H/J Pro Wanting to Try Eventing

[mkbrown]

Hi all! I’m a professional hunter/jumper rider and trainer, but I’m wanting to do some fun cross training with my horse this year and go to a couple events. My horse evented through training before I bought him, and I compete him in the 1.10m-1.15m jumpers. We’ve been xc schooling a few times, did a xc lesson last summer, and do our dressage on the regular like good boys and girls.

I guess my main question is where should we start? I live within an hour of Aiken so there’s a ton at our disposal during these winter-early spring months…which is exciting but also a bit overwhelming. What would you do if you were me? I would love to get out there and have some fun!

[lep]

Welcome! But be careful because the dark side might suck you in! That being said, I can’t comment on which events would be good as I’m not in that area, but I’d definitely look for some schooling shows where you could go beginner novice. That seems like it would be a nice easy entry for you and your horse. Have fun!

[Gardenhorse]

I’m not in that area either, but I often see events from Full Gallop Farm posted, and looks like they have some nice low-key schooling horse trials. I think you might even be able to school the XC course the day before at some of them.

In general, an unrecognized/schooling horse trial will give you the full experience at a reduced cost and stress level. However, even for unrecognized shows, I like to stick with venues that also host USEA recognized events as they’re more likely to be safe and well run.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Lots of good events there. For a first event, I’d also probably go unrecognized…there are several in the area. StableView has their Eventing Academy that is popular. That would be a good one to go—-nice venue. Dates here

https://stableviewfarm.com/wp-conten…ion-2019-3.pdf

Eventing Rules are different…and that is why a schooling trial is best as nothing is worse that screwing up a stupid rule (like forgetting to take your horse’s boots off for dressage—their legs need to be naked!)…and then not being able to finish.

You need to make sure you leave time to walk you courses…especially xc. And they do stick to your assigned times. If your horse has done training but you are new to the sport…I’d probably enter Novice for a first one to keep it simple and easier. But ideally, go have a xc school again now. Ideally with a decent trainer…there are a lot down in Aiken right now. And talk to them about where and what level to enter. Make sure you school ditches water and banks…and have fun! We can all give you names if you want suggestions. And you can maybe have someone who will be at the event or who can at least walk xc with you (often done day before or first thing early in the am)…but that is where eventing is a bit different. Many riders will not have trainers there or their trainers are also competing…so people have to be independent. But just ASK…most people are happy to answer any question and help each other out.

[OverandOnward]

Re the thread title … “Try”?

There is no “try” in eventing. One must commit to “do”. :winkgrin:

It’s good you’ve already XC schooled, and you should continue to do that and feel confident about whatever level you enter. I recommend setting an example of a healthy respect for the sport, and not being too casual about it with your students and clients, as it does have a greater risk potential that what you’ve probably already been doing. It can be done safely of course, but must be done safely, if that makes sense. I say this only because your first post seems a bit indefinite and airy. Go and be fully there as an eventer-for-a-day, and not just a toe-dipper, if that makes any sense. :yes:

Get some local pointers about good starter courses, and also the courses that aren’t the best choice for a first-timer. I know that in this area there are venues that are notoriously maxed at the lower levels (think championship courses), whereas other venues are more basic and straightforward.

It would be best to go with some experienced eventers who are willing to take you under their wing and make sure you are ticking all the boxes, just as bornfree describes above. Dressage whip length, timeframes, etc. People who will check you out before and after you get on the horse and remove the illegal things and make sure you have what’s required. (like the safety armband). All that good stuff.

Have fun! Report back how the day went! And again when you decide to become a full-time eventer!

[RAyers]

Along with all the excellent advice above, realize that unlike H/J shows you can’t just enter a bigger division because you can. You will need to qualify for anything above Training (3’3"). Additionally, riding XC is very different than doing the jumpers or hunters. Don’t try to make time.

Dressage is where your h/j “deficiencies” will show up, especially with equitation and connection to the horse. Take time to practice a more collected frame that stretches out and down, e.g. do not crank the head and neck in, get the horse to lift through their backs coming from your leg.

I came from the GP/A/O jumpers 30 years ago and never left. It took me YEARS to figure out all of the things needed to play at eventing. As others say, start at the low levels, learn the game and have fun. You will make tons of mistakes but at unrecognized competitions it is expected and helping each other is encouraged. They are more intended to be EDUCATIONAL and low key.

[Blugal]

You are going to have fun! Echoing some advice above:

-go schooling again, and get the coach’s input about what level you should do at your first event (just like H/J, you might want to do a level lower than you’re comfortable schooling)

-practice your dressage accuracy - if you can, school in a proper 20x40 and make sure your transitions occur at the letters. Also, check the geometry of circles and turns

-have a look at the rules - for tack/attire.

-be ready for your ride time, you can’t be late

-consider whether you’d want coaching at the event. The most likely part would be walking the XC course with you. Often coaches do this in groups.

-get some photos and have FUN!

[RAyers]

Oh, and a HUGE no-no from the H/J world. DO NOT talk to a rider once they have left the start box, entered a ring. There is a risk you could get them eliminated. If you HAVE to say something, do what I do, face away from everybody, and talk to a tree.

[merrygoround]

@RAyers

Oh, and a HUGE no-no from the H/J world. DO NOT talk to a rider once they have left the start box, entered a ring. There is a risk you could get them eliminated. If you HAVE to say something, do what I do, face away from everybody, and talk to a tree.

And here we were, doubting your mental acuity!!:yes::lol::lol::lol:

[RAyers]

@merrygoround

And here we were, doubting your mental acuity!!:yes::lol::lol::lol:

Happy trees.

[rockyriver7]

Stable View has great “eventing academies” where you’re allowed to school xc on Saturday and then compete the same course on Sunday. Great way to get introduced and my personal favorite! Also the Vista is a great venue to school if you haven’t been. Full Gallop always seems to have something going on. Other than that there are so many great upper level eventers down in Aiken for the winter, definitely some good clinic/lesson opportunities.