Competing in the UK

CastlelackSportHorses

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Hello everyone,

So I am an Irish showjumping rider and have jumped up to 130 with my amazing mare.
She has given me all the things I have ever dreamed of so cant really ask for much more.
A few friends travelled to Hickstead last year and Bolesworth this year to jump for the experience.

I would absolutely love to opportunity to compete abroad just once with my special lady!
But I have no clue of how to go about it!

I have evented internationally at home under FEI rules but never travelled.
So I'm not sure whether ill need a FEI license to jump in the UK, and also I don't understand height brackets.
I would normally jump 110/120 at home but I see the UK have Newcomers/Foxhunter !

If anyone can shed some light on this I would be grateful and maybe get the ball rolling for next year :D
 
FEI process for reg is identical for sjing as it is for eventing. You would be best to speak to a transporter about travel as not sure what the situation is with Brexit and horse travel.
Not sure what heights you are jumping but FEI sjing starts at 1.05.
Here is a schedule for the FEI held down road from me - https://www.fei.org/events/2025_CI_0557/Chard
Alternatively if just coming across to jump national classes I think you can get a temporary pass from BS but probably more money. Newcomers is 1.10m and tbh it's probably quite a lot of hassle as will need temporary membership of BS and then you will be allocated points if on a horse who has jumped before which means you might need to do 1.10m opens as newcomers are restricted. You might just be best coming across for FEI. Bolesworth is serious £££ just be warned! Hickstead probably less so. You would need to check FEI calendar first what Hickstead is running. You might also need to get approval from your own Irish federation to travel. So it's probably a bit of a bureaucratic nightmare but once sorted will be fine.
 
Thank you for all that info!
Yes I think Ill aim for Hickstead as dont need FEI license!
I would imagine my horse would have to jump open classes as she has a LOT of points over here :D
 

Temporary 120 Day Visiting Membership​

Foreign riders wishing to compete at one or more shows for a continuous period not exceeding 120 days may do so providing they are currently registered under the relevant category. All horses/ponies they wish to compete must also be registered.

 
I thought you might be. The easiest path (although still not without it’s difficulty) would be travelling the horse on an ATA carnet. As you’re effectively travelling between the EU and the UK this will be the only way you will not be charged import tax and duty on your horse and equipment. You may also need other travel documents for your horse i.e export health certificate
 
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