Ely Eventing Life - Issue 1

THE CHILDERIC SADDLES LITTLE DOWNHAM HORSE TRIALS 1st - 3rd June 2018

Ely Eventing Life - Issue 1

Welcome To The Childeric Saddles Little Downham Horse Trials 2018 Thank-you for choosing to compete at Little Downham (1) ODE, this is our 17th year of running affiliated horse trials and we are delighted to receive your entry for this fixture.

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 have tried to reflect the delayed start to the season for many young horses, and have designed the cross-country tracks with the newly upgraded horse in mind at each level. There has been an opportunity to play with the digger over the winter with a new dip being created at the far end of the course, and two new banks to add variety to this very flat site. We have invested in new fences for all levels and are very grateful to David Carpenter and his team for the quality of the build, also to Jayne Winters who has seized the challenge of painting 150 fences with gusto.

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/lit Friday - Intermediate, Advanced, Int-Nov, Open Novice & Novice Regional Final Saturday - Novice, Open Novice U18, BE100, BE100u18 & 5YO Sunday - BE90, BE100 & BE100 Plus COURSE WALKING The cross-country course will be available to walk for all classes from 2pm on Thursday 31st June.

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 prizes to the winners of every section & sponsors of all Open 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 BE100u18 & ONu18 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.

TIGGAS SADDLERY, long-time supporters of Little Downham and sponsors of the BE100 sections with gift vouchers to 1st & 2nd LYCETTS INSURANCE BROKERS, new sponsors for 2018, providing on course refreshments by the Lycetts Leap 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.

BRITISH EVENTING, EQUICENTRIC SADDLERY, ALOERIDE, DELABOND 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 Janette Coles and Caroline Kluckow - competitors, stewards, dressage writers and sponsors at 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 for another season! Following the success of the series in 2016 and 2017 the points accumulator for the BE90 and BE100 classes returns for a 3rd year.

BE90, BE90open, BE100, BE100open and BE100u18 sections are all included in the series that awards riders points for their placing. 10 points will be awarded to 1st place and decrease on a sliding scale down to 10th.

The top 4 riders at the end of the season will take home their share of the ÂŁ1,500 prize fund!

2017 winners: Christina Higgs - Millers Glen Fran Oliver - Francescas Coco Joanne Watts - Churchside Marble Summer Nicholls - Alfie XXVI To find out a little bit more about Protexin Equine Premium take a look at their video about equine digestions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=hcs2Tk5_jPo&list=PLSjVnbQA2kSlRKWqIaHc9RvCX0rKd5vxB

https://youtu.be/bmwD7P5dZ34

Dressage Tests

SCORING

BE90/BE90o - test BE 97 (2016) BE100/BE100o/u18/5YO - test BE 107 (2016) BE100 Plus - test N131 NEW (2018) Novice/ON - test N 131 NEW (2018) ONu18 - test N 114 (2016) NRF/IN - test I 117 (2009) Intermediate/OI - test I 117 (2009) Advanced - test A 123 (2011)

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

Victoria Steele

Wendy Evans

BE Regional CoOrdinator

BE Technical Advisor David Merrett

Phillip Surl

Secretary

H&S Officer

Sarah Robinson

Mel Sharp

Advanced XC Designer SJ Course Designer Jonathon Clissold

Sue Peasley

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

Sponsors, Volunteers, Marketing & XC Steward Sarah Skillin

Medical Officers

Paramedics

Dr Megan Hardman

APMS Medical Services

Veterinary Officers

Horse Ambulance

Farrier

David Scott

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 - Nicole Brown Stella Martin - Christine Shaw

Cross Country Start Murial Calder - Ann Jones - Jen & Jan Le Miere - Peter Doddington - Paul Monks Rachel Laws - Rachel Casbon

Score Collectors

Score Boards

The Lush Team

Sue Peck

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

Dressage Stewards/Judges Michelle Codd - Janis Young - Michael Daniels - Dena Green - Chris Pappa - Gloria Outen - Julie Corrigan - Janet Watson - Anna Wilks - Biddy Brasted-Watts - Jackie Patchett - Rebekah Middleton - Tracey Trotter - Debbie Morgan - Anita Darken Marcia Fenwick - Alex Gingell - Anne Graham - Judy Hancock - Liza McQuiston Jackie Patchett - Linda Pearce - Roy Tipping

4 OF THE WORLD'S BEST Gemma Tattersall - 4 Ranked number 4 in the world and reigning Event Rider Masters Champion, Gemma Tattersall brings an exciting team of horses to LDHT with rides on Friday and Saturday from 5YO to Intermediate.

Ros Canter - 5 GBRs golden girl Ros is riding high at the moment. Ranked 5th in the world following her 3rd place finish at Badminton 2018.

Member of the Gold medal winning European Championship team Ros is certainly one to watch in Friday's Advanced, as well as Saturday's 5YO class.

Andrew Nicholson - 6 Former world number 1, Badminton and Burghley Champions Andrew Nicholson needs little introduction. He's won the LDHT Advanced 4 times before but has never achieved the cross-country time.

Can he make it 5 wins with Zacarias in what will be only his 2nd ever Advanced?

