In a couple weeks my horse and I are doing our first H.T.! We are going Starter Novice. Since im all new at this I have tons of questions. I couldnt find a dressage test for starter. Is there one? If so then what is it?
Should my horse wear any type of boots?
What events do I have to Braid for?
When do I get my “Pattern” for xc and show jump?
Any helpful tips of pointers I could use?
Starter novice could mean anything, since at unrecognized horse trials names of lower levels are not standardized. You will have to look at the prize list for this specific event to get the dressage test. If “starter novice” is below beginner novice, then you will typically do one of the Beginner novice tests, or at the teeniest levels one of the USDF walk-trot tests (Intro A or B). You can usually get the course maps the day before, sometimes earlier if they post them on their website. Have fun!
ETA: you don’t need to braid and your horse doesn’t need boots.
Because Starter is not a USEA defined level, it is up to the organizer to choose the dressage test. It is USUALLY either an Intro test or a Beginner Novice test. If it isn’t listed in the prize list, ask the organizer.
Does your horse interfere when galloping? Is he wearing studs? If so I would use galloping boots, otherwise not at this level.
Does your horse have a history of pulling his shoes when galloping? If so, I would use bell boots. Otherwise not.
There is no requirement to braid at any level. At some shows almost everybody braids. At other shows nobody braids. I don’t braid below Prelim unless it is a championship.
The cross country course map is supposed to be available by 3PM the day before the competition starts. Sometimes it is available much earlier on line…
The Show Jumping course map is supposed to be available half an hour before the start of that level.
Helpful pointers-
Read the rule book
Ask questions
Walk the course multiple times
Remember to breathe
Have fun!
I ran my first recognized Starter HT about a month ago. The other posters are spot on for your questions. I braided because my trainer believed that you should braid for Dressage at a recognized HT regardless of level. It is not required below BN so don’t do it if you haven’t practiced. Same for boots. Does your horse normally wear boots?
Tips: walk your course at least once, but more if possible. Memorize your dressage test and practice it a little but not too much. You don’t want your horse to anticipate the next movement so practicing just chunks at a time is sometimes good. Bring snacks and keep yourself hydrated. Make sure you have the correct tack for each phase. I used my regular green square pad for dressage because I didn’t know that most people use a white square pad for dressage. I was okay’ed but I wish I had known. Good luck!
braiding is NEVER required. I learned this because my trainer at the time wanted me to believe that it was required. She would lie about other things too. If you want to braid, then braid - it looks nice.
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and if you’re really nervous, you can always trot. You can trot in sj and you can trot the xc too. Don’t worry about “competing” - just have fun.
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Oh yes! When I first started eventing, I had zero jumper training. We did starter the first whole season. I tell you, you can trot CC and stadium and do just fine. Our dressage was walk/trot. A canter on CC between jumps is desirable and it is common to canter when you land so just go with it. I jump judged a couple a shows and you see a lot of trotting at starter. Go have fun. Starter is low pressure and a ton of fun!
The cross country course will be provided to you when you arrive and you can go walk the course when it opens, often at 3:00 on fri. I walk it with a beer! Stadium course will be posted when the stadium course is set, usually the day of stadium. The good news is starter goes last so you will have a leisurely amount of time to memorize it and walk it.
Are you going with a trainer or others who have ridden starter before.
Where do I find the prize list?
Typically the same place you got the entry form. Sometimes the entry form and prize list are the same for unrecognized events or horse trials. The dressage test will often be listed right next to each division.
As others have mentioned - remember to breathe (I talk to my horse on XC otherwise I forget to breathe and am ready to keel over from lack of oxygen before we get half way around!!!) and have fun! You want it to be a positive experience for you and your horse, so know your horse and what makes him/her happy and try to focus on that.
Trotting or cantering is fine in both XC and stadium, don’t worry about time, don’t worry about braiding unless you really want to (and probably only for dressage even then as you might like some mane to grab during the jumping phases!), and boot if your horse is used to boots or prone to overreaching or interfering, otherwise don’t boot for the first time at a show. If you are likely to go through water (often optional at Starter), make sure your boots are OK in water (eg. stay on and don’t get super heavy), otherwise don’t use them.
Welcome to eventing! 
The good news is starter goes last
Not always, at least around here.
does the HT usually provide bridle numbers and a comp. pinny or is that something extra I should buy
It should say somewhere on the prize list if pinny holders are required. If it doesn’t day, they will mostly likely provide bridle numbers. Don’t forget your medical arm band.
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I just did my first horse trial at starter this last weekend. Things I learned:
- Your number, cross country map, and bridle number are all given to you when you check in. Some places require pinnies, and honestly you might as well just buy your own. I ended up doing that.
-Braiding is not required, but everyone braided except for me. I have no practice at it right now, but that was awkward.
Interesting. We are Area 4 and it’s always Prelim first on down.
The unrecognized HTs at Loch Moy (MD), for one, begin with “starter” equivalent and move up.
It does sound as though you have not been or ever worked with an instructor who is knowlegable about CT.
For some things, it’s never too late even at Starter Novice level.
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