Little Downham Horse Trials July Programme

THE CHILDERIC SADDLES LITTLE DOWNHAM HORSE TRIALS 21st - 22nd July 2018

Welcome To The Childeric Saddles Little Downham Horse Trials 2018 Thank-you for choosing to compete at Little Downham (2) ODE, this is our 17th year of running affiliated horse trials and we are delighted to receive your entry for this fixture.

In the programme at LD1 I wrote the following message "The start of the 2018 eventing season has proved to be the proverbial "Damp Squibb" with all those dreams and planning riders indulge in over the winter, along with the hours of training in preparation for the new season having to be put on hold until May. Hopefully we have turned a corner and the sun will shine for the next 6 months, and everyone will be able to complain about the "hard" ground" I don't often get the weather forecast correct but the last rain at Ely Eventing fell on May 27th and we have had a lovely hot and dry 2 months!!

In recognition of the disruption caused by the weather at the start of the season, I had already decided to reduce the start fee for this event to ÂŁ10 per starter before the heatwave started - little did I know that diesel prices would rise considerably, and we were going to run the tractor and irrigation equipment for 3 weeks continuously to prepare for LD2. Please can we have rain before LD3 in the autumn. I am indebted to the team especially Yogi for keeping the venue irrigated and green - it is time consuming and hard work.

Volunteers are also a major part of any horse trial. To an outsider who has little knowledge of the eventing world the ability of an event to bring over 100 relative strangers, with just the common interest in horses, together and run as a team that adheres to a tight timetable is unbelievable! Yet during the event season 160 events do just this every week - absolutely amazing and a great feat of generosity and organisation. We are happy to welcome back an army of loyal supporters, in addition to some "virgin fence judges" and some experienced volunteers from other events who have all offered to help at this fixture and their enthusiasm and commitment is crucial to the future success of the sport.

THANK YOU EVERYONE, FOR VOLUNTEERING, COMPETING, AND TAKING PART IN OUR GREAT SPORT.

Tina Ure

EVENT INFORMATION TIMETABLE, START TIMES & RESULTS All information can be viewed online via www.bdwp.co.uk/lix Saturday - BE80 (T), BE90, BE90 Open Saturday - BE100, BE100 Open, BE105, N,ON COURSE WALKING The cross-country course will be available to walk for all classes from 2pm on Friday 20th July.

Times of guided course walks will be posted on social media and the BDWP event page.

EVENT ADMISSION Admission to the event is FREE. Please follow directions of the event officials when parking.

PRIZE GIVING Prize Giving will be held under the secretary's veranda approximately 45 mins after the last horse in each class has finished cross country.

Competitors are requested to attend or send a representative on their behalf to prize giving out of respect to organisers and sponsors.

DOGS Dogs are welcome on leads. Please be responsible and clear up after them

THANK YOU Tina Ure would like to thank our very generous sponsors for their support: CHILDERIC SADDLES, welcomed back as title sponsors for the duration of the 2018.

Provider of luxury prizes to several sections.

PROTEXIN EQUINE PREMIUM, sponsors of the Grassroots Accumulator Series offering the BE90 & BE100 competitors the chance to share an end of season prize fund of over £1,000. Also, suppliers of prizes for the BE90 & BE100 sections.

BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS, sponsors of the Novice classes with generous prizes of feed vouchers.

AMES NISSAN generous sponsors at Little Downham for 16 years.

ROSSDALES EQUINE HOSPITAL, sponsor the BE105 with generous first aid kit prizes for the top 3 LETTERGOLD, back for the 9th year at Little Downham and we are incredibly grateful for Belinda Drummond’s support, encouragement and friendship.

EQUICONSULTING, providers of our PR, Marketing, Social Media & Customer Experience services to leading Equestrian brands THE BIT MEDIA SERVICES, providers of LDHT's marketing and social media, as well as sports agency services to a number of competing riders

FINER STABLES, sponsors of the double clear rosettes for every section.

VIRBAC 3D WORMING, sponsors of the BE80 Trainers DEVOUCOUX, sponsors of the Eastern Region BE80 League

SHEARWATER INSURANCE, BRITISH EVENTING, EQUICENTRIC SADDLERY, ALOERIDE, DELABOND LYCETTS INSURANCE BROKERS WITH A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO Mr Clem Thompsett - Organiser of Isleham ODE where the eventing season has started for so many years, and generous sponsor of this event Rachel Upton, sponsoring in the memory of Ian Olding - for their continued support of Little Downham Horse Trials

PROTEXIN EQUINE PREMIUM GRASSROOTS ACCUMULATOR The Protexin Equine Premium Grassroots Accumulator returns to Little Downham for another season. The Accumulator runs across all BE90 and BE100 sections at the June, July and September fixtures and will see leading riders take home a share of the £1,000 cash prize at the end of the season. Riders are aware points for 1st to 10th place and the horse/rider combination at the end of the season will win the grand prize.

