New to eventing: saddle/vest questions!

Okay, so I'm new to eventing, I've made the switch after about 4 years doing hunters. I took some straight dressage lessons and loved it, but missed jumping terribly and wanted to try eventing. My trainer decided to take me out on the xc course with her schoolmaster (rather than my green OTTB) and I fell in love! I have been practicing to event ever since. Unfortunately my horse had to be put down recently, but I am on the search for another OTTB. Obviously I won't be eventing in the near future, but I still have a few questions!

First, will I be penalized in any way for riding dressage in an AP saddle? I know it's legal to do so at low levels, but I'm curious as to if it will show on my score at all (assuming I don't totally mess up, obviously!). I know I'll have to buy one eventually, but I don't want to buy one just yet unless it's necessary. Unless someone has a money tree that is free to a good home.

Second, what's the most comfortable vs. cost effective approved vest for xc? Which one do you use?

Thanks guys!

Welcome !!

You will be just fine using an ap saddle in dressage, not penalized at all !

As for vests, make sure to get one that is astm certified. The tipperary vests that are more fitted are not certified. As for affordable, the flexrider vests are pretty cheap and comfortable. A lot of people don't like the feeling of a xc vest, but you do get used to them.

I wear a Tipperary vest, but no that are not certified. But are still completely safe. Was it hard to transition from Hunters? I talked to a few hunter/jumpers and they did not even like the idea of eventing. I wasn't sure if that was just their personal opinion?:)
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If a vest is not certified its because it cannot be certified because it is not as safe.

Thanks! It's great to be here!

I'm glad about the saddle, that will help my poor wounded pocketbook!

And yeah, I tried one on for kicks at my local tack shop (it was an air vest though so it could be different) and it was... interesting feeling. I'm sure I'll get used to it though eventually!


Honestly, I haven't had any trouble with it! It was weird at first (going from hunters to dressage was a little difficult) but the jumping is similar. I've always wanted to try it ever since I was a kid, but just never really got the chance. It's definitely different, but hunters got really boring to me and I started to be resentful of how subjective it is. Because really, WHY do I need to poke my butt out over a jump?!

Welcome to the dark side. You will NEVER be bored eventing.

The all purpose will be just fine. As for the vest....while I recommend the certified vests, I wear a tipperary. I like it and it is legal (for now). Is it as safe? No. But I evented over twenty years with NO vest and I am just fine, thank you. Get what you will wear! And wear it schooling. It is not just for shows.

You will also need a medical armband, as they are also required.

Have fun, and good luck with the horse hunt. BTW, Low level events require very little from a horse. You can take pretty green horses at the elementary/maiden level (USA elementary).

The dark side is fun, I made the switch 2 years ago, and I won't ever go back. The eventing folk are so much more friendly than Hunters. On your way to XC everyone will be wishing you luck and warning you of footing changes.

A trick with the vests... let it sit in your car and get warm before you put it on or groom with it on. I've found once they are warmed up they mold better to you. Helps big time when you first start riding with one.

Make sure your helmet also meets safety regulations. No harness-less or removable harnesses.

Good Luck!

Welcome to the dark side! No more sticking your butt out for no apparent reason. Hell, in eventing it can look as ugly as sin as long as you clear the fence.

I started eventing without much help. I quickly learned how friendly eventers are. Complete strangers showed me how to walk a cross country course. Like Mudpaint said, people are very helpful, and they do certainly help each other out regarding footing issues.

I have an airowear outlyne vest and love it. It cheaper to buy in the UK and have it shipped over than buying it here. I think mine was about $240. Make sure your helmet fits nice and snug. You don't want it tipping down over your eyes while out on XC.

Thanks you guys! I would have never thought to put the vest somewhere hot first... thanks for the advice! I'm so excited to start, and so glad to hear that eventers are more friendly than hunters. I've dealt with some really nasty women in the hunter ring!

I was going to order my vest online, but I think I'm going to go drive an hour to the huge tack store nearby me actually. Certified comfort is my biggest worry! :P

Welcome to eventing!

You're local to me if I remember correctly; go to Big Dee's in Streetsboro and try on their eventing vests for fit. I bought my Airowear vest for around $250. It's certified and really comfortable.

Especially at Intro, Beginner Novice, and even Novice, you'll be fine doing all three phases in an A/P saddle.

By the way, who's your trainer? I'm familiar with most of the H/J and eventing trainers around here.