Top Tips For Your First FEI Event

Top tips for a successful first FEI event, courtesy of our Rider Working Groups.

Before event:
Top Tips for a CCI-L

• Download FEI app and take temperatures in the days leading up to the event (pack thermometer for checks onsite too)
• Check BE website and Eventing Scores for latest event information
• Practise trotting your horse up!
• For 3 days before, and for the entire duration of the Competition, it is forbidden,
  under penalty of elimination, for anyone to school a horse other than the athlete who will ride the horse in the competition.
  

On Arrival:

• Check in with vets and get horse inspected, microchip checked and hand in passport
• Check the competitor information board, usually at the Stable Manager’s Office e.g.
  whatsapp groups and briefing times. The briefing introduces the officials and will
  equip you with extra information.
• Ensure that horses are wearing their bridle number at all times when out of the stable
• Familiarise yourself with the warm up areas and times of use – jumps can only be
  used when a steward is in attendance
  
  

Trot Up:

• Check timings of trot up (usually day before the first dressage day) and whether it’s running in number (or other) order
• Plan your trot up outfit and make sure your horse is gleaming!
• Present horse to the Ground Jury and Veterinary Delegate. You will either be
  ‘accepted’ or sent to the holding box for a vet to help you prior to re-inspection
  
  

Dressage:

• Find out when arena familiarisation will take place prior to your test – you may only
• walk
• No number bib required, just a bridle or saddle cloth number
• You may wear tails
• You cannot carry a whip around the outside of the dressage arena
• No double bridles to be worn until 4* and 5*
• There will be at least two dressage judges; remember to smile
  
• See the steward after your test as they will check for any evidence of blood, your bit,
• your horse’s ear covers etc.

Cross country:

• Your bridle must have a bit and neck straps must be fixed to the saddle similar to a
• breastplate
• Attend the briefing, usually held the night before xc day
• Arrange for everything you might need to cool off your horse to be taken to the finish before you get on
• See the veterinary team after you have finished so that they can monitor your horse’s recovery. You will not be allowed to leave the wash off area until the veterinary team have given you the all clear.
  

Showjumping:

• No number bib required, just a bridle or saddle cloth number

​Good luck ☺

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