It’s that time of year again, when young riders are excitedly preparing for all their Interschool Competitions!
There are many competitions all over much of Australia, and many lead up to State and then the National Championships Many can be found on the ISV calendar. These competitions are always a favourite of the Hamag Team and we look forward to assisting you with some of the essentials.
Once you have chosen which event you would like to compete at, you should find the online details and entry forms. From there, make sure to look at the classes or heights offered in either the Primary or Secondary sections.
You need to let your school know you are going to an interschool equestrian event. Some schools will have a uniform or some requirements but some smaller schools may not have anyone else riding. This does not matter.
Enter a class you feel very comfortable with through the online website. It is best to start in a class or height that you know you are confident in, especially if it is your first Interschool event. If you have an instructor, they may be able to help you choose an appropriate starting level.
When entering Interschool events, you will need some form of insurance. This may be EV or PCV if you are already a member (see insurance section on rules and regulation page). You need to enter each time with the correct and consistent spelling of your name and your horse’s name.
Before the competition, make sure you learn and practice any workouts or dressage tests.
You can also start getting your outfit ready, even if you have to wear your school uniform you can find different hair accesories to combinate with your outfit. Don't forget to pack your number holders for bridle or saddle cloth.
The draw (order of competition and times you ride) is usually released online or emailed 2-3 days before the event. Once you have received the draw, check that all of your information is correct. If it is not or you need to change something, please do so straight away. Contact the organisers and politely ask for the changes to be made.
Before the day make a plan – what time you want to leave home, any course walks and warm up times etc. Dressage is very strict about order and times. It is good to write it all down. You will need a number holder for your saddle blanket and/or bridle. You can make a laminated number to pin onto your saddle blanket when the draw comes out.
Make sure you pack everything the night before. If your school doesn’t have an equestrian uniform – wear light jodpurs or breeches and your school sport shirt, windcheater, jumper or polo top with a correct helmet and boots. Remember to take a bucket for water and hay for your horse. It’s also important to pack spare rugs as the weather can change quickly!