Thursday, July 11, 2013

Higher Standards Saddle Soap Unboxing and Review


For the past few days, I have been on the USPS site obsessively tracking my shipment of the Higher Standards saddle soap, handmade by Libby Henderson, that I ordered last weekend. You can imagine my excitement when I opened my mailbox this morning to find the package!
I immediately tore it open. It was all packaged very nicely. The envelope was padded, there was brown shipping paper bundled around the soap to give it even more protection during shipping, and there was candy inside! That won me over right away ;) Included was a sheet of paper with contact information and instructions for using the soap and balm (which I am planning on buying!). 


Everything that came in the package - Soap, instructions, and candy!
A sponge is included inside the container. Directions are printed on the soap as well.
Unfortunately, (or fortunately, whichever way you look at it) I am a bit obsessive about tack cleaning. I think it's because I've never had the chance to have my own horse before, so instead of putting all my focus on horse care, I put it on tack care. I clean my tack after almost every ride, and I had just cleaned it the day before I ordered the soap, and I haven't used it since, so everything is spotless right now.

I did, however, have a cheap leather halter that was used as a turnout halter at my old dressage barn, and it somehow ended up at my house a year or so ago. One of the horses broke the chin strap, so I just cut the rest of it off, and it is now kept for the sole purpose of being a ghetto grooming halter. It was cleaned and conditioned a few months ago (and was really dirty and REALLY dry before that), and it has just been sitting in my house since. 
I decided to use it as my guinea pig to test out the Higher Standards soap. It was still pretty damn dry, so even though the pictures don't really show much of a change since it was already clean, I promise you, there's a BIG difference! It is SO soft and supple now! You can kind of tell in the pictures that it was wrinkly from being so dry, and the H.S. soap really helped make the leather more smooth. It didn't leave it sticky or slimy, either. It just feels really soft. It also didn't get too sudsy, which is great. I am impressed.


I bought the Lavender Vanilla scent. Two of my favorite scents in one! I think it smells really good, however, I have been using MOSS scented saddle soap for the past couple of years, so I am used to a much stronger smell. The Higher Standards scent is very faint, and you can only smell it if your face is near the jar or sponge. Many people like this faint scent better than the stronger scent of MOSS. I am a big fan of the strong scent of MOSS, so I almost wish the H.S. soap had more fragrance. For the people that are sensitive to scents, don't like strong scents, or have horses that want to eat your tack after cleaning with MOSS, then the H.S. scent would be perfect for you. I *do* really like this scent, maybe I'm just used to MOSS. The lavender vanilla is hard to explain. To me, it almost smells remotely like vanilla ice cream or an orange cream push-up popsicle, but more faint, and doesn't smell so sweet... more herby. It's hard to explain. It definitely smells awesome though! 

Another plus, it doesn't leave your hands feeling gross like most saddle soaps do. I usually scrub my hands with hand soap or dish soap after I finish cleaning tack, but with the H.S. soap, I just ran them under clean water and everything rinsed right off without any kind of help. It left my hands feeling really soft, without being greasy at all. Love that. 

All in all, I am VERY pleased with the Higher Standards saddle soap! It's definitely a favorite of mine. I can't wait to try the leather balm! 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

The search is on...

I am finally, FINALLY, FINALLY horse shopping! I've literally been waiting my entire life for this. I am absolutely ecstatic. This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me.

However...

It's proving to be just as difficult as I imagined it would be.

I have gone to see a few OTTB's, a couple warmblood crosses, and an unraced TB. In that small group of horses, I have already found everything from lameness, bad ulcers, missing teeth, rearers, "great feet" that turned out to be horrendous, "16+hh" that turned out to be barely 15hh, finding out all kinds of medical issues on the PPE the owner got when she bought him that she failed to tell me before I drove ~7 hours round trip to see the horse... Shall I go on?

It is just making me even more impatient to find "The One."



Sunday, June 3, 2012

New saddle!

