE90 or BE100 level. Grade 4
Grade 3
Grade 2
Grade 1
4 www.britisheventing.com
GRAEME ROWE
No points
1 – 20 points
21 – 60 points
61+ points
DAVID BURTON
BE80(T) and BE90 classes
Your first event is likely to be a BE80(T) or BE90 competition. If you
are riding an experienced horse with BE points you will still be able to
compete in a BE90 Open class, but will have to run non-competitively
(HC) in BE80(T) classes.
BE80(T) classes are an educational step for young and
inexperienced riders and horses, and offer a stepping-stone to BE90,
BE100 and beyond.
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What to expect?
Phases
Dressage
• In a 20m x 40m or
20m x 60m arena
(mostly grass)
• Similar in standard
to British Dressage
Prelim & Novice
• Results shown as
penalty points
Show Jumping
• Inviting, flowing
courses with plenty
of room, with a
double combination.
Cross Country
• Courses may include
uphill and downhill
fences, small drops,
banks, ditches, water,
spreads & ascending
fences.
• Some combinations
will have less
demanding
alternatives.
BE80(T)
BE90
BE100
British Eventing
dressage tests 91& 92
(2009)
British Eventing
dressage tests 91, 92,
93 & 94 (2009)
British Eventing
dressage tests 101, 102
& 103 (2009)
• 7-12 numbered
obstacles
• Two obstacles at
a maximum height
of 0.85m, the rest
at 0.80m
• 325mpm
• 8-12 numbered
obstacles
• Two obstacles at a
maximum height of
0.95m, the rest at
0.90m
• 325mpm
• 8-12 numbered
obstacles
• Two obstacles at
a maximum height
of 1.05m, the rest
at 1.00m
• 325mpm
• 18-22 jumping efforts
• 1600-2800m course
• 435mpm speed
• Max Height 0.80m
• Max spread (top)
0.90m
• Max spread (base)
1.25m
• Open to Grade 4
horses and ponies
only, Day Ticket
horses and ponies
without points
• There is no obligation
to move out of BE80
• No points will
be awarded
• 18-25 jumping efforts
• 1600-2800m course
• 450mpm speed
• Max Height 0.90m
• Max spread (top)
1.00m
• Max spread (base)
1.50m
• Open to Grade 4
horses and ponies
only, Day Ticket
horses and ponies
without points
• There is no obligation
to move out of BE90
• No points will
be awarded
• 18-25 jumping efforts
• 1600-2800m course
• 475mpm speed
• Max height 1.00m
• Max spread (top)
1.10m
• Max spread (base)
1.80m
• Open to Grade 4
horses and ponies
without points that
are either registered
or have Day Tickets
• There is no obligation
to move out of BE100
• No points will
be awarded
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Day Tickets
Day Tickets enable you to
compete and effectively give you
membership for a single day.
You can purchase them when
you make an entry to the event
of your choice and are a great
introduction to our incredible
sport without buying a full
6 www.britisheventing.com
membership straight away.
With a Day Ticket, you can
compete at any BE One Day
Event in BE80(T), BE90,
BE100, BE100 Plus, Novice or
Intermediate Novice classes
(including Open classes).
Day Tickets are purchased
separately for both rider and
horse and although you can
purchase as many Day Tickets
as you like for a horse, you are
limited to only four each year for
the rider. You’ll be pleased to hear
though that the first four tickets
a rider buys are discounted as
a welcome to the sport from BE.
For peace of mind, Day Tickets
for both horse and rider include
public liability and personal
accident insurance for the period
of the event (check website for
details), so you don’t need to
arrange that cover separately.
As soon as you purchase your
first Day Ticket, you will be sent
a BE Rule Book which carries
all the dressage test information
you will need, as well as all the
current rules and regulations
for the class you are entering.
The Rule Book can also be
downloaded from our website
for your convenience.
It’s also a good idea to purchase
British Eventing Magazine, as this
bi-monthly magazine carries all
the schedule information you will
need for the forthcoming season
It also offers must-have news,
interviews with top riders,
columnists and training features
to help you improve your riding
and give you that competitive
edge.
DAVID BURTON
Before you can compete at a
BE event you will need to register
your details and those of the
horse you wish to ride. The
process is quick and easy and
can be done completely free of
charge via the BE Website at
www.britisheventing.com/register
During the registration
process you will be asked to
choose a username and password
which will give you access to the
restricted area of the BE website
where, among other things, you
can register your horse. You will
also receive a unique Lifetime
Registration Number.
If you’d rather not use our
online service, don’t worry, just
give us a call and we can send out
a paper registration form for you
to complete and return in the
post. Call our Customer Service
Team on 0845 262 3344 and
they’ll be more than happy to
help you in any way they can.
Once we have all of your
details most of the admin is
finished. In order to start
competing you have two
options, you can either
choose between a Day Ticket
or a Full Membership.
KATE EASTMAN
How do I become
a member of BE?
