EVENTING - SARAH GAIRDNER says…
Q I’ve never evented before and don’t know where to start. I would really appreciate a few of your tips before I head off to compete at my first horse trials.
Emily Stevens, Devon
Sarah says: Congratulations on heading for your first event. A lot of work goes into reaching this stage. I usually give the people I coach the following tips…
■ Plan and have a packing list, remembering your number bib and horse’s passport. ■ Arrive at the venue in enough time to get a feel for the layout of the event and how long it will take to get to each warm up. Some venues are a■ Make friends with the stewards. Go and find them — rather than making them find you — when you arrive at the warm up. They will let you know if the proceedings are running on time, which dressage arena you are in, etc. ■ Stewards and officials are there to help — if in doubt ask. They would far rather answer your questions than see you eliminated. ■ Go with a sensible goal for your first event and, most of all, enjoy it.
