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YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO AFFILIATED COMPETITION WITH BRITISH EVENTING HOW TO START EVENTING

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Page 1: How to start eventing

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDETO AFFILIATED COMPETITION WITH BRITISH EVENTING

HOW TO START EVENTING

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IMAGES COURTESY OF ADAM FANTHORPE3

Eventing is a breathtaking sport which combines the three disciplines of dressage, show jumping and cross country.

British Eventing (BE) classes range from BE80(T), an ideal introduction to the sport because competitors are helped by a BE Accredited Coach, through to BE90, BE100, BE100 Plus, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced levels.

BE90, for example, means that 90cm is the maximum height and spread of the cross country fences, so choosing a class is easy.

For further details on individual classes, have a look at the British Eventing Members’ Handbook, available from the downloads area on www.britisheventing.com.

BE also o� ers competitors a number of Open classes, allowing horses with BE points to compete at any level, which is especially useful if you want 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 British Eventing o� ce on: 02476 698 856.

WHAT IS EVENTING?

Eventing is the equestrian equivalent of a triathlon

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Phases Be80(T) Be90 Be100

Dressage

• Ina20mx40mor20mx60marena(mostlygrass)

• SimilarinstandardtoBritishDressagePrelim&Novice

• Resultsshownaspenaltypoints

BE90Tests BE90Tests BE100Tests

ShowJumPINg

• Inviting,flowingcourseswithplentyofroomandadoublecombination

Twoobstaclesatamaximumheightof0.85m,therestat0.80m

325mpm

Twoobstaclesatamaximumheightof0.95m,therestat0.90m

325mpm

Twoobstaclesatamaximumheightof1.05m,therestat1.00m

325mpm

CRoSSCouNTRy

• Coursesmayincludeuphillanddownhillfences,smalldrops,banks,ditches,water,spreadsandascendingfences

• Somecombinationswillhavelessdemandingalternatives

18-25jumpingefforts

1,600-2,800mcourse

435mpmspeed

maxheight0.80m

maxspread(top)0.90m

maxspread(base)1.25m

opentograde4horsesandponiesonly,DayPasshorsesandponieswithoutpoints

ThereisnoobligationtomoveoutofBE80(T)

Nopointswillbeawarded

18-25jumpingefforts

1,600-2,800mcourse

450mpmspeed

maxheight0.90m

maxspread(top)1.00m

maxspread(base)1.50m

opentograde4horsesandponiesonly,DayPasshorsesandponieswithoutpoints

ThereisnoobligationtomoveoutofBE90

Foundationpointswillbeawarded

18-25jumpingefforts

1,800-2,800mcourse

475mpmspeed

maxheight1.00m

maxspread(top)1.10m

maxspread(base)1.80m

opentograde4horsesandponieswithoutpointsthatareeitherregisteredorhaveDayPasses

ThereisnoobligationtomoveoutofBE100

Foundationpointswillbeawarded

whaTToEXPECT

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STEP UP not hot up

lBarley-free, non-heating, highly digestiblelNatural fibre sources keep their fibre level near that of a high fibre cubelGood quality protein means they build muscle and top linelIdeal to keep the Riding Club or leisure horse looking and performing welllCould be referred to as a ‘half strength competition cube’

Phot

o by

Tom

Dod

d

with Baileys Working Horse & Pony CubesNutritionally, a grade up from a bog-standard h & p cube

baileys horse feeds - for your introductory voucher contact* Tel: 01371 850247 (Option 3) e: [email protected]

www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk*while stocks last. Only for ‘No.2’, one voucher per person, family & household

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The Phases

Dressageremember 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 calmness you have just worked hard to achieve in the practice area!

shoWjumPIngWhen you get to the warm-up arena, find 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-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 positively and enjoy yourself! If it doesn’t go to plan, don’t worry – there is always next time and you have the fun 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; they will contact the Be steward who may grant permission for you to continue non-competitively hors concours (hC). Time may be short and you should make sure that while you are away your support 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.

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CROSS COUNTRYChange into your cross country colours, put on your body protector, number bib and, crucially, remember to put on your medical armband, complete with fi lled-in BE medical 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 approach.

