My first ever BE event coming up!

HannaST

HannaST

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Hi guys,
new user here :)

Just registered for my first ever BE event, BE80(T) at Breckenbrough on 26th July. So excited!! I used to event in Norway where I grew up before moving here, but this is the first time in the UK. So with my new horse Cosmo we'll be having a go this summer :)

A few questions for you all: what is the level of dressage in BE80? The test doesn't look too complicated, and I'm not worried about getting a great score, but don't want to make a fool of myself either. My horse works in an outline in all paces but not always consistently, he can be tense, and can struggle to balance himself properly in the canter. Will we be ok?

Also, as far as I've understood, you get an allotted time for each phase a few days before, yes? Is there any rule on how close together these might be? Is it likely we'll have to do all phases straight after each other, or will he get a rest before the XC?


If anyone is going to Breckenbrough please say hi, I'll probably be nervous and lost :)
 
Hi,

good luck with your first competition, I hop you have a lot of fun!

Your dressage sounds just fine, most horses lose their outline a bit on a grass arena. If it makes you feel better I forgot my test last weekend in a 90, and my horse jogged in the walk, and with a double clear we were still placed :-)

As for the timings, I think there is a minimum of half an hour between phases, but it is often longer. To be honest I quite like it when they are close as he is all ready warmed p for each phase once you have factored in walking back to the box for tack changes.

I am not going to that event, but I know they are friendly there, and am sure you will have a great time.
 
The dressage is at prelim level, the judges will be looking for a relaxed horse working consitently and in balance but are not going to be too harsh if there are a few moments that are not so good, aim for him to be rhythmic and forward with as much relaxation as possible, it is the first level of competition so standards will vary considerably if the test is calm and the picture looks soft you should get reasonable marks even if the canter goes a bit off balance.

The times will be put up, usually 2 days before the event normally there is at least 35 mins between phases but often far longer, I like the horse to rest after dressage, then show jump a quick change and off to xc as soon as possible while they are still fairly well warmed up, it saves them working quite so hard overall, the stewards are helpful and if you are not ready at your alloted time, as long as you are making an effort they will usually have someone more than willing to go ahead of you. Changing the dressage is not an option but many events will have a running order for sj and xc and you just need to put your number on the board at about your alloted time, much the same as a normal sj comp but you need to check when you get there to find out how they run.

Don't forget to take your hat to be tagged, when you pick up your number, enjoy yourself and do come back either with a report or if you have any more questions. Good luck.
 
Thank you! I hope so too!

Red-1 said:
If it makes you feel better I forgot my test last weekend in a 90, and my horse jogged in the walk, and with a double clear we were still placed :-)
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That does make me feel better! :) To be fair we've never been to a dressage competition together so I have no idea how he'll react - we'll find out!

Red-1 said:
As for the timings, I think there is a minimum of half an hour between phases, but it is often longer. To be honest I quite like it when they are close as he is all ready warmed p for each phase once you have factored in walking back to the box for tack changes.
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That's a good point actually, not having to warm up so much. I've been used to doing DR/SJ right after each other then the XC later in the day, but I definitely see your point. I'm pretty sure he's fit enough but it wouldn't be bad not having to do so much warm up.
 
be positive said:
The dressage is at prelim level, the judges will be looking for a relaxed horse working consitently and in balance but are not going to be too harsh if there are a few moments that are not so good, aim for him to be rhythmic and forward with as much relaxation as possible, it is the first level of competition so standards will vary considerably if the test is calm and the picture looks soft you should get reasonable marks even if the canter goes a bit off balance.

The times will be put up, usually 2 days before the event normally there is at least 35 mins between phases but often far longer, I like the horse to rest after dressage, then show jump a quick change and off to xc as soon as possible while they are still fairly well warmed up, it saves them working quite so hard overall, the stewards are helpful and if you are not ready at your alloted time, as long as you are making an effort they will usually have someone more than willing to go ahead of you. Changing the dressage is not an option but many events will have a running order for sj and xc and you just need to put your number on the board at about your alloted time, much the same as a normal sj comp but you need to check when you get there to find out how they run.

