Hello All -- just joined today!

[redgate farm]

I am new to this forum and it looks like it is just what I was looking for!

I am currently volunteering for a local riding club and we are interested in doing a recognized Horse Trial ( I know, we must be nuts!). One question we can't seem to find the answer to.... how far in advance of the show must the cross country course be closed? Can people other than competitors entered in the show use it or does "closed" mean no one (trail riders, other clubs, etc) can use it?

Can you point us to the place in the rule book where this is?

Thank you so much!

[Ajierene]

I'm not sure there is a set time. Fair Hill has schoolings the Tuesday before every event - recognized and unrecognized.

[GotSpots]

It's not crazy at all to want to do a recognized event - but make sure to grab some help from folks who have organized one before! You might also call your area chair and see if s/he can offer guidance.

The eventing rules are located at http://www.usef.org/documents/ruleBook/2009/12-EV.pdf . Look at Rule 108.2(d) - it sets out that there is a date at which the course is closed, and that date is published in the omni listing (also available online at www.useventing.com). In practice, it's almost always opening date if not before. Thus, make sure your omni listing includes the course closed date. There's a bit of a honor system here - public courses while "closed" to those who are competing, can't actually be completely roped off and often you'll see non-competing folks schooling them the week before an event (much to the chagrin of organizers), and regardless, folks will often hack through them. Considered very poor form for someone actually entered in the event to school the course or show their horses the obstacles before the competition, however.

[BestHorses]

It sounds like your question has been answered, but I just wanted to say thanks for putting on a new event! Yay!