THE START BOXWhen you are called, go quietly to the start box and wait for the countdown to begin. The starter will usually count you down saying, ‘One 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 fi rst fence. If your horse is fairly excited it may be easier to walk around and enter the box on ten seconds and slowly walk a circle (if you jump the start you’ll incur a fi ve second penalty). Your time is taken from when you cross the start line following the countdown.

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 fi nd yourself with people in the way, politely ask them to stand aside or stand still so that you can go around them.

HELD ON COURSEIt may be necessary for a Fence Judge to ask you to stop by waving a red fl ag and telling you to pull up because of a course hold-up. Once stopped you should keep your horse warm by walking him around. If the hold-up is prolonged you can get o� , but ask the O� cial 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 O� cial will record the time you were held up as this is subtracted from your total time.

ELIMINATIONYou 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 walk. There is always next time.

AFTERWARDSOn fi nishing 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 and keep him walking until he has stopped blowing. Wash him o� after taking o� 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 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. Once recovered, o� er him a drink and then give him a haynet. If it is a hot day keep o� ering water until he is satisfi ed.

For any major worries seek on-site veterinary advice via the Secretary.

PRIZE GIVINGYou can collect your dressage sheet from the Secretary when your section has fi nished. 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 no more than 30 minutes after publication of the fi nal 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 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 YOUSAs a courtesy, do not leave any litter or muck behind and don’t forget to thank the land owner, organisers, sponsors, volunteers and o� cials. Running an Event 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.

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11

CHOOSING YOUR MEMBERSHIPMEMBERSHIP TYPE WHAT IS IT? HOW MUCH IS IT? WHAT ARE THE

RESTRICTIONS?

TRAINING/CLUB PASS A combined pass for you and your horse to compete in BE80(T) level competition and club classes only.

£10 per annum for your Day Pass Membership.*

£10 pass for horse and rider combined.

* Compulsory from 2014

You can only use the ticket in BE80(T), Pony Club and Riding Club Classes.

The use of Training Passes is unlimited.

Full members will take priority over Training/Club Pass holders in the event of balloting.

DAY PASS The purchase of one Horse and one Rider Day Pass each will give a combination the chance to compete with BE for one day in BE90, BE100, BE100 Open, BE100 Plus, BE100 3DE, Novice & Intermediate Novice.

£10 per annum for your Day Pass Membership.*

The cost of each pass is £16.

* Compulsory from 2014

Riders can have only four passes in a season.

Full members will take priority over Day Pass holders in the event of balloting.

FULL INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

A new Full Membership for a year including insurance cover.

£145 online (£150 through the o� ce) or £135 by Direct Debit (£140 via the o� ce).

You can compete at unlimited events and will have priority over non-members at over-subscribed events.

By taking up the Spread Direct Debit option Full Individual Members will be able to make four equal payments (January-April 2015) for their membership fee.

FULL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE VIA: www.britisheventing.com/Membership www.britisheventing.com/DayPass orwww.britisheventing.com/TrainingPass

HOW TO REGISTER Visit www.britisheventing.com/register to set up your free Associate Registration.

Once you have activated your account (click on the link in your confi rmation email) visit www.britisheventing.com/MembershipRegistration to purchase the relevant Membership or Day/Training Membership. If you are buying a Day or Training Pass you will receive a unique number which you need to make your entry; actual passes are not issued.

QUESTIONS?If you have any questions please contact the Membership team: [email protected]

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YOUR HORSE MEMBERSHIPMEMBERSHIP TYPE WHAT IS IT? HOW MUCH IS IT? WHAT ARE THE

RESTRICTIONS?

TRAINING PASS A combined pass for you and your horse to compete in BE80 level competition and club classes only.

£10 for horse and rider combined.

You need to buy a Day Pass Membership to buy a Training Pass. This costs £10.

You can only use the pass for: •BE80(T)•Pony Club•Riding Club

The use of Training Passes is unlimited.

DAY PASS The purchase of one Horse and one Rider Day Pass each will give a combination the chance to compete with BE for one day in BE90, BE100, BE100 Open, BE100 Plus, BE100 3DE, Novice & Intermediate Novice.

The cost of each pass is £16.

You need to buy a Day Pass Membership to buy a Day Pass. This costs £10.

