Training series for new eventers

Improve your jumping performance in time for the eventing season with the Grasshoppers’ series

Eventers looking to improve their performance before the season begins should look out forBritish Eventing’s Grasshopper series, supported by Equine Affairs.

The style and performance competitions have been designed to help competitors getting started in affiliated competitions improve their technique.

The first phase is a coursewalk with the BE accredited trainer judging the competition.

Each rider begins phase two by jumping a short course of fences (maximum 1m). The judge then offers individual advice on how to improve the performance, before each rider jumps the course again with the judge’s advice in mind.

The final phases is a competition over a slightly longer course, which will be marked by the judge. Each rider will receive a sheet of comments, similar to a dressage test sheet, at the end of the competition.

The highest placed riders at each qualifier will go forward to the final at Windsor International Three Day Event on 24 May 2002.

The competition is open to affiliated and unaffiliated competitors who are 14 years old or over in the coming year, riding horses exceeding 148cm aged 5yrs and over.

For more information contact the Grasshoppers secretary (tel: 01494 868642) or visit www.britisheventing.com

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.