1. sports
2. horses

SPORT & COMPETITION
How to Start Eventing
Your complete guide to Affiliated
competition with British Eventing
www.britisheventing.com
HtoSE 2011_1-15.indd 1
Version 4
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Welcome
CONTENTS
What is eventing?
4
What to expect?
5
How do I become a member of BE?
6
How do I register my horse?
8
10
How do I enter?
11
What equipment do I need?
12
What can my horse
wear for each phase?
14
What can I wear for each phase?
16
Preparation for your first event
18
Training
20
The big day
22
The phases
23
Who’s who?
30
ADAM FANTHORPE
FRONT COVER: ADAM FANTHORPE
Youth Programmes within BE
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
showjumping, and finally pace and courage
for the cross country.
With more than 180 affiliated events
running 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 information you will need. It
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
includes a few hints and tips as to what to
expect on the day and 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 equestrian
sports. Please call our Membership Team at
British Eventing on 0845 262 3344 or email
us at info@britisheventing.com
www.britisheventing.com
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What is eventing?
Eventing is the equestrian equivalent of
a triathlon. A breathtaking sport which
combines the three disciplines of dressage,
showjumping 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.
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. Alternatively, you can make
an application to downgrade your horse,
for further details contact the BE office
on 0845 262 3344.
ALL PHOTOS: ADAM FANTHORPE
For further details on individual classes,
have a look at the British Eventing
Members Handbook, available from the
downloads area of the BE website: www.
britisheventing.com.
),;(5+), *3(::,:
.9(+05.6-/69:,:
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 noncompetitively (HC) in BE80(T) classes.
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(T),
BE90 or BE100 level.
BE80(T) classes are an educational step for
young and inexperienced riders and horses,
and offer a stepping stone to BE90, BE100
and beyond.
No points
1 – 20 points
21 – 60 points
61+ points
Grade 4
Grade 3
Grade 2
Grade 1
4
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What to expect?
Phases
BE80(T)
BE90
BE100
Dressage
n In a 20m x 40m or
20m x 60m arena
(mostly grass)
British Eventing
dressage tests 91 & 92
(2009)
British Eventing
dressage tests 91, 92,
93 & 94 (2010)
British Eventing
and dressage tests
101 (2009), 102 (2010),
103 (2010) & 104 (2009)
n 7-12 numbered
obstacles
n 8-12 numbered
obstacles
n 8-12 numbered
obstacles
n Two obstacles at a
maximum height
of 0.85m, the rest
at 0.80m
n Two obstacles at a
maximum height
of 0.95m, the rest
at 0.90m
n Two obstacles at a
maximum height
of 1.05m, the rest
at 1.00m
n 325mpm
n 325mpm
n 325mpm
n Courses may
include uphill and
downhill fences,
small drops,
banks, ditches,
water, spreads and
ascending fences.
n 18-25 jumping
efforts
n 18-25 jumping
efforts
n 18-25 jumping
efforts
n 1600-2800m
course
n 1600-2800m
course
n 1600-2800m
course
n 435mpm speed
n 450mpm speed
n 475mpm speed
n Max height 0.80m
n Max height 0.90m
n Max height 1.00m
n Some
combinations
will have less
demanding
alternatives.
n Max spread (top)
0.90m
n Max spread (top)
1.00m
n Max spread (top)
1.10m
n Max spread (base)
1.25m
n Max spread (base)
1.50m
n Max spread (base)
1.80m
n Open to Grade 4
horses and ponies
only, Day Ticket
horses and ponies
without points
n Open to Grade 4
horses and ponies
only, Day Ticket
horses and ponies
without points
n There is no
obligation to move
out of BE80
n There is no
obligation to move
out of BE90
n Open to Grade 4
horses and ponies
without points
that are either
registered or have
Day Tickets
n No points will be
awarded
n Foundation points
will be awarded
n Similar in
standard to British
Dressage Prelim &
Novice
n Results shown as
penalty points
Showjumping
n Inviting, flowing
courses with
plenty of room,
with a double
combination.
Cross country
n There is no
obligation to move
out of BE100
n Foundation points
will be awarded
www.britisheventing.com
HtoSE 2011_1-15.indd 5
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How do I become a member of BE?