A horse taking part in BE Four Year Old classes (or BE80(T) classes after 1 May)will need to run on a Day Pass – they are restricted to running four times in total in a season, including the Four Year Old Championships.Horses over fi ve years old can compete on unlimited Day Passes.

HORSE SEASON TICKET/HALF YEAR SEASON TICKET

To buy a season ticket for your horse you must be a full Individual member.

The cost of registering your horse varies depending on points.

A Grade IV horse (meaning no BE points) costs £100 o� ine or £95 online for a full year or £69 o� ine or £64 online for part year.

A half year season ticket is valid only from July to December.

THE ONLINE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS FOR HORSESVisit www.britisheventing.com/register to set up your free Associate Registration and purchase your Day Pass Membership. If your horse has never evented with BE before, either on Day/Training/Club Passes or on a full/part year Season Ticket you will need to create an Equine Registration: www.britisheventing.com/EquineRegistration

HORSE PASSPORT CHECKLIST:• Please send in a copy of the name page, year of foaling and breeding details from the passport.• Send in a copy of a performance printout from the country of origin, if your horse is imported

(including Irish horses).• You can fax/email or post these details in to the offi ce. • You have 28 days to send this information, after which time your ticket will be cancelled or

suspended and you will be unable to compete. If your horse is imported you must send in these details as soon as you complete your Equine Registration.

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What can I Wear?Dressage (Be80(t), Be90, Be100, Be100 Plus)

shoW jumPIng cross country

• 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)• Breeches

(white/buff/fawn)• Plain black or brown

boots, leather gaiters with matching boots (not half chaps)

• uniform

• 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 (optional)• Breeches

(white/buff/fawn)• Plain black or brown

boots, leather gaiters with matching boots (not half chaps)

• uniform

• Protective headwear with cover

• Xc colours• Breeches

(white/buff/fawn)• Plain black or brown boots,

leather gaiters with matching boots (not half chaps)

• Beta approved and appropriately labelled level 3 Body Protector, manufactured in the year 2000 or after, with the year 2000 or 2009 shown on the label.

• Inflatable/air jackets (If a competitor chooses to wear an airbag-style body protector, it must be worn over a permitted body protector).

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. Protective headwear, as listed below, must be worn by competitors at all times when mounted in Be80(t), Be90, 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:

• 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 2004 and snell e2001• australian & new Zealand all as/nZs 3838 2003

‘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.

WhIPsno whip of any kind may be carried whilst competing in the dressage test. one whip only, no longer than 120cm including lash, may be carried when riding on the flat at any other time. one whip only, no longer than 75cm and not weighted, may be carried when jumping any obstacle.

jeWelleryjewellery worn anywhere on the body can increase the risk of injury. competitors are strongly recommended to remove all jewellery, especially before the jumping phases.

haIrlong hair should be secured appropriately.

sPursspurs are not compulsory at any level. Further information is available in the rule Book.

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BY APPOINTMENT TOHER MAJESTY THE QUEENPROTECTIVE HEADWEAR

MANUFACTURERS WREXHAM

MADE INBRITAIN

Certified bySEI to

ASTM F1163PB

Kitemarked toAS015 andSEN1384

www.charlesowen.co.uk

THE LEADER IN

EQUESTRIAN

SAFETY

CO-BEGuide-NewAdvert.indd 1 14/03/2014 11:24

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17

HOW DO I ENTER?Up-to-date event schedules are online at www.britisheventing.com, plus the schedules are published in the back of British Eventing Life Magazine, which is printed six times a year.

Remember to apply for Full Membership or Day Pass Membership and passes well in advance. Entries usually open approximately six weeks before the date of the Event. Try to plan about two months ahead of the Event.

ENTRY PROCEDURE FOR ONE DAY EVENTSCheck 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. All events take online entries and there are two online entry systems you can use: 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 confi rmation 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 check online or phone for your start times.

WITHDRAWINGOnce 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 the Withdrawals Rule in the BE Rule Book.

BALLOTINGA number of events are extremely popular and need to ballot because they are over-subscribed. Each horse season or half-season ticket is issued with ballot numbers for each specifi ed ballot period during the season plus two super ballot numbers for use during that season.

