Conference noted::equitation

    Well, considering that I sometimes stop my horse if I felt he twisted
    his leg ( comparatable to humans twisting their ankle?) I would
    have done the same. I'm so paranoid about Jasper hurting himself
    whether out on the trail, or just working on the flat/jumping that
    I couldn't see myself continuing to work him if I felt that something
    is wrong. 
    Maybe the difference between someone stopping their horse to prevent
    further injury and someone who doesn't, is the degree of love we
    have for the horse????
    			Cindy
    

    Linda,  many of the people you will find are there to win either
    because they are competing for someone or just because that's how
    they are, and the horse is compensated because of this.  I have
    always pulled up if my horse was hurt - no sense in chancing it
    especially if I wanted to compete for years to come.  But you find
    this in every sport - it's just how people are.  You might talk
    to the vet about a possible check ligament problem, because that's
    what your description of what happened sounds like.
    
    Best of luck - Julie

    Sounds like the same thing that happens in Little League.  Parents
    want there kids to continue even if they hurt themselves........I
    guess it's the competition bit.  I would of done the same thing
    you did Linda.  I wouldn't want to hurt my horse more just for the
    sake of finishing.  It's only a game right?  You can always compete
    again and again.   But your horse's health is more important.
    
    Happy Riding,
    
    Bobbi
    

    Well, there seems to be no problem with his leg at all. He's been
    fine ever since and I evented him this past weekend but I am keeping
    an eye on it!
    
    Thanks for the responses!
    
    Linda
    

		GROTON PONY CLUB TWO-PHASE EVENT
		   Saturday, October 22, 1988
	    at High Pastures, Hill Road, Boxboro, Mass

DIVISION A: Fences a maximum 2'3"  AHSA 1987 Training Level Test 2
DIVISION B: Fences a maximum 2'9"  AHSA 1987 Training Level Test 3

This course will consist of 10-15 fences and will include both cross-
country and stadium type obstacles.  There will be no time limit and no
elliminations.  Junior and Senior Divisions will be offered in each
division.  A trophy and 6 ribbons will be awarded in each division.

Food and water will be available on the grounds.  Please do not bring dogs.

All proceeds will benefit The Groton Pony club.

ENTRY FEES: $30.00 ($25.00 for current Pony Club Members)
	Entries must be received by Tuesday, October 17th. Make checks
	payable to Groton Pony Club and send to:
		    GPC Two-Phase
	        c/o Paula Hamilton, High Pastures, Boxboro, MA 01719

Call for starting times Thursday, Oct 20th after 3PM. (508)264-1964/9165.

Directions to High Pastures: Rte 495 North to Rte 111. Turn left at end of
exit ramp. Turn left again onto Hill Road (after Exxon station -about 1/3
mile).  Turn right when the road comes to a "T".  Turn left into the second
drive after you have taken the right at the "T".

Rte 495 South to Rte 111. Turn right at end of exit ramp. Turn left onto 
Hill Road (after Exxon station - about 1/3 mile). Turn right when the road 
comes to a "T".  Turn left into second drive after you have taken the "T".

****************************************************************************

			     ENTRY FORM

Rider Name _____________________________  Division _______________________

Rider Age:  12 and under        13 to 18          over 19

Address: _________________________________________________________________

Town ________________________________  State ___________ Zip _____________

Telephone ___________________________  Pony Club _________________________

Name of Horse ____________________________________________________________

I enclose $_______ for the above entries which are made at my own risk. In
consideration of the acceptance of this entry I agree to hold harmless or
injury to the horse, owner, riders, employees, spectators, or any person or
property whatsoever from any claim and agree to save the aforementioned
parties from any and all loss and expense (including legal fees) whether or
not the same may have been caused or may alleged to have been caused by the
negligence of the aforementioned parties or any other persons.

		Signature of Rider ________________________________________
		   (if under 21 years of age, that of parent or legal guardian)

Please do not forget to enclose check, signed entry form and proof of current
negative Coggins.

    For the division A, what kind of jumps are set up? I've jumped 2'9" but
    if it's a solid jump (brick wall) , my heart stops. So I'm curious
    about division A and the difficulty involved.
    
    In case I'm brave that day, what type of jumps are set up for the
    division B?
    					Cindy
    

    There will be a few solid jumps but they will be in the low range.
    I was told that one may be 2'6".  The nice thing about this event
    is it is not timed and no one will be elliminated.  I expect this
    event to be pretty layed back and lots of fun.
    
    Both my horse and I are a bit green.  It's a good opportunity for
    both of us to experience an event without the high pressure and
    high cost of 3-phase events.
    
    Go for it!  I'd hate to be the only one there who's heart stops
    at jumps!
    
    Nancy

    It's sad how much we (at least me!) can panic over a fence that looks
    like Attilah the hun couldn't knock it down, and yet we can jump a non-
    solid vertical which is 6 inches higher than the solid fence.
    
    I have the hardest time when it comes to jumping solid looking fences.
    At the barn I used to be at, ther was a brick wall (made from plywood)
    with wishing well standards. With a rail on top, the fence would come
    to 2'6" - 2' 9". I had the hardest time getting my horse over it -
    actually, I had the hard time convincing myself to jump it. 
    And yet I was able to jump a 3' vertical which was right next to it!
    
    So in regard to the difference between the divisions, I would like to
    jump 2'6" - 2'9" but are there alternatives to the solid jumps?
    (In case my cowardness shows through!)
    				Cindy
    

    Cindy,
    
    I understand your fear of some jumps.  Solid doesn't happen to bother
    me.  Maybe you should practice over very low solid jumps and work
    your way up.  That may help your phobia.   
    
    About the 2-phase.  Last week the D.C. of Groton Pony Club hadn't
    received many entries back, so it was up in the air whether or not
    it would fly.   I believe the club as a whole decided to do it anyway.
    That would mean that a small group of adults and pony clubbers would
    do the 2-phase.  In any case, there are no eliminations and no time
    set.  I'm currently trying to reach an authority on the 2-phase
    to find out what's going on.   Come to it, it'll be fun!

               This has turned into more of a discussion of eventing
               than just dressage, so let's retitle it and begin a
               new one....	
    
    
    
                 <<< DELNI::WORK$01:[NOTES$LIBRARY]EQUITATION.NOTE;2 >>>
                          -< Equine Notes Conference >-
================================================================================
Note 10.444                         Dressage                          444 of 451
DECXPS::LCOBURN "If it works, break it."             29 lines  20-SEP-1990 08:14
                -< MUST I know the rules before I try it??  :) >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I have several what probably seem like very basic questions to those
    of you who are active in dressage, but I've never been actively
    involved in it. I am entering myself and my brother's TB gelding
    in the ABC Horse Trials in a few weeks, at the lowest level offered.
    The jumps are 18", and the dressage test is the ASHA training level
    test #1. My questions are about the test....
    
