These guidelines are designed for all riders that want to compete in Horse Trials (HT) at the Starter (2’3″) level and higher. Frequent, competitive participation in HT requires a major commitment of time, energy, and money from riders and parents. These requirements increase as the rider moves up through the levels. These guidelines are strong recommendations for your and your horse’s safety and well-being. You cannot be over prepared! If you have any questions, please ask your instructors.
GOOD LUCK!
AND REMEMBER WHY WE DO THIS…
CROSS COUNTRY IS FUN!
One of the most commonly-asked questions at any barn is, “When can I move up?!” The answer is usually not clear to riders and parents, but is crystal-clear to the instructors, who have years and years of experience. This guide is designed to give clear criteria for riders and parents, make moving up fun, stress-free, and successful.
First and foremost, remember that each rider and horse combination is unique. Thus, the starting point of the eventing journey varies for each pair. Ask yourself: What levels has the rider competed/schooled? What levels has the horse competed/schooled? What levels have the horse and rider competed/schooled together?
It is not expected that a rider that has competed at Novice will take their new horse that has gone Preliminary all the way back to Starter and start over. They may start their journey together at Novice or even drop down to Beginner Novice. Sometimes, dropping down a level is an important step to allow the pair to get acquainted. New partnerships are always evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Second, remember that all Horse Trials are different. Some are more difficult than others, and competing on your own turf is generally easier. Furthermore, the Unrecognized Horse Trials often have unique designations for their levels. Always talk to your instructor before signing up to ensure that you are in the most beneficial division.
Third, eventing is not an entirely linear journey, but there are three main stages of development in each level: entry, competency, and preparation for moving up. Expect it to take a MINIMUM of one season to go through a level. Don’t be surprised if it takes longer! In the case of a fall, injury, or other issue, it may be necessary to go down a level in order to regain the rider’s and/or horse’s confidence. This DOES NOT mean that you or your horse are inferior or bad in any way. Eventing is a game of confidence; if confidence is lost it WILL take time to rebuild it. It is your responsibility to your horse to give them the time that they need.
Moving up is not a race– it does not matter if the riders you began at Starter with are now levels above or below you. Eventing is about having a successful, safe, and positive experience for both the horse and rider. Moving up too quickly will almost always result in a significant delay in reaching the full potential of the horse and rider.
There is nothing more exhilarating for both horse and rider than to reach the finish line of cross country after a clear and correct run. There is nothing worse than not coming home safely. Think, for just one moment, how you would feel if your overzealousness injured your horse. It is our responsibility to always put the well-being of the horse first. Our job as riders is to demonstrate proper judgment and to put forth the considerable effort required to make every show rewarding, safe, and fun!
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS TO COMPETE AT EACH LEVEL:
POLES:
I. Dressage
A. Demonstrate ability to ride correct 20 meter circles at trot
B. Demonstrate ability to ride correct centerlines and changes of direction across the diagonal properly.
II. Cross Country
A. Successfully complete at least 2 XC clinics/lessons at the Poles level
B. Approval of instructor
III. Stadium
A. Able to trot a course of six poles in the Little Outdoor arena consistently in a safe manner.
PRE-STARTER:
I. Dressage
A. Demonstrate ability to ride correct 20 meter circles at trot
B. Demonstrate ability to ride correct centerlines and changes of direction across the diagonal properly.
II. Cross Country
A. Successfully complete at least 2 XC clinics/lessons at the Pre-Starter level
B. Approval of instructor
III. Stadium
A. Able to trot a course of six 18″ jumps in the Little Outdoor arena consistently in a safe manner.
STARTER
I. Dressage
A. Demonstrate ability to ride correct 20 meter circles at trot and canter
B. Consistently bend horse correctly for circles and turns
II. Cross Country
A. Successfully complete at least 3 XC clinics/lessons at Starter level
III. Stadium
A. Able to canter a course of at least 6 fences at 2’3″ in the Big Outdoor arena consistently (balanced and on the correct lead) in a safe manner.
IV. Competition – Complete at least 2 events at the Pre-Starter level with
A. Dressage score of 45 or lower
B. Cross Country – Clear, no issues
C. Stadium – Clear – trotting or cantering the whole course in a controlled manner
V. Other
A. Be able to trot all the way around the big cross country field in a controlled, balanced manner.
BEGINNER NOVICE
I. Dressage
A. Able to bend horse consistently in both directions
B. Able to consistently perform transitions between the gaits on command within three steps
C. Beginning to get the horse on the bit
II. Cross Country
A. Complete at least 3 XC clinics/lessons at the BN level
III. Stadium
A. Able to canter a course of at least 6 fences at 2’7″ in the Big Outdoor arena consistently (balanced and on the correct lead) in a safe manner