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Page 7
FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
❞
1-15 How to start eventing:Layout 1
WITH YOUR
MEMBERSHIP
YOU HAVE THE
CHOICE OF MORE
THAN 190 EVENTS
AT PICTURESQUE
VENUES ALL
OVER BRITAIN
❞
www.britisheventing.com 7
➝
❞
DAVID BURTON
1-15 How to start eventing:Layout 1
AS A FULL
MEMBER, YOU
WILL ENJOY
AN EXTENSIVE
RANGE OF
BENEFITS,
UNLIMITED
COMPETITION
OPPORTUNITIES
AND
PREFERENTIAL
ENTRIES
❞
8 www.britisheventing.com
15/6/09
14:18
Page 8
Full Membership
If you have registered your details
and decide that Day Tickets are
not for you, then you can join
as a Full Member. This will
immediately give you access
to an extensive range of benefits,
unlimited competition
opportunities and preference
over Day Ticket entries into
events.
As a full British Eventing
member you will receive:
• Opportunity to compete in
affiliated BE events - choice
of more than 190 events at
picturesque venues all over
Britain, with guaranteed quality
and safety standards
• British Eventing Magazine
– your glossy, exclusive bimonthly magazine packed
with all the must-have
Eventing information and
event schedules
• Member’s Car Pass to events
(excl 2* or higher 3DE)
– offering members free days
out to watch top-quality
Eventing action
• Rule Book - an invaluable
guide crammed with essential
information, all Eventing
dressage tests and
vital contact details
• Public Liability Insurance
– up to £20m cover for
non-professional members
• Personal Accident Insurance –
instant cover for all members
up to £10,000
• Free legal helpline – an
invaluable first port of
call to check your rights
• Information hotline – dial
in before heading off to a
competition to check for
any last-minute changes
• Members’ Affinity Discounts
– save up to 50% on top
attractions, hotels, magazine
subscriptions and much more.
• BE website - full of all the latest
news, members’ area, event
listings. Have your say on
our online forum or ask BE
a question!
• Access to BE Accredited
Coaches – tap into our coaches’
vast expertise
• Annual Meeting and
voting rights
• Member’s pin badge – show
you belong to British Eventing
• Dedicated office support - our
customer service team is here
to ensure you get the most out
of your membership
• Special offers and promotions
– why not try show jumping
with the BSJA or our British
Dressage Eventers’ membership
at our special winter rate
• Off-season perks – your British
Eventing membership is not
just for the season, so try out
our Jumping and Style (JAS)
or Jump Training classes over
the winter months
Purchasing a full membership
couldn’t be easier; you can do it
very quickly by logging on to
our website with your own
personal username and
password that was given to you
when you first registered your
details. We’ll even give you a
discount for doing it online,
though of course we will send
you a registration form in the
post if you prefer. Our Customer
Service Team is here to help with
the whole process and answer
any questions you have on 0845
262 3344.
As a full member, you can
compete on a horse either by
purchasing a Day Ticket or
Season Ticket for it. Both of
these options are described in
more detail overleaf. Racesafe:Layout 1
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Email: sales@hows-racesafe.co.uk
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As with riders, details of all horses
that compete must be registered
with us first. The quickest and
easiest way to complete a free
Lifetime Equine Registration is
to visit our website at
www.britisheventing.com/register
where this can be done instantly.
Before a horse can compete we
need to see a copy of its name
page and breeding details from
its passport, which you can send
into the office after you’ve
registered it online.
If you haven’t got access to a
computer, we also have paper
registration forms that we can
send out for you to complete
and return. Call our Customer
Service Team on 0845 262 3344
and they’ll be more than happy
to help.
Once you’ve completed the
registration process you will
receive a Lifetime Equine
Registration number which can
be used when you make entries
into any of the BE affiliated
events. As with riders, to compete
you can choose to purchase either
Day Tickets or a Season Ticket.
Day Tickets
Day Tickets enable your horse to
compete for a single day. They
are purchased when you make an
entry to the event of your choice
and are a great way for you to
have a go at our sport or to try
out a horse that may be new to
Eventing. With a Day Ticket,
your horse can compete at any BE
One Day Event in BE80(T), BE90,
10 www.britisheventing.com
DAVID BURTON
How do I register my horse?
BE100, BE100 Plus or Novice
classes (including Open classes).
There are no limits to the
amount of Day Tickets you
can purchase for your horse
in any season.
Season Ticket
Once you have registered your
horse’s details, you can choose
to purchase a Season Ticket.
Immediately giving you access
to a range of benefits, unlimited
competition opportunities and
preferential entries.
When you purchase a Season
Ticket online you will be notified
of your Ballot Numbers for your
horse. One of these can be used
during each of the Ballot Periods
(as shown in the Event Schedule)
to enable you to have entry
priority at one event of your
choice during that period (see
Entry Procedure for more detail).
You will receive two Super Ballot
Numbers which you can use to
give you extra priority.
Alternatively, you may purchase
a Half-Season Ticket which is
valid from July 1st to the end
of the current year.
Vaccination
Registered horses must have a
valid flu vaccination certificate.
It is your responsibility as the
owner or rider to ensure that
the horse’s vaccinations are upto-date and correctly recorded
on its diagrammatic vaccination
record.