Today, I bought a used Courbette Futura XL A/P saddle!
I had a wanted ad posted on craigslist stating what I was looking for, and I got an email from a girl about her saddle. She had it listed on ebay for $950 buy it now price, and starting bid at $700, and it included Courbette leathers and Sprenger stirrups included. That's too much for me, so I offered $350 without the stirrups and leathers, and she said she wouldn't let it go for anything less than $600. Boo. But then a couple days went by, and she emailed me back saying that she had spoken with her dad who is buying her a new saddle and he said that they would come down to $450 with just the leathers. Deal!

17.5", medium tree, havana brown, has knee and thigh blocks, in really good condition. There's a few slightly darker spots, and there's some faded wrinkle lines on the seat, but all in all, it's a great saddle, especially for only $450!

Anyways, back to the saddle. I cleaned, oiled, and conditioned it, so here's some pictures! 


Here's the faded wrinkle lines on the seat

UPDATE
I emailed Courbette company with the serial number, asking if I could get any information about the saddle, and this was the reply: 
"This saddle is our No. S313 Futura XL All-purpose with jumping tendency in a 17" seat size with a medium tree width.  It is 11 years old, it sold on 11/30/2001.  This model was discontinued a few years ago.  It was made in our Swiss factory, built on our flexible E-Motion synthetic spring tree and features full grain leather and memoryflex foam panels.  The latest suggested retail price for a new Futura was $1,007.00 back in the year 2000."





Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Eventing rules to remember

- Ride times posted by 7:00pm the day before.
- Opening date for HT's will be the Tuesday prior to the date that falls six weeks before the first day of the competition.
- Entries must be postmarked or date stamped by the closing date.
- Qualifications must be completed by the closing date with the exception of Three-Day Events in which qualifications must be completed 2 weeks prior to the first Dressage day of the event.
- The closing date for entries will be four weeks after the opening date.
- By 3:00 p.m. of the day prior to the start of the entire competition, or upon arrival if later, each horse, including non-competing horses, shall be issued a number. This number must be worn at all times when the horse is being ridden or exercised.
- The only practice fences that competitors may jump are those flagged fences provided by the Organizer.
- The Cross-Country course will be open for inspection to all competitors at 1500 hours (3:00 p.m.) of the day before the start of the entire competition. All obstacles, flags and markers that have to be observed by competitors shall be exactly in position when the course is shown to competitors. In the case of multiple courses running on the same track, a sign will be posted at obstacle(s) to be changed, indicating such change(s). This shall include changes of flags or to the obstacle(s).
- After the course has been shown to competitors, they are allowed to revisit the course and examine the obstacles during the hours of daylight.
- The course for the Jumping Test will be opened to competitors not less than 30 minutes before the start of the Jumping Test, and at convenient intermissions during the Jumping Test. Competitors on foot will be admitted to the arena by the Ground Jury. An announcement must also be made over the public address system.
- An approved and completed medical card is required any time while jumping. It must be enclosed in a transparent, waterproof carrier. It must be securely attached to the competitor’s upper arm on the outside of the competitor’s clothing. It must include any relevant medical history, injury (particularly to the head), drug allergies and current medication. Athletes are responsible to record all injuries on the card. Failure to wear one’s own medical card shall be penalized by a fine of $100.
- A body protecting vest must be worn warming-up for and in the cross-country test.
- One whip no longer than 120 cm (47.2 in) including lash may be carried when riding on the flat at any time.
- One whip no longer than 120 cm (47.2 in) may be carried during the Dressage Test except in USEF/USEA Championships and USEA Championship divisions.
 - If a whip is carried in the Cross-Country and/or Jumping Test, or while jumping any obstacle before these tests, it must not be weighted at the end or exceed 75cm (30”) in length.
- An adjustable-length whip may not be carried by a mounted rider.
- Spurs may be worn at any time.

* DRESSAGE: Horse Trials (Beginner Novice through Preliminary).
Helmet - black or navy.
Coat - dark color or tweed, tail coats are not permitted.
Shirt - white or light color, with stock and pin, or choker, or tie.
Gloves (if worn) - dark color, tan, beige or white.
Breeches - light color or white.
Boots - black, brown, field, jodhpur or a black or brown full grain smooth leather leg piece and matching leather boots. Chaps and/or half-chaps are not allowed.