Don't forget to take your hat to be tagged, when you pick up your number, enjoy yourself and do come back either with a report or if you have any more questions. Good luck.
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That sounds good then, thanks! Yes I've heard about the hat tagging, will make sure to remember. Having to put the number on the board for XC is new but seems straightforward enough.

Will report how we get on :)
 
siennamiller said:
Sorry to hijack your post, but I am also doing my first BE, at Borde Hill in august, and having read this, I am wondering what is hat tagging?
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If I've understood correctly, you have to take your (jumping?) hat to the secretary people at the start of the day, so they can check it complies with regulations etc, and then they give it a yellow tag which signals that it's been checked.

And feel free to hijack, I will probably learn something :)
 
HannaST said:
If I've understood correctly, you have to take your (jumping?) hat to the secretary people at the start of the day, so they can check it complies with regulations etc, and then they give it a yellow tag which signals that it's been checked.

And feel free to hijack, I will probably learn something :)
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yes, that's right. I have had my dressage hat tagged too - basically safest option is to get any hat you are planning on wearing tagged.

Remember you will need to provide your own number bib and medical armband too.

Breckenbrough BE 80 was my first event last year. Its a great venue and a good first time xc course. There shoild be a course walk either the morning of the event or the evening before with a professional rider. Well worth going to if you get the chance. Enjoy!
 
I completed my first BE this year (80T too) with my next one coming up on Sunday.

I was given some really useful advice on here....

In the 80T there are trainers available at each stage to help on the day and also to give guided course walks for the SJ and XC. I found the XC course walk so helpful and picked up some good tips about when to enter the start box etc.

I take photos of each jump so I can flick through them before mounting as a quick reminder.

When you arrive remember your start fee (in cash), horses passport and to get any hats you are wearing tagged. All done in the secretary’s tent.

I’m sad and write a timing plan once I get my times for each discipline – it was so helpful on the day as time does seem to run away a bit once you get going.

I have three plastic boxes in my lorry – once for each discipline and put everything I need for each one in it – boots, change of bridle etc. This made it much easier for my friend who helps me to get the right stuff out at the right time.

I absolutely loved my first event even though we rode a horrific dressage! Everyone was so friendly and happy to help.

I hope it goes well and you enjoy it as much as I did :-)
 
Guys, when you bought your Day Pass Membership from BE didn't they send you the "starting out in eventing" booklet with your membership letter? They sent me one when I bought mine at the start of the season and although there's been some good advice on the thread, that booklet is absolutely invaluable. I carry it everywhere when I go eventing! It covers all the stuff you'd think is silly and has a really good list of things to take with you etc. Def worth a read and re-read!

FWIW, I did Stafford and Berriewood BE80(T)s. Horse did a lovely DR at Stafford and came 11th (one pole SJ and loads of XC time faults) but did what felt to me like a terrible DR at Berriewood, yet it only scored a couple of points higher and we came sixth because we were clear jumping. Just make sure you practise your test! I also try to do a bit of DR in between events as I find I get less nervous if we've been out competing pure DR too.
 
Good luck!!! I've got my first one next Friday too :) I've been to a few with friends so I've got a general idea what to expect, but i'm very forgetful so I doubt I'll manage to get the right kit on at the right time! If you can take a horsey helper and train them a bit before you go it seems to help as you then only have to concentrate on getting yourself ready!
 
Mike007 said:
How very dare you come on here and post without a picture of Cosmo for us to admire!
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Haha! Good question :)

Hunter trials two weeks ago:
10360772_10154207078995361_5112971276255160556_n.jpg


Jumping lesson:
10313801_10154234616365361_2652690823015544223_n.jpg


Fun Times said:
yes, that's right. I have had my dressage hat tagged too - basically safest option is to get any hat you are planning on wearing tagged.

Remember you will need to provide your own number bib and medical armband too.

Breckenbrough BE 80 was my first event last year. Its a great venue and a good first time xc course. There shoild be a course walk either the morning of the event or the evening before with a professional rider. Well worth going to if you get the chance. Enjoy!
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Thanks! Yes I've still got my number bib and medical armband from when I evented in Norway. Is there an official card to go in the holder, or can you write your own information on a piece of card?

LFD said:
I completed my first BE this year (80T too) with my next one coming up on Sunday.

