Tips For Event Spectators

Spectators are very welcome at all phases of Horse Trials!

Competitors enjoy performing for an audience, and being appreciated for their efforts. Feel free to ask questions at the show office, or of anyone who is not busy with a horse, or judging and scoring. Please remember that the competitors are probably quite focused on what they are doing, and that HORSES HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY AT ALL TIMES.
A cry of “HEADS UP” means clear the way, quickly!
For your own and our competitor’s safety, please remain alert to the following precautions:

• If you are not familiar with horses, be aware that they are large, unpredictable animals and are easily frightened by sudden movements, sounds and unfamiliar sights.
• Horses are often spirited at shows, and can, at times, be difficult for a rider to control. Please give horses and riders ample room to maneuver.
• Avoid startling horses by running or shouting, and advise your children to keep well back.
• Dogs must remain on leash at all times. No exceptions!
• In the stabling area caution is advised; though rare, some horses may bite or kick under the stress of competition. Respect all signs, always ask first and you will find most competitors will be pleased to introduce you to their horse.

During the DRESSAGE phase, a lot of concentration is required on the part of horses, riders, and judges. Please remember to keep as quiet as possible, and stay a reasonable distance from the dressage rings. No allowance is given if a horse is frightened by something outside of the ring, and the competitor may lose marks through no fault of their own.

Eventing and Horse Trials are thrilling sports for spectators to watch, and with appropriate attentiveness, we’re sure you will enjoy the competition!

CROSS-COUNTRY day can be tense for everyone. Competitors are focused intently on the job at hand, and often horses too, appear excited about the upcoming challenges. The rider will be concentrating on their best route on course, and may not be aware of a spectator crossing their path. While you are welcome to walk along and watch anywhere along the course, it is vital you are at no time on a path a horse and rider may be using. Some jumps offer optional routes, When near cross-country obstacles, it is wise to hold on to small children, and be quiet and still to ensure the only challenge the approaching riders and their mounts face is the jumping obstacles! The riders will still be penalized for a refusal or run-out even if caused by a spectator’s unintentional distraction.

Remember that competitors will be eliminated if any assistance is given to them, even if they don’t ask for it. Don’t talk to them, point the way or ‘coach’ from the sidelines. Cheering them on is most acceptable and encouraged! Safety considerations do allow spectators to help in the event of a fall of a rider. If a rider is off their horse, you may help to catch the horse. It is also legal to hand whip, headgear, or eyeglasses back to a rider without their having to dismount. Always consider your own safety first; galloping unmounted horses are not easy to deal with!

In STADIUM JUMPING, spectators often line the arena fences to gain the best view of this last and often nerve wracking phase. Again, no unauthorized assistance or “coaching” from the sidelines is permitted. Usually the order of go is the reverse order of placing. The competitors require intense concentration and appreciate if noises and distractions, such as barking dogs, are kept to a minimum.
Be sure to applaud loudly for each rider at the end of each round, for now their job is done & it is hugely satisfying to be recognized for all their hard efforts!

Important checklist for spectators :

• Horses have the right of way at all times.
• “Heads up” means clear the way, quickly!
• Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Keep your children well back and under your control.
• Give horses and riders ample room to maneuver.
• Be aware that routes and obstacles may differ for each rider! Don’t wander onto a path a horse/rider may be using as a cross-country route.
• Keep as quiet as possible, and stay a reasonable distance from the dressage ring and cross-country obstacles.
• During all phases, competitors require intense concentration. Avoid/control loud distractions like children running or sudden movements.
• A frightened horse may not be under the rider’s control! Stay clear. Caution is advised in the stabling area and around horse trailers where horses are tied; always ask the rider first if you can approach their horse.