The ECHO Learn To Event Horse Trials event takes place on Sunday, October 26th 2008.
A fun schooling show to benefit: Topsfield Horse Park  Location: Bare Hill Rd. Topsfield, MA

Starting Times have been posted as of Friday evening.

The ECHO Learn To Event follows the USEA EV3 rules for Horse Trials, which can be found in the 2008 USEA Rules for Eventing. All participants are encouraged to read through the rulebook and understand the different phases and requirements. All riders must wear a current and completed Medical Armband while jumping the Stadium or Cross Country Course. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. The armband downloadable form can be found on the USEA Website, and should be printed on white paper. Armband holders can be purchased at any local tack store or online at http://www.doversaddlery.com.

3-PHASE EVENTS include:
1. Dressage Test: horse & rider perform a test (pre-determined series of movements, circles, turns etc) that should be memorized, and ridden in a ring or arena (small size 20x 40 meters). Each rider has an assigned time (check www.essexcountyhorse.org) to start their test and must not enter the ring until the judge blows a whistle or rings a bell. The rider may ride (warm up) around the ring until the judge signals that they are ready. The test directions can be read to you while you are riding, in front of a judge who will write comments about your ride and assign numerical scores. When you are done with the test and have saluted the judge, it is customary to ride up near the judge, say thank you then leave the ring, unless the judge asks to speak to you, usually to give some advice. Your score will be recorded on a score-sheet with low scores best. Jumping errors or penalties will be added to your dressage score to create a final for all 3 phases. Dressage tests may be found on the USEA or USDF Websites, or by downloading the appropriate test: USDF Intro Tests A and B or USEA Bginner Novice Test A or B

2. Stadium Jump Course: Ride in a ring or roped-off area around an assigned series of jumps made up of ground poles, cross rails, possibly small brush boxes, panels or flowers, held between upright standards, labeled with numbers and flags; red on your right & white on your left. Prior to riding the course, you may walk around the course on foot (without your mount) to memorize the directions (which are also drawn on a map outside the ring) Pony Club Coaches will be available to help those who do not have one.

3. Cross Country Jump Course: (on a trail in the woods) similar to rules of stadium, but these jumps are more natural as you would see in the countryside, (brush, haybales, cornstalks). They are also marked with red & white flags and numbered. You may walk the course the afternoon prior (preferred) or on show day before riding. Guided COURSE WALKS available on SATURDAY AFTERNOON starting at 4:00pm

Dressage-Only Special: a division for those who do not want to jump, Ride 1 or 2 tests of your choice at any level. If time allows, the judge will offer a complimentary ride & review; a chance to have your first test critiqued and then a chance to ride the test again.

NEW this year XC Schooling: riders may school XC Course without scores or ribbons: may not ride prior to your competitive ride This is meant for those who want to school without competing or for those who might want to try another height in addition to their competition height.

Entry Deadline Oct 17th.

• A current negative COGGINS required (within 12 mos for MA, 6 mos for out of state)
• Relaxed attire: shirts with collars, boots, riding pants=yes, prefer no sweatshirts, chaps or ½ chaps for dressage; jackets not required
• ASTM/Helmets required; USEA medical armbands required while jumping. Body protection vests suggested for jumping, but not required. Medical armband cards will be available at show
• Whips of appropriate length are permitted in all phases
• No refunds will be given after October 21th without a letter from your vet or doctor
• Dressage times will be available on the Web site prior to the event