BARRIER ANIMAL HEALTH SPRING FESTIVAL 2025

What is the competition?

The Barrier Animal Health Spring Festival is a competition series for Dressage, Show Jumping and Arena Eventing. There are different series for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Who can compete?

There are different levels and eligibility requirements for each competition. See the below chart. You will need a good competition record at the level (Dressage) or height (Show Jumping and Arena Eventing) you wish to apply for.  For Arena Eventing, One Day Events and Hunter Trials at the height you are applying for will be taken into consideration.

What are the eligibility criteria?

We are waiting the full published rules and eligibility criteria for England and Wales to be published. 

What are the rules?

The rules for Dressage and Show Jumping are run under The Pony Club rules for the current year. 

The rules for *Arena Eventing are run under The Pony Club Eventing Rules with specific Arena Eventing Rules detailed on pages 70 – 72 with the following amendments to the published:

• Joker Fence – up to 10cms higher than rest of course
• Knock down of the Joker Fence – 6 penalties
• Refusal XC – 5 penalties rather than 20 penalties
• Optimum times have changed and both the SJ and XC is now timed. 

*Specific rules for the competition are being finalised and will be shared in full once received. 

Is it an Individual or a Teams Competition?

It is both.  Where possible, we will always field our strongest teams of 4 members. Any additional members will run as individuals. 

How do you qualify?

For Area 12, you qualify via the two qualification dates. One for Area Eventing and Dressage and one for Show Jumping. You will need to be available for the Finals date to apply. 

Qualifying Dates – both at Bury Farm

13th October – Arena Eventing and Dressage 

1st February – Show Jumping 

Finals Date – Addington 

1st and 2nd March 2025

How many Teams/Individuals Qualify?

We are waiting for this information to be published. 

How do I apply?

You will need DC’s permission to enter the qualifying classes. 

1. Send your completed Teams Application form to Caroline Bowers. These details can be found on our Branch website: https://branches.pcuk.org/woodland/woodland-hunt-teams/
2. Your application will be reviewed by the Team Manager, relevant Team Coach and the DC. 
3. You will either be given permission to enter via email or be asked to re-submit if we do not feel you have met the qualifying criteria. 
4. You will be advised to enter as an INDIVIDUAL and we will confirm teams once all our entries are complete. 
5. Please read the WHPC Selection Policy before applying. https://branches.pcuk.org/woodland/woodland-hunt-pony-club-selection-policy/ 

I think I need more experience before I apply. Where do I look for competitions?

For Dressage and Show Jumping, just get out to as many competitions as you can at the level/height you wish to apply for. Be mindful that once you get to Championships, the jumping height will be higher than the qualification height. 

For Arena Eventing, there are several venues that run this format of competition, and arena hire, including:

• Wellington
• Cherwell
• Bury Farm
• Aston le Walls
• Dallas Burston (does not have water)
• Rectory Farm (does not have water)

Be aware that at most of these venues (and at the qualifier which is at Bury Farm) there will be a water element to the competition.  This often catches people out as venues used for NSEA often don’t include them. 

We share PC competitions on our Facebook page, and email where it comes in that format, but you need to do your research and plan your calendar accordingly. 

What do you wear?

It is an Area Qualifier so for all disciplines you are expected to plait and be well turned out both horse and rider. 

For Dressage and Show Jumping rider dress is as per a show (PC Badge, tie, stock, white Branch saddlecloth) and for Arena Eventing it is Branch XC colours (either green or white with white Branch saddlecloth). 

Is there a Team Trainer?

As an Area Qualifier we will assign a Team Trainer to support you on the day. Please see Team Selection policy on our expectations from members and parents regarding Team Trainers. 

Who to ask for more information

If you are still unsure and want to know more, please contact Caroline on cazzabowers@gmail.com