    It calls for several 20 meter circles. Um, WHAT is a 20 meter circle?
    Does that mean that I come off the rail and circle only to X, or
    do I circle all the way to the opposite rail? I had guessed it was
    only to X, but then I read the ring measurements and it says they
    are 20 meters by 60 meters, which would indicate that a 20 meter
    circle would cross the whole ring?
    
    I see that it specifies no crops allowed, snaffle required, but
    it says nothing of spurs? I generally need a crop with this horse
    (LAZY guy at times, especially alone in the ring!) and am hoping
    that I will be allowed spurs....do the same rules apply to the
    other phases as well?
    
    You can see I am a real novice at this, I'm a bit embarrassed that
    our first time in a dressage ring and on a cross-country course
    will be in competition, but I always have been one of those
    "sure, I'll try that!" types....thanks for any hints anyone can
    offer! :-)
    
    Linda, who is starting to have nightmares already...
     
    
================================================================================
Note 10.445                         Dressage                          445 of 451
VMSSPT::PAANANEN                                     34 lines  20-SEP-1990 09:22
                                -< Go for it! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Hi Linda,

   If you are working in the small arena 20m x 40m, your circle
   will cover half the arena, (for 20 x 60, one third). Make sure
   your circles are ROUND and touch the outside track at X, A(or C)
   and the sides of the arena. When you're riding the outside track,
   go into the corners of the arena. There are books that explain
   this a lot better than I can here...If you plan to do this 
   regularly (and you probably will, it's a blast! :^) )
   then invest in some dressage books that will tell you things 
   to improve your scores. There is "Dressage Illustrated" which
   draws out the tests like maps (I draw them out myself, as part
   of my preparation for a test) which is very helpful, since the
   directions on the tests are not always clear. Then there is 
   "How to ride a Winning Dressage Test" by Gen. Jonathan Burton.
   And there is another book of the same type by Max Gawyler (can't
   remember the name offhand). See if you can get someone who rides
   dressage to work with you once or twice before your show. It 
   will really pay off. Have them show you how you should enter
   and exit the ring, how to salute, and other points of etiquette.

   Spurs are allowed and I'd strongly recommend you wear them even
   if you find you hardly ever need them. As I understand, whips 
   are now allowed at lower levels, however, I haven't seen too
   many people carrying them for their tests. Always have one for
   schooling...same as spurs, you may hardly ever need to use it,
   but if you don't have it when you need it, you're sunk.

   And most of all, have a great time! I started doing schooling 
   events this year, and they are quickly becoming my favorite 
   activity! 

   Kiirja
================================================================================
Note 10.446                         Dressage                          446 of 451
TOMLIN::ROMBERG "how long 'til the next holiday?"    40 lines  20-SEP-1990 10:25
                            -< a couple of hints. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Linda,

	The dressage ring for Training Test 1 will probably be 20 meters wide
and 40 meters long.  (A small arena).  This means that your circle will occupy
one half of the arena - the entire width and half the length.

	Whips, bandages, boots, tie-downs (martingales) and bits other than a 
snaffle are not allowed. The snaffle, if metal, must be all the same metal. This
means no copper.  Rubber snaffles are allowed.  You may use spurs, but they may 
not have rowels (event rules). You may use a whip up until the time you enter
the ring.  In other words, you can warm up with your whip, but you have to drop
it before you enter the ring.  You will also be penalized for each use of your 
voice (no clucking to your lazy critter, or calming words to your high one).

	In the other phases, whips are allowed, but they may not be longer than
30 inches.  Bandages and boots are allowed in the other phases, but the only
type of martingale that is allowed is a running martingale.

	In jumping, all the fences should have a red flag and a white flag.  
Always jump so that the red flag is on the right.  Failure to do so will result
in elimination.  Fences must be jumped in numerical order.  On cross country,
there is a penalty zone around each jump - 10 meters in front and to each side, 
and 20 meters beyond. Any disobedience (stop, fall, etc) that occurs within
each of these areas will be recorded by the fence judge, and you will receive 
penalty points.  Stadium is like horse shows, but do remember to go between the
start and finish flags (again, red on right).

	I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, send mail and I'll 
try to answer them.

	The most important thing is to have a good time.

Kathy

Oh, I almost forgot, be on time for when you are scheduled to ride.  If the 
organizers are running late, that's okay. If you are running late, you either 
ride at your appointed time or not at all (elimination).  So allow yourself 
plenty of time to get there, walk the XC course and warm up for dressage.  You 
may be able to walk the course the day before, but you should always walk again
on the day of the competition in case anything has been changed overnight.
================================================================================
Note 10.447                         Dressage                          447 of 451
TOMLIN::ROMBERG "how long 'til the next holiday?"     4 lines  20-SEP-1990 10:28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kiirja,
	In eventing, whips are not allowed at any level in the dressage arena.

kmr
================================================================================
Note 10.448                         Dressage                          448 of 451
VMSSPT::PAANANEN                                      9 lines  20-SEP-1990 10:37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    <<< Note 10.447 by TOMLIN::ROMBERG "how long 'til the next holiday?" >>>

   >In eventing, whips are not allowed at any level in the dressage arena.

   Thanks,
   I guess the USCTA has different rules than USDF, as usual! 
   I personally don't like to use one anyway, so I wasn't sure.

   K.
================================================================================
Note 10.449                         Dressage                          449 of 451
DECXPS::LCOBURN "If it works, break it."             17 lines  20-SEP-1990 11:01
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Thank you Kiirja and Kathy! You've both been very imformative! I
    believe the circles we are being required to do come off the ring
    on the long side, meaning I am to cross the entire width of the
    ring.
    
    Marti and I were just discussing this (she is taking Rabi as well),
    and we were questioning the turnout of the horse....are they braided
    for all 3 phases? Must the braids be white yarn , or surgicle tape??
    
    Thanks again , and keep the suggestions coming! I'm really looking
    forward to doing this event. My mount is a real sweet guy, I'm
    sure we'll enjoy ourselves whether we pass out on the x-country
    or not! Does anyone know the average length of the x-country
    courses?? I'm just FULL of questions today! Thanks!
    
    Linda
    
================================================================================
Note 10.450                         Dressage                          450 of 451
VMSSPT::PAANANEN                                     32 lines  20-SEP-1990 11:09
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 I just looked back and I may have confused you...you are doing 
 training 1, so your circles will be in the center of the arena, 
 not the ends, as I described. (I've been riding Training 2 all 
 summer and it's burned into my brain!)

 For Training 1, your circle will start at B (or E) and continue in
 an even arc so that as you come back on to the track at the other
 side at E (or B) you have completed a perfect half circle. Do not
 stay on the track for more than one stride or your circle will
 not be round. Does this make sense? If you can imagine someone 
 standing at X and longeing the horse, you will have the right
 feeling for making a round circle.
  