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:
www.britisheventing.com/register.
During the registration process you will be
asked to choose a username and password to
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
Membership 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 three options, you
can either choose between a Day Ticket,
Training Ticket or a Full Membership.
ALL PHOTOS: ADAM FANTHORPE
+(@;0*2,;:
You can purchase Day Tickets from the
BE website or through the BE office before
making an entry to the event of your
choice. Day Tickets are a great introduction
to our incredible sport without buying
a full membership straight away. With
a Day Ticket, you can compete at any
BE One Day Event in a BE90, B100, BE100
Plus (including Open classes) and Novice
(including Intermediate Novice and also
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.
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 cover separately.
As soon as you purchase your first Day
Ticket, you will be sent a BE Members
Handbook, 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 Members
Handbook can also be downloaded from our
website for your convenience.
;9(0505.;0*2,;:
Training Tickets for a BE80(T) class can
be done in the same way as a Day Ticket.
Training tickets are a combined horse
and rider ticket and you can purchase
an unlimited amount in a season.
It’s also a good idea to purchase a British
Eventing Magazine. Our 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.
6
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How do I register my horse?
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 www.britisheventing.com
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 within 28
days or your registration will unfortunately
be cancelled.
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 Membership 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/
Training Tickets or a Season Ticket.
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 details). You will receive two super
ballot numbers that you can use to give you
extra priority.
Alternatively, you may purchase a Part
Year Ticket which is valid from 1 July
to the end of the current year.
=(**05(;065
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
up-to-date and correctly recorded on its
diagrammatic vaccination record.
+(@;0*2,;:
Day Tickets enable your horse to compete for
a single day. They are purchased before 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 BE90,
BE100 or BE100 Plus classes (including Open
classes) and Novice (including Intermediate
Novice and also Open Classes).
There are no limits to the amount of Day or
Training Tickets you can purchase for your
horse in any season (to purchase Training
Tickets please see page 6).
:,(:65;0*2,;
Once you have registered your horse’s
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 no
more than one year apart.
None of these injections must have been
given within the preceding seven days
of a competition.
8
HtoSE 2011_1-15.indd 8
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Youth Programmes within BE
Competition Programme
Year of
Birthday
Competitions
Competition
Level
Young Rider European
Championship selection
19th – 21st
FEI Young Rider Europeans
National U25 Championships
National U21 Championships
Selection Trials
CCI2YR*
CCI3*u25
CCIYR2*
OIu21 & Au25
Junior European
Championship selection
14th – 18th
FEI Junior Europeans
National U21 Championships
National U18 Championships
Selection Trials
CCI1J*
CCIYR2*
CCIJ*
INu21 & OIu21
Under 18 Regional Team
Championships
13th – 18th
U18 Regional Team Championships
Regional Qualifiers
Regional non-qualifiers
CCIJ1*
ONu18(Q)
ONu18
Pony European
Championship selection
12th – 16th
FEI Pony Europeans
National Pony Championships
Selection Trials
Pony Novice
CCIP2*
CCNP2*
PT
PON
Under 18 BE100 Regional
programme
12th – 18th
Area Finals
Qualifying competitions
BE100u18AF
BE100u18
National Schools Series
12th – 18th
BE National Schools Championships
Qualifying competitions
BE90NS
BE100NS
Pony Club Classes
12th – 25th
Pony Club Classes held at
BE80PC
BE90PC
BE100PC
ONPC
Riding Club Series
12th+
Qualifying Competitions
BE80(T)
Please see Annex 4 for the rules and
regulations for all youth series and
championships. All members moving up
the grades must be qualified under rule
1.38 with the following additions.
n Riders in the year of their 12th and 13th
birthday must complete two clear rounds
cross country with no more than 16 SJ
penalties at BE90 as a combination before
being eligible to compete in BE100.
n Riders in the year of their 12th to 15th
birthday must complete three clear rounds
cross country with no more than 16 SJ
penalties at BE100 level as a combination
before being eligible to compete in Novice.
n Riders in the year of their 12th to 16th
birthday must complete one clear round
cross country with no more than 16 SJ
penalties in an ONu18 or PT class as
combination before being eligible to
compete in adult Novice level classes.
n Riders in the year of their 14th to 16th
birthday must complete an OIu21 with
no more than 20 cross country jumping
penalties with no more than 16 SJ
penalties as combination before being
eligible to compete in adult Intermediate
level classes.