* CROSS-COUNTRY:
Light-weight clothing is appropriate for this Test.
Shirt - any color, with sleeves.
Helmet - any color.
Breeches - any color.
Gloves (if worn) - any color.
Boots - black, brown, field, jodhpur or a black or brown full grain smooth leather leg piece and matching leather boots. Chaps or half-chaps are not allowed.

* SHOW JUMPING:
Hunting dress or uniform.
Helmet - Covers other than solid black or dark blue are not allowed.
Coat—dark color or tweed (if Novice through prelim.)
Shirt— stock with pin, choker or tie.
Gloves (if worn)—dark color, tan, beige or white.
Breeches - light color or white.
Boots—black, brown, field, jodhpur or a black or brown full grain smooth leather leg piece and matching leather boots. Chaps or half-chaps are not allowed.


- At temperatures above 85°F, a heat index above 85°, or at the discretion of the Ground Jury or the Organizer, competitors will be permitted to compete without jackets, in the dressage and/or jumping tests. In such cases, competitors must wear either a long or short sleeved shirt of conservative color without neckwear.
In inclement weather competitors may wear a wind-breaker jacket or rain coat over their clothing; their number must be visible. 

* SADDLERY:

* EXERCISE AREAS:
The following restrictions begin at 3:00 p.m. of the day prior to the start 
of the entire competition and continue throughout the duration of the event - The following are compulsory: an English type saddle and any form of bridle, including double bridle, snaffle, gag or hackamores. Running martingales with rein stops, Irish martingales, bit guards, boots, bandages, fly shields, nose covers, and seat covers are permitted. Side reins are permitted only while lunging an unmounted horse, as are running reins and chambons. Other martingales, any form of gadget (such as a bearing, running or balancing reins, etc.) and any form of blinkers, are forbidden, under penalty of disqualification. 

* DRESSAGE:
a. The following are compulsory: an English type saddle and a permitted bridle. 
b. A double bridle with cavesson noseband, i.e. bridoon and curb bits with curb chain (made of metal or leather), is permitted for some tests. 
(1) Cavesson noseband may never be so tightly fastened as to harm the horse. 
Lipstrap and rubber or leather covers for the curb chain are optional. 
(3) Bridoon and curb must be made of metal or rigid plastic and may be covered with rubber (flexible rubber bridoons and/or curbs are not allowed). 
(4) The lever arm of the curb bit is limited to 10 cm (length below the mouth piece). 
(5) If the curb has a sliding mouthpiece, the lever arm of the curb bit below the mouthpiece must not measure more than 10 cm when the mouthpiece is in the uppermost position. 
(6) The diameter of the ring of the bridoon must be such as to not hurt the horse. 
c. A snaffle bit made of metal, leather, rubber or plastic material is permitted for all tests. 
(1) It may have a cavesson noseband, dropped noseband, crossed noseband, or flash noseband. 
(2) The noseband must be made entirely of leather or leather like material, except for a small disc of sheepskin, which may be used in the intersection of the two leather straps of a crossed noseband. 
d. A breast plate may be used. For drawings of permitted bits and nosebands see Appendix 4. 
Permitted bits for a particular test are specified on each test. 
e. Martingales, bit guards, any kind of gadgets (such as bearing, side, running or balancing reins, etc.), reins with any loops or hand attachments, any kind of boots or leg bandages and any form of blinkers, including earmuffs, earplugs, hoods, fly shields, nose covers and seat covers are, under penalty of elimination, strictly forbidden. However, under exceptional circumstances, fly shields may be permitted by the Ground Jury. 

* CROSS COUNTRY AND SHOW JUMPING:

a. The type of saddlery is optional with the exception of any form of blinkers, which are forbidden. 

b. Only unrestricted running martingales with rein stops or Irish martingales are allowed. Reins must be free of any loops or hand attachments and must be attached to the bit(s) or directly to the bridle. Exception: u-shaped bit converters may be used so that a bit designed for use with two reins may be controlled with a single rein. Gags or hackamores are allowed. In the interest of safety, the stirrup iron and stirrup leathers must hang free from the bar of the saddle and outside the flap. There must be no other restrictions or attachments of any kind. 

- The use of a radio or cellular phone while competing is forbidden, under penalty of disqualification.

