Five of the new British Eventing pre-novice three-day events are to be held during the 2006 season, starting at Chepstow in May.
The competitions will run in the traditional long-format (with roads and tracks and steeplechase) and are designed to give riders a taste of the top end of the sport and educate them about horse and rider fitness, planning and technique.
“I think the new pre-novice three-days are a great idea,” said BE accredited trainer Clissy Bleekman, “By giving riders a taste of the long format, they will be encouraged to further their training.”
The concept of three-day events for pre-novice riders initially came from grassroots BE members, who wanted their own “mini Badminton” events to aim for.
“Many of these riders do not want to go beyond pre-novice, but feel there should be a pinnacle of grassroots achievement,” explains BE operations manager Julian Soltan.
The new events will begin at Chepstow in May, followed by Great Witchingham, Strathallan and Oasby and culminating with Aldon at the end of the season.
In order to qualify, horses and riders will, as a combination, have completed four clear cross-country rounds with no more than 16 show jumping penalties, excluding time faults, in pre-novice or above BE events.
Riders, who must be BE members, will be required to read BE’s guide to three-day eventing and attend a briefing given prior to the event if they have not ridden in a two star or above CCI. Pre-novice three day events are open to Grade IV horses (those without any BE points) while open pre-novice three-day events will be open to any grade of horse.
“The pre-novice three-day events give riders an opportunity to compete at something quite special,” Soltan concludes. “BE will be staging various training opportunities and workshops to ensure everyone who takes part has the necessary knowledge and skills. ”
Pre-novice three-day event dates
- Chepstow, Gwent 18 – 21 May
- Great Witchingham, Norfolk 14 – 16 July
- Strathallan, Perthshire 28 – 30 July
- Oasby, Lincolnshire 29 September – 1 October
- Aldon, Somerset 19 – 22 October
