Hannah (William Fox-Pitts PA) and I taking time out to enjoy the sun at Burnham Beeches event – whilst catching up on some vital reading … The 50 Shane of Grey series!
As I sit in the truck at our third event of four in one week, I decided it would be appropriate to blog about the nature of eventing in the UK. You can strut out in tweed just about any day of the week and chose from a number of events. So for anybody considering becoming involved in eventing in the UK, here are 10 quick ‘survival’ tips.
Dress code for yourself
It is appropriate to look as outdated as possible. Tweed must be worn at all times. Tweed jackets are to be passed down through the generations from one very large grandmother. The air vented GPA is a big faux pas. Instead, a faded balding Patey hat is much more accepted. Or if you prefer, the peakless cross-country helmets with a slightly lopsided silk.
Dress code for your horse
Your horse must wear the plainest bridle possible. Brass is frowned upon and diamantes are a straight out no. (Some of the younger crowd are starting to smuggle them in.)
Dog and footwear code
As a condition of entry to events, spectators must have a dog, preferably of the spaniel or Labrador variety, an item of Joules clothing and be wearing Hunter or Dubary boots.
You could always have a picture of your dog on your Joules jumper!
Be in the know
Knowing about eventing is a patriotic duty. Having a member of the royal family as one of the best riders on the circuit certainly helps the exposure of eventing here.
The ground
If your Hunter wellies don’t sink to at least your ankle with every step as you walk cross-country, the ground is too hard and your horse should be withdrawn for fear of injury. There are no thundering hooves at these events, more of a slosh and squelch.
Respect
Beating William Fox-Pitt is a privilege not a right.
The language
It’s a lorry not a truck, a field not a paddock and a barn not a shed.
Complaints
It is ok to complain about everything. It is always too wet and cold and on the 2 days a year it is warm, it is too hot.
Tea and biscuits
The obligatory Australian ‘Macca’s stop’ on the way home is to be replaced by a tea break with digestive biscuits.
Travel
All events over two hours away are way too far away and will not be considered.
All that said, I can’t wait to find myself a horse and get involved!
Chris and I walking the cross country course at Blenheim with our backs to the first water complex
