Grooming at First US FEI Event

[CatchMeIfUCan]

Forgive me if there is already a thread on this, but I couldn’t find one.

I am grooming at my first FEI event (CCI* in MN at Roebke’s) in the US (groomed at 3 in 2012 in NZ) next weekend and want to make sure I know what is customary in the US and that I have hit all the main difference from HTs. I haved groomed about 2 weekends a month at HTs since 2012 so have that all down pat.

The main things are:

Number must be worn at all times. I am allowed to hack the horse on a long rein or lunge her.

First horse inspection - In NZ, we combined this with the veterinary inspection since we always got there early. I sent rider with passport and any other paperwork with a clean horse in hand. Paperwork is then taken from the rider (I didn’t find this in the rulebook, but I thought this is what we did). Should I braid for this? We did not in NZ.

Ring familiarization - Rider can ride if she wants or I may lead the horse around.

Dressage - no whip in the ring (but ok for warm up if 120 cm or less), spurs not necessary but smooth rowels are allowed, horse turned out in same manner as a regular event, breastplate is allowed. We don’t plan on using an ear bonnet so won’t need to get it checked. Bits can be checked after the test.

XC - horse turned out the same as regular event, tape is ok on the boots, bring supplies (halter w/ number, leadrope, buckets, sponges, sweatscrapers) to the vet box early in the day, must check in with vet in 10 min box even if the horse doesn’t complete, vet must release you from the box.

Second horse inspection - send perfectly groomed and braided horse with rider, whip no more than 120 cm

Show Jumping - Total leg equiment must weigh less than 500 grams per leg, turn out in same manner as regular event.

I have the drug guidelines printed for us to follow as well as the rulebook which I have skimmed over. I checked that our bits are legal (It is made of two different metals but this is not mentioned in the rulebook, so I am assuming that is allowed).

One thing I am not finding in the rule book is the size of the logos on the saddle pad that is allowed. Does anyone know this?

Wise COTHers, am I missing anything else that is different at FEI events? It is the rider’s first FEI event, so I really want to set her up for success.

[pegasusmom]

Allow me. (I am an FEI Steward).

First Horse Inspection: is different than"in barns" or the veterinary inspection. At in barns, done usually shortly after you arrive, you present a clean horse and passport. Either you or the rider can do it. The first horse inspection, done by the ground jury, is a more formal affair. Riders present horses and they are usually braided and well turned out.

Ring Familiarization: Ground Jury will announce time, and generally allow rider to ride horse at a walk on a loose rein, or be hand walked. Under special circumstances, riders may be allowed to actually school outside the ring. Make sure you know what the GJ is allowing at this particular event.

Dressage: spurs have a limit of no more than 4 cm from the boot (not just the length of the shank). Whip is not allowed in the ring or near the ring, make sure your rider drops the whip well before she approaches the ring. If your rider is using a bit that is NOT pictured in the FEI Dressage rulebook, make sure you take it to the FEI steward for confirmation it is legal well before the start of competition. It is heart breaking to have to eliminate someone after they have ridden. Same goes for any equipment you have questions about. The Eventing FAQ on Use of Tack, Equipment and Dress on the FEI website under eventing rules is a useful tool.

XC: You are correct.

SJ: In addition, any rider using hind boots must present to the FEI steward for a hind boot placement check prior to warm up or if any change of boots or adjustment is made during warm up.

Size of logos on saddle pads is 200 cm squared. Look under Rules Eventing Rules, Section 541 for all the details on all the logo requirements. The FEI stewards will be glad to measure any logo you have questions about, and we all have solutions for those logos that are too big!

If you have any other questions let me know!

[CatchMeIfUCan]

Thanks so much, pegasusmom! Perfect info, and I really appreciate it. I think I am ready, but it has been a few years, so I am bit on edge. I will bring my measuring tape/scale out to the barn this week.

[pegasusmom]

Any questions once you get there ask the FEI steward. I don’t know the one listed, but we are all there to help!

[DarkJewelDesigns]

Can someone explain the groom requirements for the XC vet box? I am having a hard time finding any info on it. I didn’t see anything in the FEI rule book and I’ve never actually been to an FEI event before. And I’m grooming at one in a couple of weeks, so am a bit nervous for this part!

Also, for a CIC*, is there always a first horse inspection? On the events’ (Stuart) website/schedule of events, I can find info for the in barn inspection, but nothing for a first horse inspection. If I read the rules correctly, we may not have a second one prior to show jumping as the show jumping is the next phase after dressage. XC is on the second day.

[pegasusmom]

There will not be a “formal” horse inspection at Stuart - just the in barns. At the vet box all you will need to do is help cool the horse out - have halter, buckets and assorted sponges/scrapers. Vets will take TPR when your horse and rider come off of XC and will let you know if you need to stay or can be released back to the barns.

I am the Chief FEI Steward, come find me if you have any other questions. I will be on grounds first thing Thursday morning and they will have my cell phone posted at the secretary’s tent and on the FEI competitor’s board (or will have it posted as soon as I get them the signage).

[skydy]

I must say how happy I am to (again) see the COTH BB at its finest.

pegasusmom, you are a peach. :yes:

[DarkJewelDesigns]

Pegasusmom, thank you so very, VERY much! I feel more prepared and I really appreciate the help! Thank you for being so willing to answer my questions

[pegasusmom]

No worries. It’s what an FEI steward is supposed to do! “Help, prevent, intervene” is our motto. Our role is not well understood in this country, and the word “steward” has so many uses in the average competition. You should always feel free to go to any FEI Steward with rules questions, we want to keep you guys from doing the dumb things that get you eliminated. We function as a second set of eyes and ears for the TD and through the TD the Ground Jury.

[CatchMeIfUCan]

DarkJewelDesigns, feel free to PM me to talk about my 10 minute box procedure

And yes, thank you so much pegasusmom for being so willing to offer your insight. Our three day went really well! No hiccups (aside from being too early for a jog after they changed the time!), and we were the quickest to be released from the vet box with a horse that I think could have done it again! The horse is just getting back in to work a month later, and she looks phenomenal.

[DarkJewelDesigns]

Thanks Catch! Sent you a PM