Our focus remains on keeping all participants safe, whilst enabling everyone to enjoy a competition experience as close to normal as we can.  We continue to work in line with current government guidance and will update protocols as restrictions change.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience and support and look forward to seeing you all out eventing soon.

Questions and Answers

When will British Eventing resume events?

The first events due to run will be Tweseldown (3) (10-12 July), Barbury and Aske (11-12 July).

When will entries open?

We will aim to open entries to Tweseldown, Barbury and Aske from Wednesday 24 June. Ballot dates will be displayed clearly on the event schedule, but members should note that the window of time to make entries will be shorter than previously.

Where can I find the sport resumption fixtures calendar?

An up to date schedule can be found HERE. Currently, this has been updated to reflect events running in July and August. The calendar will soon be updated for September and October, but as previously stated we expect the current schedule to remain mainly unchanged.

Will the sport look different when it resumes?

Yes, British Eventing has been given the green light to resume our events based on the protocols we have in place. An overview of what to expect can be found below.

Are there guidelines in place for volunteers?

Yes, BE has provided guidance to organisers and each event will have a policy in place for their volunteers. Venues will be providing hand santiser and PPE will be provided for roles where appropriate.  Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own food and drink and briefings will be done online. Where possible it is encouraged that own equipment is used i.e. clipboards and equipment that is provided will be done so in a way to minimise contact. Whistles which are provided are to be kept by Fence Judges.  Where volunteers are from the same household or bubble, they will be able to work in pairs, otherwise volunteering roles will be separate and in line with social distancing requirements.   We would encourage anyone who has been advised that they are more vulnerable to continue to follow government advice.

Pre competition

Entries

You will enter online in the usual way.  You will be required to pay your start fee with your entry – this will be refunded to you after the date of competition if you do not start the competition.  Please ensure when making your entry that you tick the box and add the fee.  Your entry will not be accepted without a valid start fee being paid.

Ballot Date

The timescales between events opening their entries and their ballot date will be shorter to what members have previously experienced.  Numbers of competitors will be reduced and normal ballot procedures will apply.

Number bibs

You will also be required to print your own bib numbers and bring them with you to the event.  A template will be made available to you. 

Cross country course walking

Pre-event cross country course walking will be available as per the BE Rules.

The measures are in place to minimize contact with officials on event, but also minimizes contact via handling of paper and money.  We will continue to review all guidance from the government and update our protocols as necessary.

On event

Owners, Grooms and Spectators

You need to ensure you know how many people are allowed to accompany you.  As the sport resumes this will be limited to one person, plus the rider, per horse, and in the case of a rider with multiple horses this will be one supporter allowed per horse. In addition, one owner is permitted per horse (other than where the owners are part of the same household, or bubble). Eventing will resume ‘behind closed doors’ without spectators.

Parking

You will be parked at safe distances from each other.  Current recommendations are 10m apart if there is tying up allowed on both sides of your box; 5m where tying up is on one side only, and 3m apart where there is no tying up allowed.  This allows social distancing to be maintained.  You should maintain social distancing from everyone other than those from your own household or bubble.

Vaccinations & numbers

You will not need to go to the entries secretary to have your vaccination record checked or to collect your number.  The vet and BE Officials on site will carry out random vaccinations checks in the horsebox park,  and so you need to still remember to have your horses’ passports with you, but you will not be required to present your passport on arrival. 

You will have already printed your rider number/s and brought them with you.

Warm up

The warm up area for each phase will be clearly marked to show the number of horses allowable in each area.  A steward will be managing this.  You will not be able to enter if it creates overcrowding.

You are expected to ride on your allocated times. If you do not do so, you risk being unable to compete.

We ask that competitors maintain social distancing when riding and, once you have finished competing, you leave the site as promptly as possible.

Coaches

When events resume, we will be following strict social distancing guidelines and will be restricting the number of riders allowed in collecting rings. In order to allow the maximum number of riders in to a collecting ring, and to avoid groups gathering to take part in guided courses walks, BE80(T) and Youth Coach support will not be available at least for the start of the 2020 resumption calendar.  This will be changed only when government guidance allows us to do so. In addition, no other persons will be allowed in any warm up area.

Refreshments

On-event catering may be provided in line with current government guidance.

Scores and Prizes

No scoreboards or screens will be used on event and all scores will be accessed online. Formal prize-givings will not take place and any prize money that is awarded will be paid by BACS.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed and should be kept on leads at all times.

Media

Media Accreditation is allowed, restricted and by prior approval. Photography and video sales will be allowed, with online sales only.

Toilets and Waste Management

Toilets will be provided, serviced and cleaned regularly. Hand santising stations will be provided and members are encouraged to take home their rubbish where possible.

Post Event

Objections & Scoring Queries

If you have a query regarding scores or have an objection these will be dealt with over the phone or by email with the BE Technical Adviser and/or BE Steward for the competition.

If you have any other questions about the return to eventing, please use the ‘Contact us’ link and we will provide any follow up guidance or clarification, as necessary. Further guidance will be released soon.

Jude Matthews, BE CEO