 Also, the biggest problem people have the first time out is getting
 nervous and forgetting the test. There are several ways to help
 memorize your test. One is to draw it out on paper. Draw ten 
 rectangles on a piece of paper. In each rectangle, draw the path
 you will follow for each movement of the test. Write the gait(s) at
 the bottom of the rectangle. Another way is to "pretend ride" your
 test in your backyard or even living room. You can also ride the
 test mentally, just thinking it through. Studies of althletes
 who do this show that thinking the task is 80% as effective as
 actually doing it. This is good when you don't have much time to
 prepare. It also takes a surprising amount of concentration.

 One way to check whether you really know your test is to ride it 
 starting at the opposite end of the arena than you normally practice.
 You may want to cover up the letters for this. 

 Hope this helps!
 Kiirja
================================================================================
Note 10.451                         Dressage                          451 of 451
VMSSPT::PAANANEN                                     14 lines  20-SEP-1990 11:25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


  Linda,

  Normally, you'd braid for dressage, then take them out for XC,
  (you need to be able to grab that mane!) But for the schooling 
  events I've been to I haven't bothered to braid at all. However
  my horse does have a short pulled mane, if it was long I would
  probably French braid it for dressage so it would look neat.

  As for the number of fences, they usually tell you on the entry,
  but I'd guess at this level somewhere between 6 and 10 fences,
  usually 8, though. That applies to XC and stadium.

  K.

    Remember to wait for the bell before going into the dressage ring!
    
    
    stephanie

             <<< DELNI::WORK$01:[NOTES$LIBRARY]EQUITATION.NOTE;2 >>>
                          -< Equine Notes Conference >-
================================================================================
Note 10.452                         Dressage                          452 of 452
CARTUN::MISTOVICH                                    30 lines  20-SEP-1990 12:13
                         -< More nits to remember... >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    20 meter circle means 20 meters in diameter.  The circle begins at
    whatever letter is listed, and then touches the track at appropriate
    points.  As Kiirja mentioned, circles are round, not pear-shaped,
    egg-shaped, oval, squares with rounded corners, etc.  Your horse should
    be bent so that the length of his spine is parallel with the track.
    
    Corners should be ridden deep and, again, the horse should be bent in
    the direction of movement, spine parallel to track.
    
    Transitions, movements, changes of direction, etc. are supposed to
    occur when the rider's shoulder is parallel with the appropriate
    letter.  At training level, you should not be scored harshly for
    missing the markers for less precision, however, Kiirja's recent
    experience has been the opposite.
    
    Also be aware that a dressage arena usually has a very low rail or 
    chain as a perimeter.  If your horse steps outside of the rail with 
    any one foot, you will be eliminated.
    
    And, as Kiirja mentioned, no voice aids at all, or you will be
    eliminated.
    
    Oh, at the beginning and end of the test you salute the judge by
    dropping your right hand and nodding.  Wait until after the judge has
    saluted you (they may rise halfway or simply nod) before moving off.
    
    
    Good luck and have fun!
    
    Mary

             <<< DELNI::WORK$01:[NOTES$LIBRARY]EQUITATION.NOTE;2 >>>
                          -< Equine Notes Conference >-
================================================================================
Note 10.445                         Dressage                          445 of 446
TOMLIN::ROMBERG "how long 'til the next holiday?"    38 lines  20-SEP-1990 12:42
                               -< more pointers >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

re: stepping outside of the arena 
	you have to leave the arena with *all 4* feet at once in order to be 
eliminated.

re: braids
	They do not have to be taped, you can use whatever color yarn you 
would use for a horse show.  Personally, always use black on my horse (a 
chestnut), but when I run out of black, I will probably use a navy blue.  Bays
*I* would always do in black.  But then, I prefer a yarn that blends in with the
mane.  It makes a bad braid job stand out less.  I won't even consider using
tape unless my horse is absolutely correct in his carriage and has a lovely
neck.  There's not much I think is less attractive than a horse with 
incorrect carriage and taped braids that stick up.

re: learning the test
	When I was first learning dressage at camp, we used to lay out the 
arena on the carpet and then 'ride' the test ourselves, doing 'trots' and 
'canters' when appropriate.  It looked pretty funny to see a bunch of girls all
'trotting' and 'cantering' around the common area of the dorm.

	I usually try to learn the flow of the test, rather than the individual
movements.  For example, T1 starts out: A enter, X halt, salute, C track right,
circle in the middle, canter in the (first) corner, circle in the middle, trot,
walk at C, free walk across the short diagonal, working walk, trot (at A?), 
circle in the middle, canter in the (first) corner, circle in the middle, etc...
If I learn the test this way, then it's easy to ride it backwards (i.e. track 
left instead of right, and I get a few more tries before my horse learns the 
test!!)  I try to visualize in my mind the *complete* figures, since a figure 
could span more than one movement.

re: disobediences in dressage
	If your horse doesn't halt exactly at X, don't make a big deal trying to 
correct it.  Just do your halt, wait for the judge and move on.  For any
disobedience, don't make a big deal out of it.  If you get a wrong lead, come
back to the trot and try again.  It's better to correct it than to continue on
the wrong one.  If your horse doesn't canter exactly when you tell him, continue
asking as you continue the test.  At no time should you stop and repeat a 
movement unless the judge stops you (because you forgot the test).

    Some one mentioned being eliminated if you even speak to your
    horse.  That's a real tough stance to take for just a few words
    to a spooky or hyper horse.  Is that normal, or harsh?  I would
    think that if the judge hears you say something, they would mark
    you down, but not out.  
    
    I do hope one of you will be able to clarify this for me as I yak
    to my critter nonstop on a normal basis.  Am I allowed to tape my
    mouth shut before entering the ring?!     Marti

re: using your voice.
	The score for that movement is reduced by 2 points.  It should also be 
marked on the score sheet that you used your voice.  That is for every time 
the judge hears your voice.  If you yak constantly to your horse, then you
need topractice not talking while riding before the test.  I haven't seen it 
happen, but I imagine you could end up with a pretty low score (if not 
elimination) if you talk a lot during the test.

	I believe the scoring used to be that use of the voice was marked as an
error, and 4 errors is elimination.  According to Sandy (Most) Osborn - I just
scribed for her at Shepley and there was one rider who used her voice - the 
new way to score the test is to indicate what the real score would have been,
cross it off, and write down the new (2 points lower) score right next to it.
Then comment in the comment area that the voice was used and circle it in red.
(Then the scorers can worry about how it should *really* be marked!!! ;^)

	Yes it's a tough stance to take, but everyone is treated the same.  Part
of the purpose of doing the test is to show that your horse is *listening* to
you, not everything else that's happening around him.  That's what you use your
warmup for.  Yes it's hard when you then go off into a corner of the field 
away from everyone else to do your test in front of the judge.  I've been 
dealing with this problem for a few years now.  It gets better.  If the horse
is really paying attention to everything else (like those horse-eating
geraniums at the corner of the ring) then is he really going to be listening
to your voice, or is your voice really to calm *you*.  Not getting *yourself*
rattled goes a long way towards *unrattling* your horse.