FULL MEMBERSIf there is a particular event where you wish to compete, use your ballot number for that month (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 fl exible as possible, for example, if you are able to do your dressage the day before.

DAY PASSESThese entries will have no priority in the event of a ballot. However full BE members with Day Pass 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.

WAIT LISTSSome over-subscribed events may set up a wait list, details of which you will fi nd in the event’s schedule.

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BE80(T), BE90, BE100, BE100 Plus & NovicE classEs

RidiNg iN ExERcisE aREas

luNgEiNg dREssagE TEsTs

show JumPiNg & cRoss couNTRy

Bit guard and tongue guard

Nose net

Ear covers*

Fly fringe *** ***

snaffle bridle/micklem multi-bridle with permitted bit and without bit clips

double bridle ****

Running, irish and bib martingale

side, running reins and chambons

Neck strap

seat covers

spurs -

Boots, bandages

Equiboots/hoofboots

English-style saddle compulsory compulsory compulsory compulsory

Flash, crossed (incl. grackle/mexi-can) or dropped noseband only with snaffle

Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted

cavesson noseband Permitted** Permitted** Permitted** Permitted**

Breastplate 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

draw reins Not Permitted

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

coloured stirrups

NoTEs* Ear covers must be discreet, not brightly coloured and must not muffle sound.** 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 show jumping and cross country only:Rule 7.19.5 For all phases, in case of a fall, stirrups must allow the boot/foot to be removed without any kind of restriction.

a. competitors may also use any normal jumping bit, Pelham, american or continental gag, hackamore and any form of bitless bridle. Reins may be attached to leather ‘d’ rings.b. competitors may not use a curb rein which passes through the rings of a running martingale. competitors may not use a market harborough. stirrup leathers must hang outside the flap of the saddle. c. generally, any item of saddlery not specifically permitted by these Rules or those of British dressage is not permitted.d. a steward may be appointed to examine the saddlery 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, 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.Riders may not compete riding side-saddle.BiTs FoR dREssagEif you are unsure about the use of any bit, check the current BE members’ handbook or email a picture to: [email protected].

whaT caN my hoRsE wEaR?

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• Stable • Walkways and Barn Floors• Horse Walker Matting• Track-ways, • Bridges and Parking Areas• Anti-Poaching in Gateways

and Paddocks

Check our web site for full details and special offers:

www.horsematshop.co.uk

Bubbletop Stable MattingCroctop Stable Matting Amoebic Stable Matting

Tel: 01787 880433 Email: [email protected] Old Stables, Goldingham Hall, Bulmer, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 7ER

Horsemat LimitedThe Equine Matting Specialist

We offer a wide selection of rubber matting and grass protection materials for avariety of applications across the UK and Europe.

With the winter months drawing closer, now is the time to begin looking into theessentials of keeping your stables and yards as horse and people friendly as theycan possibly be! At Horsemat, we pride ourselves in being able to offer thefollowing to our customers:

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21

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?HORSE RIDER GENERAL

Bridle/s Hat/s 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 leather 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 (show jumping and cross country)

Body Protector, Level 3 British Eventing Life 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 Confi rmation letter (if you submitted a postal entry)

Night rugs (if staying away) Start fee(s)

Vaccination certifi cate

Passport (under DEFRA rulesit is illegal to transport horseswithout a valid passport)

Regularly check all equipment and tack. Ensure it is all safe, in good condition and correctly fi tted.

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Boots are most commonly used on horses to provide leg protection against concussion and penetration injuries however, as well as reducing injury, boots can themselves cause problems associated with heat and moisture retention; restriction of movement or blood supply; or excessive weight on the leg.

In the absence of any approved safety standards for equine leg protection Equilibrium Products carry out their own rigorous testing on all their boots, using an independent safety testing laboratory to evaluate the protection levels and minimise the possible negative factors of using boots such as weight, flexibility and heat retention.

Tri-Zone Impact Sports are a revolutionary boot specifically designed for cross country and other high impact sports.

