Dumb Question: CT vs HT

[ClassyJumper]

Okay so its been about a decade since I have evented… can someone explain the difference between CT and HT. I am guessing HT is 3 phase and CT is 2 phase (dressage/stadium)? HT for “horse trial”? And CT for … “combined training”??

Also etiquette for cross country schooling? I will be bringing a young TB to just play around on some logs and will wear a vest and bringing a ground person. One course said they only allow schooling if you bring a trainer… is that typical? I found a few others that didnt mention anything. Do you usually call/text the day before to set it up? Or just the day of?

'Nother dumb question. Alot of the events around here offer an “extra dressage test”. Is it required to be signed up for a division or can you go to a show and just do a test?

Any other tips for the returning event rider and the young ottb appreciated :lol:

[MegBackInSaddle]

I’m an eventing newbie, so I can’t help with most of your questions. HT is the three-phase event. Here in Canada, it’s generally (always? don’t know) dressage then cross on the first day, then stadium the second. CT is the two-phase combined trial, with dressage then a “combined” stadium/cross on the same day. It’s basically just stadium with a few cross-type fences thrown in, I believe a longer course than regular stadium.

Have only schooled with my coach present. I’d say different venues likely have different requirements for schooling and would personally make contact with the venue for schooling questions.

Don’t know about extra tests at all. I just endure dressage to get to cross, anyhow. :lol:

Good luck!

[Highflyer]

CT stands for combined test (generally dressage and sj). You will need to sign up in advance for an extra dressage test at most if not all shows but you can.often add an extra jumping round day of if it’s not too busy.

Individual farms can make their own rules for xc schooling but for most a ground person or schooling buddy is all you need. I would text/ call/ email several days in advance to make sure the course will be open and set an appointment time, sometimes it depends on horse turnout/ hay being cut/ current footing etc.

[Janet]

HT is “Horse Trials”, which is all three phases. Dressage is always first, but XC and SJ can be in either order. It can be run over 1,2,or 3 days

CT is Combined Test, which is any 2 of the phases. The second phase COULD be a combination of SJ and XC. Usually run on 1 day.

Dressage tests need to be scheduled ahead of time, so if you are going to sign up for an extra dressage test you need to sign up before they assign the dressage times.

[OverandOnward]

Definitely call well into advance to set up a XC schooling. Most courses will need some prep to be ready. Mowing, and perhaps adjusting some of the jumps, especially portables. Clean up of random fallen limbs and detritus that accumulates in any outdoor setting. Someone needs to check the footing at every obstacle to be used to be sure it is safe. And some venues will make sure there is water in the water jump (with a hose).

Many places that offer schooling will have designated “schooling days” when everything is ready and trainers come with their riders to school. Frequently the facility will schedule times, so that everyone isn’t on the course at once. Each trainer gets a route so that several trainers can school at the same time in different parts of the course. It’s flexible, usually, but someone from facility management will be out that day helping to be sure everyone has what they need for a good schooling, and the groups don’t run into each other.

This sport is has a complicated infrastructure when it comes to XC! :lol: It’s not just a lot of natural elements that were already there, for sure.

Have a great day schooling! It’s one of the best ways to enjoy this sport, and is usually just as challenging as riding in a horse trial, imo.