Logistics of Competing Abroad- Ballindenisk or Waregem CIC***

IncaCola

IncaCola

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 December 2008
Messages
460
Location
South West
Visit site
I am now considering perhaps aiming for a CIC*** this year as now qualified, but as there are none in UK in later part of season only option would be to go abroad to either Ballindenisk or Waregem. I am going to ring BE tomorrow to sound out if feasible, but would welcome anyones experience of competing abroad, costs etc and also any feedback on either event would be great. Are either a suitable first time CIC***, would hope to have done one more advanced before? Obviously would look to lorry share with someone too.
 
It wasn't eventing but we went to Necarne for a week of dressage competition a few years ago. It cost us about &1000 all in. A great experience but 18 hrs of driving (we went via Scotland). The horse didn't seem to notice though.
 
I'd go for Ireland if possible. They speak the same language eat the same food and use the same plugs!
 
I have done a few trips abroad they are usually great fun ad a real team spirit although a long way from home if things go wrong. I think Ballindenisk you are more likely to find a lift share and it would be easier for a first trip although generally I enjoy the European events more than the Irish ones.

Ferry can be quite pricey but if sharing this is reduced. Great experience although no knowledge of either event. Maybe look up last years results to see who went and pick their brains.
 
I personally wouldn't lorry share. One of you will have to stay in a hotel and this will add to costs. If you both intend to live in the lorry, by day 3 you'll probably be ready to poke them in the eye. Its nice to be able to shut yourself away and have half an hour! I am an anti social ****** at times though, and get stroppy if i don't have my own space.
Mum used to drive the entire journey and although knackered, it is do able, but i'm not sure Id want to then have to compete for 3 days and do the return journey, so if you don't have a lorry driving groom going with you, at least make sure you've got another driver.
Abroad trips are good fun, but I would also consider things like, how happy are you with European driving, would going to Ireland (left hand driving) be easier for you.

As long as your horses are fit, a
nd you keep water up etc, they come off quite keen. When we landed in Athens and everyone was unloaded, it was commented on a lot that most of them looked as if they could compete there and then. Infact my mare bounded down the ramp!

GD :D
 
As I am from Ireland I will be totally biased and say come to Ireland!

Joking aside, Ballindennisk's autumn event is super, it would not have all the razz ma tazz as say Tattersalls (or other big 3DE's in the UK), but its a very friendly event and a number of British riders come over for it each year.

As others have said, we use the same plugs, speak the same lingo and drive on the same side of the road (well mostly!).

I have never been to Waregem so can't comment - but having just completed the CIC* at Camphire this week I'll be aiming for the cci* at Ballindennisk. If you do a google search you may be able to get some webcam footage of the course to give you an idea. - I found this for the cic*** track http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLyvWt_23Nk
 
Thanks so much hati, very helpful links, the 3 star doesn't look too scary, although probably will look much bigger in real life. Would love to g, just trying to work out how much it will all cost? Will need an FEI passport at £200 and also £40 application fee, do you know how much the entry and stabling would be? Just wondering if it would be cheaper than UK or not? Also if anyone has any info on cost and where to go from for ferry to Ireland that would be much appreciated :)
 
Entries and stabling vary massively so you will need to look at each event individually - FEI schedules will give full details and should be available via BE. In general Irish ones more in line with British prices, continental ones can be CONSIDERABLY cheaper :) Also, ferries across te Channel are a lot cheaper than ones across the Irish sea, like half the price! However, I love competing in Ireland it is the most fun of all! I've never been to Ballindenisk but have heard good things: think it is a little "homespun" but in a good way, and course is old-fashioned, again in a good way. I think either could work well for you :) Very jealous! :D
 
Ballindenisk is a nice course- lots of tables (!), 2 water complexes, one often quite near the end. No big hills. SJ usually quite influential.
As others have mentioned, it is less 'polished' than Tatts as it is run on a big farm, but it is friendly and fun.
Normally entry fees are circa Euro 225/250/275 plus stabling.
Pity you just missed Camphire- it is a lovely first 3*.
Check out www.eventingireland.com - you can look at past results and entrants etc...
 
The cost of the CCI*** is €600 and the CIC*** is €250 (plus stabling at €150 - onsite or €30/night off-site).

As TableDancer has said it is a little 'home-spun' but in a good way and the 'bar' is an underground 'shack' but a lot of fun and great atmosphere.
 
Meant to say- they usually do a deal with Irish ferries for people coming over for the event which makes it a bit cheaper...
 
Thanks for all the replies, much more helpful than BE! Did mange to find schedules online and Tabledancer you are right Waregem is cheaper as they include stabling in the entry. However the CIC*** is part of the nations cup series. I don't know if that means the course will be on the stiff side and also whether I would get approved to go as an individual as definitely not ready to make the team! So Ireland maybe the better bet. have emailed Irish ferries and eenting Ireland re prices as do need to make decision by Friday. I s would love the experience of competing abroad, but am worried it is going to end up just too costly to justify....
 
Don't book directly through the ferry company. Either an agent or transporter. The rates will be far cheaper even with their booking fee. You also have a little back up if anything goes wrong!
 
A friend is coming the other way this week and she booked her ferry through a deal with SJAI so might be worth finding out if EI has a similar deal with the ferry companies? It saved her a lot of money!
 
Your best bet is to contact the Fells directly who run Ballindenisk. They will be able to answer all your questions and I'm sure you will be welcomed with open arms. :)
You will find their contact details on the eventing Ireland website under any of their events.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top