Enjoy Eventing, Reduce your Risk

FEI Eventing Chair and gold medallist David O’Connor and respected coach Chris Bartle both emphasise that the major controller of risk on cross-country is the rider.

As with a car, the decisions of the driver (rider), the condition of the car (horse) and the road you drive on (XC course) make a safe and successful trip (XC round).

Equestrian Australia (EA) with the support of the EA Making Eventing Safer Fund, State Branches and Organising Committees have invested heavily in making the road safer (XC course) with compulsory frangible devices, sloping shoulders on square fences and officials’ education.

Most importantly it is you, the rider, like a car driver, that will have the biggest contribution to safe XC rounds.

Consider what you can do now by:

• Recognising that Eventing is about progressive education of horse and rider not going up the levels as fast as you can on minimum qualifications. Only go up when you and your horse are confident.
• Taking the time to school the XC phase as much as you would Jumping or Dressage.
• Make sure you and your horse are fit enough to compete
• Seek the help of an EA accredited coach to develop the capability and confidence of yourself and your horse.

We all look forward to working with you and your horse to produce happy, safe and successful Eventing this season.

Follow the link HERE for more information.