10
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How do I enter?
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 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!
,5;9@796*,+<9,-69
65,+(@,=,5;:
Check the Fixtures and Results page on
the BE website to decide which events you
are going to enter. Then complete a paper
or online entry form depending on your
preference. It is vital you enter all your
details correctly as you may jeopardise
your chances of getting in if the event has
to ballot. As of 2010, events must take
online entries and there are two online
entry systems you can use; either www.
britisheventing.com or www.bdwp.co.uk.
Each event will state which system it
is using. For postal entries, send your
entry with a self-seal stamped addressed
envelope and cheque to the Entries
Secretary’s 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.
>0;/+9(>05.
Once you have entered you are expected to
compete unless you need to withdraw for
some reason. If you withdraw before the
ballot date you will receive a full refund.
The full refund policy will be published
in the event schedule. Also check out the
Withdrawals Rule in the BE Rule Book.
)(336;05.
A number of events are extremely popular
and need to ballot because they are
over-subscribed, so it is wise to have an
alternative event planned.
-<334,4),9:
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 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.
+(@;0*2,;
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 prior to the published
ballot date, your entry will be refunded.
>(0;30:;:
Some over-subscribed events may set up
a wait list, details of which you will find
in the event’s schedule.
www.britisheventing.com will give the most
up-to-date information on events.
www.britisheventing.com
HtoSE 2011_1-15.indd 11
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What equipment do I 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
XC 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
British Eventing Members
Handbook
Boots (showjumping
& cross country)
Body Protector, Level 3
BE Magazine
Grooming kit
Stopwatch (not BE80, BE90,
BE100, BE100 Plus)
Map
Cooler rug
Course-walking footwear
and spare clothes
Wet weather gear
and/or sun cream!
Travelling rugs, boots, tail guard
Whip
Night rugs (if staying away)
Confirmation letter
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.
12
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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
tests
Showjumping
& cross
country
Bit guard and tongue guard
Nose net
Ear covers
Fly fringe
***
***
Snaffle bridle / miklem multi-bridle
with permitted bit
Double bridle
****
Running and Irish martingale
Side, running reins and chambons
Neck strap
Seat covers
Spurs
Compulsory – Advanced
Permitted in all other classes
Boots, bandages
Equiboots/hoofboots
English-style saddle
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Flash, crossed (incl. Grackle/Mexican)
or dropped noseband only with snaffle
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Cavesson noseband
Permitted**
Permitted**
Permitted**
Permitted**
Breast plate
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Blinkers
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Tongue strap and/or tying down
the horse’s tongue
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Draw reins
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Standing martingale
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Any other form of martingale or gadget
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Sheepskin cheekpieces or any
other attachment which may
affect the horse’s vision
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Not permitted
Sheepskin noseband
Permitted
Permitted
Not permitted
Permitted
Notes
** 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
In addition to the above, the following
rules apply to showjumping and cross
country only:
a. Permitted: Reins may be attached
to leather ‘D’ rings; pelhams and
American or continental gags; gags
and any form of bitless bridles.
b. Not permitted: Indirect attachment
of reins to bits, hackamore or any
form of bitless bridle; curb rein
passing through the rings of a running
martingale; any stirrup or stirrup
leather that does not hang outside the
flap of the saddle; Market Harborough.
the examination may be carried out
after the test and, if it be found that
the bit or bridle is non-compliant,
the competitor will be eliminated.
The competitor remains personally
responsible throughout for complying
with the above rules.
c. Generally, any item of saddlery not
specifically permitted by these Rules
or those of British Dressage is not
permitted.
Riders may not compete riding
side-saddle.
d. A steward may be appointed to
examine the saddelry of each horse
before it enters an arena or starts its
test. If the examination takes place
before the dressage test, great care must
be exercised; at the competitor’s request,
Bits for dressage
If you are unsure about the use of
any bit, check the current BE Members
Handbook or call the Sport Team
on 0845 262 3344.
