National Capital Horse Trials Association

The course will consist of 15 cross country obstacles, all with a 65 cm option and with several also including options at 80 cm and/or 95 cm.  

∙ The optimum time will be calculated at a speed of 350 metres per minute (the usual pace for 65 cm cross country).  

∙ Time will be taken when the second rider crosses the finish line and time penalties will be calculated in the usual way for unofficial eventing (i.e. penalties for being more than 20 seconds inside the optimum time as well as for exceeding that time).  

∙ Refusals will be penalised in the normal way, with three refusals at a single fence (by the same horse)  constituting elimination for the pair who must then leave the course at a walk. 

∙ Similarly, any fall of horse or rider constitutes elimination.  

∙ There is no set number of total refusals allowed on course by the pair collectively, but the XC controllers reserve the right to pull up any competitors who they believe are not coping safely with the course and ask them to leave at a walk.  

∙ Three of the obstacles will be designated as Dressing Fences, where the object is for the two riders to jump as closely as possible together, with marks (0-10) being awarded based on how closely synchronised the jumps are. The fence judges’ decisions on these marks are NOT subject to any form of appeal.  

∙ Any time and/or jumping penalties incurred will be deducted from the Dressing Marks and the winning Pair will be the one with the highest score.  

The pairs have numbered with YELLOW discs.

Please accept my apologies for the lateness of this timetable. Because of this – if you need a back number printed – please let Kate know and she will print you one. Rules for the pairs to follow!

There will be a food van at the park, with service due to start at 9am.
We welcome all to come and help with the final touches to the course on Saturday.

NCHTA has organised a few catering options for you at the event.
Canberra Lakes Pony Club will be running on both Saturday and Sunday with its legendary home bake, pulled pork and coleslaw rolls, and bacon & eggs!

For the evenings the following vendors have been organised. Please show them your support.

Charlotte and Toby are again helping you all out with anything you may need at the event. Show them your support and save packing time!

To help plan your arrival time we’ve provided a VERY draft timetable.
The most important message is that the CCI4 and 3* horses will have their arrival inspection from 2-6 FRIDAY. In addition, 2* horses can be inspected on Saturday from 10 to 1pm.

Part of the fun of organising an FEI is submitting a schedule months in advance. In reality – despite all the best intentions, it has taken us until now to get it all sorted – and we have an approved schedule!

https://schedules.fei.org/schedule/2025_CI_1109/C

Thank you Laura Wallace for all your help in getting this over the line. Riders – PLEASE make sure your paperwork is all up to date. Entries close soon and there are no more yards available – we are working hard to try and source more!

The rosettes have arrived, and the prizes are getting sorted – not long now!!

This year, riders will need to choose their yards when entering. Here is a map showing the blocks. Hope this helps!