BYEH advise

[joben]

hi i'm thinking about entering my 4yo for the byeh class at Brockenhurst but i'm not sure that he's completely ready. His dressage is OK- he has 3 excellent paces and works in an outline most of the time at home but I expect his eyes will be out on stalks at Brockenhurst. I understand the jumps will be 90cm- can anyone tell me if they build them well up to height or if they are lower than that? Should I expect a double? How good is a 4yo meant to be? Do they judge how good they are on the day or do they judge potential? Any tips appreciated.

 

[ebony123]

The BYEH is a great way of bringing on youngsters. I would say that the more you get your young horse out the better as its understandable that he/she will be on their toes, If I were you Id have gone to an event as a spectator just so you can see what its all about and have a look at the standard of horses there. The jumps are usually upto height and there will be a double, and usually there is a horse doing its dressage at the same time as another 1 is doing the jumping in the next ring. Id say have a go and if you feel the jumping is too much you can always pull up, there is nothing wrong with having a go and we all have to start somewhere and at least if you get to 1 or 2 this season youll have heads up next season for the 5 year old classes, also why not try the sports horse classes at county shows (small course and a show) its great experiance and the horses are split into age groups.

 

[Worried1]

We did the 4-y-o last year at Eridge and I would say they are up to height. The course was lovely and flowing but it was well-built and had a couple of asks such as a double to a planks going slightly downhill.
The jumping caused very little problems the odd stop or knock down. The atmosphere is usually quite bright as the BYEH was held the day before the BE so tradestands were going up, as well as trot ups for conformation and dressage in the grass arenas. I would say if your horse is happily poppping wound a BN you should have no problems.

 

[sw123]

Its a great experience for young horse and very good value for money. I would say they're up to height but inviting. Having been to 4 qualifiers this year so far they've had all sorts from all WH fences at Rutland with lots and lots of greenery to decorate to all SJ's with fillers at others. Usually a double and a related distance but nice and flowing.

They're marked as they are on the day really. Marks for paces/way of going etc in the dressage, not each individual movement and then for their technique and attitude to jumping as well as any faults. Obviously a very green horse with a fabulous technique will be marked higher than one who is less green but got less potential technique wise.

How good are they meant to be........well you'l get all sorts from real smart ones who do a stunning test, jump a perfect clear and look the absolute part, to others who have never been out wobble all over the place etc etc.

You get a lot of professionals doing it with very very well produced horses and it is showing so is subjective. However for the £20 its a round of SJ and a test and someones view on your horse so you don't get better value for money.