What makes a good event horse?

Depends on the level you want to compete. I used to take my wonderful 13"2 cob x new forest to PC events. The only thing he struggled with was the time limits. He wasn't the scopiest pony so we were comfortable at 85/90cms. Then it was a 14"2 coloured cob (although he probably had a bit of blood in him somewhere) who would storm round, the bigger the better but he was too brave for his own good and I couldn't totally trust him to use his brain. In the end he put me completely off xc because I couldn't trust him and enjoy it. Now I've got a little mare who is the perfect 'eventer type' but a total wimp and won't go on her own or near a ditch. All you really need is a horse you trust to keep you out of trouble xc and who will be fast enough.
 
It depends what you are aiming for, any horse or pony can do ODE's but not many will get to Badminton.

As long as you and your horse can safely jump a small xc course there is no reason to not have a go, get out schooling xc at a few local venues, try each element on separate occasions if you can then look for a small low key event and send off the entry.
Many small events will have no set time for xc which is a good way to start, check if your local PC is running one, it will not just be kids taking part.
 
be positive said:
It depends what you are aiming for, any horse or pony can do ODE's but not many will get to Badminton.

As long as you and your horse can safely jump a small xc course there is no reason to not have a go, get out schooling xc at a few local venues, try each element on separate occasions if you can then look for a small low key event and send off the entry.
Many small events will have no set time for xc which is a good way to start, check if your local PC is running one, it will not just be kids taking part.
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This :D
 
As others have said it depends at what you would like to achieve. My old boy took me through PC/RC events we won a 3DE and even had a bash at BE Novice. He was honest and safe. When I brought my youngster (who's now 6) I wanted something that would be more competitive at BE. Although my older boy who's some sort of Irish draught mix always did what I asked once we got to BE 100 we would get time penalties and knock sjs. New pony is very talented but a tricky ride, I know he'll get me further than my other boy however, he won't forgive my mistakes and can get strong XCing etc. But my older one owes me nothing his given me so much fun and taught me the ropes at a lower level that's the type of horse you want!
 
never thought of looking at the pc thanks. hes only just started jumping but is a really clever and careful little horse.

wondered if it would be full of fancy warmbloods and id look silly rocking up on my 15.2 arab x id :-)
 
asommerville said:
never thought of looking at the pc thanks. hes only just started jumping but is a really clever and careful little horse.

wondered if it would be full of fancy warmbloods and id look silly rocking up on my 15.2 arab x id :-)
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You certainly will not look out of place on an arab x id, I used to do local events on a pure arab and got placed, even at BE you see all types from the cobby ponies to tall leggy tbs and everything in between.
 
never thought of looking at the pc thanks. hes only just started jumping but is a really clever and careful little horse.

wondered if it would be full of fancy warmbloods and id look silly rocking up on my 15.2 arab x id :-)

Go for it if thats what you want to do :)

I wanted to have a go with my 14.2 appy x Cob before i had to have him PTS, im hoping my youngster will be capable of some ODE's when she's old enough, and the fact she's a Lipizzaner and probably only make 15hh quite honestly i don't care :p its all about the fun factor :D

ETA: Look at Lenamore & Little Tiger?? they were only "little" event horses and they made Badders
 
God it does not matter what type of horse you have or the size - if you and your horse are up for it then just go and have fun! :-D If you are unsure and don't wish to fork out BE entry fees etc then try the Riding Clubs. They run many ODEs over BE courses so you get the same challenges but for less cost!
 
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