Spot checks are regularly
carried out at events throughout
the season. The horse must
have received two injections
for primary vaccination against
equine influenza given no less
than 21 days and no more than
92 days apart. Only these first
two injections need to have been
given before a horse can compete.
In addition, a first booster
injection must be given no
less than 150 days and no more
than 215 days after the second
injection of the primary
vaccination. Subsequently,
booster injections must be
given at intervals of not
more than one year apart.
None of these injections
must have been given within
the preceding seven days of
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Age chart – rider
Applicable national qualification rules
17th and above
Adult BE Rules
16th (on a horse or pony)
Can start at Novice, however you must complete a Pony Trial (PT), Junior
Novice (JN), Junior Open Novice (JON) or Junior Regional Novice (JRN)
clear Cross Country with no more than 12 SJ penalties as a combination
before being allowed to compete in adult Novice competitions.
To compete at Intermediate, you must achieve 5 clear Cross Country
rounds at Novice level as a combination and must complete an OIU21
with no more than 20 XC penalties before being eligible to compete in
further Intermediate Classes.
14th – 15th (on a horse
or pony)
Can start at BE100, however, you must complete 3 x BE100 clear Cross
Country rounds as a combination with no more than 12 SJ penalties in
each before registering with your Area Junior Regional Co-ordinator to
enter Novice classes. Then, as above.
12th – 13th (on a horse
than or pony)
2 x BE90 clear Cross Country rounds as a combination with no more
12 SJ penalties in each before competing at BE100. Then, as above.
KATE EASTMAN
DAVID BURTON
DAVID BURTON
Birthday year
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How do I enter?
Entry procedure for One
Day Events
Have a look in your British
Eventing Magazine or on the BE
website to decide which events
you are going to enter. Then
complete a paper or online entry
form, depending on which
method that particular event
uses. It is vital you enter all your
details correctly as you may
jeopardise your chances of
getting in if the event has to
ballot. Make sure you read all
sections of the Schedule
carefully. Most events take
online entries and there are
currently two online entry
systems which Entries
Secretaries use; either our own
system www.britisheventing.com
or www.bdwp.co.uk
Each event will state which
system it is using. If they only
take postal entries, send your
entry with a self seal stamped
addressed envelope and cheque
to the Entries Secretary’s
12 www.britisheventing.com
address, not the Organiser,
or as detailed in the Schedule.
Remember to send in your entry
well before the Ballot Date and
remember that oversubscribed
events will ballot on that date,
which is well before the closing
date for entries.
After the close of entries, you
will receive an email (or letter
in the case of postal entries)
with confirmation of your entry,
number and section. Check that
these details are correct, note
any special information and
keep it in a safe place, as you
will need your number when
you either check online or
phone for your start times.
Withdrawing
Once you have entered you are
expected to compete unless you
need to withdraw for some
reason. If you withdraw before
ballot date you will receive a full
refund after ballot date, as stated
in the schedule. Also check out
the Withdrawals Rule in the BE
Rule Book.
Balloting
A number of Events are
extremely popular and need
to ballot because they are oversubscribed, so it is wise to have
an alternative event planned.
Full Members
If there is a particular event
where you wish to compete, use
your Ballot Number for that
particular ballot period (use the
ballot sticker if postal). This will
give you priority over those who
❞
Up-to-date event schedules
are published online at
www.britisheventing.com plus
a full season’s worth of schedules
are published in the back of
British Eventing Magazine, which
is printed six times a year.
Remember to apply for Full
Membership or a complete your
Lifetime Registration well in
advance. Entries usually open
about six weeks before the date
of the event. Try to plan about
two months in advance!
HAVE A LOOK
IN YOUR BE
MAGAZINE OR
THE WEBSITE TO
DECIDE WHICH
EVENTS YOU
ARE GOING TO
ENTER. THEN
COMPLETE AN
ENTRY FORM
OR ENTER
ONLINE
❞
have not used one. Make sure
that your entry arrives well
before the ballot date. Your
chances of getting an entry
will be optimised if you are as
flexible as possible, for example,
if you are able to do your
Dressage the day before.
Day Ticket
Entries will have no priority in
the event of a ballot. However
full BE members with Day
Ticket horses will take precedence
over non-members. If you are
balloted out or have to withdraw,
your entry will be refunded.
Some events ballot every year
and Day Ticket holders are
advised to be prepared with
a substitute Event.
14:20
Page 13
Wait lists
Some over-subscribed events
may set up a wait list, details
of which you will find in the
Event’s Schedule.
Overnight stabling
If you are travelling some
distance to compete or you are
one of the first competitors to
go in your section, you may find
it easier for you and your horse
to stay overnight at the Event.
Book this with your entry on the
stabling form provided, and you
will receive confirmation and
details of where this has been
arranged. It is recommended
that you confirm your arrival
time with the stable owner.
DAVID BURTON
15/6/09
KATE EASTMAN
1-15 How to start eventing:Layout 1
The BE Telephone Hotline
09062 774417 and website,
www.britisheventing.com, will
give up-to-date information on
cancellations, events that can
accept more entries, and any
changes to schedules. www.britisheventing.com 13
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What equipment
doI need?