    Interesting! Is the no voice rule valid in the other phases as well??
    I personally don't need to talk to my horse during flat work, but
    sometimes when jumping an occasional "GET UP THERE YOU %&*&*!" works
    nicely! :-) Seriously, I hear a lot of clucking during jumping rounds
    at hunter shows, but that's a no-no in an event?
    

Nope.  You can yell to your horse all you want in the jumping phases. It is 
preferable, though, that you use words that would be allowed on the airwaves.
After all, there are young and impressionable people at these events, and 
we, as responsible adults (?) should be setting an example in manners and 
showmanship. ;^)

    I just thaugt I would add someting to this note on gloves....
    
    I went to an event on Sunday representing my local riding club, I did
    my dressage - it was an ok test and I got reasonable marks I then did
    my Showjumping and my cross country and I went clear in both, I stood a
    very good chance of winning my section individually, but right at the
    last moment I was eliminated because I had black gloves on in the
    dressage and not white ones, as you can imagine I was devestated, I did
    not know that I was supposed to wear white gloves as my trainer had not
    told me.  I felt really let down and dissapointed, I have now learnt
    the hard way and I will never forget that.
    
    Oh well roll on next year when I can have another go!
    
    Wendy

    Thsank you for mentioning that! I had no idea I couldn't wear my
    black gloves and would have done so! I'm a bit bummed, I must buy
    white gloves for one event. Picky, aren't they?? :-) Oh well....
    

    What about no gloves? 
    

I am new to riding so this may be out of place but as to the white gloves
rule...


I have attended numerous small events (schooling as well as local) and two
USCTA events this summer.  At no time were 'white gloves' required.  My
friends word black gloves and finished in the top three at both USCTA
events.  Other friends have won at Pippentree in Concord.

So does any one know the real story?

Marsha

re: .8
	I find that really hard to imagine!  After what phase were you 
eliminated? After the dressage, XC or show jumping phase? 

I don't believe gloves are even required attire!  I've always used black gloves and 
have never been eliminated for that reason.  I've even ridden without gloves
and not been eliminated.  I wear my black gloves at both events and dressage
shows (AHSA sanctioned).  Most people, especially eventing, use black gloves, 
not white.

    re.10 and 11
    
    I am from the UK so the rules might be slightly different for you in
    the states at lower levels if they are and you can ware black gloves
    then that is great.
    
    I have got to ware white gloves during the dressage phase from now on 
    if I do not want to be eliminated again, we have to abide by the rules
    laid down by the British Horse Society Horse Trials Group, and that is 
    one of the rules, seems petty at novice level!
    
    So I am off to buy some white ones tomorrow!
    
    Wendy
    

    re. 13
    
    I was eliminated after I had completed all the disiplines, for wareing
    black gloves in the dressage phase when I should have been wareing
    white....This, I later descovered is so the judge can see your hands
    moving.
    
    

If you will pardon me for being so rude, but that is the poorest excuse for
elimination that I have ever heard.  It simply is not a reason for elimination!
If you were eliminated for not weariing white gloves in dressage, you should 
have been eliminated in the dressage phase.  The score sheet should have shown
a big 'E' in the column where your dressage placing would have been.  If you 
were told afterward that this is why you were eliminated, then you should have
protested (hint: This is a suggestion that people get hold of a Rule Book for 
their particular sport and BE FAMILIAR WITH IT - know the restrictions as far
as attire (horse and human) is concerned.)  

The judge, if they are worth being judged by, can see your hands even if you're
wearing black gloves.  Maybe your hands don't stand out against a dark coat, 
but one reason for preferring black to white is so that imperfect hands are 
not emphasized.  White gloves can really draw attention to bad hands.

My guess is that the show was poorly run, and someone did not know their rules.
It's a sad time when the competitors have to know more than the organizers!

'Nuf said on the white glove subject.  They aren't required, lots of folks wear
them at dressage shows, not many folks wear them at events, and personally I
think they are best used by handbell ringers and grandmothers checking for dust!

kmr

    re.15
    
    It was a Riding Club Qualifier and really my trainer should have told
    me.  My dressage sheet was handed to me the next day by a friend who 
    had stayed until the end, and if I had bee there I would have protested
    but you have got to protest within a certain time limit.
    
    What really bugs me is that my dressage score was up on the board,
    BEFORE I did my Show Jumping and my cross country and no indication
    that I was to be elimiated, so surely they should have eliminated me 
    BEFORE I did my other two phases!
    
    I think the BHS rules are petty in some respects but I will have to 
    get hold of a rule book and study it from cover to cover for next year!
    
    I wish we had US rules over hear they sound much more fair!
    
    Wendy

I stand corrected (I think).  It was not totally clear to me (and probably to
other noters) that we were not all talking about US rules.  I can certainly
understand BHS (British Horse Society, for those not familiar with the term)
rules being different from the USCTA/AHSA rules. We should probably ALL try
to remember that this conference is read INTERNATIONALLY and that we should 
clarify WHOSE rules we are talking about.  (just because the majority of the
folks participating in this conference are in the US shouldn't put all the
responsibility on the across-the-ponders to identify that they're not from 
'over here'.

To restate an earlier point:  IN THE US, white gloves are not required for
the dressage phase of eventing (or at dressage shows).  If you want to show
off your hands, fine.  As for me, I'm sticking with BLACK until my hands are 
perfect!

    
    I just bought a pair of spurs to wear on the Cross Country Section
    of the event.  I have naver worn them before, so I do have a few
    questions:  Do I wear them with the point downward?  Should I prac-
    tice with them or wait until I am on course to use them (if necessary)
    on my critter?  I had tried a crop on him in the past without any re-
    sults to speak of.  He did not understand that the crop was reinforcing
    my leg aids.  He seemed to think that the touch of the crop was com-
    pletely unrelated to what ever he was doing (or not doing, as the case
    may be) at the time.  Kind of like:  he's hesitating in front of a
    jump,  I leg him on, no response, I give him a smack with the crop, he
    thinks a bee just stung him and continues to hesitate anyway.
    
    Should I practice with the spurs and make sure he relates them to my
    legs so that I won't really need them on course?  Any advice would be
    appreciated.  Thanks.  Marti

Re: .18

If you don't school with it at home, don't try it out at a competition. A 
majority of people use spurs on xc with a good reason but that's after the
horse has been taught that both the whip/bat and spurs are reinforcement of the
leg *at home*. 

Good luck!

Marti,
	I can only echo what Linda said in .19.  Don't 'try out' the spurs
for the first time at the event.    Spurs are normally worn with the point 
pointing downward, but I have been known to wear them upside down (pointing
up).  (The horse I did this with had a small barrel and I have long legs, so 
the only way I could reach his sides with the spurs was if they pointed up.)

