My First Combined Training Show - Questions!

[ParadoxFarm]

Hello. My name is ParadoxFarm and I’m an H/J rider. Be gentle, haha. Actually, I’m a J rider, I don’t do the H.

Anyway, I signed up for a combined test schooling show for November 15th. It’s put on by the local Pony Club.

I have a few questions!

It says attire is neat and casual. What should I wear?

I signed up for the Novice division. It lists 2’7" to 2’11". Do you typically find the jump heights vary, or are they all mostly lower or at the higher range?

Are there typically combinations? If so, how many strides would be typical? (I know, all show are different, but just trying to get an idea.)

What else do I need to know??? (I have my armband ready to go.) Thanks, from an appreciative combined test green bean.

[KayBee]

Boots or half chaps/jods
Breeches
Top that appears neat but can be more-or-less anything. No show coat required.
Helmet (whatever you have)

As for height – I don’t know. It might depend on whether they are thinking of this as an entry/move-up event (preparing for next year) or whether it’s an end-of-year “test what you’ve accomplished.” Maybe ask the show organizer if there isn’t anything to that effect in the CT description.

The USEA rule book is here:

http://useventing.com/sites/default/files/2014_USEA_RuleBook_OnlineFinal.pdf

p51 and Appendix 2 cover jumping heights, etc, but I couldn’t find anything about combinations. Maybe someone who has actually ridden Novice can help.

ETA: I’ve seen a 2-stride combination at BN. There may be a triple allowable at N? Anyone?

[ParadoxFarm]

Thanks, KayBee. Do you think Volants with the red would be acceptable for boots in a schooling show or should I wear all-black boots? The Volants are more comfortable, but I can wear something else if needed.

[jenm]

Your Volants will be just fine. Have fun!

[KayBee]

[QUOTE=ParadoxFarm;7822940]
Thanks, KayBee. Do you think Volants with the red would be acceptable for boots in a schooling show or should I wear all-black boots? The Volants are more comfortable, but I can wear something else if needed.[/QUOTE]

If it says “neat and casual” I can’t imagine that anyone would care about (human) boots with added color. You certainly won’t be dinged for it in the ring. I’d go with comfort. Just no boots/wraps on your horse during dressage!

I’m not even sure there’s a rule about that style of boots in a dressage ring at a recognized HT. Any rule gurus know?

[Wee_Dee_Trrr]

There should not be a triple at novice.

[asterix]

You could have a 2 stride, and some longer lines, probably a bending line or two. Less technical than a typical jumper course, less simple than a typical hunter course.

No horse boots (including bells) in dressage. There are certain bits that aren’t allowed - if you post what you flat in we can tell you if it’s a problem (very likely not).

In the jumping phase, warmup will have jumps flagged red on the right and white on the left. ALWAYS jump red on right. Failure to do this could actually get you eliminated – it’s a rule that is taken seriously. Plus everyone else will be following it so…

Your dressage test will run on time as posted.

Have fun!!!

[enjoytheride]

I would find a few people who are used to this venue and ask them about the courses. Some schooling shows run their fences at the height they state and others run them 6 inches below.

There will be a two stride.

Jumping will be on time, ask if there is an order of go or if it’s go as you please within the time.

Dressage will be on time.

A neat polo, clean pad, and clean tack.

Red on right in the warm up. You can adjust the height of warm up fences quickly if you are having problems but for the most part they are fixed.

[merrygoround]

As for turn out. The above covered that.

As for fence heights remember that eventers sometimes put their stadium courses on rolling ground. So this can alter the approach to a fence.

[kcmel]

I would guess no flags to worry about–at least not at any combined test I have been to (admittedly not that many). Also I’ve never seen an armband–that is more associated with XC. And their may or may not be an order of go. Have fun!

[Janet]

Every CT I have been to has red and white “flags” (often just paper plates) on warm up fences.

[Janet]

[QUOTE=ParadoxFarm;7822683]

I have a few questions!

It says attire is neat and casual. What should I wear? [/QUOTE]

For recognized -
Shirt should have a collar and sleeves, and should be tucked in. Preferably a “conservative” color. If wearing half chaps, they should “match”.

For schooling, maybe more relaxed, but ask.

I signed up for the Novice division. It lists 2’7" to 2’11". Do you typically find the jump heights vary, or are they all mostly lower or at the higher range?

At recognized, mostly at the upper end.
Schooling, depends on the organizer. Ask

Are there typically combinations? If so, how many strides would be typical? (I know, all show are different, but just trying to get an idea.)

For recognized, this is what the rules say (Appendix 1.2)

The jumping course should be inviting and straightforward, preferably with lines of six strides or more and shall include a double of two strides, which may include only one oxer.

But I have seen schooling CT with 3 stride lines and one stride oxer to oxer.

What else do I need to know??? (I have my armband ready to go.) Thanks, from an appreciative combined test green bean.

No unauthorized assistance.
No standing martingales.
If you have a stop, do not use your whip more than 3 times.
Dressage-legal bit for dressage.
Have to ride dressage from memory (no reader).

[ParadoxFarm]

Thanks, all, for your helpful suggestions. Would it be over the top to actually show in a hunt coat? Probably, huh?

I jump in a 3-ring elevator bit, but I can flat in a snaffle. The one I have is the – my mind is blank for the correct term – but the “gold” colored snaffle. Does that make a difference?

[KayBee]

[QUOTE=ParadoxFarm;7829606]
Thanks, all, for your helpful suggestions. Would it be over the top to actually show in a hunt coat? Probably, huh?

I jump in a 3-ring elevator bit, but I can flat in a snaffle. The one I have is the – my mind is blank for the correct term – but the “gold” colored snaffle. Does that make a difference?[/QUOTE]

If you love your show coat, wear your show coat.

Color of your snaffle for dressage does not make a difference.

Legal bits for dressage can be found in the Appendices of the rulebook, but a snaffle works.

[Janet]

If you have a hunt coat, go ahead and wear it. Especially as the temperatures get cooler, I am sure there will be several people in hunt coats.

Color of the bit is of no concen whatsoever.