Starter to be Recongized in 2024?

[Jersey_Fresh]

If it makes you feel better, I’ve only done starter at recognized events (including JS which was my first event on my current horse). At the time there wasn’t much difference in price between schooling ones (bc basically CR was the only one around) and the ones at the KHP and I felt I got a better course, judge footing etc. Plus I got to show with my friends so no FOMO. Now there are a few more options.

Good luck this weekend! I’ll be there too! I think you’ll love the starter course-Keeneland PCs jumps are so cute and ride well.

[Pennywell_Bay]

Interesting. I couldn’t figure out how to do it without purchasing the option, lowest level. My friend had the same issue at a different show so maybe they changed it? .

[TwiSedai]

I’m still going through the thread, but wanted to pause and say I’m THRILLED for this. I have a smaller horse that actually is really fun XC but we both are just not quite there for BN, I’m a chicken now and she’s getting a bit older. I don’t know if we will get to take advantage of this, but I am so happy for those like me that would love to be able to get some real recognition at a smaller height without having to make the jump to BN at a recognized. For a little horse that’s not super scopey but still loves the game, that IS a big step up. I’ve been hoping they would do this for a while, I’m so glad they did. I think those classes are going to be super full, at least in my area!

[HiJumpGrrl]

The biggest question for me remains: How in the world are they going to add a starter division to the AECs? They already run until dark on a Sunday with BN. I guess they could start the show on Monday? Or they could further divide the sport between the Upper and Lower levels and run 2 different Championships, but that defeats the entire purpose of an AEC.

[leighbo009]

Request for Expression of Interest: AEC 2025-2028

Moving forward, the AEC Committee will be evaluating adding the Starter Level, to run eight levels total, and bidding venues are encouraged to add that into their plan.

[Rel6]

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/organizers-weigh-in-on-usea-decision-to-recognize-starter-level/

[leighbo009]

Also,
Area 3 has posted that Starter will be at the area champs (at chatt) next year. (via website).

[initiate1987]

An aside, but while looking at the specs for Starter XC, I noticed these:
“Spread w/out Height: 1.15 m (3’9”)
Drops: .90 m (3”0”)”

I find it rather amusing that in theory, someone could put a 3’9" wide ditch or a 3’ tall drop on a Starter course. I know a TD probably wouldn’t play along with that though.

[leighbo009]

I saw that too and thought the same thing… I think the specs are similar for BN but have yet to see it happen. But explains the wide vast of BN questions…

(4’ for ditch, 3’3" for drops)

[trubandloki]

@initiate1987

“Spread w/out Height: 1.15 m (3’9”)
Drops: .90 m (3”0”)”

How is a 3’ drop something that should be at the intro level?

[dmveventer]

The course design guidelines have additional rules depending on the obstacle type. A BN ditch is only supposed to be max 2’ wide inside. I’m not really sure what else they could mean by spread without height, but there must be some technicality in how things are measured that makes it all add up. Maybe 4’ from takeoff to landing point?

[Janet]

@dmveventer

The course design guidelines have additional rules depending on the obstacle type. A BN ditch is only supposed to be max 2’ wide inside. I’m not really sure what else they could mean by spread without height, but there must be some technicality in how things are measured that makes it all add up. Maybe 4’ from takeoff to landing point?

It IS a question of “how it is measured”.
The “Guidelines” talk about inside width.
The “Rules” refer to measurement including the revetting. So, if the ditched is revetted with 12" x 12" railway ties, the 2’ inside width becomes 4’ rulebook width.
But I still think it is too wide for starter.

[enjoytheride]

@trubandloki

How is a 3’ drop something that should be at the intro level?

because it’s in general 3 inches smaller than BN and a BN drop can technically be 3’ 3"

[trubandloki]

@enjoytheride

@trubandloki

How is a 3’ drop something that should be at the intro level?

because it’s in general 3 inches smaller than BN and a BN drop can technically be 3’ 3"

To me it is just a perfect example of the people writing the rule not remembering what it is like to be new and what inviting looks like to a new person.

I am not saying Starter should be poles on the ground or anything. But a 3’ drop is not an inviting beginner level obstacle.

[enjoytheride]

Is a 3’ 3" drop inviting at BN? I’d think not! I have never seen one in Area VIII but it’s in the rules.

[ExpialidociousOTTB]

While there are lots of things at BN in my area (III) that I find scary - especially anything going downhill, and the tables (omg the tables) - the BN drop at Majestic Oaks is pretty inviting - I usually just walk/trot the Starter drop, I was pretty shocked to find myself easily and confidently cantering down this at event camp in the spring. Here’s pics comparing the BN to the Starter, I’d guess the BN one is around 2’? I cannot imagine going down a 3’ drop, ever.

[Janet]

WRT to drops, remember that this does NOT just apply to a “step down” (where I agree 3’ is excessive). It also applies to jumps on a slope. If there is a 2’ jump on a moderate downward slope, the landing point (up to 6’ out) might be a foot lower than the base of the actual jump. THAT would also count as a “3’ drop”. I still think that is too much for Starter (and said so to USEA), but it isn’t the same as a 3’ “step down”.

[skydy]

Starter level added to the AEC. Yes, you have to be a member.

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/starter-level-will-be-offered-at-2024-aec/

[enjoytheride]

I have no idea how they’re going to fit it all in, I had friends riding under lights this year.

I do think if Starter is recognized it deserves to be at the AEC.

[trubandloki]

@enjoytheride

I have no idea how they’re going to fit it all in, I had friends riding under lights this year.

I wonder if they just start a day earlier?
(I have no idea, just tossing out ideas.)