Since spurs are made to be worn pointing down, they are a lot stronger if 
used 'upside down'.  You need to be very careful of this when using them.

Another warning:  spurs should not be used by folks who do not have control
over their lower legs.  Indescriminate use of spurs (nagging the horse) will
only make the spurs useless, also.

    On the subject of the cross-country phase, after having walked the
    course (well, most of it, we got lost) this past weekend and seeing
    nothing I don't believe my mount to be capable of I'm really looking
    forward to it. But, I've never done this before and am wondering,
    is there a sort of certain 'protocol' that must be followed? I know
    of the proper attire, and the basic idea, of course. But is  the
    test based on speed, meaning the fastest time wins, with points
    deducted for refusals and rubs, etc? My mount will, left alone,
    settle into a nice relaxed canter, but not particularly fast. is
    it better to push the speed a bit and risk a few rubs or jump
    cleaner and slower? He has never done this before either, but he
    is a very willing and level-headed so I am anticipating it going
    pretty well for us...thanks for any tips anyone can offer! Everyone
    has been SUPER informative on this eventing topic, thanks much!
    
    Linda
    

    Thanks everyone!  I suspected as much about practicing before hand.
    
    Now my next question is if any of you can suggest some easy/quick
    to build jumps to make for practicing before the event?  I have some
    tires that I can use, and the old blanket over a vertical (looks 
    REALLY strange and spooky if the wind blows it).  I have barrels, yet
    need some other ideas to get my critter exposed to as many different
    jumps as possible.  Any ideas you all can contribute would be super!
      
    Thanks again, and keep the info coming.....    Marti
    

    Just my two cents.  I wish everyone luck in the first event,
    but I really would get a rule book or a coach who knows what's
    going on.  There are many tiny rules that a lot of noters know (and as
    discussion has proven, vary from country-to-country) which will be
    forgotton as "just normal to know".  There are some that might think
    this is overkill for a first "baby green event", but getting eliminated
    for something like white gloves is tough after you've competed your
    very best.  I've read a lot of articles lately in magazines such as
    Practical Horseman that say things like I've evented at top levels and
    had no idea how to stop my horse... or knew the rules .. or other such
    nonsense.  Eventing, at any level, can be dangerous -- people forget
    that.  I've evented for a number of years and was lucky to have a top
    notch coach help me from day one.  He wouldn't even discuss entering an
    event until we could pass a test from the rule book; this should be
    standard at even the baby green level (or whatever it's called).
    
    I wish you luck; more importantly, I wish you'd buy a rule book before
    you learn the hard way how many rules there are.  Either that, go to a
    coach for a few lessons -- there are a couple good places in
    Massachusetts that also have schooling fences for you to try. 
    Remember, if anyone talks to you during the event (any stage) you can
    be eliminated.  If you've never taken a horse over an obstacle that
    doesn't fall down, you may need help. The day of the show is the wrong
    day to try this too.
    
    Dawn 

Linda,
	X-C courses are usually not open for walking until after 3:00 pm of the 
day before the event.  Do NOT rely on your roamings of this past weekend.  The
course will need to be flagged, and you need to walk it at LEAST 2 times, 
usually/preferably 3, once it is flagged.  The first time you figure out where
exactly all the fences are that your division has to jump.  If there is more
than one division, the fences will be marked differently for each division.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE FLAGS. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN ELIMINATION.  The 
second course walk, you (or at least I do) without a map, to reinforce that I
know where all the fences are.  This is when I start to 'plan my attack'.  The
third walk I usually do on the day of the event, and make sure that what I 
planned after the first 2 walks is still valid.

	As far as how XC is judged, there is a pace which should be posted.
For example, 350 mpm (meters per minute).  That's a moving on canter.  The time
allowed is based on the distance and the pace.  A course that is 1400 meters in
length will take 4 minutes to ride at 350 mpm. If you go any slower than the 
pace, you will receive time penalties.  There are no penalties for going faster 
than the pace allowed, but it theoretically not good practice to go *too* much 
faster.  The paces are established for a reason. You don't want a horse 
careening around the course at 450 meters per minute, with a little kid on it's 
back, totally out of control.  There are no penalties for rubs, only refusals. 
X-C fences usually don't knock down.  If they do, there is no penalty.  First 
refusal is 20 penalties, 2nd at the same fence is an additional 40 and a 3rd at 
the same fence is elimination.  Fall of horse or rider is 60 penalties.  
If you have 1 stop at 1 fence and 2 stops at another fence, that's 20 penalties
for the first fence plus 60 penalties at the second, for a total of 80 penalties.
Theoretically you could have 2 refusals at every fence and still not be 
eliminated, but you would then have to come in under the maximum allowed time
(usually twice the allowed time).  If people are having that bad a day, they
usually quit after a few fences and go home to work things out.  Speaking of 
maximum time, if you exceed it, you're eliminated.  This doesn't happen very 
often. Jumping without the appropriate headgear, or without the chinstrap 
fastened is elimination.  Jumping fences backward is elimination unless the 
fence is flagged to be jumped that way.  There is no benefit to going too fast
on cross country, unless the reason you're doing it is to tire your horse out.

	In stadium, knockdowns are 5 penalties, refusals are 10.  3 refusals on 
the entire course and you're eliminated.  Rubs still don't count, unless the 
height of the fence is lowered as a result of the rub (knockdown). Time still
counts.  There is an optimum time for stadium, also.  You exceed it and you 
get time penalties. You go faster than it and you get no penalties.  There are 
no bonus points for going too fast.  I believe the penalties for being too slow
are .25 penalties per second over optimum time.

	A plug for trying to be as close to the optimum time - if the xc time is
used to break a tie, the person coming closest to the time without exceeding it
will win the tie.  I believe the rule has changed to break ties on Dressage
general impressions (the overall scores at the bottom of the test), but I heard 
rumors that they were going back to the XC time next year.

To reiterate what Dawn said in .23, no matter how good the notes file is, you
can't tell someone everything.  What I reccommend doing, and I was thinking this 
as I wrote my last reply, is that people volunteer to groom for eventing friends
before trying this on their own.  You can learn SO MUCH by helping and watching.
Volunteer to be a fence judge or a scribe or a timer at an event.  The 
organizers are always looking for volunteers.  If you need names, let me know, 
I can hook you up with at least a couple places.  By all means, like I said 
before, GET A RULE BOOK AND BE FAMILIAR WITH IT!!  The rules change every year.
Not all of them, but you need to know which ones did in case they apply to YOU.

Pace events are a great way to try out the XC phase.  The jumps don't fall down.
The pace is faster.  You learn what your horse will and will not do.  

