Help me start eventing!

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natalia

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I have NEVER EVER been tempted to do any BE before, and have always just done BS, however, I've now been given the rides on two very nice 5 yr olds who are out and out event types. They are both working very well on the flat, and jumping small courses. One is on her winter hols and coming in mid jan to start getting fit. The other is currently up and running. I don't need advice on fitness or work as have a good idea of what I need to do with them, what is confusing me is how to register, when to enter, how long it takes to plan. I think I would like to ease myself in very gently with a couple of 80 training runs, both should be doing 100 by the end of the season. How often would you aim to run a 5yr old? Will be well prepared with lots of XC schooling and they will still jump BS also. I'm in Surrey so venue ideas and where is nice to enter? Want first couple very easy baby intros. Any suggestions of any extra kit I will need? I know I need a decent body protector and prob will get a point 2 thing, but what about things like number bibs? Do I just turn out like I was doing a WH? Thanks!
 
As you are planning a proper season it is worth you becoming a full member, the horses can then be registered although the owners will need to join if they are running them in their names, BE are not too fussy about who "owns" the horses so they can be "owned" by the rider to save on expenses.
For 80/ 90s you should look at venues that run unaff as well as BE, not too sure about your area but Tweseldown is one that run both BE and unaff over decent tracks so you can get the runs you want, to fit in with your plans not being reliant on BE at the lower levels.
How often to run depends on the horse, how much it needs to compete and how much training/ schooling required, some are best learning out at the competitions, some best set up really well running less frequently but 2 per month would be average, the ground conditions etc should also be taken into account, the sj may be on less than perfect ground and while most venues do try to make conditions good the weather does not always help.
Extra kit, a good selection of studs, I always put 2 holes in each shoe but rarely use more than one stud in each if ground is good, some decent xc boots, premier equine air cooled are good but do not suit every horse.
You will need a number bib, your hats require tagging at the first event you do, you must wear a medical armband xc.
Turnout as WH is about right, tweed jacket etc, horse plaited and pulled.

Just to add, you can look on the BE site for dates, they are all on now, it is easy to navigate the site and look up rules etc.
 
Agree with what be positive has said- definitely worth checking out unaffiliated events near to you that are run over BE courses- might be worth trying to get a run over those first- just incase there are any hiccups. Most tend to run as close to BE rules as possible- and they are a lot cheaper!!!

Agree- Dress/SJ turnout as WH, plus a number bib. Agree- plaited/pulled- smart turnout. I tend to stud for all phases. XC- top/colours and a skull hat with flexible peak/silk. tagged- take it with you when you pay your start fee to get it checked/tagged. You will need a medical arm band- you will not be allowed to start without the correct hat tag/arm band.

Other than that- there isn't a lot of extra stuff that you will need!

Oh and your camera so you can post lots of pics on here! :)
 
BE are starting a new training initiative called Go BE 80/90 and the courses are aimed at people wanting to start out, covering all questions as well as training. Have a look on the training part of their website for details in your area.
 
Just to add... You don't need to go and spend a fortune on xc colours. Any old rugby shirt or running top will do the job, or even an old jumper.

There are lots of "technical" xc riding tops, these are exactly the same as the long sleeved running top you would get from sports direct for £10, but about x5 the price!
 
I started my 5yr old eventing last season. We did a couple on trainings (80's) at Chilham castle (one unaffiliated and 1 BE), then moved on two 2 90's by the end of the season (BCA and Pulborough). My aim was 1 event a month, I didn't want to do too much, he'd have been fine doing more though! Most XC schooling was simulated in the school or learnt on the course, threw him in at the deep end :)

As for affiliating, I'd recommend you becoming a member, and perhaps buying a few day tickets for the horses. See how it goes, then affiliate the ponies at a later date.

Definitely agree with wench - I make up my XC colours on the morning of the event depending on my mood, Usually choose a shirt or 3/4 length running top.

Good luck and pics of you season please x
 
I've got plenty of clothes! Lol. How soon in advance do you have to enter these things? I know lots get quite full! I'm used to pay and play with BSJA! Have plenty of studs etc. have HSI hat so that's fine. Will need number bib. Horses will be well prepped before first outing, not worried about that! Just will be a total change in discipline!
 
It has the timings- (opening and closing and late entry surcharges) on the BE website- go onto the fixtures page and highlight which ones you want to do in the 'my events calendar' bit. Then work out when to enter. Some are more popular than others- i think the 80s/90s do get quite full so I would always enter well in advance.

Agree re: colours- Go outdoors do cheap thermal/baselayer type tops
 
In Surrey and surrounding area you have Tweseldown, BCA, Pulborough, Mattingley, Borde Hill, Wellington Park, West Wilts, Munstead, Firle Place, Smiths Lawn, South of England and Iping to name a few...

You can enter most of the above on www.bdwp.co.uk this site lists U/A events too. I would always recommend entering early as the lower level classes do fill up quickly although if you use your ballot stickers or are flexible about which day you can do that helps.

You could also check out the Pony Club website (Area 13 calendar) and Riding Clubs (area 11) as some of them run open events at various venues over BE courses at a fraction of the cost, although some of the DR tests will be different!

Clothing and kit wise if you stick with plain and blingless you can't go too far wrong :o) the BE rule book is available on the website. Main difference between BE (DR phase) and BD is no whips and no callers - the tests are all free to download from the BE website too.

Have fun!
 
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