1st - £500 2nd - £300 3rd - £150 4th - £50 All prize winners will also receive a selection of Protexin Equine Premium products

DEVOUCOUX BE80(T) EASTERN REGION LEAGUE The Devoucoux BE80(T) Eastern League aims to support grassroots riders with prizes at those host events and an overall prize and 'title' for riders to aim for. Branded prizes will be awarded to the top 4 in each BE80(T) section, with £500 worth of Devoucoux vouchers being awarded to the overall winner.

The league will take place from May to August, with the grand prize being awarded at Keysoe, 24th -26th August, where Devoucoux hold the title sponsorship.

- Poplar Park - 19th - 20th May (Points inc on current leaderboard) - Stratford Hills - 16th - 17th June (Points inc on current leaderboard) - Great Witchingham - 29th June - 1st July - Little Downham - 21st - 22nd July - Horseheath - 11th - 12th August - Keysoe - 24th - 26th August Competitors will be awarded 10 points for a 1st place finish, sliding to 1 point for 10th place.

The horse and rider combination with the highest number of accumulated points at the end of the final event will be crowned the Devoucoux BE80(T) Eastern League Champion.

The current leaderboard can be viewed at www.shht.co.uk

https://youtu.be/bmwD7P5dZ34

Dressage Tests

SCORING

BE80(T) - test BE92 (2009) BE90/BE90o - test BE 92 (2009) BE100/BE100o - test BE 106 (2012) BE105- test N112 (2010) Novice/ON - test N 112 (2010)

Show Jumping Knocking down an obstacle…………………………………………………….......4 Penalties 1st Disobedience…………………………………………………………………................4 Penalties 2nd Disobedience………………………………………………………….……................8 Penalties 3rd Disobedience……………………………………………………………….................Elimination Fall of competitor………................………………………………….......…..............Elimination First fall of horse……………………………………………………….................…….….Elimination Error of course……………………………………………………...................………….…Elimination For every commenced second in excess of time allowed…..1 Penalty Exceeding 24 jumping penalties (not including time)...….....…Compulsory retirement

Cross Country 1st refusal, run out, circle of horse at obstacle…….……….….......20 Penalties 2nd refusal, run out, circle of horse at same obstacle.….......40 Penalties 3rd refusal, run out, circle of horse at same obstacle.….…......Elimination Fall of horse and/or rider at obstacle …………..................................Elimination 3rd accumulative refusal (Novice & Above)...............……......…….Elimination 4th accumulative refusal (BE80-BE100)...................………..........…..Elimination Second penalised fall on course……………………..…………………........….Elimination Taking the wrong course……………………………………………….....….......…..Elimination Exceeding the time limit (twice the optimum time)…….…........Elimination Every second over the optimum time………………………...…….….......0.4 Penalty Every second over 15 seconds under the optimum time …... 0.4 Penalty

Final Score The lowest combined, three phase, penalty score is the winner

OFFICIALS Organiser & Land Owner & XC Designer Tina Ure

BE Steward

BE Scorer

Ro Audley

Wendy Evans

Secretary

H&S Officer

Sarah Robinson

Mel Sharp

BE Regional Co-Ordinator Phillip Surl

SJ Course Designer

BE Technical Advisor

Sue Peasley

David Merrett

Secretary Team Polly Taylor -Ruth Warnes - Jo Meningen - Michelle Seward

Sponsors, Volunteers, Marketing & XC Steward Sarah Skillin

Medical Officers

Paramedics

Dr Daryl Freeman

APMS Medical Services

Veterinary Officers

Horse Ambulance

Farrier

Laura Tolit

Nick Jones

Ben Duthie

Show Jumping Stewards/Judges Lesley Murdoch - Mary Jordan - others TBC With members of the local Pony Club assisting in the Arena Party

Cross Country Control Julie Skillin - Richard Aldous - Benjie Unwin - Sarah Charnley - Chloe Bremner Mills Linda Sparrow

Cross Country Start Ann Jones - Jen & Jan Le Miere - Peter Doddington Rachel Laws - Clare Tallboys

Score Collectors

Score Boards

The Lush Team

Sue Peck

Scorers Jane Jonasson - Liz Wilson - Julie Issacson - Carol Challinor - Mary Owen Felicity Alexander - Kathryn Rhodes - Lizzy Kahner

Dressage Stewards/Judges Michelle Codd - Janis Young - Michael Daniels - Dena Green - Chris Pappa - Anna Wilks Tracey Trotter - Debbie Morgan - Marcia Fenwick - Anne Graham - Liza McQuiston - Linda Pearce - Julie Allen - Laura Leicester - Graham Andrews - Mary Thornley

CAN A GIRTH FIX A PROBLEM Saddle specialist Tricia Bracegirdle of Childéric Saddles takes a look at the subject of girthing your horse and gives readers her top tips and advice in this often sensitive area When looking at a girth one has to remember that it's not just the bit that goes under the belly - it's also about the girth straps/billets too.