Check list:
Horse
Rider
General
Bridle/s
Hats
Water container (full)
Saddle/s
Stock/tie & pin
Buckets
Girth/s
Shirt
Sponges
Studs
Breeches or jodhpurs
Feed
Stud tap
Boots
Hay/haylage and haynets
Irons and leathers
Spurs – not compulsory
Skip and tools
Numnahs
X-C colours
First aid kit – human
Breastplate/girth
Jacket
First aid kit - horse
Martingale
Number bib
Plaiting kit
Headcollar & rope (+ spare)
Medical card and armband
Food and drink
Over-reach boots
Gloves
Rule Book
Boots (show jumping
& cross country)
Level 3 body protector
BE Magazine
Grooming kit
Stopwatch (not BE80, BE90,
BE100, BE100 Plus, N)
Map
Cooler rug
Course walking footwear
and spare clothes
Wet weather gear
and/or sun cream!
Travelling rugs, boots, tail guard
Whip
Confirmation letter
Night rugs (if staying away)
Start fee(s)
Vaccination certificate
Passport (under DEFRA rules
it is illegal to transport horses
without a valid passport)
Regularly check all equipment and tack and ensure it is all safe, in good condition and correctly fitted
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14:21
Page 15
ALL PHOTOS: DAVID BURTON
15/6/09
❞
1-15 How to start eventing:Layout 1
UP-TO-DATE
EVENT SCHEDULES
ARE PUBLISHED
ONLINE AT WWW.BRITISH
EVENTING.COM PLUS A
FULL SEASON’S WORTH
OF SCHEDULES ARE
PUBLISHED IN THE
BACK OF BRITISH
EVENTING MAGAZINE
❞
www.britisheventing.com 15
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What can my horse
wear for each phase?
BE80 (T). BE90. BE100,
BE100 Plus & Novice Classes
Riding in
exercise
areas
Lungeing
Dressage
Show
Jumping
& Cross
Country
Bit guard and tongue guard
✓
✓
✗
✓
Nose net
✓
✓
✗*
✓
Sheepskin (3cm max width) or any
other attachment which may affect
the horse’s vision
✓
✓
✗
✓
Ear covers
✓
✓
✗
✓
Fly fringe
✓
✓
✗***
✗***
Snaffle bridle /Miklem multi-bridle
✓
✓
✓
✓
Double bridle
✓
✓
✗****
✓
Running and Irish martingale
✓
✓
✗
✓
Side, running reins and chambons
✗
✓
✗
✗
Neck strap
✓
✓
BE80, BE90,
BE100 only
✓
Seat covers
✓
✓
✗
✓
Spurs
✓
✓
✓
✓
Boots, bandages
✓
✓
✗
✓
Equiboots / Hoofboots
✓
✓
✗
✗
English style Saddle
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Flash, crossed (incl. Grackle/Mexican) or
dropped noseband only with snaffle
✓
✓
✓
✓
Cavesson noseband
✓**
✓**
✓**
✓**
Breast plate
✓
✓
✓
✓
Blinkers
✗
✗
✗
✗
Tongue Strap and/or tying down
the horse’s tongue
✗
✗
✗
✗
Draw Reins
✗
✗
✗
✗
Standing Martingale
✗
✗
✗
✗
Any other form of martingale or gadget
✗
✗
✗
✗
Notes
* unless with the written permission of the
Sport Manager
** compulsory with double bridle
*** only permitted if specifically authorised
for all competitors in exceptional climatic
conditions by the BE Steward
**** Double bridles are only permitted
at Intermediate Novice and above for
Dressage
16 www.britisheventing.com
In addition to the above, the following
Rules apply to Show Jumping and Cross
Country only:
rings of a running martingale; any stirrup or
stirrup leather that does not hang outside
the flap of the saddle; Market Harborough.
a. Permitted: Reins may be attached to
leather ‘D’ rings; pelhams and American or
continental gags; gags and bitless bridles;
sheepskin cheek pieces not exceeding
3cm in diameter measured from the
horse’s face.
c. Any item of saddlery not specifically
permitted by these Rules or those of British
Dressage is not permitted.
b. Not Permitted: Indirect attachment of
reins to bits, hackamore or any form of
bitless bridle; curb rein passing through the
If you are unsure about the use of any bit,
check the current BE Rule Book or call the
Sport Team on 0845 262 3344.
Bits for dressage
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Page 17
What can I wear
for each phase?
Dressage
(BE80(T), BE90, BE100,
BE100 Plus, Novice)
• Protective headwear, dark blue or black
in colour
• Black or dark blue coat with white
stock or tweed coat with coloured stock
or collar and tie
• Gloves (of any colour)
• Buff/fawn breeches
• Plain black or brown boots, leather
gaiters with matching boots
(not half chaps)
• Uniform
Show jumping
• Protective headwear dark
blue or black in colour
• Black or dark blue coat
with white stock or tweed
coat with coloured stock
or collar and tie
• Gloves (of any colour)
• Buff/fawn breeches
• Plain black or brown
boots, leather gaiters with
matching boots (not half
chaps)
• Uniform
Cross country
• Protective headwear with
cover
• X-C Colours
• White, buff or fawn
breeches
• Plain black or brown
boots, leather gaiters with
matching boots (not
half chaps)
• Body protector
General
Protective headwear (hats)
Must be tagged by the Secretary on arrival.