I was given some really useful advice on here....

In the 80T there are trainers available at each stage to help on the day and also to give guided course walks for the SJ and XC. I found the XC course walk so helpful and picked up some good tips about when to enter the start box etc.

I take photos of each jump so I can flick through them before mounting as a quick reminder.

When you arrive remember your start fee (in cash), horses passport and to get any hats you are wearing tagged. All done in the secretary’s tent.

I’m sad and write a timing plan once I get my times for each discipline – it was so helpful on the day as time does seem to run away a bit once you get going.

I have three plastic boxes in my lorry – once for each discipline and put everything I need for each one in it – boots, change of bridle etc. This made it much easier for my friend who helps me to get the right stuff out at the right time.

I absolutely loved my first event even though we rode a horrific dressage! Everyone was so friendly and happy to help.

I hope it goes well and you enjoy it as much as I did :-)
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Photos of the jumps is a good idea. Love the different boxes too - will try that although my stuff is often just in an IKEA blue bag haha!

chestnut cob said:
Just make sure you practise your test! I also try to do a bit of DR in between events as I find I get less nervous if we've been out competing pure DR too.
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Yes I've just had a look at the test, I'll ride it next time I'm schooling. It looks like the movements are okay so I'm just hoping he won't be too tense in the ring!

Jango said:
If you can take a horsey helper and train them a bit before you go it seems to help as you then only have to concentrate on getting yourself ready!
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Yes I'm hoping to do this, although at the moment there's a fair chance it might be me and my non-horsey boyfriend! I'll have to call on social media magic!
 
Mike007 said:
Cosmo is cool !
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Thanks! He agrees!

Another question for you guys, so I've entered via the BDWP site and did it well in time for the ballot, which was yesterday. Checked my entry now and it says "Card authorised". How would I know whether I was balloted out or not? Is there a list somewhere? Or does it just take some time?
 
HannaST said:
Thanks! He agrees!

Another question for you guys, so I've entered via the BDWP site and did it well in time for the ballot, which was yesterday. Checked my entry now and it says "Card authorised". How would I know whether I was balloted out or not? Is there a list somewhere? Or does it just take some time?
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Card authorised basically means that the payment has been accepted. On the bdwp page for your event it should tell you when the ballot date is. You know when you have been balloted because it will state 'balloted' next to your name after the ballot date and time! Hope you have a great time!!!!
 
Make sure you read the rule book carefully a couple of times before you go and read all the rules and information on the schedule, if something is unclear ring the secretary. You don't want to get elminated for something stupid or technical.

Good luck on your debut!
 
ahml100 said:
Card authorised basically means that the payment has been accepted. On the bdwp page for your event it should tell you when the ballot date is. You know when you have been balloted because it will state 'balloted' next to your name after the ballot date and time! Hope you have a great time!!!!
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Thanks! Yes looks like I'm good then because the ballot should have been 4th July? Is there anywhere to see starting lists?

Orangehorse said:
Make sure you read the rule book carefully a couple of times before you go and read all the rules and information on the schedule, if something is unclear ring the secretary. You don't want to get elminated for something stupid or technical.

Good luck on your debut!
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Thanks, yes I will have a read! That would be very silly!
 
HannaST said:
Thanks! Yes looks like I'm good then because the ballot should have been 4th July? Is there anywhere to see starting lists?

Entries are still open so they have not balloted, you can go on to BDWP and see the section lists, not sure if this link will work but if not go to the event page, click on received entries, on the left, then onto the class you are in.There are 67 entries so far which means 2 sections, hope the link works ok.
http://www.bdwp.co.uk/bn2/
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be positive said:
HannaST said:
Thanks! Yes looks like I'm good then because the ballot should have been 4th July? Is there anywhere to see starting lists?
Click to expand...

Entries are still open so they have not balloted, you can go on to BDWP and see the section lists, not sure if this link will work but if not go to the event page, click on received entries, on the left, then onto the class you are in.There are 67 entries so far which means 2 sections, hope the link works ok.
http://www.bdwp.co.uk/bn2/
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Aha great, I found it now, thanks :)
 
So tomorrow is the big day!! Very excited!!