ProtectionUsing the same safety tests as rider hats and body protectors, Tri-Zone Impact Sports Boots have been tested for both concussion and penetration protection at the levels of force experienced by a horse

EQUINE BOOTS ARE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

AND SHOULD BE TREATED TO

THE SAME SAFETY MEASURES AS RIDER’S

HATS AND BODY PROTECTORS

hitting a cross country fence at speed or striking in to itself.

LightweightAny extra weight added to a horse’s leg can cause it to tire more quickly, resulting in a loss of performance. Tri-Zone Impact Sports Boots weigh only 160 to 170grams per boot when dry and absorb very little water so they do not get heavy when wet.

FlexibleTri-Zone Impact Sports Boots are very flexible both horizontally and vertically (up to 130 degrees of bend) so that they accommodate full range of joint movement.

BreathableOverheating of the horse’s tendons can lead to long term tissue damage. Each layer of the Tri-Zone Impact Sports Boot is perforated with air holes which allow heat (in the form of sweat) to evaporate to the outside. Tests show that the Tri-Zone Impact Sports boot cools at a rate of 2.9 C degrees per minute.

See the full range of Tri-Zone boots at www.equilibriumproducts.com

22 | HOW TO GET STARTED

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Page 23: How to start eventing

TRI-ZONE Impact Sports BootsTested to the limits

• Safety tested for PROTECTION• Incredibly LIGHTWEIGHT

and BREATHABLE• Doesn’t hold water

• FLEXIBLE and superbly

COMFORTABLE

To find out more about the full range visit

equilibriumproducts.com

Image ©

MDR Photo

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PreParation for your first event

fitness and schoolingevent horses must be obedient, 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.

trainingone of the best ways to prepare for an event is to train with a Be accredited coach. visit www.britisheventing.com/training to browse and book affordable, accredited courses in your region.

nine regional training organisers (rtos) plan and co-ordinate a minimum of 16 official Be training courses in each region, encompassing training of all types for all abilities. Plus, it’s not just for members; non-members can take part too. Book now at www.britisheventing.com/training.

Basic fitnessa good fitness programme is a vital part of your preparation, both for yourself and for 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.

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RIDER FITNESS

Rider fi tness is unique in that you can take a marathon runner who maybe only rides one horse a day and although they are very fi t they may get out of breath if they are put in a stressful riding situation.

RIDERS HAVE TO BE ABLE TO COPE WITH:

• Long event days including at least one course walk of 2.5km upwards, often on undulating ground.

• Riding one or more horses in three phases under pressure.• Riding cross country for up to six minutes in a one day event, potentially on a strong

or lazy horse.

To gain fi tness for eventing it’s important that you get riding fi t by including work without stirrups, galloping work with short stirrups and simulating event stress at other competitions.

If there is opportunity to ride out for other event riders or point to point yards that will also help with extra rider fi tness, especially if you only have one horse.

Some aerobic work such as swimming, running or circuit training at the gym is advised.

Pilates is also a useful form of rider fi tness to help develop core strength including work on a Swiss Ball.

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The Big Day! When you arrive aT The evenT reporT To The SecreTary’S TenT WiTh:

• your horse’s vaccination record in passport.• The entry confirmation letter (if you made a postal entry).• your hat – this must be inspected at your first event and tagged.

here you will collect your number and programme, pay your start fee (cash is 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 emergency. They will also ask for your horse box/car and trailer registration number and colour.

geTTing your TimeSmake 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.

Walking The courSeSBefore 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 be quite tight (they will be at least 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. 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/haylageit is essential 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.

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Moving up the levels: RideRsequestrianClearance.com Be80(t) classes

Be80(t) Be80(t) classes are held by around 28 events around the country

equestrianClearance.com British Riding Clubs Be80(t) series & Championship

Be80(t) for British Riding Club members only

each Be80(t) class acts as a qualifier for the BRC Be80 Championships in autumn

Mitsubishi Motors grassroots Be90 and Be100 Regional Finals & Championship

national qualification at Be90 & Be100 level leading to a Regional Final at those levels

held each spring before the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton horse trials CCi4* competition

the national saddle Centre Be100 u-18 Championship

For riders under 18 who have qualified in specific u-18 Be100 classes

A national Championship held at Be100 plus level will take place annually in the autumn

KBis open novice u18 Championship

For riders under 18 who have qualified at open novice level classes regionally

held annually as a CCiJ1* level class which is an international three day event for Juniors

