Hunter Trial Series - Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered some of the frequently asked questions about the Elandlodge.com National Hunter Trial Series below. If you have have a question that's not been answered below, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

How do I qualify?
To qualify you need to place 1st-3rd at any of the qualifying events. You can find a full list of qualifying events here. Please note this list is updated throughout the year, so keep checking back for new qualifiers.

We’re always looking for new qualifying venues – if there’s a great event near you that you think would be the perfect place to qualify, let us know!

How do I run a qualifying event?
We’re always happy to welcome new qualifying venues and events. For further information about this please take a look at our “Host a Qualifier” page.

Can anyone enter the Finals?
As this is a National Championship, this competition is only open to people who have qualified at one of the qualifying events run around the country throughout the year.

How do I know if I qualified for the Finals?
If you  placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd at a qualifying venue, you should have received a qualifiers rosette and card.

How do I find out which class I qualified for?
If you’ve got your qualification card but you’re not sure which class you’ve qualified for, please email events@elandlodge.com

Can I compete in a different class than the one I qualified for?
You must compete in the class you have qualified for: if you qualified as an individual you must compete as an individual, and if you qualified as a pair you must compete as a pair. You must also compete at the height you qualified for, you may not move up or down a class.

Can I substitute a horse or rider at the Finals?
If you have qualified for an individuals class:

Horse & rider have qualified as a combination, neither horse nor rider may be changed, so both elements of combination competing must be the same combination that qualified.

If you have qualified for a pairs class:

The four elements (2 horses, 2 riders) have qualified as a combination. Of the 4 qualified elements, ONE may change (e.g. one horse or one rider), three must remain the same.

What types of jumps will the Finals course involve?
The Eland Lodge Finals course is an up to height, technical cross country course, run across the beautiful undulating Staffordshire countryside!

The technicality of the course is appropriate to the height being jumped. Courses can include solid and frangible XC fences, water, ditches (larger classes only), combinations, steps, skinnies etc.

How are the finals scored/judged?
There is an undisclosed optimum time, however you’ll know the metres-per-minute speed for your class. The winner is the person who does a clear round and goes closest to the optimum time over the whole course, (there is no benefit in going faster or slower than the time).

What is the dressing fence?
At the Finals, in the 80cm Pairs class only, there is a “Dressing Fence”. This is judged as a standard obstacle in the same way every other fence is judged on the course. As well as being a standard obstacle, the pair who look the best over this fence will win a separate prize (regardless of how well they do round the rest of the course). So get your creative thinking caps on and come up with a great move to pull together.

I've entered the finals, do I get a timeslot?
Each competitor gets given a start time, and it is the competitors responsibility to present at the warm up in plenty of time. Times are released on the Thursday prior to the final.

What are the rules on tack/safety equipment?
Rules for tack, equipment & safety wear are the same as the eventing phase for British Eventing, EXCEPT that watches/timing devices are not allowed.

You must wear a correctly fitted peakless hat that conforms current BE safety standards.
You must wear a correctly fitted Body conforms to current BE safety standards.
You may wear a correctly fitted air jacket, however this must be over an approved body protector.
You are not permitted to wear a Go Pro/recording device on any part of you or your horses body during the competition.

Where do I get my Hunter Trial hoodie?
Elandlodge.com Hunter Trial hoodies are available in both child and adult size and can be purchased here.

They must be ordered by 1pm on 11th September and will be ready for you to collect upon arrival for the event.

Is there any stabling available for the Finals?
There is stabling available on-site at Eland Lodge, which can be booked in the events section of our website.

Can I bring spectators?
Spectators are welcome, bring as many supporters as you like! We offer free entry and parking for spectators, and there’s loads to see and do. There’s a great view of most of the course from the top of the hill (disabled parking with a view is also available), there are hot food stands, shopping, and a sale tent.

Well-behaved dogs are also welcome on site, but they must be on a lead at all times and you must clear up after them.