Last weekend we went to an unaffiliated and had a paddy at the water. We've practiced since but we'll see whether he'll go in or not, bit silly because at Breckenbrough there's two water jumps! Oh well, fingers crossed!

Dressage 10:54, SJ 13:14, XC 13:54, if someone sees us do say hi. :) I'm number 160, Hanna Stostad & Cosmo IV.
 
HannaST said:
So tomorrow is the big day!! Very excited!!

Last weekend we went to an unaffiliated and had a paddy at the water. We've practiced since but we'll see whether he'll go in or not, bit silly because at Breckenbrough there's two water jumps! Oh well, fingers crossed!

Dressage 10:54, SJ 13:14, XC 13:54, if someone sees us do say hi. :) I'm number 160, Hanna Stostad & Cosmo IV.
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Best of luck Hanna, looking forward to reading you event report :)
 
Thank you LFD - here goes. Not quite the result I hoped for today, but it is a start...

Dressage was very tense - big field and lots of horses, and suddenly he was all alone and it was terrifying! We got through though, and the walk was pretty good though, and we did do "right paces in right places" as my previous trainer said! Ended up on 46.5. That said, we got some fab help from the BE80 trainer, took full advantage and he basically gave us a mini lesson! Very useful :)

Show jumping was super weird - when we came into the arena he suddenly stopped and refused to go. I couldn't understand why - the people in the middle were maybe scary, but not that bad. And five seconds later, a whirlwind came into the arena and blew half the jumps over!!! So crazy!!! Cosmo obviously freaked out, got super scared and I had to be led towards the first jump. He made a faff but I rode really strongly, got him over all of them with only one stop and a pole down! The video is horrendous but we did do it. The poor pony was terrified!
On a good note, Karen Dixon had course walk and SJ warm up, and said Cosmo jumped "beautifully" which he did in the warm up :)

Then XC. Lovely warm up, only jumped three times because he felt so good! Set out from start box, super well behaved in the start box, first 7 jumps lovely, waterford bit worked well. Such a good feeling although he did pull a bit, but nothing I couldn't handle.

Then came the water. :( I really tried, really thought positively, rode him so strongly, but I didn't have a chance... I took a second to let him look, no luck. Tried again and rode so strongly I feel rather bad about it, used the whip more than I like to admit, but it was full stop. So that was it. Then the rider behind caught up, and the fence judges kindly let us ride in straight after her, and he followed, so that was good! But we had to stop after that obviously. Oh well.

So that was a rather disappointing result. But on the good side, he behaved really nicely on the ground - loading, tacking up, all that stuff. Had some really nice moments and the test looks much nicer on video than it felt! And the XC jumping we did do was good!

However, I think we've pushed it a bit too far, and it's time to take a step back and chill out for a bit. He needs time to get used to it all, especially the water. I don't want him to have too many bad experiences. So we've withdrawn from Skipton, and plan to go schooling there afterwards instead. Then spend some time just schooling, fun rides, maybe some dressage and jumping and show cross. We have time, I just need to remember it :)
 
HannaST said:
Thank you LFD - here goes. Not quite the result I hoped for today, but it is a start...

Dressage was very tense - big field and lots of horses, and suddenly he was all alone and it was terrifying! We got through though, and the walk was pretty good though, and we did do "right paces in right places" as my previous trainer said! Ended up on 46.5. That said, we got some fab help from the BE80 trainer, took full advantage and he basically gave us a mini lesson! Very useful :)

Show jumping was super weird - when we came into the arena he suddenly stopped and refused to go. I couldn't understand why - the people in the middle were maybe scary, but not that bad. And five seconds later, a whirlwind came into the arena and blew half the jumps over!!! So crazy!!! Cosmo obviously freaked out, got super scared and I had to be led towards the first jump. He made a faff but I rode really strongly, got him over all of them with only one stop and a pole down! The video is horrendous but we did do it. The poor pony was terrified!
On a good note, Karen Dixon had course walk and SJ warm up, and said Cosmo jumped "beautifully" which he did in the warm up :)

Then XC. Lovely warm up, only jumped three times because he felt so good! Set out from start box, super well behaved in the start box, first 7 jumps lovely, waterford bit worked well. Such a good feeling although he did pull a bit, but nothing I couldn't handle.

