United States Eventing Association

10 Things USEA Members Wish They Knew Before Their First Horse Trial

Your first horse trial will be one of the most exciting and yet nerve wracking moments in your equestrian career. There is so much to do, so much to learn, and it always feels like so little time. We recently polled USEA members and asked them to share one piece of advice that they would tell themselves if they could go back in time to the morning of their first ever horse trial. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks shared.

Lauren M: "The faster you get through cross-country is not always better; it is embarrassing trotting the last couple fences, or doing non-fence related [far enough away so not counted as a refusal] zig zags or circle."

Laurie P: "Volunteer! You can learn so much if you scribe, or jump judge, or run scores, or help out at the rings."

Barbara V: "I'd tell myself to stay in the moment and give each phase your full attention. My first few horse trials I kept replaying a poorly executed movement from my dressage test during my stadium, and it always threw me off my game. Each phase is an opportunity and anything can happen. That's one of the many reasons I love this sport!"

Emery R: "Feel very confident and very practiced doing what you’re doing at home so it’s not nerve wracking when you get to the show. It usually doesn’t get better there. And don’t be afraid to ask coaches, friends, or event officials questions. Mostly relax and have fun."

Holly S: "There are different dressage tests for each level. Make sure you know which one you are doing before you go into the ring!"

Liz H: "As long as your horse walks away with more confidence from this experience, you’ve won."

Sara L: "A 'meh' dressage test won’t necessarily tank your chances at doing well at the end of the day."

Emily T: "Make sure you pay attention to the colors on the cross-country jump numbers, and if you accidentally jump the wrong level, turn around and jump yours before moving on!"

Ellie: "Getting a run out or refusal isn’t shameful or embarrassing. Be kind to yourself, and be kind to your horse."

Dieke D: "Practice using your watch ahead of time. Don't assume that just cause you are on a pony you should gun it around Beginner Novice cross-country."

Kaitlyn Y: "Learn what an omnibus is. Learn where to find it. Read it all. Especially what test you are expected to ride."