
As well as being able to buy new and exciting horse gear, we will also have a stall at the event to raise funds for those affected by the WA bush fires.

National Capital Horse Trials Association
Eventing in the Nation's Capital

This is called a black flag…. odd really when the flags are still red and white – however, we’ve taken the liberty instead to place a black stripe over the number to indicate that there is an option on this jump. Not because it’s 13 and unlucky (there’s no such thing as luck according to Sam Watson from Equiratings – but I digress). This is because in the EvA80 course, this is an open ditch. Riders have the choice of the direct route (the quickest) or the option (slower). The option for this jump is a step down in the opposite direction. So it’s a safer option if you’re concerned about the ditch, but will take longer.

As most of you are aware, and probably all should be aware – the sport of eventing is governed by Equestrian Australia – and there are some very dedicated souls who volunteer their time to attend competitions to ensure that the rules are upheld. These people are called Stewards, and they are very familiar with the 150 odd pages of the Equestrian Australia National Eventing Rules. This in itself is an admirable feat.
While we don’t expect every rider to know all the rules, it is worthwhile remembering that the core value of these are to put the welfare of the horse at the forefront. So if you wish to argue the rules with a Steward, Technical Delegate or another volunteer at an event – remember that they are simply there to adhere to the rules which the peak body has deemed appropriate to fulfil this purpose.
…..all those involved in international equestrian sport to adhere to the FEI Code of
Conduct and to acknowledge and accept that at all times the welfare of the Horse must be paramount. Welfare of the Horse must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial influences……
To summarise the new rules about hind boots – here is a link to an article posted somewhere on the internet:
To help with your planning for the event, this is the block timetable. Remember to enter into the teQ teams competition!
| Class | Test | DR | SJ Day | XC Day |
| 2* | 2021 CCI2* Test A | Sat PM | Sun | Sun |
| 1* | 2020 CCN1* Test A | Sat AM | Sun | Sat |
| 95 | 2020 Eventing Test A EvA95 | Sat PM | Sat | Sun |
| 95J | 2020 Eventing Test A EvA95 | Sat AM | Sat | Sun |
| 80 | 2020 Eventing Test A EvA80 | Sat AM | Sat | Sat |
| 80J | 2020 Eventing Test A EvA80 | Sat AM | Sat | Sat |
| 60 | 2020 Eventing Test A EvA45&60 | Sat PM | Sun | Sun |
| 60J | 2020 Eventing Test A EvA45&60 | Sat PM | Sun | Sun |
After a very successful debut at SIEC last weekend, Jeanan Yassen from teQ approached NCHTA to offer the opportunity to run the teams competition at our event. Naturally – we lept at the chance!
The concept is simple – create a team of five riders from the grassroots of the sport – EvA60 to 1* riders all compete together – you could be all in the 60, or a mix of all 5 grades. The best three scores of the team makes your team score, and the lowest scoring team wins! Prizes provided by teQ
Click this link to enter! (and to book a yard if you need one!)
Please ensure your helmet and back protector meet the required standards!
Here are the PDFs with the standards listed.
Are you riding in the EvA95 class at the event? Don’t forget that you can view last years course on the cross country app!


As you can see – the red flags are on the right of each path. The direct path is straight over the apex, with the option jumping both “wings” of the jump.
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the pairs competition – it was great to see all the fancy dress outfits – please share any photos!
It’s the night before the event – and all through the house – are notes to remind me all the things I need to remember before tomorrow…..
1- remind riders it is a move up draw – so be aware you MAY ride ahead of time!
2 – remember to check in using the app –

3 – Remind everyone that volunteers are what makes events like these happen – so remember to thank them – and maybe offer to help in the future?
4- Helmet tagging will occur between 8-9 in front of the Canteen – and while you’re there buy a coffee and get some breakfast – support Canberra Lakes Pony Club!
5- All classes are run in numerical order
6- Offer to help pole pick in the show jumping while you wait between your rides.
A few riders have asked similar questions regarding the Hunter Trial….
Pairs attire can be fancy dress.
The Hunter Trial is a competition – with prizes and money – so competition attire for the SJ phase.
When riding XC you need to have a back protector, with a back number holder on you.

The XC course will be open for walking on Saturday afternoon – if you want to, feel free to help us as we set up for the competition!
On XC you are eliminated if you have 4 refusals in total, or 3 at one jump. So you could have a stop at number 4,7 and 8 and keep going, but if your horse says no at number 11 you need to walk back to your float.
If you fall off while at the competition, even when not on course, you need to be cleared by our medical team.