Stopwatches at BE Novice

SteveGG

SteveGG

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 March 2007
Messages
355
Location
Sussex
Visit site
I've noticed that stopwatches can now be used at Novice level at ODE.
I have only ever used a watch at 3 day events when at least I know where the minute markers are and the courses are longer giving you time to make slight adjustments.
I have never worn a watch at a ODE before as I would rather ride in a rhythm. I'm also not sure how much it would help as you would only be able to estimate where markers might be.
Watches at Novice level - what do others think?
 
I dont think this is a good idea as I agree with you, I would be the same and there for will probably not wear one at Novice this year.

But will probably feel as though the people wearing them will probably be at an advantage!

I may start wearing one when I have my XC clears for a 1* and then I can start to (hopefully) be a bit more competitive!
grin.gif
 
I have to admit I don't use one at Intermediate. I always go as fast as possible considering the conditions and the course and I have never had anything speedy enough to get 15 seconds inside the time. I do use it at 3 days as the longer courses give you more time to make adjustments.
 
It's so long since I was allowed to wear one I discovered at Gatcombe I've mislaid mine! I do think if you're in with a shout at Novice level it's good to have opne to check you're not going too fast, it's quite easy to do on a flat open course. That way you're not going to over do it. It gets a bit silly admittedly when you see people measuring out a Novice course with a wheel and then riding with their eyes glued to their watch, but most soon learn the hard way it's not the best policy! I remember once at Weston Matthew Wright managed to go too fast round the Advanced!
 
I evented with PC when they were still allowed and I spent my whole time aged 17 looking at my watch. My poor horse who was not the fastest was pushed all the way round to make the time and I was very kamikaze in my approach. I am very competitive and it would take my mind off doing what I am supposed to do if I thought I could make the time whereas I should learn to make the time through experience.
 
See I'm the opposite, and often get time pens at novice for goin to fast!!! I don't push him, let him go at his speed. As he is also my first horse at eventing and now at intermediate, I now have to practice to ride with a watch as I don't know how to!!! I think this is great as I can 'practice' comp riding with a watch at a lower level.
 
I missed that change when I read my 2008 Rule Book from cover to cover (not!) Maybe they're thinking about safety in that if riders wear a watch they have no excuse for going too fast?
 
I dont think it will make a huge difference to be honest. I haven't had much problem with the time around most Novice tracks on a not so fast horse, I just think a lot of people dont understand how to ride in a rhythm and the clockwatching will make it worse, they will end up with horses not knowing whether their coming or going.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I missed that change when I read my 2008 Rule Book from cover to cover (not!) Maybe they're thinking about safety in that if riders wear a watch they have no excuse for going too fast?

[/ QUOTE ]

They banned the use of stopwatches at novice level (back in 99 I think) on grounds of safety. Claimed it would stop people chasing the clock.
Have to say when i started eventing (2000) having a stop watch would have encourage me to ridse faster xc which neither me or the horse were ready for. As we gained experience over novice tracks our time came up gradually as it should.
 
So with all this shouldn't watches be banned for all one days? People theoretically should then ride to what horse capable of in a rhythm! (prepares to be shouted at now)
 
A lot of people don't - I think it was Mary King who said she never wears one at one-days. I almost think they do more for the welfare of the horse at PN and Intro than at Intermediate and Advanced, because at the lower levels it is very easy to go too fast! I don't think they should be completely banned at lower levels, just like anything else people need to learn to ride with them and we might look like numpties if Brits at CICs and CCIs didn't know how to use them! At the end of the day nobody's forced to wear one at any level, so it's up to the individual, and I think that's how it should be.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top