14
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DAVID BURTON
ADAM FANTHORPE
“
“
Up-to-date event
schedules are on
britisheventing.com
plus a full season’s
worth of schedules
are published in
British Eventing
Magazine
www.britisheventing.com
HtoSE 2011_1-15.indd 15
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What can I wear for each phase?
Dressage
(BE80(T), BE90, BE100, BE100 Plus)
Showjumping
Cross country
n Protective headwear, dark blue or
black in colour
n Protective headwear
dark blue or black in
colour
n Protective headwear
with cover
n Black or dark blue coat
with white stock or
tweed coat with coloured
stock or collar and tie
n White, buff or fawn
breeches
n Black or dark blue coat with white
stock or tweed coat with coloured
stock or collar and tie
n Gloves (of any colour)
n Buff/fawn breeches
n Plain black or brown boots, leather
gaiters with matching boots (not half
chaps)
n Uniform
n Gloves (of any colour)
n Buff/fawn breeches
n Plain black or brown
boots, leather gaiters
with matching boots
(not half chaps)
n XC Colours
n Plain black or brown
boots, leather gaiters
with matching boots
(not half chaps)
n Level 3 body protector
n Uniform
General
Protective headwear (hats)
A ‘Riding Hat’ must be worn at all times by anyone, whether or not a competitor, riding anywhere at
a BE Event. Top hats and uniform hats are permitted as an exception to this rule only for dressage in
Intermediate and Advanced classes and in certain FEI classes.
Protective headwear, as listed below, must be worn by competitors at all times when mounted in
BE80(T), BE100 and BE100 Plus classes. When jumping, including warming up, all riders must wear
‘Protective Headwear’ i.e. a hat which meets one of the following standards
n
n
n
n
British All PAS 015, BSEN1384 (provided they are BSI Kitemarked or SEI)
European EN1384 (provided they are BSI Kitemarked or SEI)
American All SEI ASTM 95, ASTM F1163 and SNELL E2001
Australian & New Zealand All AS/NZS 3838 1998
‘Protective Headwear’ must show a visible BE ‘hat tag’. Harnesses must be correctly fastened.
Competitors are strongly recommended to check their hats regularly and replace them if damaged
or following a fall.
Whips
No whip of any kind may be carried while
competing in the dressage test. A whip no
longer than 120cm including lash may be
carried when riding on the flat at any
other time.
One whip, no longer than 75cm and not
weighted, may be carried when jumping
any obstacle
Jewellery
Jewellery worn anywhere
on the body can increase
the risk of injury.
Competitors are strongly
recommended to remove
all jewellery, especially
before the jumping phases
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
16
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Preparation for your first event
-0;5,::(5+:*/66305.
)(:0*-0;5,::
The basic essential for all event horses
A good fitness programme is a vital part of
is obedience, both on the flat and when
your preparation, both for yourself and your
jumping. The event horse needs training
horse. Your own fitness will have a major
in all three phases and must be fit, with
bearing on how you both cope – if you are
adequate fast work to condition its heart
out of puff half way round the course you
and lungs.
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
ADAM FANTHORPE
(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.
+9,::(.,
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 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
FIONA SCOTT-MAXWELL
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.
Ensure you learn your test well as you are
not allowed to have the test called.
18
HtoSE 2011_16-32.indd 18
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ADAM FANTHORPE
:/6>1<4705.
to have schooled your horse over a variety
As well as practising around courses, use
of cross-country fences, including ditches,
grid work to keep your horse supple with
water, drops and steps, before going to your
athletic exercises and combination jumping.
first event.
