Proper eventing people - 1, 2, 3 and 4* CICs and CCIs???

[Acolyte]

This is really embarrasing to have to ask this, but..... if you are competing at CIC and CCI level, how do you decide your proposed event list for the season?

I remember reading in Pippa Funnell's autobiography that she decided which 3-day event the horse would do that year and worked back from that to decide where the horse should run that season in preparation.

Now I am spectating a lot more I have noticed that this does not seem to work in quite the same way - for example some of the horses which ran at Hartpury are also running at Blenheim? Not saying that there is anything wrong at all with this of course, I am just curious how top level eventers decide on where to enter their horses? Has it changed now that all events are short format, so that it is possible for a horse to do more than one 3-day event per season?

Sorry to be a numpty, but if anyone can shed any light I would appreciate it

 

[Bossanova]

It's definitely possible to do 2 days much closer together. Most higher level horses will run mainly in CICs to rack up the FEI points and win (generally) better prize money than the traditional route of running in mostly advanced classes.

 

[teapot]

Not that I'm a proper eventy person but think the removal of roads & tracks plus steeplechase has had an influence too

 

[kerilli]

Most top eventers used to aim sound up-and-coming horses at 2 3-days a year, old long format, more or less. So the established 4* horse would do a few events, then Badminton, a rest of a month or two, then build up to Burghley or whatever Championships were that autumn. The 3-days don't seem to take as much out of the horses now... for instance Miners Frolic was run at Blenheim and at Boekelo 3*s last year, 5 weeks apart. It remains to be seen how many Hong Kong runners run at Pau, for instance.
Boss is right, lots of riders aim at CICs because the prize money is better and the FEI points help you get a run at CCIs.

 

[Acolyte]

Ah ha, that makes sense now - I am too old fashioned in my thinking obviously, it surprised me a bit seeing horses being run more frequently at FEI events than I thought they would have been in the past. Thanks everyone

 

[Gamebird]

There are a lot of (albeit 1*) horses from Blair heading to Weston park which is 2 CCIs in 5 weeks.

I really dont't think it takes as much out of them now it's short format. I will certainly consider 2 CCIs next year with the option of 3 depending on timing and finances.