Junior Team Chase???

[glebedalesabrina]

Just to see if anyone out there can enlighten me; I've never done Team Chase before so I'm not quite clear on how it works but I'm thinking of starting to do it with my mare as I think the both of us will enjoy it. However, I'm only 15 and my pony is 14.2hh/14.3hh so wanted to start at a smaller height but from what I've researched it's not clear that there are any definitive height classes or the like and I'm fairly confused? Just wanted to know if they actually do a 'junior' team chase and what heights the fences go up to for that or if it's just purely based at one height etc. Thanks in advance

 

[Shay]

You can find the rules here http://www.teamchasing.co.uk/images/rules/TeamChaseRules_Nov2011.pdf You can't compete under 16 other than at the organizers discretion; and even then not for the fastest win; but against a bogey time. Team chasing is dangerous! The lowest height class is Novice which is max 3'3 (1m?) over 1.5m. Intermediate is Max 3'6 - 3'9 and Open is nothing smaller than 3'6 no upper height limit. Its also not individual - you need teams of 4.

Team chasing is run by the MFA so if you don't already hunt it would be worth hooking up with your local pack next season. The best way to get involved is through the teams fielded by your local pack - it also gives you great experience in crossing country at speed. The season is almost over now but there are other alternatives which you might be able to find over the summer.

Hunter trials are a good way to go XC without the dressage / SJ phase. Some venues run hunter pairs where you and another rider ride together and finish together; you are also usually judged over a "dressing fence" which you must take within a set time of one another. Some hunts run Hunt chase events which are similar to team chasing but a lower heights and more available to the juniors - but we do know the riders having hunted with them all season. I suspect it would be impossible to find insurance for an open event like that.

If you don't have much experience from hunting or similar you could also try out some sponsored rides over the summer? Not the same at all obviously - but good experience in crossing country and riding as a pack. (If you already hunt - sorry. You'll know all this...). Some packs offer mock hunts or pony club hunts during the summer which are also good experience. Check with your local pack or Pony Club DC.

Hope this helps.

 

[frostyfingers]

I think the heights at Novice do vary - at the Worcester Team Chase it was max 2.9, at Heythrop it was 3.0, you'd have to check each Schedule individually. Age wise I'm not so sure, certainly at the Heythrop there was a team of 13 year olds (who of course did a great deal better than a number of the older entrants!), I think at the Worcester you had to be 16 or over for the Intermediate & Open. Team wise it's the first 3 home that count so you can go as a three..... Certainly at the above 2 TC's there was a pairs class over the Novice course which may be more suitable, although if you're less confident cross country a hunter trial is probably the best place to start, as Shay says.

 

[ironhorse]

Shay - what do you base your assertion that team chasing is dangerous on ? If you've been to many team chases you will see lots of young riders having an absolute ball in the novice optimum time classes. It's an ideal way for novice horses and riders to gain confidence and learn to enjoy XC because you are not on your own so can get a lead if necessary. The idea of the optimum time classes is that teams can have fun without going too fast until they develop the skill, confidence and fitness to do speed classes.
OP - some accurate info: Every event includes a novice optimum time class - which is open to under 16s; some have a lower age limit of 12 years old if the novice course is a bit bigger. Most are around 2ft 9in with one or two bigger hedges (the hedges jump really well and it's a real thrill to jump them if you've never done it before!) Events do vary a bit - the best thing to do is find one that is near you at www.teamchasing.co.uk, and follow the links to look at pics of the event from the previous year - there's also a TC facebook page (linked from the website) which has lots of pics on it. You can also post on the facebook page to ask specific questions about the course for a particular event, such as is it suitable for a first timer, is there water, is it hilly etc. You can either get a team together yourself or ask on the FB page if you can join an existing team which is a great way to start. Alternatively if you see an event that appeals ask me about it on here and I'll give you a verdict!