Samantha Elliott riding LOBINSTOWN KINGDOM during the BE Novice section of JAS Final at Hartpury College, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, UK; on 22 February 2015
Find out all about how British Eventing’s jumping and style series works — and how you can be in the ribbons
British Eventing (BE) introduced its jumping and style (JAS) series in 2001 as a stop-gap during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak when outdoor competition was halted. In a nutshell, it is a quick-fire arena eventing competition, without the dressage.
The style aspect of the class is judged by a panel of judges and judges for the 2018 series include Sarah Bullimore and Jeanette Brakewell.
The series culminates in a final at the end of February which competitors must qualify for.
Here’s some fast facts to help describe how these competitions work.
Classes range from BE90 to open (1.15m) level. They consist of six to eight showjumps, followed immediately by eight to 10 simulated, knock-down cross-country fences
You can expect to find skinnies, corners and simulated coffins even at BE90 level, albeit in a simple form
The fences are plastic, in bright and garish colours, and can catch out young horses
There is an optimum time for the “cross-country” phase based on metres per minute. Exceeding the optimum time incurs one penalty for every second over
The final score will consist of the total jumping and time-penalties, plus a style mark (out of a possible 60 points) judged by a BE-accredited coach or elite rider, over both jumping phases and translated into penalties
Eventer Nicola Wilson shares her wealth of knowledge about getting your horse fit and ready for the season ahead
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Training tips
If your horse is not used to narrow fences, build up slowly. Start by using poles on the floor between wings, focusing on accuracy and control
Recreate skinnies and corners at home using bright and garish materials to create obstacles
Plan some “despooking” sessions. Get your horse used to jumping over blue plastic and makeshift water trays
Before you enter an arena event, take part in at least a handful showjumping classes where the jump-off follows immediately after the first round to help get your horse used to jumping a number of fences in one go
Hire a local show centre with bright fences or take part in a few indoor eventing clinics.
Don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, with our full guide to arena eventing
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