Conformation plays a large role in determining which type of girth you combine with your saddle. Here we share some examples to highlight four very different horses and needs.

In the first image, the shape of this horse will tend to send a saddle backwards. The billets coming from the saddle should follow the girth line.

The shoulder on this Thoroughbred will move back into the middle of the circle which, if there were a billet there, would push the girth backwards.

The fact there is no barrel would also add to the 'going backwards' problem.

If your girth from your saddle came from any other place than the green line it will go backwards. No matter how tight, elasticated or not, it will move back. The fact this horse is also croup high will not help in this situation.

The position of the buckles on a short girth is not as important for horse as they shouldn't be a problem because they won't be anywhere near the elbow but still a good rule to follow.

REMEMBER - using a breastplate to keep a saddle in place is a good idea with this type of horse but ONLY IF THE SADDLE FITS and preferably the girthing is in the right place.

This horse (two, opposite) brings entirely different issues with the girthing. I Watch for rubbing and galls behind the elbow - in the circled area. Also make sure if using a short girth with a single flap saddle that the buckles must not be too close the elbow - we have seen horses who present lame simply from knocking the girth buckles. This horse would also want a fairly slim girth behind the elbow but one which would require as much surface contact as possible underneath.

If you are are using a front billet on this horse we would need to make sure its not restricting his deltoideus and triceps muscles (shown in the white circle) as they are very close to the billet.

If using a short girth the buckles would need to be above the elbow. There's very little room to play with here so it has to be right.

On first glance you might think that this horse (three) would not have any girth issues, but look again - the yellow line is showing how far the barrel comes into the girth line. What this will do is push the girth forward, so again you risk getting sore in the girth area and buckle problems. If your girth is completely vertical (the pink line), this will cause the saddle to lift at the back which will then add pressure points to the trapezius muscles - all this movement will also help send the saddle forward. The green lines are what would be the perfect solution for this horse for jumping or flatwork as the saddle must stay in the middle of his back.  REMEMBER, rubbing happens from movement so if your saddle is trying to move forward or backward there will be rubbing. Rubbing underneath can also indicate negative movement in the saddle. With the correct girthing on the saddle we would recommend a girth that is shaped behind the elbow and is made with a material which is quite firm. If the webbing is too soft it will crunch up and have no effect. If using a short girth the buckles should be above the elbow.

The more shaped the girth the more specific it is for the horse. A wrong shaped girth can contribute to the girth and saddle moving. Two examples are: a stud guard on a horse with a big barrel can help send the saddle forward and a forward shaped girth (which usually helps keep a saddle and girth back) will accelerate the movement back on say a horse in picture one. in our final image, we are presented with a horse that potentially has the ability to send a saddle backwards. The buckle must be above the elbow

and the girth must sit back of the caudal deep pectoral (pecs). You shouldn't have too many problems with the girth as long as the buckle is above the elbow.

The yellow line is the horse's natural girth line - the green lines would be the perfect positioning for the girth straps. If we were looking to fit a close contact jump saddle, only the back green line would work well.

When looking at your saddle fit it is imperative to also look at the girth and choice of saddle pad as both can make a huge difference. Please remember, sores from girths may be nothing to do with the saddle fit or horses conformation - the area should be kept clean and the girth cleaned regularly and if its cracked or split , always replace it.

COURSE PREVIEW BE80 & 90 The turning combination of arks at 5AB make use of some undulating ground on the 90 track followed by a left bend to the Trakehner in the trees which will require balance and power in the canter to present at 6 correctly.

On the BE80 course the combination of houses at 12AB will require some thought and balanced riding remembering to plan ahead for the water at 13AB which will come up very quickly after 12B. Look up - sit up and keep your legs on in this area.

The final combination on the BE90 track is at the last water, you will need to keep the horses focused over the flower frame and into the water at 16AB, make a balanced turn keeping the hind legs engaged and powerful to jump the 3 elements at 17ABC. Remember to sit up and keep focused on the white roll at C in case your horse wavers up the steps.