A hat equivalent to one of the following standards is compulsory for Show Jumping and Cross Country
(including warm-up):
British All PAS 015, BSEN1384 (provided they are Kitemarked or SEI)
European EN1384 (provided they are Kitemarked or SEI)
American All SEI ASTM 95, ASTM F1163 and SNELL E2001
Australian & New Zealand All AS/NZS 3838 1998
Whips
No longer than 75cm in length
Jewellery
No facial jewellery should
be worn while riding
(at any stage)
Hair
In the interests of safety long
hair should be secured
appropriately
Spurs
Spurs are only compulsory in Advanced and all FEI 2*, 3* and 4* dressage tests.
Spurs capable of wounding a horse are forbidden. Excessive use of spurs is forbidden. Spurs must be of smooth
metal. If there is a shank it must not be more than 3.5 cm long, must point only towards the rear and the end of
a shank must be blunt. If the shank is curved, the spurs must be worn only with the shank directed downwards.
Metal or plastic spurs with round hard plastic or metal knobs are allowed (“Impuls” spur). “Dummy spurs” with
no shank are allowed. Spurs that have a smooth rotating rubber or plastic ball on the shank are permitted.
Rowels are not permitted, except as detailed in the exception below.
Exceptions - In the CIC/CCI1* dressage tests, spurs are not compulsory. Rowels spurs are allowed for the Dressage
Test and when practicing / warming up for dressage. Rowels are permitted provided they are fitted vertically and
free to rotate and must be round and smooth (no tines allowed). Only blunt spurs without rowels may be worn for
Young Horse Classes.
www.britisheventing.com 17
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Page 18
Preparation for
your first event
Dressage
Judges want to see horse and
rider working in harmony with
smooth changes between paces,
square halts, straight lines, round
circles (not square ones!) and
differences of pace clearly defined
and performed exactly as and
when specified. Ideally you will
have been to a few Dressage
18 www.britisheventing.com
Show jumping
As well as practising around
courses, use grid-work to keep
your horse supple with athletic
exercises and combination
jumping. If he performs
correctly, calmly and confidently
over small obstacles the larger
ones should not cause a
problem. Before going to your
first Event, it is advisable to
do several Show Jumping
competitions with your horse
at the height required so you
are both confident.
Cross country
Cross Country schooling, hunter
trials and fun rides are all useful
preparations and will also ensure
that your horse is happy with
travelling and used to loading
and unloading at different sites.
It is essential to have schooled
your horse over a variety of
Cross Country fences, including
ditches, water, drops and
steps before going to your
first Event.
FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
Basic fitness
A good fitness programme is
a vital part of your preparation,
both for yourself and your horse.
Your own fitness will have a
major bearing on how you both
cope – if you are out of puff half
way round the course you will be
a hindrance to your horse as well
as uncomfortable! When bringing
your horse into work remember
that the slow work (walking
exercise) is essential to condition
and harden tendons and muscles.
Fast work (canters) should not be
started until the horse is basically
fit and then should start slow and
gradually increase in time,
distance and speed, either with
a suitable interval training
programme as advised by your
trainer or through a steady
progression of work.
competitions or practised in a
20m x 40m arena before you get
to the Event. Remember that the
majority of Events run their
dressage tests on grass, so get
some practice in on a grass arena
if possible, as it will feel different
to a prepared surface. You may
also like to use studs in your
horse’s shoes for extra grip.
Make sure that you learn your
test well as you are not allowed
to have the test called.
FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
Fitness and schooling
The basic essential for all event
horses is obedience, both on
the flat and when jumping. The
event horse needs training in
all three phases and must be fit,
with adequate fast work to
condition its heart and lungs.
14:28
Page 19
FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
15/6/09
❞
A GOOD FITNESS
PROGRAMME IS A
VITAL PART OF YOUR
PREPARATION, BOTH
FOR YOURSELF AND
YOUR HORSE
❞
DAVID BURTON
16-31 How to start eventing:Layout 1
www.britisheventing.com 19
16-31 How to start eventing:Layout 1
Training
British Eventing has a
comprehensive list of BE
Accredited Coaches who have
been carefully selected to help
riders in the sport from BE80(T)
to Advanced. They have a wealth
of knowledge and expertise and
are recommended by BE. They
can help with anything from
planning your season, getting
horses fit, as well as specific
training in Dressage, Show
Jumping and Cross Country.
Many BE Accredited Coaches
hold horse and rider clinics
up and down the country.
