Qualification for CT

[3dayeventing]

I would like to compete in just the Dressage and Show Jumping at a horse trials. Being the XC is out of the picture, can I enter at any level????

[Jeannette, formerly ponygyrl]

For a recognized horse trials, you need to meet the qualifications, if any, for the level, to enter.

Qualifications don't begin until Preliminary, so rules would permit your entering Training or Novice (or BN) no matter your previous experience.

If the event runs D,SJ, xc you could run the first two phases and skip the XC (let them know not to expect you cross country, though!) If it runs with xc before show jumping, I would not take for granted that you would be allowed to show jump. While eliminated competitors may be allowed to show jump, withdrawn ones may not be allowed.

Now, if this event is also offering combined tests, you should be golden!

[Janet]

If you are entering a recognized HT (at Prelim or above) you need to meet the qualification, even if you intend to withdraw before Cross Country.

I you are entering a competition that is offered as a CT, you need to check with the organizers.

[Janet]

While eliminated competitors may be allowed to show jump, withdrawn ones may not be allowed.
Actually, the situation is the same for eliminated and withdrawn competitors- at the discretion of the GJ
A competitor who withdraws or retires a horse is considered to have withdrawn or
retired from the entire competition and will not be permitted to continue in subsequent
tests with that horse, except with the expressed permission of the ground jury.

[3dayeventing]

I was under the impression that when the entry is sent in that it needs to be clearly stated that you are only going to run "HS" or no XC. Basically its for schooling as you are not doing it for it to count towards any type of move up. I guess it seems silly that at the jumper shows people can enter a 4' class without any qual. However at a HT you are stuck at training.

With the danger of XC out of the picture, I am not sure why it would matter. This seems to be a question for the USEF. Thanks everyone for trying to sort this out.

[Janet]

WHat is "HS"? Do you mean "HC"? That isn't about skipping XC.

There is nothing in the rules that explicitly allows you to enter a HT to only do dressage and show jumping.

Once your entry is accepted, and you are given a number, it would be very difficult to keep track of who is qualified (and allowed to run XC) and who isn't.

If it is run D CJ XC, you can always withdraw between SJ and XC.

But if it is run D XC SJ, then you are dependant on the discretion of the GJ as to whether you will be permitted to run SJ after withdrawing from XC. Some will, some won't, let you.

In general, the times riders DO enter an HT and then skip XC are in the run up to 3-Day.

When eventers want to work on their SJ and D, they usually enter dressage shows and jumper shows.

[3dayeventing]

Sorry I meant HC :) I was just thinking of a fun way to spend time with friends at an HT and get my horse out as well. If its not that simple then its not worth it. The dressage shows and HJ shows are really not as much fun~ oh well it was just a fun thought! Its to bad as the HT's could make extra $$$$ if they allowed people to run a CT or HC on a regular basis... Hey rules are rules...

[Jeannette, formerly ponygyrl]

What level jumpers are you showing, OP? Or what level CT were you hoping to do??

[asterix]

Well, you CAN run HC -- that doesn't mean skipping the cross country, it simply means your results are not "counted" in the final standings (Hors Concours, or literally "outside competition").

I understand what you want to do but eventing is a 3 phase competition, and for most eventers cross country is really the heart of the sport; and obviously the most dangerous phase. It seems a bit odd to get grumpy about the fact that these competitions are not designed for you to skip a phase just because you want to.

We don't have many requirements, really -- you can sign up right now to jump Training level, which is run at speeds up to 470 mpm over 3'3" obstacles that include full coffins, jumps into and out of water, trakheners, ditch and walls, and significant terrain questions.

I don't see that it is unreasonable that events are essentially run as the competitions they are designed to be. If this doesn't suit your needs, perhaps you can look for a combined test at the level you are interested in. These are typically less expensive than a horse trial, use the USEA dressage tests, and have a SJ course that is modelled on the horse trial type course.