Am I too old to do the OT eventers challenge?

[flyingfeet]

Just come across this - but wondered if I am too old? Would they expect oldies to turn up or is it a kiddies event????

http://www.otecc.co.uk

 

[welshpony]

Well there's an open class at every height, so you're certainly eligible for it.

 

[flyingfeet]

But is this a pony event with pony striding??

Also guess it means I am going to get beaten by kids *again*

 

[Cruiseonamiro]

I have to admit I haven't heard great things about the series as a whole... poor organisation, arenas not properly checked, venues not sure of the rules, courses not of a good standard. I know a lot of pony clubbers who do it... but I think that if you were to go one and see how it went, it couldn't hurt!

 

[flyingfeet]

The one I was looking at is at Hartpury (which I love) and would have done JAS until I worked out the price of a day ticket for non-BE member!!!

 

[Rosiefan]

Class C2 and D2 are open to 21 and above so it can't be all about ponies surely. As for being beaten by kids, think of them as very small adults with no responsibilities who will all too soon be paying taxes like the rest of us - I find it helps

 

[flyingfeet]

This is why its so annoying, I work hard and pay tax.. all I really want to do is play ponies and be funded by my parents (parents said b*gger off)!!!

Ah thankies I hadn't spottd C2 hence why I thought uh oh only one open class!!

 

[mil1212]

I did it last year at the ripe old age of 28..... I thought it was an optimum time type thing which would be similar to JAS (which I have also competed in). It was basically go as fast as you can, and that's what got the placings. The course (I did 2 different venues, same course) was a bit pants and really hard to remember (fences all quite close together and short striding if I remember)! I did qualify for the final and was desperate to go as it was all bigged up that it was going to be televised, luckily I decided not to go as it was too far (Arena UK) and then Horse and Country TV pulled out anyhow. All in all, I think the above poster summed it up - poorly organised. May be better this time round though, and is a bit cheaper option to the JAS with similar fences, all be it not as flowing. You'll be in with a chance if you have a nippy show jumper, but then my giant 17.3hh eventer got placed....

 

[Cruiseonamiro]

My friend withdrew her 13.2hh after looking at the course...

 

[milz88]

My sister and I entered the one at Moreton Morrell to give it a go, I was in the D class, the last one, but for my age group, it was due to start at half 6 and when I got there they were running an hour late and I wouldn't have been jumping til 9pm by the time they had changed the course and done prize givings etc, ridiculous, it was a badly designed course and too many jumps in their indoor school, just not suitable.

Sorry to put a downer on your idea, but its worth knowing experiences I would guess. However, there is a chance that this year it could have improved? In my opinion they tried to run too many classes in one day, it was origionally supposed to be two. We just about got a refund!

 

[Rosiefan]

lol - their parents will say b*****r off sooner or later I hope, then they'll have to go it alone. I'm gonna try and persuade Rosie to have a go - there's one at Norton Heath whereas last year there were no local ones for us.

 

[Bubblegum]

Hmmmm... we might have a look at this too. Tried JAS last year and horse couldn't quite see the point...
But - now if only we could find a JWS class ( jumping without style ) he would be very,very good at that!!

 

[crackersluvrat]

I took part in one last year and would never go again, the courses were appalling, it wasn't true to height, really not impressed, to be honest i'm surprised they are trying to run it for another year.

 

[lilpinkdonkey4]

I went and helped a friend at one last year and it was a bit of a joke. They did it in a *tiny* arena with far too many jumps so she had problems making the turns on her 16.2 hunter type. like someone said above it was the whizzy ponies (even in the open old person class) that were placed.

 

[SunshineTallulah]

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2535217/an/0/page/238#2535217

Here is my report from last year when we qualified for the final.

The regional event was run well, but the final was awful. Expensive for what it was and poorly run.

They have made changes this year, such as splitting the classes but still you will have kids over 12 on ponies so the horses will be hard put to match them.

There is a real mix of ages competing.

I still think the event needs a fair amount of tweaking despite the new changes, hence I shall be giving it a miss!!!!!

Shame, cos it could have been a real corker of an event.

 

[flyingfeet]

Oh thanks for that

I have entered the 2ft9" to 3ft class at Hartpury

We normally do BN and Disco BSJA, but thought I would go for the smaller one as might get to jump before 6pm at night!!!

Will put a report up

 

[SunshineTallulah]

Am sure you will have fun.

From the info I heard, the regional events were great, just the "Championship Final!" was really over rated!

Good luck and we look forward to the report.

 

[CrazyMare]

Oooh that looks fun!!!

We are limited in what we can compete in, as I'm 21 and my mare is 13.1h (don't suggest putting a child on board - she dislikes children immensely!) plus there are a few venues close by. Think we will have to wait until next year though

 

[flyingfeet]

Why do you need to wait until next year??

 

[CrazyMare]

Mare still has her foal at foot, and will do until at least the start of October.

 

[rotters13]

Damn. Missed the BCA one. Didn't see any schedules though?!