* DISQUALIFICATIONS:

a. Allowing anyone other than the competitor to school his horse,

b. Riding in the Dressage arena or in the Jumping arena prior to the actual competition, 
c. Riding close to Cross-Country obstacles prior to the actual competition, 
d. Jumping practice fences that are not flagged, 
e. Jumping practice fences in the wrong direction, 
f. Jumping practice fences while they are being held, 
g. Jumping practice fences that have been raised above the height or beyond the spread allowed, 
h. Jumping practice fences at times other than those laid down by the Organizer, 
i. Inspecting the obstacles of the Cross-Country course before they are officially shown to all competitors, 
j. Inspecting the obstacles of the Jumping course when the arena is closed, 
k. Entering the Jumping arena on foot after the competition has started,
l. Abuse of horse,
m. Exercising with improper saddlery, 
n. Use of a radio or cellular phone while competing.

- Comprised of three distinct tests (dressage, XC, jumping), usually taking place on one or two days, during which a competitor rides the same horse throughout. The Dressage Test must be first. The Cross-Country and Jumping Tests may follow in either order. 
- In principle, the Cross-Country Test should be the most influential of the three tests of a Horse Trial. The Dressage Test, while less influential than the Cross-Country Test, should be slightly more influential than the Jumping Test.

* TIME in CROSS COUNTRY
a. Optimum Time—The distance divided by the designated speed gives the optimum time. Completing the course in less than the optimum time results in zero time penalties. A competitor exceeding the optimum time will be penalized in accordance with EV141.2.a. Time is counted in whole seconds, parts of a second counting as the next whole second (e.g. 30.25 seconds is recorded as 31 seconds.) 
b. Speed Fault Time—For the Beginner Novice, Novice and Training Levels, the distance divided by the speed fault speed gives the speed fault time. Completing the course in less than the optimum time is not penalized up to the speed fault time. Completing the course in less than the speed fault time will be penalized in accordance with EV141.2.b. Time is counted in whole seconds, parts of a second counting as the next whole second (e.g. 30.25 seconds is recorded as 31 seconds.) 
c. Time Limit—The time limit is twice the optimum time. A competitor exceeding the time limit will be eliminated. 
d. Timing - Time is counted from the instant the starter gives the signal until the instant when the mounted horse reaches the finishing line. Time is counted in whole seconds, parts of a second counting as the next whole second (e.g. 30.25 seconds is recorded as 31 seconds). When an electronic timer is used for the start, the starter must cut the beam with his hand. 

Red or White Boundary Flags—These shall be used to mark the starting and finishing lines, to mark compulsory passages, and to define obstacles. They are placed in such a way that a 
competitor must leave a red flag on his right and a white flag on his left. 
-Yellow Directional Markers - These shall be used to show the general direction to be taken and to help competitors find their way. Where necessary, they shall be superimposed with the 
first letter or color of the level. Passing close to them is not obligatory.
- Numbers and Letters - Each obstacle shall be numbered. Obstacles with elements or options (see EV140.2) shall in addition be lettered (A, B, C, etc.). Each compulsory passage shall be marked with the first letter of the level and numbered consecutively. 
(1) Numbers and letters shall be painted as follows: Advanced—white on a blue back- 
ground, Intermediate—white on a red background, Preliminary—white on a green back- 
ground, Training—white on a black background, Novice—black on a white background, Beginner Novice—black on a yellow background or as designated by the organizer and printed on the course map. 
- Start and Finish Signs—In addition to the red and white boundary flags, the starting and finishing lines shall also be marked by distinct signs. 
- Stopping Points—These shall be marked by a peg painted in a vivid color, surveyor’s flags, or by a sign. 
- Plan of the course: Each competitor will be given in advance a plan showing the track of the course. The plan must be available by at least 3:00 p.m. of the day before the entire competition, but may be available sooner at the Organizing Committee’s discretion. The plan must include the following: the position of the start and finish lines, the numbered compulsory passages, the numbered obstacles, the distance, the optimum time, the time limit. 

