Towerlands Halloween Show Q

[Jade2007]

I know that it's a long way off and will probably be explained in the sched, but I was lookinga t the pics on Flash Harry and wondered

a. What are the speed derbys & grand prix's (what the difference is between them and an ordinary open)

b. Which would you recommend for someone who is failry new & inexperienced with the BSJA, the speed derby or grand prix

Thanks, just being nosy as I can't go during week days so if the schedule is the same as 07 I will have to decide whether I want to go on the day of the speed derby's or grand prix's

 

[showjumperanna]

to qualify for the gp or derbys you have to have jumped of the days previous to derby and/or gp days. i wouldn't jump any higher than a metre at the show. the derbys are on a different day to the gp's so you could do both. the grand prix is basically like an open - but it is only open to people who have jumped on the previous days. the derbys are the same. but the derbys have a bank like at hickstead (though it is smaller) and are a one round competition. the grand prix is run over two rounds and the second round may be restricted to the top 5 dependent upon whether it is judged under table A9 (top 15 in timed jump off) or table A7 (all clears into the jump off). i personally would recommend the Grand Prix over the speed derby as the bank is quite difficult to negotiate.

 

[Jade2007]

Thanks, although that's a real shame because it means that I can't jump in any of the classes at the weekend days

 

[cazzy]

I took my son last year to Halloween show for the first time. It was good for the experience but you have to go like the clappers to get placed.
On Saturday, he jumped 2 classes the .90m Open and the .90m Speed Derby. The Open was a normal A7 class (separate jump off) but loads of entries - about 120. The speed derby was 1 round against the clock - not sure if it was fastest clear or time added for knockdown, can't remember.
There are no banks in derby as all indoors, only banks outdoors. Had a big water jump which was actually quite easy to jump as had barriers leading into it, so even for young ponies was quite inviting.
Jumping either of these classes means you can Sunday. The Grand Prix were packed about 150 in .80m so everyone can go home. Less in .90 and 1m.
Go and have fun, my son didn't win a rosette but thoroughly enjoyed the experience of jumping in such a huge arena with all the atmosphere for the first time.