If he performs correctly, calmly and
confidently over small obstacles, the larger
6=,950./;:;()305.
ones should not cause a problem. Before
If you are travelling some distance
going to your first event, it is advisable to
to compete or you are one of the first
do several showjumping competitions with
competitors to go in your section, you may
your horse at the height required so you are
find it easier for you and your horse to stay
both confident.
overnight at the event. Book this with your
entry on the stabling form provided, and
*96::*6<5;9@
you will receive confirmation and details
Cross-country schooling, hunter trials and
of where this has been arranged. It is
fun rides are all useful preparations and
recommended that you confirm your
will also ensure that your horse is happy
arrival time with the stable owner.
with travelling and used to loading and
unloading at different sites. It is essential
www.britisheventing.com
HtoSE 2011_16-32.indd 19
19
6/1/11 09:51:57
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 and
getting horses fit, to specific training in
dressage, showjumping 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 Members Handbook or
contact the Sport Team on: 0845 262 3344.
British Eventing has teamed up
with experts Oliver Townend, Yogi
Breisner, Geoff Billington and Laura
Bechtolscheimer to produce a range of
booklets to help you with each phase of
Eventing; go to www.britisheventing.
ALL PHOTOS: FIONA SCOTT-MAXWELL
com/education
HtoSE 2011_16-32.indd 20
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The big day
65(990=(3
may well be quite tight (they will be at least
When you arrive at the event report
30 minutes), so you will need to know how
to the Secretary’s tent with:
to get from one to the other, especially if
n Horse’s vaccination card
the dressage is some way from the horse
n Entry confirmation letter
n Hat – must be inspected at your
first event and tagged
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
Here you will collect your number and
cross-country and showjumping courses
programme, pay your start fee (cash usually
the day before and then again on the day.
preferred) and check your start times. Some
Fence numbers will be colour coded so
events may require you to show your tagged
you don’t get confused which course you
hat and body protector when collecting your
are jumping; BE80(T) are purple, BE90 are
numbers.
orange and BE100 are pink. If possible, take
the programme with you when you walk
Always tell the Secretary if you are
the cross-country course as a reference.
travelling alone, so they know who to
Walk the line between the fences carefully
contact in case of an emergency. They will
and note the number of each fence so that
also ask for your horse box/car and trailer
you do not miss one out! Make sure you can
registration number and colour.
visualise the route you are going to take,
remembering the terrain and gateways as
.,;;05.@6<9;04,:
well as the obstacles.
Make sure you remember to look online or
ring for your time so you can plan your day,
>(;,9(5+/(@/(@3(.,
allowing plenty of time to get there, walk
It is good practice to offer your horse water
the courses and warm up.
throughout the day. Hay should not be fed
for at least an hour before the cross country
>(3205.;/,*6<9:,:
and not until he has stopped blowing and
Before you head out on course, check your
recovered fully afterwards.
bearings and the site layout so you know
where the dressage, showjumping and cross
country are located. Many events use horse
walks to prevent horses getting mixed up
with spectators. The times between phases
22
HtoSE 2011_16-32.indd 22
5/1/11 15:57:25
The phases
+9,::(.,
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 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!
:/6>1<4705.
the Collecting Ring Steward to give them
your number and see how many there are to
go before you and who you will follow. Allow
enough time to warm-up but do not over-
ADAM FANTHORPE
When you get to the warm-up arena, find
jump the practice fences or hog them. It is
or incurring more than 24 penalties, you
often helpful to watch a couple of rounds
will not be allowed to go cross country.
before entering the arena to remind yourself
However, if you have been eliminated for
of the course. Remember not to start before
any other reason, such as missing a fence,
the bell, but approach the start as soon as it
you may go straight to the Secretary’s office,
is rung as you only have 45 seconds to begin
who will contact the BE Steward who may
your round.
grant permission for you to continue the
competition non-competitively (HC). Time
Remember to breathe, think positive and
may well be short and you should make sure
enjoy yourself! If it doesn’t go to plan, don’t
that while you are away your team is getting
worry – there is always next time and you
your horse ready for the cross country. If you
have the fun cross country next.
have a fall in the showjumping you will not
be allowed to start the cross country until
Should you be unlucky enough to be
passed fit by the doctor, so again contact the
eliminated for three refusals, two falls
Secretary who will call the doctor.
www.britisheventing.com
HtoSE 2011_16-32.indd 23
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5/1/11 15:57:29
ALL PHOTOS: ADAM FANTHORPE
Please note that if you are competing in
;/,:;(9;)6?