* CROSS COUNTRY SCORING
1. FAULTS AT OBSTACLES: 
a. Disobediences - 
(1) First refusal, run-out or circle 20 penalties 
(2) Second refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle 40 penalties 
(3) Third refusal, run-out or circle at the same obstacle Elimination 
(4) Fourth penalized disobedience on the entire course Elimination 
b. Falls - 
(1) First fall of competitor Elimination (RF) 
(2) First fall of horse Mandatory retirement 
*to facilitate accurate administration of EV105.3 (Loss of Establishment) Competitor Falls will be denoted as “RF” on official score sheets and results. 
c. Willful Delay - (Beginner Novice, Novice and Training Levels) 
(1) Between the last fence and the finish line 20 penalties 
2. TIME AND SPEED FAULTS: 
a. Time Faults- 
(1) Exceeding optimum time 0.4 penalty point per sec. 
(2) Exceeding time limit Elimination 
b. Speed Faults - (Beginner Novice, Novice and Training Levels) 
(1) For each second under Speed Fault Time 0.4 penalty points 
3.  ADDITIONAL REASONS FOR ELIMINATION : 
a. Elimination is left to the discretion of the Ground Jury in the following cases: 
(1) Jumping or attempting to jump any obstacle without headgear, or with an unfastened retention harness, EV114.1. 
(2) Willful obstruction of an overtaking competitor, or failure to follow the instructions of the officials while being overtaken, EV138.5c 
(3) Causing danger to another competitor while overtaking that competitor, EV138.5c. 
(4) Failure to stop when signaled, EV138.7b. 
(5) Unauthorized assistance, EV138.8a. 
b. Elimination must be applied in the following cases: 
(1) Competing with improper saddlery, EV115.3. 
(2) Error of course not rectified, EV138.3. 
(3) Omission of obstacle or compulsory passage, EV138.3. 
(4) Jumping an obstacle or passing through a compulsory passage in the wrong order, EV138.3. 
(5) Jumping an obstacle in the wrong direction, except when EV142.5 applies. 
(6) Retaking an obstacle already jumped, except when EV142.5 applies.
- If run-out or refuse in SJ combination (double, triple, etc.) then you must re-do the whole combination.
- Alternate jumps will have the same number, and "Alternative" on them. If there is a run-out/refusal, you can re-try either jump. If there is a knock down, you have to wait for it to get set up again, and then you can re-try either jump.

* SJ TIME

1. The time of a round, recorded in seconds and in tenths of a second, with parts of a second counting as the next whole second (e.g. 60.2 seconds is recorded as 61 seconds), is the time taken by a competitor to complete the round, plus the time correction (EV152.8) if any. 

a. It starts at the precise moment when the mounted competitor passes the starting line in the correct direction providing the starting signal has been given, or at the moment 45 second count-down expires. It extends to the moment when the mounted competitor crosses the finishing line in the correct direction, after having jumped the last obstacle. 
b. Supported by one manual timer, electronic timing is strongly recommended for all National Divisions. 
c. If electronic timers are not used, two manual timers, one of which is to be in line with both the start and finish lines, and has direct contact with the Jury, regardless if electronic timers are used or not, are required for all divisions. 
2. TIME ALLOWED 
a. The time allowed for a round in each competition is determined in relation to the length of the course and the speeds laid down under Annex 2. 
3. TIME LIMIT 
a. The time limit is equal to twice the time allowed for all competitions in which a time allowed has been laid down. 
4. TIME ADJUSTMENT 
a. The time allowed may be adjusted at the sole discretion of the judge(s), if they feel that a gross error in the measurement of the course has been made. This change may occur only after consultation with the course designer and technical delegate. Adjustment of the time allowed may never occur later than after the completion of a third round without disobedience. The time allowed may never be lowered resulting in the awarding of time faults to any competitors having ridden prior to the change without disobedience. 
5. REFERENCE TIMES. 
a. The Time Allowed should be announced prior to the start of the class. After the first three competitors, to complete the class, without disobedience, have completed their rounds, the Time Allowed and their times should be announced jointly. In cases where there is no electronic read out board, or it is not visible to riders in the in-gate area, the reference times for all the competitors in the class should be announced, along with their score. 
6. INTERRUPTED TIME 
a. While the clock is stopped, the competitor remains free to move around until the ringing of the bell gives him permission to start again. The clock is restarted when the competitor reaches the place where the clock was stopped. Exception, in the case of a disobedience with a knock-down EV152.9 applies. 
b. The responsibility for starting and stopping the clock rests solely with the judge in charge of the bell. The timekeeper may not be made responsible for this function. 