IV. Competition – Complete at least 3 events at Starter level with
A. Dressage score 45 or lower
B. Cross Country – Clear no issues – All at canter unless footing or course necessitates trotting
C. Stadium – Clear no issues
V. Other
A. Rider must demonstrate ability to attain a balanced 325 mpm canter from a working canter within five strides.
B. Rider must demonstrate ability to attain a balanced working canter from a 325 mpm canter within five strides
NOVICE
I. Dressage
A. Horse consistently on the bit for walk-trot-canter
B. Consistently perform prompt organized transitions
II. Cross Country
A. Successfully complete at least 3 XC clinics/lessons at the Novice level
III. Stadium
A. Canter courses at 2’11” in the Big Outdoor arena consistently (balanced and on the correct lead) in a safe manner
IV. Competition – Complete at least 3 events at the BN level with
A. Dressage score 40 or below
B. Cross Country – Clear with no time faults
C. Stadium – Clear with no time faults
TRAINING
I. Dressage
A. Consistently on the bit for walk-trot-canter
B. Prompt, organized transitions
C. Beginning collection and lengthening
D. Beginning to show some proficiency at stretch circles
II. Cross Country
A. Successfully complete at least 3 XC clinics/lessons at the Training level
III. Stadium
A. Canter courses at 3’3″ in the Big Outdoor arena consistently in a safe manner (balanced and on the correct lead)
IV. Competition – Complete at least 3 events at Novice with
A. Dressage score 40 or below
B. Cross Country – Clear and no time faults
C. Stadium – Clear with no time faults
MODIFIED AND ABOVE – Follow USEA guidelines
It’s 4:00am and the alarm clock is going off. Why? Because we are going to a horse show! Again, why do we do this? Because it is fun! The experience of showing helps us to show off our progress and the progress of our very cool horses. All of the hard work is worth it at the end of the day. Really, it is.
Riding in outside shows with Full Moon Farm is a privilege and should be treated as such. It can seem really intimidating to go off of the farm and ride in front of people you don’t know and who don’t know you. There seem to be lots of rules and ways that things are done. Full Moon Farm has very specific ways of doing things– we have worked out this process over the years to make it possible for you and your horse to perform at your best. Some things may seem a bit overkill, but there is a good reason for every thing we do. If we can keep everyone safe and have fun, then it is a good day.
This clinic is designed to prepare you for your first shows off of Full Moon property. We will go through all of the preparations necessary for the shows and what is expected of you and your helper at the show. The home shows have a flexible format and are more tailored to learning about the idea of showing. The outside shows are more competitive and require a new level of “spiffiness.”
Horse Trials are different. Entries open about six weeks before the event and close about two weeks before the event. You need to print the entry form and fill it out. Next bring it to the barn and we will fill out the division and sign the trainer line if necessary. Then you mail in the entry.
1. The Day Before the Show – Check with the instructor/coach as to when you can start on your horse. Remember that the horses may be in lessons.
3. Full Moon Farm Ritualistic Loading Dance – Loading can be quite dangerous, so follow instructions exactly. We want do everything possible to prevent injuries to horses and humans.
WHAT TO PACK
| RIDER | HORSE |
|---|---|
Helmet | Good lead rope w/ chain |
| Show jacket | Breakaway halter |
| Show shirt | Shipping Boots |
| Ratcatcher collar with pin (for Hunters) | Brushes |
| Stock Tie (for Eventing); preferably not pre-tied. | Curry Comb |
| Breeches | Hoof pick |
| Belt | Towel |
| Boots – clean and polished | Stud kit (if necessary) |
| Garters (if you are wearing jods) | Fly spray |
| Hair net | Show sheen (e.g., Santa Fe) |
| Gloves | Green spot remover or other cleaning stuff |
| Crop/whip | Braid kit |
| Spurs (if necessary) | Yarn |
| Spare show clothes | Comb |
| Spare glasses/contacts (if you wear them) | Yarn needle |
| Towel | Seam ripper |
| Hairbrush | Quick braid |
| Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc. | Scissors |
| Tack cleaner (the wipes are great!) | Bridle(s) with appropriate bit(s) – ask if you are not positive |
| If you are going to a Horse Trials: | Martingale (if your horse needs one) |
| XC Vest | Standing Martingale for hunters |
| Medical Armband | Running Martingale for Horse Trials– (don’t forget the rein stops!) |
| XC Watch | Saddle(s) |
| XC clothes | Girth/Girth cover |
| Complete change of clothes | Saddle Pad |
| Fitted pad for hunters | |
| Square pad for eventing or jumpers | |
| Any other special padding your horse wears (e.g., bounce pad, half pad) | |
| Galloping boots for Horse Trials | |
| Bell boots for shipping if your horse is wearing studs | |
| If your horse normally wears bell boots, put velcro ones on for warm up and take them off before showing or you will be disqualified | |
| Sheet to put over your horse if the weather needs it |
