British Eventing in 2025: A First-Timer’s Guide to Eventing
British Eventing (BE) is the official organisation responsible for horse trials in the UK. To participate in affiliated competitions, members must register themselves and their horses. This guide covers everything you need to know to start your first eventing season with confidence in 2025.
Getting Started with British Eventing
Joining British Eventing is the first step. Riders must register and also register their horses. If a horse is owned by another person, that owner must either join BE or transfer ownership to the rider for eventing purposes. BE membership comes with several options and fees depending on your competitive level and ambitions.
The entry point is known as the Grass Roots, including levels BE80, BE90, and BE100. Most beginners start at BE80 or BE90. There are eligibility criteria to ensure horse and rider safety when progressing to higher levels.
To help newcomers, BE coaches offer course walks and advice on show jumping and cross-country phases available at warm-up areas during competitions.
Membership Requirements and Costs
Riders must be at least 12 years old in the competition year, and horses need to be a minimum of five years old (four for limited classes from July 1). Youth have specific classes and memberships encouraging under-18, under-21, and under-25 participation.
| Membership Type | Annual Cost (2025) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Full Individual | £85 to £300 | Depending on level, from BE90 up to advanced levels |
| Horse Registration | £50 to £74 | Full or half-year, varies by horse status |
| Pay As You Go | From £40 | Event entry without full membership |
| GO BE | Registration only | For specific classes with no membership fee |
| Youth Registration | £30 | For youth combinations |
Entry fees per competition generally range between £80 and £90 for BE100 and below, plus a daily start fee of approximately £15 to £17.
Key Equipment for Your Horse and Yourself
Most riders will already have much of the required kit but there are specific rules and recommendations for eventing. For your horse:
- Separate saddles and bridles are commonly used for dressage and jumping, complying with BE rules for bits and nosebands.
- Studs drilled into horseshoes are essential for grip, especially on grass surfaces and cross-country phases—your farrier will fit these professionally.
- A range of protective boots is necessary for show jumping and cross-country; these are not allowed during the dressage test itself.
For riders, safety is paramount:
- Wear a hat meeting the current British Eventing safety standards suitable for tagging at your first event.
- Body protectors meeting BETA Level 3 (2018 or later) standards are mandatory for cross-country.
- A medical armband with emergency contact details is required during cross-country phases.
- Number bibs displaying your assigned competition number front and back are worn during all phases.
- Your riding jackets should follow BE guidelines; tweed or solid colours like black or navy are common, with some riders having separate jackets for dressage and jumping.
How to Enter Competitions
British Eventing maintains a fixture list and an online entry system. Watch for schedule releases and entry openings on the BE website. If competitions are oversubscribed, a ballot system is used: entries received before the ballot date help your chances to compete, especially if you have purchased a season ticket for your horse.
Expect the ballot results to be communicated after the ballot date. Section times are published approximately a week before events, with exact times usually confirmed two or three days beforehand.
Dressage times are generally strictly enforced, while show jumping and cross-country phases can have some flexibility depending on the venue.
Top Tips for Your First British Eventing Season
- Always memorise your dressage test; callers are not allowed during competition.
- Warm up using a schooling whip but do not carry this during the dressage test.
- Visit local BE events or volunteer as a groom to gain insight and experience on competition day operations.
Further Resources and Support
British Eventing’s official website offers all the latest rulebooks, memberships, calendar details, and support networks. Many local equestrian centres provide lessons tailored to eventing skills with qualified BE coaches. Being part of the BE community helps newcomers transition safely and enjoyably into eventing sportsmanship.
Embarking on your eventing journey with British Eventing in 2025 offers a structured, supportive experience combining dressage, show jumping, and cross-country phases. Fitness, preparation, careful equipment selection, and understanding rules will set you and your horse up for a successful season.
