Houghton Hall Area Festival

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Street_Skill

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I fulfilled a lifetime ambition in February this year of affiliating my horse to British Dressage-prelim only at the moment! He spent the first month of my membership lame in the most pathetic fashion with a corn (I think he knew I'd just spent a fortune!), and then we qualified for our first ever Area Festival in two or three outings. I promptly forgot about it, but now I find that it's looming rather quickly and I have to admit I'm getting a bit nervous!

I had a lesson on Saturday with my amazing instructor who told me about tack inspections (must practice putting my hand in his mouth to examine his bit), bright white sand, flowers, the possibility of two judges and tables in the areas. I checked the Houghton website to see when the times were being released and saw that the entries were full, then I heard that there are about 100 entries in the prelim....! I'm planning to stay on the Thursday night (still need to book my stable), but now wondering if I should be staying on the Friday too as I have no idea what time we will finish and it's entirely possible it could be late! I'm still waiting for the new competition jacket to arrive that I ordered at Burghley. I haven't heard a peep about it since and have no idea if it will be ready in time. If not I'll have to wear the black one which is about 30 years old and stinks but I daren't take it to the dry cleaners because I'm too embarrassed! To top it off my OH said he would come with me to our first official stay away, but now he's going sailing so it looks as though I'll be going on my own.....

In my infinite wisdom I entered my local venue at the weekend in an attempt to boost our points for Winter Regionals qualification. Now I'm wondering whether it's such a good idea!

Anyway, sorry for the waffle-I know I'll love it when I get there, I'm just looking for any hints and tips about the venue or Area Festivals in general, what to take etc. so that I can get the most out of the experience and above all enjoy it!! Thanks all! :)
 
No idea tbh as doing our first areas this weekend (only prelim and 41 in the class, eep) and it's only 40 mins away so not staying away. Our venue has the prizegivings and times out so that will give you an idea when things will finish :)

Good luck and flash the febreeze if you have to wear the backup jacket! :)
 
Thanks leflynn! Febreeze has gone on the shopping list just in case. If the worst comes to the worst I'm going to need it! :)

Good luck at the weekend!!
 
I love HH. All the team are really friendly.
Remember you are not against 100 other prelim peeps, just the ones (30ish) in your section.
If you think the tack inspection may upset your horse you can ask for it to be done after the test although if you do and something is wrong you will be eliminated.
But most importantly, what sort of sailing does the OH do?
 
They are super friendly at HH and if you find the steward Ulli she will look after you.
She is ace at reminding people to remove boots, hand holding and the like.
The restaurant is fab.
The tack check is no big deal. I had mine done at Regionals and it took about a minute.
I will be there with my new boy who I'm sure will disgrace me but who cares it is supposed to be fun.
I know they have two sections so if you email the ever efficient Kim in the office I am sure she would try and put you in the morning section
Might see you there.��
 
PaddyMonty said:
I love HH. All the team are really friendly.
Remember you are not against 100 other prelim peeps, just the ones (30ish) in your section.
If you think the tack inspection may upset your horse you can ask for it to be done after the test although if you do and something is wrong you will be eliminated.
But most importantly, what sort of sailing does the OH do?
Click to expand...

Great advice and good to know it's really friendly there. I have to say I've had a great experience at every venue I've been to so far. Everyone has been friendly and helpful and I've really enjoyed getting to know people. I don't think Ted will be too fussed about the tack inspection, it was just one more thing that I knew about but hadn't really registered! The OH is going to down to Southampton and crewing on a big racing yacht. I think they're going to sail to Cowes? I confess I wasn't really listening properly, too busy adding Febreeze to my online Tesco shop.....!

honetpot said:
I am sure you will be fine. If you want a pair of hands that weekend I am off and not had my dressage fix for a while.
Click to expand...

Bless you, that is so kind! I'm waiting to hear back from my mum who may be able to get the day off to hand hold. Feel free to come and find me though, if the new jacket doesn't turn up I'll be easy to find..... I can promise coffee and bacon sandwiches!

Madali said:
They are super friendly at HH and if you find the steward Ulli she will look after you.
She is ace at reminding people to remove boots, hand holding and the like.
The restaurant is fab.
The tack check is no big deal. I had mine done at Regionals and it took about a minute.
I will be there with my new boy who I'm sure will disgrace me but who cares it is supposed to be fun.
I know they have two sections so if you email the ever efficient Kim in the office I am sure she would try and put you in the morning section
Might see you there.��
Click to expand...

Good idea, I might try and email them today. A morning time would be much better for me. I don't really care where we come, I just want to remember the test and like you said it's supposed to be fun and I just want to enjoy the experience!

Thanks everyone for your help and great tips! :)
 
Street_Skill said:
The OH is going to down to Southampton and crewing on a big racing yacht. I think they're going to sail to Cowes? I confess I wasn't really listening properly
Click to expand...
Sounds familiar. My wife never listens when I talk about a weekends sailing, mention horses and I have her undivided attention :(
Probably doing the Solent winter series racing
 
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