To find out more or for a copy
of the BE Accredited Coach list,
please look under training on
the BE Website, the BE Rule
Book or contact the Sport Team
on 0845 262 3344. ❞
20 www.britisheventing.com
ALL PHOTOS: FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
❞
MANY BE
ACCREDITED
TRAINERS HOLD
HORSE AND
RIDER CLINICS
UP AND DOWN
THE COUNTRY
15/6/09
14:28
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Snobs:Layout 1
30/4/09
16:42
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The big day
On arrival
When you arrive at the event
report to the Secretary's
tent with:
• Horse's vaccination card
• Entry confirmation letter
• Hat – must be inspected at
your first event and tagged
Here you will collect your
number and programme, pay
your start fee (cash usually
preferred) and check your start
times. Some events may require
you to show your tagged hat and
body protector when collecting
your numbers.
Always tell the Secretary if
you are travelling alone, so they
know who to contact in case of
an accident. They will also ask
for your horse box/car and
trailer registration number
and colour.
30 minutes), so you will need to
know how to get from one to the
other, especially if the Dressage
is some way from the horse box
park, so organisation of your
tack, equipment and helper is
essential. Course walking can
also take longer than you think!
If you live locally, or have
travelled to the event the day
before, walk both the Cross
Country and Show Jumping
courses the day before and then
again on the day. Fence numbers
will be colour coded so you
don’t get confused which course
you are jumping; BE80(T) are
purple, BE90 are orange and
BE100 are pink. If possible,
take the programme with you
when you walk the Cross
Country course as a reference.
Walk the line between the
fences carefully and note the
number of each fence so that
you do not miss one out!
Make sure you can visualise
the route you are going to
take, remembering the terrain
and gateways as well as the
obstacles.
Water and hay/haylage
It is good practice to offer your
horse water throughout the day.
Hay should not be fed for at
least an hour before the Cross
Country and not until he has
stopped blowing and recovered
fully afterwards.
Walking the courses
Before you head out on course
check your bearings and the site
layout so you know where the
Dressage, Show Jumping and
Cross Country are located.
Many Events use horse walks
to prevent horses getting mixed
up with spectators. The times
between phases may well be
quite tight (they will be at least
22 www.britisheventing.com
ADAM FANTHORPE
Getting your times
Make sure you remember to look
online or ring for your time so
you can plan your day, allowing
plenty of time to get there, walk
the courses and warm up.
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Page 23
The phases
❞
CRAIG PAYNE
which rider you follow and how
many there are to go before you.
Remember to drop your whip
and remove your horse’s boots
and tail bandage well before you
are due to enter the arena, as a
last minute panic will not help
the submission and calmness
you have just worked hard to
achieve in the practice area!
IT IS OFTEN
HELPFUL TO
WATCH A
COUPLE OF
ROUNDS
BEFORE
ENTERING
ADAM FANTHORPE
❞
Dressage
Remember to allow sufficient
time to put studs in if necessary
before you get changed, tack up
and warm-up. When you get to
the warm-up area, report to your
Arena Steward and get your tack
checked. It is useful to find out
Show jumping
When you get to the warm-up
arena, find the Collecting Ring
Steward to give your number
and see how many there are to go
before you and who you follow.
Allow enough time to warm-up
but do not over-jump the practice
fences or hog them. It is often
helpful to watch a couple of
rounds before entering the arena
to remind yourself of the course.
Remember not to start before the
bell, but approach the start as
soon as it is rung as you only have
45 seconds to begin your round.
Remember to breathe, think
positive and enjoy yourself! If it
doesn’t go to plan, don’t worry –
there is always next time! Besides
that, you have the fun of the
Cross Country next.
Should you be unlucky
enough to be eliminated for
three refusals, two falls or
incurring more than 24 penalties,
you will not be allowed to go
Cross Country. However, if you
have been eliminated for any
other reason such as missing a
fence, you may go straight to
the Secretary's office, who will
➝
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19/6/09
15:15
Page 24
ADAM FANTHORPE
❞
GRAEME ROWE
ADAM FANTHORPE
16-31 How to start eventing:Layout 1
MAKE SURE
YOU CAN
VISUALISE THE
ROUTE YOU
ARE GOING
TO TAKE,
REMEMBERING
THE TERRAIN
AND GATEWAYS
AS WELL AS THE
OBSTACLES
❞
24 www.britisheventing.com
contact the BE Steward who may
grant permission for you to
continue the competition noncompetitively (HC). Time may
well be short and you should
make sure that while you are
away your team is getting your
horse ready for the Cross
Country. If you have a fall in the
Show Jumping you will not be
allowed to start the Cross
Country until passed fit by
the doctor, so again contact
the Secretary who will call
the doctor.
Please note that if you are
competing in Junior or Pony
classes and are eliminated in
the Show Jumping, for safety
reasons, you will not be allowed
to go Cross Country.
Cross country
Change into your cross country
colours, put on your body
protector and number bib and
crucially remember to put on
your medical armband, complete
with filled-in card. Before
starting the Cross Country you
should warm your horse up
quietly, without tiring him. Pop
over the practice fence a couple
of times in cross country style.
The start box
When you are called, go quietly
to the start box and wait for the
count-down to begin. The starter
will usually count you down
saying, ‘1 minute’, then ‘30
seconds’, then ‘15 seconds’ then
‘10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go’. If
your horse is quiet you may be
able to walk into the box at
around 15 seconds, where you
stand and face the first fence. If
your horse is fairly excited it may
be easier to walk around and
enter the box on 10 seconds and
slowly walk a circle. If you jump
the start you’ll incur a fivesecond penalty. Your time is
taken from when you cross
the start line following the
count-down.
