7 Tips to surviving FEI’s World Equestrian Games
A day out with your horse friends sounds more than amazing, to go watch the worlds top horses and riders possibly with a refreshing drink in your hand… Especially at the FEI World Equestrian Games is exciting to say the least. We would like to help guide you in your trip to Tryon so that next week after the opening ceremonies you can sit back, relax and know that you are prepared to watch and appreciate the performance and dedication that these athletes put into their work daily. I am so glad the equestrian sports are alive and well today and to support it by attending these events is an honor and privilege for all.
1. Get familiar with the events at WEG and choose your favorite ones to attend.
Know the type of sport you want to see and learn what tickets you need to buy. Perhaps you want to go see riders in the same style that you ride or maybe you want to see something completely different. It can be a beautiful thing to cross train our minds as well as our horses to bring new perspectives and refreshment to life. One who loves reining may me inspired at a dressage ring and visa versa there are so many things we can learn from each other. If you are lucky enough to have the time and money to do them all, it is easy to purchase these passes also.
See the FEI overview videos and descriptions on each discipline below to help aide in your decision:
The pinnacle of horse training and the most artistic and elegant of the equestrian sports. The horse is required to perform at a walk, trot and canter, and all tests are ridden from memory and follow a prescribed pattern of movements. The only exception is the Freestyle which is specially choreographed for each horse and is performed to music.
Horses were driven long before they were ridden and, as such, Driving is the oldest competitive equestrian sport yet it continues to thrive in the 21st century. Drivers sit on a vehicle drawn by a single horse or pony, a pair or a team of four and they face three trials – Dressage, Marathon and obstacle driving.
Endurance is a long-distance competition against the clock testing the speed and endurance of a horse and challenging the rider over their effective use of pace, thorough knowledge of their horse’s capabilities and ability to cross all kinds of terrain. Although the rides are timed, the emphasis is on finishing in good condition rather than coming in first.
Eventing is an exciting and challenging all-round test of riding ability and horsemanship: the harmony between horse and rider together with precision, agility and technique. An equestrian triathlon: dressage, cross-country and jumping
A sport that requires courage, control and technical ability to take horse and rider over 10 to 13 “knockable” obstacles, some of which may be double or treble combinations, with penalties incurred for each obstacle knocked down or refused.
Both Para-Equestrian Dressage and Para-Equestrian Driving have been integrated into the FEI with formats and rules mirrored on the standard Dressage and Driving Rules. The mobility, strength and coordination of competitors are assessed and athletes with similar functional ability profiles are grouped into competition grades, where each Grade is judged on the skill of the individual competitors, regardless of the disabilities.
Reining is designed to show the athletic ability of ranch type horses in the confines of a show arena. Contestants are required to run one of 10 approved patterns, divided into seven or eight manoeuvres, including small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, 360 degree spins and the sliding stop.
Vaulting is a youthful, theatrical discipline in which athletes perform on the back of a cantering horse. As such, it demands an outstanding physical condition from the Vaulter, a harmonious relationship with the horse and first class teamwork. Vaulting is divided into four competitions; Individual female, Individual male, Pas-de-Deux and Squad.
Buy Tickets and Passes Here.
Information about Parking Here.
2. Check out what you can and can not bring into Tryon Equestrian Center
All bags that enter the venue will be checked so try to keep it fairly simple with your essentials. Also too big a bag makes for an even longer day so try to prepare for everything but leave most of it in your car. An example would be a rain jacket, if there is a chance of rain but not a cloud in the sky, bring it but leave it in your car so you do not have to carry it around all day. Check the weather and go with your gut. The mountains of N.C. can be unpredictable with weather so be prepared for it all. You may need sunscreen(apply it before going in), bug spray, rubber boots, etc.. Also remember to stay nourished and hydrated!
More questions on what is and is not allowed can be found at this WEG link Here.
You will also find more information related to this topic in their Frequently Asked Questions Here.
3. Know what to wear
It is most important to wear what makes you most comfortable and dare I say what makes you feel most beautiful. This may not be the time you pull out the anything super bright and shiny as most people know that horses can easily get scared at random things. So as a spectator, it is basic sense to follow Aretha Franklin’s advice and R.E.S.P.E.C.T. But that does not mean you cannot still rock your personal style. Check out some of the fashion in our Everyday Equestrian Style page on Pinterest for inspiration and be sure to follow us while you are there.
Lastly with fashion but probably the most important thing is that you will find yourself on your feet and walking quite a bit, so the most valuable tip is to wear your most comfy shoes. I like to wear my hiking shoes from Columbia sportswear as they are more rugged than tennis shoes or riding boots and more protective than sandals. Decide whether you prefer a hat or sunglasses and bring that along to help you see in the arenas when the sun is bright.
4. Educate non-horsey people of basic terms and etiquette
Perhaps you have someone less knowledgeable about horses coming along, like a parent or spouse. Here is a list of things to run by with them that will make their experience even more enjoyable. This can be an awesome time for family to step into your world and for all of you to bond. It can be easy to get caught up in the show and completely ignore those with us who don’t share as much of the passion… so be sure to show your appreciation that they came along to share this time with you.
Here are a few common sense items to share with them:
- Ideally watch other people and stay clear where other riders and staff are working. If they look approachable, you may be welcomed to introduce yourself but also know these riders, trainers, staff and their families have worked hard daily to be here and are also probably under an intense desire to focus. Let them have their space and home away from home unless invited in.
- No loud noises or sudden movements around the horses, these horses are well trained but there is always that one time a horse may decide to buckle under the pressure.
- Do not hang on the fence or hang your stuff on the fence, even better if you give yourself a few feet away from the fence.
- Explain applause etiquette for the different riding disciplines.
- Share photography etiquette.
- Explain how the different sports judge. Judging is subjective, even though certain judges may bias a certain way of doing things, there are rules in place for a reason, to keep things more subjective in order to be fair. Share a few rules of the discipline.
- If you yourself do not know much about a certain discipline, do not be afraid to ask questions, most horse people are friendly and love to share information. One of the biggest mistakes we could make in the horse industry and life is to not be open to learning.
- If you bring your kids, give them an assignment packet to keep them busy such as a horse show treasure hunt.
- Encourage your child to watch others compete. Have them work on their evaluation skills beyond “heels down”. These are world renowned riders and see what the kids can learn from watching the way the riders present themselves when they win or lose. How do they utilize arena space, how do they problem solve? Most of you will probably have left your young children home for this event so think how you can get your older child or teen to really learn at the games. From there you can encourage and inspire your child’s own goals and dreams using this as a tool to increase their own skills.
5. Network and Friendwork
Horse shows are a great place to network or shop for equine vendors through conversation. Bring your business card and show up in clean boots. You never know what kind of connection you could make. Even if you are not an equestrian, perhaps you are a realtor, you may find someone wanting to buy or sell a horse farm. Opportunities are endless if you go find them!
6. Don’t forget to share your favorite moments from WEG with us and all of your friends on social media!
7. If you can’t make it to WEG 2018 you can watch online!!! Here is link to watch.
Follow this link finish planning your trip here.
