Starting Eventing On My Own (Sorta) - Please Help Me Out Here!

All events over on the east coast you now need a number holder. Recognized or unrecognized. You can't compete without one so make sure you check with the event before you go. Also, I don't know about how much the hunter shows cost, but over here a good event can be on the upside of 250-300 dollars. I'd be surprised if you pay morse than that for a show with just show jumping.
I'm warning you to really work on dressage. If you think about it, dressage is mostly what decides your placing.
Posted via Mobile Device

Well, it'd be cool if I saw you there! You ride so well and have so many great tips, so it'd be great to be able to meet you and watch you ride!

Onuilmar, I know, I'm not offended. Iowa, especially around here, has little English, much less eventing. But I'm going to Iowa State next fall and there's 3 trainers down there. Hopefully I can take Casper, but I don't know yet.

Thoughts on Airowear Outlyne? It's the cheapest so far and comes in navy. Plus, it's sizing sounds about right for me - I'm a T2 Slim lol. I looked into Rodney Powell too but the only place I can find one is Smarkpak, and only in black. I know black absorbs heat like no other, so I'm hoping by getting navy that will help a bit (plus, navy/blue is my color and my horse's). I don't want to spend the extra $40 for custom coloring.

What are some flexing exercises I can do with Casper? He's pretty responsive to my leg as far as going forward, but is really not responsive about lateral work. What are some exercises to help improve that? With Rusty, we did shoulder-ins and shoulder-outs, but I think Casper needs some flexing before working on that yet. Doesn't help he's outta shape.

Sprial circles in and out. With a dressage whip, tap his inside hind leg on the cirlce to make sure it's engaged because this really helps them connect. With my mare (who was like a 2x4) I did tons of serpentines with a 10 meter circle in each loop. Figure eights, counter bending (make sure you ben the rib cage and not the head. The haed stays in the center of the chest whil the outside shoulder comes around the corcle to create counter bend. Again, I think you should look at some of Kayty's posts- she really knows what she's doing

I talked to Kayty and she said I should try leg-yielding Casper on 20 meter circles. She is great help!

Okay, guys, one more question:

I think I'm getting an Airowear from the Amira shop in the UK. It's the cheapest vest I can find that I haven't heard is boxy and comes in navy without the extra cash for color. I thought about RP, but I don't like the idea that they've all but stopped making them or that they just come in black. So my question is: When should I buy the vest? Catalpa is in August. I want to buy it now lol just so I can have it, but patience is a virtue, right?

If you buy it now you can break it in a bit or at least get used to it !

I don't remember if I said this already, but when I went to catalpa they provided pinnys so you don't have to bring a number holder

I don't know if this is an option for you, but you might want to start out at an unreconized. Its cheaper and ususally more relaxed. I think everyone else has everything covered.

I have a cheap intec flex. Its OK, does its job(:
I do woof boots on all four, and bell boots.
Make sure your horse is in good shape(:
Double check that your bit is legal for dressage, and know your test like the back of your hand!
If you are from the hunter world, I suggest reading the USEF rulebook for the rules on tack(no standing martingales and all that jazz)

Eventing is SO MUCH FUN! Be careful, have fun and watch out...because I have a feeling you wont want to go back to the hunter ring :P

I have a Rodney Powell and I LOVE it! It is the most "bulletproof" one I have seen out there. If you plan on continuing to event then I would purchase one, but if you think you might do one or two horse trails I would recommend getting a flex rider or something along that line. Most of all have fun and welcome to the adrenaline rush of cross country and eventing!

After the way Casper acted on Saturday, I might get one soon anyway. He was a BRAT! Lol more for my peace of mind than anything.

I've decided to get an Airowear. I figure if I never do a horse trial again at least I will feel safe with it jumping, and it's only $200. But I'm thinking I will probably love eventing. It's always what I've wanted to do.

To the person who suggested an unrecognized event, we have little to offer around here for eventing anyway. It's 3 hours one way to either eventing location, Roebke's Run or Catalpa. It's just sad, really.

I'm thinking I need a new helmet too, as my stupid visor on my helmet just broke off.... (scowl). Oh, and did I mention a saddle and new breeches? I would like a used Pessoa.

Hey hey! Okay so what kind of boots should I buy for eventing for my horse's legs? Could someone give me brand names or links?

I would go with Woof boots. I have had good success with them, easy to clean/put on durable and they come in lots of colors. Nunn Finer is also good, similar to woof, better quality and more expensive though. I had Dalmar boots but returned them because of reviews about tendon damage. Good luck!