DAVID BURTON
Held on the course
It may be necessary for a Fence
Judge to ask you to stop by
waving a red flag and telling you
to pull up because of a course
hold-up. Once stopped you
14:30
Page 25
should keep your horse warm
by walking him around. If the
hold is prolonged you can get
off, but ask the Official to give
you a couple of minutes
warning to warm-up again
before re-starting. Ask where
the stop time was taken.
When being re-started it is
important that you are cantering
when passing this timing point,
so allow enough room to get
going. The Official will record
the time you were held up for
and this is subtracted from
your total time.
Elimination
You will be eliminated for three
refusals at one fence or a fourth
cumulative refusal on the course.
If you are eliminated leave the
course quietly at a walk. There
is always next time.
Afterwards
On finishing the Cross Country,
pull your horse up gradually
and in a straight line if possible.
Reward him with your voice and
give him a pat. Dismount, cross
or run up your stirrups, loosen
girths and noseband and lead
him quietly back to the horsebox ➝
FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
Occasionally you may
encounter hazards on the course
such as people, dogs or children.
The Fence Judges try their best
to warn walkers of on-coming
horses, but if you do find
yourself with people in the way,
politely ask them to stand aside
or stand still so that you can go
round them.
15/6/09
❞
16-31 How to start eventing:Layout 1
BEFORE
STARTING
THE CROSS
COUNTRY YOU
SHOULD WARM
YOUR HORSE
UP QUIETLY,
WITHOUT
TIRING HIM
FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
❞
www.britisheventing.com 25
and keep him walking until he
has stopped blowing. Wash him
off after taking off all his tack,
then place a cooler rug over him
if it is a cold day. Do not allow
him to eat or drink until he has
stopped blowing. If it is a cold
day, avoid using cold water on
his loins and back but wash him
all over if the weather is hot.
Remove the studs, clean and
check his legs thoroughly for
any wounds and treat as
necessary. Lead him round
as soon as possible until he is
relaxed, settled and dry. When
he has recovered, offer him
a drink and then give him a
haynet. If it is a hot day keep on
offering him water until he is
satisfied. If there are any major
worries seek on-site veterinary
advice via the Secretary.
Prize giving
You can collect your dressage
26 www.britisheventing.com
15:19
Page 26
FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
18/6/09
❞
ADAM FANTHORPE
16-31 How to start eventing:Layout 1
SHOULD YOU
BE NEEDED FOR
THE PRIZE
GIVING YOU
MUST BE
CORRECTLY
DRESSED –
NORMALLY AS
FOR SHOW
JUMPING
❞
sheet from the Secretary at the
end of your section. Always look
at the scoreboard, even on what
you feel has been a bad day as
you may have done better than
you think! If you have an
objection or enquiry regarding
your score, report it to the
Secretary’s tent not more than
thirty minutes after the
publication of the final results.
Should you be needed for the
prize giving you must be
correctly dressed - normally as
for Show Jumping. Please do not
leave the prize giving before the
end, even if you received your
prize early on as it is most
important that sponsors get as
much support as possible. If
you have to take your horse
home before the prize giving,
let the Secretary know and
nominate the owner or a friend
to collect your rosette or prize
on your behalf.
Thank yous
As a courtesy, do not leave any
litter or muck behind and don’t
forget to thank the Landowner,
Organisers, Sponsors, Volunteers
and Officials. Running Horse
Trials is an enormous task and
very hard work, and a word at
the Secretary’s tent is always a
great morale boost. Thank you
emails and letters are very much
appreciated too. 16-31 How to start eventing:Layout 1
15/6/09
14:31
Page 27
BE part of the action
Whether you’re a rider looking to take up the challenge of
affiliated eventing or have never sat in a saddle in your life,
you can BE involved in Eventing
What makes Eventing so different…?
• One of only a few sports in the world
where men and women compete on
equal terms
• Britain is one of the most successful
nations in the history of Eventing,
winning more than 260 medals in
84 years of Olympic, World and
European competition
• Compete at some of Britain’s most
picturesque venues with a choice
of over 190 events
• The genuine amateur can compete
against European, World and
Olympic Champions
• All round test of horsemanship
• Opportunities for all ages and abilities
appeals to the young and old alike
PHOTO: KIT HOUGHTON
• Excellent spectator sport and
volunteering opportunities
Visit us at:
www.britisheventing.com
or call us on: 0845 262 3344
for further details on British Eventing
and membership enquiries
BRITISH EVENTING
Governing body for the sport of Eventing (combining Dressage,
Show Jumping and Cross-Country) in Great Britain
16-31 How to start eventing:Layout 1
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Page 28
Join us
British Eventing –
your quality standard
British Eventing competing member benefits
Opportunity to compete in affiliated BE events –
choice of more than 190 events at picturesque
venues all over Britain, with guaranteed quality
and safety standards
British Eventing Magazine – your glossy, exclusive
bi-monthly magazine packed with all the musthave eventing information and event schedules
Member’s car pass to events (excl 2* or higher
3DE) – offering members free days out to watch
top quality eventing action
Rule Book – an invaluable guide which is
crammed with essential information, all eventing
dressage tests and vital contact details
Public Liability Insurance – up to £20m cover for
non-professional members
Personal Accident Insurance – instant cover for all
members up to £10,000
Free legal helpline – an invaluable first port of call
to check your rights
Members’ affinity discounts - save up to 50%
on top attractions, hotels, magazine subscriptions
and much more!