BE100, 105 & NOVICE The first combination at 4 and 5AB will test the riders ability to ride with balance and an even stride pattern around a turn. This area also shows how the questions on the xc classes build up and develop, the novice route requires 3 jumping efforts in a level stride pattern around a turn, whilst the 100 route gives plenty of room to keep the horses balanced on the turn to give them a clear view of 5AB. The area around the sunken road also gives the opportunity to compare the different standards if you are thinking of moving up a level. The 100 corner has a choice of 2 approaches - staying close to the BE90 corner and approaching on the level but at an angle, or passing through the sunken road to give a straight approach to the corner. Both the 105 and Novice tracks ask a similar question of jumping A then going through some undulating ground to find the corner at B however the Novice track has less room between elements so the horses have to be balanced and in the correct canter approaching A to enable a smooth bend to B. The 105 route is more forgiving with more space between elements but still requires a balanced committed canter.

ELY EVENTING CENTRE Ely Eventing Centre has a variety of fences and training exercises starting at 2ft and ranging up to 3ft9, with the majority being around BE90 and BE100 level.

There are two water complex with a large variety of jumping options, including jumps in the water. The central complex is one of the largest in Europe, with the complex adjacent to the road now featuring a jumping island.

Lots of ditches, some filled with water, in all sizes including 6 separate "coffin combinations".

Sunken road complex and separate step/bank area to suit all levels.

Full British eventing courses available at BE80,BE90,BE100,Novice,Intermediate and Advanced. These are all available in the week following our BE events, but can be made available at other times via prior arrangement.

Classroom/lecture room and kitchen facilities available to groups by prior arrangement.

Temporary stables can be provided for camps if required- minimum booking of 2 nights is required.

Hire Charges 2018 £28 per horse Visit www.elyeventing.simplybook.it to book online

XC CLINIC - 23RD JULY Sarah Gairdner will be running a cross-country clinic on the afternoon/evening of the 23rd July around the flagged Little Downham course.

Groups will be 4-5 with a cost of £40 per person including course hire.

International event rider Sarah Gairdner has competed up to 3* level and is a regular BE80 Trainer and BE Accredited Coach.

Email - littledownhamht@gmail.com

#LDHT SOCIAL Little Downham has joined the technical revolution and not only can you enjoy our digital programme but you can join in with the action across Facebook, Twitter & Instagram,

www.facebook.com/LittleDownhamHorseTrials

www.twitter.com/lt_downham_int

LittleDownhamHT

Enjoy - and don't forget when chatting about us on social to use the hashtag #LDHT2018 Please do also tag our sponsors in your posts as well as Little Downham Horse Trials and Ely Eventing Centre.

BE80 (T)

SPECIAL PRIZES

Branded Devoucoux prizes as part of the Devoucoux BE80 Eastern Region League 2018

BE90 & BE90 Open Goodies bags to top 6 riders, including Protexin Gut Balance, Recover Aid, Quick Fix

BE100 & BE100 Open Same prizes as BE90, plus Childeric Saddles branded prizes for the top 2

BE105 Rossdales first aid kits to top 3 riders, plus vouchers for An Eventful Life Video to winners

Novice & ON Vouchers from Baileys for Top 3 riders, plus vouchers for An Eventful Life video to the winners

All Sections All sections will have £20 vouchers from Shearwater Insurance for the top 10

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS The organiser has the right To cancel any class or event.

To divide any class.

To transfer competitors between sections of a class.

To alter the advertised times.

To refuse any entry.

Disclaimer of liability Save for death or personal injury caused by the negligence of the organisers or anyone for whom they are in law responsible, neither the organisers of the event to which these rules apply, nor British Eventing Ltd, nor any agent, employee or representative of these bodies accepts any liability for any accident, loss, damage, injury or illness to horses, owners, riders, spectators, land, cars, their contents, and accessories or to any other person or property whatsoever, whether caused by their negligence, breach of contract or in any way whatsoever.

Health and safety The organiser of this event has taken reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of everyone present. For these measures to be effective, everyone must take reasonable precautions to avoid and prevent accidents occurring and must obey the instructions of the organiser and all officials and stewards.

The organisers advise that, due to the uneven and in parts irregular terrain at this event, it may be difficult at times for spectators to move around freely and easily, as a result of which it may not be suitable for those spectators who suffer from certain medical conditions.

All spectators enter the event at their own risk and are advised to ware suitable footwear. The organisers shall not incur any liability, except as required by law, in respect of any injury or damage to any spectators howsoever sustained.

When on the course spectators must look out for horses, especially those approaching from behind them and must take special care in the warm up and collecting ring areas.

A.T.V and Motorcycles are not permitted to be ridden at this event, except by appointed officials.

All dogs must be on a short lead at all times. Please clear up behind them or leave them in the lorry park with your horsebox.