Then came the water. :( I really tried, really thought positively, rode him so strongly, but I didn't have a chance... I took a second to let him look, no luck. Tried again and rode so strongly I feel rather bad about it, used the whip more than I like to admit, but it was full stop. So that was it. Then the rider behind caught up, and the fence judges kindly let us ride in straight after her, and he followed, so that was good! But we had to stop after that obviously. Oh well.

So that was a rather disappointing result. But on the good side, he behaved really nicely on the ground - loading, tacking up, all that stuff. Had some really nice moments and the test looks much nicer on video than it felt! And the XC jumping we did do was good!

However, I think we've pushed it a bit too far, and it's time to take a step back and chill out for a bit. He needs time to get used to it all, especially the water. I don't want him to have too many bad experiences. So we've withdrawn from Skipton, and plan to go schooling there afterwards instead. Then spend some time just schooling, fun rides, maybe some dressage and jumping and show cross. We have time, I just need to remember it :)
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Well done for giving it a go. I was going to try look out for you (was my 4th BE event) but my dressage was half 12 so I think a bit later than you. I saw a few people struggling in the show jumping with that wind. The BE coach in the showjumping warm up was a great help to my nerves.

I unfortunately didn't make it past the ditch (didn't expect an open ditch lol) and my horse just planted and refused to entertain it at all which is very disappointing but something to work on I suppose. Luckily my horse loves water and actually tries to accelerate - I have to hold back! But I can understand your frustration. I bet yours would have flown the ditch!

I am hoping there was a professional photographer on course before the ditch lol - we left before checking as it was just so hot and wanted to get them home.
 
MardyMare said:
Well done for giving it a go. I was going to try look out for you (was my 4th BE event) but my dressage was half 12 so I think a bit later than you. I saw a few people struggling in the show jumping with that wind. The BE coach in the showjumping warm up was a great help to my nerves.

I unfortunately didn't make it past the ditch (didn't expect an open ditch lol) and my horse just planted and refused to entertain it at all which is very disappointing but something to work on I suppose. Luckily my horse loves water and actually tries to accelerate - I have to hold back! But I can understand your frustration. I bet yours would have flown the ditch!

I am hoping there was a professional photographer on course before the ditch lol - we left before checking as it was just so hot and wanted to get them home.
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Thank you, yes I completely forgot to look for other people, too absorbed in keeping schedule and focusing! The BE coach was Karen Dixon (olympic rider) and she was really useful :)

A horse just after me (the one I followed through the water!) had a right look at the ditch, big chestnut I think, she eventually got over but it was too late and she had to stop after. Hoping Cosmo would have flown it but we'll never know! Ditches and water are just those kinds of things - either they don't mind or they think it's terrifying. But you're right - something to work on!

Didn't consider the photographer, will have a look when they're online, do you know who it was?

Generally I did find the event very well run and organised - loved how they kept reminding people to drink water over the PA!
 
I thought I recognised the coach but couldn't put name to face. Her and the steward going into the SJ were excellent.

I didn't catch the photographer unfortunately - Nick Gill rings a bell but don't know if that was this time or last.

The annoying thing for me is she will do any ditch with a log over it but not an open one and I felt awful walloping her - she just plants and then runs backwards! Actually came on here earlier to read up about what to do so going to practice in case it happens again.
 
MardyMare said:
I thought I recognised the coach but couldn't put name to face. Her and the steward going into the SJ were excellent.

I didn't catch the photographer unfortunately - Nick Gill rings a bell but don't know if that was this time or last.

The annoying thing for me is she will do any ditch with a log over it but not an open one and I felt awful walloping her - she just plants and then runs backwards! Actually came on here earlier to read up about what to do so going to practice in case it happens again.
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Agree the SJ steward was very good too.
Yeah practice is probably a good idea - someone once suggested to me to have a show jump pole over a ditch to learn jumping trakheners, with the pole on the ground at first and gradually raising it up. Maybe you could do it the other way around?! Start with it in the air and lower it until it's on the edge of the ditch. Might be inconvenient with the poles/stands but maybe worth a try?!
 
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