* THREE DAY EVENT:
Comprised of three distinct Tests, taking place on separate days, during which a competitor rides the same horse throughout, namely: 
a. A Dressage Test spread over one or more consecutive days, depending on the number of competitors, directly followed on the next day by 
b. A Cross-Country Test comprising four Phases 
(1) Phases A and C—Roads and Tracks 
(2) Phase B—Steeplechase 
(3) Phase D—Cross-Country Obstacles directly followed on the next day by 
c. A Jumping Test 
2. CATEGORIES. Categories indicate the extent of foreign participation in a Three-Day Event. The four categories of Three-Day Events are: 
a. National Three-Day Event (CCN) 
b. International Three-Day Event (CCI) 
c. Official International Three-Day Event (CCIO) 
d. International Championship Three-Day Event (CH) 
3. LEVELS. The levels of Three-Day Events are indicated by stars. The four levels of Three-Day Events are: 
a.  Training Three-Day Event - An educational introduction to the Three-Day Event at the Training Level.  
b. One Star (*)—An introduction to the Three-Day Event for competitors and horses. 
c. Two Star (**)—For competitors with some experience in Three-Day Events on horses just beginning International competition. 
d. Three Star (***)—For competitors and horses with some International experience. 
e. Four Star (****)—For experienced and successful combinations of International competi- tors and horses. 
4. All Three-Day Events in the United States will be denoted by their Category and their Level, for example: a CCN** is a National Three-Day Event at the Two Star Level. Events limited to Seniors are indicated by the letters noted above, for example: a CCN***. Events limited to Young Riders are indicated by the addition of the letter “Y”, for example: CCN-Y**. Events limited to Juniors are indicated by the addition of the letter “J”, for example: CCN-J*. 

* HT LEVELS:

1. Beginner Novice—The Beginner Novice level is designed to introduce green horses and riders to Horse Trials, combining dressage, cross-country and Beginner jumping tests. It is designed for competitors and horses that have already had experience schooling competitions in all three disciplines. The entire experience should be safe, inviting and educational to build confidence and a desire to progress. Competitors should be prepared to do a walk, trot and canter dressage test with 20-meter figures and a halt. The cross-country should include a variety of introductory obstacles, including a bank-up, a shallow natural ditch, an inviting water crossing and a brush. Obstacles must have a minimum of two strides between two numbered obstacles. Such combinations of straight forward efforts are the only obstacles composed of several elements that are permitted. The jumping course should be inviting and straightforward and may include one double of two strides. 

2. Novice—The Novice Level is a continuing introduction to Horse Trials. It is designed for competitors and horses with some experience at lower levels or for experienced riders and horses new to the sport. The dressage will not differ greatly from Beginner Novice. The cross-country will invite bold, forward movement involving galloping in balance and jumping out of stride. The obstacles will be more substantial and may include a drop, a double, and a simple obstacle out of water. At such water obstacles, the exit shall not be revetted. The jumping course shall include a double and a variety of straight and spread fences, which may include a triple bar. 