BE website – full of all the latest news, members’
area and event listings. Have your say on our
online forum or Ask BE a question!
Access to BE Accredited Coaches – tap into our
coaches’ vast expertise
CRAIG PAYNE
Information hotline – dial in before heading off
to a competition to check for any last-minute
changes
Special offers and promotions – try show
jumping with the BSJA or our British Dressage
Eventers’ membership at our special winter rate
Member’s pin badge – show you belong to
British Eventing
Off-season perks – your British Eventing
membership is not just for the season, so try out
our Jumping and Style (JAS) or Jump Training
classes over the winter months
Dedicated office support – our customer service
team is here to ensure you get the most out of
your membership
To find out more about what British Eventing can
do for you, call us now on 0845 262 3344, or log on
to www.britisheventing.com
Annual meeting and voting rights
www.britisheventing.com
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15/6/09
14:32
Page 29
Who’s who?
No event could take place without the assistance of the numerous
professional and voluntary individuals. Their dedication and
contribution is invaluable to the sport so please treat them with
respect. There are various officials appointed to control and run
each BE Event. In conjunction with the event’s own management
team, the BE Officials will ensure the competition is run in
accordance with British Eventing rules.
The BE Steward - Responsible
for overall control of the event
on the day.
The BE Scorer - Responsible for
preparation and production of
the timetable and overall scoring
at BE Events and sending results
back to headquarters.
The BE Technical Adviser Oversees the pre-event
preparations particularly of
the cross country course.
The BE Regional Director Appointed by BE to liaise for
a particular area of the country
and will attend events when
possible.
Obligatory Medical and
Veterinary cover will be
on site at all times during
the competition. FIONA SCOTTMAXWELL
Good luck and enjoy
Eventing with BE!
www.britisheventing.com 29
Advertisement Feature
Feeding for
Eventing
Practical advice from
Baileys Horse Feeds
Assess your horse’s body condition
and fitness level
Well in advance of your first event you
need to decide whether your horse
needs to lose or gain any condition so
that you can alter his diet accordingly.
The aim should be for ribs you can
feel but not necessarily see and for a
rounded, well-muscled top line.
Match diet to workload
Don’t over estimate your horse’s
workload but do factor in any calorie
requirements for those who need to
lose or gain weight ie. a thin horse
in moderate work will require more
calories than an overweight horse
working as hard. Choose a feed
accordingly and don’t forget Lo-Cal
balancer for those who maintain
condition well on forage alone.
Keep the diet balanced at all
times
This means feeding the recommended
amount of compound feed or
balancer, alongside forage (which
should make up 50% of the diet by
weight). Feed less than it says on
the bag and your horse will miss out
on vital nutrients and protein which
are as important for performance as
“Match diet to workload... a thin horse in moderate
work will require more calories than an overweight
horse working as hard”
energy (calories). Either top up the
diet with Lo-Cal balancer (essential
nutrients without the calories) or
choose a “lower energy” feed which
your horse can eat at recommended
levels without putting on weight or
getting excitable.
energy for stamina. Fizzier horses
are better suited to feeds with more
slow release energy sources; cubes are
also often a better choice, rather than
mixes, as they tend to have a lower
starch content so supply less quick
release energy.
Selection of energy sources
Feeds contain different energy sources
as well as supplying different energy
levels. A balance of these ingredients
is the ideal, with cereals being easily
digested and providing “quick release”
energy from starch, which is used by
the muscles for fast bursts of activity.
Fibre sources and oil take longer to
be digested so supply “slow release”
Feeding at the event
Stick to as normal a routine as
possible, give breakfast before you
travel and take plenty of hay or
haylage. Allow your horse access to
forage on the journey and when not
competing, although you can limit
intake an hour or so before cross
country, and if your horse is a real
“pig”, so as not have too much in the
system. Offer water frequently and
give electrolytes if he’s sweated and
will take them in drinking water. If
not, give them in wet sloppy feed in
the evening and when he has access
to plenty of fresh water.
Workload
Digestible Energy Range
of Feed
Rest/Light Work
Light hacking & schooling, occasional
competitions
8 - 10 MJ/kg
eg. Everyday High Fibre Mix
Moderate Work
Daily hacking & schooling, regular
competitions & events
10 -12 MJ/kg
eg. Working Horse & Pony Cubes
Hard Work
Hard schooling sessions, fitness work,
3 day events
12 -1 4 MJ/kg
eg. Top Line Conditioning Cubes
Effective feeding advice Baileys Horse Feeds T: 01371 850247
E: nutrition@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.
Call for your FREE copy of our practical guide, Feeding Made Simple.
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