Sarah Bullimore - 7 GBR's most successful rider at Pau CCI**** 2017, Sarah Bullimore is a familiar face at LDHT. Returning in 2018 with an exciting string of young horses and Novice rides, she'll be a key rider to watch over the weekend.

THEÂ YOUNG GUNS Imogen Murray Fresh from a recent 11th place finish at Badminton, Imogen is earning a reputation for being one of the best show jumping and cross-country riders in the country. She also holds the record for the best dressage at LDHT producing a 14.3 with SJL Convince Me last year in the BE100open.

Will Furlong Winner of the LDHT Advanced in 2016 with Collien P2 the pair recently completed Badminton CCI4* as the highest placed U25 rider. This year Will brings forward his 2016 OIu21 winner Adele 57 for her first Advanced

CAN A GIRTH FIX A PROBLEM Saddle specialist Tricia Bracegirdle of ChildĂŠric 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 COMMENTS The Baileys Combination This is really a training exercise - rail - ditch - rail, with one stride in between. It tests the ability to shorten and control the power in the canter without losing impulsion.

Tina's Top Tip "The rider needs to remain balanced through this gymnastic exercise."

The Rossdales Water 15, 16 and 17 are all closely related.

The Pink Pipe as you cross the road helps to set the horse up to go down the slope into the water at A, and keep the balance for the B element in the water. It is unusual to have a fence in the water, so an alternative on the dry has been offered, but this will involve a much longer route to 17.

COURSE COMMENTS The Childeric Canal

The rails at A are set 2 strides away on a slight downhill approach.

This will require the horse to have a short powerful canter, to allow the horse to see the water beyond the rails and focus on the narrow log at C. Tina' Top Tip "Beware of knifing the turn into the water. Give the horse enough time to see the water."

COURSE COMMENTS The Delabond Dip

We were trying to create a combination fence to test the horse and rider's ability to control speed on the approach, and their ability to remain straight and accurate whilst allowing the horse to see the question. The rider it is all about straightness and balance to the 2nd element.

The placement of the fences around the dip reflects the degree of difficulty for all 5 of the levels.

Tina's Top Tip "Use the turn into the fence to ensure you have sufficient power, combined with straightness, to jump the A element. You need to have the horse truly between leg and hand and focused, and thinking forwards."

COURSE COMMENTS The Lettergold Bank

Built using part of our Olympic Legacy fence from Greenwich (the step), this Advanced question is all about holding a line as the horse jumps up the step and keeping enough power to jump the brush.

There is then a test of accuracy at the C element, where riders will need to maintain straightness and enough power to jump the angled brush.

AN EVENTFUL SEASON AHEAD

If you are planning to event your horse this season, then it's not just your fittening work, tack and competition entries, which need attention!

Aloeride the palatable natural, certified organic aloe-vera supplement, not only helps promote healthy skin, condition hooves, encourage great coat shine and glossy locks, but also supports the immune system as well another key factor to consider with a busy season ahead.

Top eventer and ex-racehorse trainer Victoria Bax is a fan of the product, as she explains: "I cannot believe just how quickly Aloeride improves the horse's coats and general condition in such a short period of time. With a busy season ahead, Aloeride has so many associated health benefits, its ideal for all the horses regardless of age and temperament and because it's taste-free, even the fussiest of horses don't have issue" Each box of Aloeride contains 30 sachets (30 days worth) equaling over 12 litres of aloe vera juice and its great to know that its also been tested by an accredited Newmarket laboratory and does not contain any synthetic compounds. Aloeride is also fed by rising eventing name Eliza Stoddart.

RRP: ÂŁ55.20 per carton (Month's supply) with discounts available on multipurchases. www.aloeride.com

GRASSROOTS STARSÂ Alongside the international eventing stars that are making their way to Little Downham, we welcome a large number of grassroots riders, a number of whom are stars themselves.

Joanne Watts Joanne is a regular to Little Downham and in 2017 failed to finish outside of the top 10 on all of her rides across all 3 events. Fresh from three top 20 finishes at the Mitsubishi Motors Cup Joanne brings three BE90 rides and one in the BE100. Can she top the Protexin Accumulator for a third consecutive season?

Summer Nicholls Another competitor to top the Protexin Accumulator leaderboard, Summer won the BE100u18 on her last visit to Little Downham, can she repeat her performance with Alfie XXVI to go straight to the top of the leaderboard? Summer is another competitor that produced a clean sweep of top 10 finishes in 2017.

We'd like to wish all of our grassroots competitors the very best of luck.

Many of whom later return to LDHT as volunteers. We thank you for your continued support.

#LDHT SOCIALÂ 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

SPECIAL PRIZES Protein Equine Premium Prizes including Gut Balancer, Recover Aid and Quick Fix are awarded to the top 5 in all BE90 and BE100 sections.

Tiggas's Saddlery Kindly support the BE100 sections with £25 vouchers to the top 2

Bailey's Horse Feed's The top 3 in the Novice sections will be awarded feed vouchers to the value of £25 for 1st, £20 for 2nd and £15 for 3rd.

Childeric Leather Our title sponsors will award some luxury leather conditioner to the winner of each section.

Rossdales First kits will be presented to the top 3 in the BE100u18 and ONu18

Lycetts Branded items and champagne will be awarded to the top 4 in the BE100plus

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.