What Dawn mentioned about someone talking to you - that means while you are 
'on course' - in the dressage ring, in the stadium ring, or on the XC course 
(unless, of course, it's a fence judge who's telling you something, like 'please
leave the course' or 'hold up', or 'are you sure you are okay?  Do you want to
get back on your horse - someone is bringing him back here for you')  Remember
to remind your cheering section not to yell things like SIT UP, LOOK UP, Turn 
left at the next fork!  More left leg, whatever...

If you at least know what an event is like from a spectator's point of view, it
helps a lot.


kmr

Sorry, I just can't seem to keep my fingers shut today.  Since I have so much
to say on this topic,  I will stick my neck out and *volunteer* to 'teach'
anyone who wants to put up with me for a day  as much as I can tell in a day
of eventing.  Amos and I are going to a Pippin Tree Far 3-phase on Oct 13
(hopefully - if our entry is accepted).  If anyone wants to tag along, I'll be 
happy to 'mumble as I go'.  The only caveat, is that you have to be willing
to put up with a 'nervous mother'.  Send me mail if you're interested

To further emphasize the last few notes - the more you know about eventing before
you do it yourself, the more FUN it is for you when you do it cuz you aren't
worrying about what you do when and whether or not what you did is cause for
elimination, etc.....

I'll shut up now..........



kathy

That's Pippin Tree Farm, in Concord, MA.
                      ^ 

    Well, thanks everyone for the tips! Kathy, you've been really helpful!
    I will defineatly look into getting a rule book. As far as a coach,
    unfortuneatly that is a luxury I have neither the cash nor the time
    for at this point, not that I wouldn't love to! The horse I am riding
    belongs to my brother, I ride him but once a week, but I do have
    a lot of confidence in him and I'm sure he'll get around this very
    small course alright (the jumps are only 18"). We are not entering
    with any intention of placing at all, just getting our feet wet
    and seeing if it's something we want to pursue or not, so I have
    no expectations of grandeur, rather I just thought it sounded like
    a lot of fun! We had a fantastic year showing this past summer,
    won more than our share (and a year end to boot! :-)...I'd like
    to move him up at notch, and perhaps try to seriously compete in
    an event next year. My concern with the rules is only so as not
    to look a total fool or to be a menace to other riders, and I will
    defineatly begin the search for a rule book! Thanks for mentioning
    it!
    

      Isn't eventing like project management?  Failing to plan = planning to 
      fail.  I strongly support the recommendations to read the rules before 
      starting any competition.  In UK this really means buying a new set 
      every year as they are constantly changing.  I can provide a (UK) mail 
      order supplier's address to anybody who wants it.
      
      Before riding with spurs upside down I'd check the competition rules.  
      Anyone caught doing it in UK is likely to be eliminated!
      
      If I only had one word of advice for a new competitor it would be
      
      
                                    !  PLAN  !
      
      
      I usually walk the XC course at least twice, the day before, with a 
      notebook.  The notes look like:
      
      1 = log
      sharp right turn to 
      2 = tiger trap
      through wood to
      ! unflagged ditch !
      3 = hedge + rail
      red flag
      
      I draw sketches of complicated fences.  The advantage of all this is 
      that you can ride the course, in your mind, sitting in the 
      unthreatening environment of an armchair.  I don't usually walk the 
      course on the day (too much else to do) but I do check with the course 
      plan and the organisers that nothing's changed overnight.
      
      Other things worth doing on the day before are:
      -	  Walking the SJ course and drawing the plan.
      -	  Walking the dressage arena (and warm-up area).  Seriously!  The 
          going can be lumpy, hard, slippery or very soft, and knowing about 
          it in advance can save valuable points.
      -	  Checking out the parking arrangements.  Finding that there's 
          nowhere to park or getting stuck driving in doesn't improve your 
          pre-competition nerves.
      
      I started competing at a riding school where you can take part in club 
      events on school horses.  This meant that I knew what the rules were,  
      and what it feels like to be in a dressage arena or on a XC course, 
      before subjecting myself to the hassles of travelling and coping with 
      an excited horse in a strange place.  Then I got my own horse and 
      tagged along with a friend to a few simple shows, hunting etc. for my 
      first season.  After about ten outings with fellow competitors, 
      friends to groom etc. I was confident enough to start going out on my 
      own.
      
      The view I take is that I want my horse to be happy in competitions 
      and to progress to more demanding events.  Making things unnecessarily 
      difficult for myself is not likely to help.
      
      I know that this record doesn't look very enterprising, but I've had 
      very many more good experiences than bad, picked up a few rosettes and 
      (most importantly) had a lot of fun.
      
      Julian

  While everything Kathy said is true for the USCTA sanctioned levels/
  events, the phases at events at any level under Novice, (with names
  such as Elementary, Pre-Novice, Baby Novice, Starter Novice or whatever)
  are *usually* untimed. ASK your show management. It usually says 
  on the entry form whether the XC and stadium are timed or untimed. 

  If it is UNtimed, the best strategy is to TAKE YOUR TIME. Even if it
  is timed, for the first time out, it is more important to complete 
  the course smoothly and get over all the fences in one piece than it 
  is to beat the clock. TROT the course if you want to or if you have to. 
  Many people do this the first time out. If you can manage a faster
  pace without losing control, then all the better, but staying in
  control is the most important factor at this point.

  Also, as Kathy mentioned, it's getting between the fences that
  can be more tricky than getting OVER them. As you walk the course,
  plan how you want to approach each fence, and plan where you need
  to go AFTER the fence. And if you don't rush, you'll have time and 
  space to correct miscalculations. 

    Linda and I were both wondering where we could pick up a Rules
    Booklet?  We are in the Northeastern area of Massachusetts.  We
    are going to follow Kiirja's advise and take the course slow, yet
    safely.  This is our first time out, so we want to make it as easy
    on the horses as possible.  
    
    Anyone know where we can get some "Student Driver" signs? (just 
    joking!).     Thanks for all your help so far...  Are we missing
    any other important info?  please continue to add all thoughts and
    suggestions that you have.    Thanks,   Marti

Rule books can be obtained from the United States Combined Training Association.
Their address and phone number are:

	USCTA 
	292 Bridge Street
	South Hamilton, MA 01982

	(508) 468-7133
	FAX (508) 468-6294

Membership in the USCTA is $45.00/year (Dec-Nov).  The best move would be to 
join now for next year.  Membership privs include 
	1) getting the RULE BOOK
	2) getting the omnibus (schedule of (USCTA sanctioned) events)
	3) receiving USCTA news, a bi-monthly publication containing many
	   interesting/helpful articles on training, etc. (Articles in the 
	   August 1990 issue included 'Groom's Guide for Phase D of the 3-Day
	   Event', Talse of a First Time Eventer', 'Tips for Trailering 
	   Horses' and more.

Joining early ensures that you receive all the publications (if you join late, 
you may not get that year's rule book, if they run out).