Charles owen Britishpony trials & national Championships

For riders 12-16 riding ponies at novice level in the Charles owen national pony trials

held annually in summer as a CCnp2* national pony three day event

hows Racesafe British Junior national Championships

For riders u-18 who have qualified at intermediate level competition

held annually in summer as a CCiJ1* which is an international three day event for Juniors

open intermediate u-21 classes

national classes for ridersunder 21 at open intermediate level

oi u-21s provide a platform for the Young Rider coaching team as selection trials

Askham Bryan College British Young Rider Championships

For u-21s who are qualified to event at CCi2*

held annually as a CCiYR2* which is an international three day event

Moving up the levels: hoRsesKBis British eventing Young horse 4 Year old series

Be90 level qualifying series held regionally

Young horse 4 Year old Championships held in autumn

KBis British eventing Young horse 5 Year old series

Be100 level qualifying series held regionally

Young horse 5 Year old Championships held in autumn

British eventing Young horse 6 Year old Championship

CiC1* level Championship Young horse 6 Year old Championships held in autumn

British eventing Young horse 7 Year old Championship

CCi2* level Chamionships Young horse 7 Year old Championships held in autumn

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YOUTH EVENTING AGE CHARTCOMPETITION PROGRAMME

YEAR OF BIRTHDAY

COMPETITIONS COMPETITION LEVEL

Askham Bryan College Young Rider EuropeanChampionship selection

19th-21st FEI Young Rider EuropeansNational under 25 ChampionshipsNational under 21 ChampionshipsSelection Trials

CCI2YR*CCI3*u25CCIYR2*OIu21 & Au25

Hows Racesafe Junior European Championship selection

14th-18th FEI Junior EuropeansNational under 21 ChampionshipsNational under 18 ChampionshipsSelection Trials

CCI1J1*CCIYR2*CCIJ*INu21 & OIu21

KBIS Under 18 Novice Regional Team Championships

13th-18th Under 18 Novice Regional Team ChampionshipsRegional Qualifi ersRegional non-qualifi ers

CCIJ1*ONu18

Charles OwenPony EuropeanChampionship selection

12th-16th FEI Pony EuropeansNational Pony ChampionshipsSelection TrialsPony Novice

CCIP2*CCNP2*PTPON

National Saddle Centre BE100u18 Regional Programme

12th-18th Qualifying competitions BE100u18

Pony Club Classes 12th-25th Competitions held at BE80PC, BE90PC, BE100PC. ONPC

BE80PCBE90PCBE100PCONPC

Riding Club Series 12th + Qualifying Competitions BE80(T)

Blenheim Palace 8 and 9 Year Old Championship

CIC3* level Championship Held annually at Blenheim Palace International in early September

Novice Regional Final series & British Novice Championship

Regional Novice qualifi ers for the Novice Championships

Championships held in August at the Festival of British Eventing held under Intermediate rules

Smith & Williamson British Intermediate Championship

For horses graded 2, 3 or 4 placed 1st-4th at Intermediate level events

Championships held in August at the Festival of British Eventing held under Advanced rules

British Open Championships For horses placed 1st-6th at Advanced level

Championships held in August at the Festival of British Eventing over an Open course

MOVING UP THE LEVELS: HORSES

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ENJOY THE PERKS OF BEING PART OF THE ULTIMATE EQUESTRIAN CHALLENGE!

MEMBER DISCOUNTSSave with the BE Member Advantages website

GUARANTEED SAFETY STANDARDSLatest fence safety research and trained O� cials

PRIORITY ENTRY INTO EVENTSUse your ballot numbers to get into your favourite Events

HOSPITALITYOwners’ hospitality at selected events

THE ULTIMATE EQUESTRIAN CHALLENGE!

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View the 2014 Fixtures onlinewww.britisheventing.com/fi xtures

FLEXIBLE MEMBERSHIPPay as you ride with Training and Day Passes or choose Full Membership

TRAINING & EDUCATIONDiscounts on regional Accredited Training

QUALITY COMPETITIONEventing at prestigious and picturesque venues from BE80(T) to International level

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Page 31: How to start eventing

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