Can anyone tell me about FEH?

[Catalina]

(I have done some searches, but not come up with what I want to know).

I just got a 3 y.o. OTTB that I am interested in doing a FEH with this fall, but, I quite honestly have no idea what is involved :o. I know it is all in hand, but that's about it. I imagine they have to be braided and polished to perfection? What does the handler wear? Do they go in a bridle? Is is a snaffle bit (or something else real soft)? Do you have to trot a triangle or just a straight line? What is the judging based on? How are they judged? Any helpful hints or advice?

Thanks!

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Best basic source of info:

http://www.useventing.com/competitions.php?section=feh

A three year old would show in a bridle...snaffle or other soft bit. They currently show on a triangle.

Some will be braided...some not. At the championships...all will be braided. If you have time...braid...it is good practice for them too.

Handlers generally wear slacks and polo shirts....or something similar....depending on if there is a YEH taking place at the same time, I've also seen handlers still dressed to ride.

Wear something you can run in. To really show off a trot of a three year old...you gotta move! I remember asking a friend of mine who has shown on the line at Devon how fast did I need to run when showing my horse.....she said, your horse....you can't run fast enough. Boy was she right:D It is HARD work...the footing, big moving horse....not easy to keep up with them!


I didn't practice much with my horse....I don't recommend that! Practice the triangle a few times if you can!

They are judged both on their conformation and movement....and ideally should be judged as to what will make a future successful event horse.

It is a fun way to get them out...and be among eventers!

[Catalina]

Thanks! How is a horse set up for presentation? Is there a certain way they have to stand? Do you have to have a whip assistant? Is it a good idea to have one 'just in case'?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Thanks! How is a horse set up for presentation? Is there a certain way they have to stand? Do you have to have a whip assistant? Is it a good idea to have one 'just in case'?


LOL....I was just trying to get mine to stand STILL....and maybe straight, if possible. He sort of didn't see the point in standing still and wanted to GO. They are judging their conformation...so you want to stand them in the way that shows that the best...not camped out or crooked etc.

And sure...some might need a whip assistant...but again, going forward wasn't an issue for my guy so NO WHIP assistant for him ;)

For a three year old, you should be fine without a whip assistant if you practice a bit...but you might need to carry a whip yourself....like many would at a CCI jog.

Some judges really don't like the artificial big trot created by chasing them...and since I can't run that fast anyway...it was a moot point! But I do think that an event horse should be forward by nature so not needing a whip person is probably a good thing!

[pony grandma]

I emailed Wendy at useventing asking about the FEH score sheets. The link on the useventing website that highlights the score sheet is not working for public access. I never got any answer for this. Also GreyDun posted on here regarding the YEH classes, I asked this question, again there, and never got any answer. Assuming that there must be, should be, some conformity in the judging to give a horse a national score it would sure be nice to see what their judging format is.

I am, hopefully (I dread the class being cancelled) hauling for one this month. I don't care who shows up, nor about a placing. I am hoping for a fair critique, a written evaluation, and a score that reflects a standing of quality of potential based on a national standard. I do not know how much range in the scores exists depending upon who is doing the judging.

The program sounds relaxed and less political than the HB and USDF. The eventing family is friendlier and more inclusive. It is so itchy sitting waiting for a homebred to grow old enough to get started so this is a tasty treat to be able to get one out and go play!

[curlykarot]

Catalina -
Congrats on the new pony! We are running one at MDHT2 on Friday 7/17. Stop by if you can get off work and come watch! It should be early afternoon.

[mbj]

we did FEH a couple years ago when it first started and got a very detailed feedback sheet in writing as well as verbal feedback and the score. very helpful and fair.

[SueCoo2]

Is there one being held at all in Texas?