>   Anyone know where we can get some "Student Driver" signs? (just 
>    joking!).     

     Actually I *did* see some sweatshirts at the tack shop that said

     "Student Rider --- Please do not TAILGATE!"

     I almost bought one! :^)

    Hi folks!  I have one more question for all of you event riders:
    
    	I know that I will be receiving my riding time for Dressage, but
    I don't know if they will include my times for the other two phases.
    My question is, will they call out or announce the next rider to go and
    do they go in the same order as the Dressage?  oops, I know that was 
    really two questions!  I just don't want to miss my turn.
    
    	I am getting nervious already and the event isn't until mid October!  
    
    Marti

You should get both a dressage time and an XC time.  The time stadium starts
will either be noted in the program, or posted somewhere, or you can ask the
organizers.  If you ain't there for your dressage and/or XC rides, you will
be eliminated (normally).  You will not be allowed to ride at a later time.

The order of go for stadium is usually either reverse order of placing or 
numerical order.  Again, which order is up to the organizers, so ask.

Look in the program to find out the number of the rider before you for each
of the first 2 phases.  They may not be the same rider.  When you know who
is riding stadium and what the order of go is, find out who will be riding
before you so you know when to be ready.

Your stadium jumping probably won't start until after (your division of) XC is 
completed.

    Just in case you don't get the rule book, one rule that always throws
    people who have done the hunter circuit:  you can get eliminated in the
    warm up area if you jump the fences other than marked.  In other words,
    even in warm up ring, red on right, white on left.  At a schooling show
    they may not eliminate you, but I've been at recognized events where
    people are eliminated for this.
    
    Good luck and have fun.  By the way, Trailmare Farm has a beginner's
    two-phase (dressage/cross-country) that is excellent for beginners.
    Rick has constructed more new fences, and it's a great place to
    introduce a horse to cross-country.  If you want an address/phone
    number let me know (location is Hopkinton MA)
    
    Dawn

    
    Another thing which tends to get those from the hunter circuit to
    making sure during the stadium phase you pass through the start markers
    at the beginning and the finish markers at the end.  

    I dont know about the rules so much in the states but in the UK (Where
    I am from) it is compulsory at alot of One Day Events and cross country
    events to wear a back protector, especially just recently as the ground
    has been VERY hard.
    
    Do you have to wear such a thing to protect yourselves?
    
    Wendy

Wendy,
	In the United States, back protectors are not yet compulsory.  However,
a lot of folks that event seriously have acquired one (especially at the upper
levels).  I wouldn't be surprised to see it become a rule sometime in the future, 
though.

	Personally, I acquired one of these when I was going a lot of 'ground
checks'.  Especially, after my concussion, even though the 'crash vest' 
wouldn't have changed the outcome of _that_ fall. ;^).  I am also a strong
advocator of wearing helmets at *all times*, even in the summer.  I figure that
if I were to go eventing in the summer, I'd have to sweat under the helmet, so
this way it's no different than any other ride!  I've had my horses disappear
from under me in too many 'safe' places to want to take a chance. All it takes 
is a stumble......

	Another point to make about eventing in the UK vs the US - I believe
that NOVICE level events in the UK are roughly equivalent to PRELIMINARY
level events in the US.  In the US, Prelim is 2 levels above Novice.  This
may help to explain some of the rule differences, particularly around safety.
The fences start to get BIG, and you are moving pretty FAST when you get to 
them, and you will HURT BIG TIME if you crash with minimal protection.

Wendy,

Could you describe the levels of eventing in the UK and a little about how
each level differs? I event a little here in the US and I knew that novice
in the UK is approximately equivalent to preliminary in the US (as Kathy 
mentioned) however that's about all I know and I'd be very interested to hear
more about the UK levels, the dressage tests used, the types of fences, etc.

Here in the US we have 5 "sanctioned" levels: novice, training, preliminary,
intermediate and advanced. I'll try to dig up some brief descriptions of each
of the US levels and post the here.

Looking forward to hearing about eventing in the UK!

Linda

    I will try my best to describe the levels of eventing in the UK, as I 
    have only recently taken it it this year.. If anyone else from the UK
    knows more, then please add.
    
    There is the Pre-Novice which is first stage you usually start at and
    thses are fairly easy, the jumps are usually from 3' to 3'6 " and the
    dressage tests are reletively easy, the showjumping course is also not
    difficult.
    
    The Novice event is much like the above but the dressage test might be
    a little harder.  There are points awarded to the winners in this and
    depending on the amount of points are gained the horse can be upgraded
    to Intermediate level.  This again the dressage maybe a little harder
    the cross country fences more demanding and the showjumping course a
    little higher. 
    
    There is then the Advanced event this is again more demanding the
    dressge test more difficult, the cross country course larger, with
    fences that can be anything upto 3'11" and can be very wide and fences
    that need a lot of careful riding into. the Showjumping phase is also 
    higher but noting over big. Most of the Advanced events in the UK are
    either 2 day or 3 day, and involve roads and tracks and steeplechase
    phases. 
    
    Linda, I hope this can answer a few of your questions!
    
    Wendy
    
                              

Wendy,

Thank you for your descriptions of the levels in the UK! I'm always interested
in hearing about horse competitions all over the world...

Linda

Pippin Tree Farm is looking for volunteers to fence judge and do stadium and
cross country warmup next weekend (Oct 13, 14).  If anyone is interested,
call Chris Hofstetter @ 508-369-4297.  If she's not there, leave a message on
the machine and she'll get back to you.  For those of you who were asking 
so many questions about eventing, this is a great opportunity to see what
happens on a small scale.  If you do volunteer, this is not necessarily an 
all-day committment.  You would also be able to see other phases of the event.

	Just got my latest USCTA News (October 1990) and it has some
	interesting *proposed* changes....

	Cross-country speeds and jumping efforts:

	Level		Current			Proposed
	----------	-----------		--------------
	Novice		350 mpm/12-18		350-400 mpm/12-20
	Training	400-450 mpm/16-20	400-500 mpm/16-22
	Preliminary	450-520 mpm/18-22	500-540 mpm/18-26
	Intermediate	No change/20-24		No change/20-28
	Advanced	No change/22-26		No change/22-30


	Dressage Tests at each level:

	Novice Horse Trials		1991 AHSA Training Test 1 or Test 3

	Training Horse Trials		1991 AHSA Training Test 2 or Test 4

	Preliminary Horse Trials	1991 AHSA First Test 2 or
		(P, OP, YOP)		1976 FEI Junior 3 Day Test

	P, OP, YOP 2 Day or 3 Day 	1976 FEI Junior 3-Day Test

	I, OI, YOI Horse Trials		1991 AHSA Second Test 1 or
					1986 FEI Young Riders 3 Day Test

	I, OI, YOI 2 Day or 3 Day	1986 FEI Young Riders 3 Day Test

	Advanced			1975 FEI Senior 3 Day Test or
					1990 FEI Senior 3 Day Test

	I was reading the recent USCTA News and noticed that there is a
	proposal to abolish penalty zones, based on FEI decisions.

