STRICT NUMERICAL ORDER

[sylviag]

Does any one know the procedure according to the rules in regards to numerical order for show jumping and cross country.
Is it strictly numerical order. I ask because a friend of mine asked me and I don't know the correct answer. Thought I might ask before going to the rules.

[John Lechner]

The order is generally up to the organising committee, some like strict numerical order, others prefer to keep the flow moving by pumping those that are ready through quickly.

At the end of the day a balance of the two usually works, numerical order but when one is not ready, those that are ready. common sense should prevail.

[Simone]

Usually I have seen numerical order and riders with multiple horses get snuck in when they can!
In saying that many moons ago mum's tree broke in the warmup and they started her time in strict numerical order!!!!!!! (and she managed to get another saddle and get on the xc in 2 min!!!!!lol) if you are running late and only have 1 horse or 2 with plenty of time there is no excuse for not being on time!

[vicki]

I agree Simone...Riders with one or two horses have no excuse. But commom sence at a CNC should prevail.

The FEI rules are quite clear about XC.

A late competitor may be allowed to start, if he will not interfere with another competitor, at the discretion of the starter. The startng time will be recorded, as if he/she started, at the correct time. So don't turn up 90 seconds late.....might not be a qualifying result.

[Michelle]

Of course it does need to be physically possible to turn up on time ie the draw needs to allow enough time between rides (not putting you at the end of Prelim and the beginning of Pre Novice!! etc). Also it is not possible to showjump and go cross country at the same time!
It is always a joy when someone experienced does the draw, as these problems are usually minimal, however a lovely event can be completely ruined by a poor draw. It is most unfair to pay $110 an entry and not be given a fair warmup.
On the weekend, I suffered from that other enemy of the draw, a slow dressage judge. 45 minutes late! What do you do? How can I possibly ride the second horse on time when this happens? Uggghh. This is both the riders and the organisers worst nightmare.
Back in the old days when Lochinvar was running, you could tell time by the draw ie Number 135 is showjumping, therefore it must be 11:14am. They ran 9 arenas and sometimes 3 showjumping arenas and it ran like clockwork. At an event like this, it runs in numerical order and yes, you should be in big trouble if you are late.
However, at another event (nameless!) they had the Pre-Novice cross country starting before the Pre Novice showjumping had finished!! Hence, very few horses at the start. I went up early, as my horse needed lots of warm-up. I was ordered to start immediately, under threat of elimination, despite the fact that there was 30 numbers in front of me!!! Needless to say, no warmup and a screaming match in the start box did not lead to a safe and clear round! We had to put up with 20-30 minutes of announcements treating to eliminate riders for not starting cross country until they had figured out what was wrong. They did apologise, which was good but didn't remove the bad run and 20 penalties I had clocked up!
So it is a 2 way street. Riders always WANT to ride to time (it is far less stressful!) so organisers need to ensure that this is as possible as possible (!!)

[Simone]

Some really good point's Michelle!!

[Sami Shoaib]

i agree totally and it seems awfully dangerous to practically force someone to start if they are not physically ready (ie not warmed up enough) i find that very difficult when they limit your warmup time to 3 horses before hand, its not so dangerous at the lower levels but the higher levels it can mean the difference between clear and safe and being carted off in an ambulance.

[~Erica~]

I cant really complain cos I normally only have one horse! But all the same, I have been in the situation where I am in the warmup arena and noone else is there, so I get roped into going before I am really ready. Thats not fun.