Junior or Pony classes and are eliminated
When you are called, go quietly to the start
in the showjumping, for safety reasons, you
box and wait for the countdown to begin.
will not be allowed to go cross country.
The starter will usually count you down
saying, ‘1 minute’, then ‘30 seconds’, then
*96::*6<5;9@
‘15 seconds’ then ‘10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,
Change into your cross-country colours, put
go’. If your horse is quiet you may be able
on your body protector and number bib and,
to walk into the box at around 15 seconds,
crucially, remember to put on your medical
where you stand and face the first fence.
armband, complete with filled-in card.
If your horse is fairly excited it may be
Before starting the cross country you should
easier to walk around and enter the box
warm your horse up quietly without tiring
on 10 seconds and slowly walk a circle.
him. Pop over the practice fence a couple of
If you jump the start you’ll incur a five-
times in cross-country style.
second penalty. Your time is taken from
when you cross the start line following
the countdown.
24
HtoSE 2011_16-32.indd 24
5/1/11 15:57:45
Occasionally you may encounter hazards on
warning to warm-up again before re-starting.
the course such as people, dogs or children.
Ask where the stop time was taken. When
The Fence Judges try their best to warn
being re-started it is important that you are
walkers of on-coming horses, but if you do
cantering when passing this timing point, so
find yourself with people in the way,
allow enough room to get going. The Official
politely ask them to stand aside or stand
will record the time you were held up as this
still so that you can go around them.
is subtracted from your total time.
/,3+65;/,*6<9:,
,30405(;065
It may be necessary for a Fence Judge to ask
You will be eliminated for three refusals at
you to stop by waving a red flag and telling
one fence or a fourth cumulative refusal on
you to pull up because of a course hold-up.
the course. If you are eliminated, leave the
Once stopped you should keep your horse
course quietly at a walk. There is always
warm by walking him around. If the hold-
next time.
up is prolonged you can get off, but ask
the Official to give you a couple of minutes
www.britisheventing.com
HtoSE 2011_16-32.indd 25
25
5/1/11 15:57:55
FIONA SCOTT-MAXWELL
(-;,9>(9+:
done better than you think! If you have an
On finishing the cross country, pull your
objection or enquiry regarding your score,
horse up gradually and in a straight line if
report it to the Secretary’s tent no more
possible. Reward him with your voice and
than 30 minutes after publication of the
give him a pat. Dismount, cross or run up
final results. Should you be needed for the
your stirrups, loosen girths and noseband
prize giving you must be correctly dressed
and lead him quietly back to the horsebox
– normally as for showjumping. Please do
and keep him walking until he has stopped
not leave the prize giving before the end,
blowing. Wash him off after taking off all his
even if you received your prize early on, as
tack, then place a cooler rug over him if it is
it is important that sponsors get as much
a cold day. Do not allow him to eat or drink
support as possible. If you have to take your
until he has stopped blowing. If it is a cold
horse home before the prize giving, let the
day, avoid using cold water on his loins and
Secretary know and nominate the owner or
back but wash him all over if the weather
a friend to collect your rosette or prize on
is hot. Remove studs, clean and check his
your behalf.
legs thoroughly for any wounds and treat
as necessary. Lead him round as soon as
;/(52@6<:
possible until he is relaxed, settled and dry.
As a courtesy, do not leave any litter or
Once recovered, offer him a drink and then
muck behind and don’t forget to thank
give him a haynet. If it is a hot day keep
the land owner, organisers, sponsors,
offering water until he is satisfied. For any
volunteers and officials. Running Horse
major worries seek on-site veterinary advice
Trials is an enormous task and very hard
via the Secretary.
work, and a word at the Secretary’s tent
is always a great morale boost. Thank-
790A,.0=05.
you emails and letters are very much
You can collect your dressage sheet from the
appreciated too.
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
26
HtoSE 2011_16-32.indd 26
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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
BE Steward – Responsible for overall control
of the event on the day.
BE Scorer – Responsible for preparation and
production of the timetable, overall scoring
and sending results back to headquarters.
BE Technical Adviser – Oversees the
pre-event preparations particularly of
the cross-country course. Liaises closely
with organisers, BE stewards, regional
coordinators, officials, competitors
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30
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