	If penalty zones are abolished, does that mean that the entire
	xc course is a penalty zone or that only refusals are penalized or
	some other thing?

	(My apology if the answer is obvious; I'm still somewhat new
	 to the eventing world, at least from the rules perspective.)

	I'm not sure if this would be the correct note for this (so
	moderator, please feel free to move this!) but I do event so...

	Could someone please tell me the correct distances between fences
	in a gymnastic combination which is made up of mainly verticals with
	one oxer thrown in as follows (and how they would be different if
	coming in at the trot or coming in from a canter):

	vertical - bounce - vertical - bounce - vertical - one stride - oxer -
	bounce - vertical

	What have you found to be the best combinations of things to make
	up a gymnastic? 

	If I remember correctly (if not, please correct!) isn't a one-stride
	generally 21-24' and a two-stride generally 30-33' (cantering?) 

	Thanks in advance for any and all replies!

	Linda


	

   I had trouble remembering this too until my teacher told me 
   the 7/11 rule. If you have a person stride approx 3' long, 
   then seven person strides = 21' or one horse stride. 
   Eleven people strides = 33' or two horse strides. Then you 
   make adjustments for fence height and width.

   k.

    Is anyone going to Badminton Horse Trials next week?  If so 
    on what days.
    
    Wendy

    Gee -- wish I could.  But it's a long way from Massachusetts.
    
    sigh!

    I went yesterday for the first day of the Dressage, you could get
    really close to the riders as they warmed up, it was very interesting
    and I learnt alot.  I am going tomorrow (Saturday) for the cross-country
    so I am looking forward to that.
    
    I did see one person schooling his big liver chestnut horse....
    Bruce Davidson, but I think his dressage is today (Friday) so I
    will let you know how he gets on!
    
    Wendy

	Hi Wendy,

	I'd love to hear any and all comments about the Badminton Trials! I'll
	bet its very exciting to watch...

	Linda

    Hi Linda,
    
    Yes I had a fantastic time on Saturday at the Badminton Horse Trials..
    The weather was just right for the horses and the going good, although
    there were a few mishaps in the lake!  No horse or rider were seriously
    hurt.
    
    Bruce Davidson on Pirate Lion had a stop at the Beaufort Staircase
    which was like a bounce going down some steps, which put him out of the
    running.
    
    I watched the Showjumping phase on the TV on Sunday and that was very
    exciting because Ian Stark on the big Murphy Himself was in the lead
    and he could not afford to have a fence down, but unfortunately he did
    which put him in 2nd place.
    
    So 1st was Rodney Powell on The Irishman II
       2nd Ian Stark on Murphy Himself
       3rd Helen Bell on Troubleshooter
    
    I am not quite sure with the other placings but will let you know in
    due course.
    
    Wendy
    

	Thanks Wendy! 

	Linda

    Are there still any eventers in this conference? The only one I know of
    was Kathy Romberg and we haven't even heard from her lately. Anyway, I
    have a question about the XC phase. It's not about rules or techniques
    either!
    
    What is the white greasy looking ointment that you see smeared on the
    legs and chest of a lot of horses in the XC phase? What is it for?
    Why do only about half the horses have it on?
    
    Just curious
    John

    
    
    I don't know exactly what everyone is using now.  Used to be 
    vaseline.  Anyway, it is there to help the horse 'slide' off any 
    obstacles it might hit.

    The white grease you can see on some of the horses doing the XC phase
    is, as in note 200.60 quite rightly says to help the horse slide over
    the fences should he touch it.  It also helps to prevent the horse from
    cutting itself as well.
      
    I don't use this grease as my horse tends to jump about a foot higher 
    than he needs to!
    
    You can buy this Eventing Grease in large tubs from most tack shops,
    Vaseline is not used as its a bit too expensive and not as thick as the
    grease.
    
    Wendy

John, 

I'm still here.  I just haven't had the urge to jump into a discussion lately.

That 'white stuff' that's smeared all over the 3-day horses legs is (these
days) udder cream.  Folks used to use Vaseline/petroleum jelly, but once you
put that stuff on, it's there for about a month, even with baths.  It gets all
over their tails, and the galloping boots, sponges, etc. and just *doesn't*
coue out with the water you have available at the events (cuz it's usually
*cold*).  Udder cream, on the other hand, washes off very easily.

Why do some horses have it and others don't?  Well, it's a rider preference.  


Kathy

    The Badminton Horse Trials that took place this weekend was won by 
    Mary Thompson riding King William.  Second was Ginny Leng riding Master
    Craftsman and Third was Victoria Latter on Cheif.
    
    The Course was not as hard as it has been in the past, but awful
    weather conditions made the going for the Speed and Endurance phase on
    Saturday very wet and slippery.  It rained almost all day and may
    riders fell as their horses found it difficult to take off because
    their horses slipped into the fences.
    
    There were three fatal accidents, Mark Todd and Face the Music fell at
    fence 16, the Wiltshire Corner, which resulted in Face the Music having
    to be put down due to breaking a foreleg.  The red flag was then moved
    on this fence so that riders had no choice but to take the longer
    route.  William Fox-Pitt had a fall at the lake riding Brialands Pippn,
    who also had to be put down due to the breaking his back.  Another
    great loss was Karen Lendes' Olympic hope Mr Maxwell.  He was destroyed
    after a bad fall.
    
    Concerns are now growing as to wether the event should have been
    cancelled due to the bad weather conditions.

    What a shame!   IMHO, it should have been cancelled!!!!!!
    
    Lynne

	One has to wonder if these horses would have run the course if it
	wasn't an Olympic year?

	I realize that Badminton and Burghley are the toughest courses to jump
	around, even so *3* fatalities seems like a pretty high statistic.

    This is a shocking and senseless loss of life. I am inclined to agree
    with the preceding note that the pressure of an Olympic year probably
    contributed to 3 bad decisions:
    
    1. That of the officials to run the XC with such awful footing
    2. That of the riders to go rather than withdraw
    3. That of the officials not to halt the XC when experienced competitors
       on top mounts had serious problems due to the footing. 
    
    I am not saying that the death of an inexperienced rider or horse would
    be less tragic. What I am saying is that officials might overlook serious 
    injuries if they could attribute them to a lack of experience. When 
    experienced competitors and horses have such problems, the officials
    usually sit up and take notice.
    

    
    
    At the start of the event the going was like a skating rink, it only
    improved after it had been churned up a bit to give some footing. 
    It was awful that those horses died. The organisers should shoulder
    a lot of the blame. But so should the riders. There is an easier
    way at most of the jumps and in those conditions you'd think common
    sense would prevail. This also does nothing for the reputation of 
    the sport.