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Joining British Eventing

Who is British Eventing?

British Eventing is the governing body for the sport of Eventing in the UK and is responsible for the promotion and regulation of more than 190 affiliated events, 14,500 registered horses and over 13,000 members and day ticket holders.

Eventing began in the UK in 1949 when the popular Badminton Horse Trials was held for the very first time. The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton International Horse Trials now has one of the largest spectator attendance figures in the world for one day as thousands flock to watch the exciting cross country phase.

What is Eventing?

There are three phases:

Dressage

The first phase is dressage, which involves a set of compulsory movements that are assessed by a judge or judges looking at the balance, rhythm, suppleness and obedience of the horse. All movements are marked out of 10 and added together to then be deducted from the total to produce a penalty score.

Show Jumping

The second phase, show jumping, is designed to test agility, technical skill and accuracy, which is against the clock. Penalties are incurred for fences knocked down, refusals, falls and exceeding the time limit.

Cross country

The third phase, cross country, is designed to test stamina, boldness and skill over a course of natural obstacles. Penalties are given for refusals, falls and exceeding the optimum time.

In each phase, the horse and rider incur penalty points, which are added together to produce their final score. The horse and rider combination with the lowest amount of penalties, wins.

What classes can I compete in?

From 2009, competitors can compete at various heights, from the new 80cms (Training classes) through to 1.20m (Advanced). The most popular classes are BE80-BE100, which describes the maximum height of fences on the cross country course.

What are the new BE80(T) classes?

In 2007, British Eventing began trialing its 80cm training competitions across the UK from Scotland to Wiltshire. In 2008, there were nearly 500 entries, so by popular demand BE has added the BE80(T) classes to its permanent fixture list.

The (T) stands for training, provided by British Eventing (BE) accredited coaches, enabling the rider to get the best advice and support as they warm up in the collecting rings. The trainers also walk the show jumping and cross country courses with competitors.

No cross country fence exceeds 80cm, with a maximum of two show jump fences at 85cms.

Why join British Eventing?

As well as access to over 190 events, you will receive a bi-monthly magazine crammed full with essential Eventing facts, figures, training and schedules, a car pass to events plus comprehensive insurance whilst competing.

How to join British Eventing

The simplest (and cheapest) way is to visit the BE website at www.britisheventing.com and register your details and the horse's online before purchasing the appropriate membership and/or day/season ticket for your horse. Alternatively forms can be downloaded or requested from the BE office on 0845 262 3344.

If you are thinking of trying a BE80(T) class, ask for a Training Ticket. These are great value priced at just £10 combined for horse and rider. Training Tickets entitle you to BE membership for the day plus all the same associated benefits such as the official recording of you and your horse's results, any prizes and insurance.

Essential for You...

To be eligible to compete in an event, all competitors must have:

• Body Protector (Recommended Level 3) for the cross country phase
• Protective Headgear to the specification British PAS O15/BSEN1384 or European EN1384.
• Medical Armband & Medical Card
• Competitor Number Bib

Essential for Your Horse...

• A current equine influenza vaccination
• Your horse's passport must be taken to all events

Case Study

Caroline Bridge, Suffolk

Caroline has enjoyed considerable success at BE90 and BE100 events over the last two seasons. Her most memorable win was in the Baileys Intro Championship at 2008‚s Grassroots Festival at Aston-Le-Walls.

Caroline currently has two 5 year old horses registered with British Eventing, Contender Z and Don George. Both horses finished the 2008 season with wins at BE100 classes at Oasby Horse Trials.

"Being a member of British Eventing has given me so much confidence to go out and compete", says Caroline. "I‚ve had some of the best days out at events and the venues I‚ve been too have all been fantastic and well organised. I‚ve also had some of the best family days out and I enjoy meeting lots of like-minded people.

"I‚m hoping that in 2009 I will achieve as much as I did in 2008 and I would like to aim for a Novice event this year."