3. Training—The Training Level is an elementary examination of competitors and horses with some experience and training. The dressage test may ask for further development of the basic gaits, including lengthening at the trot and canter, as well as 10-meter trot and 15-meter canter figures. The cross-country should include obstacles formed of two, or possibly three, elements involving the previously introduced banks, drops and ditches. Jumps into and out of water and narrow fences should be introduced. While these questions are becoming more sophisticated, they must remain positive and inviting in nature. The jumping course shall include two doubles or a triple, a variety of turns, and sequences of various types of obstacles. 
4. Preliminary—The Preliminary Level is a moderate examination of competitors and horses in a regular training program preparing for One Star Events. The dressage test may include medium paces at the trot and canter, as well as the introduction of leg yielding, shoulder in, rein back, and changes of lead through the trot. The cross-country should include tests of accuracy, agility, boldness, control, judgment and jumping ability. Obstacles may now include angled lines, corners, simple bounces, slopes, and combinations involving water or narrow fences. The jumping course shall include two doubles, or a double and a triple, and may incorporate alternative obstacles. It will emphasize quickness of recovery, and may require lengthening or shortening stride. 
5. Intermediate—The Intermediate Level is an examination of increasing technical difficulty, pre- paring competitors and horses for Two Star Events. The dressage test may include canter to halt and walk to canter transitions, as well as turns on the haunches, simple changes, and counter canter. The cross-country should now combine in more elaborate settings the tests introduced at the Preliminary Level, such as combinations with more than one question to be solved. Obstacles to be expected include banks, ditches, or water with narrow elements, a bounce combined with other elements, or corners in a combination. The jumping course will include more related distances, and emphasis will be placed on lines of obstacles. 
6. Advanced—The Advanced Level is the highest national level of Horse Trials. It offers tests of significant difficulty designed to prepare competitors and horses for either Three or Four Star Events. The dressage test may include extensions in all three paces, half pass at the trot and canter, and single flying changes. The cross-country should be clearly a test of boldness and scope as it now combines size with technical difficulty. Combinations with multiple questions are to be expected, such as bounces into water, coffins with short distances or significant slopes, and bending lines or related distances between narrow questions. The jumping course will similarly relate virtually all obstacles, distances and turns. 

* SPECIFICATIONS FOR HT's:



A competitor and/or a horse may be entered in a Horse Trial without having fulfilled the qualifications noted below, provided the qualifications have been fulfilled by the closing date for entries. In all cases, at least one Qualifying Result must be obtained in the current or preceding calendar year. 


* SECTIONS:





4.1 JUNIOR (J) - Open to competitors through the end of the calendar year of their 18th birthday. 
4.2 YOUNG RIDER (YR) - Open to competitors through the end of the calendar year of their 21st birthday. 
4.3 SENIOR (S) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 19th birthday.
4.4 AMATEUR (A) The following may participate in Eventing competitions as an Amateur. 
a. Any competitor in possession of a valid Amateur card issued by the USEF, or 
b. Any Senior USEA member who competes in the Training, Novice or Beginner Novice Level who meets the requirements of Federation GR1306. Individuals declaring such status must present, upon demand, an audited financial statement in support of the claim of eligibility; failure to do so will be deemed a violation. Misrepresentation of eligibility under this provision will subject an individual to disciplinary action under GR1307.6, GR1307.8, GR1308.3 and Chapter 6. Amateur certification under this provision is valid for Eventing competitions only and does not confer Amateur status for participation in any other Breed or Discipline. 
4.5 RIDER (R) - Open to competitors who have not completed an event above the next highest level in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition, e.g. a Novice Rider may have completed an event at Training level, but not Preliminary level or higher in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition; a Training Rider may have completed an event at Preliminary level, but not Intermediate level or higher in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition. 
4.6 HORSE (H) - Open to competitors of any age, horse may not have completed an event above the next highest level. e.g. a Novice Horse may have completed an event at Training level, but not Preliminary level or higher; a Training Horse may have completed an event at Preliminary level, but not Intermediate level or higher. 
4.7 For the purposes of this rule, FEI divisions are considered to be one level higher than the equivalent National division, e.g. FEI One Star is one level higher than a Preliminary Horse Trial. A rider who has completed an event at the Advanced Level is not eligible to compete as an Intermediate rider. BOD 1/23/11 Effective 12/1/11 
4.8 YOUNG HORSE (YH) - Open to competitors of any age, horse may not have competed above the level and meets the following age restrictions: 
4.8.1 Novice - four or five years of age. 
4.8.2 Training - four or five years of age. 
4.8.3 Preliminary - five or six years of age. 
4.8.4 Intermediate - six or seven years of age. 
4.8.5 Advanced - six or seven years of age. 
4.9 OPEN (O) - Both horse and rider may have competed at any level. 
5 CHAMPIONSHIP (CH) - open to all qualified riders on qualified horses. 
OTHER - Restricted by breed or other designation as defined by Organizing Committee, approved by the Federation/USEA, and designated in the Omnibus listing. 






 

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