2013 is starting to look like a repeat of 2012 with event after event falling foul of the wet and cold weather. Even Aldon an event renowned for its excellent going whatever the weather had to admit defeat after a day and a half of competition. Torrential rain, horrendous hail and to top it all off over an inch of snow on the Sunday were just too much.
So with events forced to abandon (although we are eternally hopeful that bright sunshine is just round the corner) what are your options to ensure your fit horses can actually get out to play?
If the event cancels several days or more in advance why not scout out local dressage competitions and try and get in a late entry? Most BD shows run open prelim sections which can be entered by non-registered riders. Maybe not suitable for the intermediate horses but perfect for a baby or even BE100 horse.
If you only hear of the cancellation on the way to the event all is not lost. Have a search on your phone (presuming you have internet access) for any venues running BS in the area as almost all BS shows accept entries on the day and if not a member you can jump on a ticket although you will not be able to win prize money if you do so. BS are also again offering their 3 month eventer membership deal to BE members for only £49 which is less than the cost of the entry fee for the BE event that was cancelled and which you will get refunded, why not put it to good use, you never know you may win some money back! If you an Riding Club member and haven’t been a BS member in a few years you can join you and your Grade C horse for only £126 instead of £198.
Of course don’t forget unaffiliated competitions as well. Lots of equestrian centres and Riding Clubs regularly run arena eventing, dressage and showjumping competitions at BE equivalent heights. West Wilts for example run a regular eventer’s showjumping day which has classes up to 1m15.
If you want to allow your horse to seriously let off some steam and excess energy it’s worth locating if you haven’t already done so some all weather gallops that are available to hire. Local race trainers are normally best as your first port of call as a lot are willing to hire them out when not in use.
Hopefully spring really is just round the corner but as I sit here typing with the heating on whilst still wearing my coat I’m not convinced! I’m continuing to enter BE events in the hope that one will soon run (next weekend maybe!?) but I have my backup plans in place to keep us going out and about.
