Combined Trial Guidelines

Our CT Guidelines are made to make sure all riders planning on competing in dressage and showjumping have a safe, easy, and fun experience. This level of participation requires that riders commit energy and time to make sure both them and their horse is in the right mindset and fitness to do this competition. The requirements for this sport increase as riders step up the levels, and when we start from the beginning there is no such thing as being overprepared!  If you have any questions please ask your instructors.

Combined Trial Requirements:

Rider:

       1.  Ride an average of 2+ days per week (a combination of lessons and riding on your own)

       2.  Be fit enough to ride both a dressage test and a showjump course on the same day.

       3.  Ride at least 5 minutes each ride in two-point

       4.  Ride at least 5 minutes each ride with no stirrups

       5.  Jumping courses consistently and safely at the trot and canter. 

       6.  Memorize both a dressage test and stadium course

Horse:
       1.  Ridden on average 2+ days per week by designated rider
       2.  Be fit and consistent enough to ride a dressage test and showjump course in one day. 

Eventing Guidelines: From the beginning

Our Eventing Guidelines are made to make sure all riders planning on eventing have a safe, easy, and fun experience. This level of participation in Horse Trials requires that riders commit energy and time to make sure both them and their horse is in the right mindset and fitness to do this competition. The requirements for this sport increase as riders step up the levels, and when we start from the beginning there is no such thing as being overprepared! 

For conditioning plans and recommendations for each level talk to your instructor.

Level Requirements:

Intro:

Rider:
       1.  Ride an average of 3+ days per week (a combination of lessons and riding on your own)
       2. Be fit enough to walk your entire cross country (XC) course the day before the event, and then of course ride it on the day of the show
       3.  Ride at least 5 minutes each ride in two-point.
       4.  Ride at least 5 minutes each ride without stirrups.
       5.  Memorize a dressage test, a Stadium Jumping course, and a XC course.
       6.  Have competed in both Dressage only and Showjumping only competition successfully at the intro level or above. 
Horse: 
       1.  Ridden at least 3+ days per week (can include lessons). This should include the following:
       2.  Dressage: This does not just mean practice the tests– You should practice circles, transitions, bending, keeping the horse on the bit, etc.
       3.  Field: Walk around the field as much as possible.
              -Use it as a warm-up and/or cool-down for your everyday rides and lessons. The more time you spend out there, the more comfortable you and your horse will be cross country.
              -Ride around the field doing set work. *Riders under the age of 16 must do this with another person
              -Three 5-minute trot sets with 3-minute walks in-between
              -Three 2-minute canter sets with 3-minute walks in-between

              -If the ground is hard or the field is closed, you can do sets in the Upper Outdoor
       4.  Upper Outdoor: Do as much of your riding as possible in the Upper Outdoor! The horses will be more focused at the shows if they are comfortable in the Upper Outdoor.

Starter Level and Up: 

Rider:
       1.  Ride an average of 4+ days per week (a combination of lessons and riding on your own)
       2. Be fit enough to walk your entire cross country (XC) course the day before the event, and then of course ride it on the day of the show
       3.  Ride at least 10 minutes each ride in two-point.
       4.  Ride at least 10 minutes each ride without stirrups.
       5.  Memorize a dressage test, a Stadium Jumping course, and a XC course.
Horse: 
       1.  Ridden at least 5 days per week (can include lessons). This should include the following:
       2.  Dressage: This does not just mean practice the tests– You should practice circles, transitions, bending, keeping the horse on the bit, etc.
       3.  Field: Walk around the field as much as possible.
              -Use it as a warm-up and/or cool-down for your everyday rides and lessons. The more time you spend out there, the more comfortable you and your horse will be cross country.
              -Ride around the field doing set work. *Riders under the age of 16 must do this with another person
                      -Three 5-minute trot sets with 3-minute walks in-between
                      -Three 2-minute canter sets with 3-minute walks in-between
                      -If the ground is hard or the field is closed, you can do sets in the Upper Outdoor
       4.  Upper Outdoor: Do as much of your riding as possible in the Upper Outdoor! The horses will be more focused at the shows if they are comfortable in the Upper Outdoor.

​*Buffalo Run Farm horses do not go past Beginner Novice without a rider fully leasing them*

Show Guidelines

Competitions are a great way to test your skill as a rider and have fun in a new environment. 
Riders interested in competing must meet certain riding requirements ​for the safety of both the horse and rider.
If you are interested in competing reach out to us and see which competitions are available to you and how to sign up.

Still have questions about when you can move up a level?

Click here to know more information about moving up the levels